At a glance
| Patent number | CN207041846U (application CN201720600646) |
| Type | China utility model (实用新型) - protects product shape and structure |
| Original title | A folding football goal (一种折叠式足球门) |
| Patent owner | Guangdong Podiyeen Sports Co ltd |
| Inventors | Bai Lin, Zhong Wenqin |
| Filing date | 2017-05-26 |
| Grant date | 2018-02-27 |
| Status (China) | In force in China until at most 2027-05-26 (if annual fees are paid) |
| Patent family | Chinese filings only - no US, European, Japanese, PCT or other filings listed |
| Cited by | 7 later documents |
| Source | Google Patents (search for CN207041846U) |
What the claims cover, in plain language
Claim 1 - a collapsible football goal comprising a gantry (10) and a base (5). The gantry has two door frames (2) connected by a runner assembly (1), with the other end of each door frame hinged to a first connector (3). The base includes two vertical posts (51), two cross bars (52), two second connectors (53), two articulated elements (54) and a connecting element (55). The connecting element uses a male plug fitting (551) engaged with a female plug fitting (552) to join the cross bars. Net clamps (6) connect the second connectors to third connectors (7) hinged on the door frames. The runner assembly includes two identical rotary heads (11), a hinged pipe (12) and two lock-screws (13). Each rotary head has a two-layer articulated circle portion (111) and a tangent convex extension part (112) attached to a door frame. The hinged pipe inserts through through-holes (113) in the crossed circle portions so the convex extensions rotate around each other, secured by the lock-screws.
Claim 2 - the convex extension part has a linkage section (121) whose diameter is smaller than the door frame to form a step edge, sized so the door frame plugs onto it. Claim 3 - the first connector has a plug division (31) forming a step edge to plug into the vertical post, and an articulated section (32) with a hinge hole and grooves for a positioning screw (21) on the door frame. Claim 4 - the articulated elements include a block (56) that abuts the clamp during folding. Claim 5 - the door frames and runner assembly, the clamps and connectors, and the posts and connectors are joined using screw connections.
This is a simplified reading for orientation only. The legal scope is defined by the exact claim wording in the official Chinese document.
What this means for US production
This patent was filed only in China and is currently in force there until at most 2027-05-26, provided annual fees are paid. It has no US or other foreign counterpart. However, because it remains active in China, making or selling this exact design in China needs the owner’s permission.
Two points to settle early:
- Other patents may exist. Quick Play Sport Ltd holds a later international publication (WO2019211621A1) and Punq Sports, LLC holds a later US publication (US20250090922A1) citing this document, indicating ongoing patent activity in the folding sports goal field. A freedom-to-operate (FTO) review covering the rotary-head hinge and plug-in base mechanisms is recommended before committing to tooling for the US market.
- Hinge durability and pinch points. The rotary heads and plug fittings must withstand repeated folding cycles and ball impacts while preventing finger entrapment, requiring careful tolerance control during molding or tube forming.
Customization and manufacturing
What can be customized
| Area | Options |
|---|---|
| Goal dimensions | Width, height and depth set in design / confirmed on prototypes |
| Frame material | Steel tubing, aluminum alloy or reinforced plastic profiles |
| Tube diameter | Sized for the target age group and impact load |
| Finish | Powder coating, paint or corrosion-resistant plating |
| Net attachment | Velcro straps, hooks or integrated channels on the clamps |
| Base weight | Hollow tubes filled with sand/water, or solid weighted bars |
| Color scheme | Brand colors for frames, connectors and net |
Things to plan for (US market)
- ASTM F2056 - the standard safety specification for moveable soccer goals, covering tip-over resistance, anchoring and warning labels; the plug-in base and folding frame need to pass its stability tests in the deployed position.
- Anchoring and Zach’s Law labeling - CPSC’s movable soccer goal guidance and the Zach’s Law requirements on tip-over warnings mean the goal should ship with ground anchors or weights and a permanent warning label.
- California Prop 65 - surface coatings, plastics and metal treatments must be screened for listed chemicals.
- CPSIA - if marketed primarily for children 12 and under, materials must comply with lead and phthalate limits.
How a project runs
- Inquiry - target dimensions, user age group, material preferences and estimated volumes.
- Design - engineering the rotary head tolerances, plug-fitting engagement depth and frame wall thickness.
- Prototype - producing sample units to test folding action, hinge wear and base stability.
- Pilot run - small batch manufacturing alongside ASTM F2676 stability testing and cycle testing of the hinge.
- Production - tube cutting, bending, welding or molding, surface finishing, hardware assembly and packaging.
Quantities & timeline
Manufacturing requires tube-bending dies or injection molds for the rotary heads and plug fittings, along with welding jigs for the door frames. Surface treatment lines handle powder coating or plating. Stability testing per ASTM F2676 dictates the final prototype validation phase. Send us your target dimensions, material preferences, quantity and intended market channel and we will reply with options.
Patent drawings
Drawings reproduced from the public patent document for reference.
