U.S. patent application number 09/813881 was filed with the patent office on 2001-11-01 for rollable sports base.
Invention is credited to Ballone, Michael, Davis, Mark E., Grossman, Gary, Kristiansen, Keith, Polin, Rene, Saunders, Craig, White, Ronald A..
Application Number | 20010035481 09/813881 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23050582 |
Filed Date | 2001-11-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010035481 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Davis, Mark E. ; et
al. |
November 1, 2001 |
Rollable sports base
Abstract
A rollable sports ballast base for supporting a sports apparatus
support member comprising a base member which has a first edge and
a second edge, a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom
surface is adapted to contact a support surface such as a driveway
or other playing surface. There is at least one wheel assembly for
contacting the support surface. One of the wheel assemblies is
retractable from a lowered position to a raised position such that
when in the raised position, the bottom surface of the base member
substantially contacts the support surface. In the lowered
position, both wheel assemblies contact the support surface thereby
separating or elevating the base member from the support surface.
In another embodiment, the invention consists of a similar rollable
sports base for supporting a sports apparatus support member
wherein one wheel assembly is retractable and comprises a pivoting
connector coupled to the base member and a wheel bracket coupled to
the pivoting connector. The wheel bracket is adapted to receive an
axle and at least one wheel, and is further provided with a handle
extending outwardly from the wheel bracket. The handle is used to
pivotally rotate the wheel assembly about a transverse axis such
that when the handle is rotated away from the base member, the
wheel contacts the support surface and the bottom surface of the
base member is separated or elevated from the support surface.
Inventors: |
Davis, Mark E.; (Wauwatosa,
WI) ; White, Ronald A.; (N. Prairie, WI) ;
Saunders, Craig; (Rocky River, OH) ; Polin, Rene;
(Lakewood, OH) ; Kristiansen, Keith; (Stratford,
CT) ; Ballone, Michael; (New Providence, NJ) ;
Grossman, Gary; (Riverside, CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HOWREY SIMON ARNOLD & WHITE LLP
BOX 34
1299 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20004
US
|
Family ID: |
23050582 |
Appl. No.: |
09/813881 |
Filed: |
March 22, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09813881 |
Mar 22, 2001 |
|
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|
09275021 |
Mar 24, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
248/129 ;
248/910 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2071/025 20130101;
A63B 71/023 20130101; A63B 63/083 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/129 ;
248/910 |
International
Class: |
A47K 001/04; B65D
019/00 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A sports ballast base comprising: a base member having a top
surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface adapted to contact
a support surface; and a displaceable first wheel assembly having
at least one wheel for contacting the support surface, wherein said
first wheel assembly is configured to be displaced from a lowered
position to a raised position such that when in the raised
position, the bottom surface of said base member substantially
contacts the support surface and when in the lowered position said
at least one wheel contacts the support surface thereby separating
said base member from the support surface.
2. A sports ballast base as in claim 1 further comprising a second
wheel assembly having at least one wheel for contacting the support
surface.
3. A sports ballast as in claim 2, wherein said second wheel
assembly is configured to be displaced from a lowered position to a
raised position such that when in the raised position, the bottom
surface of said base member substantially contacts the support
surface and when in the lowered position said at least one wheel
contacts the support surface thereby separating said base member
from the support surface.
4. The sports ballast base of claim 2, wherein said base member
further comprises a bottom recession in said bottom surface of said
base member and a hole defined through said base member extending
from said bottom recession to the top surface; said second wheel
assembly is fixed in position such that said at least one wheel
engages said support surface; and said displaceable first wheel
assembly comprises at least one caster having a top portion
attached to said base member within said bottom recession; and a
retraction device having a first end and a second end, pivotally
attached at said second end by a mounting bracket disposed within
said hole, said second end being configured to engage the top
portion of said at least one caster.
5. The sports ballast base of claim 4, wherein said top portion of
said at least one caster is pivotally attached to said base member
within said bottom recession, such that downward force on the top
portion of said at least one caster causes said caster to engage
the support surface.
6. The sports ballast base of claim 4, wherein said retraction
device is a lever adapted to communicate with a top recession in
the top surface of said base member, the second end of said
retraction device being provided with a cam thereon such that when
the first end is separated from said top recession, the second end
rollably communicates with the top portion of said caster such that
said caster contacts the support surface and the bottom surface of
said base member is separated from the support surface.
7. The sports ballast base of claim 6, further comprising a
handgrip positioned on the support member.
8. The sports ballast base of claim 4, further comprising threads
on the top portion of said at least one caster for engaging said
base member.
9. The sports ballast base of claim 8, wherein said retraction
device is configured to rotate around an axis substantially
perpendicular to the top portion of said at least one caster, such
that rotation of said handle about the axis displaces said caster
relative to the support surface.
10. The sports ballast base of claim 2, wherein said second wheel
assembly is fixed in position such that said at least one wheel
engages the support surface; and said displaceable first wheel
assembly comprises a pivoting connector coupled to said base
member; a wheel bracket coupled to said pivoting connector adapted
to receive an axle having first and second ends and at least one
wheel, said wheel bracket further provided with a handle extending
outwardly from said wheel bracket for pivotally rotating said first
wheel assembly about a transverse axis such that when said handle
is rotated away from said base member, said at least one wheel
contacts the support surface and the bottom surface of the base
member is separated from the support surface.
11. The sports ballast base of claim 10, wherein said base member
is provided with a bottom recession in the bottom surface, said
pivoting connector being coupled to said base member within said
bottom recession; and said handle comprises a first element
substantially parallel to a second element, each said element
extending outwardly from said wheel bracket.
12. The sports ballast base of claim 11, further comprising: a
linkage member disposed between said first element and said second
element; and a sports apparatus support member with an indentation
for lockably receiving said linkage member.
13. The sports ballast base of claim 11, wherein said displaceable
first wheel assembly is positioned proximate the first edge of said
base member and said second wheel assembly is positioned proximate
the second edge of said base member.
14. The sports ballast base of claim 13, wherein said base member
is provided with a first indent and a second indent, in said first
edge of said base member, adapted to receive said first element and
said second element of said handle respectively, such that when
said first element and said second element of said handle are
positioned such that each element slidably engages said first and
second indent, said displaceable first wheel assembly is retracted
within said bottom recession and the bottom surface of said base
member is in contact with the support surface.
15. The sports ballast base of claim 13, wherein said pivoting
connector comprises an upper pivot bracket coupled to said base
member, a lower pivot bracket pivotally connected to said upper
pivot bracket, and a swivel connector coupled between said lower
pivot bracket and said wheel bracket, such that said displaceable
first wheel assembly is adapted to swivel about a vertical axis
perpendicular to the bottom surface of said base member.
16. The sports ballast base of claim 15, wherein said sports
apparatus support member is provided with an eyebolt therein,
proximate said base member, for threadedly engaging said upper
pivot bracket.
17. The sports ballast base of claim 15, wherein said base member
further comprises a second recession within said bottom recession
thereby defining a flange for contacting said pivoting connector,
said flange defining a limit for an arc of rotation of said
displaceable first wheel assembly about an axis about said sports
apparatus support member.
18. The sports ballast base of claim 9, wherein said base member is
provided with a top recession in said top surface for receiving
said handle; and said first wheel assembly comprises two wheels,
each disposed on opposite ends of said axle.
19. The sports ballast base of claim 18, wherein said first wheel
assembly is positioned proximate the first edge of said base member
and said second wheel assembly is positioned proximate the second
edge of said base member.
20. The sports ballast base of claim 1, said base member further
comprising a first recession for receiving said deployable first
wheel assembly.
21. The sports ballast base of claim 20, further comprising a
deployable second wheel assembly having at least one wheel for
contacting the support surface; said deployable second wheel
assembly being retractable from a lowered position to a raised
position such that when in the raised position, the bottom surface
of said base member substantially contacts the support surface and
in the lowered position said first and second wheel assemblies
contact the support surface thereby separating said base member
from the support surface.
22. The sports ballast base of claim 21, further comprising a
second recession for receiving said deployable second wheel
assembly.
23. The sports ballast base of claim 22, said base member further
comprising a first edge, a second edge, a first side and a second
side; wherein said first wheel assembly is positioned proximate the
first side of said base member and said second wheel assembly
positioned proximate the second side of said base member and each
said wheel assembly comprises a pair of wheels connected to
opposite ends of a first axle member and a second axle member
respectively; each said axle member being pivotally connected to
said base member and extending from the first edge of said base
member to the second edge of said base member, such that when a
sufficient force is applied to the sports apparatus support member
in a direction perpendicular to the first side of said base member,
said first wheel assembly deploys such that it is adapted to engage
the support surface, and when a sufficient force is applied to the
sports apparatus support member in a direction perpendicular to the
second side of said base member, said second wheel assembly deploys
such that it is adapted to engage the support surface thereby
separating said base member from the support surface.
24. The sports ballast base of claim 1, said base member further
comprising: a first recession and a second recession in said bottom
surface for receiving said deployable first wheel assembly; first
slots adjacent said first recession; and second slots adjacent said
second recession.
25. The sports ballast base of claim 24, said deployable first
wheel assembly further comprising an axle member for engaging said
base member.
26. The sports ballast base of claim 25, wherein said axle member
engages said first slots and said second slots in said base
member.
27. The sports ballast of claim 26, further comprising a pivot
member pivotally connecting said deployable first wheel assembly to
said base member such that said deployable first wheel assembly is
adapted to communicate with said first recession in the raised
position and swivel to communicate with said second recession in
the lowered position.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates in general to sports
assemblies and more particularly to portable sports assemblies that
are rollable.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Various types of sports assemblies, and in particular,
basketball goal support assemblies, volleyball net support
assemblies and the like, have been proposed and used in the past.
Such proposals have recognized that stability and portability are
desirable if perhaps competing characteristics. In the past,
providing both stability and portability in a particular
construction has come at the price of requiring a more complex
structural arrangement and, in many instances, the use of
additional equipment to serve as a way of either transporting or
stabilizing the assembly.
[0005] While there are patents which disclose the use of wheels or
casters rigidly mounted to the base of a sports assembly, one must
typically tilt the entire assembly for the wheels to engage the
support surface. In the tilted position, the mover bears a
significant portion of the assembly weight and stability. In
several basketball sports assemblies, the basketball backboard is
oversized and extremely heavy. The average person is not able to
readily tilt the entire assembly. In the event that one is able to
tilt or overturn the assembly, they would still have to bear a
significant portion of the weight of the assembly during
transportation.
[0006] Moreover, there are patents which disclose apparatuses
having retractable wheels that can be deployed to engage the
ground. However, in some of these apparatuses, one is still
required to substantially tilt the apparatus in order to transport
it. Other apparatuses which disclose deployable wheels typically
utilize such wheels for added support or stability and do not
disclose deployable wheels which are the primary means of
transporting the particular apparatus.
[0007] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a rollable
sports base which is securely in contact with the ground during
operation and is easily transported without having to substantially
tilt the assembly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a rollable
sports base for supporting a sports apparatus. It is a principal
advantage of the present invention to provide a sports base which
is stable in operation, yet is easily transported without the need
for the person transporting the apparatus to bear the weight of the
assembly during transportation.
[0009] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be
set forth in the description that follows, and in part will be
apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the
invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention
will be realized and attained by the apparatus particularly pointed
out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the
appended drawings.
[0010] To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with
the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described,
the invention consists of a sports ballast base for supporting a
sports apparatus support member comprising a base member having a
first edge and a second edge, a top surface and a bottom surface.
The bottom surface is adapted to substantially contact a support
surface. There is a wheel assembly having at least one wheel for
contacting the support surface. The wheel assembly is retractable
or displaceable from a lowered position to a raised position such
that when in the raised position, the bottom surface of the base
member substantially contacts the support surface and in the
lowered position the wheel contacts the support surface thereby
separating the base member from the support surface.
[0011] It is also desirable for the sports ballast base to have two
wheel assemblies, a first wheel assembly and a second wheel
assembly, for contacting the support surface. One or both of the
wheel assemblies are retractable or displaceable from a lowered
position to a raised position such that when in the raised
position, the bottom surface of the base member substantially
contacts the support surface. In the lowered position, both the
first and second wheel assemblies contact the support surface
thereby separating or elevating the base member from the support
surface.
[0012] In another embodiment, the invention consists of a similar
rollable sports base for supporting a sports apparatus support
member wherein the first wheel assembly is displaceable or
retractable and comprises a pivoting connector coupled to the base
member and a wheel bracket coupled to the pivoting connector. The
wheel bracket is adapted to receive an axle and at least one wheel,
and is further provided with a handle extending outwardly from the
wheel bracket. The handle is used to pivotally rotate the second
wheel assembly about a transverse axis such that when the handle is
rotated away from the base member, the wheel contacts the support
surface and the bottom surface of the base member is separated or
elevated from the support surface.
[0013] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
rollable sports base that is securely in contact with the ground
during operation and is easily transported without having to
substantially tilt the assembly.
[0014] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
rollable sports base having rollers or wheels which are
displaceable.
[0015] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a rollable sports base which is easily maneuvered during
transportation.
[0016] These and other objects of the present invention will become
readily apparent upon further review of the following specification
and drawings. It is understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of
the invention as claimed.
[0017] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further
understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several
embodiments of the invention and together with the description
serve to explain the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a
rollable sports base according to the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional side view of the rollable sports
base of FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a
rollable sports base according to the present invention utilizing a
screw-jack handle.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the rollable sports base
of FIG. 3.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
rollable sports base according to the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a wheel assembly of the
rollable sports base of FIG. 5.
[0024] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a
rollable sports base according to the present invention depicting a
recessed handle.
[0025] FIG. 8a is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
rollable sports base according to the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 8b is a front view of the embodiment of the present
invention according to FIG. 8a.
[0027] FIG. 8c is a front view of the embodiment of the present
invention according to FIGS. 8a and 8b.
[0028] FIG. 8d is a front view- of the embodiment of the present
invention according to FIGS. 8a, 8b, and 8c.
[0029] FIG. 8e is a front view of the embodiment of the present
invention according to FIGS. 8a, 8b, 8c, and 8d.
[0030] FIG. 9a is a side view of another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0031] FIG. 9b is a side view of the embodiment of the present
invention according to FIG. 9a.
[0032] FIG. 9c is a side view of the embodiment of the present
invention according to FIGS. 9a and 9b.
[0033] Similar reference characters denote corresponding features
consistently throughout the attached drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0034] Reference will now be made in detail to the present
preferred embodiment of the invention, an example of which is
illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
[0035] The exemplary embodiment of the rollable sports base is
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and is designated generally by reference
numeral 10. As embodied herein and referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the
rollable sports base 10 is preferably attached to a portable
basketball goal assembly 5 and includes a base member 20 which has
a first edge 22 and a second edge 24, and a top surface 26 and a
bottom surface 28. The bottom surface 28 is adapted to contact a
support surface 50 such as a driveway or other playing surface.
There is at least one retractable or displaceable wheel assembly 30
having at least one wheel 70 for contacting the support surface. It
is preferred that there be two wheel assemblies, a second wheel
assembly 30 and a first wheel assembly 40, for contacting the
support surface 50. One or both of the wheel assemblies are
displaceable or retractable from a lowered position to a raised
position such that when in the raised position, the bottom surface
28 of the base member 20 substantially contacts the support surface
50. In the lowered position, the wheels 70 of both the second and
first wheel assemblies 30, 40 contact the support surface 50
thereby separating or elevating the base member 20 from the support
surface 50, such that the base 10 is rollable. A displaceable wheel
assembly has the ability to change its position relative to the
support surface 50 and the base 10. A retractable wheel assembly
has the ability to be drawn back within the base 10 from a position
where it is displaced from the base 10.
[0036] Although it need not be present, it is desirable for the
base member 20 to have a first recession 60 in the top surface 26
of the base member 20 and a second recession 62 in the bottom
surface 28 of the base member 20. A hole 64 is defined through the
base member 20 which extends from the first recession 60 through to
the top surface 26. Where there is a second recession 62, the top
of the recession is essentially the top surface 26. In practice,
either one of the wheel assemblies 30, 40 or both wheel assemblies
30, 40 may be displaceable. In a preferred embodiment, the second
wheel assembly 30 is fixed in position such that the second wheel
assembly 30 engages the support surface 50 during routine use and
the first wheel assembly 40 is displaceable or retractable.
[0037] Where the first wheel assembly 40 is retractable it
preferably comprises a caster, wheel, or similar roller 70, having
a top portion 72 attached to the base member 20 and a retraction
device 80. The retraction device 80 has a first end 82 and a second
end 84 and is pivotally attached at the second end 84 by a mounting
bracket 76 disposed within the hole 64 defined between the first
recession 60 and second recession 62. The second end 84 of the
retraction device 80 is adapted to engage the top portion 72 of the
caster 70. It is preferred that the caster or wheel 70 be pivotally
attached to the base member 20 within the second recession 62, such
that downward force on the top portion 72 of the caster 70 causes
the caster 70 to engage the support surface 50 thereby separating
the base member 20 from the support surface 50, thus being easily
transported or rollable.
[0038] As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, it is preferred that the
retraction device 80 is a lever adapted to communicate with either
the top surface 26 or the first recession 60. The second end 84 of
the retraction device 80 is provided with a cam 83 thereon and the
first end 82 of the retraction device is provided with a handle 81
such that when the first end 82 is separated from the top surface
26 or the first recession 60, the second end 84 rollably
communicates with the top portion 72 of the caster 70 such that the
caster 70 contacts the support surface 50 and the bottom surface 28
of the base member 20 is separated or elevated away from the
support surface 50, so the base 10 is rollable.
[0039] In order to provide increased maneuverability and a more
secure grip, the sports apparatus support member 7 further
comprises a handgrip 15 positioned thereon. The handgrip 15 is
preferably made of a pliable material such as foam rubber in order
to ensure a tight grip, but can be made of essentially any material
that would serve the purpose of the invention.
[0040] In another preferred embodiment depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4
the hole 64 in the base member 20 is adapted to communicate with
threads 73 provided on the top portion 72 of the caster 70. The
handle 18 in the depicted embodiment is adapted to be easily
rotated about a vertical axis perpendicular to the bottom surface
28 of the base member 20. Moreover, it is preferred that the handle
18 is adapted to slidably contact a first recession 60 during use
of the sports apparatus. When the handle 18 is lifted away or
separated from the first recession 60, rotation of the handle 18
about the vertical axis displaces the caster 70 relative to the
support surface 50. For example, clockwise rotation of the handle
18 about the vertical axis displaces the caster 70 towards the
support surface 50, thereby eventually contacting the support
surface 50 and elevating the base member 20 away from the support
surface 50. Counterclockwise rotation of the handle 18 about the
vertical axis will displace the caster 70 away from the support
surface 50 towards the base member 20.
[0041] In another embodiment of the present invention, and
referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the rollable sports base 100 is
preferably attached to a portable basketball goal assembly 55 and
includes a base member 120 which has a first edge 122 and a second
edge 124, and a top surface 126 and a bottom surface 128. The
bottom surface 128 is adapted to contact a support surface 150 such
as a driveway or other playing surface. There are two wheel
assemblies, a second wheel assembly 130 and a first wheel assembly
140, having wheels 172 for contacting the support surface 150. One
or both of the wheel assemblies are retractable from a lowered
position to a raised position such that when in the raised
position, the bottom surface 128 of the base member 120
substantially contacts the support surface 150 in the lowered
position, wheels 172 on both the first and second wheel assemblies
140, 130 contact the support surface 150 thereby separating or
elevating the base member 120 from the support surface 150 such
that the base 100 is rollable.
[0042] It is preferred that the second wheel assembly 130 is fixed
in position such that the second wheel assembly 130 engages the
support surface 150. The first wheel assembly 140 is retractable
and comprises a pivoting connector 160 coupled to the base member
120, and a wheel bracket 170 coupled to the pivoting connector 160
adapted to receive an axle 171 and at least one wheel 172. In the
embodiment where only one wheel is present, the center of the wheel
is preferably positioned beneath the support member 7. The wheel
bracket 170 is further provided with a handle 180 extending
outwardly from the wheel bracket 170 for pivotally rotating the
first wheel assembly 140 about a transverse axis such that when the
handle 180 is rotated away from the base member 120, the wheel 172
contacts the support surface 150 and the bottom surface 128 of the
base member 120 is separated or elevated away from the support
surface 150, such that the base 100 is rollable.
[0043] It is preferred that the base member 120 be provided with a
first recession 121 in the bottom surface 128 and that the pivoting
connector 160 be coupled to the bottom surface 128 of the base
member 120 within the first recession 121. The handle 180 comprises
a first element 181 which is parallel to a second element 182, each
element extending outwardly from the wheel bracket 170. The first
element 181 of the handle 180 and the second element 182 of the
handle 180 could be connected by a linkage member 185 that is
disposed between each element. The sports apparatus support member
7 would be provided with a corresponding indentation 9 therein for
communicating with, and lockably receiving, the linkage member
185.
[0044] The base member 128 is preferably provided with a first
indent 123 and a second indent 125 in the first edge 122 of the
base member 120. The first and second indents 123, 125 are adapted
to receive the first element 181 and second element 182 of the
handle 180 respectively. When the first element 181 and second
element 182 of the handle 180 are positioned such that they
slidably engage the first indent 123 and second indent 125, the
second wheel assembly 140 is retracted in the first recession 121
and the bottom surface 128 of the base member 120 is in contact
with the support surface 150. When the handle 180 is rotated away
from the base member 120 the first wheel assembly 140 deploys such
that the wheels 172 contact the support surface 150 and thereby
separate the base member 120 from the support surface 150, such
that the base 100 is rollable.
[0045] The pivoting connector 160 preferably comprises an upper
pivot bracket 161 coupled to the base member 120, a lower pivot
bracket 162 pivotally connected to the upper pivot bracket 161, and
a swivel connector 163 coupled between the lower pivot bracket and
the wheel bracket 170. The swivel connector 163 serves as an
anti-friction device between the wheel bracket 170 and the pivot
bracket 162. The pivoting connector 160 is connected to the sports
apparatus 55 by an eyebolt 8 provided within the support member 7,
proximate the base member 120, which threadedly engages the upper
pivot bracket 161. The connection between the lower pivot bracket
162 and upper pivot bracket 161 enables the first wheel assembly
140 to swivel about the transverse axis. The swivel connector 163
enables the first wheel assembly 140 to swivel about a vertical
axis perpendicular to the bottom surface 128 of the base member
120.
[0046] The ability of the first wheel assembly 140 to pivot around
the vertical axis is limited in order to prevent the apparatus 55
from hyper-extending around the vertical axis. In order to limit
the rotation, the base member 120 further comprises a second
recession 131 within the first recession 121 thereby defining a
flange 133 for contacting the handle 180. The flange 133 defines a
limit for an arc of rotation about the vertical axis which the
first wheel assembly 140 can rotate. Preferably, the arc is about
60 degrees (i.e. 30 degrees to either side of the centerline).
[0047] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, and
referring to FIG. 7, the rollable sports base 200 is preferably
attached to a portable basketball goal assembly 255 and includes a
base member 220 which has a first edge 222 and a second edge 224,
and a top surface 226 and a bottom surface 228. The bottom surface
228 is adapted to contact a support surface 250 such as a driveway
or other playing surface. There are two wheel assemblies, a first
wheel assembly 240 and a second wheel assembly 230, provided with
at least one wheel 241 for contacting the support surface 250. One
or both of the wheel assemblies 240, 230 are retractable from a
lowered position to a raised position such that when in the raised
position, the bottom surface 228 of the base member 220
substantially contacts the support surface 250. In the lowered
position, both the first and second wheel assemblies 240, 230
contact the support surface 250 thereby separating or elevating the
base member 220 from the support surface 250, such that the base
200 is rollable.
[0048] It is preferred that the second wheel assembly 230 is fixed
in position such that the second wheel assembly 230 engages the
support surface 250. The first wheel assembly 240 is retractable
and is pivotally coupled to the base member 220. The first wheel
assembly 240 is further provided with a handle 280 extending
outwardly therefrom for rotating it about a transverse axis such
that when the handle 280 is rotated away from the base member 220,
the wheels 241 contact the support surface 250 and the bottom
surface 228 of the base member 220 is separated or elevated away
from the support surface 250.
[0049] It is preferred that the base member 220 be provided with a
first recession 221 in the top surface 226 for receiving the handle
280. It is also desirable, in the present embodiment, that the
first wheel assembly 240 comprises two wheels 241, each disposed on
opposite sides of the axle 243. It is clear from the foregoing
discussion that the retractable first wheel assembly 240 can be
located at either the first edge 222 or the second edge 224 of the
base member 220. Additionally, depending on the particular
configuration, the handle 280 can be situated such that it rotates
away from the base member 220 or towards the base member 220. As an
alternative to having a first recession 221 in the top surface 226,
the handle 280 may be configured to contact the support pole of the
assembly 255.
[0050] In another embodiment of the present invention, and
referring to FIGS. 8a-8e, the rollable sports base 300 is
preferably attached to a portable basketball goal assembly 355 and
includes a base member 320 which has a first edge 322 and a second
edge 323, a first side 324 and a second side 325, and a top surface
326 and a bottom surface 328. The bottom surface 328 is adapted to
contact a support surface 350 such as a driveway or other playing
surface. There are two wheel assemblies, a first wheel assembly 330
and a second wheel assembly 340, having wheels 370 for contacting
the support surface 350.
[0051] The first and second wheel assemblies 330, 340 are
retractable from a lowered position to a raised position such that
when in the raised position, the bottom surface 328 of the base
member 320 substantially contacts the support surface 350 and in
the lowered position, the wheels 370 contact the support surface
350 thereby separating the base member 320 from the support surface
350.
[0052] The bottom surface 328 of the base member 320 is preferably
provided with a first recession 361 and a second recession 362 for
receiving the first wheel assembly 330 and second wheel assembly
340 respectively as shown in FIG. 8b. The first wheel assembly 330
is positioned proximate the first side 324 of the base member 320
and the second wheel assembly 340 is positioned proximate the
second side 325 of the base member 320 and each comprises a pair of
wheels 370 connected to opposite ends of a first axle member 371
and a second axle member 372 respectively. Each axle member 371,
372 is pivotally connected to the base member 320 and extends from
the first edge 322 of the base member 320 to the second edge 323 of
the base member 320. While the sports assembly 355 is in use, the
wheel assemblies 330, 340 are locked in their respective recessions
361, 362 using methods known to one of ordinary skill in the art
such as a detent mechanism or the like. Although it is preferred
that the wheels 370 are mounted to axles, it would be obvious to
one of ordinary skill in the art to individually mount each wheel
370 such that each one may be raised and lowered individually. When
a force is applied to the sports apparatus support member 7 in a
direction substantially perpendicular to the first side 324 of the
base member 320, the first wheel assembly 330 is adapted to deploy
such that the wheel 370 engages the support surface 350 as shown in
FIG. 8c. When a force is applied to the sports apparatus support
member in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second
side 325 of the base member 320, the second wheel assembly 340 is
able to deploy such that the wheel 370 engages the support surface
350 as shown in FIG. 8d. When both wheel assemblies 330, 340 are
deployed, the base member 320 is separated from the support surface
350 such that the base 300 is rollable.
[0053] In another embodiment of the present invention, and
referring to FIGS. 9a-9c, the rollable sports base 400 is
preferably attached to a portable basketball goal assembly 455 and
includes a base member 420 which has a first edge 422 and a second
edge 423, a first side 424 and a second side 425, and a top surface
426 and a bottom surface 428. The bottom surface 428 is adapted to
contact a support surface 450 such as a driveway or other playing
surface. There is at least one wheel assembly 430 having at least
one wheel 470 for contacting the support surface 450.
[0054] The deployable first wheel assembly 430 is deployable from a
lowered position to a raised position such that when in the raised
position, the bottom surface 428 of the base member 420
substantially contacts the support surface 450 and in the lowered
position, the wheel 470 contacts the support surface 450 thereby
separating the base member 420 from the support surface 450.
[0055] The bottom surface 428 of the base member 420 is preferably
provided with a first recession 461 and a second recession 462 for
receiving the wheel assembly 430. The deployable first wheel
assembly 430 is preferably connected to the bottom surface 428 of
the base member 420 by a pivot member 490. The wheel 470 is
provided with an axle member 471 configured to engage the base
member 420 adjacent the first recession 461 and the second
recession 462. While the sports assembly 455 is in use, the wheel
assembly 430 resides substantially within the first recession 461.
Preferably, the axle member 471 engages the base member 420 at
first slots 421 adjacent the first recession 461 or second slots
491 adjacent the second recession 462. When a force is applied to
the sports apparatus support member 7 in a direction substantially
perpendicular to the first edge 422 of the base member 420, the
wheel assembly 430 is adapted to deploy such that the wheel 470
swivels towards the support surface 450 as shown in FIG. 9b. The
axle member 471 is adapted to engage the base member 420 at slots
421, 491 to allow the wheel 470 to freely spin within the second
recession 462 while it engages the support surface 450 as shown in
FIG. 9c. When a force is applied to the sports apparatus support
member in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second
edge 423 of the base member 420, the wheel assembly 430 returns to
the "in use" position. When the wheel assembly 430 is configured
such that the wheel 470 is engaging the support surface 450, the
base member 420 is substantially displaced from the support surface
450 and the assembly 455 is easily transported.
[0056] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made in the rollable sports
base of the present invention without departing from the spirit or
scope of the invention. It is intended that the present invention
covers any method and apparatus related to deployable and
retractable wheel assemblies for a sports apparatus. Thus, it is
intended that the present invention covers the modifications and
variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of
the appended claims and their equivalents.
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