Playing Field Obstacle Kit and Method

Abstract

An obstacle device for use on a playing field has a base and a frame approximating in shape the front profile of a human head and torso. The frame is coupled to the base. The frame includes a collapsible frame member that has an expanded configuration that defines an expanded frame area. The frame member also has a collapsed configuration that defines a collapsed frame area that is less than the expanded frame area. A covering material is attached to the frame so that the covering material is spread by the frame when the frame member is in the expanded configuration. At least two of the obstacle devices may be provided as an obstacle device kit.

1 . A playing field obstacle device kit, comprising: 
 at least two obstacle devices, each obstacle device including: 
 a base;  
 an elongate support member coupled to the base;  
 a frame approximate in shape the front profile of a human head and torso, the frame having a frame member in the form of a resilient, flexible hoop removably coupled to the support member, the frame member having an expanded configuration that defines an expanded frame area of the frame, the frame member being resiliently deformable to a collapsed configuration that defines a collapsed frame area that is less than the expanded frame area; and  
 a covering material attached to the frame so that the fabric material is spread by the frame when the frame member is in the expanded configuration.  
   
   
   
       2 . The obstacle device kit of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a net for securing to the support members of the at least two obstacle devices.    
   
   
       3 . The obstacle device kit of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a carrying device for carrying the at least two obstacle devices.    
   
   
       4 . The obstacle device kit of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the support member is formed into at least two sections that releasably engage one another.    
   
   
       5 . The obstacle device kit of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the base includes a stake member for staking into the ground or support media of the playing field, the support member coupling to the base so that the support member is held by the base in a generally upright manner when the base is staked into the ground or support media.    
   
   
       6 . The obstacle device kit of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the frame is pivotable relative to the base.    
   
   
       7 . The obstacle device kit of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the base includes an elastic member that allows the frame to pivot relative to the base.    
   
   
       8 . The obstacle device kit of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the flexible hoop of the frame member approximates in shape the front profile of a human head and torso when in the expanded configuration.    
   
   
       9 . The obstacle device kit of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the covering material is a fabric material.    
   
   
       10 . The obstacle device kit of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the frame member is resiliently deformable upon being impacted.    
   
   
       11 . The obstacle device kit of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a ball.    
   
   
       12 . A method of using an obstacle device kit, comprising: 
 providing at least two obstacle devices, each obstacle device including: 
 a base;  
 an elongate support member coupled to the base;  
 a frame approximate in shape the front profile of a human head and torso, the frame having a frame member in the form of a resilient, flexible hoop removably coupled to the support member, the frame member having an expanded configuration that defines an expanded frame area of the frame, the frame member being resiliently deformable to a collapsed configuration that defines a collapsed frame area that is less than the expanded frame area; and  
 a covering material attached to the frame so that the fabric material is spread by the frame when the frame member is in the expanded configuration;  
   providing a net; and    securing the net to the support members of the at least two obstacle devices.