U.S. patent application number 09/957582 was filed with the patent office on 2003-03-20 for breakaway basketball goal.
Invention is credited to Allshouse, James R., Flowers, Scott.
Application Number | 20030054906 09/957582 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25499797 |
Filed Date | 2003-03-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030054906 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Allshouse, James R. ; et
al. |
March 20, 2003 |
Breakaway basketball goal
Abstract
A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a
basketball goal assembly. The goal assembly includes a mounting
bracket having opposing side plates. A first pair of opposing pivot
holes are co-axially defined in the side plates to define a pivot
axis. A rim assembly has a basketball goal rim and an attachment
bracket. The attachment bracket also includes opposing side plates.
A second pair of opposing pivot holes is defined in the attachment
bracket side plates. The second pair of pivot holes are co-axially
aligned first pair of pivot holes along the pivot axis. A pivot bar
extends through the first and second pairs of pivot holes. The
first end of the pivot bar terminates in a portion with a diameter
larger than the diameter of the pivot holes, and the second end of
said pivot bar terminates in a portion with a diameter larger than
the diameter of the pivot holes. Preferably, at least one end of
the pivot bar is cold forged in place. In an alternate embodiment,
both the first end and the second end are cold forged to connect
the goal assembly.
Inventors: |
Allshouse, James R.;
(Newburgh, IN) ; Flowers, Scott; (Newburgh,
IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Charles J. Meyer
Woodard, Emhardt, Naughton, Moriarty and McNett
Bank One Center/Tower
111 Monument Circle, Suite 3700
Indianapolis
IN
46204-5137
US
|
Family ID: |
25499797 |
Appl. No.: |
09/957582 |
Filed: |
September 20, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/486 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2063/086 20130101;
A63B 63/083 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/486 |
International
Class: |
A63B 063/08 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A basketball goal assembly, comprising: a) a mounting bracket,
wherein a first pair of opposing pivot holes is defined in said
mounting bracket, wherein said first pair of pivot holes are
co-axial and define a pivot axis; b) a rim assembly having a
basketball goal rim and an attachment bracket, wherein a second
pair of opposing pivot holes is defined in said attachment bracket,
and wherein said second pair of pivot holes are co-axial and
aligned with said pivot axis; c) a pivot bar extending through said
first pair of pivot holes and said second said of pivot holes along
said pivot axis, wherein said pivot bar has a first end and a
second end; and, d) wherein said first end of said pivot bar
terminates in a portion with a diameter larger than the diameter of
said pivot holes, and wherein said second end of said pivot bar
terminates in a portion with a diameter larger than the diameter of
said pivot holes.
2. The basketball goal assembly of claim 1 wherein said mounting
bracket has a first pair of opposing side plates wherein said first
pair of opposing pivot holes is defined in said first pair of side
plates, and wherein said attachment bracket has a second pair of
side plates wherein said second pair of opposing pivot holes is
defined in said second pair of side plates.
3. The basketball goal assembly of claim 2 wherein at least one end
of said pivot bar is cold forged into a shape with a diameter
larger than the diameter of said pivot holes while said pivot bar
is in place through said pivot holes.
4. The basketball goal assembly of claim 3 wherein said first end
and said second end of said pivot bar are cold forged into a shape
with a diameter larger than the diameter of said pivot holes while
said pivot bar is in place through said pivot holes.
5. The basketball goal assembly of claim 4 wherein said first end
and said second end of said pivot bar are solid.
6. The basketball goal assembly of claim 3 further comprising a
spring assembly extending between said mounting bracket and said
rim attachment bracket and oriented to resist pivotal motion of
said rim assembly when downward pressure is exerted on said
rim.
7. The basketball goal assembly of claim 6 furthering comprising:
a) a crossbar mounted to said rim attachment bracket; b) a
transverse plate rigidly mounted horizontally between said side
walls of said mounting bracket and defining a vertical opening
therethrough; c) an eyebolt defining an eye opening encircling said
crossbar and having a shaft extending through said vertical
opening, wherein said shaft terminates in a threaded end; d) a nut
mounted on said threaded end of said shaft; and, e) a spring
mounted around said eyebolt between said nut and said transverse
plate.
8. The basketball goal assembly of claim 6 furthering comprising:
a) an attachment section defined on said rim attachment bracket; b)
a stationary section formed on said mounting bracket; c) a pull rod
defining a first end and a second end wherein said first end is
attached to said attachment section; and, d) a spring resiliently
mounted between said stationary member and said second end of said
pull rod, wherein said spring is oriented to resist pivotal motion
of said rim assembly in relation to said mounting bracket.
9. The basketball goal assembly of claim 2 wherein the side plates
of said rim attachment bracket are nested between the side plates
of said mounting bracket.
10. A pivot point for a basketball goal assembly, consisting
essentially of: a) a first pair of co-axial pivot holes defined in
the side walls of a mounting bracket and defining a pivot axis; b)
a second pair of pivot holes defined in the side walls of a rim
attachment bracket, wherein said second pair of pivot holes are
co-axial with said pivot axis, and; c) a pivot bar extending
through said first pair of pivot holes and said second pair of
pivot holes, wherein said pivot bar has a first end terminating in
a portion with a diameter larger than the diameter of said pivot
holes, and wherein said pivot bar has a second end terminating in a
portion with a diameter larger than the diameter of said pivot
holes.
11. The pivot mechanism of claim 10 wherein at least one end of
said pivot bar is cold forged.
12. The pivot mechanism of claim 11 wherein said first end and said
second end of said pivot bar are cold forged.
13. A method for pivotally attaching a basketball rim assembly to a
mounting bracket, comprising the steps of: a) providing a mounting
bracket defining a first pair of co-axially aligned pivot holes; b)
providing a rim attachment bracket defining a second pair of pivot
holes co-axially aligned with said first pair of pivot holes; c)
placing a pivot bar though said first and second pairs of pivot
holes; d) mounting said pivot bar in a press; e) cold forging at
least one end of said pivot bar with said press to shape said end
into a portion with a diameter larger than the diameter of said
pivot holes.
14. The method of claim 13 further comprising the step of cold
forging the second end of said pivot bar to shape said end into a
portion with a diameter larger than the diameter of said pivot
holes.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention deals with basketball goals, and
specifically deals with a pivot mechanism used in breakaway
goals.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] With the rise in popularity of the sport of basketball and
the frequency of larger players, it has become a well-known and
sensational shot to "slam dunk" or dunk the ball. When a player
dunks the ball, the player jumps to a position adjacent to and
preferably above the basketball rim, stuffs the ball through the
net, and may impact, hold or hang from the basketball rim. In such
a situation, the sudden impact force combined with a rigid rim
structure can lead to injury of the player or damage to the rim
and/or backboard. As a result, resilient breakaway basketball rims
have become popular.
[0003] A typical breakaway basketball goal includes a rim assembly
including a rim and an attachment bracket. The attachment bracket
is connected to a separate mounting bracket which is attached to
the backboard. The mounting bracket is pivotally attached to the
rim attachment bracket. Typical pivot connections take a number of
forms, such as two co-axial bolts with nuts or one pivot bar
extending through both brackets and held in place by friction,
cotter pins or a threaded nut. When such pivot mechanisms are used,
frequent impacts and/or sudden shear pressures can wear on the
pivot mechanisms, leading to breakage of the pivot member and/or
loosening of the connection, allowing the pivot member to slide out
of position. Accordingly, there is a need for a safer pivot
mechanism with higher strength and elimination of the risk of
loosening or slippage of the pivot bar. The present invention
addresses these needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a
basketball goal assembly. The assembly includes a mounting bracket
having opposing side plates. A first pair of opposing pivot holes
are co-axially defined in the side plates to define a pivot axis. A
rim assembly has a basketball goal rim and an attachment bracket,
where the attachment bracket also includes opposing side plates. A
second pair of opposing pivot holes is defined in the attachment
bracket side plates. The second pair of pivot holes are co-axially
aligned with the pivot axis. A pivot bar, having a first end and a
second end, extends through the first pair of pivot holes and the
second pair of pivot holes along the pivot axis. The first end of
the pivot bar terminates in a portion with a diameter larger than
the diameter of the pivot holes, and the second end of said pivot
bar terminates in a portion with a diameter larger than the
diameter of the pivot holes.
[0005] In a preferred form of manufacturing the goal assembly, at
least one end of the pivot bar is cold forged in place.
Specifically, after the pivot openings are aligned, a pivot bar is
placed through the pivot holes. The pivot bar has a sufficient
length to extend beyond the pivot openings, and preferably at least
the second end of the pivot bar has a diameter sized to fit through
the pivot openings. The goal assembly is then placed in a cold
forging press.
[0006] Once the assembly is mounted in the forging press, the
forging press exerts pressure on the ends of the pivot bar to shape
at least the second end by blunting and widening it so that the
resulting diameter is greater than the diameter of the pivot
openings. The cold forging press is then released and the goal
assembly is dismounted and ready for shipment and use. In an
alternate embodiment, both the first end and the second end of the
pivot bar are cold forged to connect the goal assembly.
[0007] It is a preferred object of the present invention to provide
an improved apparatus and method to form a pivot mechanism for a
basketball goal assembly.
[0008] Further objects, features and advantages of the present
invention shall become apparent from the detailed drawings and
descriptions provided herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective cut-away view of a breakaway
basketball assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a side view of a rim assembly according to one
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a mounting bracket according
to one preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a side view of a rim assembly, mounting bracket
and backboard illustrating one preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a bottom view showing a basketball rim assembly
and mounting bracket in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
[0014] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a process for forming a pivot
mechanism according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0015] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the
principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the
embodiments illustrated and specific language will be used to
describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no
limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such
alterations, modifications, and further applications of the
principles of the invention being contemplated as would normally
occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
[0016] Breakaway basketball goal assemblies are frequently used to
allow a player to dunk the ball and impact the rim. The breakaway
feature allows the rim to slightly move in order to minimize injury
to the player and/or damage to the mounting mechanism or backboard.
Such breakaway assemblies frequently include a rim assembly
pivotally mounted to a mounting bracket, where the mounting bracket
is attached to a backboard. Preferred embodiments of the present
invention provide an improved pivot point assembly for safely
mounting the rim assembly to the mounting bracket to allow pivotal
motion while preventing unintended movement of the pivot bar or
unintended disassembly. Moreover, the present invention provides an
improved pivot shaft with a higher resistance to damage such as by
wear or rust.
[0017] One preferred embodiment of the present invention is
illustrated in FIGS. 1-5. FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of
breakaway basketball goal 10. Basketball goal 10 includes rim
assembly 20 which includes a standard basketball rim 22 welded to
an attachment bracket 24. Attachment bracket 24 preferably includes
a top plate 25 and opposing parallel side plates 27. Side plates 27
define a first pair of opposing, co-axial pivot openings 32. In one
preferred embodiment, rim assembly 20 includes a crossbar or
mounting point 28 transversely mounted between side plates 27 or to
top plate 25. Crossbar 28 may be mounted by standard methods such
as welding.
[0018] Goal assembly 10 further includes mounting bracket 40, which
is illustrated in a perspective view in FIG. 3. Mounting bracket 40
preferably includes a rear plate 45 mountable to a basketball goal
backboard and extending between opposing parallel side plates 47.
Side plates 47 define a second pair of opposing, co-axial pivot
openings 52. In one preferred embodiment, a transverse bracing
plate or mounting point 48 extends between side walls 47 and rear
plate 45 and is rigidly attached in place, for example by
welding.
[0019] For assembly, as shown in detail in FIGS. 4-5, rim assembly
20 is placed adjacent to mounting bracket 40, with pivot opening
pairs 32 and 52 co-axially aligned along pivot axis P. Pivot bar 60
is placed through the pairs of pivot points 32 and 52 with its
first end and second end each extending beyond the mounting bracket
and rim assembly. In a preferred embodiment, side plates 27 of
attachment bracket 24 are nested between side plates 47 of mounting
bracket 40. Pivot bar 60 is then secured in position.
[0020] Also illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5 is a spring assembly 50
mounted between the attachment bracket 24 of rim assembly 20 and
mounting bracket 40. The spring assembly 50 includes an eyebolt 54
defining an eye portion encircling mounting point or crossbar 28 of
attachment bracket 24. Eyebolt 54 includes a shaft which extends
through a vertical opening defined through transverse bracing plate
48 of mounting bracket 40. Eyebolt 54 terminates in a threaded end
upon which is mounted a stop member or nut 57. A spring 55 is
resiliently mounted between stop member 57 and stationary plate 48
and may optionally be held with a washer 56.
[0021] Spring assembly 50 is mounted in a line to resist pivotal
downward movement of the front of rim 22. Crossbar 28 is mounted to
side walls 27 of bracket 24 so that downward pivotal movement of
rim 22 around pivot bar 60 lifts bar 28. Lifting bar 28 pulls the
eyebolt 54, acting as a pull rod, causing the stop member 57 to
compress spring 55 and creating increasing resistance. Upon release
of the downward pressure on the rim, spring 55 expands, pushing the
eyebolt 54 and returning the goal assembly to normal alignment.
Excess return movement of bracket 24 is prevented when side walls
27 impact and rest against bracing plate 48.
[0022] FIG. 5 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the pivot bar
in the present invention. Pivot bar 60 includes a shaft with a
first end 62 and second end 65. First end 62 preferably has a
terminating portion larger in diameter than the diameter of the
pivot openings. This can be pre-made, for example with a solid cap
or head as is standard for screws or bolts. Second end 65 initially
fits through the co-axial openings 32 and 52. Once pivot bar 60 is
in place, second end 65 is shaped by a cold forging process to have
a terminating portion also larger in diameter than the diameter of
the pivot holes.
[0023] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate one process for cold forging
pivot bar 60. FIG. 6A illustrates an upward view of rim assembly 20
with mounting bracket 40. Pivot bar 60 is placed through the pivot
holes in rim assembly 20 and mounting bracket 40. The entire goal
assembly 10 is then placed in a cold forging press 80. Cold forging
press 80 includes a first side having a formed recess 82 to receive
the first end 62 of pivot bar 60. Recess 82 may be configured to
match a pre-formed shape of first end 62 such as a cap. Pivot bar
60 extends through assembly 10 into the opposing side 85 of cold
forge press 80. When initially placed, second end 65 of pivot bar
60 is relatively straight and has a diameter sized to fit through
the pivot openings. Second side 85 of press 80 includes a formed
recess 87 to receive and shape second end 65 of pivot bar 60.
[0024] Once the assembly is mounted, forging press 80 exerts
pressure on the opposing ends of pivot bar 60 wherein at least
recess 87 shapes second end 65 to blunt it and widen it so that the
resulting diameter is greater than the diameter of the pivot
openings. Press 80 is preferably closed until the length of pivot
bar 60 is shortened to a length which allows the goal assembly 10
to pivot without allowing longitudinal movement of the pivot bar.
Cold forging press 80 is then removed and goal assembly 10 is
dismounted from the press. FIG. 6B illustrates a completed assembly
with a cap on first end 62 of pivot bar 60 and a blunted second end
65.
[0025] First end 62 of pivot bar 60 can also be cold forged in
press 80. To cold forge first end 62, recess 82 is shaped to
receive and to then blunt and widen first end 62 when press 80 is
closed. In this embodiment, first end 62 and second end 65 are
preferably cold forged simultaneously.
[0026] Cold forging of at least one end of pivot bar 60 permanently
connects the rim assembly to the mounting bracket so that the pivot
mechanism cannot be disassembled. Cold forging further strengthens
the material of the pivot bar to prevent wear and/or shattering
upon a sudden impact. In a preferred embodiment, pivot bar 60 is
made from stainless steel to minimize rust and wear on the
shaft.
[0027] In accordance with preferred embodiments, goal assembly 10
is pre-assembled at the factory where the cold forging press may be
used and spring assembly 50 installed. After shipment to the user,
the goal assembly may be mounted to backboard 15 and a standard net
23 hung from rim 22. The goal assembly 10 is then ready for
use.
[0028] As is commonly understood, the goal assembly may be made
from standard materials such as steel or stainless steel and is
customarily painted a red or orange color for distinctiveness and
to protect the metal of the goal assembly.
[0029] While the invention has been illustrated and described in
detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be
considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it
being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown
and described and that all changes and modifications that come
within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.
* * * * *