WO2022093046A1

WO2022093046A1 - Improvements in and relating to moveable goal assemblies and parts and fittings therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2022093046A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2021/050192
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas William Mackenzie
Original assignee: Tetrantares Limited
Priority date: 2020-10-29
Filing date: 2021-10-29
Publication date: 2022-05-05
Also published as: AU2021368988A1; CA3197083A1; US20230398419A1; EP4237110A1; CN116457065A

Abstract

An adjustable football net which can be adjusted to substantially correspond to officially recognised football goal sizes, wherein the net includes connector locations on the top front edge thereof, wherein at least one corner connector location is positioned at, or near, a front top corner of the net, and wherein further connector locations are spaced apart from, the corner connector location(s) and adjacent connector locations a specified distance which substantially corresponds to: an official football age related goal size; providing the net with the ability to include adjustments so as to span distances selected from: 5m, 4m, 3m, 2m, 1.8 and 1.5m or a combination of at least two of these distances; and/or 16 feet, 12 feet, 8 feet, and 6 feet or a combination of at least two of these distances.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO MOVEABLE GOAL ASSEMBLIES AND PARTS AND FITTINGS THEREFOR

APPLICATIONS

This application is based on the Provisional specification filed in relation to Australian Patent Application Number 2020903919, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to improvements in and relating to moveable goal assemblies and parts and fittings therefor.

BACKGROUND ART

In many countries in the World child and youth ball sports such as football (aka soccer) and hockey often require a moveable goal assembly (or set of moveable goal assemblies) which:

- have smaller dimensions than those of an adult full-size goal depending on the age group playing;

- need to be moveable (to enable child or youth games to be played on a club’s game pitch during say the morning and then removed for the club’s adult premier team’s game later in the day.

Foldable goal assemblies have thus been developed to assist with the movement of a mini goal assembly onto and off a game pitch and to facilitate storage thereof. See for example: AU 2015252018 and US2016213988.

However, foldable goal assemblies do not solve the problem of the sheer number of different sized moveable goal assemblies required by a club to cater for the official sizes designated for different age groups typically 5 years through to 17 years of the children or youths that are playing. There is also a need for a moveable goal assembly which can be purchased by parents which will not only store and transport easily but is also adjustable in size to grow alongside their child(ren).

To date to the applicant’s knowledge no one has been able to produce a collapsible goal assembly which can fit in a 92 litre bag with a maximum length dimension of 1 .15m and the goal assembly can be set up to a maximum size of around 5m wide and 2m high or minimum size of around 1 m high and 2m wide. It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

Throughout this specification, the word "comprise", or variations thereof such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect there is provided an adjustable football net which includes connector locations on the two top corners thereof (top corner connector locations) for connecting the net to the top of the goal posts in a full-size configuration of the net, and at least one further connector location positioned intermediate the top corner connector locations (intermediate connector(s)); wherein said intermediate connector location(s) represent(s) at least one different smaller goal size.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an adjustable football net which can be adjusted to substantially correspond to officially recognised football goal sizes, wherein the net includes connector locations on the top front edge thereof, wherein at least one corner connector location is positioned at, or near, a front top corner of the net, and wherein further connector locations are spaced apart from, the corner connector location(s) and adjacent connector locations a specified distance which substantially corresponds to:

- an official football age related goal size; providing the net with the ability to include adjustments so as to span distances which include those selected from:

- 5m, 4m, 3m, 2m, 1 .8 and 1 .5m or a combination of at least two of these distances; and/or

16 feet, 12 feet, 8 feet, and 6 feet or a combination of at least two of these distances. According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided an adjustable football net which includes a flex-strip cross bar which has a plurality of spaced apart connector locations along its length.

Preferably, the adjustable football net may include a top section, a back section and a first side section which are all integrally connected; the net further including a non-integrally connected second side section which is, in use removably connected to complete the other side of the net.

Preferably, the second side section may, in use, be removably connected to one upright post, the back and top sections, and optionally.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided an adjustable football net substantially as described above therein there is at least one connector location positioned at or near a top corner of the net which functions as a reference point for the other location points.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided an adjustable football net which has a flexi-strip crossbar which has a plurality of connector locations which indicate various goal sizes and can act as a goal size measure for a telescopic crossbar, which in use, will form part of a goal assembly to which the net is attached.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided an adjustable crossbar for a football goal which includes:

- at least one telescoping member comprising a stationary member which includes therein:

- a first sliding member; and

- optionally, one or more further sliding member(s) within the first sliding member, wherein said first and further, sliding members(s) can slide relative to each other and the stationary member; and wherein the telescopic member assembly is configured to provide a crossbar which can be adjusted to span a goal from substantially 2m up to substantially 5m across.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided an adjustable crossbar for a football goal substantially as described above which includes a pair of telescoping members which when joined together can be adjusted to span substantially 2m up to substantially 5m.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention there is provided an upright top connector part adapted to attach to the top of an upright post for a self-supporting moveable football goal wherein the connector part includes a connection element receiving portion thereon which can, in use, retain a connector element therein, wherein said connector element can releasably, engage a connector location on an adjustable football net.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention there is provided an upright top connector part substantially as described above which has at least two sleeve connector portions which each respectively extend along the x and y axes.

Preferably, the upright top connector part may also have a third connector extending along the z axis.

According to a 10th aspect of the present invention there is provided an adjustable football net substantially as described above wherein the connection locations are in the form of loops.

According to an 1 1 ^th aspect of the present invention there is provided a post ground support which includes:

- a sleeve portion; and

- a projecting portion which extends outwardly from, at, or near, either side of the base of the sleeve portion; and wherein the longitudinal axis of the projecting portion is substantially horizontally oriented with respect to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve portion; and wherein there is a rearwardly extending portion which extends outwardly from, at, or near, the base of the sleeve portion intermediate the projecting portions on either side of the base; and wherein there projecting portion includes at least one downwardly extending peg; and wherein at least one of the projecting portions or rearwardly extending portion has an aperture therein which can receive in use a ground engaging peg therein.

According to a 12^th aspect of the present invention there is provided an adjustable collapsible moveable self-supporting goal assembly which comprises:

- two telescopic upright posts;

- an upright connector part substantially as described above;

- two post ground supports adapted to secure the upright posts to the ground;

- an adjustable football net substantially as described above. According to a 13^th aspect of the present invention there is provided an adjustable collapsible self- supporting moveable goal assembly which includes two telescopic upright posts, two upright connector parts, two top support members extending rearwardly from the upright posts, two telescopic rearward ground members and two telescopic angled support members which connect to the top support members at one end thereof and to the telescopic rearward ground members at the other end thereof.

Preferably, the stationary members and sliding members of the adjustable crossbar may be substantially 1.2m in length.

Preferably, the telescopic upright posts may have a height of:

- substantially 1079mm and/or 4ft in the non-extended state;

- substantially 2m and/or 6ft in the fully extended state.

According to a 14^h aspect of the present invention there is provided an adjustable collapsible moveable self-supporting football goal assembly which includes:

- an adjustable football net substantially as described above; and

- an adjustable cross-bar substantially as described above; wherein the goal assembly also includes a pair of telescopic upright posts which connect to either end of the adjustable cross-bar.

According to a 15^h aspect of the present invention there is provided an adjustable collapsible moveable football goal assembly substantially as described above wherein the assembly includes two upright connectors.

According to a 16^th aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit of parts for an adjustable collapsible moveable football goal assembly wherein the assembly includes:

- an adjustable football net;

- at least one telescopic cross-bar;

- two adjustable telescopic uprights;

- two upright top connector part

- two top support members; two elbow joints; two telescopic rear net support posts; - at least one telescopic ground-cross member;

- two 3-way base connector parts;

- two telescopic ground support members.

According to a 17^th aspect of the present invention there is provided an adjustable football net substantially as described above wherein the loops are also on the side edges of the net to provide for a height adjustable net.

According to an 18^th aspect of the present invention there is provided an adjustable football net substantially as described above wherein a bungee cord and carabiner arrangement connects the connector locations on the net to connection element receiving portions on a self-supporting moveable football goal.

According to a 19^th aspect of the present invention there is provided an adjustable upright for a moveable self-supporting collapsible football goal assembly which includes:

- at least one telescoping member assembly comprising a stationary member which includes therein: a first sliding member; and optionally, one or more further sliding member(s) within the first sliding member; wherein said first, and further, sliding member(s) can slide relative to, each other, and the stationary member; and wherein the telescopic member assembly is configured to provide an upright which can be height adjusted from substantially 1 m to 2m.

The telescoping assembly of the upright may include a number of height measurement indicia thereon corresponding to different goal heights to which the adjustable upright may be set.

According to a 20^th aspect there is provided a three-way base connector part comprising:

- interconnected first, second and angled sleeve elements respectively aligned on x, y and z axis;

- optionally, each sleeve element being also connected to a neighbouring sleeve via an interconnecting web element; the axis of the sleeve elements on the x and y axes being orthogonal to each other; the axis of the angled sleeve element on the z axis being on a substantially 60 to 75degree angle with respect to the sleeve on the x axis and at an angle of substantially 90 degrees with respect to the sleeve on the y axis.

According to a 21 ^st aspect there is provided a three-way base connector part substantially as described above wherein the base connector part also includes an aperture therein through which a bungy cord can pass to enable, in use, tensioning on the net.

According to a 22^nd aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit of parts for a moveable self supporting goal assembly which includes:

- an adjustable net substantially as described above;

- two telescopic uprights which can have the height set at substantially 1 m to substantially 2m and/or substantially 4 feet to 6 feet;

- two upright connector parts substantially as described above.

According to a 23^rd aspect there is provided an adjustable football net substantially as described above wherein the net has a main portion, top section, back section, and first side section all integrally connected, and a separate second side section which in use is detachably attached to the main section once the width of the goal has been determined.

According to a 24^th aspect there is provided an adjustable football net which includes a flexi-strip cross bar on the top front edge thereof.

According to a 25^th aspect there is provided a football net substantially as described above wherein the flexi-strip is adapted so the width of the goal can be adjusted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 A shows a partial perspective view of top right-hand side of a preferred embodiment of an adjustable net for an adjustable moveable goal assembly according to first, second and third aspects of the present invention.

Figure 1 B shows an enlarged view of a top front corner of the goal assembly shown in Figure 1A.

Figure 1 C shows an enlarged view of a top rear corner to the goal assembly shown in Figure 1A. Figure 2 shows a close up of the locator connections of Figure 1.

Figure 3A shows a partial perspective view of a top left-hand side of a preferred embodiment of an adjustable net for an adjustable moveable goal assembly according to first, second and third aspects of the present invention.

Figure 3B shows an enlarged view of the top rear corner of the net and goal assembly as shown in Figure 3A.

Figure 4 shows a preferred embodiment for an adjustable crossbar according to a sixth aspect of the present invention as used in a preferred embodiment of a self- supporting moveable football goal assembly.

Figure 5 shows an upright connector part as shown in Figure 4 in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view illustrating some of the various sizes the adjustable moveable goal of the present invention can have when used with a crossbar in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a post ground support in accordance with a preferred embodiment of a further aspect of the present invention.

Figure 8 shows an adjustable moveable goal assembly which has flexi-strip cross bar, two telescopic uprights (posts) held in place by post ground supports as shown in Figure 7.

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an adjustable net in accordance with a further aspect of the present invention.

Figure 10A shows a partial perspective view of the ground 3-way base connector part in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10B shows a rear view of the ground 3-way base connector part shown in Figure 10A.

Figure 11 shows a partial perspective view of the post support as can be used in hard ground environments.

Figure 12 shows a three-way base connector as shown in Figures 10A and 10B.

Figure 13 shows an exploded assembly perspective view of a self-supporting moveable football goal assembly. BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Figure 1 A shows the top front portion of an adjustable football net and goal assembly generally indicated by arrow 1 . The net 3 has a flexi-strip crossbar in the form of a fabric crossbar 2 on the front edge thereof.

The fabric crossbar 2 is held to the front edge of the net 3 by connector locations M1 and M2 and F1 and F2 which are in the form of a fabric strap 4 - seen best in Figure 2. The fabric strap 4 of the connector locations has been formed into a loop L and this is placed on the outside of the edge 7 of the net 3 and then stitched to a support strap 5 - which has been sewn to the top and bottom of surface 6 of the fabric crossbar 2.

The connector location M1 is a corner connector location - for a metrically sized goal - and is positioned near a front top corner of the net 3. Connector location M2 is located 1 meter away.

The connector location F1 is a further corner connector location - for an imperially sized goal - and is positioned near a front top corner of the net 3.

To help correctly support the top edge of net against the fabric crossbar a number of support straps 8 may also be employed. The support straps 8 acting like spacers in between the connector locations which are also spaced away from the fabric crossbar by the support straps 5.

Figure 1 B shows net-retaining-lugs NRL on the upright corner connector 5000 also shown in Figure 5. Similarly, Figure 1C shows net-retaining-lugs NRL on an elbow joint 4003.

Figure 3A shows connector location M6 which is spaced so the vertical posts inside distance is 5m apart from corner connector location M1 in Figure 1 .

Figure 3B shows net retaining lugs NRL on an elbow joint 4003.

Figure 4 shows an adjustable crossbar generally indicated by arrow 4000 and an adjustable moveable goal assembly 10000. The adjustable crossbar and moveable telescopic or tubular members of the goal assembly are preferably made from 1 mm to 2mm aluminium tube. The other tube connector elements and elbows are also preferably made of aluminium or other durable material.

The adjustable crossbar comprises a pair of telescoping assemblies A and B. The telescoping assemblies A, B each have a stationary member A1 , B1 , a first sliding member A2, B2 and a second sliding member A3, B3. As can be seen second sliding members A3, B3 are dimensioned to fit and slide within first sliding members A2, B2. Similarly, first sliding members A2, B2 are dimensioned to fit and slide within stationary members A1 , B1 . The ends of stationary members A1 , B1 are connected via a connector sleeve C which has distal ends (not shown) which are dimensioned to project within and frictionally engage the inner surface of stationary members A1 , B1 and connect via spring clips (not shown) inside connector sleeve C at either end thereof. Preferably, a bungy cord (not shown) is connected to the stationary members A1 , B1 and this cord passes through connector sleeve C.

Figures 4 and 5 show a 3-way upright top corner connector part 5000 adapted to attach to the top of an upright telescoping posts 4001 L, 4001 R. The upright posts 4001 L, 4001 R have stationary members L1 , R1 and sliding members L2, R2 dimensioned to fit and slide within stationary members L1 , R2

The upright corner connector part 5000 in Figure 5 has an aperture E through which a connection element in the form of a carabiner 5003 passes. The carabiner 5003 connected to connector location M6 which is in the form of a loop L to connect a top corner of the net to the upright post.

As can be seen in Figure 5 the upright corner connector part 5000 is a 3-way joint having three sleeve connector portions 5004, 5005 and 5006 which are on the x, y and z axes each having sleeve portions (not shown) dimensioned to frictionally slide into the ends of sliding member A3 of the cross bar, sliding member L2 of the upright (post) and top support member 4002L

Figure 4 shows the upright corner connectors 5000 also connected to top support members 4002L, 4002R at one end thereof. The top support members 4002L and 4002R are also connected to an elbow joints 4003 at the other end thereof.

The elbow joints 4003 are connected to telescopic rear net support posts 4004L and 4004R. The telescopic rear net support posts 4004L and 4004R have stationary members RR1 , LL1 and sliding members RR2, LL2.

The adjustable moveable goal assembly 10000 also has a telescopic ground-cross member formed from a pair of telescoping assemblies D and E. The telescoping assemblies D, E each have a stationary member D1 , E1 , a first sliding member D2, E2 and a second sliding member D3, E3. As can be seen second sliding members D3, E3 are dimensioned to fit and slide within first sliding members D2, E2. Similarly, first sliding members D2, E2 are dimensioned to fit and slide within stationary members D1 , E1 .

The ends of stationary members D1 , E1 are connected via a connector sleeve F which (has distal ends (not shown) which are dimensioned to project within and frictionally engage the inner surface of stationary members D1 , E1 and connect via spring clips (not shown) inside connector sleeve F at either end thereof. Preferably, a bungy cord (not shown) is connected to the stationary members D1 , E1 and this cord passes through connector sleeve F. The opposite ends of stationary D1 , E1 are connected to 3-way base connector parts 5001 and can freely rotate in part 5001 taking in the net rolling it up around D and E in heights less than when posts are fully extended. The 3-way base connector part 5001 has an angled sleeve 5001 as also connect to the bottom ends of stationary members RR1 , LL1 of the rear net support posts 4004L and 4004R are connected. A bungee cord arrangement with 4004L and 4004R similarly as described above may also be utilised here to hold together the disassembled parts for storage. It will be appreciated that the 3-way base connector parts 5001 used on the left and right sides of the goal are mirror images of each other and have the inside notches on different sides so need to have different moulds.

Also connected to the 3-way base connector parts 5001 are telescopic ground support members 4005R, 4005L which have a stationary ground member GR1 , GL1 connected at one end to 3-way base connector part 5001 and a sliding ground member GR2, GL2 connected to a 2-way base connector part 5002 (see Figure 1 1 ) to which the bottom end of the stationary members R1 , L1 of the upright posts 4001 R, 4001 L are connected. Again a bungee cord arrangement with 4005L and 4005R similarly as described above may also be utilised here to hold together the disassembled parts for storage.

Figures 10A and 10B shows the 3-way base connector part 5001 in more detail. As can be seen the part 5001 has a bungy cord 1000 and carabiner 1001 thereon.

The bungy cord 1000 is stretched so carabiner 1001 is then threaded into a connector location CL1 , in the form of a loop on the outer edge of the net, to tension the net.

The other end of the bungy cord 1000 has been threaded through an aperture (not shown) in 3- way connector part 5001 and is threaded through an aperture of an internal disc (not shown) in stationary member LL1 wherein a knot is tied at the end of the bungee cord to retain it within stationary member LL1 . The stationary member LL1 is connected to the angled sleeve 5001 as of three-way connector part 5001 by a spring clip SC.

Another method of connecting the bungee is to knot a loop in the bungee cord 1000 to connect to: an internal hook (not shown) on the outer face of the internal disc inside LL1 ; or

- alternatively, an aperture (not shown) inside 5001 .

Second sliding member D3 has a latch 1003 with a cam clamp thereon which can be used to clamp the second sliding member D3 to prevent rotation. The latch 1003 includes lock clamp 1004 which holds it firmly on sleeve element 5001 s2 to prevent rotation relative to the sleeve. The latch when released enables the second sliding member D3 to be rotated, relative to second sleeve element 5001 s2, to roll up excess net (if a lower height goal size is being used). Once sufficiently rolled up, the latch 1003 is closed to prevent rotation of the second member D3 relative to sleeve element 5001 s2.

The 3-way base connector part 5001 also has a first sleeve element 5001 s1 onto which the end of stationary ground member GL1 slides and is held in place with a spring clip SC.

It should be appreciated the length of the bungy cord 1000 is such that it needs to be stretched so that carabiner 1001 can then threaded into a connector location CL1 , in the form of a loop on the outer edge of the net, to tension the net.

Figure 6 shows a 5m full sized goal assembly 6001 , a 4m intermediate size goal assembly 6002 and a 2m junior size goal assembly 6003.

As can be seen the junior size goal 6003 uses a partially extended telescopic crossbar shown by arrow A and telescopic uprights 4001 L,4001 R in an un-extended state, to create the smallest goal size.

The intermediate size goal assembly 6002 has near fully extended telescopic crossbar shown by arrow B and telescopic upright posts 4001 L,4001 R both in partially extended states.

The 5m sized goal assembly 6001 has a full extended telescopic crossbar shown by arrow C and telescopic upright posts 4001 L,4001 R both in their fully extended states.

The connector locations on the net determine the size (span) of the goal between the upright posts. For example, the goal assembly 6001 has a 5m span between the upright posts.

Figure 7 shows a post ground support 7000 which has a sleeve portion 7001 and a projecting lateral foot portions 7002 on either side of the sleeve 7001 the foot portions 7002 having an upper surface to which the base of the sleeve portion 7001 is connected. The under surface of the projecting foot portion 7002 having a downwardly extending peg 7003 extending therefrom. The post ground support 7000 has a rear plate 7004 which has a hole 7005 for receiving a peg (not shown) to help prevent the spike moving in the ground. The post ground support has webs W which help further connect the sleeve portion 7001 to the foot portions 7002 and rear plate 7004. Preferably the ground support is made from galvanised steel.

In situations where hard ground exists a 2-way base connector part 5002 is used as shown in Figure 1 1 . This part 5001 also utilises a carabiner 1001 and bungee 1000 as discussed above in relation to Figure 10A. Figure 8 shows an adjustable goal assembly 8000 which has two telescopic uprights 4001 R, 4001 L held to the ground by post ground supports 7000 and supporting a net 3 with a flexi-strip cross bar 2. An adjustable net as per Figure 1 is secured by connector elements not shown and connector locations not shown to achieve the desired goal size Y which can be anywhere from substantially 1 .5m or 1 ,8m up to substantially 5m. In this embodiment the moveable adjustable goal assembly 8000 has a fabric crossbar 2. This embodiment may require support ropes (8002L, 8001 L, 8002R, 8002L) and tent pegs (not shown) to help support the uprights 4001 L, 4001 R.

The net 3 is further supported along the top rear edge 3A via a support rope sewn into the net 3 which connects to the retaining elements NRL on elbow joint 4003 - shown in Figure 3B.

The net is further secured to the uprights via beaded bungee loop arrangements at positions at, above and below 3C.

To create the beaded bungee loop arrangement one end of a length of bungee cord is threaded through an edge cell of the net and then each respective end of the cord is passed through an aperture in a bead.

The respective ends of the cord are then knotted to stay within the bead and create at loop.

To attach the front side edge of the net 3 to the upright 4001 L and 4001 R the bead is passed around the upright post and then threaded through itself and tensioned.

If required by a user, the adjustable telescopic crossbar and other telescopic support members depicted and described in relation to Figures 1 - 7 can be acquired by a user to upgrade.

Figure 9 shows an adjustable net generally indicated by arrow 9000. The net 9000 has a main portion 9001 having a top section 9002, a back section 9003 and a first side section 9004 which are all integrally connected by stitching (not shown). The net 9000 also has a second side net section 9005 which in use is removably connected to the edge of the top and back sections 9002, 9003 and to the upright post (not shown) via net retaining elements, carabiners and beaded bungy arrangements (all not shown but discussed elsewhere and generally illustrated in other Figures).

The back edge of second side net section 9005 is connected via a connecting length of rope (not shown) which is connected at the top on 4003 and then threaded through the net cells of the main net 3 along its outer side edge. The distal end of the connecting length of rope has a carabiner (not shown) which then connects to the bottom of main net 3. Figure 12 shows the three-way base connector part 5001 in greater detail as can be seen it has first sleeve 5001 s1 on an x axis, and a second sleeve 5001 s2 on a y axis both axes being orthogonal to one another.

The three-way based connector part 5001 also has an angled sleeve 5001 as which is on the z axis and at an angle of 68.72 degrees to the x axis of first sleeve 5001 s1 and at an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the y axis of second sleeve 5001 s2.

In use, the upright corner connector 5000 may remain fixed to the top of upright post sliding members R2, L2, when the goal is disassembled for reducing the number of parts to assemble and speed up set up time.

Similarly, the three-way connector element 5001 may remain connected to both stationary ground member GL1 and stationary member LL1 and stationary ground member GR1 and stationary member RR1 respectively, when the goal is disassembled for reducing the number of parts to assemble and speed up set up time.

With respect to Figure 13 the list of parts for a preferred embodiment of a moveable self supporting goal assembly of the present invention is detailed in Table 1 below.

Table 1

Example 1

The present invention in various preferred embodiments as described herein and in relation to the drawings may have the following attributes:

Estimated Weights of goal and net:

T 1 - Fabric Cross Bar for soft ground with spike - about 8kg;

T2 - Aluminium Cross Bar for soft ground with spike - about 11 .5kg;

T3 - Aluminium full frame for hard ground - about15kg; and/or Sized to fit in a 92 litre bag with a maximum length dimension of 1.15m

The 35 sizes for T2 and T3

Example 2

A country table of official goal sizes achievable by the present invention:

Where double box is T 1 and single box is T1 , T2, T3

U7

U8 us uto u«

U12 un U14

DETAILED DISCUSSION OF THE INVENTION INCLUDING SOME ALTERNATIVE NONLIMITING WAYS OF IMPLEMENTING

The connector locations on the net may come in a variety of different forms. The connector locations enable the top edge of the net to be connected to the upright posts of the goal.

Preferably, the connector locations are readily identifiable on the top edge of the net. In some embodiments the connector locations may be a contrasting colour to that of the net and/or f lexistrip crossbar.

Preferably, the connector locations may have indicia thereon, or adjacent thereto on the fabric crossbar, indicating what goal size (span) of the net a particular connector location enables when connected to an upright.

For example, a connector location may have indicia in the form of numbers or letters such as 3m or 12 feet or such like for indicating the size/span of the goal. Alternatively, the indicia may be in the form of letters, numbers and/or words indicating the age group of the goal size created, in use, by a particular connector location.

In some preferred embodiments the connector locations may be in the form of a loop which enables a connector element to pass therethrough to connect the net to a connection element receiving portion on an upright top connector part.

In some embodiments the connector locations may also assist with connecting the flexi-strip crossbar to the edge of the net.

In other embodiments the connector locations may be in the form of eyelets on the flexi-strip crossbar through which the connector elements may pass to connect the net to the upright top corner connector part.

The connector locations in some embodiments may be lengths of rope on the front top edge of the net. In use the rope may be locked to a clamcleat or such like on the goal frame assembly. In some embodiments the goal assembly may utilise clamcleats thereon to tension the net on the frame assembly.

The flexi-strip crossbar may generally comprise a strip of material which resembles cloth in terms of flexibility.

In some embodiments the flexi-strip crossbar may be a fabric crossbar made from a strip of cloth material.

In some other embodiments the flexi-strip cross bar may be made from a strip of synthetic material capable of having connector locations sewn, glued or otherwise affixed thereto or provided therein.

In some preferred embodiments there may be connector locations also on the side edges of the net, the position of the connector locations corresponding to various goal heights.

The connector element may come in a variety of different forms without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In one preferred embodiment the connector element may be in the form of a carabiner.

In another embodiment the connector element may be in the form of a hook.

It will be appreciated the telescopic members may be held in place when extended to a desired length, and released for extension or retraction to other desired lengths by any number of well known ways in the art - without departing from the scope of the present invention. In preferred embodiments the various telescopic or other members can be locked with either spring clips or external latch/clamp locking mechanisms.

The upright telescoping members and other telescoping members with the exception of the cross bar may all have height, depth or width indicia thereon.

The present invention solves a number of problems with moveable adjustable goal assemblies, and preferred embodiments may have a number of advantages including:

- providing a collapsible assembly which weighs approximately 15kg;

- providing a collapsible assembly which can be stored and carried in a bag which will fit in the boot/trunk of an average size car;

- providing a fully adjustable assembly which can span from approximately 2m across up to 5m across;

- providing a height adjustable assembly from approximately 1 m to 2m;

- providing a net which can act as a measurement tool for constructing the width of the goal assembly including where to position uprights or how far to extend the telescopic cross bar to achieve the desired goal size;

- providing a moveable self supporting goal assembly which has sufficient strength to span up to substantially 5m across;

- providing a moveable self supporting goal assembly which can be quickly set up from a collapsed state and quickly adjusted to change goal sizes as required once assembled;

- adjustable net which can be adjusted for different sized goals;

- symmetrical and thus in look resembles a standard official goal which provides perceived authenticity to the player.

The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements, characteristics and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements, characteristics or features. Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1 . An adjustable football net which includes connector locations on the two top corners thereof (top corner connector locations) for connecting the net to the top of the goal posts in a full- size configuration of the net, and at least one further connector location positioned intermediate the top corner connector locations (intermediate connector(s)); wherein said intermediate connector location(s) represent(s) at least one different smaller goal size.

2. An adjustable football net which can be adjusted to substantially correspond to officially recognised football goal sizes, wherein the net includes connector locations on the top front edge thereof, wherein at least one corner connector location is positioned at, or near, a front top corner of the net, and wherein further connector locations are spaced apart from, the corner connector location(s) and adjacent connector locations a specified distance which substantially corresponds to: an official football age related goal size; providing the net with the ability to include adjustments so as to span distances which include those selected from:

5m, 4m, 3m, 2m, 1.8 and 1.5m or a combination of at least two of these distances; and/or

16 feet, 12 feet, 8 feet, and 6 feet or a combination of at least two of these distances.

3. An adjustable football net which includes a flex-strip cross bar which has a plurality of spaced apart connector locations along its length.

4. An adjustable football net as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 there is at least one connector location positioned at or near a top corner of the net which functions as a reference point for the other location points.

5. An adjustable football net as claimed in claim 4 which has a flexi-strip crossbar which has a plurality of connector locations which indicate various goal sizes and can act as a goal size measure for a telescopic crossbar, which in use, will form part of a goal assembly to which the net is attached.

6. An adjustable crossbar for a football goal which includes: at least one telescoping member comprising a stationary member which includes therein: a first sliding member; and optionally, one or more further sliding member(s) within the first sliding member, wherein said first, and further, sliding member(s) can slide relative to, each other, and the stationary member; and wherein the telescopic member assembly is configured to provide a crossbar which can be adjusted to span a goal from substantially 2m up to substantially 5m across. An adjustable crossbar for a football goal as claimed in claim 6 which includes a pair of telescoping members which when joined together can be adjusted to span substantially 2m up to substantially 5m. An upright top connector part adapted to attach to the top of an upright post for a self- supporting moveable football goal wherein the connector part includes a connection element receiving portion thereon which can, in use, retain a connector element therein, wherein said connector element can releasably, engage a connector location on an adjustable football net. An upright top connector part as claimed in claim 8 which has at least two sleeve connector portions which each respectively extend along the x and y axes. An adjustable football net as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the connection locations are in the form of loops. n adjustable moveable self-supporting collapsible football goal assembly which includes: an adjustable football net as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2; and an adjustable cross-bar as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7; wherein the goal assembly also includes a pair of telescopic upright posts which connect to either end of the adjustable cross-bar. An adjustable football goal assembly as claimed in claim 11 wherein the assembly includes two upright connectors as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9. A kit of parts for an adjustable moveable self-supporting football goal assembly wherein the assembly includes:

- an adjustable football net;

- at least one telescopic cross-bar;

- two adjustable telescopic uprights;

- two upright top connector part two top support members; two elbow joints;

- two telescopic rear net support posts;

- at least one telescopic ground-cross member;

- two 3-way base connector parts;

- two telescopic ground support members. An adjustable football net as claimed in claim 10 wherein the loops are also on the side edges of the net to provide for a height adjustable net. An adjustable football net as claimed in claim 10 or claim 14 wherein a bungee cord and carabiner arrangement connects the connector locations on the net to connection element receiving portions on a self-supporting moveable football goal. An adjustable upright for a football goal assembly which includes:

- at least one telescoping member assembly comprising a stationary member which includes therein: a first sliding member; and optionally, one or more further sliding member(s) within the first sliding member; wherein said first, and further, sliding member(s) can slide relative to, each other, and the stationary member; and wherein the telescopic member assembly is configured to provide an upright which can be height adjusted from substantially 1 m to 2m. A three-way base connector part comprising:

- optionally, each sleeve element being also connected to a neighbouring sleeve via an interconnecting web element;

- the axis of the sleeve elements on the x and y axes being orthogonal to each other;

- the axis of the angled sleeve element on the z axis being on a substantially 60 to 75 degree angle with respect to the sleeve on the x axis and at an angle of substantially 90 degrees with respect to the sleeve on the y axis. A three-way base connector part substantially as described above wherein the base connector part also includes an aperture therein through which a bungy cord can pass to enable, in use, tensioning on the net. An adjustable moveable self-supporting goal assembly which comprises:

- two telescopic upright posts;

- an upright connector part as claimed in claim 8;

- two post ground supports adapted to secure the upright posts to the ground;

- an adjustable football net as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2. A post ground support which includes:

- a sleeve portion; and

- a projecting portion which extends outwardly from, at, or near, either side of the base of the sleeve portion; and wherein the longitudinal axis of the projecting portion is substantially horizontally oriented with respect to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve portion; and wherein the is a rearwardly extending portion which extends outwardly from, at, or near, the base of the sleeve portion intermediate the projecting portions on either side of the base; and wherein the projecting portion includes at least one downwardly extending peg; and wherein at least one of the projecting portions or rearwardly extending portion has an aperture therein which can receive in use a ground engaging peg therein. A kit of parts for a moveable self-supporting goal assembly which includes:

- an adjustable net as claimed in claim 3;

- two upright connector parts as claimed in claim 8. A football net which includes a flexi-strip cross bar on the top front edge thereof. A football net as claimed in claim 22 wherein the flexi-strip is adapted so the width of the goal can be adjusted. An adjustable football net as claimed in any one of claims 1 , 2, 22 or claim 23 above wherein the net has a main portion, top section, back section, and first side section all integrally connected, and a separate second side section which in use is detachably attached to the main section once the width of the goal has been determined.