The present invention relates to a collapsible sports goal comprising a frame composed of at least a plurality of elongated frame members detachably connected end-to-end in a series by means of joint members and at least two corner joint members inserted between two adjacent frame members in the series, which frame in an erected position defines a base section and an object receiving section joined by means of the at least two corner joint members.

Football is a popular sport often played outside the regular sports field in places like the park or the street. In need of a well-defined field the players often use all kinds of items to mark the most important features of a playing field, e.g. the corners and the goals. Many attempts to satisfy this need for a portable sports field has been carried out with more or less success.

US 6,209,878 discloses a collapsible, portable sporting goal frame. The goal frame consists of two side frames between which netting is suspended. Each side frame is constructed of tubular members fitted together end to end. The side frames are stabilized by cables fastened to the ground. Whereas the goal constructed this way may be collapsible it does not provide a stable and versatile solution to the problem. The goal requires that it is possible to fasten the stabilizing cables to something, which often will be a problem when playing on a beach with loose sand or in a street with a hard surface. A further disadvantage of being dependent on cables is the risk of the players tripping over these. As the side supports are kept upright only by the pull of the net/cables mainly at the top, they are vulnerable towards kicks and even a fast moving ball can make the structure collapse if a side support is hit near the ground. Other types of goal-structures, which do not require to be fastened to the ground or similar, have also been disclosed as for example in US 5,244,213. In this case the goal consists of two flexible poles interconnected at a 90° angle at their respective ends. The poles are made to arch by a strap pulling the ends of the poles towards each other. The poles are assembled of pole segments assembled in joints and held together by an elastic cord. Due to the pressure on the flexed pole, the joints need to be tight and rigid, making the whole structure vulnerable to wear and tear. That the poles are forced to arch by pulling the ends of each pole towards each other creates a significant stress on the entire pole and thus the pole easily over bends or even snaps if it is subject to a sudden pressure - a situation likely to occur in a fast and intense game of football, hockey etc. This problem is not avoided by the hinging mechanisms mentioned in US 5,244,213, as these only enables the upright arching pole to bend back and down towards the second pole, and thus stress from any other angle than from the front will not be absorbed by the goal structure. The stress on the pole resulting of the forced arching may be suddenly released if the interconnecting strap is released or if any of the poles is dismounted from any of the connecting members. Such a release of the stress will cause the pole to abruptly straighten with risk of inflicting damage to any nearby player.

US 5,421,586 discloses a collapsible goal structure. Here the structure resembles a regular football goal, i.e. it has a rectangular opening, vertical posts and a horizontal crossbar. The structure is composed of several connected tubes, which can be uncoupled to allow for easy storage and transport. Whereas this structure might solve some of the disadvantages of the above-mentioned goals it introduces some new. First of all there is a practical limitation on the size of the goal. To fulfill the object of being portable each tube should only have a certain length, and thus if a larger goal opening is wanted it is necessary to introduce additional tube sections to the crossbar etc. By doing so the crossbar will be prone to sac and also will be quite vulnerable to sudden inflicted damage. Such damage might for example be caused by a player falling on the goal construction or instinctively grabbing the crossbar to keep balance, or even caused by a fast ball which may cause permanent damage to the structure. In order to take the pressure on the middle of the crossbar, the joint need to be very robust and tight, which can result in a heavier handling not easy for for example children. When the net is mounted on the frame additional strain will be added to the crossbar emphasizing all of the above structural problems related to the goal structure. The net is attached to the frames by "sleeves" around the tubes. The sleeves are constructed to have a loose fit and might therefore "slide around" on the tubes causing entanglement on tubes and joins when collapsed.

Thus there is an unmet need for a versatile, stable and sturdy sports goal for use when playing games like football, hockey etc, outside a regular sports field. At the same time as the goal must fulfill the requirements regarding durability and stability, it must be easy to handle even for children or other people who doesn't have a lot of physical strength and it must be safe in use.

When used in the present application the term "self-sustained" is used to define a structure that keeps its dimensional shape without the need for keeping the structure under stress by the application of an external force when erecting the structure.

In a first aspect of the present invention is provided a collapsible sports goal of the kind mentioned in the opening paragraph, which is easy and safe to assemble, disassemble and use . In a second aspect of the present invention is provided a collapsible sports goal of the kind mentioned in the opening paragraph, which is stable, solid and reliable.

In a third aspect of the present invention is provided a collapsible sports goal of the kind mentioned in the opening paragraph, which is less likely to take permanent damage during use than existing collapsible sports goals.

In a fourth aspect of the present invention is provided a collapsible sports goal of the kind mentioned in the opening paragraph, which is lightweight and durable.

In a fifth aspect of the present invention is provided a collapsible sports goal of the kind mentioned in the opening paragraph, which can be used in any location without restrictions on the surface.

The novel and unique feature whereby this is achieved according to the invention is that at least some of the joint members are curved or bend at an angle larger than 90° and smaller than 180° to form an arched object receiving section.

By choosing curved or bend joint members to connect the frame members it is possible to form an arched structure without the need for keeping the structure under stress. If a special arched shape of the object receiving section is needed one or more of the joint members can be of a more or less bend type or even be straight. Constructing a goal without a straight crossbar allows for building lager structures of multiple shorter frame members without the center of the crossbar is in risk of sagging. The use of many short frame members has a major further advantage since the collapsible goal structure in collapsed form can fit into a handy container making it easy to transport and store. Also being able to use short frame members decreases the risk of inflicting permanent injuries to the frame members, as they don't bend and dent as easily as for example a longer frame member intended to span the half or even full width of e.g. a 140 cm or even 200 cm wide goal with a straight cross bar.

An object receiving section, which is self-sustained, is not under the permanent stress as for example a pole bend to form an arch. Not having to apply a stress on the object receiving section to keep it arched makes the object receiving section less likely to break. Furthermore if a joint member should accidentally be dismounted from a section member it simply falls down without the sudden release of a force as in the case of a bend pole abruptly being allowed to straighten.

In an expedient embodiment of a joint member, said joint member comprises a first joint part extending into a second joint part via a center joint part, all of which are arranged flexibly relatively to each other in a manner so that when a force is applied to any of the adjacent frame members and/or the joint member, the angle of the joint member is increased or decreased depending on the direction of the applied force and when the applied force is released the angle and configuration of the joint members returns to the position from before the force was applied, said force typically being an unintentional or accidental force. A joint member is premade or manufactured in the same configuration which it has when used for the erected collapsible sports goal, thus a joint member is given the desired premade configuration which is required for e.g. an object receiving section of a certain desired shape. This premade shape ensures that the final erected configuration can be maintained without putting any components of the collapsible sports goal under stress, thus providing a secure self- sustained collapsible sport goal.

Using such flexible joint members in the erected collapsible sports goal according to the present invention introduces an allover flexibility of the goal. This is a major advantage as it ensures that the different components forming the collapsible sports goal do not break easily. This is a big advantage in many sports like soccer, hockey etc, where the goal can receive hard blows from e.g. kicks, impacts by fast balls or even a player stumbling. In structures with solid stiff joint members the joint members and the area of the frame members close to the joints can be structurally weak points, a problem avoided by the flexible joints of the present collapsible goal structure.

It is possible that only some of the joint members are flexible as long as the above advantages of having a flexible sports goal are maintained.

The joint members and/or corner joint members may be made of at least one flexible material with shape memory to provide a simple flexible joint member and/or corner joint member. Flexible joint members and corner joint members introduce an overall flexibility to the goal structure. Said flexibility means that the collapsible sports goal according to the present invention has the ability to absorb sudden impacts not depending on the angle of impact .

In an advantageous embodiment the first joint part and second joint part are connected by a spring mechanism and/or by a flexible material, optionally with shape memory, to create a strong but yet flexible joint member. For example if the joint member comprises a spring mechanism surrounded by a flexible material, optionally with shape memory, the spring mechanism stabilizes and reinforces the joint member whereas the surrounding flexible material provides a soft outer with no hard or sharp edges and at the same time ensures a tight, but not rigid, fit between the frame members and the joint members. A flexible material with shape memory may be chosen from the group consisting of natural or synthetic rubbers, thermoplastic elastomers and thermoplastics. These materials all provide flexibility together with durability and strength. Other materials with similar characteristics can within the scope of the invention also be used if for example special conditions apply. Such conditions can be extreme weather or the presence of chlorinated or very salty water.

To enhance the strength of the frame members the cross section profile of the frame members can be chosen to be for example oval or convex lens shaped or elliptic or super-elliptic.

When the frame members are identical the goal structure will be extremely simple to assemble. In addition if a frame member becomes defect it is easy and not costly to acquire a spare frame member to substitute the defect one.

At least some of the frame members and/or joint members and/or corner joint members may have at least one through going hole extending along the longitudinal axis of said frame members and/or joint members and/or corner joint members to provide a collapsible sports goal which as a whole is lightweight as less material is used to produce the frame members and/or joint members and/or corner joint members.

If the collapsible sports goal comprises a cord that is drawn through the through going hole of the frame members and/or first joint members and/or corner joint members the cord can help stabilize the collapsible sports goal and also help to keep all the parts of the goal together when the goal is in a dismounted state.

Letting the cord extend from the through going hole through one or more openings in either one or more frame member and/or first joint member and/or corner joint member makes it is possible to tighten the cord to create an even more stable structure. The cord can be tightened and fixed with appropriate means or even by a simple knot.

The frame members can be made of a durable and lightweight material preferably taken from the group of aluminum, carbon fibers, thermoplastic elastomers and thermoplastics. This helps to provide an overall lightweight but still durable and strong structure .

A net can be suspended between the base section and the object receiving section. This can be an advantage as the goal becomes more well defined and the ball, puck etc is caught by the net making it easy for the players to retrieve it and so that the ball, puck etc. does not continue its trajectory through the erected sports goal with the risk of hitting people or structures .

A smart way of fastening the net to the frame can be achieved if along the length direction each section member has a continuous groove for receiving fastening means positioned at the edge of the net. This way of attaching the net to the frame ensures a simple assembling, which does not leave cords and similar which can cause entanglement when the goal is assembled/collapsed. The net and frame can be kept in an assembled stated when collapsed but it is also possible to detach the net from the frame if necessary.

The net can be made of any suitable material, but preferably the net material is chosen from the group of netting, fabric, plastic, thermoplastic elastomers. The choice of material can depend on what physical factors are present, e.g. wind or other weather conditions, presence of chlorinated or very salty water and/or the force of the expected impact from the ball, puck etc. Making the net in a suitable media for printing allows for individualization/adornment of the goal with for example team name, sponsors, club logos etc.

In a preferred embodiment the object receiving section comprises at least four curved or bend joint members. This embodiment forms an arched structure capable of maintaining its shape without being under stress as well as it has the ability to avoid that center of the crossbar is in risk of sagging, as the structure "keeps it self up" i.e. its shape is self sustained.

It is also possible that at least one straight joint member is inserted between the curved or bend joint members. This can for example be the case if at least one frame member is replaced by at least two shorter frame members connected by at least one straight joint member. The arched object receiving section can in this case e.g. consist of ten short frame members assembled by use of five straight joint members, joined with four curved or bend joint members to form an arched object receiving section .

If it in some situations should be useful the joints used for assembling the arched object receiving section can of course be a mix of bend or curved joint members.

Thus it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to a certain single embodiment, but that a number of equally functional embodiments can exists. As long as the arch shape of the object receiving section as well as the above described functionality is achieved by combining a number of curved or bend joint members with a number of frame members optionally together with a number of straight joint members, the resulting embodiment of the collapsible sports goal falls within the scope of the present invention. Any joint member can be bend or curved in any angle OC between

120° and 170°. An object receiving section and/or the base section formed by use of bend or curved joint members with angles in said interval is stable and is arched to ensure the strength and the shape, which gives the many above-mentioned advantages. It is possible to use joint members, which all has the same angle e.g. 150°, but the angles of the joint members do not have to be the same.

Fig. 1 is a perspective exploded view of a collapsible sports goal according to the present invention in an erected position.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the collapsible sports goal shown in fig. 1 in an assembled and erected form without the net.

Fig. 3 is a side view of the collapsible sports goal seen in fig 2.

Fig. 4a and 4b are top and perspective view, respectively, of a joint member for the collapsible sports goal according to the present invention.

Fig. 5a and 5b are a side view and a perspective view respectively of a corner joint member for the collapsible sports goal according to the present invention.

Fig. 6 shows, seen in perspective and in an enlarged scale, a fragment of a collapsible goal according to an embodiment of the invention, illustrating a frame member and two joint members with a through cord prior to erecting.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view in an enlarged scale of a frame member and an edge part of a net . Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the collapsible sports goal according to the invention in an assembled form.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the collapsible sports goal according to the invention in a collapsed form.

Fig. 1 is an embodiment of a collapsible sports goal 1 having an upright object receiving section 2 and a base section 3. Each of the object receiving section 2 and base section 3 comprises five elongated frame members 4 having a first end 5 and a second end 6, the first end 5 has a first cavity 7 and the second end 6 has a second cavity 8 of similar configuration as the first cavity 7. A frame member 4 in the shown embodiment has an elliptic cross section and a groove 9 extending along the length direction. The cross section of the frame members 4 does not have to be elliptical but can within the scope of the present invention be e.g. circular or rectangular. The position of the groove 9 can be adjusted depending on the cross section of the frame members 4. The groove 9 is arranged and configured for fastening a net, and if no net is needed the groove 9 can be left out without deviating from the spirit of the invention. The object receiving section 2 and base section 3 also comprises four joint members 10, each joint member 10 has a first part 11, a second opposing part 12, and a center joint part 13. The first joint part 11 and second joint part 12 of a joint member 10 are arranged in an angle CC with respect to each other. In the shown embodiment all joint members are bend by the same angle CC but alternatively the angles are not the same on all joint members 10. In their assembled state, the object receiving section 2 and base section 3, of the embodiment shown in figs. 1 and 2, each consist of five frame members 4 interconnected end to end by four joint members 10 in a manner where the second end 6 of a frame member 4 receives the first part 11 of a joint member 10 and the second part 12 of the joint 10 is received by the first end 5 of another subsequent frame member etc. The depth of the cavities 7, 8 can be chosen to allow for a tight engaging fit to the first and second joint parts 11,12 or they can be so deep that they meet which, in practice means that the frame members 4 are hollow. As the joint members 10 are angled by an angle CC of about 150° the erected object receiving section 2 and base section 3 constitute two self-sustaining arched structures which does not require to be forced into the arched form and thus does not have to be under stress for maintaining its structural shape. Angles CC of the joint members 10 larger or smaller than 150° are also applicable, depending on e.g. the number of joint members 10 used to form the object receiving section 2 and/or the base section 3. Said angles can e.g. be between 120° and 170°, but at least said angle must be larger than 90° and smaller than 180°. This enhances the strength of the structure and makes the object receiving section 2 and base section 3 less vulnerable to impacts from e.g. players or balls. Two corner joint members 14 each have a first corner joint part 15 extending into a second corner joint part 16 via a center corner joint part 17 connect the object receiving section 2 and the base section 3.

The frame members 4 together with the joint members 10 forming the erected receiving section 2, defines an arch having two opposing free ends which continues into corresponding free ends on the assembled base section 3 via the corner joint members 14.

Thus a free second cavity 8 of the second end 6 of the frame member 4 at one free end of the object receiving section 2 receives the first corner joint part 15 of a corner joint member 14, and the free first cavity 7 of the first end 5 of a frame member 4 at one free end of the base section 3 receives the second corner joint part 16 of said corner joint member 14 and vice versa for the opposing ends of the object receiving section 2 and base section 3. The collapsible sports goal also comprises a net 18 for catching the ball, puck etc and for more clearly defining the goal space. As the frame structure of the collapsible sports goal 1 is self-sustained the frame structure is stable without the net 18 just as well.

Fig. 2 is the collapsible sports goal 1 from fig. 1 in an assembled state without the net 18. Fig. 2 illustrates, in the present example that the arched structure of the object receiving section 2 and the base section 3 are identically made. The sections 2 and 3 each define an approximate semi circle, where the radius r of the base section equals the height h ₁ of the collapsible sports goal 1 in its assembled and erected state. This however is only one of many possible configurations possible for the frame of the collapsible sports goal 1 as r can be larger than h ₁ as well as r can be smaller than h ₁ if favorable, depending on the sport of interest and on the playing condition overall. The ratio between r, h ₁ and the half width w of the goal can be changed by e.g. choosing different angles of the joint members 10 and/or by de- or increasing the numbers of frame members used in the object receiving section 2 and the base section 3. The object receiving section 2 and the base section 3 are not required to be alike, but can be chosen to have different shapes. Furthermore, the length of all frame members does not have to be the same as well as the angle OC of all joint members 10 is not required to have the same value.

Fig. 3 is a side view of the collapsible sports goal 1 of fig. 2. The corner joints 14 have right angles β ensuring that the object receiving section 2 and the base section 3 are perpendicular to each other.

Fig. 4a and 4b are enlarged views of a joint member 10 according to the present invention shown in fig. 1 - fig. 3 seen from different angles. Fig. 4a shows the joint member 10 seen from above. The angle between the first joint part 11 and the second joint part 12 is CC which in the present case are around 150°. The first joint part 11 and the second joint part 12 have a slightly smaller cross section than the center joint part 13 thus creating an abutment shoulder 19. When the first joint part 11 is received by the second cavity 8 of a section member 4, the shoulder 19 prevents the joint member 10 from being inserted too far into the second cavity 8 at the second end 6 of the section member 4.

Fig. 4b shows the joint member 10 seen in perspective, oblique from the second joint part. The first joint part 11 and the second joint part 12 are partly elliptic to fit into the first cavity 7 and second cavity 8, respectively, of the frame members 4. One end of the substantially elliptic first joint part 11 and second joint part 12 has been truncated or beveled in order to accommodate for the groove 9 in a frame member 4 when the first and second joint parts 11 and 12 are inserted into the respective cavities 7 and 8 of a section member 4. In the present embodiment the truncated or beveled section forms a flat part 20 of the otherwise rounded first joint part 11 and second joint part 12, but any shape is suitable, as long as it secures a secure engagement between the joint member 10 and the frame member 4 and leaves space for the groove 9. Alternatively, the truncation or beveled edge 20 can e.g. be concave in order to accommodate more precisely for the groove 9 in a frame member 4. The joint member 10 shown in fig. 4b also has a through hole 21 in the length direction of the joint member 10 for accommodating a cord (not shown) . The through hole 21 can be of any shape and size as long as it provides for through passage of said cord, and as long as it does not compromise the stability and durability of the joint member 10. If it is chosen to leave out the cord, the joint can be solid, i.e. not contain the hole 21. The joint member 10 of the present embodiment are preferably made of a flexible material with shape memory in order to secure a tight fit between the first joint part 11 and the second end 6 of a frame member 4 and between a second joint part 12 and a first end 5 of a frame member 4. The fact that the joint member 10 is flexible also provides an overall flexibility of the entire collapsible sports goal 1, making the goal less vulnerable to impacts. In the present embodiment the joint members 10 are in one piece in one material but it is possible that the different joint parts 11,12,13,15,16,17 are in different materials, e.g. the first joint part 11 and the second joint part 12 are in one material and the center joint part 13 is in another material with different characteristics. It is also possible that the joint members 10 can be reinforced by e.g. an integrated flexible metal structure in the length direction of the joint member 10. Such reinforcement can be completely embedded in the full length or in part of the joint member 10. Reinforcement can also e.g. be inserted through the through hole 21. The flexibility of the reinforcing material can be achieved in any suitable way i.e. be due to the shape or construction of the reinforcement or due to material characteristics of the chosen reinforcement.

Fig. 5a is a side view of the corner joint member 14 also shown in figs. 1 - 3. As in the case of the joint members 10 both of the first corner joint part 15 and the second corner joint part

16 have slightly smaller cross sections than the center corner joint part 17 thus creating an abutment shoulder 19. The first corner joint part 15 and the second corner joint part 16 are configured in an angle β with respect to each other, in the present example the angle is 90° but the angle can be of other values as well if other angles between the object receiving section 2 and the base section 3 are required for special purposes. Furthermore, the corner joint member 14 has a through hole 21 and each of the first and second corner joint parts 15, 16 have a truncated or beveled section forming a plateau 20. Fig. 5b shows the corner joint member 14 seen in fig. 5a rotated 90° around the line Y. From this view angle it is seen, that the first corner joint part 15 and the second corner joint part 16 are angled at an angle γ with respect to the center joint part 17. In a preferred embodiment the angle γ equals the angle OC of the joint members 10.

As for the joint members 10 each of the corner joint members 17 can be of either one or more materials and can, like the joint members 10, be reinforced by an appropriate flexible structure.

Fig. 6 illustrates how a cord 22 extends through a frame member 4, two opposing joint members 10 and out through an exit-hole 23 in the frame member 4 to be tightened by suitable means (not shown) . The cord 22 serves as an extra stabilization of the assembled collapsible sports goal 1 and can be left out as seen in e.g. figs . 1 - 3.

Fig. 7 illustrates a fragmentary, perspective view in an enlarged scale of the groove 9 of a frame member 4 and a part of the border of the net 18. The frame member 4 in the shown embodiment has an elliptic cross section. The cross section has a first axis V and a second axis H, which in the present example respectively equals the major and minor axis of the elliptic cross section. Using the orientation of fig. 7 the apex area of the symmetric frame member 4 closest to the net defines a first short side, A, which is opposing a second short side B, for resting on the ground. The first short side A and the second short side B defines a first outwards curved long side C and an opposing curved long side D, mirroring the first long 2 side D. The groove 9 is extending lengthwise of the frame member 4 along the short side A of the frame member 4. However, the position of the groove 9 can be adapted depending on the chosen cross section of the frame member 4 and whether or not the frame member is symmetrical. The groove 9 in the present example has a circular cross section and the opening 24 of the groove 9 is smaller than the diameter of said cross section. The net 18 has a bar 25 extending along its outer perimeter. The bar 25 can within the scope of the invention have any suitable shape and the groove 9 can have any shape suited for receiving said bar 25. The bar 25 can be welded or otherwise fastened to the net 18 by appropriate means. The net 18 is fastened to the frame member 4 by sliding the bar 25 into the groove 9 and thus releasably securing the net 18 and frame member 4 to each other. Alternatively the bar can be force fit through the opening 24 to be detachably clamped in the groove 9.

In the present embodiment the cross section of the groove 9 as well as the cross section of the bar 25 is circular but other shapes can also be used. Furthermore the bar 25 can be divided into sub-sections or only fill the groove 9 partly or in sections. The net 18 has incisions 26.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the collapsible sports goal 1 seen in figs. 1 - 7 in its assembled state. The incisions 26 in the net 18 in the area to be adjacent the joint members 10 and corner joint members 14 is providing maneuverability of the bars 25 and edges of the net 18 to allow for an easy assembly and disassembly of the collapsible sports goal 1. The dimensions of the goal in the present embodiment is approximately: height: 70 cm, depth: 70 cm and width 135 cm. Depending on the length and number of the frame members 4 and of the number and angles CC of the joint members 10, the goal can be smaller or larger. For example the width can be between 120 cm and 200 cm, but this interval is only exemplary and not restrictive as long as the object receiving section 2 is self sustained. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the collapsible goal 1 shown in figs. 1 - 8 in a collapsed state. The frame members 4, joint members 10 and corner joint members 14 can be disassembled and fitted into a compact form. The net (not included in the figures) can be folded and stored along with the collapsed goal frame .

All of the features mentioned above can be combined within the scope of the present invention. Thus the collapsible sports goal 1 can be used with or without the cord 22 or the net 18, as well as different combinations of angled and straight joint members 10 can be used to form the arches of the object receiving section 2 and the base section 3 to fit special requirements .

When the user acquires the collapsible sports goal 1 according to the present invention it is preferably in the collapsed and compact state as shown in fig. 7. The collapsible sports goal 1 is easy to assemble as the joint members 10 are simply pressed into the cavities 7,8 of the frame members 4. If all the frame members 4 are the same, as well as only one type of joint members and corner joint members are used, the assembly is even easier as the user does not have to keep track on, for example, what type of joint member 10 to use where. If the cord 22 is mounted the assembly is even simpler as the mutual positions of frame members 4, joint members 10 and corner joint members 14 is already given.

The net 18 is easily mounted to the frame members 4 by sliding or pressing the bar 25 into the groove 9 of the frame members.

The object receiving section 2 and base section 3 are assembled by inserting a first joint part 11 into the cavity 8 of a second end of a frame member 4, similarly is a second joint part of another joint member 10 inserted into the cavity 7 at the first end of said frame member 4 and so on, thus creating an arched structure of alternating frame members 4 and joint members 10. The object receiving section 2 and base section 3 are assembled end to end by use of the corner joint member 14. If the cord 22 is not mounted it can be inserted through the frame members 4, joint members 10 and corner joint members 14 before assembling the frame members 4, joint members 10 and corner joint members 14. After use the collapsible sports goal can simply be taken apart by pulling frame members 4, joint members 10 and corner joint members 14 apart. If the net 18 it mounted it can either be left attached to the frame members 4, or the bars 25 can be slit or pulled out of the grooves 9 separating the net 18 and frame structure. If the cord 22 is mounted it is preferably left in the frame members 4, joint members 10 and corner joint members 14 to keep them from separating, but it is not a requirement.

The portable sports goal 1 can be part of a sports kit containing corner markers, chalk spray for marking lines, vests for the players marking the teams etc. Due to the design of the goal 1 comprising a plurality of small inter-connectable and mutually detachable elements, it can be fitted into a handy container making it easy to transport and store. When lightweight materials are used for the different components, the whole kit can be carried easily even by a child.

Thus according to the present invention is provided a collapsible sports goal 1 which is strong, versatile and easy to handle. The materials can be chosen depending, for example, on the target group of users. Goals intended for kids can be of lighter and softer materials whereas goals used by adults can be more sturdy, for example with reinforced joints and with the cord mounted, and still be safe and provide a frame capable of receiving and absorbing impacts from any given angle without the risk of braking the frame members 4, joint members 10 or corner joint members 14. The size and shape of the goal can furthermore be chosen to suite the players and the place of the game. Also the design of the collapsible sports goal 1 ensures that it can be stored and transported easily as it can simply be folded into a compact structure when disassembled.