Pop-up SportsTraining Assemblies & Related Devices and Methods

Abstract

Portable sports training assembly frames and sports training assemblies and goals, and particularly arched portable traps and goals which can be erected easily, for example, via self-erecting components, are provided. Arched assemblies, traps and goals of the invention include highly visible, and removable, halo and apron components, and effectively trap or stop sports-playing objects such as golf balls, hockey pucks, lacrosse balls, softballs, baseballs, footballs and soccer balls. The invention relates also to frames which can be provided in easily erectable or self-erecting embodiments, and which are useful not only as sports training assemblies, traps or goals but also for displaying signage, and particularly for displaying temporary or emergency signage. Frames and netting elements of the invention can be provided in one or more high-visibility materials and colors.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention pertains generally to portable traps and goals for use in sports training, and particularly to portable traps and goals which can be erected easily, for example, via self-erecting components. Traps and goals of the invention are highly visible, and effectively trap or stop sports-playing objects such as golf balls, hockey pucks, lacrosse balls, softballs, baseballs, footballs and soccer balls. The invention relates also to frames which can be provided in easily erectable or self-erecting embodiments, and which are useful not only as sports traps or goals but also for displaying signage, and particularly for displaying temporary or emergency signage.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Many games utilizing a sports object, such as a soccer ball, hockey puck, golf ball or lacrosse ball are often played informally in fields and areas which do not have standard goal structures. Because such games are often impromptu gatherings, it is difficu...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]It is therefore an object of the invention to provide lightweight and portable trap frames suitable for holding a net element or the like for receiving or trapping game playing objects.

[0006]It is a further object of the invention to provide such traps further comprising netting elements or the like, which netting functions to effectively stop the game playing object when it is thrown or driven into the trap.

Problems solved by technology

Because such games are often impromptu gatherings, it is difficult and usually impossible for the players to bring conventional, full-size, goals which are difficult to transport and, for the most part, are typically installed in permanent locations on sports or recreational fields.

Because such delimited areas have uncertain or unclear boundaries, disagreements can arise among players as to whether points have been scored based on whether the ball or other sports playing object has passed outside or above the goal area.

Thus, a disadvantage of portable goals in the art is that, because their netting elements are under tension, they tend to reflect or eject a ball or other sports object out and away from the goal or trap.

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