Lacrosse goal extension net

Abstract

An extension net for providing a backstop for a standard or specially modified lacrosse goal. The extension net includes one or more frame portions that are secured to the lacrosse goal and are rotatable so as to vary an angle between an end portion of the extension net and the lacrosse goal. The extension net can be sized so as to mark an outer boundary of a regulation lacrosse crease. A convertible goal that has both lacrosse and hockey goal modes and that can support an extension net in one or both of the modes.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A lacrosse goal system, comprising:
 a lacrosse goal comprising an upper horizontal goal member, a left goal member connected to a left end of the horizontal goal member and a right goal member connected to a right end of the horizontal goal member, wherein the left and right goal members support the horizontal goal member at an elevation position relative to a surface upon which the lacrosse goal rests;   a frame including left and right frame portions configured to attach to respective left and right portions of the lacrosse goal and be supported thereby in a cantilevered manner, each of said left and right frame portions extending upward and laterally outward from said lacrosse goal, wherein each of said left and right frame portions are individually rotatably adjustable to vary an angle between said left and right frame portions and said lacrosse goal, wherein at least a portion of each of the left and right frame portions is located laterally outward of the respective left and right goal members in at least some rotatable positions; and   a mesh extension net supported by said frame, wherein said extension net extends entirely across said upper horizontal goal member of said lacrosse goal in an upward and outward manner such that portions of the mesh extension net are located laterally outward of the left and right goal members in at least some rotatable positions;   wherein said frame does not extend substantially along the sides or bottom of said mesh extension net.   
     
     
         2 . The lacrosse goal system of  claim 1 , additionally comprising a left mount and a right mount configured to be secured to left and right frame posts of said lacrosse goal, said left mount configured to support said left frame portion and said right mount configured to support said right frame portion. 
     
     
         3 . The lacrosse goal system of  claim 2 , wherein said left frame portion comprises a left upright support member and said right frame portion comprises a right upright support member, and wherein each of said left and right mounts comprises first and second pieces which fit together in a clam-shell like fashion around said left and right frame posts, each of said left and right mounts defining an opening configured to receive an end of a respective one of said left and right upright support members. 
     
     
         4 . The lacrosse goal system of  claim 1 , wherein said left frame portion includes a left upright support and left side arm and said right frame portion includes a right upright support and right side arm, and wherein said net is secured at least to said left and right side arms. 
     
     
         5 . The lacrosse goal system of  claim 4 , wherein said lacrosse goal is specially adapted to receive said extension net, said lacrosse goal including left and right frame posts each defining an opening configured to receive a respective one of said left and right upright supports. 
     
     
         6 . The lacrosse goal system of  claim 4 , wherein said net includes left and right pockets in upper corners of said net, said left pocket configured to receive an end of said left side arm and said right pocket configured to receive an end of said right side arm. 
     
     
         7 . The lacrosse goal system of  claim 4 , wherein said left and right frame portions are infinitely adjustable in angular orientation relative to said lacrosse goal. 
     
     
         8 . The lacrosse goal system of  claim 4 , wherein said left and right frame portions are adjustable to a limited number of configurations in angular orientation relative to said lacrosse goal. 
     
     
         9 . The lacrosse goal system of  claim 8 , wherein each of said left and right upright supports define a plurality of adjustment pin hole pairs, each of said adjustable pin hole pairs defining a different angular orientation of one of said left and right frame portions. 
     
     
         10 . The lacrosse goal system of  claim 1 , wherein a width of said mesh net is sized so as to define an outer boundary of a regulation lacrosse crease. 
     
     
         11 . The lacrosse goal system of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one weighted member that can be applied to a lower end of said mesh net. 
     
     
         12 . The lacrosse goal system_of  claim 11 , wherein said at least one weighted member comprises a first weighted member first and a second weighted member, wherein said first weighted member can be applied to said first side portion of said mesh net and said second weighted member can be applied to said second side portion of said mesh net. 
     
     
         13 . The lacrosse goal system of  claim 12 , wherein said first and second weighted members are integrated with said mesh net. 
     
     
         14 . The lacrosse goal system of  claim 1 , wherein each of said left and right frame portions are rotatably adjustable about a vertical axis. 
     
     
         15 . A backstop for a lacrosse goal, the lacrosse goal comprising an upper horizontal goal member, a left vertical member and a right vertical member, the backstop comprising:
 a frame including left and right frame portions configured to attach to a respective one of the left and right vertical members of the lacrosse goal and be supported thereby in a cantilevered manner, each of said left and right frame portions extending upward and laterally outward from said lacrosse goal, wherein each of said left and right frame portions are individually rotatably adjustable about a vertical axis defined by the respective one of the left and right vertical members of the lacrosse goal to vary an angle between said left and right frame portions and said lacrosse goal, wherein at least a portion of each of the left and right frame portions is located laterally outward of the respective left and right vertical members in at least some rotatable positions; and   a mesh extension net supported by said frame, wherein said extension net extends entirely across said upper horizontal goal member of said lacrosse goal in an upward and outward manner such that portions of the mesh extension net are located laterally outward of the left and right vertical members in at least some rotatable positions;   wherein said frame does not extend substantially along the sides or bottom of said extension.