The present invention relates generally to athletic equipment and accessories. More specifically, the present invention is a shock-absorbing goal post with an electronic scoring and advertising display including a hologram projector and sensing system. The present invention provides a means for protecting players for injury through shock-absorbing posts. Additionally, the present invention provides an alternative and novel means for viewing and enjoying a new scoring entertainment solution and advertising projection in professional sporting events in stadium sport field. The present invention may be implemented in a variety of sports including, but not limited to, soccer, handball, American football, rugby, lacrosse, and polo to name a few non-limiting examples.
Goal frames in a variety of sports are known to cause injuries to players. This is especially of a high occurrence in soccer as the goal frames are composed of a rigid metal and aluminum and players of the game run at relatively fast speed. Because the purpose of the game is to put the ball through the goal frame, collisions with the goal frame occur frequently, causing injury to the players. The present invention provides a means for reducing the impact force felt by the players in case of these type of collisions. Additionally, the present invention provides a novel means for displaying advertisement, logos placement, lights, and speakers and a screen projector in and around the goal frame which complies with official rules of the sport. These features allow the audience and the players to experience the sport from a novel and new perspective. For example, the present invention includes a plurality of lights to visually indicate the current score of the game.
The present invention also provides the referees and the administrators of the game with useful information when a ball is in the vicinity of the goal frame. In particular, the present invention utilizes a multitude of sensing systems in order to track and determine if the ball truly passed the goal line of the goal frame. One of the sensing systems includes a multitude of cameras integrated into specific areas of the goal. Another sensing system includes a magnetized ball and an electromagnetic shielding bar. The electromagnetic shielding bar is mounted directly behind the goal frame and senses when the magnetized ball has passed the goal line surface thus providing the referee and the administrators with empirical data that a goal was scored.
All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
The present invention generally relates to professional sports equipment. In particular, the present invention is a shock-absorbing goal post with an electronic scoring, advertising, and sensing system. The present invention is described in regard to soccer implementation. Although, all aspects of the present invention may be implemented together or separately to alternative sports including, but not limited to, rugby, handball, American football, Polo, field hockey, and other similar sports which utilize goal posts during game play.
Referring to
The rear net frame 14 is mounted offset to the goal frame 2 and supports the net 1 and the multimedia bar system 18. Additionally, the rear net frame 14 provides an alternative means for logo and advertisement display. The rear net frame 14 comprises a rear crossbar 15, a first rear post 16, and a second rear post 17. Referring to
The net 1 is positioned in between the goal frame 2 and the rear net frame 14. On one side, the net 1 is perimetrically tether to the goal frame 2. On the other side, the net 1 is perimetrically tethered to the rear net frame 14. As a result, the net 1 is configured into a rectangular prism, similar to traditional designs. It is preferred that the overall profile of the net 1 tapers from the goal frame 2 to the rear net frame 14. Although in alternative embodiments of the present invention, the net 1 tapers from the rear net frame 14 to the goal frame 2 or does not taper at all.
The multimedia bar system 18 provides an alternative means of conveying the score of the game to the audience and the players of the game. In particular, the multimedia bar system 18 convey the score of the game through an audible and visual medium. When a team scores a goal during the game, the present invention activates and produces an audible and visual representation. In order to ensure that the multimedia bar system 18 does not get damaged during game play, the multimedia bar system 18 is adjacently connected to the rear crossbar 15. The multimedia bar system 18 comprises a plurality of lights 19, a plurality of speakers 20, and a support bar 50. The support bar 15 structurally supports the plurality of lights 19 and the plurality of speakers 20. The support bar 50 is positioned parallel and adjacent to the rear crossbar 15 and is connected along the rear crossbar 15. For additional advertising, in one embodiment, the support bar 50 is a sponsor display bar panel as seen in
In one embodiment of the present invention, the multimedia bar system 18 further comprises a plurality of sponsor display panels 21. The plurality of sponsor display panels 21 provide an additional medium through which advertisement and other similar content may be displayed to the audience. The plurality of sponsor display panels 21 is distributed along the support bar 50 with each of the plurality of sponsor display panels 21 being adjacently connected to the support bar 50.
The multimedia bar system 18 and other electronic components of the present invention may be directly connected to a power outlet, a battery source, a power generator, or other similar sources.
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The present invention utilizes an alternative means for tethering the net 1 in between the goal frame 2 and the rear net frame 14. In particular, the present invention further comprises a track 35, a first cable 36, a plurality of cable pulleys 37, and a second cable 38. Traditional hook systems attach the net 1 at a multitude of points to the goal frame 2. This is time consuming and require the user to hook the net 1 across the front crossbar 3. The present invention utilizes the first cable 36 and the track 35 in order to allow the user to quickly slide with the help of the handle leash and efficiently attach the net 1 to the non-stick surface of the track 35 all around the goal frame 2. The first cable 36 is perimetrically connected to the front section of the net, opposite the rear net frame 14, and is designed complimentary to the track 35 for a perfect fit. As such, the first cable 36 is capable of sliding along and within the track 35. The track 35 is connected to goal frame 2 and receives the first cable 36. In particular, the track 35 is mechanically integrated along the first post 4, the front crossbar 3, and the second post 5. In order to attach the net 1 to the rear side of the goal frame 2, the track 35 is oriented towards the rear net frame 14. It is preferred that the cross-sectional profile of the track 35 is a semi-circular shape, complimentary to the circular cross-sectional profile of the first cable 36. When the net 1 is attached to the goal frame 2, the first cable 36 is slidably engaged along the track 35. In order to attach the first cable 36 to the track 35 the user feeds one end of the first cable 36 into an opening of the track 35. Then, the user slides the first cable 36 along the track 35 by pulling on the handle leash, mimicking a zipper-like motion. In one embodiment of the present invention, the track 35 is manufactured into the goal frame 2. In this embodiment, an aluminum, with profile extrusion methods, molding process is used to manufacture the first post 4, the second post 5, the front crossbar 3, and the track 35. In another embodiment of the present invention, the track 35 is welded to the goal frame 2. Additionally, the degree of to which the track 35 laterally penetrates into the first post 4, the second post 5, and the front crossbar 3 may vary depending on the user's preferences and needs. Three different degrees are displayed in
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The first bushing 9 and the second bushing 10 act as dampener elements for the intermediate tubular body 7 and mount the intermediate tubular body 7 to the upper tubular portion 8 and the lower tubular portion 6. In particular, the first bushing 9 and the second bushing 10 are each a tubular extrusion sized to fit over the central shaft 11 and within the upper tubular portion 8, the intermediate tubular body 7, and the lower tubular portion 6. Additionally, the first bushing 9 and the second bushing 10 are each composed of a rubber-type material capable of partial deformation. The first bushing 9 acts as a dampener for a top end of the intermediate tubular body 7. Thus, the first bushing 9 is positioned within the upper tubular portion 8 and the intermediate tubular body 7. More specifically, the first bushing 9 is mounted about the central shaft 11, adjacent to the first end 12 of the central shaft 11. In general, the first bushing 9 attaches the top end of the intermediate tubular shaft to the upper tubular portion 8 and the central shaft 11 as well. The second bushing 10 acts as a dampener for a bottom end of the intermediate tubular body 7. Thus, the second bushing 10 is positioned within the lower tubular portion 6 and the intermediate tubular body 7. More specifically, the second bushing 10 is mounted about the central shaft 11, adjacent to the second end 13 of the central shaft 11. In general, the second bushing 10 attaches the bottom end of the intermediate tubular shaft to the lower tubular portion 6 and the central shaft 11 as well.
This configuration allows the intermediate tubular body 7 to partially translate perpendicular to a central axis of the intermediate tubular body 7. When a player runs into or collides with the intermediate tubular body 7, the force from the hit partially deforms the first bushing 9 and the second bushing 10. Resultantly, the intermediate tubular body 7 laterally translates/give in response to the collision. This in turn decreases the overall physical impact on the player and thus reduces the chance that an injury will occur from the collision. After which, the first bushing 9 and the second bushing 10 return to an initial expanded state. The degree of deformation of the first bushing 9 and the second bushing 10 is dependent on the size of the impact and the location of the impact. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the first bushing 9 and the second bushing 10 may each comprise a multitude of individual bushings. This allows for easier assembly of the goal frame 2. If the impact occurs closer to the first bushing 9, then the majority of the dampening and deformation will occur with the first bushing 9. If the impact occurs closer to the second bushing 10, then the majority of the dampening and deformation will occur with the second bushing 10. Additionally, this design ensures that the first post 4 and the second post 5 each act independently when struck by an item or a player. Furthermore, the first post 4 and the second post 5 each work equally from all sides.
Referring to
The first weather-resistant camera 39 is mechanically integrated in between the first post 4 and the front crossbar 3. In particular, the first weather-resistant camera 39 is integrated into the corner between the first post 4 and the front crossbar 3. The first weather-resistant camera 39 is internally mounted within the goal frame 2 with the lens portion being positioned flush with the external surface of the goal frame 2. This ensures that the first weather-resistant camera 39 does not change or alter the dynamics of the game. Additionally, the first weather-resistance camera 39 is oriented towards the second post 5 and the goal line of the goal frame 2. This provides the referee and the officials with clear coverage of the ball passing or not passing the goal line, adjacent to the second post 5.
The second weather-resistant camera 40 is mechanically integrated in between the second post 5 and the front crossbar 3. In particular, the second weather-resistant camera 40 is integrated into the corner between the second post 5 and the front crossbar 3. The second weather-resistant camera 40 is internally mounted within the goal frame 2 with the lens portion being positioned flush with the external surface of the goal frame 2. This ensures that the second weather-resistant camera 40 does not change or alter the dynamics of the game. Additionally, the second weather-resistance camera 40 is oriented towards the first post 4 and the goal line of the goal frame 2. This provides the referee and the officials with clear coverage of the ball passing or not passing the goal line, adjacent to the first post 4.
The third weather-resistant camera 41 is mechanically integrated in between the first rear post 16 and the rear crossbar 15. In particular, the third weather-resistance camera 41 is integrated into the corner between the first rear post 16 and the rear crossbar 15. The third weather-resistant camera 41 may be internally or externally mounted. The third weather-resistant camera 41 is oriented towards the goal frame 2 in order to provide the referee and the officials with a view of the goal frame 2 from behind the net.
The fourth weather-resistant camera 42 is mechanically integrated in between the second rear post 17 and the rear crossbar 15. In particular, the fourth weather-resistance camera 42 is integrated into the corner between the second rear post 17 and the rear crossbar 15. The fourth weather-resistant camera 42 may be internally or externally mounted. The fourth weather-resistant camera 42 is oriented towards the goal frame 2 in order to provide the referee and the officials with a view of the goal frame 2 from behind the net 1. The first weather-resistant camera 39, the second weather-resistant camera 40, the third weather-resistant camera 41, and the fourth weather-resistant camera 42 are each electrically connected to a power source such as a battery, or an electric outlet. Additionally, the first weather-resistant camera 39, the second weather-resistant camera 40, the third weather-resistant camera 41, and the fourth weather-resistant camera 42 are each electronically connected to an external computing device which receives and displays the video playback.
In one embodiment, the present invention may further comprise an at least one master panoramic camera 43. The master panoramic camera 43 is centrally mounted to the rear net frame 14. Additionally, the master panoramic camera 43 is oriented towards the goal frame 2 in order to provide the referee and the officials with a clear view behind the net 1, directly behind the goal keeper. The master panoramic camera 43 is a high resolution panoramic video recording camera that preferably includes a display screen and a wide-angle lens in order to cover the whole goal line surface. This provides the referee with an option to instantly review the play in order to determine an official decision based on additional evidence. It is preferred that the first weather-resistant camera 39, the second weather-resistant camera 40, the third weather-resistant camera 41, and the fourth weather-resistant camera 42 are all communicably coupled to the master panoramic camera 43 such that the referee may view the shot from each of the views through the master panoramic camera 43. In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one master panoramic camera 43 comprises a top panoramic camera and a bottom panoramic camera. In this embodiment, the top panoramic camera is positioned adjacent to the rear crossbar 15 while the bottom panoramic camera is positioned opposite to the top panoramic camera, across the first rear post 16, essentially positioning the bottom panoramic camera adjacent to the ground. The master panoramic camera 43 may be mounted on an adjustable leg which can extend, rotate, and tilt.
The present invention may also comprise a sixth weather-resistant camera and a seventh weather-resistant camera assembly. The sixth weather-resistance camera is a radar laser field projector that is centrally mounted to the rear net frame 14 and tracts the ball when the ball crosses the goal line. The seventh weather-resistant camera assembly is mounted to the front crossbar 3 and comprises five different cameras spanning the goal line surface, from underneath the crossbar in order adequately capture the ball passing or not passing the goal line. Similarly, the sixth weather-resistant camera and the seventh weather-resistant camera assembly may also be linked to the master panoramic camera 43.
Referring to
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In another embodiment of the present invention, the transparent display screen 44 is a logo-imprinted net. The logo-imprinted net is a mesh-like device woven from a multitude of stretchable fibers. Drawn on the individual fibers are portions of a logo or other similar advertisement. The logo-imprinted net is transparent when viewed from a close distance. From a further distance, the drawn logo or other advertisement may be seen on the logo-imprinted net. In another embodiment of the present invention, the rear net frame 14 and the transparent display screen 44 may be positioned offset to the goal frame 2 without holding up the net 1.
Referring to
In another embodiment of the present invention, a pivoting three-dimension hologram projector 45 is used to display a logo and or advertisement. The pivoting three-dimension hologram projector 45 is centrally and externally mounted to the rear crossbar 15 of the rear net frame 14. Additionally, the pivoting three-dimension hologram projector 45 is protected by a guard cover. The pivoting three-dimension hologram projector 45 is oriented towards the ground and projects a three-dimensional image to the space in between the first rear post 16, the second rear post 17, and the rear crossbar 15. Alternatively, the pivoting three-dimension hologram projector 45 may display directly above the goal frame 2 as seen in
In one embodiment, the pivoting three-dimension hologram projector 45 is preferably mounted to the crossbar of the posts of soccer, American football, rugby, polo and handball goal post frame.
This allows the pivoting three-dimension hologram projector 45 to be oriented towards the sky and above the field and over and above the goal frame 2, in particular towards the top center of the sport stadium field to project large and very large images and videos in midair. This is not limited to professional sports events and discipline from all types of professional sports, including water sports and no water sports. Type of content that the pivoting three-dimension hologram projector 45 may display includes, but is not limited to, replay of the most recent goal, three dimensional images of sports team and player t-shirt, jersey or sports team logo associated with the most recent scored goal, advertisements, and other similar content above the goal frame 2. A hologram programmer or other administrative staff is in charge of content being displayed by the pivoting three-dimension hologram projector 45. More specifically, a staff member of each professional sport club is in charge to manage both team's Jersey/T-shirts and ready for projection when a goal is scores. Additionally, the pivoting three-dimension hologram projector 45 may be activated along-side with the multimedia bar system 18.
The professional sports Jersey/T-Shirt and the digital 3D Jersey projection has the same use for each game and each team in the professional sports stadiums or sports racing tracks, and design to match the same professional sports player T-shirt and Jersey at 100% from the color, design, the name and number of the player, logo of the clubs and the name and logo of the sponsor. This feature may be used to project a variety of different t-shirts and jerseys. For example, garments with short sleeves, long sleeves, and no sleeves may be projected. Additionally, this feature may be used in a variety of professional sports including, but not limited to soccer, American football, NFL, basketball, NBA, rugby, handball, polo, hockey, car racing horse racing, Olympic sports, winter sports, and water sports to name a few non-limiting examples.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a hologram plasma laser used to project a three-dimensional image. The hologram plasma laser ionizes molecules at specific points in the air in order to create visible plasma bursts as said points. A multitude of these plasma bursts create an image in empty space. The hologram plasma laser is mounted between the first rear post 16 and the second rear post 17 in order to project a logo/advertisement image or a multitude of images directly within the rear net frame 14. Additionally, the hologram plasma laser can be place on a base and into the group and behind the goal post frame to project three-dimensional image oriented toward to the rear U-shaped open space. In one embodiment, any of the hologram devices may be used to display the score of the game, logos, and advertisements. As such, the content being projected may be viewed from a variety of angles such as the front and the rear of the present invention.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the rear net frame 14 can also be a stand-alone component that may be placed and positioned on the ground behind the goal frame 2 of any standard stadium goal frame 2 for the purposes of projecting advertisement and entertainment. In this embodiment, the multimedia bar system 18, the hologram projector device 45, the transparent display screen 44, and or the laser plasma projector may be integrated into the rear net frame 14. The rear net frame 14 may be positioned on the grass or be anchored into the ground like a giant free advertising board stand. Additionally, the rear net frame 14 is designed to receive virtual advertising images directly to the transparent display screen 44.
In one embodiment, the present invention is implemented as a handball goal post. In this embodiment, the goal frame 2 is connected to the rear net frame 14 by the first anchor bar 31 and the second anchor bar 32. Although, unlike the soccer goal post embodiment, the first anchor bar 31 and the second anchor bar 32 are positioned above ground. In this embodiment, only the first post 4 and the second post 5 are fit within an underground foundation through two holes. Additionally, the net 1 has a conical design, tapering from the goal frame 2 towards the rear net frame 14. Furthermore, the base of the net 1 includes three long sleeves which receive a ground cable to fit perfectly around and inside the net 1, keeping the net 1 tighten with the ground through a tensioned knob. This prevents the ball from escaping under the net 1 regardless of the speed and force of the ball. The base of the net 1 is attached to the ground with a single steel or cord cable. The steel cable is attached to the first post 4 and the second post 5, below the entrance of the channel for the first cable 36. In one embodiment, the present invention further comprises a pair of adjustment knobs. The adjustment knobs are located at the base corners of the rear net frame 14 and are engaged to the steel cable. Turning the adjustment knobs tightens or releases the steel cable. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the net 1 may be a conical shape with a narrow back section. Another shaped includes a traditional triangle shape with a size 24′ wide×8′ tall and 6′ deep and attached to the rear net frame 14.
The first post 4 and the second post 5 can be made with different tube shape from round, oval, elliptical shape also each shape may have integrated channel track for the net 1 attachment with the sliding cable. Additionally, the integrated channel track may be designed to facilitate the insertion of the cable. In the preferred embodiment, the goal frame 2 is designed to be easily disassembled, transported, and installed.
In an alternative embodiment, the present invention design and functionality can be made in smaller size, made to be lightweight, compact, foldable and portable for easy to carry on any a large bag and in a car truck; like a tent for practice and game play on any ground surface and only required a smaller space like parks, beaches, backward, parking space and small indoor arena. Thus, the present invention offers the same excitement and entertainment values just like the stadium goal post. The invention concept can also be made in mini size and sit on the ground like a tent on any surfaces, with easy to carry and to assembly for outdoor parks, beaches, and in door arenas.
In an alternative embodiment, the present invention may be implement as a digital game machine. In this embodiment, the present invention is designed smaller in order to be placed in a standing position on top of a table or on the ground. The present invention may also include a shooting player and a goalie operated by a handle grip. This allows a user to practice his or her reflexes while enjoying the game. When the magnetized ball 49 enter the goal frame 2, all electronic features will be activated. In a further alternative embodiment, the present invention is implemented as a digital video game.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the first post 4 and second post 5 having Gooseneck to the top end with attached to the front crossbar 3. In one embodiment, a panoramic video radar camera is attached to the rear net frame 14 design to follow and tracking all movements and speed of the ball and the magnetic ball from distance like a GPS during the entire game. In one embodiment, the master panoramic camera 43 is mounted on a slider which will automatically follow the magnetized ball 48 from distance play to the final action. The slider can also be a folding arm slider, a track, or a railing that is attached under the rear crossbar 15 to offering better option to capture better video images. The panoramic camera should have a pivoting base to rotate. This offer the ability to capture images by following the magnetized ball 48 from on point to the final scoring path. From long distance ahead and any angles before entering the goal line area for potential scoring without missing any traveling segment of the magnetized ball 48. In one embodiment, a radar camera is utilized to track the movement of the magnetized ball 48 until the magnetized ball 48 is scored or goes out of bounds. Rear net frame 14 includes a panoramic camera slider attached upside down under the rear crossbar 15 with a pivoting panoramic camera slider to rotate and turn 180 degrees from left to right angles. In one embodiment, the rear net frame 14 includes an at least one vertical camera slider attached to the first rear post 16 and the second rear post 17 which moves a camera along a vertical track. For American football embodiment of the present invention, the hologram projection device 45 is attached to the upper end of the gooseneck section that support the crossbar and the U-Shaped posts structure for the goal-line. Note, in other for the American football (NFL) to accept to have a projector attached to the NFL goalpost, it had to be behind the goal line area, that is why the gooseneck design is utilized. In another embodiment, the hologram projection device 45 is attached to the front crossbar 3. In one embodiment the hologram projection device 45 is mounted to the front crossbar 3 and the rear crossbar 15.
For soccer, the hologram projection device 45 is attachment in between the front crossbar 3 and the rear crossbar 15. For rugby, the hologram projection device 45 is attachment behind the goal line. For handball, the hologram projection device 45 is attached to the front crossbar 3 and the rear net frame 14. For hockey, the hologram projection device 45 is attached to the goal frame 2. For basketball, the hologram projection device 45 is attached behind the backboard. For football, the hologram projection device 45 may be used to announce with 3D projection each team and player before a game; projecting 3D team logo, projecting 3D “touchdown” during each scoring, American football helmets in 3D projection, NFL 3d ball, NFL jersey 3D projection, announcing the official team or championship sponsors, advertising logo and name, country flags, virtual advertising. Same hologram projection technology can be applied to basketball hoops and other racing sports. Also for racing sports with a finish line like car racing and horse racing, ski racing, sailing racing, tracking filed, bicycle tours etc. (water and non-water sports).
Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.
The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62/498,586 filed on Jan. 3, 2017.
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