Collapsible frame assembly for supporting netting

Abstract

A frame supporting netting for sports play. The frame has a base frame selectively coupled at a point intermediate the first and second ends thereof. An elbow portion rotatably connects to each end. A front frame has first and second ends that also rotatably connected to the elbow portions, wherein, to collapse the unitary frame, the base frame is uncoupled at the intermediate point to allow for rotation of the base frame first and second ends until the unitary frame is substantially flat. The frame may include a pitchback assembly for selectively converting the frame into a pitchback and storing thereon without encumbering other uses. The pitchback assembly has a sleeve for securing to a first portion of the frame, an anchor assembly for coupling to a second portion of the frame, and a net secured to the sleeve and the anchor assembly.

1 . A collapsible sports goal assembly comprising: 
 a) a base frame having a first, second, third and fourth end, wherein third and fourth ends removably connect;    b) a front frame supported upright by the base frame, the front frame being coupled to the first and second ends;    c) means for allowing the first and second ends of the base frame to rotate in two directions so that the sports goal assembly can be substantially flattened for storage and transport when the third and fourth ends are separated; and    d) a net attached to the base frame and the front frame for retaining objects.    
   
   
       2 . A collapsible sports goal assembly as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising protective feet mounted on the base frame.  
   
   
       3 . A frame for supporting a sports net comprising: 
 a) a base frame for resting on a play surface having first and second ends, the base frame being selectively coupled at a point intermediate the first and second ends;    b) a first elbow portion rotatably connected to the first end;    c) a second elbow portion rotatably connected to the second end; and    d) a front frame having first and second ends, each end of the front frame also rotatably connected to the elbow portions;    wherein, in the play position, the front frame is rigidly supported substanitally perpendicularly to the play surface by the base frame, and, to collapse the unitary frame for transport or storage, the base frame is uncoupled at the intermediate point to allow for rotation of the base frame first and second ends until the unitary frame is substantially flat.    
   
   
       4 . A frame as recited in  claim 3 , further comprising: 
 a shelf connected to the front frame; and    a leg extending between the shelf and base frame for supporting the shelf.    
   
   
       5 . A frame as recited in  claim 3 , wherein a bottom end of the leg forms a sleeve for sliding over the base frame approximately at the intermediate point and a top end of the leg forms a sleeve for sliding over the shelf.  
   
   
       6 . A frame as recited in  claim 3 , further comprising a pair of opposing spring-loaded locking pins on the shelf for coupling the shelf to the front frame.  
   
   
       7 . A frame as recited in  claim 3 , wherein the front frame is selectively coupled at an intermediate point.  
   
   
       8 . A frame as recited in  claim 7 , further comprising an elastic rope secured within the front frame.  
   
   
       9 . An assembly for selectively converting an open goal into a pitchback and storing thereon without encumbering use as the open goal, the assembly comprising: 
 a fabric sleeve for securing the assembly to a first portion of the open goal;    an anchor assembly for coupling to a second portion of the open goal; and    a net having one end secured to the fabric sleeve and another end secured to the anchor assembly.    
   
   
       10 . An assembly as recited in  claim 9 , wherein the fabric sleeve includes a closure for easily enveloping and releasing the assembly.  
   
   
       11 . An assembly as recited in  claim 9 , wherein the first portion is a top portion and the second portion is a bottom portion.  
   
   
       12 . An assembly as recited in  claim 9 , wherein the anchor assembly includes a telescoping tubular portion and a pair of end caps for releasably coupling the anchor assembly to the open goal.  
   
   
       13 . An assembly for use as an open goal and a pitchback, the assembly comprising: 
 an open goal;    a fabric sleeve for securing the assembly to a first portion of the open goal;    an anchor assembly for coupling to a second portion of the open goal; and    a net having one end secured to the fabric sleeve and another end secured to the anchor assembly.    
   
   
       14 . An assembly as recited in  claim 13 , wherein the open goal includes 
 a base frame for resting on a play surface having first and second ends, the base frame being selectively coupled at a point intermediate the first and second ends,    a first elbow portion rotatably connected to the first end,    a second elbow portion rotatably connected to the second end, and    a front frame having first and second ends, each end of the front frame also rotatably connected to the elbow portions.    
   
   
       15 . An assembly as recited in  claim 14 , further comprising a goal net draped about the open goal for capturing balls, the goal net having a plurality of sleeves for sliding about the base frame and the front frame, the sleeves forming an gap approximately about the intermediate point.  
   
   
       16 . An assembly as recited in  claim 14 , further comprising a target ribbon secured that can be selectively positioned and shaped thereon.  
   
   
       17 . An assembly as recited in  claim 14 , wherein the anchor assembly, the base frame and the front frame telescope.  
   
   
       18 . An assembly as recited in  claim 17 , further comprising reinforcement bands within the net for allowing expansion thereof.