Games using tangible projectile – Playing field or court game; game element or accessory... – Goal or target structure for projectile; element thereof
Patent
1997-11-19
1999-09-07
Graham, Mark S.
Games using tangible projectile
Playing field or court game; game element or accessory...
Goal or target structure for projectile; element thereof
473477, 273127B, A63B 6300
Patent
active
059478462
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of Invention
The invention relates to sporting equipment and more particularly to a hockey goal-frame.
2. Brief Description of Related Art
Hockey, particularly ice hockey, has become increasingly popular as a spectator sport, particularly for viewing on televised programs. However, because the hockey puck is relatively small, colored black and fast travelling, it is sometimes difficult for the observer to follow. This is particularly a difficulty when the puck is delivered to the goal. An observer may not be able to see that a goal has been scored. This is especially so in hockey play, where the goal tender characteristically blocks the goal mouth and may further obscure a view of the scoring.
The hockey goal-frame of the present invention provides a visual indication to spectators, when a goal is scored and is particularly observable to a television viewer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention comprises a regulation size, score indicating, hockey goal assembly, which comprises;
an open frame defining the goal opening and having an inverted "U" shape with a cross-bar between two downwardly projecting, parallel legs;
the parallel legs each having a first end and a second end, the first ends being integral to the cross-bar and the second ends integral to means for support on a ground surface;
means for support on a ground or ice surface;
said frame housing television viewable signal means for indicating a goal scored; and
means for activating the signal means.
The term "hockey" as used herein includes ice hockey, in-line (roller) hockey and field hockey. These sports generally employ a goal tender who blocks entry to the goal itself.
The assembly of the invention is useful to indicate to spectators when a goal has been scored in a hockey game, particularly to improve the indication given to a televised game viewer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a front elevation of a preferred embodiment goal of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a front elevation of an enlarged fragmented portion of the open frame defining the goal opening, as shown in FIG. 1, partially cut-way to show internal components.
FIG. 3 is a view along lines 3--3 of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a view-in-perspective of an embodiment device of the invention, partially cut-away to show internal components and its schematic relationship to a signal transmitter.
FIG. 5 is an electrical schematic diagram of an embodiment radio transmitter circuit.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
Those skilled in the art will gain an appreciation of the invention from the following description of preferred embodiments, when read in conjunction with a viewing of the accompanying drawings of FIGS. 1-5, inclusive.
FIG. 1 is a front elevation of a preferred embodiment hockey goal assembly 10 of the invention.
The assembly 10 is a stable, conventional hockey goal assembly comprising a frame 12 having an inverted "U" shape, the free ends of the legs 14,16 being adapted to stand freely on a ground or ice support means (not shown in FIG. 1). The frame 12 defines the goal opening or mouth 18 for receiving a hockey puck during play. A regulation size goal for ice hockey may have a mouth 18 with dimensions of six feet wide and 4 feet high. The frame 12, legs 14,16 and ground support are a unitary, one-piece, tube construction. Advantageously, the frame 12 is fabricated from lightweight tubular components having the necessary strength to function as a goal assembly. For example, it may be made of tubular aluminum, tubular steel or steel alloys or synthetic polymeric resins such as polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, polyurethane, polyacrylics or the like. A puck retaining net 22 shown fragmented in FIG. 1, covers the goal assembly 10 except for mouth 18. The net 22 may be any conventional puck retaining net conventionally employed in like goal assemblies and need only be draped over the goal assembly 10 structure, connected to the frame 12 by any conventional means such as hooks, tabs or the like. Net suppo
REFERENCES:
patent: 3979120 (1976-09-01), Dietrich
patent: 4026554 (1977-05-01), Karkosa
patent: 5564698 (1996-10-01), Honey et al.
patent: 5615880 (1997-04-01), Booth et al.
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