U.S. patent application number 12/321268 was filed with the patent office on 2010-07-22 for lightweight portable goal post.
Invention is credited to Kendyl A. Roman.
Application Number | 20100184537 12/321268 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42337410 |
Filed Date | 2010-07-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100184537 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Roman; Kendyl A. |
July 22, 2010 |
Lightweight portable goal post
Abstract
Low cost, durable, reusable, lightweight, inexpensive, simple,
easy to assemble/disassemble, transportable goal posts. The goal
posts may be composed of single piece T reinforcement and single
piece cross bar reinforcements, as well as readily available
construction materials, such as PVC pipe. The bodies of the single
piece reinforcements are sized so that the pipes forming the
upright posts and crossbar have the same length. Assembly,
disassembly, and transportation are simplified. The disassembled
components can be carried in vans and SUVs. Internal reinforcements
allow flexible, low cost materials such as PVC pipe to be used
while maintaining a professional, aesthetic appearance.
Inventors: |
Roman; Kendyl A.;
(Sunnyvale, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KENDYL A ROMAN
730 BANTRY COURT
SUNNYVALE
CA
94087
US
|
Family ID: |
42337410 |
Appl. No.: |
12/321268 |
Filed: |
January 16, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/477 ; 29/428;
473/476 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2071/024 20130101;
A63B 2210/50 20130101; A63B 63/008 20130101; Y10T 29/49826
20150115; A63B 2243/0066 20130101; A63B 2209/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/477 ; 29/428;
473/476 |
International
Class: |
A63B 63/04 20060101
A63B063/04 |
Claims
1. A goal post comprising, a) two T reinforcement, each having: i)
a T body, ii) an upper leg, iii) a horizontal leg, and iv) a lower
leg; b) a cross bar reinforcement, having i) a cross bar body, and
ii) two cross bar legs; c) two upper posts, each removeably
connected to the upper leg of one of the T reinforcements
respectively; d) two lower posts, each removeably connected to
lower leg of one of the T reinforcements respectively; e) two cross
bar sections, each removeably connected a horizontal leg of the T
reinforcements respectively, and both connected to respectively
cross bar legs; wherein each of the lower posts and cross bar
sections are less than ten feet long, whereby the goal post is
disassembled and transported using a passenger vehicle.
2. The goal post of claim 2 where each of the upper posts, lower
posts, and cross bar sections comprise pipes of the same length,
whereby assembly is accomplished using any of the same length
pipes.
3. The goal post of claim 2 further comprising a cap connected to
the end of each upper post.
4. The goal post of claim 3 wherein each cap further comprises a
wind streamer attached to the cap.
5. The goal post of claim 2 wherein a shoulder is formed where each
leg meets the respective body, wherein the outer diameter of the
body is the same as the outer diameter of the attached upper post,
lower post, or cross bar section, whereby the seam between the
shoulder and the attached post or section is hidden.
6. The goal post of claim 2 wherein each leg has an outer diameter
which connects tightly with the inner diameter of the attached
upper post, lower post, or cross bar section, wherein the shape of
the attached post or section is reinforced, whereby the goal post
maintains a predetermined shape.
7. The goal post of claim 6 wherein each leg comprises hollow
cylinder having said outer diameter.
8. The goal post of claim 7 where the hollow cylinder is internally
reinforced with a plurality of radially intersecting, rectangular
sheets of material.
9. The goal post of claim 6 wherein each leg comprises a
rectangular bar having a plurality of perpendicular disks spaced at
intervals along the bar.
10. The goal post of claim 9 wherein the leg further comprises an
intersecting bar providing an addition dimension of support between
the disks.
11. The goal post of claim 6 wherein each leg comprises a
rectangular bar having a plurality of cutouts spaced at intervals
along the bar, whereby the weight is reduced.
12. The goal post of claim 6 wherein each leg comprises vertical
and horizontal pieces having a cross hair cross-section.
13. A method of assembling a portable goal post comprising: i) two
T reinforcements, ii) a cross bar reinforcement, iii) two upper
posts, iv) two lower posts, and v) two cross bar sections, the
method comprising the steps of: a) removeably connecting each of
the upper posts to an upper leg of one of the T reinforcements
respectively, b) removeably connecting each of the lower posts to a
lower leg of one of the T reinforcements respectively, c)
removeably connecting each of the cross bar sections to a leg of
the cross bar reinforcement respectively, d) removeably connecting
each of the cross bar sections to a horizontal leg of one of the T
reinforcements respectively, wherein each of the legs of the
reinforcements help maintain the shape of the post or section into
which the respective leg is inserted, whereby the goal post is
assembled using lightweight posts and sections.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising the steps of: e)
driving fence posts into the ground, f) raising the assembled goal
post over the fence posts, wherein one lower post is placed over
one of the fence posts and the other lower post is placed over the
other fence post, whereby the fence posts hold the goal post erect,
g) later, disassembling the goal post for compact storage or
transportation.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of: h)
transporting the disassembled goal post using a passenger
vehicle.
16. A system comprising two goal posts of claim 1.
17. A system of reinforcements for use with PVC pipe cut to
predetermined lengths, said system comprising: i) two T
reinforcements, ii) a cross bar reinforcement, wherein each
reinforcement comprises a body and a plurality of reinforcing legs
configured to be inserted into a PVC pipe and reinforce the PVC
pipe, wherein the reinforcements are configured to be combined with
PVC pipe to form a lightweight, portable goal post.
18. The system of claim 17 further comprising two caps.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to goal posts used on sport
fields, in particular the invention related to improved
lightweight, portable, low cost goal posts.
[0003] 2. Description of Prior Art
[0004] Rugby Football is becoming more popular in the United States
and other countries. However, with a few notable exceptions such as
Stanford, U.C. Berkeley and West Point there are few permanent
Rugby Football Stadiums. Fields used for Rugby are typically used
for soccer, baseball and other sports that require the Rugby goal
posts to be removed after the match or tournament is concluded.
Further, Rugby typically is a club sport and the clubs have limited
resources and need to play in different fields.
[0005] For many years, Rugby Football has been played all over the
world. However, the sport has been more popular in countries other
than the United States, making Rugby Football fields scarce.
American Football and Association Football (soccer) fields, on the
other hand, are everywhere. Having the ability to erect a low cost,
portable Rugby goal post would make it easier to play Rugby on any
suitable pitch.
[0006] In the case of Rugby Union, the International Rugby Board
(IRB) sets the specification for the size and shape of the
regulation Rugby goal posts. Currently the goal post must be at
least 3.4 meters high with the cross bar being 3.0 meters high and
5.6 meters wide (between the upright posts).
[0007] Previously, single piece goal posts have been manufactured
of rectangular or round (tubular) metal. However, these are heavy,
expensive, and difficult to transport. Some versions have a
removable cross bar, but are still difficult to transport because
they don't fit in a passenger vehicle and are relatively difficult
to breakdown and reassemble.
[0008] What is needed is a lightweight, low cost, portable Rugby
goal post that can be broken down, placed inside commonly available
vans and SUVs and reassembled.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is an objective of the present invention to provide an
improved goal post having various advantages that make for quick
and easy setup and ultimately facilitate the playing of Rugby on
any suitably sized sports field. The various embodiments include
novel, lightweight, strong, low cost manufacture, easy to setup,
easy to store, easy to transport goal posts.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
[0010] Some objects and advantages of the present invention are:
[0011] a) To provide an inexpensive goal post. [0012] b) To provide
a simpler way of making a goal post. [0013] c) To provide a
collapsible goal post. [0014] d) To provide an easy to store goal
post. [0015] e) To provide an easy to transport goal post. [0016]
f) To provide a lightweight goal post. [0017] g) To provide a
simple way to manufacture goal posts. [0018] h) To provide an
inexpensive way to manufacture goal posts. [0019] i) To provide a
simple way to ship goal posts components. [0020] j) To provide an
ideal goal post for people, groups of people, and organizations,
such as athletic clubs, schools and churches, who prefer a low
maintenance and low cost goal post. [0021] k) To provide a goal
post that could be sold in kits to be assembled by the purchaser
and doesn't require special tools such as wrenches, pliers, and
screwdrivers. [0022] l) To provide a goal post made of PVC pipe and
or other types of rods, pipes, and tubing that are plastic, metal
etc. and which are inexpensive and readily available. [0023] m) To
provide a goal post made of parts with consistent sizes to minimize
manufacturing and make it easier to assemble. [0024] n) To provide
a goal post having a professional and aesthetic appearance with
hidden seams between the components.
DRAWING FIGURES
[0025] In the drawings, closely related figures have the same
number but different alphabetic suffixes.
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a PVC pipe version of a Rugby goal
post.
[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates PVC posts leaning in due to sagging PVC
cross bar.
[0028] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a solution with wooden
reinforcements.
[0029] FIG. 5 illustrates a solution with single piece
reinforcements.
[0030] FIG. 6 illustrates a T reinforcement.
[0031] FIG. 7A through 7E illustrates the embodiments of
reinforcement legs.
[0032] FIG. 8A illustrates the embodiment of a cap.
[0033] FIG. 8B illustrates the embodiment of a cap with wind
streamers.
TABLE-US-00001 REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS 1 (a-b) T
reinforcement 2 cross bar reinforcement 3 (a-b) upper post 4 (a-b)
cap 5 (a-b) lower post 6 (a-b) cross bar section 7 (a-b) fence post
8 cross bar 9 (a-b) post 10 (a-b) T connector 11 goal post 12
straight connector 20 (a-b) T connector with screw entry 22 (a-b)
vertical board 24 (a-b) horizontal board 26 (a-b) screw 28 (a-b)
washer 30 vertical board screw hole 32 horizontal board screw hole
34 connector screw entry 36 center horizontal board 60 (a-c) leg 63
(a-e) leg shoulder 66 (a-e) leg reinforcement 69 T body 70 (a-b)
cross bar leg 71 first alternate leg 72 second alternate leg 73
third alternate leg 74 fourth alternate leg 75 cutout 79 cross bar
body 80 cap with wind streamer attachment 81 wind streamer 82 wind
streamer attachment 84 cap shoulder
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
PVC Pipes and Connectors Solution
[0034] FIG. 1 illustrates an early attempt to solve the above
described problems was to make portable goal posts out of
commercially available PVC pipes and standard connectors (FIG. 1).
T connectors 10a and 10b are connected onto upper posts 3a and 3b,
lower posts 5a and 5b forming posts 9a and 9b. Cross bar sections
6a and 6b are connected into the T connectors 10a and 10b
respectively and into a straight connector 12 forming a cross bar
8.
[0035] Testing showed that this PVC-only goal post met some of the
requirements but was not a complete solution. PVC pipe is relative
flexible. As illustrated by FIG. 2, the weight of the cross bar 8
caused cross bar 8 to sag and the posts 9a and 9b to lean inward.
This PVC-only solution could be challenged because did not meet
regulation shape and brought ridicule to the home team.
[0036] To meet regulation size while using standard connectors, the
upper posts 3, lower posts 5 and cross bar sections 6 are cut to
different lengths, for example some are cut to nine feet while the
others are cut to nine feet ten inches. This difference in size
makes it difficult to quickly assemble the pipes in the right
configuration.
[0037] In one embodiment, the PVC pipes were cut from six 2'' by
20' PVC pipes and assembled with 2'' Tees, Cap, Connectors.
PVC Pipes with Wooden Reinforcements
[0038] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate how the PVC-only solution was
improved by using wooden reinforcements inside the cross bar and
inside the T connections.
[0039] FIG. 3 illustrates the details of the wooden reinforcement
comprising vertical board 22 and horizontal board 24. A screw 26 is
inserted through washer 28 into a vertical board screw hole 30 and
tightened to hold the vertical board 22 and the horizontal board 24
together. In order to attach the board together inside the PVC
pipes, the standard T connector is replaced with a T connector with
screw entry 20, which has a connector screw entry 34, which allows
access to insert the screw 26, and a wrench (not shown).
[0040] FIG. 4 illustrates a reinforced PVC pipe goal post. The
vertical boards 22a and 22b, the horizontal boards 24a and 24b and
the center horizontal board 36 are placed inside PVC posts (3a, 3b,
5a, 5b, 6a and 6b) and T connector with screw entries (20a and
20b). After the boards are inside the PVC components, the PVC pipes
are inserted into the connectors. Optionally, a center horizontal
board 36 is also placed inside the PVC cross bar sections (6a and
6b) and straight connector 12 to further reduce the sag in the
cross bar 8.
[0041] The T connectors with screw entry 20a and 20b are connected
onto the upper posts 3a and 3b, the lower posts 5a and 5b forming
the posts 9a and 9b. The cross bar sections 6a and 6b are connected
into the T connector with screw entry 20a and 20b respectively and
into the straight connector 12 forming the cross bar 8. The center
horizontal board 36 is placed inside the straight connector 12
prior to it being connected to cross bar sections 6a and 6b.
[0042] The screw 26 and washer 28 are inserted through the
connector screw entry 34 of the T connector with screw entry 20,
into the vertical board screw hole 30 and threaded into horizontal
board screw hole 32 to hold the vertical board 22 and the
horizontal board 24 together. The outer PVC pipes are reinforced by
the inner boards.
[0043] In one embodiment, the board are made from
2''.times.2''.times.2'' redwood cut into one 5' and one 3' length,
respectively.
[0044] Testing showed good results as far as the shape of the goal
posts, but there are still problems.
[0045] The screw 26 joint into the horizontal board 24 at the
horizontal board screw hole 32 is weak and doesn't hold up over a
few uses. Alternative embodiments attempt to improve this by using
bolts that attach to nuts embedded in the horizontal board 24, or
use different hardware, but these embodiments still have the
following problems in common with the previous disclosure.
[0046] Because the details of the complex reinforcement mechanism
is hidden, in testing the wooden boards (22, 24) were innocently
broken by volunteers helping to take this wood reinforced goal post
down.
[0047] There are many parts and it is difficult to assemble and
requires special tools such as wrenches, pliers, and screwdrivers.
It's hard to keep track of the tools while carrying the PVC pipes
and parts from the vehicle and across the fields. The screw is
difficult to put in place and easy to lose on the playing field.
Once lost, a large screw presents a hazard for injury.
[0048] The assembled poles 9a and 9b and the crossbar 8 have
irregular shapes because the T connectors 20 and straight connector
12 have circumferences larger than the PVC pipes (for example see
outline of FIG. 2).
Portable Goal Post with Single Piece Reinforcements
[0049] FIG. 5 shows goal post 11, which uses single piece
reinforcements (1, 2) that are made of lightweight but strong
material such as plastic or metal. The single piece reinforcements
are preferably manufactured through a molding process, but some
embodiments may be homemade using commercially available materials.
In one embodiment the pipes are standard PVC pipes cut to the same
length. The pipes including the upper posts 3a and 3b, lower posts
5a and 5b, and cross bar sections 6a and 6b are connected onto the
T reinforcements 1a and 1b. The upper posts 3a and 3b are connected
onto legs 60a (of 1a and 1b respectively), and the lower posts 5a
and 5b are connected onto legs 60c (of 1a and 1b respectively),
forming the posts 9a and 9b. The cross bar section 6a is connected
onto leg 60b of T reinforcements 1a and the cross bar leg 70a of
the cross bar reinforcement 2, and the cross bar section 6b is
connected onto leg 60b of T reinforcements la cross bar leg 70b of
the cross bar reinforcement 2 forming the cross bar 8.
[0050] This assembly requires no tools. For each goal post, in a
pair of goal posts, there are only three components (1a, 1b, and 2)
needed to connect the pipes. The parts are easy to carry, hard to
lose, hard to break. The pieces are intuitive and easy to assemble
and disassemble.
[0051] In an embodiment where the pipes (3a, 3b, 5a, 5b, 6a, and
6b) are cut to the same length, the length of the respective bodies
(69 and 79) are made so that the regardless of which pipe is used,
the resulting goal post 11 will be regulation size and shape.
[0052] Once assembled, the goal post 11 is held up, for example, by
placing the lower posts 5a and 5b over standard steel fence posts
7a and 7b that are driven into the ground.
[0053] In one embodiment the tops of the upper posts 3a and 3b are
left open.
[0054] In yet other embodiments the tops of the upper posts 3a and
3b are closed with caps 4a and 4b (FIG. 8A) or with caps with wind
streamer attachments 80 (FIG. 8B), respectively.
[0055] The assembled goal post 11 is lightweight, has a smooth
outer consistent diameter, and performs well despite the
substantially lower cost of PVC pipe. The goal post 11 can be
assembled and disassembled without tools or loose parts. The
assembly and disassembly is intuitive and is simpler and faster.
The disassembled goal post 11 can fit in most passenger vehicles
including station wagons and sedans with fold out seats.
Embodiments of Single Piece Reinforcements
[0056] Details of one embodiment of molded pieces are shown in FIG.
6, namely the T reinforcement 1, and in FIG. 7A, namely the cross
bar reinforcement 2. The body of each T body 69 and cross bar
reinforcement body 79 preferably has the same outer diameter as the
PVC pipes including the upper posts 3a and 3b, lower posts 5a and
5b and cross bar sections 6a and 6b. The reinforcement legs 60(a-c)
and cross bar legs 70(a-b) have an outer diameter that fits tightly
the inner diameter of the PVC pipes (3a, 3b, 5a, 5b, 6a, & 6b).
The T body 69 and the cross bar reinforcement body 79 leg shoulders
63(a-e) that match the end of each PVC pipe (3a, 3b, 5a, 5b, 6a,
& 6b) when fully inserted (forming a hidden seam) providing the
consistent outer diameter for the goal post 11.
[0057] FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of the T reinforcement 1,
comprising a T body 69 and three legs (60a, 60b, and 60c). Where
the respective legs connect to the T body 69, the T reinforcement 1
comprises a leg shoulder (63a, 63b, and 63c, respectively).
[0058] FIG. 7A illustrates one embodiment of the cross bar
reinforcement 2, comprising a cross bar body 79 and two cross bar
legs (70a, and 70b). Where the respective legs connect to the cross
bar body 79, the cross bar reinforcement 2 comprises a leg shoulder
(63d and 63e, respectively).
[0059] Good results have been obtained where each of the legs are
greater than two feet in length. The legs reinforce the respective
pipes providing greater structural strength and help maintain the
desired goal post shape enabling the use of low cost, lightweight,
relatively flexible materials for the pipes, such as for example
two inch PVC pipe.
[0060] As discussed above, optionally, when the T body 69 and cross
bar body 79 have sufficient predetermined length the pipes (3a, 3b,
5a, 5b, 6a, & 6b) can have identical lengths simplifying
assembly and transport.
[0061] FIG. 7A through 7E show various embodiments where the legs
are formed in alternate ways. Each shows an embodiment of a leg
connected at the leg shoulder 63 as shown FIG. 6 (to the T body 69)
or FIG. 7A (to the cross bar body 79). These leg embodiments are
exemplary and not intended to be restrictive of the invention.
These embodiments are lightweight and strong.
[0062] FIG. 7A illustrates leg reinforcement 66(a-e) consisting of
a cylinder with cross hair with horizontal and vertical
reinforcements. This embodiment provides the best reinforcement for
the respective pipes, but has more material and cost.
[0063] FIG. 7B illustrates a first alternate leg 71 consisting of a
vertical bar with thin disks set at intervals. This embodiment
helps maintain the round shape of the pipes with less material than
the embodiment in 7A. This embodiment provides good linear support
in one dimension, as is primarily needed with the cross bar 8.
[0064] FIG. 7C illustrates a second alternate leg 72 consisting of
intersecting bars with thin disks set at intervals. This embodiment
helps maintain the round shape of the pipes with less material than
the embodiment in 7A. This embodiment provides good linear support
in two dimensions.
[0065] FIG. 7D illustrates a third alternate leg 73 consisting of a
vertical bar with circle cutouts 75 hole. This embodiment reduces
the material and cost over the other embodiments shown.
[0066] FIG. 7E illustrates a fourth alternate leg 74 comprising
vertical and horizontal pieces having a cross hair
cross-section.
[0067] FIGS. 7A and 7E are examples of embodiments that could be
home made. The bodies could be made by cutting PVC pipe and sheets
of PVC plastic to form the shapes shown and then melding them into
a single piece using PVC cement. The PVC pipe and PVC cement are
available at local hardware stores. PVC plastic sheets can be
obtained cut to size, from plastic stores or the Internet, e.g. Tap
Plastics, www.tapplastics.com.
Caps
[0068] FIG. 8A shows an embodiment of the cap 4 with the cap
shoulder 84 for the present invention. FIG. 8B shows the embodiment
of a cap with wind streamer attachment 80 for the present
invention. As with the embodiment of cap 4, the cap with wind
streamer attachment 80 also has a cap shoulder 84 making both
interchangeable. In addition, a provision for a wind streamer 81 is
made and is held by a wind streamer attachment 82. The wind
streamer attachment 82 is made via a hole in the cap 80 or via a
hole in an eye loop molded into the cap 80.
Minimal Shipping
[0069] The invention may be manufactured as a product comprising
molded T reinforcements 1 and a cross bar reinforcement 2. Only the
single piece reinforcements (1, 2) need to be manufactured and
shipped. The caps (4 or 80) could also be included. The user can
then obtain the standard PVC pipe (cut to size) and fence posts at
a local hardware store. This reduces manufacturing, warehousing and
shipping costs, but provides an easy to use, durable, reusable,
portable solution.
Advantages
Lightweight
[0070] These improved goal posts are lightweight.
Low Cost
[0071] These improved goal posts are low cost. They can be made of
PVC pipe and or other types of rods, pipes, and tubing that are
plastic, metal etc. and which are inexpensive and readily
available.
Simple to Make and Manufacture
[0072] These improved goal posts are easy to make or to
manufacture, having a simpler set of parts and configuration.
Collapsible
[0073] These improved goal posts are collapsible for easier
handing.
Easy to Store
[0074] These improved goals post are easy to store.
Easy to Transport
[0075] These improved goal posts are easy to transport. They can
fit inside most vans and SUVs, which are commonly available to
small sport clubs and families.
Easy to Ship
[0076] The molded parts can be shipped easily, compared to having
to ship the entire goal posts of convention goal posts.
Easy to Use
[0077] These improved goal posts are ideal for people, groups of
people, and organizations, such as athletic clubs, schools and
churches, who prefer a low maintenance and low cost goal post. Kits
can be assembled by the purchaser. Assembly does not require
special tools such as wrenches, pliers, and screwdrivers. These
improved goal posts made of parts with consistent sizes, which
minimize manufacturing and make assembly and disassembly
easier.
Professional Appearance
[0078] These goal posts have a professional and aesthetic
appearance with hidden seams between the components.
Durable
[0079] The preferred embodiments of these goal posts are durable
and are less likely to be broken.
Conclusion, Ramification, and Scope
[0080] Accordingly, the reader will see that the improved
lightweight, portable, low cost goal posts are easy to use and
transport.
[0081] While the above descriptions contain several specifics these
should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the
invention, but rather as examples of some of the preferred
embodiments thereof. Many other variations are possible. For
example, the legs of the single piece reinforcements can be
manufactured in different ways to reduce material and simplify
manufacturing. The variations could be used without departing from
the scope and spirit of the novel features of the present
invention.
[0082] Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined
not by the illustrated embodiments, but by the appended claims and
their legal equivalents.
* * * * *
References