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(11) | EP 3 677 319 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | FOLDABLE GOAL FRAME |
| (57) The invention relates to a foldable goal frame, which includes a base (1), a vertical
bar (2) and a top bar (3), and the vertical bar (2) and the base (1) and the top bar
(3) are connected by folding joints respectively; wherein the base (1) comprises a
first support bar (10), a second support bar (11) disposed in parallel with the first
support bar (10), and a third support bar (12) for connecting the first support bar
(10) and the second support bar (11); wherein the third support bar (12) is connected
to the first support bar (10) and the second support bar (11) through folding joints
respectively; wherein the top bar (3) has the same structure as the third support
bar (12) and includes at least two telescopically connected connecting tubes, which
can be conveniently transported and can greatly reduce the installation difficulty
of users.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0001] This invention relates to sports equipment, and in particular, it relates to a foldable goal frame for soccer or other sports.
Technical Background
[0002] Many ball games, such as soccer, require a goal, where the objective of the game is to put the ball into the other side's goal. Conventional goal frames are typically an assembled product. Because the goal frame itself is relatively large, if it is pre-assembled at the factory and then transported to the customer's location, the transportation will be difficult. Thus, the goal frames are typically designed in multiple individual pieces, such as multiple sections of tubes, which are much easier to transport, and the customer will assemble the pieces into the goal frame on site. Because the assembling process involves attaching the net to the frame, and because the individual tubes often have different lengths, the assembling process can be complex.
[0003] Therefore, there is a need for a goal frame that is easy to transport and also east to install to make it more friendly for the end customer.
Summary of Invention
[0004] In order to solve the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a foldable goal frame that can be conveniently transported and can greatly reduce the installation difficulty of users.
[0005] To achieve the above objects, the present invention provides a foldable goal frame, which includes: a base, a vertical bar and a top bar, and the vertical bar and the base and the top bar are connected by folding joints respectively; wherein the base comprises a first support bar, a second support bar disposed in parallel with the first support bar, and a third support bar for connecting the first support bar and the second support bar; wherein the third support bar is connected to the first support bar and the second support bar through folding joints respectively; wherein the top bar has the same structure as the third support bar and includes at least two telescopically connected connecting tubes.
[0006] Preferably, a folding goal frame in the present invention is further provided that an inclined support frame is provided between the upright bar and the base, and the inclined support frame includes an upper support frame rotationally connected to the upright post and a lower support rotationally connected to the base; wherein the upper support frame and the lower support frame are connected by a folding joint.
[0007] Preferably, a folding goal frame in the present invention is further provided that the connection port of the connection pipe and at least one pipe are arranged in a special shape.
[0008] Preferably, a folding goal frame in the present invention is further configured that the connecting pipes are connected by a locking pin.
[0009] Preferably, a folding goal frame in the present invention is further provided that the folding joint includes a first joint portion, a second joint portion, and a folding member or a hinge, wherein the folding member or hinge is connected with the first joint portion and the second joint portion through threads or rivets.
[0010] Preferably, a folding goal frame in the present invention is further configured that the joint surface of the first joint portion and a second joint portion is provided as a tooth surface.
[0011] Preferably, a folding goal frame in the present invention is further provided that the foldable goal frame is arranged in a rod shape after being folded.
[0012] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: The folding goal frame in the present invention has a simple structure, and can be used by unfolding the folding goal frame directly when the user uses it, avoids the defects of complex installation of combined goal frame. The folding goal frame of the invention is provided with folding joints at several key positions of the goal frame, so that the folded goal frame is arranged in a rod shape, occupying less space during packaging and transportation, and greatly improving production efficiency.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0013]
Figure 1 illustrates the structure of a goal frame according to an embodiment of the present invention in a deployed state ready to use.
Figure 2 illustrates the structure of the goal frame in a folded state.
Figure 3 illustrates an enlarged view of a folding joint show in portion A in Fig. 1.
[0014] In Figs. 1-3, the various components are: base 1, first support bar 10, second support bar 11, third support bar 12, vertical bars 2, first vertical bar 20, second vertical bar 21, top bar 3, first folding joint 40, first connecting member 400, second connecting member 401, locking member 402, second folding joint 41, third folding joint 42, fourth folding joint 43, fifth folding joint 44, sixth folding joint 45, seventh folding joint 46, eighth folding joint 47, first inclined support bar 5, upper section of first inclined support bar 50, lower section of first inclined support bar 51, second inclined support bar 6, upper section of second inclined support bar 60, lower section of second inclined support bar 61.
Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiment
[0016] Referring to Figs. 1-3, the foldable goal frame according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a base 1, vertical bars (goal posts) 2, and a top bar 3. The base 1 includes: a first support bar 10, a second support bar 11 disposed in parallel to the first support bar 10 in the deployed state, and a third support bar 12 that is joined at its one end to the first end of the first support bar 10 and at its other end to the first end of the second support bar 11. The first support bar 10 and the third support bar 12 are joined together by a first folding joint 40, and the second support bar 11 and the third support bar 12 are joined together by a second folding joint 41.
[0017] The vertical bars 2 includes a first vertical bar 20 and a second vertical bar 21. The lower end of the first vertical bar 20 and the second end of the of the first support bar 10 are joined together by a third folding joint 42, and the lower end of the second vertical bar 21 and the second end of the of the second support bar 11 are joined together by a fourth folding joint 43. One end of the top bar 3 and the upper end of the first vertical bar 20 are joined together by a fifth folding joint 44, and the other end of the top bar 3 and the upper end of the second vertical bar 21 are joined together by a sixth folding joint 45. In a preferred embodiment, the top bar 3 includes three (or more) telescoping tubes. Further, the connecting ends of the tubes may have non-round cross-sectional shapes that can prevent the tubes from rotating relative to each other, which can make it easier to assemble the releasable locking structure. The third support bar 12 has a similar telescoping structure as the top bar 3.
[0018] A first inclined support bar 5 is disposed between the first vertical bar 20 and the first support bar 10. A second inclined support bar 6 is disposed between the second vertical bar 21 and the second support bar 11. The first inclined support bar 5 includes a upper section 50 with its upper end pivotally connected to a point along the first vertical bar 20, and a lower section 51 with its lower end pivotally connected to a point along the first support bar 10. The upper section 50 and lower section 51 of the first inclined support bar are joined together by a seventh folding joint 46.
[0019] The second inclined support bar 6 includes a upper section 60 and a lower section 61 joined together by an eighth folding joint 47. The second inclined support bar 6 is connected to the second vertical bar 21 and the second support bar 11 in a similar manner that the first inclined support bar 5 is connected to the bars 20 and 10.
[0020] In this embodiment, the first to eighth folding joints 40-47 have identical or similar structures. In the illustrated embodiment (see Fig. 3), each folding joint includes a first connecting member 400 and a second connecting member 401 respectively connected to the two bars that are being joined, a shaft (not visible in Fig. 3) passing through them to act as the pivotal axis, and a hand-operable turn knob 402 (a locking member) at the end of the shaft. The first and second connecting members 400 and 401, the shaft, and the locking member 402 cooperate with each other to press the first and second connecting members 400 and 401 against each other to prevent their relative rotation. In one embodiment, the shaft is a threaded shaft that engages internal threads of the first connecting member 400 and/or the second connecting member 401, and the turn knob is formed integrally with the shaft and can turn the shaft to press the two connecting members against each other. In another embodiment, the shaft is threadedly engaged with internal threads of the turn knob 402, and cooperate with the turn knob to press the first connecting member 400 and second connecting member 401 against each other. The faces of the first connecting member 400 and second connecting member 401 that contact each other may be provided with radially extending teeth which help prevent the two connecting members from rotating relative to each other after they are pressed tightly against each other. This enhances the stability and safety of the goal frame after deployment.
[0021] When folding the goal frame, first, the third folding joint 42 and fourth folding joint 43 are unlocked so they can pivot; the first vertical bar 20, the second vertical bar 21, along with the top bar 3, as a whole, are folded toward the direction of the base 1. During this folding step, the upper and lower sections of the first inclined support bar 5 and second inclined support bar 6 are also folded around the seventh folding joint 46 and eighth folding joint 47, respectively. After this first folding step, the first vertical bar 20 and the first support bar 10 are disposed in parallel and adjacent to each other, the second vertical bar 21 and second support bar 11 are disposed in parallel and adjacent to each other, and the top bar 3 and the third support bar 12 are disposed in parallel and adjacent to each other. Note that this requires the first vertical bar 20 and first support bar 10 to have the same lengths, and the second vertical bar 21 and second support bar 11 to have the same lengths. The upper section 50 and lower section 51 of the first inclined support bar 5 are also disposed in parallel and adjacent to each other, and they are disposed in parallel and respectively adjacent to the first vertical bar 20 and first support bar 10. The upper section 60 and lower section 61 of the second inclined support bar 6 are disposed adjacent to the second vertical bar 21 and second support bar 11 in a similar manner.
[0022] Next, the first folding joint 40, the second folding joint 41, the fifth folding joint 44 and the sixth folding joint 45 are unlocked; the first vertical bar 20 and first support bar 10 are folded toward the top bar 3 and the third support bar 12, and the second vertical bar 21 and second support bar 11 are also folded toward the top bar 3 and the third support bar 12. After the second folding step, both the first vertical bar 20 and second vertical bar 21 are disposed in parallel and adjacent to the top bar 3, and both the first support bar 10 and second support bar 11 are disposed in parallel and immediately adjacent to the third support bar 12 (see Fig. 2). In this folded state, all bars are parallel to each other, and preferably without any appreciable gap between adjacent bars.
[0023] Preferably, the sum of the lengths of the first and second vertical bars 20 and 21 is less than the longest extended length of the top bar 3, so a gap may exist between the first vertical bar 20 and second vertical bar 21 after the second folding step. The lengths of the first support bar 10, the second support bar 11 and the third support bar 12 have a similar relationship. Thus, the top bar 3 and the third support bar 12 can be shortened, e.g. by retracting the telescoping sections of these bars into each other. Preferably, the shortened lengths of the top bar 3 (and the third support bar 12) is approximately equal to the total length of the first vertical bar 20 and the second vertical bar 21. Note that the step of shortening the top bar 3 and the third support bar 12 may be performed before the first and/or second folding steps.
[0024] A goal frame according to embodiments the present invention has a simple structure, which allows a user to deploy the goal frame by unfolding it. The user is not required to assemble the goal frame. Moreover, by providing folding joints at key positions of the goal frame, the folded goal frame is a compact bundle of parallel bars. This reduces the packaged size for transportation and enhances efficiency.
[0025] The above-mentioned embodiments are merely illustrative of the principle of the invention and its efficacy, as well as partially applied embodiments, and are not intended to limit the invention. It should be pointed out that for those skilled in the art, several modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the inventive concept of the present invention, which are all within the scope of protection of the present invention.
1. A foldable goal frame includes a base, a vertical bar and a top bar, and the vertical
bar and the base and the top bar are connected by folding joints respectively; wherein
the base comprises a first support bar, a second support bar disposed in parallel
with the first support bar, and a third support bar for connecting the first support
bar and the second support bar; wherein the third support bar is connected to the
first support bar and the second support bar through folding joints respectively;
wherein the top bar has the same structure as the third support bar and includes at
least two telescopically connected connecting tubes.
2. A foldable goal frame according to claim 1, characterized in that an inclined support frame is provided between the upright bar and the base, and the
inclined support frame includes an upper support frame rotationally connected to the
upright post and a lower support rotationally connected to the base; wherein the upper
support frame and the lower support frame are connected by a folding joint.
3. A foldable goal frame according to claim 1, characterized in that the connection port of the connection pipe and one of the pipe fittings are arranged
in different shapes.
4. A foldable goal frame according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting pipe members are connected by a locking pin.
5. A foldable goal frame according to claim 1 or 2 or 3, characterized in that the folding joint includes a first joint portion, a second joint portion, and a folding
member or a hinge, wherein the folding member or hinge is connected with the first
joint portion and the second joint portion through threads or rivets.
6. A foldable goal frame according to claim 5, characterized in that the joint surface of the first joint portion and the second joint portion is provided
as a tooth surface.
7. A foldable goal frame according to claim 1, characterized in that the foldable goal frame is arranged in a rod shape after being folded.
8. A foldable goal frame according to claim 1, characterized in that the foldable goal frame is arranged in a rod shape after being folded.