TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to collapsible/folding sport goals and a throwback devices.
BACKGROUND
In many sports, it is often desirable to practice with a throwback device that stops and/or returns a thrown ball. Additionally, oftentimes it is desirable to also have a sport goal with which to play a game. However, these devices tend to take up considerable space when in use. Therefore, it would be desirable to have a throwback and/or sport goal device that can be collapsed and/or folded into a compact unit when not in use or when it is stored.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLES
The following summarizes some aspects of the present disclosure to provide a basic understanding of the discussed technology. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated features of the disclosure, and is intended neither to identify key or critical elements of all aspects of the disclosure nor to delineate the scope of any or all aspects of the disclosure. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects of the disclosure in summary form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
Various aspects of the present disclosure include sports equipment frames and sports equipment devices. According to at least one example, a sports equipment frame may include an outer telescoping member including a row of a plurality of openings along its length and a rotation-limiting slot at a first end. An inner telescoping member may include a push button that engages one of the plurality of openings of the outer telescoping member to secure the inner telescoping member to the outer telescoping member. A stub may include a pin that engages the rotation-limiting slot of the outer telescoping member to limit rotation of the outer telescoping member relative to the inner telescoping member. The outer telescoping member may rotate relative to the stub and the inner telescoping member to change a length of at least one member of the sports equipment frame.
Other aspects, features, and embodiments associated with the present disclosure will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the following description in conjunction with the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 illustrates an upright throwback device.
FIG. 2 illustrates how the throwback device may be placed in an angled position.
FIG. 3 illustrates a back view of the throwback device.
FIG. 4 is a close-up view of the first hinge that allows folding of the throwback device.
FIG. 5 is a close-up view of the second hinge that allows folding of the throwback device.
FIGS. 6-7 illustrate how the throwback device may be partially folded.
FIG. 8 illustrates how the horizontal feet are detached from the angle members.
FIG. 9 illustrates how the third section may be folded onto the second section as the second section is being folded into the first section.
FIG. 10 illustrates how the third section may be fully folded onto the second section.
FIG. 11 illustrates how the second section may be fully folded onto the first section thereby making the throwback device into a compact configuration.
FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate the fully folded throwback device with part of the upright members, part of the angled members, and the base members removed.
FIG. 14 illustrates the fully folded throwback device but with the third section unfolded.
FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate a view of the angle members according to one example.
FIG. 17 illustrates a view of the angle member with a twist limiting mechanism.
FIG. 18 illustrates how the outer telescoping member rotates relative to the removable stub so that the push button is located at a second end of the rotation-limiting slot.
FIGS. 19A-19E illustrate an exploded view of the angle member according to one example.
FIGS. 20A-20C illustrate how the components of the angle member fit together according to one example.
FIGS. 21A-21C illustrate how the push button has been depressed and the outer telescoping member has been rotated relative to the inner telescoping member and the removable stub.
FIGS. 22A-22C illustrate how the inner telescoping member has slid a distance d relative within the outer telescoping member.
FIGS. 23A-23C illustrate how the inner telescoping member is rotated so that the push button engages the corresponding hole in the outer telescoping member.
FIG. 24 illustrates a frame for a throwback and sport goal combination device according to one example.
FIG. 25 illustrates how a bounce-back net may be extended between the members of the front frame.
FIGS. 26-30 illustrate how the combination device may be adjusted to various angles.
FIGS. 31-36 illustrate how an angle member may be detached from an upright member.
FIGS. 37-40 illustrate an alternative implementation in which the angle member may be detached from a horizontal member.
FIGS. 41-46 illustrate the hinge bracket that secures the upright members to the horizontal members and allows folding of the front frame onto the base frame.
FIG. 47 illustrates how the angle members may be removed from the combination device.
FIG. 48 illustrates how the combination device may be used as a sports goal by removing the bounce-back net and the removable bottom member.
FIGS. 49-50 illustrate how the removable bottom member attaches and detaches from the combination device.
FIGS. 51 and 52 illustrate how the combination device may be folded substantially flat for ease of transportation or storage.
FIGS. 53A-C illustrate how the angle members may be adjusted.
FIGS. 54-58 illustrate an alternative throwback and goal post combination device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out the present invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention.
Various features of the present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of an exemplary embodiment of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
A first feature relates to a collapsible and/or folding throwback device that can be angled along a wide range and can be efficiently folded into a substantially flat configuration for storage.
A second feature provides a twist-and-lock telescoping mechanism adapted to prevent accidental disengagement.
A third feature provides a throwback and sport goal combination device that can also be efficiently folded into a substantially flat configuration for storage.
Exemplary Throwback Device
FIG. 1 illustrates an upright throwback device. The throwback device 102 a front frame 103 that includes a first upright member 104 and a second upright member 105 coupled to a first transverse member 106 and a second transverse member 108. In this example, the first transverse member 106 is coupled at a first end of the upright members 104 and 105 while the second transverse member 108 is coupled a distance from an opposite second end of the upright members 104 and 105. An internal area of the front frame 103, defined by the upright members 104 and 105 and transverse members 106 and 108, serves to hold a bounce-back surface 110. In this example, the bounce-back surface 110 may be held along its perimeter by a plurality of springs 112 to the upright members 104 and 105 and transverse members 106 and 108. The bounce-back surface 110 may be elastic to allow bouncing of a ball thrown to it or it may be non-elastic, relying on the springs 112 for tension.
The throwback device 102 may be kept upright by a base frame 105 that includes two horizontal feet 114 and 115 and a transverse foot 116. First ends of the two horizontal feet 114 and 115, respectively, are coupled to the second end of the upright members 104 and 105, respectively. The transverse foot 116 is coupled between the two horizontal feet 114 and 115 at an opposite second end of the horizontal feet 114 and 115. Note that the two horizontal feet 114 and 115 may be coupled to the second end of the upright members 104 and 105, respectively, by use of hinge mechanisms 120 and 121, respectively. Telescoping and adjustable angle members 118 and 119 may be coupled to both the horizontal feet 114 and 115, respectively, and the upright members 104 and 105, respectively. In one example, first ends of the angle members 118 and 119, respectively, may be coupled between the first and second ends of the upright members 104 and 105, respectively. Second ends of the angle members 118 and 119 may be coupled between the first and second ends of the horizontal feet 114 and 115, respectively.
FIG. 2 illustrates how the throwback device may be placed in an angled position. As illustrated, the upright member 104 may include three segments 104a, 104b, and 104c that are hingedly coupled together. A first segment 104a and a second segment 104b may be coupled by a first hinge 204 that allows folding of the throwback device without loosening the tension on the bounce-back surface 110 or removing the bounce-back surface 110. Additionally the second segment 104b and a third segment 104c may be coupled by a second hinge 202 that also allows folding of the throwback device without loosening the tension on the bounce-back surface 110 or removing the bounce-back surface 110.
Also shown here are various positions 208, 210 and 212 of the hinge mechanism 120 that allows the bounce-back surface 110 to be angled relative to the ground or the base.
FIG. 3 illustrates a back view of the throwback device. A horizontal bar 302 extends between the first ends of the angle members 118 and 119, respectively. In one example, the angled members 118 and 119 may include a first segment 118a, a second segment 118b, and a third segment (not illustrated).
FIG. 4 is a close-up view of the first hinge 204 that allows folding of the throwback device. The first hinge 204 includes a first bracket 402 coupled to the first segment 104a of the upright member 104 and a second bracket 404 coupled to the second segment 104b of the upright member 104. The first and second brackets 402 and 404 may include an opening through which a pivoting pin 406 passes. Note that the pivoting pin 406 and pivoting point of the first hinge 204 is located on the back of the throwback device 102.
FIG. 5 is a close-up view of the second hinge 202 that allows folding of the throwback device. The second hinge 202 includes a first bracket 502 coupled to the second segment 104b of the upright member 104 and a second bracket 504 coupled to the third segment 104c of the upright member 104. The first and second brackets 502 and 504 may include an opening through which a pivoting pin 506 passes. Additionally, the first end of the angle member 118 may include an opening through which the pivoting pin 506 passes. Therefore, as the length of the angle member 118 is adjusted to change the angle of the bounce-back surface 110, the first end of the angle member 118 pivots about the pivoting pin 506. When folded, second segment 104b folds onto the third segment 104c (not illustrated here).
FIGS. 6-7 illustrate how the throwback device may be partially folded. The front frame 103 and bounce-back surface 110 may be described as including a first section 602, a second section 604, and a third section 606. In this example, the second and third sections 604 and 606 fold together along the second hinge 202. Once partially folded, the angle members 118 and 119 may be removed or partially detached from the horizontal feet 114 and 115, respectively. An insert tab 702 is pivotally coupled to the second end of the angle members 118 and 119. The insert tab 702 is received in a slot in the horizontal foot 114 and a pull pin 704 is used to couple the insert tab 702 within the slot.
FIG. 8 illustrates how the horizontal feet 114 and 115 are detached from the angle members 118 and 119, respectively. Once detached, the angle members 118/119 may be coupled to their respective hinge bracket 120 by using a insert tab 702 and a pull pin 804 that passes through the hinge bracket 120 and the insert tab 702. In this manner, the angle members 118 and 119 may be held between two sections of the front frame 103.
FIG. 9 illustrates how the third section 606 may be folded onto the second section 604 as the second section is being folded into the first section 602. In this manner, the third section 606 lies between the second section 606 and the first section 602.
FIG. 10 illustrates how the third section 606 may be fully folded onto the second section 604. In this example, the angle members and part of the upright supports have been removed (e.g., for storage and/or shipping). In this view, the second section 604 has not yet been folded onto the first section 602.
FIG. 11 illustrates how the second section 604 may be fully folded onto the first section 602 thereby making the throwback device into a compact configuration.
FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate the fully folded throwback device with part of the upright members, part of the angled members, and the base members removed.
FIG. 14 illustrates the fully folded throwback device but with the third section 606 unfolded.
FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate a view of the angle members 118/119 according to one example. In order to allow the throwback device 102 to be placed at various angles during use, the angle members 118/119 may be adjustable and/or telescoping. Consequently, each angle member 118/119 may include a mechanism that allows its length to be easily (e.g., manually) adjustable).
In one example, each of the angle members 118/119 includes an inner telescoping member 1604 and an outer telescoping member 1602. The outer telescoping member 1602 may include a plurality of opening or holes 1504 along a row. The inner telescoping member 1604 may include a push button 1506 that is fitted to extend through one of the holes 1504, thereby locking the movement of the inner telescoping member 1604 relative to the outer telescoping member 1602. The push button 1506 may be depressed and the inner telescoping member 1604 can be slid relative to the outer telescoping member 1602 to increase or decrease the length of the angle members 118/119. Once the desired length is reached, the push button 1506 is aligned with the closest hole 1504 and it pushes through such hole to lock the length. The outer telescoping member 1602 may also include one or more removal prevention slots 1606 that catch the push button 1506 prior to the inner telescoping member 1604 disengaging from the outer telescoping member 1602. This prevents the unintentional removal of the inner telescoping member 1604 from the outer telescoping member 1602 when they are slid relative to each other (e.g., to extend the length of the angle member 118/119).
However, one problem with such mechanism is how to prevent the inner telescoping member 1604 from unintentionally disengaging from the outer telescoping member 1602. Another problem with this mechanism is how to allow extending or collapsing the telescoping angle members 118/119 without the push pin 1506 engaging each and every hole 1504 along the way.
FIG. 17 illustrates a view of the angle member 118 with a twist limiting mechanism. The outer telescoping member 1602 is inserted into a removable stub 1702. The removable stub 1702 is attached to a receiving stub 1710 at the first segment 118a of the angled member 118 by a pull pin, push button 1708, or similar fastener. This push button 1708 prevents the rotation and/or movement of the removable stub 1702 relative to the receiving stub 1710. The outer telescoping member 1602 also includes a rotation-limiting slot 1704 that receives a push button 1706 or pin at one end of the removable stub 1702. In this view, the push button 1706 is located at a first end of the rotation-limiting slot 1704.
FIG. 18 illustrates how the outer telescoping member 1602 rotates relative to the removable stub 1702 so that the push button 1706 is located at a second end of the rotation-limiting slot 1704.
FIGS. 19A-19E illustrate an exploded view of the angle member according to one example. The angle member 118/119 comprises the inner telescoping member 1604, the outer telescoping member 1602, and the removable stub 1702. FIG. 19A illustrates how the push button 1506 is located along an opposite side than the push button 1706. However, in various implementations, the push button 1506 may be located on the same side as the push button 1706 or angled to each other. Note that the one or more removal prevention slots 1606 allows an angular rotation α which coincides with the angular rotation α allowed by the rotation-limiting slot 1704. Note that the push button 1706 and the rotation-limiting slot 1704 are configured so as to prevent the outer telescoping member 1602 from rotating beyond a certain point relative to the inner telescoping member 1604 and the removable stub 1702. Consequently, the angular position of the push button 1506 is restricted relative to the removal prevention slots 1606. That is, the rotational position of the push button 1506 is kept to within the opening for the removal prevention slots 1606.
FIGS. 20A-20C illustrate how the components of the angle member fit together according to one example. Here the push button 1506 is engaged in one of the holes 1504 and the push button 1706 is engaged within the rotation-limiting slot 1704.
FIGS. 21A-21C illustrate how the push button 1506 has been depressed and the outer telescoping member 1602 has been rotated relative to the inner telescoping member 1604 and the removable stub 1702. The rotation α of the outer telescoping member 1602 is limited by the push button's 1706 rotation within the rotation-limiting slot 1704.
FIGS. 22A-22C illustrate how the inner telescoping member 1604 has slid a distance d relative within the outer telescoping member 1604.
FIGS. 23A-23C illustrate how the inner telescoping member 1604 is rotated so that the push button 1506 engages the corresponding hole in the outer telescoping member 1602. Here again, the push button 1706 has rotated back to the first end of the rotation-limiting slot 1704.
In some instances, the examples may have been described for only one member of the throwback device frame, however, it should be understood that the frame may be symmetrical.
Exemplary Throwback Device and Sport Goal Combination
FIG. 24 illustrates a frame for a throwback and sport goal combination device according to one example. The combination device 2402 includes a front frame 2422 that comprises two upright members 2404 and 2406, a top member 2408 coupled to the two upright members 2404 and 2406 at a first end, and a removable bottom member 2418 attached to a second end of the two upright members 2404 and 2406. Additionally, the combination device 2402 may include a base frame 2420 comprising two horizontal members 2414 and 2416. Each horizontal member is attached to an upright member at a first end and to each other at a second end.
The combination device 2402 further includes two angle members 2410 and 2412 that are coupled between the first and second ends of the upright members 2406 and 2404, respectively, and coupled between the first and second ends of the horizontal members 2416 and 2414, respectively. The angle members 2410 and 2412 may be telescoping and allow adjusting of the angle of the front frame 2422 relative to the base frame 2420.
FIG. 25 illustrates how a bounce-back net 2502 may be extended between the members of the front frame 2422. In this configuration, the bound-back net 2502 may be coupled to each of the front frame 2422 members (e.g., upright members 2404 and 2406, top member 2408, and removable bottom member 2418).
FIGS. 26-30 illustrate how the combination device may be adjusted to various angles. This is possible because the angle members 2412 and 2410 are telescoping (allowing their lengths to be adjusted) and the upright members 2404 and 2406 are coupled to the base frame by hinge brackets 2602. The hinge brackets 2602 allow the front frame 2422 to be angled relative to the base frame 2420. In these examples, the angles between the front frame 2422 and the base frame 2420 are β1>β2>β3>β4>β5.
FIGS. 31-36 illustrate how an angle member 2412 may be detached from an upright member 2404. In some instances, e.g., for storage or to use the combination member as a goal post, it may be desirable to remove the angle members 2412 and 2410 or fold them away. Here the angle member 2412 may be detached from an upright member 2404 by removing a pull pin 3304 that passes through an opening 3306 and a hole 3402 in a securing tab 3302 pivotally attached to the angle member 2412 by a fastener 3308. Note that the upright member 2404 includes a receiving slot through which part of the securing tab 3302 passes. The angle member 2412 can then be removed and folded back so that it lies on the horizontal member 2414. The securing tab 3302 may then be inserted into a receiving slot and secured to the horizontal member 2414 with the pull pin 3304.
FIGS. 37-40 illustrate an alternative implementation in which the angle member 2412 may be detached from a horizontal member 2414. Here the angle member 2412 may be detached from an horizontal member 2414 by removing a pull pin that passes through an opening 3806 and a hole 3804 in a securing tab 3802 pivotally attached to the angle member 2412 by a fastener 3808. Note that the horizontal member 2414 includes a receiving slot 3810 through which part of the securing tab 3802 passes. The angle member 2412 can then be removed and folded towards the upright member 2404 so that it lies against the upright member 2404. The securing tab 3802 may then be inserted into a receiving slot and secured to the upright member 2404 with a pull pin. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIGS. 39 and 40, the securing tab 3802 may be coupled to the hinge bracket 2602 with a pull pin 4002 passing through a hole in the hinge bracket 2602 and the hole in the securing tab 3802.
FIGS. 41-46 illustrate the hinge bracket 2602 that secures the upright members 2404 and 2406 to the horizontal members 2414 and 2416, respectively, and allows folding of the front frame 2422 onto the base frame 2420. The hinge bracket 2602 may be fixedly coupled to the upright member 2404 at a first end while pivotally coupled to the horizontal member 2414 at a second end. At the second end, a fastener 4202 may traverse the hinge bracket 2602 and the horizontal member 2414. To keep the front frame 2422 from folding onto the base frame 2420, a pull pin 4204 traverses the hinge bracket 2602 and the horizontal member 2414 in a region between the first and second ends of the hinge bracket 2602. The pull pin 4204 may be used when the front frame 2422 is to be kept at a substantially right angle to the base frame 2420, as illustrated in FIG. 46. When the combination device 2402 is to be used as a throwback device, the front frame 2422 may be angled relative to the base frame 2420 by removal of the pull pin 4204 and the angle members 2410 and 2412 are used to adjust the angle.
FIG. 47 illustrates how the angle members 2410 and 2412 may be removed from the combination device 2402.
FIG. 48 illustrates how the combination device 2402 may be used as a sports goal by removing the bounce-back net 2502 and the removable bottom member 2418.
FIGS. 49-50 illustrate how the removable bottom member 2418 attaches and detaches from the combination device 2402. As seen in FIG. 49, the removable bottom member 2418 includes a coupling bracket 4902 that defines a slot through which a wall of the hinge bracket 2602 may fit. To remove the removable bottom member 2418, the coupling bracket 4902 is detached from the hinge bracket 2602 by simply lifting the hinge bracket 2602 so that the coupling bracket 4902 can be pulled off. In alternative embodiments, rather than using the coupling bracket 4902, a stub or pin may be attached to the ends of the removable bottom member 2418 and engage one or more openings or holes in the interior side of the hinge bracket 2602.
FIGS. 51 and 52 illustrate how the combination device 2402 may be folded substantially flat for ease of transportation or storage. Here the front frame 2422 has been folded against the base frame 2420 with the angle members 2410 and 2412 having been secured against the upright members 2404 and 2406.
FIGS. 53A-C illustrate how the angle members 2410 and 2412 may be adjusted. The angle members may include a telescoping mechanism that operates as illustrated in FIGS. 19-23. For example, while a first end of the angle member 2412 is coupled to the horizontal member 2414 and the second end of the angle member 2412 is coupled to the upright member 2404, an outer segment 5302 can be rotated relative to both ends. The outer segment 5302 may then be extended or retracted relative to an inner segment that slides inside the outer segment 5302 in a telescoping fashion. The inner segment may include a push button 5304 that can be depressed so disengage from one of a plurality of holes 5306 aligned in a row along the length of the outer segment 5302. As illustrated in FIGS. 53A-C, the outer segment 5302 can be turned in a first direction so that the push button 5304 does not align with the holes 5306 while the length of the angle member 2410/2412 is increased or decreased. Once the desired length has been achieved, the outer segment 5302 can be twisted in an opposite second direction so that the push button 5304 again aligns with the holes 5306 and the outer segment 5302 can be fixed to the inner segment. As described with reference to FIGS. 19-23 a rotation limiting mechanism may be employed to prevent the over-rotation of the outer segment 5302 and to prevent the inner segment from becoming unintentionally disengaged from the outer segment 5302.
FIGS. 54-58 illustrate an alternative throwback and goal post combination device. The combination device 5402 includes a front frame 5401 coupled to a base frame 5405. The front frame 5401 includes two upright members, a top horizontal member 5406 (FIG. 55) and a bottom horizontal member 5408. Each upright member 5404 includes a first segment 5410, a second segment 5412, and a third segment 5414. The base frame 5405 includes two horizontal feet 5407 and 5409 and a rear transverse member 5411. Angle members 5418 and 5419 are coupled to either side between the front frame 5401 and the base frame 5405. For example, the angle member 5418 may be coupled to a bracket 5424 attached to the second segment 5412, where the second segment 5412 rotates relative to the first segment 5410 and third segment 5414. The angle member 5418 may include a first section 5420 at a substantially right angle to a second section 5422. In other implementations, the angle between the first section 5420 and the second section 5422 may be less than ninety degrees. The angle members 5418 and 5419 may serve to provide support between the upright member 5404 and the horizontal foot 5407. Additionally, the second section 5422 may be telescoping so that its length can be increased or decreased, thereby allowing adjustment of the angle between the front frame 5401 and the base frame 5405.
In one example, when used as a throwback device, a net 5416 may stretch between the members of the front frame. When used as a sport goal, the net 5416 may be attached to the top horizontal member 5406 and extends to the rear transverse member 5411, the angle members 5418 and 5419 providing support for the net 5416.
To fold the combination device 5402 into a substantially flat package, the angle members 5418 and 5419 may be detached from the horizontal feet 5407 and 5409, respectively. The angle member 5418 may then be rotated inward, thereby causing the second segment 5412 to rotate inward as well. The first segment 5410 may be coupled to a hinge bracket 5602 which is attached to the base frame 5405. The first segment 5410 may also include a slot 5604 and an opening 5606. A securing tab 5702 is attached to the detached end of the angle member 5418 by a fastener 5706. This is the same securing tab that was used to couple the angle member 5418 to the horizontal foot 5407. The securing tab 5702 is inserted into the slot 5604 and fastened with a pull pin 5802 inserted through the opening 5606 and a corresponding opening 5704. In this manner, the angle members 5418 and 5419 can be folded into the thickness of the front frame 5401. The base frame 5405 can then be folded toward the front frame 5401 to allow for storage and transportation of the combination device 5402.
In some instances, the examples may have been described for only one member of the combination device, however, it should be understood that the frame of the combination device may be symmetrical.
As used throughout this specification, the terms “push button” and “pull pin” have been used to indicate a fastener. It should be understood that other fasteners such as pins, screws, etc. may also be used.
While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, and that this invention is not to be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other modifications may occur to those ordinarily skilled in the art.
Patent Grant
10384112
