BACKGROUND

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein generally relate to goal assemblies and, more specifically, to a three sided goal for use when playing circular soccer or developing skills for playing conventional soccer.

DISCUSSION OF THE BACKGROUND

[0002] Soccer (as it is called in the U.S. and "football" as it is called in other countries) is a sport played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball. It reportedly is played by 250 million players in over 200 countries, making it the world's most popular sport. The game is played on a rectangular field with a goal at each end. The object of the game is to score by using any part of the body besides the arms and hands to get the ball into the opposing goal.

[0003] The goalkeepers are the only players allowed to touch the ball with their hands or arms while it is in play and then only in their penalty area. Outfield players mostly use their feet to strike or pass the ball, but may use their head or torso to strike the ball instead. The team that scores the most goals by the end of the match wins. If the score is tied at the end of the game, either a draw is declared or the game goes into extra time and/or a penalty shootout, depending on the format of the competition.

[0004] The Laws of the Game were originally codified in England by The Football Association in 1863. Association football is governed internationally by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA; French: Federation Internationale de Football Association), which organizes a World Cup every four years.

[0005] Developing good soccer skills is essential to being successful at playing soccer. Traditionally, such skills are developed via a variety of training methods carried out on a traditional soccer field. The inventor of the present invention, however, devised a new training mechanism described herein as a three sided soccer goal or "Tri-Goal". Not only does the three sided soccer goal provide an improved training mechanism for developing good soccer skills, it also gives rise to a new sport or game called "circular soccer".

SUMMARY

[0006] In one embodiment, the present invention addresses the disadvantages and drawbacks of conventional soccer goals for both competitive sport and training.

[0007] As an example, the present invention replaces a traditional rectangular soccer goal (having a single opening for receiving a soccer ball) with a three sided soccer goal (having three separate openings for receiving a soccer ball). Unlike conventional soccer, when using a three sided goal, one or more defenders can operate to defend each of the three goal faces, while one or more offensive players operate individually or together in an attempt to bypass the defenders and score a goal

(otherwise in accord with FIFA rules regarding striking and handling the ball) through one of the faces/openings in the goal.

[0008] The three sided goal typically is positioned in the center of the field of play, as opposed to two single-sided goals positioned at distant, opposite ends of the field in traditional soccer. As indicated, various combinations of defenders and attackers can be utilized or implemented in a manner that provides a more intense game and/or better skill development than that afforded by playing or practicing on a regulation-sized field with a standard rectangular goal at distant, opposite ends. Essentially, this allows a robust training and skill development session to occur combined with a similar or higher level aerobic/anaerobic workout, within a restricted space as the players circumvent the Tri-Goal rather than travelling up and down the standard soccer field. [0009] Another feature of one embodiment of the present invention is the optionally collapsible nature of some or all of the goal's support mechanisms (or frame(s)) so that the goal itself can be folded and carried in a compact case. As an example of this embodiment (as opposed to an embodiment having a rigid frame(s)), each goal opening is supported at or near its periphery by a collapsible flexible loop member, where each flexible loop is at least partially covered by a fabric having a form, so that when the loop is in its open position it holds the fabric taut so that the shape of the fabric is allowed to form one or more openings of the three sided goal. When respective sides of one loop are associated with a respective side of each other loop, a three sided goal is formed.

[0010] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, variants of the present invention are possible and are within the scope of this disclosure, whether expressly identified or not. The scope of the invention is defined only by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate one or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0012] Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] Figure 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 3 is a plan view of one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The following description of exemplary embodiments refers to the

accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in different drawings identify the same or similar elements. The following detailed description does not limit the invention. Instead, the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims. [0016] Reference throughout the specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the subject matter disclosed. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" (or variants thereof) in various places throughout the specification is not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiment. The invention, however, is not limited to any one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of three sided soccer goal 100. In this embodiment, there are three separate goal openings 1 10, where each goal opening 1 10 is supported by a frame member having four edges: top edge 120, bottom edge 130, side edge 140, and side edge 150. As shown, side edge 140 is positioned adjacent a side edge formed by a frame member of another goal opening, whereas side edge 150 is positioned adjacent a side edge formed by a frame member of the other (remaining) goal opening. When each respective side edge is positioned with its corresponding edge at a 60 ^Q angle, the three sided goal assumes the shape substantially as depicted in Figure 1 . As such, each goal opening 1 10 is capable of receiving a receiving a ball from many different directions.

[0018] Variants of three sided soccer goal 100 are possible and will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. For example, goal opening 1 10 need not be supported by a frame having four edges. Instead, in another embodiment the frame could have three edges so that the frame of goal opening 1 10 forms a triangle as opposed to the generally rectangular shape of the frame shown in Figure 1 . Similarly, in still another embodiment the frame for goal opening 1 10 could be circular, but still associated with its adjacent goal openings to form a three sided goal. Still further, in yet another embodiment the frame for goal opening 1 10 could consist of one or more flexible or rigid rods shaped to give the frame member any geometry for achieving goal opening 1 10, such as the inverted "U" shape depicted in Figure 1 . Other frame geometries are, of course, possible and are within the spirit of the present invention.

[0019] The frame supporting each goal opening can be independent of, or shared by, the frame or a frame member of one of the other/associated goal openings. For example, Figure 1 shows the frame members as independent of one another.

Nevertheless, for example, in another embodiment the portion of the frame comprising side edge 140 could be the same portion of the frame comprising side edge 150 of the adjacent goal opening. In other embodiments, no frame is necessary for certain side edges, such as side edge 130, which could be supported (or held open) by the force imparted by portions of the frame supporting another side edge. Still further, a single frame could support each of the three goal openings, such as an embodiment in which three frame members emanate (downwardly) from a common apex or peak of the goal. As indicated above, other frame geometries are, of course, possible and are within the spirit of the present invention.

[0020] As also depicted by the exemplary embodiment of Figure 1 , the frame of each goal opening 1 10 is further associated with material 160, where the front end of material 160 is generally open (to receive a soccer ball there-through) and its back end is baggy (or has depth) and is generally closed (to stop a soccer ball that has entered a goal opening).

[0021] As shown in the example of Figure 1 , the shape of the front end of material 160 defines the geometric shape of opening 1 10. In other words, for example, while the frame of goal opening 1 10 could be generally rectangular, the front end of material 160 could be circular so as to make goal opening 1 10 appear circular. The opposite could also be true— the frame of goal opening 1 10 could be generally circular but the front end of material 160 could be rectangular, thereby making goal opening rectangular. Various geometries for the frame of goal opening 1 10 are possible (as described above), as are various geometries for both the front and back ends of material 160. The back end of material 160 preferably is primarily made of a netting material (so that players can see if the ball has entered one of goal openings 1 10), but it can be other materials as well.

[0022] The frame of each goal opening 1 10 can be associated with material 160 in a variety of ways. For example, Figure 1 depicts material 160 as having a sleeve that runs around its perimeter and sized to receive a support structure (such as the frame) therein. The support structure can be rigid, flexible, or a combination of the two. For example, the exemplary embodiment of Figure 1 illustrates each goal opening being supported on its periphery by a separate collapsible flexible loop member, where the flexible loop is at least partially threaded through the sleeve on the periphery of material 160. When the loop is in its open position, it holds material 160 taut so that the front end of material 160 at goal opening 1 10 is held near its maximum open size and the back end of material 160 is allowed to fulfill its shape as the back netting of the goal.

[0023] The back end of material 160 for one goal opening can (but need not necessarily) be affixed to the back end of material 160 for the other two goal openings, so that each is pulled taut to give material 160 a concave shape that defines the back end of each goal opening for receiving a soccer ball.

[0024] Figure 2 depicts another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Here, the frame for each goal opening is illustrated as being generally rectangular instead of the more curved, oblong shape depicted in Figure 1 . In this embodiment, material covering each frame also imparts a generally rectangular goal opening at its front end and is baggy at its back end to receive a soccer ball as it enters the front end of the goal and is trapped (by the material) at its back end. The respective side edges of the frame for each goal opening can be associated by any means, but in this particular embodiment they are affixed to one another by two Velcro straps, one near the top and one near the bottom of each side edge. This is better depicted in Figure 3, which shows Velcro straps 310 (on one side edge) for threading through fabric loops 320 (on another side edge) to hold the respective side edges of the respective frames to one another. While Figure 3 shows Velcro straps being used, any other fastening mechanism will suffice, such as a zipper, magnets, sewing, or the like.

[0025] The material covering each frame member need not be separate for each frame member, as shown in Figure 2. For example, material 160 in Figure 1 could be contiguous, such that it effectively comprises a unitary composition (like a tent) that is erected by inserting frame members (or opening frame members sewn into the material) to give it its shape. Other formulations and configurations for material 160 will be appreciated by those skilled in the art and are within the spirit of the claimed invention.

[0026] As indicated above, the frame members of the present invention can be rigid, flexible, or a combination of the two. In the embodiment where they are flexible, persons of skill in the art will appreciate their composition, operation, and the benefits thereof. Specifically, in the embodiment depicted in both Figure 1 and Figure 2, each frame member can be a collapsible flexible loop member capable of assuming an expanded position or a collapsed position. In its expanded position, the loop member provides an outwardly directed force that operates to keep the material covering it taut so that the material forms the front and back end of goal opening 1 10. The flexible loop can be collapsed by twisting it in opposite directions from its opposite ends (making a generalized figure eight shape) and then folding the two ends together so as to reduce the size of the loop by approximately one half. The operation of such collapsible flexible loops are illustrated and described in the following references, which are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Patent Nos. 5,941 ,265; 6,460,556; and 5,467,794. The collapsible nature of each loop allows the entire structure to be collapsed into a smaller unit for easier storage and portability. [0027] Playing components can be added to the three sided goal. For example, as depicted in Figure 1 , a circular ring can be placed on the ground around the three sided goal to demarcate the boundary beyond which a goalie may not traverse (outwardly, beyond the goal) or an offensive player may not traverse (inwardly, toward the goal). Alternatively, the ring can demarcate a boundary beyond which {i.e., inwardly, toward the goal) no player may traverse. The circular ring can be made of any material, preferably something that can be collapsed or folded for compact storage with the other components of the three sided goal.

[0028] As indicated above, it should be understood that this description is not intended to limit the invention. On the contrary, the exemplary embodiments are intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which are included in the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Further, in the detailed description of the exemplary embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of the claimed invention.

However, one skilled in the art would understand that various embodiments may be practiced without such specific details.

[0029] Although the features and elements of the present exemplary embodiments are described in the embodiments in particular combinations, each feature or element can be used alone without the other features and elements of the embodiments or in various combinations with or without other features and elements disclosed herein.

[0030] This written description uses examples of the subject matter disclosed to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the same, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the subject matter is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims.