Soccer goal

Abstract

 Goal, particularly a soccer goal, comprising a bottom frame and a goal frame that is upright from the front of the bottom frame, wherein the bottom frame is provided with a first girder, a second girder and a connecting bar connecting the girders to each other, wherein the goal frame is provided with a first goal post, a second goal post and a crossbar connecting the goal posts to each other, wherein the goal comprises hinges that divide the assembly of the first girder and the first goal post into at least three segments that are coupled to each other in series and rotate with respect to one another, wherein the segments of the goal are rotatable about the centre lines of rotation for rolling up or rolling out the goal.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a goal, particularly a soccer goal.

[0002] A known soccer goal comprises a bottom frame and a goal frame that is upright from the bottom frame and bounds a goal mouth. The known goal can be used for goal practice. In goal practice the soccer field is used intensively in the notional penalty area in front of the goal. The goal is therefore placed on a different spot on the soccer field per goal practice in order to burden the turf of the soccer field more equably. After goal practice the goal has to be removed from the soccer field in a short time window, so that regular practice or a match can be proceeded with.

[0003] Due to its dimensions and weight the known goal is difficult to handle. Moreover the trouble to move the goal into the catacombs of the soccer field usually is not taken, as a result of which the goal sits along the soccer field unused and in sight.

[0004] It is an object of the invention to provide a mobile goal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] According to a first aspect the invention provides a goal, particularly a soccer goal, comprising a bottom frame and a goal frame that is upright from the front of the bottom frame, wherein the bottom frame is provided with a first girder, a second girder spaced apart from the first girder and a connecting bar extending transverse to the girders and connecting the girders to each other, wherein the goal frame is provided with a first goal post that is upright from the first girder, a second goal post that is upright from the second girder and a crossbar extending transverse to the goal posts and connecting the goal posts to each other at their upper sides, wherein at the front of the goal the goal posts and the crossbar jointly bound a goal mouth, wherein the goal comprises hinges that divide the assembly of the first girder and the first goal post into at least three segments that are coupled to each other in series and rotate with respect to one another, wherein each hinge in the assembly of the first girder and the first goal post has a corresponding hinge having a common centre line of rotation in the assembly of the second girder and the second goal post, wherein the assembly of the second girder and the second goal post is divided in a comparable manner by corresponding hinges into at least three segments that are coupled to each other in series and rotate with respect to one another, wherein the centre lines of rotation of the hinges extend parallel to the crossbar, wherein the segments of the goal are rotatable about the centre lines of rotation for rolling up or rolling out the goal.

[0006] In the rolled-up condition the goal can easily be handled and moved. Moreover due to its limited dimensions the goal in the rolled-up condition can be placed out of sight, for instance behind advertising boards or the boards surrounding the soccer field.

[0007] In one embodiment the goal comprises a first segment in the assembly of the first girder and the first goal post and the goal comprises a corresponding first segment in the assembly of the second girder and the second goal post, wherein the first segments are situated at the outer ends of the respective series of segments that are coupled to each other, wherein the other segments of the respective series, in the rolled-up condition of the goal, are each time rotated in the same direction with respect to the first segments. In that way the segments can be rolled up into a curl in order to form a compact rolled-up goal.

[0008] In one embodiment the hinges are provided with a locking member that fixates hinges in the rolled-out condition of the goal such that the two segments on either side of the hinge extend in each other's extension and wherein the locking member fixates the hinges in the rolled-up condition of the goal such that the two segments on either side of the hinge extend at a substantially perpendicular angle to each other. The locking members are able to fixate the hinges so that the segments can no longer rotate with respect to each other and keep the goal in the rolled-out or the rolled-up condition.

[0009] In one embodiment the segments in the rolled-up condition of the goal form a package that has a substantially rectangular contour when considered parallel to the crossbar. The segments can define the sides of the rectangular contour of the package. Due to the compact, rectangular shape the package can be easily handled.

[0010] In one embodiment the first and the last segment of the series in the rolled-up condition of the goal are juxtaposed on the same side of the rectangular package and preferably extend parallel to each other. The segments can define the sides of the rectangular contour of the package, wherein the first and the last segment close the contour.

[0011] In one embodiment the first segments are the segments of the first goal post and the second goal post, respectively, which considered in series are situated farthest from the girders, wherein the goal is provided with a first net support and a second net support extending rearward from the first segments. The net supports can define the shape of a net to be stretched between the crossbar and the connecting bar.

[0012] In one embodiment the first segments with the net supports attached to it in the rolled-up condition of the goal are rolled up in the other segments, wherein considered parallel to the crossbar the net supports are confined within the segments that are circumferentially rolled up around the net supports. The segments can envelop the net supports in roll-up direction, so that the net supports and the net possibly stretched over them are rolled up or curled up just within the segments and do not project from the rectangular contour of the package. In that way the package can be easily handled.

[0013] In one embodiment the net supports are ears, preferably ears formed like brackets. The ears may define the shape of a net to be stretched between the crossbar and the connecting bar.

[0014] In one embodiment the crossbar and/or the connecting bar are substantially straight in both the rolled-out condition and the rolled-up condition of the goal. The crossbar and the connecting bar therefore are able to move along simultaneously with the rolling up or rolling out of the goal, without additional actions to fixate or unlock or rotate being required.

[0015] In one embodiment the crossbar and/or the connecting bar are formed out of one piece. In that way the crossbar and the connecting bar can be kept free from weak spots, so that they are able to form a firm connection between the first goal post and the second goal post, and the first girder and the second girder respectively.

[0016] In one embodiment the goal posts each comprise at least two segments and preferably three segments. By using several segments the final dimension of the rolled-up goal can be reduced. In this case the height of the goal in rolled-up condition can be reduced to approximately one third of the height of the goal post.

[0017] In one embodiment the girders each comprise at least two segments. By using several segments the final dimension of the rolled-up goal can be reduced. In this case the width of the goal in rolled-up condition can be reduced to approximately half the length of the girder.

[0018] In one embodiment the hinges divide the assemblies of the girders and the goal posts into at least four segments that are coupled to each other in series and rotate with respect to one another. By using several segments the final dimension of the rolled-up goal can be reduced.

[0019] In one embodiment each assembly of girder and goal post comprises a segment that extends in both the girder and the goal post and forms a rigid connection between the girder and the goal post. Known goals are provided with additional posts that extend between the crossbar and the connecting bar and at that location bear a part of the weight of the goal frame. The additional posts may hinder the roll-up motion of the goal. The rigid connection is able to bear the full weight of the goal frame and additional posts thus are not required.

[0020] In one embodiment the hinges that divide the goal posts are provided with front surfaces which, when the goal is in the rolled-out condition, effect a flush continuation of the goal posts at the location of the hinges at the front of the goal. The flush continuation may effect that a football that from the front of the goal hits one of the goal posts at the location of a hinge, changes direction in a similar manner as when it would hit one of the segments of the goal post.

[0021] In one embodiment the soccer goal is provided with a net stretched between the goal frame and the bottom frame. The net is able to catch a football passing through the goal mouth from the front of the goal.

[0022] In one embodiment the direct connections between the goal posts and the girders bear the full weight of the goal frame. Known goals are provided with additional posts that extend between the crossbar and the connecting bar and at that location bear a part of the weight of the goal frame. The additional posts may hinder the roll-up motion of the goal. The rigid connection is able to bear the full weight of the goal frame and additional posts thus are not required.

[0023] According to a second aspect the invention provides a method for rolling up a goal, particularly a soccer goal, wherein the goal comprises a bottom frame and a goal frame that is upright from the front of the bottom frame, wherein the bottom frame is provided with a first girder, a second girder spaced apart from the first girder and a connecting bar extending transverse to the girders and connecting the girders to each other, wherein the goal frame is provided with a first goal post that is upright from the first girder, a second goal post that is upright from the second girder and a crossbar extending transverse to the goal posts that connects the goal posts to each other at their upper sides, wherein the goal posts and the crossbar at the front of the goal jointly bound a goal mouth, wherein the goal comprises hinges that divide the assembly of the first girder and the first goal post into at least three segments that are coupled to each other in series and rotate with respect to one another, wherein each hinge in the assembly of the first girder and the first goal post has a corresponding hinge having a common centre line of rotation in the assembly of the second girder and the second goal post, wherein the assembly of the second girder and the second goal post is divided in a comparable manner by the corresponding hinges into at least three segments that are coupled to each other in series and rotate with respect to one another, wherein the centre lines of rotation of the hinges extend parallel to the crossbar, wherein the segments of the goal are rotatable about the centre lines of rotation for rolling up or rolling out the goal, wherein the goal comprises a first segment in the assembly of the first girder and the first goal post and wherein the goal comprises a corresponding first segment in the assembly of the second girder and the second goal post, wherein the first segments are situated at the outer ends of the respective series of segments that are coupled to each other, wherein the method for rolling up the goal comprises the step of with respect to the first segments in successive rotary motions about the centre lines of rotation of the hinges successively in the same direction rotating the other segments of the series.

[0024] The goal can easily be handled and moved in the rolled-up condition. Moreover due to its limited dimensions the goal in the rolled-up condition can be placed out of sight, for instance behind the advertising boards or the boards surrounding a soccer field.

[0025] In one embodiment the hinges in the rolled-out condition of the goal are locked for keeping the goal in the rolled-out condition, wherein prior to each rotation of a segment the method comprises the unlocking of the hinge thus enabling the rotation in question. By locking and unlocking the hinges the segments of the goal can be fixated or released with respect to each other.

[0026] In one embodiment after each rotation of two segments that are consecutive to each other in series, the segments that have rotated with respect to each other extend at a substantially perpendicular angle to each other, wherein the method comprises the step of in the perpendicular angle locking the hinge situated between the two segments so that a further mutual rotation of the two segments is prevented. By locking the hinges the segments of the goal can be fixated with respect to each other, so that during handling the goal can be kept in the rolled-up condition.

[0027] The aspects and measures described in this description and the claims of the application and/or shown in the drawings of this application may where possible also be used individually. Said individual aspects may be the subject of divisional patent applications relating thereto. This particularly applies to the measures and aspects that are described per se in the sub claims.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The invention will be elucidated on the basis of a number of exemplary embodiments shown in the attached schematic drawings, in which:

figure 1 shows an isometric view of a soccer goal according to an embodiment of the invention;

figures 2-5 show side views of the soccer goal according to figure 1 in four consecutive positions;

figure 6 shows a side view in detail of the soccer goal according to the circle VI in figure 2; and

figure 7 shows a side view in detail of the soccer goal according to the circle VII in figure 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 shows a soccer goal 1 that can be rolled up or folded up according to an embodiment of the invention. The goal 1 comprises a bottom frame 2 placed on a basis 9 and a goal frame 3 that is upright from the bottom frame 2 and defines a rectangular goal mouth 7 at the front 11 of the goal 1. The goal 1 is provided with a net 6 which at the rear 12 of the goal 1 is stretched between the bottom frame 2 and the goal frame 3 for catching a football 8 that from the front 11 passes through the goal mouth 7.

[0030] In this example the goal mouth 7 is 7.32 meters wide and 2.44 meters high. Although the dimension of 7.32 meters defines the longest distance, and therefore in fact the length of the goal 1, this is generally considered the width of the goal 1, as the goal 1 is oriented transverse to the longitudinal direction of the soccer field. If below in the description of the figures longitudinal direction L is mentioned, this means the direction of the goal 1 parallel to the dimension of 7.32 meters. The above-mentioned dimensions render the goal 1 suitable to be used in a UEFA or a FIFA football match or football practice. However, goals of deviating dimensions according to embodiments that are not shown, for instance an unofficial goal or toy goal, fall within the scope of the invention.

[0031] The bottom frame 2 comprises a first tubular horizontal girder 21 and a second tubular, horizontal girder 22 that are placed at the desired goal width, preferably the above-mentioned width of 7.32 meters, spaced apart from and parallel to each other on the basis 9. The bottom frame 2 is furthermore provided with a tubular connecting bar 23 that extends perpendicular to the girders 21, 22 in the longitudinal direction L of the goal 1 and that connects the girders 21, 22 to each other at the outer ends of the girders 21, 22 that face away from the goal mouth 7.

[0032] As shown in figure 1 the goal frame 3 comprises a first tubular goal post 31 and a second tubular goal post 32 which at the front of the goal 1 in the plane of the goal mouth 7 are vertically upright from the first horizontal girder 21 and the second horizontal girder 22, respectively. The goal posts 31, 32 are fixedly connected to the outer ends of girders 21, 22 that face the goal mouth 7 and together with the girders 21, 22 form a perpendicular angle between the bottom frame 2 and the goal frame 3. At the upper side of the goal 1 the goal posts 31, 32 are connected by a tubular crossbar 33 extending in the longitudinal direction L of the goal 1, which crossbar preferably extends at a height of 2.44 meters above the basis 9. The goal posts 31, 32 and the crossbar 33 of the goal frame 3 jointly define the rectangular goal mouth 7.

[0033] The first horizontal girder 21 and the first vertical goal post 31 are situated in or define a first side plane 13 of the goal 1. The second horizontal girder 22 and the second vertical goal post 32 are situated in or define a second side plane 14 of the goal 1.

[0034] At the upper side the goal frame 3 is provided with a first net support or ear 34 and a second net support or ear 35 that have been attached to the first goal post 31 and the second goal post 32, respectively. The ears 34, 35 extend rearward in the side planes 13, 14 to approximately over halfway the girders 21, 22, considered in vertical projection. The ears 34, 35 are shaped like bent U-shaped brackets that at the upper side of the goal 1 support a part of the net 6. Due to the support by the ears 34, 35 the net 6 extends from the crossbar 33 first of all substantially horizontally in the upper plane of the goal 1 and subsequently extends downwardly inclined from the ears 34, 35 to the connecting bar 23. In a similar manner the ears 34, 35 also define the shape of net 6 the way it extends in the side planes 13, 14 of the goal 1. The ears 34, 35 stretch the net 6 such that a volume is created behind the goal mouth 7 in which volume a football 8 can be received.

[0035] The above-mentioned goal 1 is also known as a "P-goal" due to the resemblance of the goal frame 3 - in side view - to the letter P. Contrary to many other goals, the goal 1 does not have rear posts that effect a direction connection between the crossbar and the connecting bar. The fixed connection between the bottom frame 2 and the goal frame 3 of the goal 1 according to the invention is only acquired by dimensioning the goal posts 31, 32 and the rigidity of the connection of the goal posts 31, 32 to the girders 21, 22. The bottom frame 2 bears the full weight of the goal frame 3 that is upright therefrom.

[0036] As shown in figure 1, the goal 1 is provided with two first hinges 41, two second hinges 42 and two third hinges 43 having a common first centre line of rotation R, a common second centre line of rotation S and a common third centre line of rotation T, respectively. The centre lines of rotation R, S and T extend perpendicular to the side planes 13, 14 and parallel to the crossbar 33 and in the longitudinal direction L of the goal 1. The hinges 41-43 are evenly distributed over the two side planes 13, 14 of the goal 1 in a manner described below.

[0037] Considered from the basis 9, the first hinges 41 and the second hinges 42 are situated at approximately two thirds and one third, respectively, of the height of the goal posts 31, 32. The third hinges 43 are situated approximately halfway the length of the girders 21, 22. The hinges 41-43 divide the girders 21, 22 and the goal posts 31, 32 into first segments 51, second segments 52, third segments 53 and fourth segments 54. The segments 51-54 are coupled in series consecutive to each other by the hinges 41-43 so as to hinge with respect to one another. The third segments 53 comprise an upright part 55 that forms the lowermost part of the goal posts 31, 32. The upright part 55 at the bottom side merges into a horizontal part 56 forming the front part of the girders 21, 22. In this example the upright part 55 and the horizontal part 56 are rigidly or fixedly connected to each other by means of a welded joint 57 and form the rigid connection between the bottom frame 2 and the goal frame 3 described earlier.

[0038] The hinges 41-43 are substantially identical and are therefore only described below on the basis of the first hinge 41 that is situated in the first plane 13 of the goal 1. Figure 6 shows the first hinge 41 in a first outstretched or 180-degree position. In figure 7 the first hinge 41 is shown in a second, buckled or 90-degree position.

[0039] As shown in figure 6 the first hinge 41 is provided with a first hinge member 61 and a second hinge member 62 that are coupled to each other so as rotate by a hinge pin 63 situated in the first centre line of rotation R. The first hinge member 61 comprises a first abutment surface 64 and a second abutment surface 65. The second hinge member 62 is provided with a third abutment surface 66 that in the 180-degree position according to figure 6 is in abutting contact with the first abutment surface 64 of the first hinge member 61 and a fourth abutment surface 67 that in the 90-degree position according to figure 7 is in abutting contact with the second abutment surface 65 of the first hinge member 61.

[0040] The abutment surfaces 64-67 that in the two above-mentioned positions are alternately situated opposite each other, restrict the freedom of movement of the hinge members 61, 52 with respect to each other to a 90-degree rotation in a first rotation direction A about the first centre line of rotation R. In a same manner the second hinges 42 and the third hinges 43 are restricted to a 90-degree rotation in a second rotation direction B about the second centre line of rotation S and a third rotation direction C about the third centre line of rotation T, respectively.

[0041] The first hinge member 61 further comprises a stop plate 68 that at least partially overlaps the second hinge member 62. The stop plate 68 is provided with a first stop aperture 71 and a second stop aperture 72 that considered in the first rotation direction A with respect to the first stop aperture 71 is staggered over 90 degrees about the first centre line of rotation R. The second hinge member 62 is provided with a third stop aperture 73 that in the 180-degree position of the first hinge 41 according to figure 6 coincides with the first stop aperture 71 of the first hinge member 61 and that in the 90-degree position of the first hinge 41 according to figure 7 coincides with the second stop aperture 72.

[0042] The first hinge 41 is provided with a stop pin 74 with which the first hinge member 61 and the second hinge member 62 can be fixated or locked with respect to each other in the above-mentioned positions. In the situation according to figure 6 the stop pin 74 is inserted through the third stop aperture 73 and the first stop aperture 71 in order to lock the hinge members 61, 62 in the 180-degree position. In the situation according to figure 7 the stop pin 74 is inserted through the third stop aperture 73 and the second stop aperture 72 in order to lock the hinge members 61, 62 in the 90-degree position.

[0043] As shown in figure 6 the hinge members 61, 62 of the first hinge 41 in the 180-degree position form a assembled straight front surface 75 at the front 11 of the goal 1. In that way a substantially flush continuation of the first goal post 31 can be achieved between the first segment 51 and the second segment 52. By means of the flush continuation it can be effected that a football 8 that from the front 11 of the goal 1 hits the first goal post 31 at the location of the first hinge 41, changes direction in a similar manner as when it would hit the first segment 51 or the second segment 52 of the first goal post 31.

[0044] The method for folding up or rolling up the goal 1 according to the embodiment of the invention described above is elucidated on the basis of figures 2-5. In figures 2-5 the goal 1 is shown in side view, as a result of which only the parts of the goal 1 situated in the first side plane 13 are visible. The operation described below will therefore mainly be elucidated on the basis of first side plane 13 visible in figures 2-5, yet relates to the entire goal 1 as shown in figure 1.

[0045] In figure 2 the goal 1 is shown in the condition in which it is folded out or rolled out. The hinges 41-43 are locked in their 180-degree position. The first segment 51, the second segment 52 and the third segment 53 are in each other's extension and form the vertical first goal post 31 of the goal frame 3. The horizontal part 56 of the third segment 53 and the fourth segment 54 are also in each other's extension and form the first girder 21 of the bottom frame 2. The bottom frame 2 is placed on the basis 9. The goal 1 in the rolled-out condition according to figure 2 is ready to be used as a soccer goal during practice or a match.

[0046] Figure 3 shows the situation in which the goal 1 is partially folded up or rolled up. The first hinge 41 in the first goal post 31 and the first hinge 41 in the second goal post 32, which hinge is hidden from view, are unlocked, after which the first segment 51 as a result of gravity has been rotated over 90 degrees in the first rotation direction A about the first centre line of rotation R in the direction of the girders 21, 22. The first hinges 41 have subsequently been locked in the 90-degree position. In this situation the ears 34, 35 have gone through a 90-degree rolling motion, wherein the ears 34, 35 extend downward parallel along the second segment 52. Due to the rotation of the first segment 51 in the direction of the connecting bar 23, the distance between the crossbar 33 and the connecting bar 23 has diminished, as a result of which the net 6 has slackened in between them.

[0047] Figure 4 shows the situation in which the goal 1 is folded up or rolled up further with respect to the situation as shown in figure 3. The second hinge 42 in the first goal post 31 and the second hinge 42 in the second goal post 32, which hinge is hidden from view, are unlocked, after which the second segment 52 with the first segment 51 that is coupled thereto and has already rotated, as a result of gravity has been rotated over 90 degrees in the second rotation direction B about the second centre line of rotation S in the direction of the girders 21, 22. The second hinges 42 have subsequently been locked in the 90-degree position. In this situation the ears 34, 35 have gone through a 180-degree rolling motion, wherein the ears 34, 35 extend horizontally parallel along the horizontal part 56 of the third segment 53. On four sides of a notional rectangle, the ears 34, 35 are confined between the first segment 51, the second segment 52, the third segment 53 and the fourth segment 54. The crossbar 33 is substantially at the same level as the connecting bar 23, as a result of which the net 6 sits slack on the basis 9.

[0048] Figure 5 shows the situation in which the goal 1 is folded up or rolled up further with respect to the situation as shown in figure 4. The third hinge 43 in the first girder 21 and the third hinge 43 in the second girder 22, which hinge is hidden from view, are unlocked, after which by means of manpower the fourth segment 54 has been rotated upward over 90 degrees in the third rotation direction C about the third centre line of rotation T into a position parallel to the first segment 51. Alternatively the package of the already rolled up first segment 51, the second segment 52 and the third segment 53 can also be rolled onto the fourth segment 54 in a rotation direction opposite the third rotation direction C. However, this requires additional force, as a result of which such a manner of rolling up is not desirable. In the situation as shown in figure 5 the third hinges 43 are locked in the 90-degree position. The four segments 51-54 of the goal 1 that are rotatable with respect to each other have been rolled up into a helix or curl and form a compact and - in side view - rectangular package 58 within which the ears 34, 35 are confined or curled up. The net 6 has been rolled up in the package 58 along with the upward rotation of the fourth segment 54.

[0049] In figure 5 it can be seen that the dimensions of the segments 51-54 are adjusted such that each segment after its rotation fits within the dimensions of the previously rotated segments. The horizontal part 56 of the third segment 53 is the largest and defines the largest width of the package 58, in this example approximately 1.2 meters. The upright part 55 of the third segment 53 and the fourth segment 54 are substantially equally large and define the largest height of the package 58, in this example approximately 1 meter. The second segment 52 is adapted in order to fit within the upright part 55 of the third segment 53 and the fourth segment 54 and in this example is approximately 1 meter. The first segment 51 is adapted to fit above the horizontal part 56 of the third segment 53 and within the largest height of the fourth segment 54 and in this example is approximately 0.8 meter. The above-mentioned dimensions have been chosen such that within the confinement of the first segment 51, the second segment 52, the third segment 53 and the fourth segment 54 sufficient room is left for accommodating the ears 34, 35 therein.

[0050] The goal 1 according to figure 5 that can be rolled up into compact package 58 is especially advantageous when the goal is used for goal practice. Due to using lightweight aluminium segments 51-54, the weight of the package 58 can be reduced to approximately 50 kilos. The package 58 thus is easy to handle by two persons and can easily be removed from the soccer field without damaging the turf. The package 58 has a limited height, preferably less than 1 meter, as a result of which the package 58 can be placed out of sight, for instance behind advertising boards or the boards present all around the soccer field.

[0051] Folding out or rolling out the goal 1 takes place in a similar manner to the above steps, however in reverse order.

[0052] The rotary motions described above of the method for rolling up the goal 1 have been described with respect to the horizontal part 56 of the third segment 53 placed on the basis 9. However, the method can also be considered from the first segment 51 with the ears 34, 35 arranged thereon. From this point of view rolling up takes place by, considered from first segment 51, rolling up the in series consecutive second segment 52, the consecutive third segment 53 and the consecutive fourth segment 54 in three successive rotation steps of 90 degrees each time in the same rotation direction with respect to the first segment 51 in a curling motion about the first segment 51 and the ears 34, 35.

[0053] In an alternative method that is not shown the goal 1 can first be tilted in its entirety 90 degrees to the fore, so that the goal frame 3 comes to sit on the basis 9 and the bottom frame 2 comes to stand upright from it. Subsequently successively the first hinge 41, the second hinge 42 and the third hinge 43 are unlocked, and in three successive 90-degree rotations successively the second segment 52, the third segment 53 and the fourth segment 54 are rolled up around the ears 34, 35 into the compact package 58 according to figure 5.

[0054] The above description is included to illustrate the operation of preferred embodiments of the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention. Starting from the above explanation many variations that fall within the scope of the present invention will be evident to an expert.

Claims

1. Goal, particularly a soccer goal, comprising a bottom frame and a goal frame that is upright from the front of the bottom frame, wherein the bottom frame is provided with a first girder, a second girder spaced apart from the first girder and a connecting bar extending transverse to the girders and connecting the girders to each other, wherein the goal frame is provided with a first goal post that is upright from the first girder, a second goal post that is upright from the second girder and a crossbar extending transverse to the goal posts and connecting the goal posts to each other at their upper sides, wherein at the front of the goal the goal posts and the crossbar jointly bound a goal mouth, wherein the goal comprises hinges that divide the assembly of the first girder and the first goal post into at least three segments that are coupled to each other in series and rotate with respect to one another, wherein each hinge in the assembly of the first girder and the first goal post has a corresponding hinge having a common centre line of rotation in the assembly of the second girder and the second goal post, wherein the assembly of the second girder and the second goal post is divided in a comparable manner by corresponding hinges into at least three segments that are coupled to each other in series and rotate with respect to one another, wherein the centre lines of rotation of the hinges extend parallel to the crossbar, wherein the segments of the goal are rotatable about the centre lines of rotation for rolling up or rolling out the goal.

2. Goal according to claim 1, wherein the goal comprises a first segment in the assembly of the first girder and the first goal post and wherein the goal comprises a corresponding first segment in the assembly of the second girder and the second goal post, wherein the first segments are situated at the outer ends of the respective series of segments that are coupled to each other, wherein the other segments of the respective series, in the rolled up condition of the goal, are each time rotated in the same direction with respect to the first segments.

3. Goal according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the hinges are provided with a locking member that fixates hinges in the rolled-out condition of the goal such that the two segments on either side of the hinge extend in each other's extension and wherein the locking member fixates the hinges in the rolled-up condition of the goal such that the two segments on either side of the hinge extend at a substantially perpendicular angle to each other.

4. Goal according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the segments in the rolled-up condition of the goal form a package that has a substantially rectangular contour when considered parallel to the crossbar, wherein, preferably, the first and the last segment of the series in the rolled-up condition of the goal are juxtaposed on the same side of the rectangular package and preferably extend parallel to each other.

5. Goal according to any one of the claims 2-4, wherein the first segments are the segments of the first goal post and the second goal post, respectively, which considered in series are situated farthest from the girders, wherein the goal is provided with a first net support and a second net support extending rearward from the first segments, wherein, preferably, the first segments with the net supports attached to it in the rolled-up condition of the goal are rolled up in the other segments, wherein considered parallel to the crossbar the net supports are confined within the segments that are circumferentially rolled up around the net supports, wherein the net supports preferably are ears, preferably ears formed like brackets.

6. Goal according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the crossbar and/or the connecting bar are substantially straight in both the rolled-out condition and the rolled-up condition of the goal.

7. Goal according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the crossbar and/or the connecting bar are formed out of one piece.

8. Goal according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the goal posts each comprise at least two segments and preferably three segments.

9. Goal according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the girders each comprise at least two segments.

10. Goal according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hinges divide the assemblies of the girders and the goal posts into at least four segments that are coupled to each other in series and rotate with respect to one another.

11. Goal according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each assembly of girder and goal post comprises a segment that extends in both the girder and the goal post and forms a rigid connection between the girder and the goal post.

12. Goal according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hinges that divide the goal posts are provided with front surfaces which, when the goal is in the rolled-out condition, effect a flush continuation of the goal posts at the location of the hinges at the front of the goal.

13. Goal according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the direct connections between the goal posts and the girders bear the full weight of the goal frame.

14. Method for rolling up a goal, particularly a soccer goal, wherein the goal comprises a bottom frame and a goal frame that is upright from the front of the bottom frame, wherein the bottom frame is provided with a first girder, a second girder spaced apart from the first girder and a connecting bar extending transverse to the girders and connecting the girders to each other, wherein the goal frame is provided with a first goal post that is upright from the first girder, a second goal post that is upright from the second girder and a crossbar extending transverse to the goal posts that connects the goal posts to each other at their upper sides, wherein the goal posts and the crossbar at the front of the goal jointly bound a goal mouth, wherein the goal comprises hinges that divide the assembly of the first girder and the first goal post into at least three segments that are coupled to each other in series and rotate with respect to one another, wherein each hinge in the assembly of the first girder and the first goal post has a corresponding hinge having a common centre line of rotation in the assembly of the second girder and the second goal post, wherein the assembly of the second girder and the second goal post is divided in a comparable manner by the corresponding hinges into at least three segments that are coupled to each other in series and rotate with respect to one another, wherein the centre lines of rotation of the hinges extend parallel to the crossbar, wherein the segments of the goal are rotatable about the centre lines of rotation for rolling up or rolling out the goal, wherein the goal comprises a first segment in the assembly of the first girder and the first goal post and wherein the goal comprises a corresponding first segment in the assembly of the second girder and the second goal post, wherein the first segments are situated at the outer ends of the respective series of segments that are coupled to each other, wherein the method for rolling up the goal comprises the step of with respect to the first segments in successive rotary motions about the centre lines of rotation of the hinges successively in the same direction rotating the other segments of the series.

15. Method according to claim 14, wherein the hinges in the rolled-out condition of the goal are locked for keeping the goal in the rolled-out condition, wherein prior to each rotation of a segment the method comprises the unlocking of the hinge thus enabling the rotation in question.

16. Method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein after each rotation of two segments that are consecutive to each other in series, the segments that have rotated with respect to each other extend at a substantially perpendicular angle to each other, wherein the method comprises the step of in the perpendicular angle locking the hinge situated between the two segments so that a further mutual rotation of the two segments is prevented.

Drawing