Background Art Development of a sports goal which can be easily folded and collapsed represents a great improvement in the field of goal structures and satisfies a long felt need of those providing playing facilities for sporting teams who do not have permanent access to playing field or hockey rinks. Typically, in school, intramural, and other non-professional sporting associations, facilities such as playing fields and ice rinks must serve multiple purposes and are not available to be permanently configured as a soccer field or hockey rink. Consequently, it is desirable to be able to convert available facilities to serve the desired game.

Removable and portable goal structures have typically been employed to serve such needs.

U. S. Patent No. 5,080,375 to Moosavi describes an ajustable soccer goal formed of a series of tubular members which fit slidably within one another to permit forming goal structures of varying size. U. S. Patent No. 5,186,469 to Terris illustrates a collapsible soccer goal formed of channels pivotally mounted at adjacent corners which may nest inside each other when the goal is folded. U. S.

Patent No. 3,698,715 discloses a collapsible hockey goal incorporating a hinged rectangular frame and four pivotally mounted semi-circular net supports which unfold to lock the net in a fixed position. U. S. Patent No. 4,127,272 to Pennell describes a portable soccer goal formed of a pair of triangular frames which may be disassembled for transport and storage. U. S. Patent No. 5,372,368 to Pavonetti discloses a collapsible soccer goal which includes a cross-bar member, a pair of upright members, and net supporting arms hingedly attached to the

upright members. These components may be detached from each other for ease of transport and storage.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a sports goal which can be easily folded and collapsed for transport and storage. It is a further objective of the invention that the goal be capable of being quickly and easily erected while providing a sturdy goal structure. An additional objective of the invention is to provide means for attaching the goal to various different surfaces. Yet another objective of the invention is to provide a goal which can be used at several different size settings. It is a still further objective of the invention that the goal be light in weight, durable and easily and inexpensively manufactured.

Disclosure of Invention This invention is a collapsible sports goal, comprising a first collapsible U- shaped frame having a first cross member and first and second side members and a second collapsible U-shaped frame having a second cross member and first and second side members. Means are provided for pivotally mounting the first frame to the second frame, thereby forming a net support. Means are also provided for releasibly securing the pivotal mounting whereby the first and second side members of the first U-shaped frame are substantially orthogonal to the first and second side members of the second U-shaped frame. The invention further includes a netting enclosure and a means for securing the netting enclosure to the net support.

The preferred embodiment of the invention is a collapsible sports goal comprising a first collapsible U-shaped frame having a first L-shaped member and a second L-shaped member and a second collapsible U-shaped frame having a first L-shaped member and a second L-shaped member.

The first L-shaped member of the U-shaped frame is formed of rigid tubular material having predetermined first inner dimensions and having a first cross- member section having a first end and a second end, a first side member upper section orthogonally attached to it at the first end, and a first side member lower section having a first end and a second end and being coaxially and slidably

mounted at the first end to the first side member upper section.

The second L-shaped member is formed of rigid tubular material having predetermined first outer dimensions and having a second cross-member section having a first end and a second end, a second side member upper section orthogonally attached to it at the first end, and a second side member lower section having a first end and a second end and being coaxially and slidably mounted at the first end to the second side member upper section.

The second cross-member section is sized to permit the second end to fit slidably within the second end of the first cross-member section. A means is provided for releasibly securing the second cross-member section within the first cross-member section at predetermined locations. In addition a means is provided for releasibly securing the first side member upper section within the first side member lower section at predetermined locations and for releasibly securing the second side member upper section within the second side member lower section at predetermined locations.

The second collapsible U-shaped frame also has a first L-shaped member and a second L-shaped member. The first L-shaped member is formed of rigid tubular material having predetermined first inner dimensions and having a first cross-member section having a first end and a second end and a first side member having a first end and a second end. The first cross-member section is orthogonally attached at the first end to the first end of the first side member.

The second L-shaped member is formed of rigid tubular material having predetermined first outer dimensions and having a second cross-member section having a first end and a second end and a second side member having a first end and a second end. The second cross-member section is orthogonally attached at its first end to the first end of the second side member. The second cross- member section is sized to permit its second end to fit slidably within the second end of the first cross-member section.

A means is provided for releasibly securing the second cross-member section within the first cross-member section at a predetermined location. A means is also provided for pivotally mounting the first side member lower section of the first U-shaped frame at the second end to the first side member of the

second U-shaped frame at the second end. Likewise, a means is provided for pivotally mounting the second side member lower section of the first U-shaped frame at its second end to the second side member of the second U-shaped frame at its second end.

A means is provided for releasibly securing the included angle between the first side member lower section of the first U-shaped frame and the first side member of the second U-shaped frame at substantially ninety degrees. Likewise, a means is provided for releasibly securing the included angle between the second side member lower section of the first U-shaped frame and the second side member of the second U-shaped frame at substantially ninety degrees.

When so connected, the first U-shaped frame and the second U-shaped frame form a net support when the first frame is orthogonally disposed with respect to the second frame.

The preferred embodiment of the invention also includes a flexible netting enclosure sized to surround the net support and a means for removably securing the netting enclosure to the net support.

In one variant of the preferred embodiment of the invention, the rigid tubular material is cylindrical in cross-section. In another variant, the rigid tubular material is rectangular in cross-section.

In another variant of the invention the means for releasibly securing the second cross-member section within the first cross-member section of the first U- shaped frame at predetermined locations further comprises at least one radial hole penetrating the first cross member section of the first U-shaped frame. The means also includes a spring-loaded button affixed to the second cross-member section and sized and located to engage the radial hole when the first cross- member section is extended from the second cross-member section to a desired position.

In similar fashion, the means for releasibly securing the second cross- member section within the first cross-member section of the second U-shaped frame at predetermined locations further comprises at least one radial hole penetrating the first cross member section of the second U-shaped frame and a spring-loaded button affixed to the second cross-member section and sized and

located to engage the radial hole when the first cross-member section is extended from the second cross-member section to a desired position.

In another variant of the preferred embodiment, the means for releasibly securing the first side member upper section of the first U-shaped frame within the first side member lower section at predetermined locations further comprises at least one radial hole penetrating the first side member lower section at predetermined locations. The means also includes a spring-loaded button affixed to the first side member upper section and sized and located to engage the radial hole when the first side member upper section is extended from the first side member lower section to a desired position.

Likewise, the means for releasibly securing the second side member upper section of the first U-shaped frame within the second side member lower section at predetermined locations further comprises at least one radial hole penetrating the second side member lower section at predetermined locations and a spring- loaded button affixed to the second side member upper section and sized and located to engage the radial hole when the second side member upper section is extended from the second side member lower section to a desired position.

In yet another variant of the invention, the means for pivotally mounting and securing the first side member lower section of the first U-shaped frame at its second end to the first side member of the second U-shaped frame at its second end, further comprises a first side plate affixed to a side of the first side member of the second U-shaped frame adjacent its second end. The plate is pivotally mounted to the first side member lower section of the first U-shaped member adjacent its second end. The plate has a backing section attached essentially perpendicular to it providing additional support to the first side member lower section adjacent its second end.

The first side plate has a first hole and a second hole in it. The first side member lower section of the first U-shaped frame has a radial hole located coaxially with the first hole in the plate when the first U-shaped frame is disposed orthogonal to the second U-shaped frame and coaxial with the second hole in the plate when the first U-shaped frame is essentially parallel to the second U-shaped frame and the sports goal is in a collapsed configuration.

A spring loaded button is located within the first side member lower section which projects through the radial hole. The button is sized and located to releasibly and alternatively engage the first hole and the second hole in the plate, thereby securing the sports goal in an open or collapsed configuration.

In similar fashion, the means for means for pivotally mounting and securing the second side member lower section of the first U-shaped frame at its second end to the second side member of the second U-shaped frame at its second end, further comprises a second side plate affixed to a side of the second side member of the second U-shaped frame adjacent its second end. The plate is pivotally mounted to the second side member lower section of the first U-shaped member adjacent its second end. The plate has a backing section attached essentially perpendicular to it providing additional support to the second side member lower section adjacent its second end.

The second plate has a first hole and a second hole through it. The second side member lower section of the first U-shaped frame has a radial hole located coaxially with the first hole in the plate when the first U-shaped frame is disposed orthogonal to the second U-shaped frame and coaxial with the second hole in the plate when the first U-shaped frame is essentially parallel to the second U-shaped frame and the sports goal is in a collapsed configuration A spring loaded button is located within the second side member lower section and projects through the radial hole. The button is sized and located to releasibly and alternatively engage the first hole and the second hole in the plate, thereby securing the sports goal in an open or collapsed configuration.

In another variant of the preferred embodiment, the flexible netting enclosure further comprises flexible netting material, a first tubular sleeve and a second tubular sleeve. The first tubular sleeve has a first end and a second end and is sized to enclose the tubing of the first U-shaped frame. The tubular sleeve is fixedly attached to a first portion of a perimeter of the netting material. The second tubular sleeve has a first end and a second end and is sized to enclose the tubing of the second U-shaped frame and is fixedly attached to a second portion of the perimeter of the netting material.

A first flexible cord member is fixedly attached adjacent to the first end of the

first tubular sleeve, the first end of the second tubular sleeve, and the perimeter of the netting material. Likewise, a second flexible cord member is fixedly attached adjacent to the second end of the first tubular sleeve, the second end of the second tubular sleeve, and the perimeter of the netting material. A first anchoring means is provided to removably attach the first flexible cord member to the first side plate and a second anchoring means is provided to removably attach the second flexible cord member to the second side plate. The first anchoring means and the second anchoring means thereby preventing a ball or puck from escaping the goal adjacent to the first and second side plates, respectively.

In still another variant of the invention, the first and second anchoring means further comprise a first clasp and a second clasp, each of the clasps sized to permit the flexible cord to pass slidably through them. The anchoring means also include a first fastening means and a second fastening means, each of the fastening means provided for removably attaching the clasp to the side plate.

In another variant of the preferred embodiment, means are provided for attaching the goal to a ground surface. The means comprises at least two strapping members removably attached around the netting enclosure sleeve surrounding the first side cross-member section and the second side cross- member section of the second U-shaped frame. The strapping members extend outwardly along a ground surface. The strapping members each having a hole through them essentially perpendicular to the ground surface. At least two spikes are provided, each of the spikes sized to pass slidably through the perpendicular holes penetrating the strapping members and of sufficient length to adequately secure the goal to a ground surface when inserted through the holes. Each of the spikes has a head large enough to prevent the spike from passing through the holes.

In yet another variant of the invention, means are provided for attaching the goal to a smooth floor surface. The means comprises at least two strapping members removably attached around the netting enclosure sleeve surrounding the first side cross-member section and the second side cross-member section of the second U-shaped frame. The strapping members extend outwardly along a smooth floor surface. The strapping members each have a suction cup affixed to

a downward facing surface of the member, thereby permitting the sports goal to be removably attached to a smooth floor surface.

An appreciation of the other aims and objectives of the present invention and a more complete and comprehensive understanding of it may be achieved by referring to the accompanying drawings and studying the following description of the best mode of carrying out the invention.

Brief Description of Drawings Figure 1 is a side perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention with the netting enclosure partially cut away; Figure 2 is an enlarged top view of the cross-member section and side member section securing means of the first and second U-shaped frames; Figure 3 is an enlarged side view of the cross-member section and side member section securing means of the first and second U-shaped frames; Figure 4 is an enlarged side view of a side plate for pivotally mounting and securing the first U-shaped frame to the second U-shaped frame; Figure 5 is an enlarged side view of the flexible cord and anchoring means of the netting enclosure ; Figure 6 is a side perspective view of the preferred embodiment with attached strapping member for securing the goal to a ground surface; Figure 7 is a side perspective view of the preferred embodiment with attached strapping member for securing the goal to a smooth floor surface; Best Mode for Carrying Out Invention Figure 1 shows the preferred embodiment of the invention which is a collapsible sports goal 10 comprising a first collapsible U-shaped frame 14 having a first L-shaped member 18 and a second L-shaped member 22 and a second

collapsible U-shaped frame 26 having a first L-shaped member 30 and a second L-shaped member 34.

The first L-shaped member 18 is formed of rigid tubular material having predetermined first inner dimensions and having a first cross-member section 38 having a first end 42 and a second end 46, a first side member upper section 50 orthogonally attached to it at the first end 42, and a first side member lower section 54 having a first end 58 and a second end 62 and being coaxially and slidably mounted at the first end 58 to the first side member upper section 50.

The second L-shaped member 22 is formed of rigid tubular material having predetermined first outer dimensions and having a second cross-member section 64 having a first end 68 and a second end 72, a second side member upper section 76 orthogonally attached to it at the first end 68, and a second side member lower section 80 having a first end 84 and a second end 88 and being coaxially and slidably mounted at the first end 84 to the second side member upper section 76.

The second cross-member section 64 is sized to permit the second end 72 to fit slidably within the second end 46 of the first cross-member section 38. A means 132 is provided for releasibly securing the second cross-member section 64 within the first cross-member section 38 at predetermined locations. In addition a means 132 is provided for releasibly securing the first side member upper section 50 within the first side member lower section 54 at predetermined locations and for releasibly securing the second side member upper section 76 within the second side member lower section 80 at predetermined locations.

The second collapsible U-shaped frame 26 also has a first L-shaped member 30 and a second L-shaped member 34. The first L-shaped member 30 is formed of rigid tubular material having predetermined first inner dimensions and having a first cross-member section 84 having a first end 88 and a second end 92 and a first side member 96 having a first end 100 and a second end 104. The first cross-member section 84 is orthogonally attached at the first end 88 to the first end 100 of the first side member 96.

The second L-shaped member 34 is formed of rigid tubular material having

predetermined first outer dimensions and having a second cross-member section 108 having a first end 112 and a second end 116 and a second side member 120 having a first end 124 and a second end 128. The second cross-member section 108 is orthogonally attached at its first end 112 to the first end 124 of the second side member 120. The second cross-member section 108 is sized to permit its second end 116 to fit slidably within the second end 92 of the first cross-member section 84.

As illustrated in Figures 1,2 and 3, the means 132 for securing the cross- member sections 38,64,84 and 108 and side member sections 50,54,76 and 80 of the first and second U-shaped frames 14,26 at predetermined locations further comprises at least one radial hole 160 penetrating the sections 38,84,54 and 80.

The means 132 also includes a spring-loaded button 164 affixed to corresponding sections 64,108,50, and 76, sized and located to engage the radial hole 160 when the sections 38,84,54 and 80 are extended from corresponding sections 64,108,50, and 76 to a desired position.

As Figure 1 illustrates, a means 136 is also provided for pivotally mounting the first side member lower section 54 of the first U-shaped frame 14 at the second end 62 to the first side member 96 of the second U-shaped frame 26 at the second end 104. Likewise, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 4, a means 140 is provided for pivotally mounting the second side member lower section 80 of the first U-shaped frame 14 at its second end 88 to the second side member 120 of the second U-shaped frame 26 at its second end 128.

As Figures 1 and 4 illustrate, a means 144 is provided for releasibly securing the included angle between the first side member lower section 54 of the first U-shaped frame 14 and the first side member 96 of the second U-shaped frame 26 at substantially ninety degrees. Likewise, a similar means (not shown) is provided for releasibly securing the included angle between the second side member lower section 80 of the first U-shaped frame 14 and the second side member 120 of the second U-shaped frame 26 at substantially ninety degrees.

When so connected, the first U-shaped frame 14 and the second U-shaped frame 26 form a net support 148.

Figures 1 and 5 illustrate a flexible netting enclosure 152 sized to surround the net support 148 and a means 156 for removably securing the netting enclosure 152 to the net support 148.

Figure 1 illustrates the means 136 and 140 for pivotally mounting and securing the first and second side member lower sections 54 and 80 of the first U- shaped frame 14 at their second ends 62 and 88 to the first and second side members 96 and 120 of the second U-shaped frame 26 at their second ends 104 and 128, which further comprises a first side plate 166 and a second side plate 168 affixed to a side of the first and second side members 54 and 80 of the second U-shaped frame 26 adjacent their second ends 62 and 88. The plate 168 is pivotally mounted to the second side member lower section 80 of the first U- shaped member 14 adjacent its second end 88. The plate 168 has a backing section 172 attached essentially perpendicular to it providing additional support to the second side member lower section 80 adjacent its second end 88.

As illustrated in Figure 4, the second side plate 168 has a first hole 176 and a second hole 180 in it. The second side member lower section 80 of the first U- shaped frame 14 has a radial hole 184 located coaxially with the first hole 176 in the plate 168 when the first U-shaped frame 14 is disposed orthogonal to the second U-shaped frame 26 and is located coaxial with the second hole 180 in the plate 168 when the first U-shaped frame 14 is essentially parallel to the second U- shaped frame 26 and the sports goal 10 is in a collapsed configuration.

A spring loaded button 188 is located within the second side member lower section 80 which projects through the radial hole 184. The button 188 is sized and located to releasibly and alternatively engage the first hole 176 and the second hole 180 in the plate 168, thereby securing the sports goal 10 in an open or collapsed configuration. The first side plate 166 is a mirror image of the second side plate 168 and functions and is positioned similarly.

Figures 1 and 5 illustrate the flexible netting enclosure 152 which further comprises flexible netting material 192, a first tubular sleeve 196 and a second tubular sleeve 200. The first tubular sleeve 196 has a first end 204 and a second end (not shown) and is sized to enclose the sections 38,64,50,54,76 and 80 of

the first U-shaped frame 14. The first tubular sleeve 196 is fixedly attached to a first portion 212 of a perimeter 216 of the netting material 192. The second tubular sleeve 200 has a first end 220 and a second end 224 and is sized to enclose the sections 84 and 108, and members 96 and 120 of the second U- shaped frame 26 and is fixedly attached to a second portion 228 of the perimeter 216 of the netting material 192.

As shown in Figure 5, a first flexible cord member 232 is fixedly attached adjacent to the first end 204 of the first tubular sleeve 196, the first end 220 of the second tubular sleeve 200, and the perimeter 216 of the netting material 192. A second flexible cord member (not shown) is similarly attached adjacent to the second end (not shown) of the first tubular sleeve 196, the second end 220 of the second tubular sleeve 224, and the perimeter 216 of the netting material 192.

A first anchoring means 156 is provided to removably attach the first flexible cord member 232 to the first side plate 166 and a second anchoring means (not shown) is provided to removably attach the second flexible cord member (not shown) to the second side plate 168. The first anchoring means 156 and the second anchoring means thereby preventing a ball or puck from escaping the goal adjacent to the first and second side plates, respectively.

The first 156 and second anchoring means further comprise a first clasp 236 and a second clasp (not shown), each of the clasps sized to permit the flexible cord-to pass slidably through them. The anchoring means 156 also include a first fastening means 240 and a second fastening means (not shown), each of the fastening means 156 provided for removably attaching the clasp 236 to the side plate 166.

As illustrated in Figure 6 means are provided for attaching the goal 10 to a ground surface 244. The means comprises at least two strapping members 250 (only one illustrated) removably attached around the second tubular sleeve 200 of the netting enclosure 152 surrounding the first side cross-member section 84 and the second side cross-member section 108 of the second U-shaped frame 26.

The strapping members 250 extend outwardly along the ground surface 244. The strapping members 250 each have a hole 254 through them essentially

perpendicular to the ground surface 244. At least two spikes 258 are provided, each of the spikes 258 are sized to pass slidably through the perpendicular holes 254 penetrating the strapping members 250 and of sufficient length to adequately secure the goal 10 to the ground surface 244 when inserted through the holes 254. Each of the spikes 258 has a head 262 large enough to prevent the spike 258 from passing completely through the holes 254.

Figure 7 illustrates a means for attaching the goal 10 to a smooth floor surface 266. The means comprises at least two strapping members 270 (only one illustrated) removably attached around the second tubular sleeve 200 of the netting enclosure 152 surrounding the first side cross-member section 84 and the second side cross-member section 108 of the second U-shaped frame 26. The strapping members 270 extend outwardly along the smooth floor surface 266.

The strapping members 270 each have a suction cup 274 affixed to a downward facing surface of the member 270, thereby permitting the sports goal 10 to be removably attached to a smooth floor surface 266.

The sports goal 10 has been described with reference to a particular embodiment. However, it should be obvious to those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains that other modifications and enhancements can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims that follow.