U.S. patent application number 10/951280 was filed with the patent office on 2005-09-01 for collapsible frame assembly for supporting netting.
Invention is credited to Goldwitz, Brian L..
Application Number | 20050189719 10/951280 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34849035 |
Filed Date | 2005-09-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050189719 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Goldwitz, Brian L. |
September 1, 2005 |
Collapsible frame assembly for supporting netting
Abstract
A frame supporting netting for sports play. The frame has a base
frame selectively coupled at a point intermediate the first and
second ends thereof. An elbow portion rotatably connects to each
end. A front frame has first and second ends that also rotatably
connected to the elbow portions, wherein, to collapse the unitary
frame, the base frame is uncoupled at the intermediate point to
allow for rotation of the base frame first and second ends until
the unitary frame is substantially flat. The frame may include a
pitchback assembly for selectively converting the frame into a
pitchback and storing thereon without encumbering other uses. The
pitchback assembly has a sleeve for securing to a first portion of
the frame, an anchor assembly for coupling to a second portion of
the frame, and a net secured to the sleeve and the anchor
assembly.
Inventors: |
Goldwitz, Brian L.; (Orange,
CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
EDWARDS & ANGELL, LLP
P.O. BOX 55874
BOSTON
MA
02205
US
|
Family ID: |
34849035 |
Appl. No.: |
10/951280 |
Filed: |
September 27, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/407 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 63/004 20130101;
A63B 71/022 20130101; A63B 2210/52 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/407 |
International
Class: |
F41J 001/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 27, 2004 |
CN |
200420020473.X |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A collapsible sports goal assembly comprising: a) a base frame
having a first, second, third and fourth end, wherein third and
fourth ends removably connect; b) a front frame supported upright
by the base frame, the front frame being coupled to the first and
second ends; c) means for allowing the first and second ends of the
base frame to rotate in two directions so that the sports goal
assembly can be substantially flattened for storage and transport
when the third and fourth ends are separated; and d) a net attached
to the base frame and the front frame for retaining objects.
2. A collapsible sports goal assembly as recited in claim 1,
further comprising protective feet mounted on the base frame.
3. A frame for supporting a sports net comprising: a) a base frame
for resting on a play surface having first and second ends, the
base frame being selectively coupled at a point intermediate the
first and second ends; b) a first elbow portion rotatably connected
to the first end; c) a second elbow portion rotatably connected to
the second end; and d) a front frame having first and second ends,
each end of the front frame also rotatably connected to the elbow
portions; wherein, in the play position, the front frame is rigidly
supported substanitally perpendicularly to the play surface by the
base frame, and, to collapse the unitary frame for transport or
storage, the base frame is uncoupled at the intermediate point to
allow for rotation of the base frame first and second ends until
the unitary frame is substantially flat.
4. A frame as recited in claim 3, further comprising: a shelf
connected to the front frame; and a leg extending between the shelf
and base frame for supporting the shelf.
5. A frame as recited in claim 3, wherein a bottom end of the leg
forms a sleeve for sliding over the base frame approximately at the
intermediate point and a top end of the leg forms a sleeve for
sliding over the shelf.
6. A frame as recited in claim 3, further comprising a pair of
opposing spring-loaded locking pins on the shelf for coupling the
shelf to the front frame.
7. A frame as recited in claim 3, wherein the front frame is
selectively coupled at an intermediate point.
8. A frame as recited in claim 7, further comprising an elastic
rope secured within the front frame.
9. An assembly for selectively converting an open goal into a
pitchback and storing thereon without encumbering use as the open
goal, the assembly comprising: a fabric sleeve for securing the
assembly to a first portion of the open goal; an anchor assembly
for coupling to a second portion of the open goal; and a net having
one end secured to the fabric sleeve and another end secured to the
anchor assembly.
10. An assembly as recited in claim 9, wherein the fabric sleeve
includes a closure for easily enveloping and releasing the
assembly.
11. An assembly as recited in claim 9, wherein the first portion is
a top portion and the second portion is a bottom portion.
12. An assembly as recited in claim 9, wherein the anchor assembly
includes a telescoping tubular portion and a pair of end caps for
releasably coupling the anchor assembly to the open goal.
13. An assembly for use as an open goal and a pitchback, the
assembly comprising: an open goal; a fabric sleeve for securing the
assembly to a first portion of the open goal; an anchor assembly
for coupling to a second portion of the open goal; and a net having
one end secured to the fabric sleeve and another end secured to the
anchor assembly.
14. An assembly as recited in claim 13, wherein the open goal
includes a base frame for resting on a play surface having first
and second ends, the base frame being selectively coupled at a
point intermediate the first and second ends, a first elbow portion
rotatably connected to the first end, a second elbow portion
rotatably connected to the second end, and a front frame having
first and second ends, each end of the front frame also rotatably
connected to the elbow portions.
15. An assembly as recited in claim 14, further comprising a goal
net draped about the open goal for capturing balls, the goal net
having a plurality of sleeves for sliding about the base frame and
the front frame, the sleeves forming an gap approximately about the
intermediate point.
16. An assembly as recited in claim 14, further comprising a target
ribbon secured that can be selectively positioned and shaped
thereon.
17. An assembly as recited in claim 14, wherein the anchor
assembly, the base frame and the front frame telescope.
18. An assembly as recited in claim 17, further comprising
reinforcement bands within the net for allowing expansion thereof.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent
Application No. 200420020473.X, filed Feb. 27, 2004 which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present disclosure relates to sports goal and pitchback
assemblies. More particularly, the present invention relates to
collapsible frame assemblies that form a play position for use as a
sports goal and/or pitchback, and a substantially flat, collapsed
position to permit easy transfer and storage.
[0004] 2. Background Information
[0005] Collapsible sports goals are known in the prior art. For
example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,080,375 to Moosavi ("the '375 patent")
shows an adjustable soccer goal with a net. The '375 patent shows
interior tubes 35 connected within members 14-20, 34 for allowing
telescoping that changes the size of the soccer goal when in use.
Thumb screws fix the relationship between the members 14-20, 34 and
interior tubes 35. Connectors 23, 24, 28, 29, 31, 32 frictionally
interconnects the members 14-20, 34. The soccer goal of the '375
patent can be disassembled for storage by removing the members
14-20, 34 from the connectors 23, 24, 28, 29, 31, 32.
[0006] For additional examples, U.S. Pat. No. 5,681,045 to Liao,
U.S. Pat. No. 5,695,195 to John, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,539,957 to
Schmidt disclose collapsible sports goals. Each of these patents
utilize a complex coupling mechanism to allow folding or separation
of the differenct components. For still another example, U.S. Pat.
No. 6,558,279 to the same inventor, which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety, discloses several collapsible sports
goal assemblies with pivot joints for coupling frame members.
However, U.S. Pat. No. 6,558,279 does not disclose joints with
rotational capability that allow quick and easy folding of the goal
frame.
[0007] One drawback associated with the prior art goal frame
assemblies is the inability to fold the frame for transport without
removing components. Another drawback is the cumbersome nature of
the connectors that detracts from the uniform shape of the frame in
the goal opening, and adds to the expense and complexity of the
assembly. Still another drawback is the difficulty in securing the
net to the frame during use and transport. Accordingly, it is an
object of the present invention to overcome these and other
drawbacks and disadvantages of the prior art.
[0008] Similarly, prior art pitchbacks have been unable to be
utilized for a variety of purposes because of the difficulty in
storing and transporting such pitchbacks. In view of this
shortcoming, a pitchback that easily folds for transport and
storage would be an improvement over the prior art. Moreover, prior
art pitchbacks are limited to a sole purpose. Alternative uses,
such as a goal, are not convenient because adjustment from one
configuration to another requires inconvenient reinstallation of
the netting or the pitchback configuration is ill-suited for the
additional application. Thus, there is a need for a pitchback that
can serve as a goal, and change in size and configuration for a
variety of applications.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present disclosure is directed to a collapsible sports
goal assembly including a base frame having a first, second, third
and fourth end, wherein third and fourth ends removably connect. A
front frame is supported upright by the base frame, the front frame
being coupled to the first and second ends of the base frame.
Coupling means allow the first and second ends of the base frame to
rotate in two directions so that the sports goal assembly can be
substantially flattened for storage and transport when the third
and fourth ends are separated. A net attaches to the base frame and
the front frame for retaining objects.
[0010] In another embodiment, a frame for supporting a sports net
includes a base frame for resting on a play surface having first
and second ends. The base frame is selectively coupled at a point
intermediate the first and second ends. A first elbow portion
rotatably connects to the first end, and a second elbow portion
rotatably connects to the second end. A front frame has first and
second ends that rotatably connect to the elbow portions, wherein,
in the play position, the front frame is rigidly supported
substanitally perpendicularly to the play surface by the base
frame, and, to collapse the unitary frame for transport or storage,
the base frame is uncoupled at the intermediate point to allow for
rotation of the base frame first and second ends until the unitary
frame is substantially flat.
[0011] The frame further includes a releasable coupling at a point
within the front frame to thereby allow further folding of the
frame. Preferably, an elastic rope links the resulting portions
together. The frame may also include a pitchback assembly for
selectively converting the front frame portion into a pitchback and
storing thereon without encumbering use as a goal. The pitchback
assembly includes a fabric sleeve for securing the assembly to a
first portion of the goal, an anchor assembly for coupling to a
second portion of the open goal, and a net having one end secured
to the fabric sleeve and another end secured to the anchor
assembly.
[0012] It should be appreciated that the present invention can be
implemented and utilized in numerous ways, including without
limitation as a process, an apparatus, a system, a device, a method
for applications now known and later developed. These and other
unique features of the system disclosed herein will become more
readily apparent from the following description and the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] So that those having ordinary skill in the art to which the
disclosed system appertains will more readily understand how to
make and use the same, reference may be had to the drawings.
[0014] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a collapsible frame
assembly of the present disclosure in an assembled condition with a
net attached thereto.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the collapsible frame
assembly of FIG. 1 in a transitional position between the assembled
and storgae/transport conditions.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the collapsible frame
assembly of FIG. 1 in a storage/transport condition.
[0017] FIG. 4A is an exploded view of a preferred connection
assembly for the intermediate point of the collapsible frame
assembly of FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 4B is an exploded view of a preferred elbow portion for
use with the collapsible frame assembly of FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a collapsible frame
assembly of the present disclosure in the play position.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the collapsible frame
assembly of FIG. 5 in a partially disassembled condition.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the collapsible frame
assembly of FIG. 5 in a partially disassembled condition.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the collapsible frame
assembly of FIG. 5 in the transport/storage position.
[0023] FIGS. 9A and 9B are detailed views of the portion shown in
circle A of FIG. 5.
[0024] FIGS. 10A and 10B are detailed views of the portion shown in
circle B of FIG. 5.
[0025] FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of a frame assembly with
optional pitchback of the present disclosure in the play
position.
[0026] FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the frame assembly of
FIG. 11 with the optional pitchback in the pitchback position.
[0027] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of a preferred anchor assembly
for the optional pitchback of FIG. 11.
[0028] FIG. 14 is a detailed view of a preferred end cap for the
anchor assembly of FIG. 13.
[0029] FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end cap of
FIG. 14 attached to a goal frame.
[0030] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the goal assembly of FIG.
11 with the optional pitchback partially assembled and an optional
shelf assembly thereon.
[0031] FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of a collapsible frame
assembly of the present disclosure in an assembled condition.
[0032] FIG. 18 is a rear perspective view of the collapsible frame
assembly of FIG. 17 in a transitional position between the
assembled and storgae/transport conditions.
[0033] FIG. 19 is another rear perspective view of the collapsible
frame assembly of FIG. 17 in a transitional position between the
assembled and storgae/transport conditions.
[0034] FIG. 20 is still another rear perspective view of the
collapsible frame assembly of FIG. 17 in a transitional position
between the assembled and storgae/transport conditions.
[0035] FIG. 21 is a rear perspective view of the collapsible frame
assembly of FIG. 17 in a storage/transport condition.
[0036] FIG. 22 is a front perspective view of another collapsible
frame assembly of the present disclosure in an assembled
condition.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0037] The present invention overcomes many of the prior art
problems associated with frames for netting. The advantages, and
other features of the frames and netting disclosed herein, will
become more readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the
art from the following detailed description of certain preferred
embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings which set forth
representative embodiments of the present invention and wherein
like reference numerals identify similar structural elements.
[0038] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a collapsible sports goal assembly
10 of the present disclosure comprises an upright front frame 14
supported by a base frame 12. When in use as a sports goal, the
base frame 12 typically rests on the surface of play and the front
frame 14 is oriented in a position approximately perpendicular to
the base frame 12 such that the front frame 14 extends upwardly
from the surface of play to form the goal periphery. As described
further below, the respective frames 12, 14 are pivotally connected
to each other such that the assembly 10 can be oriented in the
assembled play position as shown in FIG. 1, or in a collapsed and
relatively flat position for transport and storage, as shown in
FIG. 3.
[0039] Front end portions 40, 42 of the base frame 12 are connected
to the front frame 14 by elbow portions 26 that allow for limited
rotation. The base frame 12 also can be separated at a point 30
intermediate the back portions 44, 46. Preferably, a net 34 secures
to the frames 12, 14 by sleeves 36. The sleeves 36 of the net 34
are configured to form gaps 39 therebetween near the elbow portions
26 and intermediate point 30. These gaps 39 allow maintaiing the
net 34 in place during folding and assembling of the sports goal
assembly 10. The net 34 further includes a strap 37 to further
secure the net 34 to the frame 12. In a preferred embodiment,
screws (not shown) are threaded into the bottom of the base frame
12 at the gaps 39 in order to form protective feet that prevent
premature wear of the sleeves 36. It is envisioned that the frames
and leg assemblies can be made of any of numerous different
materials, including, for example, metal and/or plastic, and can
define any of numerous different cross-sectional shapes and
configurations, or other shapes and configurations.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 4A, in a preferred embodiment, the
intermediate point 30 consists of a female end 27 and a male end 29
that couple together by friction. A hole 31 formed in the female
end 27 receives a spring-loaded locking pin 33 on the male end 29
to further secure the ends 27, 29 together.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 4B, an exemplary elbow portion 26 is shown
in an exploded view with a front end portion 40 of the base frame
12 and an end of the front frame 14. The end of the front end
portion 40 and end of the front frame 14 include a spring-loaded
locking pin 50. The end of the front end portion 40 and end of the
front frame 14 are sized and configured to insert within the
respective ends of the elbow portion 26 when the respective locking
pin 50 is depressed. Slots 52 formed in the respective ends of the
elbow portion 26 receive the locking pin 50 to retain the frames
12, 14 to the elbow portion 26. Although the elbow portion 26 is
secured to the frames 12, 14, the elbow portion 26 is allowed to
rotate in a limited manner with respect thereto because of the
elongated nature of the slots 52.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 2, to transport or store the goal assembly
10, the base frame 12 can be separated at the intermediate point
30. The back portions 44, 46 of the base frame 12 can be rotated
upward along arrows A in relation to the front frame 14 such that
the back portions 44, 46 are approximately perpendicular to each
other. The front portions 40, 42 can be rotated along arrows B
until the goal assembly is substantially flat, as shown in FIG. 3.
To reassembly, the goal assembly 10 for play, these steps are
reversed.
[0043] As may be recognized by those skilled in the pertinent art
based on the teachings herein, the elbow portions employed in the
sports goal assembly 10 of the present disclosure may take any of
numerous different shapes, configurations, and/or types of such
members that are currently or later become known for performing the
functions of the elbow portions described herein. For example, the
elbow portions may take the form of the male end forming the slot,
the slot may be a series of locking holes, and like variations
without departing from the spirit or the scope of the subject
inventive subject matter.
[0044] Turning to FIGS. 5 through 10B, another embodiment of a
collapsible sports goal assembly of the present disclosure is
indicated generally by the reference numeral 110. The collapsible
sports goal assembly 110 is similar to the collapsible sports goal
assembly 10 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 through 4,
and therefore like reference numerals preceded by the numeral "1"
are used to indicate like elements whenever possible. As can be
seen, a primary difference of the collapsible sports goal assembly
110 is addition of a top frame assembly 116 that provides head
and/or shoulder room for a player positioned within the opening of
the goal, such as a goalie. Referring to FIG. 5, in the play
position, the top frame assembly 116 includes a shelf 122 connected
to the upright front frame 114 and supported by a leg 124.
[0045] Referring to FIGS. 5, 6, 9A and 9B, a bottom end 150 of the
leg 124 forms a sleeve for sliding over the base frame 112 at the
intermediate point 130. In the play position, a locking pin 152 on
the base frame 112 engages a hole 154 formed in the base frame 112
to secure the intermediate point 130.
[0046] Referring now to FIGS. 6, 7, 10A and 10B, the shelf 122 can
be rotated in relation to the front frame 114 from an approximately
perpendicular play position, as shown in FIG. 5, to a collapsed
position as shown in FIG. 7. Preferably, the shelf 122 is integral
with a portion of the front frame 114 to form a rectangle shape
with depending ends 158. The depending ends 158 are a reduced
diameter for sliding within the respective portion of the front
frame 114. A pair of opposing spring-loaded locking pins 160 on
each depending end 158 couple within holes 162 formed in the
respective portion of the front frame 114 to fix the shelf 122
thereto in the play position. Preferably, a top end 156 of the leg
124 also forms a sleeve for sliding over the shelf 122. Thus, the
leg 124 may be moved along the axis of the respective portions of
the shelf 122 and base frame 112.
[0047] In another embodiment, the bottom end 150 of the leg 124 and
the portions of the shelf 122 that engage the front frame 114 form
c-shaped ends for frictionally linking onto the base frame 112. As
a result, the shelf 122 and leg 124 can be quickly and easily
removed altogether without disassembly.
[0048] Referring now to FIGS. 5 through 8, a rough sequence of
steps to convert the goal assembly 110 from the play position to
the transport/storage position is illustrated. Initially, the base
frame 112 is separated at the intermediate point 130 by depressing
the locking pin 152. This separation allows sliding the bottom end
150 of the leg 124 from the base frame as shown in FIG. 6.
Depressing the locking pins 162 on the front frame 114 allows the
shelf 122, and therewith the leg 124, to rotate substantially
parallel to the front frame 114 as shown in FIG. 7. At this point,
the base frame 112 is collapsed in a manner similar to that
described above with respect to goal assembly 10 to achieve the
substantially flat transport/storage position as shown in FIG.
8.
[0049] Turning to FIGS. 11 and 12, another embodiment of the
collapsible sports goal assembly of the present invention is
indicated generally by the reference numeral 210. The sports goal
assembly 210 is substantially similar to the sports goal assembly
10 described above, and therefore like reference numerals preceded
by the numerals "2" are used to indicate like elements. A primary
difference of the sports goal assembly 210 is that a pitchback
assembly 270 converts the perimeter of the goal 210 into a
pitchback as can be seen in FIG. 12.
[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the pitchback assembly 270 is
integral with the net assembly 234 without encumbering use of the
goal assembly 210 as shown in FIG. 11. A fabric sleeve 235 formed
in the net assembly 234 houses the pitchback assembly 270.
Preferably, the fabric sleeve 235 includes a hook and loop fabric
closure (not shown) for easily enveloping and releasing the
pitchback assembly 270. Further, the pitchback assembly 210 does
not encumber placing the goal assembly 210 in the transport/storage
position.
[0051] In another embodiment, the pitchback assembly 270 can be
separated from the net 234 for removal. In the pitchback position,
as shown in FIG. 12, the pitchback assembly 270 includes a net 272
extending across the opening of the goal assembly 210. The net 272
is secured at the top to the front frame 214 and at the bottom to
an anchor assembly 274. The net 272 also includes a target ribbon
275 that can be selectively positioned and shaped thereon. The
anchor assembly 274 secures the net 272 to the bottom of the front
frame 214 at the elbow portions 226.
[0052] Referring now to FIG. 13, the anchor assembly 274 includes a
tubular portion 276 extending along the play surface between the
bottom ends of the front frame 214. In a preferred embodiment, the
tubular portion 276 is composed of several telescoping portions 278
so that a length thereof can be selectively varied. The net 272
forms a loops, a sleeve or the like for sliding over the tubular
portion 276. A pair of end caps 280 couple each end of the tubular
portion 276 to the respective bottom end 292 of the front frame
214.
[0053] Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14, each end cap 280 includes
a sleeve portion 286 connected to a collar portion 288. The sleeve
portion 286 includes a pair of opposing spring loaded locking pins
282 for releasably engaging holes 284 formed in the tubular portion
276 of the anchor assembly 274. In a preferred embodiment, the
collar portion 288 couples to the sleeve portion 286 by a friction
fit. In another embodiment, the end cap 280 is monolithic.
[0054] Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 15, the collar portion 288
forms a channel 290 for receiving the bottom end 292 of the front
frame 214. Preferably, the bottom end 292 of the front frame 214 is
an open-ended structure for mating with the channel 290. A distal
end 294 of the end cap 280 extends into the bottom end 292 such
that the tubular portion 276 becomes secured across the bottom of
the front frame 214.
[0055] Referring now to FIG. 16, to place the pitchback assembly
270 in the storage position of FIG. 11, the end caps 280 are
removed from the bottom ends 292 of the front frame 214. The
tubular portion 276 is rolled along arrow C to wrap the net 272
thereabout. As the net 272 wraps about the tubular portion 276, the
tubular portion 276 moves along arrow D until approximately
adjacent the top of the front frame 214. The tubular portion 276 is
telescoped to become approximately the same length as the fabric
sleeve 235 for enclosure therein. To return the pitchback assembly
270 to the pitchback position, the fabric sleeve 235 is opened to
release the tubular portion 276. The net 272 is unraveled from the
tubular portion 276, the tubular portion is extended and engaed to
the front frame 214.
[0056] Referring now to FIG. 17, a pitchback goal combination frame
constructed in accordance with the subject disclosure is referred
to generally by the reference numeral 310. The frame 310 is similar
to the assemblies 10, 110, 210 described above, and therefore like
reference numerals preceded by the numerals "3" are used to
indicate like elements whenever possible to simplify the following
description. A primary difference is that the frame 310 is intended
to serve mainly as a pitchback but also converts to a goal assembly
and folds substantially flatly and compactly for transport and
storage.
[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the frame 310 includes an upright
front frame 314 supported by a base frame 312. The frame 310 also
includes an optional anchor assembly 374 extending along the play
surface between the ends of the front frame 314. For additional
support of the front frame 314, optional legs 317 extend between
the front frame 314 and the base frame 312.
[0058] Referring to FIGS. 18 through 21, the sequnce for collapsing
the frame 310 for storage and transport is shown. The base frame
312 and the front frame 314 can be separated at intermediate points
330. In a preferred embodiment, the intermediate points 330 consist
of a female and male end that are held together by a hole and
locking pin in combination as shown above with respect to FIG. 4A.
The base frame 312 is folded in a similar manner to that as
described above. However, the front frame 314 can also be reduced
in size because of the intermediate point 330 therein. Preferably,
an elastic rope 337 is secured within the front frame 314 for
linking the resulting collapsed portions of the frame 310. To
reassemble, the goal assembly 10 for play, these steps are
reversed.
[0059] Referring now to FIG. 22, a pitchback goal combination frame
constructed in accordance with the subject disclosure is shown in
the extended position and referred to generally by the reference
numeral 410. The frame 410 is similar to the assemblies 10, 110,
210, 310 described above, and therefore like reference numerals
preceded by the numerals "4" are used to indicate like elements
whenever possible to simplify the following description. A primary
difference is that the frame 410 includes reinforced netting and
the ability to telescope in size.
[0060] In a preferred embodiment, a net assembly 434 stretches
across the opening of the frame 410. The net assembly 434 includes
a target ribbon 475 and reinforcement bands 477. Preferably, a
plurality of reinforcement bands 477 provide the net assembly with
an elastic ability for improving ball return performance and
allowing variation of the size of the net assembly 434. The frame
410 also includes a front frame 414, bottom frame 412 and anchor
portion 474 that telescope to allow for expansion and contraction
of the size of the opening of the frame 410.
[0061] Each embodiments described herein may each include various
other features shown on another embodiment herein in order to
further incorporate the functional advantages of the respective
feature. For example, the interconnections of various tubular
components may take any of numerous different shapes or
configurations, and may be replaced by any of numerous other
fastening mechanisms for performing the functions described herein.
Each frame member can be formed as a single piece, or from more
than two pieces. In addition, the locking members and rotating
links can be any of numerous different mechanisms or devices which
are currently known, or later become known for performing one or
more of the functions of either of these components described
herein. As may be recognized by those skilled in the pertinent art
based on the teachings herein, numerous changes and modifications
may be made to the above-described and other embodiments of the
present invention without departing from its scope as defined in
the appended claims.
* * * * *