BACKGROUND
The present disclosure relates in general to the field of recreational equipment, and more specifically, to a goal that can be attached to a structure.
Trampolines are popular exercise devices in both recreational and fitness contexts. Conventional trampolines, however, take up a great amount of space. In some contexts, such as, for example, when a trampoline is placed in an individual's backyard, there is little room for other recreational equipment. When space is limited, therefore, it is difficult for a trampoline to coexist with other recreational equipment, such as, a sports goal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 illustrates an example goal attached to a trampoline in accordance with at least some embodiments.
FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate details of an example tube clamp of a goal in accordance with at least some embodiments.
FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate details of an example of an attachment of a tube clamp onto a pole in accordance with at least some embodiments.
FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate details of an example pivoting bracket of a goal in accordance with at least some embodiments.
FIG. 5 illustrates an example goal attached to a trampoline in accordance with at least some embodiments.
FIG. 6 illustrates an example banner coupled to a goal in accordance with at least some embodiments.
Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Trampolines are a great source of recreation and exercise for many. As such, trampolines are a popular addition to many residential properties. Trampolines, however, often are large and take up a large amount of space, which can mean that there is little room in a yard, for example, for other recreational structures. It may be desirable to provide a recreational structure, such as, for example, a goal that can be incorporated with a trampoline.
FIG. 1 illustrates an example implementation of an attachable goal 105. In this particular example, the goal 105 is attached to a trampoline 190. In other cases, a goal can be attached to another structure, such as, for example a fence with posts. Furthermore, goals can incorporate other features discussed herein. In the example of FIG. 1, an example goal 105 can include tube clamps 130 that couple the goal 105 to the trampoline 190. In one case, tube clamps 130 attach to the trampoline 190 via trampoline poles 195. It should be appreciated that in other cases, tube clamps 130 can be attached to other structures similar to trampoline poles. As one example, tube clamps can be attached to the posts of a fence, treehouse, playground equipment, or other heavyweight or anchored structure.
Goal 105 can further include support tubes 135. Support tubes 135 can be coupled to tube clamps 130. In one instance, support tubes are coupled to tube clamps via a permanent coupling, such as, for example, through a permanent weld. It should be appreciated that in other cases, it is possible that support tubes 135 are coupled to tube clamps 130 in methods other than permanent coupling. As one example, support tubes 135 can be coupled to tube clamps 130 via screws or other fasteners.
With continued reference to FIG. 1, goal 105 can further include pivoting brackets 140. Pivoting brackets 140 can be coupled to support tubes 135. If tube clamps 130 are coupled to a first end of support tubes 135, then the pivoting brackets 140 can be coupled to the opposite ends of the corresponding support tubes (e.g., 135).
As shown in the example implementation of FIG. 1, goal 105 can include two pivoting brackets 140 coupled to two separate support tubes (e.g., 135). A back bar 120 can be connected to each of the pivoting brackets 140. In addition, side bars 115 may be coupled to each of the pivoting brackets 140. The side bars (e.g., 115) may be fixedly connected to the back bar 120, and the pivoting brackets (e.g., 140) may connect where a corresponding side bar (e.g., 115) is joined to the back bar (e.g., 120) (e.g., at the corners formed through the connection between a side bar and the back bar). The combination pivoting brackets 140, tube clamps 130, support tubes 135, back bar 120, and side bars 115 comprise the frame for goal 105. This frame can be constructed out of rigid materials, such as, for example, galvanized steel or other materials with suitable strength. To enhance the safety of the goal, and those jumping on trampoline 190, portions of the bars or tubes exposed to users can be wrapped in protective padding. It should be appreciated that, although FIG.1 illustrates the use of two tube clamps and support tubes, other example goal frames may incorporate multiple pairs of tube clamps and support tubes, among other example alternatives.
Goal 105 can further include netting 110. In the example of FIG. 1, netting 110 is configured to attach to goal 105 via back bar 120 and side bars 115. In one implementation, netting 110 includes sleeves (not shown.) In particular, one sleeve is configured to receive back bar 120 and two other sleeves are configured to receive one of the side bars 115 each. Netting 110 can be sized for any particular need. Furthermore, there can be different sized nettings available for different purposes. For example, it is possible, as discussed later, to increase or decrease the size of goal 105. As such, difference sizes of nets can be used with goal 105. In one implementation, one goal can be sized smaller for a sport, such as, field hockey. In another implementation, the goal can be sized for a sport with a need for a larger goal, such as, for example, soccer. In some implementations, different sized back and side bars may be used with correspondingly sized nets. Accordingly, nets may be permanently or fixedly connected to back and side bar structures, and this net module may be removably attached to the pivoting brackets (e.g., 140) of the support tubes (e.g., 135). For instance, a smaller field hockey or lacrosse net module may be swapped out for a larger soccer net module by detaching the smaller net module from the pivoting brackets, adjusting the pivot angle of the support tubes (i.e., the accommodate the width of the larger net module) and replacing the detached smaller net module with the larger net module, among other example use cases and scenarios.
Netting 110 can be constructed out of a flexible fabric or netted material which allows the goal to be used for a variety of different sports and/or activities. Netting 110 can also include one or more portions that are more rigid to provide for greater support. As an example, the sleeves that encompass the side bars 115 and back bar 120 can comprises a more rigid plastic. As another example, netting 115 can include front support section 150. This is a portion of netting 115 that is rigid, allowing for greater support of the frame of goal 105. In the example implementation of FIG. 1, front support section can include rigid plastic. In another example implementation, front support section 150 can include a wooden, plastic, or metal dowel or rod. In yet another implementation, the frame of goal 105 can include a front bar (not shown) that is coupled between the two side bars 115. The front bar can be similar to the back bar 120. It should be appreciated, that the use of a front bar may limit the movement and adjustability of the goal.
Since supporting structures can vary in size and make, such as, for example, the sizing of the space between trampoline poles can differ between different makes and models of trampolines. If a fence post is used, the sizing between posts can differ from a trampoline. As such, allowing movement of the goal structure during setup allows the goal 105 to be used on a variety of different supporting structures. The use of tube clamps 130 and pivoting brackets 140 allow the maneuverability of goal 105.
FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate an example implementation of tube clamp 130. As shown with respect to FIG. 1, tube clamps 130 couple goal 105 to a trampoline or similar structure. FIG. 2A illustrates a first view of an example tube clamp. The tube clamp in FIG. 2A can be the same as or similar to tube clamp 130 of FIG. 1. Tube clamp 130 can include two separate parts, a front portion 230 and a rear portion 232. The two portions can be coupled together at hinge 240. As shown in the example of FIG. 2A, support tube 135 is coupled to the tube clamp 130. The front portion 230 and rear portion can be fixed together using a fastener. In one implementation, the two portions are fixed together using a nut and bolt combination. As an example, a wing nut and bolt can be used. It should be appreciated that other types of fasteners may be used to fasten rear portion 232 and front portion 230 together.
Turning to FIG. 2B, a second view of an example tube clamp is shown. The example of FIG. 2B illustrates how the hinge 240 of tube clamp 130 operates. In the implementation of FIG. 2B, one portion of the tube clamp includes one or more hinge holes 242, while the other portion of the tube clamp includes one or more hinge protrusions 244. In the implementation shown in FIG. 2B, there is one more protrusion 244 than holes 242. One protrusion 244 will go in a corresponding hole 242. The extra protrusion, which is in between the two other protrusions in this example, remains free and the portion of the tube clamp with the holes 242 is bracketed by the protrusions 244. In this particular implementation, the front portion 230 includes the holes 242 and the rear portion includes the protrusions 244. It should be appreciated, however, that the front portion 230 can include the protrusions 244, while the rear portion 232 can include the holes 242. It should also be appreciated that hinges other than the type shown in the examples of FIGS. 2a and 2b can be used. As one example, a hinge similar to those used for a door can be used.
FIG. 2B also illustrates where the support tube 135 is coupled to the tube clamp 130. In this example, the tube connection 235 is a hard weld as discussed above. It should also be appreciated that the tube clamps illustrated in the figures disclosed herein show the tube clamps being coupled to a pole that is completely vertical, the tube clamps can be altered if need to be attached to a different type of pole, such as, for example, the poles of an “A” frame swing set.
FIGS. 3A-D illustrate an example implementation of how tube clamps 130, which are coupled to support tubes 135, are coupled to trampoline posts 195. FIG. 3A illustrates tube clamps 130 coupled to trampoline posts 195. FIG. 3B illustrates the initial placing of a tube clamp 130 onto the post 195. As seen in the example of FIG. 3B, the rear portion 232 of clamp 130 goes on one side of the post 195, while the front portion 230 of claim 130 is placed on the other side of the post 195. Thus, post 195 is positioned between the front portion 230 and rear portion 232 of clamp 130.
Next, FIG. 3C illustrates how the two separate portions of clamp 130 are fastened together using a fastener. In this example implementation, a bolt 350 with wing nuts 355 are used. As an example, the bolt 350 passes through holes 340 on the rear portion 232 and front portion 230 of clamp 130. Wing nut 355 is then attached to the bolt 350. Finally, FIG. 3D illustrates the use of a cover 360. Cover 360 can be used to cover the protruding portions of the nut 355 and bolt 350. The use of the cover can contribute to the safety of the design.
Tube clamps 130, once attached to the posts 195, can be rotated around posts 195, while not moving vertically along the post. This allows the angles of the support tubes 135 to be adjusted to correspond to the length of the back bar 120 and allow the back bar 120 to be properly coupled to the pivoting brackets 140. In addition, the hinged design of tube clamps 130 allows the clamps to be used on a variety of different sizes of posts 195. In some examples, different sized clamps 130 may be available depending on the size of posts 195 being used to support goal 105. In some instances, only a single one of the tube clamps may be configured to rotate around the pole to which it is coupled. In other instances, tube clamps can comprise a lock once the goal is situated to prevent future movement of the clamps around the poles.
Turning to FIGS. 4A and 4B, an example of a pivoting bracket 140 is illustrated. FIG. 4A illustrates an implementation of the pivoting bracket as it is coupled to support tube 135. In the example of FIG. 4A, pivoting bracket is coupled to support tube 135 via a bolt 410 and nut 430. In addition, a washer 420 can be placed between bolt 410 and pivoting bracket 140, and another washer can be placed between nut 430 and pivoting bracket 140. FIG. 4B illustrates the pivoting bracket 140 coupled to support tube 135. The coupling of pivoting bracket 140 to support tube 135 allows the pivoting bracket to rotate in the direction of the arrows illustrated in FIG. 4B. In other instances, pivoting brackets can comprise a lock once the goal is situated to prevent future movement of the pivoting brackets when the goal is in use.
In addition, FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate the connection between pivoting bracket 140 and side bar 115. Side bar 115 can be coupled to pivoting bracket 140 via connection point 440. In one implementation, side bar 115 is configured to fit inside the pivoting bracket 140. In one example, a screw is used to couple the side bar 115 to pivoting bracket 140 at connection point 440. In another example, spring-loaded push pin elements can be used to couple the side bar 115 to pivoting bracket 140 at connection point 440.
FIG. 5 shows some examples of additional implementations of goal 105. In some implementations, goal 105 can comprise a banner 505. Banner 505 can be used for activities with the goal. For example, a banner specific to sports can be used to practice that sport. The banner 505 may be removably attached to a portion of the goal 105 (e.g., the top of the net, the back bar, the front support section, the side bars, etc.). For instance, a hook and look type fasteners or ties may be incorporated at one or more edges or corners of the banner 505 to facilitate attachment of the banner to the remaining goal 105. Such banners 505 may be removed and reattached, as the user desires, to allow multiple different targets and target types to be incorporated in the goal and customize or enhance the form and appearance of the goal. In some cases, a banner may be double-sided, allowing two different target designs to be available on the front and back sides of the banner, thereby enabling a user to detach and flip around the banner 505 to allow an alternative target or sport to be practiced.
In one implementation, there can be targets on the banner, which correspond to a particular sport. The targets may be printed on the banner 505, be implemented as cutouts on the banner 505, among other examples. As examples, the banner 505 may be configured to represent targets at which a field hockey or soccer player may aim. In another example, the banner can be used to practice baseball or softball pitching, among other example embodiments. Indeed, it should be appreciated that a wide variety of possible banners may be designed and implemented together with goal 105. In some examples, there may be more than one banners attached to the goal 105. This can be especially useful in situations where an object needs to slow down after traveling at a high rate of speed. The object, if it hits multiple banners, will slow down more before hitting the back net, which may cause damage if not slowed down enough. In some implementations, banner 505 can comprise photoreactive elements 510. The photoreactive elements 510 can be used to stand out more to the eye or allow use in low light conditions, thus creating a better target, etc. The photoreactive elements can comprise any element that appears to illuminate the design of the banner 505. It should also be appreciated that photoreactive elements 510 can be on goal 105 in places other than banner 505.
As shown in the example of FIG. 5, goal 105 can include lights 520, such as, for example, LED lights. As an example, lights 520 can be used to light up goal 105 when it is dark outside. In the same or other examples, lights 520 can used to illuminate banner 505, similar to photoreactive elements 510. Furthermore, goal 105 can have a power source 530 for lights 520. In one example, power source 530 can comprise battery compartment. In another example, power source 530 can comprise a solar panel if lights 530 are solar powered. Lights (e.g., 520) and/or power sources (e.g., 530) may be connected to or mounted on structures of the goal's net or frame.
With continued reference to FIG. 5, goal 105 can further include stakes 550 to hold netting 110 in place. Stakes 550 can be connected to the bottom sections of the netting 110 and pushed into the ground to fix the bottom edges and/or corners of the netting at or near the group and keep netting 110 still and secure when goal 105 is in use, among other example structure and features.
FIG. 6 illustrates an example of how banner 505 is coupled to goal 105. In one implementation, banner 505 includes one or more straps 610. In one implementation, there are two straps 610. In such example implementation, there is a strap 610 in each of the upper corners of banner 505. For simplicity, FIG. 6 illustrates the upper right corner of banner 505. It should be appreciated that the upper left corner of banner 505 can be similarly situated. Strap 610 can be coupled to a clip 620. As an example, clip 620 can be a ring or carabiner in some implementations. Netting 110 can comprise a cord attachment 630, from which a tension cord 640 can be coupled with clip 620. In one implementation, cord attachment 630 can be a spring-loaded toggle cord lock. Furthermore, the tension cord 640 can be made of an elastomeric material. The combination of the elastic tension cord 640 and a toggle cord attachment 630 allows different sizes of banners to be placed in goal 105, because the length of the cord 640 can be adjusted or stretched to connect to the goal frame structure. Furthermore, the use of a carabiner as clip 620 allows for a quick and easy change of banner 505, among other example features and embodiments.
It should be appreciated that the particular examples illustrated and discussed above are provided merely to illustrate more general principles of this disclosure. Indeed, it should be appreciated that other features, changes, and alternative embodiments may be implemented without departing from the more general features proposed herein. Reference throughout this specification to “one implementation” or “an implementation” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the implementation is included in at least one implementation of the present disclosure. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one implementation,” “in an implementation,” “in one example,” “in some examples,” “in some instances,” etc. in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same implementation. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more implementations.
The following examples pertain to embodiments in accordance with this disclosure. In accordance with some implementations, a goal including: a first tube clamp to couple to a first pole; a second tube clamp to couple to a second pole; a first support tube coupled to the first tube clamp and a first pivoting bracket; a second support tube coupled to the second tube clamp and a second pivoting bracket; a back bar coupled to the first pivoting bracket and the second pivoting bracket; and a netting. The first tube clamp is rotatable about the first pole, the second tube clamp is rotatable around the second pole, the first pivoting bracket can pivot around the connection point between the first pivoting bracket and the first support tube, and the second pivoting bracket can pivot around the connection point between the second pivoting bracket and the second support tube.
In some instances, an apparatus may further include a first side bar coupled to the first pivoting bracket and a second side bar coupled to the second pivoting bracket. The netting can be coupled to the first side bar, the second side bar, and the back bar. The apparatus can further include a banner. The banner can include a first strap coupled to the netting and a second strap coupled to the netting. Furthermore, a first clip can be coupled to the first strap and a second clip can be coupled to the second strap. The first clip can be coupled to the netting via a first cord attached to a first cord attachment on the netting and the second clip can be coupled to the netting via a second cord attached to a second cord attachment on the netting.
Furthermore, in some instances, the apparatus can include one more lights. The lights can be LED lights in some implementations. In some instances, the lights are solar powered lights and the apparatus further includes a solar panel. In some instances, the banner includes photoreactive elements.
In some implementations, a method or process of assembling a goal can include attaching a first tube clamp to a first pole attaching a second tube clamp to a second pole; wherein the first tube clamp is coupled to a first support tube and the second tube clamp is coupled to a second support tube; coupling the first support tube to a first pivoting bracket and a first side bar; coupling the second support tube to a second pivoting bracket and a second side bar; coupling a back bar to the first pivoting bracket and the second pivoting; and coupling a netting to the back bar, the first side bar, and the second side bar.
In some implementations, the first bracket clamp and the second bracket clamp are rotatable around the first pole or the second pole. Furthermore, the first pivoting bracket can pivot around the connection point between the first pivoting bracket and the first support tube, and the second pivoting bracket can pivot around the connection point between the second pivoting bracket and the second support tube. In addition, in some implementations, the method includes coupling a banner to the netting.
In accordance with some implementations, a goal can include a netting, and a moveable goal frame that includes at least two rotatable connection points connected to a trampoline; a distinct support a distinct support tube coupled to each of the at least two rotatable connection points; a distinct bracket that can pivot coupled to each of the distinct support tubes; and a back bar coupled to each of the distinct brackets that can pivot; and a distinct side bar coupled to each of the distinct brackets that can pivot.
Furthermore, the goal can include a banner. In some instances, the banner can include one or more photoreactive elements. In some examples, the goal can further include at least one light. In some instances, each of the distinct support tubes is coupled to its respective rotatable connection point by welding
Thus, particular embodiments of the subject matter have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the features, components, and actions recited in the claims can be arranged or performed in a different manner and still achieve desirable results. In addition, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results.
A detailed description has been given with reference to specific exemplary embodiments. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than a restrictive sense. Furthermore, the foregoing use of embodiment and other exemplarily language does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or the same example, but may refer to different and distinct embodiments, as well as potentially the same embodiment.
Patent Application
20200368597
