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  Portable self-erecting sports goalUSPTO Application #: 20080093804Title: Portable self-erecting sports goal Abstract: A portable, self-erecting sports goal has a frame sufficiently flexible to be re-positioned between a goal configuration and a storage configuration without requiring disassembly of the frame. The frame includes first and second goal posts interconnected at upper ends thereof by a crossbar, a first base bar extending rearward from a lower end of a first goal post, a second base bar extending rearward from a lower end of a second goal post, and a base rail interconnecting the ends of the first and second base bars opposite the goal posts. In the goal configuration, the base bars and base rail support the sports goal on an underlying ground surface and the goal posts and crossbar cooperate to define a substantially rectangular goal mouth extending upright from the underlying ground surface. In the storage configuration, the frame is twisted and folded upon itself into a substantially flat and compact position enabling the sports goal to be readily carried and stored. (end of abstract)
Agent: Howson And Howson - Ft Washington, PA, US Inventor: Anthony Caruso USPTO Applicaton #: 20080093804 - Class: 273407 (USPTO) The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20080093804. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001]The present invention relates to sports goals for use on indoor or outdoor surfaces, and more particularly, to a portable goal that is positional between a goal configuration and a compact storage configuration. [0002]U.S. Pat. No. 5,421,586 issued Amram et al. discloses a portable sports goal having a frame that has a horizontal portion providing a base that sits freely on an underlying playing surface and an upright portion that defines a goal mouth. The goal includes a goal net that is supported by the frame behind the goal mouth. The goal mouth is defined by a pair of upright elongate goal posts interconnected at upper ends by a crossbar. The base is provided by a pair of elongate base bars extending rearward from lower ends of the goal posts and a base rail interconnecting the ends of the base bars opposite the goal posts. Elbow connectors interconnect the above referenced elongate frame members forming a right angle at each connection. [0003]The above referenced goal is collapsible enabling it to be readily carried and stored. As illustrated in FIG. 4 of the Amram et al. patent, the frame is at least partially disassembled in a knockdown condition thereby requiring reassembly when use of the goal is desired. [0004]U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,433 issued to Armell discloses a so-called "pop-up" or "self-erecting" goal. Unlike the goal of Amram et al., the Armell goal can be positioned in a collapsed condition without disassembling the frame. As best illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 of the Armell patent, the continuous spring steel wire framework of the goal can be twisted and folded upon itself to form two oval loops providing the goal in a substantially flat storage position. A restraining means, or strap, is used to retain the goal in the collapsed position. When the restraining strap is removed, the tension in the wire framework causes the goal to unfurl, or pop-up, into a goal configuration. [0005]The above referenced goal of Armell requires an additional retaining means or strap to maintain the wire framework in a desired goal configuration. For example, see the strap illustrated as reference numeral 20 in FIG. 1 of Armell that extends across the goal mouth to maintain proper spacing between opposite sides of the wire framework and to keep the goal upright. [0006]Other sports goals are disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 6,261,196 A1 of Caruso; U.S. Pat. No. 6,991,567 B2 issued to Wong et al.; and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,244,213 and D.384,382 issued to Armell. Also see International Publication Nos. WO 2006/044389 A1 and WO 2006/044388 A2 of Szaro et al.. [0007]Although the above referenced sports goal disclosed in the above referenced patents and publications may be satisfactory for their intended purposes, there remains a need for a portable sport goal that can be readily positioned in a goal configuration as well as a compact, easy to carry, collapsed storage configuration. Preferably, the goal should not require disassembly of the goal frame to position the goal in the storage configuration and should be easy to erect in a minimum of time with a minimum of effort. In addition, preferably the goal, as erected, should not require a strap or like support structure extending across or adjacent the goal mouth to maintain the framework of the goal in a desired goal configuration. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008]The present invention is a portable, self-erecting sports goal having a frame sufficiently flexible to be re-positioned between a goal configuration and a storage configuration without requiring disassembly of the frame. The frame includes first and second goal posts interconnected at upper ends thereof by a crossbar, a first base bar extending rearward from a lower end of a first goal post, a second base bar extending rearward from a lower end of a second goal post, and a base rail interconnecting the ends of the first and second base bars opposite the goal posts. In the goal configuration, the base bars and base rail support the sports goal on an underlying ground surface, and the goal posts and crossbar cooperate to define a substantially rectangular goal mouth extending upright from the underlying ground surface. In the storage configuration, the frame is twisted and folded upon itself into a substantially flat and compact position enabling the sports goal to be readily carried and stored. [0009]According to one contemplated embodiment of the present invention, the goal posts and base bars overlap to form a substantially V-shaped section and the crossbar and base rail overlap to form an arcuate section when the goal is in the storage configuration. This causes the goal to assume a substantially segmental, or flat pie-shaped, configuration. In this configuration, the frame is in a pre-tensioned condition enabling an amount of energy required to position the frame in the storage configuration to be used to permit the frame to resiliently self-erect itself into a goal configuration automatically upon release from the storage configuration. [0010]According to some contemplated embodiments of the present invention, the crossbar extends at substantially right angles from the goal posts, the base rail extends at substantially right angles from the base bars, and the base bars extend at substantially right angles from the goal posts. Preferably, the goal posts, crossbar, base bars and base rail of the frame retain the frame in the goal configuration without the use of other retaining means, straps and supports extending across or near the goal mouth or netting. In addition, preferably the goal posts and base bars are of identical lengths, the crossbar and base rail are of identical lengths, and the length of the crossbar is greater than the length of the goal post. [0011]According to some contemplated embodiments of the present invention, each of the goal posts, base bars, crossbar and base rail is elongate and extends in a straight line path. A separate corner connector is used to interconnect the various separate elongate parts of the frame. Preferably, the connectors interconnect the parts of the frame at substantially right angles. Each and/or selected ones of the elongate posts, bars and rails of the frame is rotatable about its longitudinal axis relative to the connectors. This enables ready manipulation of the frame into and out of the storage configuration. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0012]The present invention should become apparent from the following description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [0013]FIG. 1 is perspective view of a goal frame according to the present invention; [0014]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the goal frame illustrated in FIG. 1 manipulated into a storage configuration; [0015]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the goal frame of FIG. 1 supporting a goal net; [0016]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the goal illustrated in FIG. 3 manipulated into a storage configuration; [0017]FIG. 5 is a view of a corner connection of the goal according to the present invention; and [0018]FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the corner connection illustrated in FIG. 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0019]The present invention is a sports goal 10 that is portable, lightweight, and can be positioned in a compact configuration for ready carrying, transportation and storage. For example, the goal can be used in connection with soccer games and/or training activities on indoor as well as outdoor playing surfaces. The goal can also be used in connection with other sports and training activities that generally require a goal mouth extending from a playing surface. [0020]The sports goal 10 has a frame 12 that supports a goal net 14. As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, the goal 10 provides a traditional substantially rectangular goal mouth configuration. For example, the frame 12 includes a pair of upright goal posts, 16 and 18, interconnected at their upper ends by a crossbar 20 thereby defining a substantially rectangular goal mouth "M". The goal posts, 16 and 18, are supported in a generally upright position on an underlying playing surface by a portion of the frame 12 that defines a base 22. The base 22 includes a pair of base bars, 24 and 26, extending rearward from the lower ends of the goal posts, 16 and 18, and a base rail 28 interconnecting the ends of the base bars, 24 and 26, opposite the goal posts, 16 and 18. Continue reading... Full patent description for Portable self-erecting sports goal Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Portable self-erecting sports goal patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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