GB2469462A - Portable adjustable goal markers - Google Patents

Abstract

An adjustable goal device comprises a first goal marker 2, a second goal marker 3 and a cord 1 connecting the two markers, the cord being retractable inside one of the markers. To this end the second marker 3 contains a spool 5 onto which the cord 1 can be wound, and from which it can be unwound by pulling the two markers apart. The spool includes a winder mechanism which can be disengaged to allow the cord to be unwound. The second marker 3 fits inside the first marker 2 for compact storage and a pair of goal devices can fit together as a sphere in a case 21 for easy storage and transport.

Description

Park Goals This invention relates to portable goals that can be used for playing football or other sports.

When people play football in the park, or other informal areas, goals are ad hoc widths. This can mean each goal is not the same width at either end of the pitch; and also it's width bears no relation to standard goal widths.

To overcome this the present invention proposes a portable goal marker device, comprising a pair of goal markers and a cord, fixed to one goal marker and wound out from another goal marker. The cord can be marked at intervals to enable goal widths to be set as equal or at standard widths.

This will ensure that both goals are equal or can be set to match ability, eg full size for an adult playing against a child, smaller for under elevens. This would prevent any unfair advantage or arguments.

Preferably this is provided as a set of two more or less identical devices that fit together so that they can easily be carried.

An example of the invention will now be described by referring to the accompanying drawings, as follows.

Figure 1 -a side view.

Figure 2 -side view.

Figure 3-bottom view.

Figure 4 -side view with case.

Figure 5 -One side with case Figure 6-Front view with case.

In figures 1 and 2 a retractable cord 1 is attached to one goal marker 2 and wound out or back from 3 a second marker.

The second marker 3 contains a reel on to which the cord can be wound up completely, while usually remaining fixed at its other end to the first marker. As can be seen, each marker is generally in the form of a hollow hemisphere.

Figure 3 shows the markers from below, the winding mechanism, contained in the second marker 3, being visible. This mechanism includes a spool 5 rotatably mounted about a vertical axis in the hemisphere and a handle or winder 7, shown in the retracted position. The winder can engage with a pinion 11 which in turn engages with a gear 13 attached to the spool 5 so as to reel in the cord. To pull out the cord the winder can be disengaged from the pinion and the cord simply pulled out of a hole 9 in the marker 3. Once the cord is pulled out to the desired length, e.g. according to markings 15, in figure 3 the winder 7 may act as a lock to keep the cord in place. In this example the first goal marker 2 is hollow and fits over the other goal marker 3 to form a compact hemispherical object.

Of course, in general one will want a pair of such goal-marking devices. The two devices can be provided separately, but in an advantageous form of the invention they fit together to form a convenient unit for carrying. This is shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6. Here the two first (outer) markers of each pair are given the references 2, 2', and they are held together in a case 21.

The case 21 is itself basically in two symmetrical parts of part-spherical form, held together at one point by a hinge 23. Diametrically opposite is a handle 25, each case part contributing half of this handle.

The markers 2, 2' are placed in their corresponding case half with the case opened, and then when the case is closed and held by the handle the markers are held securely. The case can of course be designed to clip shut.

The device can be made for instance of moulded polypropylene or other durable plastics material.

In figures 4-6 the case then holds two sets of the goal markers, one for each end of the playing area. They can be carried together in the case. Figures 5 and 6 also show the protruding loop I a of the cord 1.

Claims (9)

1. Claims 1. An adjustable goal device comprising a first goal marker (2), a second goal marker (3) and a cord) (1) connecting the two markers, the cord being retractable inside one of the markers.
2. 2. A goal device according to claim 1, in which the second maker (3) contains a spool (5) onto which the cord can be wound and from which it can be unwound.
3. 3. A goal device according to claim 2, further including a winder (7) for winding up the cord, the winder being disengageable so that the cord can be pulled out to the desired length without the winder moving.
4. 4. A goal device according to any preceding claim, in which the two markers are of similar size and appearance.
5. 5. A goal device according to claim 4, in which each marker is essentially hemispherical in shape, the first (2) being hollow and slightly larger than the second (3), so that the second marker can be packed away inside the first.
6. 6. A goal device according to any preceding claim, in which the cord (1) has markings along its length so that different-sized goals can be marked out.
7. 7. A playing set including two devices according to any preceding claim, the two devices being adapted to fit together and to be carried as a unit.
8. 8. A playing set according to claims 5 and 7, in which the two hemispheres are adapted to clip together to form a ball-shaped assembly.
9. 9. A goal apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to the attached drawings.