Portable soccer goal apparatus

Abstract

A portable soccer goal includes a net portion suspended within a flexible spring frame which stretches the net across its area to form a back portion as a suitable goal surface. A base portion is attached to the back portion, and a pair of side panels extend between the back portion and base portion. The expanded frame, with the net portion, base portion, and side panels extended therebetween, is stabilized by support rods inserted into sleeves extending between the upper portion of the back and the front portion of the base. Upper and lower sleeves cover the ends of the rods to prevent exposure to the players. Stakes and/or sand pockets may be used to secure the apparatus to the ground.

What is claimed as invention is:  
     
         1 . A portable soccer goal apparatus comprising: 
 a net portion suspended within a flexible spring frame adapted to stretch said net portion across its area to form a back portion goal surface, said back portion having a lower edge;    a base portion extending from said lower edge of said back portion;    a pair of side panels extending between said back portion and said base portion, said side panels bearing sleeves along a front edge thereof; and    support rods adapted for insertion into said sleeves, said support rods terminating in a pair of ends, said ends adapted for releasable attachment to said back portion and said base portion.    
     
     
         2 . The portable soccer goal of    claim 1    wherein said sleeves bear upper and lower portions to cover the ends of said support rods.  
     
     
         3 . The portable soccer goal of    claim 2    wherein said lower portions of said sleeves include zippers.  
     
     
         4 . The portable soccer goal of    claim 1    wherein said side panels include sand pockets.  
     
     
         5 . The portable soccer goal of    claim 1    further including stakes to secure the apparatus to the ground.  
     
     
         6 . The portable soccer goal of    claim 1    wherein said frame comprises a coated, flexible spring steel frame covered with a protective material.  
     
     
         7 . The portable soccer goal of    claim 1    wherein said support rods are inserted into said sleeves through openings in the sleeves.  
     
     
         8 . The portable soccer goal of    claim 1    wherein said support rods are releasably fastened to said back portion and base portion by ring pins.  
     
     
         9 . The portable soccer goal of    claim 1    wherein said support rods comprise collapsible, segmented fiberglass poles.