Title: SPORTS GOAL NETS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to apparatus to stop and/or return shots for use with sports goal nets. In particular, this invention relates to apparatus for use with a sports goal net that can be used for playing street hockey, ball hockey, inline hockey, ice hockey or can be used as a practice shooting device.

Background of the Invention

Sports players, such as hockey players, need to practice shooting skills. In the case of hockey, ice time can be limited so many players, particularly children, practice shooting against a garage door or in a basement etc. In addition younger players and adults often have ball hockey games in the street. There is a need for a sports goal net that can return stray shots that normally have to be retrieved, stopping play or practice. As many amateur hockey players are children with limited skill in assembly, it is advantageous to have sports goal nets that are portable, easy to use and are safe.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention relates to an apparatus to stop and/or return shots for use with a sports goal net having a goal frame with a pair of posts and a cross bar connected to one end of each of said pair of posts. The pair of posts and top cross bar define a goal opening. A support section is provided to enable the goal frame to be free standing. Netting or other suitable covering is

attached to the goal frame behind the goal opening. The improvement of the present invention comprises apparatus to stop and/or return shots directed at the sports goal net. The apparatus of the present invention can be adjusted to stop and return shots that are wide or above the goal opening or shots that are in the goal opening. A first side deflector, shaped to cover part of the goal opening, is connected to one of the pair of posts by first connector means adapted to permit the first side deflector to rotate about the post from a first closed position in front of the goal opening to one or more open positions to the outside of said post. In one embodiment the first side deflector is sized to fit within the goal opening to thereby cover a part of the goal opening. A second side deflector, shaped to cover the remaining part of the goal opening, is connected to the other of said pair posts by second connector means adapted to permit the second side deflector to rotate about the post from a first closed position in front of the goal opening to one or more open positions to the outside of said post. In one embodiment the second side deflector is sized to fit within the goal opening to thereby cover the remaining part of the goal opening not covered by the first side deflector.

In another aspect of the present invention the support section of the sports goal net comprises an upper support section and a base section, where the upper support section and base section are spaced apart by one or more vertical supports. A top deflector is connected to the support section to permit the top deflector to move from a first position above the goal opening to a stored

position. The top deflector may be moved from the first position above the goal opening to a stored position by a variety of methods . Two methods are by telescoping the top deflector in and out of the vertical supports for the support section or by pivotally connecting the top deflector to the upper support section.

Brief Description of Drawings

In drawings which illustrate by way of example two different embodiments of the invention,

FIG. 1 is a front perspective of one embodiment of a sports goal net incorporating apparatus of the present invention having first and second side deflectors covering the goal opening and a top deflector all in the stored position.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective of the sports goal net of FIG. 1 with the first and second side deflectors rotated to an open position to the outside of the goal opening and the top deflector in a first position above the goal opening .

FIG. 3 is a side plan view of the sports goal net of FIG. 1.

Fig. 4 is a front plan view of another embodiment of a sports goal net incorporating apparatus of the present invention with first and second side deflectors covering the goal opening and a top deflector in stored position.

FIG. 5 is a front plan view of the sports goal net of FIG. 4 with the first and second side deflectors in a partially opened position.

FIG. 6 is a front plan view of the sports goal net of FIG. 4 and 5 with the first and second side deflectors and top deflector in fully opened position.

FIG. 7 is a front plan view of the sports goal net of FIG. 6 with targets displayed in the goal.

FIG. 8 is a side plan view of the sports goal net of FIG 7.

FIG. 9 is a side plan view of the sports goal net of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a rear plan view of the sports goal net of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a partial front view of the sports goal net of FIG. 4 with a vertical goal post and second side deflector section removed.

FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of the sports goal net of FIG. 11 with the vertical goal post and detached second side deflector ready to be assembled.

Similar references are used in different figures to denote similar components.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

Referring to Figs. 1-3, one embodiment of a sports goal net, generally indicated at 1, is illustrated. The sports

goal net 1 has a goal frame 2 including a pair of posts 3, 4 and a top cross bar 5 that define a goal opening 6. In the embodiment illustrated the sports goal net 1 is intended to be portable and a support section, generally indicated at 7, is provide to permit the sports goal net to be free-standing. Polyester netting commonly used on sports nets is shown attached to the goal frame behind the goal opening. The type and tension of the netting may vary without departing from the scope of the present invention. Apparatus, according to the present invention, to stop and or return a stray shot is shown attached to the sports goal net. A first side deflector 8, shaped and sized to cover part of the goal opening, is connected to one of the posts 3 by a first connector means, generally indicated as 9, adapted to permit the first side deflector 8 to rotate about the post 3 from a first closed position covering part of the goal opening 6 (as shown in Fig. 1) to one or more open positions to the outside of said post 3 (as shown in Fig. 2) . A second side deflector 10, similar to the first side deflector 8, in that it is shaped and sized to cover the remaining part the goal opening 6, is connected to the other post 4 by a second connector means, generally indicated at 11, adapted to permit the second side deflector 10 to rotate about the post 4 from a first closed position covering the remaining part of the goal opening 6 to one or more open positions to the outside of the post 4. The first and second side deflectors can either close over the goal opening or close into the goal opening to cover the goal opening. In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1, the first and second side deflectors 8,10 are shaped and sized to cover the goal opening by fitting within the

goal opening. In the embodiment illustrated each of the first and second side deflectors 8,10 covers about half the goal opening 6.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 the first and second side deflectors 8,10 have a generally rectangular frame, generally indicated at 11a and 12a. The frame 11a of the first side deflector 8 comprises top 12 and bottom 13 cross members and a pair of vertical members 14,15. Netting 20 is provided to cover the area defined by the frame 11. Similarly, the frame 12a of the second side deflector 10 comprises top 16 and bottom 17 cross members and a pair of vertical members 18,19. Netting 21 is provided to cover the area defined by the frame 12a.

The method of connection of the first and second side deflectors 8,10 to the posts 3,4 of the goal frame 2 to permit the first and second side deflectors 8,10 to rotate about the posts 3,4 from a first position covering the goal opening 6 to one or more open positions to the outside of the posts 3,4 may vary. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, a first connector means, generally indicated at 9, connects the first side deflector 8 to post 3 to permit the first side deflector 8 to rotate about the post 3 from a first position covering part of the goal opening a shown in Fig. 1 to one or more open positions to the outside of post 3 as shown in Fig. 2. The first connector means 9 in the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2, comprises a pair of connectors 22,23 that permit the first side deflector 8 to rotate about post 3. One or both of the connectors 22,23 preferably include means for locking the first side deflector 8 in either

the closed position covering the goal opening 6 or one or more open positions to the outside of post 3. By locking the first side deflector 8 in the desired position it will not move when the ball or puck hits the netting. Similarly, a second connector means, generally indicated at 11, connects the second side deflector 10 to post 4 to permit the second side deflector 10 to rotate about the post 4 from a first position covering part of the goal opening 6 as shown in Fig. 1 to one or more open positions to the outside of post 4 as shown in Fig. 2. The second connector means 11 in the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2, comprises a pair of connectors 24,25 that permit the second side deflector 10 to rotate about post 4. One or both of the connectors 24,25 preferably include means for locking the second side deflector 10 in either the closed position covering the goal opening 6 or one or more open positions to the outside of post 4. By locking the second side deflector 10 in the desired position it will not move when the ball or puck hits the netting.

As noted above, FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of one embodiment of a sports goal net according to the present invention with the first side deflector and second side deflectors in a closed position within the goal opening. When the first and second side deflectors are in the closed position, the sports goal net can be used for practice shots whereby upon shooting a movable object, such as a puck or ball or the like, on the net, the movable object bounces back towards the shooter thereby enabling efficient self-practice for increased accuracy of shots.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figs 1-3, the support section 7 for the frame 2 of the sports goal net 1 comprises an upper support section 26 and a base section 27, where the upper support section and base section spaced are apart by one or move vertical supports, generally indicated at 28. The upper support section 26 in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1, comprises a rear cross bar 29 and a pair of side members 30,31 each having one end 32,33 connected to the point of connection 34,35 of posts 3,4 and the ends of the top cross bar 5. Similarly, the base section 27 in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1, comprises a rear bar 36 and a pair of side members 37,38 each having one end 39,40 connected to the bottom end 41,42 of posts 3,4. The upper support section 26 and base section 27 are spaced apart by a vertical support, which in the embodiment illustrated comprises vertical brace 43 having one end 44 connected to rear bar 36 of base section 27 and the other end 45 connected to the rear cross bar 29 of upper support section 26.

As best shown in Fig. 2, a top deflector 46 is connected to the upper support section 26 to permit the top deflector 46 to move from a first position above the goal opening as shown in Fig. 2 to a stored position as shown in Fig. 1. The top deflector 46 is moved from the first position above the goal opening to a stored position in the embodiment illustrated by pivotally connecting the top deflector 46 to the rear cross bar 29 of upper support section 26 by pivotal connectors 47,48. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2 the top deflector 46 has a generally rectangular frame 49. The frame 49 comprises

top 50 and bottom 51 cross members and a pair of vertical members 52,53. Netting 54 is provided to cover the area defined by the frame 49. The top and bottom cross members 50,51 of top deflector 46 are about the same length as the rear cross bar 29. To cover the area above the first and second side deflectors 8,10 when they are in the open position to the outside of posts 3,4, top deflector 46 may be provided with extendable side panels, generally indicated at 55,56. In the embodiment illustrated the extendable side panels 55,56 each comprise a generally U- shaped frame 57,58 covered by netting 59,60. The ends 61,62 of the legs 63,64 of frame 57 of extendable panel

55 telescope in and out of the ends of the top and bottom cross members 50 51 of the top deflector 46. The ends 65,66 of the legs 67,68 of frame 58 of extendable panel

56 telescope in and out of the other ends of the top and bottom cross members 50 51 of the top deflector 46. When extended the side panels 55,56 are about the same width as the first and second side deflectors 8,10. The side panels 55,56 are extended when the top deflector 46 is above the goal opening as shown in Fig. 2 and retracted when the top deflector 46 is in a stored position as shown in Fig. 1. While side panels 55, 56 are shown as telescoping in and out of the top and bottom vertical cross members that could alternatively be hinged to the top deflector to pivot from a stored position (retracted in Fig. 1) to an extended position. Alternatively, the side panels could be sections of netting that can be connected to the sides of the top deflector 46 when in the open position above the goal opening and the top of the first and second side deflectors 8, 10 when they are in the open position to the outside of posts 3,4. When

the top deflector and first and second side deflectors are moved to the stored position the netting comprising the side panels would be disconnected from either or both the top deflector and first and second side deflectors.

Referring to Figs. 4-12, another embodiment of a sports goal net, generally indicated at 100, according to the present invention is illustrated. The sports goal net 100 has a goal frame 102 including a pair of posts, generally indicated at 103, 104, and a top cross bar 105 that define a goal opening 106. In the embodiment illustrated the sports goal net 100 is intended to be portable and a support section, generally indicated at 107, is provide to permit the sports goal net to be free-standing. Polyester netting commonly used on sports nets is shown attached to the goal frame behind the goal opening. The type and tension of the netting may vary without departing from the scope of the present invention. With the sports goal net of the present invention, apparatus to stop and/or return shots is provided. The apparatus for stopping shots comprises a pair of side deflectors and in another aspect include a top deflector. A first side deflector 108, shaped and sized to fit within the goal opening 106, is connected to one of the posts 103 by a first connector means 109 adapted to permit the first side deflector 108 to rotate about the post 103 from a first closed position (as shown in Fig. 4) within the goal opening to one or more open positions to the outside of said post (as shown in Fig. 5-8) . The second side deflector 110 is similar to the first side deflector 108 in that it is shaped and sized to fit within the goal opening 106, and is connected to the other post 104 by a

second connector means 111 adapted to permit the second side deflector 110 to rotate about the post 104 from a first closed position (shown in Fig.4) within the goal opening 106 to one or more open positions to the outside of the post 104 (as shown in Fig 5-8) .

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4-12 each of the first and second side deflectors 108,110 have a frame 112 comprising top and bottom cross members 113,114 and a first vertical member 115. Each of the top and bottom cross members 113, 114 have a first end 116,117 remote from the goal post 103,104. The first vertical member 115 is connected to the first end 116, 117 of each of the top and bottom cross members 113,114. Netting 101 is provided to cover the area defined by the frame 112 of each of the side deflectors 108,110.

The method of connection of the side deflectors 108,110 to the posts 103,104 of the goal frame 102 to permit the first and second side deflectors to rotate about the posts from a first closed position within the goal opening to one or more open positions to the outside of the posts may vary. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4-12, the side of the frame 112 of the first and second side deflectors 108,110 opposite the first vertical member 115 is formed by a second vertical member 118,119 respectively, which in turn forms part of post 103 or 104 of the goal frame 102. Each of the top cross member 113, first vertical member 115 and bottom cross member 114 are connected to each other by connecting means, which in this embodiment shown are 90°elbows 120 at each vertex. The other end of top cross member 121, the other end of

the bottom cross member 122 and the second vertical

118,119 member are pivotally connected to the goal frame.

In the embodiment shown, the first side deflector connection means 109, that permits the first and second side deflectors 108,110 to rotate about the post from a first closed position within the goal opening to one or more open positions to the outside of said post, utilizes a series of two 123,127,128 and three way 124 90°elbows

(as best shown for the second side deflector 110 in Fig. 12) to connect the side deflector 108,110 to the goal frame 102 and permit the vertical member 118,119 to rotate about its longitudinal axis while remaining connected to the goal frame. The releasable connection is effected through a standard internal spring-biased button 126 embedded within the vertical member 118,119. In a locked position, the button emerges through an aperture in the top 125 of the vertical member 118,119 extending above the elbow 123 joining the top cross member 113 and vertical member 118,119, securing the vertical member 118,119 to the three way elbow 124. The two way elbow 127 has one outlet permanently connected to the side member 131 of base section 129 of the support section 107. A second outlet of elbow 127 releasably connects the bottom 133 of vertical member 119. A second elbow 128 on the end of the bottom cross member 114 connects to vertical member 119 above the portion 133 that fits into elbow 127. These connections enable the second side deflector 110 to swivel, thereby allowing it to rotate about the vertical axis of post 104 from a first closed position within the goal opening to one or more open positions to the outside of the front post. The first side deflector 108 is connected in a similar fashion to

the other side of the goal frame from that shown in Fig. 12.

As noted above, Fig. 4 illustrates a front view of one embodiment of a sports goal net 100 incorporating apparatus according to the present invention with the first side deflector 108 and second side deflectors 110 in a closed position within the goal opening. The first and second side deflectors 108,110 are locked in the closed position with locking bar 134 and a biasing internal spring button (not shown) . The first and second side deflectors 108, 110 are sized and shaped, in the embodiment illustrated, to fit within and fill the goal opening. When the first and second side deflectors 108, 110 are in the closed position, the sports goal net 100 can be used for practice shots whereby upon shooting a movable object, such as a puck or ball or the like, on the net, the movable object bounces back towards the shooter thereby enabling efficient self-practice for increased accuracy of shots. The tension of the netting used for the first and second side deflectors 108 and 110 can be varied to effect greater resiliency and faster and/or farther return of shots.

The support section 107 of the sports goal net 100 comprises an upper support section 135 and a base section 129, where the upper support section 135 and base section 129 are spaced are apart by one or more vertical members generally indicated at 136. The upper support section 135 in the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 4-12 , comprises a rear cross bar 136 and a pair of side members 137,138 each having one end 139,140 connected to the point of

connection of posts 103,104 and the ends of the top cross bar 105. Similarly, the base section 129 in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 4-12, comprises a rear bar 132 and a pair of side members 130,131 each having one end 141,142 connected to the bottom end of posts 103,104. The upper support section 135 and base section 129 are spaced apart by one or more vertical supports 136, which in the embodiment illustrated, comprises rear posts 143, 144 each having one end connected to one of the side members 130,131 of base section 129 and the other end connected to one of the side members 137,138 of upper support section 135.

The connecting means for joining the support section 107 to the goal frame 102 comprises in this embodiment a pair of right angle three-way elbows 124 and pair of lower two way elbows 127. With respect to the right angle three- way elbows 124, there are three outlets, two of which permanently connect the upper support section 135 and the top cross bar 105 respectively. A downward facing outlet of right angle three-way elbows 124 releasably connects to the top 125 of the front post 103,104.

Fig. 5 illustrates a front view of the sports goal net in a partially opened position with first side deflector 108 and second side deflector 110 having been swung into one open position relative to posts 103,104.

As best shown in Fig. 6, a top deflector 145 is connected to the upper support section 135 to permit the top deflector 145 to move from a first position above the goal opening as shown in Fig. 6 to a stored position as shown in Fig. 4. The top deflector 145 is moved from the

first position above the goal opening to a stored position in the embodiment illustrated by being telescoped down into the rear posts 144,145 of the support section 107. When in the telescoped down position, the netting forms a receptacle so as to hold any balls, or pucks and the like, as shown in FIG 4 and 10. In FIG 6 and 7, when top deflector 145 is in one or more open positions, vertical side deflector arms 146,147 are pulled out of said rear posts 144,145 respectively, and are revealed, along with first collapsible deflector section 148 and second collapsible deflector section 149, which are connected to the first side deflector 108 and second side deflector 110 respectively by a connecting means, such that when first side deflector and second side deflector are rotated about front posts 103,104 respectively from a first closed position within the goal opening to one or more open positions to the outside of front posts, and top horizontal bar 150 of the top deflector 145 is fully extended in the open position, vertical side deflector arms 146,147 are pulled up to reveal mesh netting in the shape of a perpendicular triangle which form the first collapsible deflector section 148 and the second collapsible deflector section 149. In the embodiment shown, vertical side deflector arms 146,147 are constructed of the same tubular material, with a slit along its longitudinal axis, so as to expand within the tubular rear posts 143, 144 with sufficient glide and friction. Top deflector 145 may be locked in one or more open positions by use of a locking means, such as a spring-biased metal button embedded within the tube, which in a locked position emerges

through an aperture in the vertical side deflector arms 146,147.

FIG. 7 illustrates a possible orientation of targets 151 which can be affixed to any of the posts 103,104 or upper cross bar 105 on the goal frame 102. Targets 151 may be attached using a hinge 152 which enable the target to swivel either forward or backward, depending on the direction of impact from a movable object such as a puck or ball. As shown in FIG. 9, target 151 can also be swivelled out of the way into the side of the goal frame when the first and second side deflectors are within the goal opening for storage, transportation, or practice. Target 151 can be secured in the flush position by being of an equal diameter to the distance between corresponding front 103,104 and rear posts 143,144.

The sports goal net of the present invention may be fabricated from any suitable material, most preferably one that is water resistant, light weight, durable, and easy to clean, such as a highly durable plastic or plastic polymer such as polyvinyl chloride.

Numerous modifications, variations, and adaptations may be made to the particular embodiments of the invention described above without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the claims.