U.S. patent application number 11/333914 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-17 for portable basketball system.
Invention is credited to Aaron Hill, Carl Stanford.
Application Number | 20060183574 11/333914 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36816342 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060183574 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stanford; Carl ; et
al. |
August 17, 2006 |
Portable basketball system
Abstract
A basketball system includes a basketball goal and a support
structure that is sized and configured to support the basketball
goal above a support surface. The basketball system may include one
or more feet that are sized and configured to engage a support
surface. The feet may movable among a plurality of positions to
facilitate, for example, moving the basketball system to a desired
location, leveling the basketball system, adjusting the height of
the basketball system and/or holding the basketball system in a
generally fixed location.
Inventors: |
Stanford; Carl; (Clinton,
UT) ; Hill; Aaron; (Layton, UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WORKMAN NYDEGGER;(F/K/A WORKMAN NYDEGGER & SEELEY)
60 EAST SOUTH TEMPLE
1000 EAGLE GATE TOWER
SALT LAKE CITY
UT
84111
US
|
Family ID: |
36816342 |
Appl. No.: |
11/333914 |
Filed: |
January 17, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60643887 |
Jan 14, 2005 |
|
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60643888 |
Jan 14, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/481 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 63/083 20130101;
A63B 2225/093 20130101; A63B 2071/025 20130101; A63B 2208/12
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/481 |
International
Class: |
A63B 63/08 20060101
A63B063/08 |
Claims
1. A portable basketball system comprising: a basketball goal
including a backboard and a rim; a support structure sized and
configured to support the basketball goal above a support surface;
at least one wheel connected to the support structure; a first foot
movably connected to the support structure, the first foot being
sized and configured to move between a first position in which the
basketball system is capable of being moved and a second position
in which the basketball system remains in a generally fixed
position, the first foot extending outwardly and away from the
support structure; and a second foot movably connected to the
support structure, the second foot being sized and configured to
move between a first position in which the basketball system is
capable of being moved and a second position in which the
basketball system remains in a generally fixed position, the second
foot extending outwardly and away from the support structure.
2. The portable basketball system as in claim 1, further comprising
a third foot movably connected to the support structure, the first
foot and the second foot being connected proximate a front portion
of the support structure and the third foot being connected
proximate a rear portion of the support structure.
3. The portable basketball system as in claim 1, wherein the first
foot is independently connected to the support structure and the
second foot is independently connected to the support
structure.
4. The portable basketball system as in claim 1, further
comprising: a first connector including a first portion connected
to the support structure and a second portion connected to the
first foot, the first connector being sized and configured to
adjust the positioning of the first foot relative to the support
structure; and a second connector including a first portion
connected to the support structure and a second portion connected
to the second foot, the second connector being sized and configured
to adjust the positioning of the second foot relative to the
support structure.
5. The portable basketball system as in claim 4, wherein the first
connector comprises a turnbuckle and the second connector comprises
a turnbuckle.
6. The portable basketball system as in claim 1, wherein the
support structure includes a first front elongated support member,
a second front elongated support member and a rear elongated
support member disposed in a generally tripod-shaped configuration,
the first front elongated support member and the second front
elongated support member connected proximate a midpoint of the rear
elongated support member.
7. The portable basketball system as in claim 1, wherein the
support structure includes a first front elongated support member,
a second front elongated support member and a rear elongated
support member, the first front elongated support member and the
second front elongated each having a length that is generally equal
to or greater than one-half of a length of the rear elongated
support member.
8. A portable basketball system comprising: a basketball goal
including a backboard and a rim; a support structure sized and
configured to support the basketball goal above a support surface,
the support structure comprising: a first elongated support member;
a second elongated support member; and a third elongated support
member, the first, second and third elongated support members being
disposed in a generally tripod-shaped configuration, the first
elongated support member and the second elongated support member
each having a length that is generally equal to or greater than
one-half of a length of the third elongated support member; at
least one wheel connected to the support structure; and one or more
feet movably connected to the support structure, the feet being
sized and configured to move between a first position in which the
basketball system is capable of being moved and a second position
in which the basketball system is held in a generally fixed
position.
9. The portable basketball system as in claim 8, wherein the first
elongated support member and the second elongated support member
are connected proximate a midpoint of the third elongated support
member.
10. The portable basketball system as in claim 8, wherein the one
or more feet further comprise: a first foot movably and
independently connected to the support structure, the first foot
being sized and configured to move between a first position in
which the basketball system is capable of being moved and a second
position in which the basketball system remains in a generally
fixed position, the first foot extending outwardly and away from
the support structure; a second foot movably and independently
connected to the support structure, the second foot being sized and
configured to move between a first position in which the basketball
system is capable of being moved and a second position in which the
basketball system remains in a generally fixed position, the second
foot extending outwardly and away from the support structure; and a
third foot movably and independently connected to the support
structure, the third foot being sized and configured to move
between a first position in which the basketball system is capable
of being moved and a second position in which the basketball system
remains in a generally fixed position, the third foot extending
outwardly and away from the support structure.
11. The portable basketball system as in claim 10, wherein the
first foot and the second foot are connected proximate a front
portion of the support structure and the third foot is connected
proximate a rear portion of the support structure.
12. The portable basketball system as in claim 8, wherein the one
or more feet comprise a first foot movably connected to the support
structure and a second foot movably connected to the support
structure.
13. The portable basketball system as in claim 12, further
comprising: a first connector including a first portion connected
to the support structure and a second portion connected to the
first foot, the first connector being sized and configured to
adjust the positioning of the first foot relative to the support
structure; and a second connector including a first portion
connected to the support structure and a second portion connected
to the second foot, the second connector being sized and configured
to adjust the positioning of the second foot relative to the
support structure.
14. The portable basketball system as in claim 13, wherein the
first connector comprises a turnbuckle and the second connector
comprises a turnbuckle.
15. A portable basketball system comprising: a basketball goal
including a backboard and a rim; a support structure sized and
configured to support the basketball goal above a support surface,
the support structure comprising: a first elongated support member;
a second elongated support member; and a third elongated support
member, the first, second and third elongated support members being
disposed in a generally tripod-shaped configuration; at least one
wheel connected to the support structure; and a first foot and a
second foot movably connected to the support structure, the first
foot and the second foot being independently movable relative to
the support structure, the first foot and the second foot being
sized and configured to be moved between a first position in which
the basketball goal is disposed in a first orientation and a second
position in which the basketball goal is disposed in a second
orientation.
16. The portable basketball system as in claim 15, wherein the
first foot and the second foot are sized and configured to allow
the portable basketball system to be used on sloped or uneven
surfaces.
17. The portable basketball system as in claim 15, wherein the
first elongated support member and the second elongated support
member each have a length that is generally equal to or greater
than one-half of a length of the third elongated support
member.
18. The portable basketball system as in claim 15, wherein the
first foot and the second foot are further sized and configured to
move between a first position in which the at least one wheel
engages a support surface and a second position in which the at
least one wheel is spaced apart from the support surface.
19. The portable basketball system as in claim 15, wherein the
first foot and the second foot are further sized and configured to
move between a first position in which the basketball system is
readily portable and a second position in which the basketball
system remains in a generally fixed position.
20. The portable basketball system as in claim 15, wherein a lower
end of the first elongated support member and a lower end of the
second elongated support member are connected to a front portion of
the support structure, an upper end of the first elongated support
member and an upper end of the second elongated support member is
connected to an upper portion of the third elongated support
member; wherein a lower end of the third elongated support member
is connected towards a rear portion of the support structure; and
wherein an upper end of the third elongated support member is
generally aligned with the connection of the lower end of the first
elongated support member and the lower end of the second elongated
support member to the front portion of the support structure.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S.
provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/643,887, filed Jan. 14,
2005 and entitled PORTABLE BASKETBALL SYSTEM, which is incorporated
by reference in its entirety.
[0002] This application also claims priority to and the benefit of
U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/643,888, filed Jan.
14, 2005 and entitled PORTABLE BASKETBALL SYSTEM, which is
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates to a basketball system and, in
particular, to a portable basketball system that is capable of
being selectively moved from one location to another location.
[0005] 2. Description of Related Art
[0006] Basketball is a very popular game and many people desire to
play basketball at their home. Many basketball systems designed for
home use require the basketball system to be permanently fixed in a
particular location. For example, many home basketball systems are
permanently positioned on the edge of the driveway.
Disadvantageously, mounting a basketball goal adjacent to the
driveway of the home may create a risk of damage to cars using the
driveway or cars that are parked nearby. Thus, one or more cars may
have to be moved before the basketball goal may be used. In
addition, the cars and other objects may limit the use of the
basketball system, and the cars and other objects may create a risk
of injury to the players.
[0007] Permanent basketball systems designed for use at home may
also be difficult to install. For example, concrete or asphalt may
be located where it is desired to install the permanent basketball
system. Accordingly, the concrete or asphalt may have to be removed
and/or replaced to allow the basketball system to be installed.
Undesirably, removing and/or replacing the concrete or asphalt may
be difficult, time-consuming and expensive. In addition, this would
most likely prevent use of the driveway during the period of
construction and repair.
[0008] Permanent basketball systems that are installed at home are
usually located outdoors and are exposed to the harsh elements of
the weather throughout the entire year. Disadvantageously, when
conventional permanent basketball systems are constantly exposed to
the elements such as rain, snow, sleet, high temperatures and high
humidity, various components of the basketball system may
prematurely oxidize, corrode or rust. Premature oxidation,
corrosion and rust can be particularly troublesome in basketball
goal assemblies that have any moving parts, such as height
adjustment mechanisms or breakaway rim assemblies. Moreover,
constant exposure to the elements may cause failure of such
mechanisms in some known basketball systems.
[0009] It is also known to use permanent basketball systems
indoors. Indoor basketball systems, however, often require a large
amount of space and the basketball goal must be located at least a
few feet away from other structures to allow basketball to be
played. For example, conventional indoor basketball systems must
generally be spaced away from the walls so that the walls do not
interfere while playing basketball. These permanent basketball
systems may limit or prevent the space from being used for other
purposes. For example, schools typically have a gymnasium and
basketball goals may be located near the ends or sides of the
gymnasium. The basketball goals may undesirably preclude or
interfere with use of the gymnasium for other purposes. In
addition, on formal occasions, objection may be made to the
appearance of the permanently mounted basketball goals.
[0010] Portable basketball systems that are movable from one
location to another location are also known. Conventional portable
basketball systems typically require a large amount of weight so
that the basketball goal remains in a generally rigid, upright
position for use when playing basketball or shooting baskets. In
particular, many conventional portable basketball systems require a
large and heavy base to prevent the basketball system from
undesirably moving. The large and heavy base, however, often makes
the basketball system very difficult to move and may require the
assistance of several people to set up or relocate the basketball
goal. Additionally, these known basketball system may be very
expensive and that may prohibit people from using these systems at
home.
[0011] Conventional portable basketball systems may use removable
weights, such as sand bags or metal weights, which help maintain
the basketball system in a fixed position. Disadvantageously, these
removable weights can be extremely heavy, difficult to lift and
hard to position in the desired location. Accordingly, although
these basketball systems using removable weights may be easier to
move in relation to permanently mounted goal assemblies, the
weights or weighted members are often not easy to move, lift or
position.
[0012] In an attempt to make portable basketball goal assemblies
that are better suited for home use, large support bases with a
large hollow cavity for receiving ballast material, such as sand or
water, have been developed. These conventional portable basketball
systems may be moved into the desired location and then the support
base may be filled with ballast such as sand or water. The ballast
adds weight to the portable basketball system and helps prevent the
basketball system from undesirably moving during use.
Disadvantageously, the sand or water may have to be removed to
allow the portable basketball system to be moved, which may be very
difficult and inconvenient. For example, the portable basketball
system may have to be tilted or placed on its side to allow the
sand or water to be removed. In addition, having to fill and empty
the support base with sand or water each time the goal is to be set
up or moved may require an undesirable amount of time and effort,
which may limit the use and effectiveness of the basketball
system.
[0013] It is known to use portable basketball systems in a wide
variety of areas such as in driveways and cul-de-sacs.
Disadvantageously, many driveways and cul-de-sacs are not level and
may contain uneven or sloped surfaces. Accordingly, the goal of
many conventional portable basketball systems may also be uneven or
sloped. That is, when these portable basketball systems are used on
uneven or sloped surfaces, the basketball goals may not properly
positioned in an upright position and the rim may not be located in
a horizontal position. In addition, these known portable basketball
systems may be more susceptible to undesirable movement when
positioned on uneven or sloped surfaces.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0014] A need therefore exists for a portable basketball system
that eliminates or diminishes the disadvantages and problems
described above.
[0015] One aspect is a basketball system that may be selectively
moved from one location to another location. Desirably, the
basketball system is a portable basketball system that is readily
capable of being moved. Advantageously, the basketball system may
be quickly and easily moved from one location to another, and the
basketball system may be movable by a single person, if
desired.
[0016] Another aspect is a basketball system that may include a
support structure and a basketball goal connected to the support
structure. The basketball goal may include a backboard and a rim,
and the support structure may support the basketball goal above a
playing surface. The support structure may include one or more
interconnected support members. For example, the support structure
may include two front support members and a rear support member,
and the support members may advantageously help construct a strong,
stable and/or rigid support structure.
[0017] Yet another aspect is a basketball system that may include a
base. The base may be sized and configured to receive ballast (such
as weights, sand bags, loose sand, water and the like), which may
help prevent the basketball system from undesirably moving. For
example, the base may include a hollow interior portion that is
sized and configured to receive ballast. The base may also be sized
and configured to receive and/or store items such as basketballs,
nets and the like. These items may be stored in a hollow interior
portion or other suitable portions of the base.
[0018] Still another aspect is a basketball system that may include
one or more wheels, which may facilitate movement of the basketball
system from one location to another location. Advantageously, the
wheels may be simply and easily connected to the portable
basketball system.
[0019] A further aspect is a basketball system that may include
engaging members, such as feet, which may be sized and configured
to help retain the basketball system in a generally fixed or
stationary position. The feet, for example, may be sized and
configured to engage a support or playing surface to help retain
the basketball system in a generally fixed or stationary position.
The feet may also be movable to facilitate movement of the
basketball system and to help retain the basketball system in a
generally fixed or stationary position. In addition, the feet may
assist in leveling and/or adjusting the position of the basketball
system. This may allow, for instance, allow the basketball system
to be used on uneven or sloping surfaces.
[0020] Another aspect is a basketball system that may include
engaging members or feet which may be movable between a first
position in which the basketball system is held in a generally
fixed position and a second position in which the basketball system
can be readily moved. For example, in the first position, the feet
may engage the support surface to help prevent the basketball
system from being unintentionally moved. In the second position,
the feet may be positioned to allow the basketball system to be
moved, such as on wheels.
[0021] Still another aspect is a basketball system that may include
engaging members or feet which may be sized and configured to
adjust the orientation of the basketball goal. For example, the
feet may be movable between a first position in which the
basketball goal is at a first orientation and a second position in
which the basketball goal is at a second orientation.
Advantageously, this may allow a person to properly position the
basketball goal in an upright position, even when the basketball
system is placed on a non-planar and/or non-level support
surface.
[0022] Yet another aspect is a basketball system that may include
engaging members or feet which may be sized and configured to
adjust the height of the basketball goal. For example, the feet may
be movable between a first position in which the basketball goal is
at a first height and a second position in which the basketball
goal is at a second height.
[0023] These and other aspects, features and advantages of the
present invention will become more fully apparent from the
following detailed description of preferred embodiments and
appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] The appended drawings contain figures of preferred
embodiments to further illustrate and clarify the above and other
aspects, advantages and features of the present invention. It will
be appreciated that these drawings depict only preferred
embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit its
scope. The invention will be described and explained with
additional specificity and detail through the use of the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0025] FIG. 1 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a
basketball system;
[0026] FIG. 2 is a side view of the basketball system shown in FIG.
1;
[0027] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the basketball system shown
in FIG. 1; and
[0028] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the
basketball system shown in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0029] The present invention is generally directed towards a
basketball system. The principles of the present invention,
however, are not limited to a basketball system. It will be
understood that, in light of the present disclosure, the basketball
system disclosed herein can be successfully used in connection with
other types of structures and devices, such as other types of
sporting equipment.
[0030] Additionally, to assist in the description of the basketball
system, words such as top, bottom, front, rear, right and left may
be used to describe the accompanying figures, which are not
necessarily drawn to scale. It will be appreciated, however, that
the basketball system can be located in a variety of desired
positions--including various angles, sideways and even upside down.
A detailed description of the basketball system now follows.
[0031] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, an exemplary basketball system 10,
illustrated in accordance with a preferred embodiment, includes a
support or support structure 12 and a basketball goal 14. The
basketball system 10 shown in the accompanying figures and
described in more detail below is preferably a portable basketball
system that is sized and configured to be selectively moved from
one location to another location. This may allow the basketball
system 10 to be quickly and easily moved, and the basketball system
may be capable of being moved by a single person, if desired. It
will be appreciated, however, that the basketball system 10 does
not have to be a portable basketball system and, for example, the
basketball system may be a permanent basketball system.
[0032] The basketball goal 14 may include a backboard 16 and a rim
18, and the support structure 12 may be sized and configured to
support the basketball goal above a support or playing surface. For
example, the support structure 12 may include one or more elongated
support members and these elongated support members may be
interconnected to form a strong and sturdy support for the
basketball goal. In greater detail, as shown in the accompanying
figures, the support structure 12 may include three elongated
support members. In particular, the support structure 12 may
include two front elongated support members 20, 22 and one rear
elongated support member 24. The front elongated support members
20, 22 preferably have about the same length and are preferably
disposed at an angle relative to each other. For instance, the
lower portions of the front support members are preferably
separated by a larger distance than the upper portions of the front
support members. Additionally, as best seen in FIG. 2, the front
elongated support members 20, 22 are preferably disposed in a
generally upward configuration in which the front elongated support
members angled slightly rearwardly. For example, the front
elongated support members 20, 22 may be angled rearwardly between
about 5.degree. and about 10.degree.. It will be appreciated that
the front elongated support members 20, 22 may also be disposed at
other angles depending, for example, upon the configuration of the
support structure 12.
[0033] The rear elongated support member 24 preferably has a length
that is larger than the length of the front elongated support
members 20, 22. The rear elongated support member 24 is also
preferably disposed in a generally upward configuration, but the
rear elongated support member preferably angled slightly forwardly.
In particular, as best seen in FIG. 2, the rear elongated support
member 24 is preferably angled forwardly at an angle between about
10.degree. and about 30.degree.. As shown in the accompanying
figures, the rear support member 24 may be angled forwardly at a
greater angle than the front support members 20, 22 extend
rearwardly. Additionally, the ends of the front elongated support
members 20, 22 are preferably spaced apart from the end of the rear
elongated support member 24. It will be appreciated that the rear
elongated support member 24 may also be disposed at other angles
depending, for example, upon the configuration of the support
structure 12.
[0034] The front and rear elongated support members 20, 22, 24 are
preferably interconnected to form a three-legged support structure
12. Advantageously, this configuration may help create a strong and
sturdy support structure 12. In greater detail, the front elongated
support members 20, 22 are preferably connected to the rear
elongated support member 24 to form the three-legged support
structure with a generally tripod-shaped configuration. In
particular, the front elongated support members 20, 22 are
preferably attached proximate the midpoint of the rear elongated
support member 24. Thus, the front elongated support members 20, 22
preferably have a length that is at least equal to one-half the
length of the rear support member 24. Additionally, as best seen in
FIG. 2, the upper end of the rear support member 24 is preferably
generally vertically aligned with the lower ends of the front
support members 20, 22. It will be appreciated that the support
structure 12 may also have other suitable shapes, sizes,
configurations and arrangements depending, for example, upon the
intended use of the basketball system 10. For instance, the support
structure 12 may include other suitable numbers of elongated
support members and the elongated support members may be connected
at other appropriate angles, positions and the like.
[0035] The basketball system 10 may also include a support platform
26 that is sized and configured to support the support structure
12. For example, the support members 20, 22, 24 may be connected to
the support platform 26 and the support platform may position the
support members in the desired locations and configuration. In
greater detail, the support platform 26 is preferably constructed
from multiple interconnected components. For instance, the support
platform 26 may be constructed from two generally parallel support
members 28, 30 that extend from the front towards the rear of the
basketball system 10 and three interconnected support members 32,
34, 36 that are disposed proximate the front of the basketball
system. The support platform 26 may help construct a strong, stable
and rigid basketball system 10. If desired, the support platform 26
and the support structure 12 may be part of the same structure. For
example, the basketball system 10 may include a support structure
that includes both the support structure 12 and the support
platform 26, or just a portion of these components. The basketball
system 10 may also include separate structures, such as a separate
support structure 12 and a support platform 26, which may be
interconnected as appropriate.
[0036] The support structure 12 and the support platform 26 are
preferably constructed from relatively strong and sturdy materials
such as steel. In particular, the support structure 12 and the
support platform 26 may be constructed from metal tubing.
Advantageously, the metal tubing may be relatively strong and
lightweight. The metal tubing may have a generally circular, square
or rectangular cross-section and the metal tubing may be
interconnected together to create a strong, stable and/or rigid
support structure 12 and support platform 26. It will be
appreciated that the metal tubing may be connected using fasteners,
welding, adhesives and the like. It will also be appreciated that
the support structure 12 and the support platform 26 may be
constructed from other materials with suitable characteristics and
these portions of the basketball system 10 may have a variety of
appropriate shapes, sizes, configurations and arrangements
depending, for example, upon the intended use of the basketball
system.
[0037] The basketball system 10 may include a base 38 and the base
may be sized and configured to receive ballast (such as weights,
sand bags, loose sand, water and the like), which may help prevent
the basketball system 10 from undesirably moving. For example, the
base 38 may include the receiving portion that is sized and
configured to receive ballast. The base 38 may also sized and
configured to receive and/or store items such as basketballs, nets
and the like. For example, the base 38 may include a first
receiving portion that is sized and configured to receive ballast
and a second receiving portion that is sized and configured to
receive various items. If desired, one or more weights may be
placed upon the base 38 to help prevent the basketball system 10
from undesirably moving. The base 38 may also include one or more
lids or covers, if desired. It will be appreciated that the base 38
may have other suitable configurations and the base is not
required.
[0038] The basketball system 10 may include wheels to facilitate
movement of the basketball system. For example, the basketball
system 10 may include two larger wheels 40, 42 that are disposed
proximate the base 38 and the end of the elongated rear support
member 24. The basketball system 10 may also include a smaller
wheel 43 disposed proximate the front elongated support members 20,
22. The wheels 40, 42, 43 may be connected to the support platform
26 or other suitable portions of the basketball system 10. It will
be appreciated that the basketball system 10 may have any number of
wheels with various suitable shapes, sizes and configurations, but
wheels are not required.
[0039] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the basketball system 10 may include
one or more engaging members such feet, stops, contacts or the
like. The engaging members are preferably sized and configured to
engage a support surface, such as the playing surface. The engaging
members may also be sized and configured to help maintain the
basketball system in a generally fixed or stable position. For
example, the basketball system 10 may include a first front foot
44, a second front foot 46 and a rear foot 48. The front feet 44,
46 and the rear foot 48 may be connected to the support structure
12, the support platform 26 and/or other suitable portions of the
basketball system 10. In particular, the first front foot 44 may be
connected to the support member 34 of the support platform 26 and
the support member 20 of the support structure 12, and the second
front foot 46 may be connected to the support member 36 of the
support platform 26 and the support member 22 of the support
structure 12. The rear foot 48 may be support members 28, 30 of the
support platform 26. It will be appreciated that the basketball
system 10 may include any suitable number of engaging members,
which may be connected to any appropriate portions of the
basketball system, and the engaging members may have various
shapes, sizes configurations and arrangements depending, for
example, upon the intended use of the basketball system 10
[0040] The feet 44, 46, 48 may be movable among a plurality of
positions relative to the basketball system 10. In particular, the
feet 44, 46, 48 may be movably or pivotally connected to the
support platform 26. As discussed below, moving the feet 44, 46, 48
relative to the support structure 12 may allow the basketball
system 10 to be disposed in a desired location, help level or
adjust the basketball system, and/or allow the height of the
basketball system to be adjusted.
[0041] For example, the feet 44, 46, 48 may be movable between a
position in which the feet engage a support surface and a position
in which the feet are spaced apart from the support surface. The
feet 44, 46, 48 may also be movable between a position in which the
wheels 40, 42, 43 engage the support surface and a position in
which the wheels are spaced apart from the support surface. Thus,
for instance, the feet 44, 46, 48 may be moved or positioned so
that the wheels 40, 42, 43 are spaced apart from the support
surface and the feet securely engage the support surface. In this
position, the basketball system 10 may be held in a generally fixed
or stationary position. On the other hand, the basketball system 10
may be configured such that when the feet 44, 46, 48 securely
engage the support surface, then the basketball system 10 is held
in a generally fixed or stationary position even if the wheels 40,
42, 43 engage the support surface. In addition, the feet 44, 46 48
may be moved so that the feet are spaced apart from the support
surface, which may facilitate movement of the basketball system 10.
Therefore, when the feet 44, 46, 48 are spaced apart from the
support surface and/or when the wheels 40, 42, 43 engage the
support surface, the basketball system 10 may be readily portable
and more easily moved to a desired location. In contrast, if the
feet 44, 46, 48 engage the support surface and/or the wheels 40,
42, 43 are spaced apart from the support surface, then the
basketball system 10 may be held in a generally fixed or stationary
position.
[0042] It will be appreciated that the feet 44, 46, 48 may be moved
independently or together as a group. In addition, less than all of
the feet 44, 46, 48 may be spaced apart from the support surface to
allow the basketball system 10 to be moved to a particular
location. In particular, if the feet 44, 46 are spaced apart from
the support surface, then that may allow the basketball system 10
to be moved forwardly even if the rear foot 48 still contacts the
support surface. Similarly, if the rear foot 48 is spaced apart
from the support surface, then that may allow the basketball system
10 to be moved rearwardly even if the front feet 44, 46 still
contact the support surface. Of course, the feet 44, 46, 48 may be
moved into different positions and locations depending, for
example, upon the configuration and arrangement of the basketball
system 10.
[0043] The feet 44, 46, 48 may also be used to locate the
basketball goal 14 in the desired position. For example, the feet
44, 46, 48 may be movable between a position in which the
basketball goal 14 is at a first orientation and a position in
which the basketball goal 14 is at a second orientation. This may
allow the basketball goal 14 to be disposed in an upright position
even when the basketball system 10 is placed on a non-planar and/or
non-level support surface. Advantageously, the feet 44, 46, 48 may
be positioned independently and/or in different positions to allow
the basketball system 10 to be properly positioned on an uneven or
sloped support surface. In greater detail, if the basketball goal
14 is not located in an upright position when resting on a
particular support surface, some or all of the feet 44, 46, 48 may
be moved relative to the support structure 12 to tilt the
basketball system 10 to reposition the basketball goal in an
upright position. For example, the foot 44 may be moved upwardly to
tilt the basketball system 10 and the basketball goal 14 to the
left, or the foot 44 may be moved downwardly to tilt the basketball
system and the basketball goal to the right. Also, the foot 46 may
be moved downwardly to tilt the basketball system 10 and the
basketball goal 14 to the left, or the foot 46 may be moved
upwardly to tilt the basketball system and the basketball goal to
the right. Further, for example, the foot 48 may be moved
downwardly to tilt the basketball system 10 and the basketball goal
14 forwardly, or the foot 48 may be moved upwardly to tilt the
basketball system and the basketball goal rearwardly.
[0044] Additionally, the feet 44, 46, 48 may be sized and
configured to allow the height of the basketball goal 14 to be
adjusted. For example, the feet 44, 46, 48 may be movable between a
position in which the basketball goal 14 is at a first height and a
position in which the basketball goal 14 is at a second height.
Advantageously, this may allow a person to select the height of the
basketball goal 14. The basketball system 10 may also include, if
desired, a height adjustment mechanism such as disclosed in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 6,120,396; 6,273,834; 6,699,146 and the like.
[0045] The basketball system 10 may also include one or more
biasing members, such as springs or other suitable types of
mechanisms, which may be used to bias the feet 44, 46, 48 into a
desired position. For example, the biasing members may be sized and
configured to bias the feet 44, 46, 48 into a position in which the
feet engage a support surface. The biasing members may also be
sized and configured to bias the feet 44, 46, 48 into a position in
which the wheels 40, 42, 43 are spaced apart from the support
surface.
[0046] In addition, the basketball system 10 may include a device
that is used to move the feet 44, 46, 48 and/or wheels 40, 42, 43
into the desired positions. For example, the basketball system 10
may include a handle that may be used to move the feet 44, 46, 48
into the desired positions. In particular, the handle may be used
to move the feet 44, 46, 48 from a position in which the feet
engage the support surface to a position in which the feet are
spaced apart from the support surface. Thus, the handle may be
moved between a first position in which the basketball system 10 is
readily portable and a second position in which the basketball
system is held in a generally fixed position. Additionally, the
handle may be used to help move or position the basketball system
10, if desired. Further, the handle may form part of a barrier,
such as a backstop, and it may be positioned proximate the support
members 20, 22 of the support structure. The handle could also be
attached to other suitable portions of the basketball system 10,
but the basketball system does not require the use of a handle.
[0047] Further, if desired, the feet 44, 46 may be positioned
and/or secured in a preferred location. For example, a first
connector 50 may be connected to the first foot 44 and a second
connector 52 may be connected to the second feet 46, and the
connectors may help secure the feet in a desired position. In
particular, one end of the first connector 50 may be connected to
the first foot 44 and the other end of the first connector may be
connected to the support member 20 of the support structure 12.
Likewise, one end of the second connector 52 may be connected to
the second foot 46 and the other end of the second connector may be
connected to the support member 22 of the support structure 12. The
connectors 50, 52 may consist of tension-adjusting devices, such as
turnbuckles, springs and the like, that are sized and configured to
position and/or secure the feet 44, 46 in the desired locations.
The connectors 50, 52 are preferably adjustable in length to help
position and/or maintain the feet 44, 46 in the desired
locations.
[0048] The rear foot 48 is preferably pivotally connected to the
support members 28, 30 of the support platform 26 and the rear foot
48 preferably has a different configuration that the front feet 44,
46. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the rear foot 48 may include a
first flange 54, a second flange 56 and an intermediate portion 58.
The flanges 54, 56 preferably include openings, such as slots 60,
62, which may be sized and configured to help secure the foot 48 in
a desired position. For example, the slots 60, 62 may include a
serrated edge with a plurality of projections and recesses. The
recesses are preferably sized and configured to receive and retain
locking members 64, 66 in a desired location, which may allow the
foot 48 to be disposed in a desired position.
[0049] As shown in the accompanying figures, the locking members
64, 66 may be connected to the support members 28, 30 via brackets
68, 70, 72, 74. In particular, the brackets 68, 70 may be connected
to the locking member 64 and the support member 28, and the
brackets 72, 74 may be connected to the locking member 66 and the
support member 30. The brackets 68, 70 are preferably pivotally or
movably connected to the support member 28, and the brackets 72, 74
are preferably pivotally or movably connected to the support member
30. This may allow the rear foot 48 to be disposed and held in a
plurality of locations. In addition, this may allow the rear foot
48 to be quickly and easily locked into the desired position, and
then released. It will be appreciated that the rear foot 48 may
also have other suitable configurations and arrangements depending,
for example, upon the desired use of the portable basketball system
10.
[0050] As discussed above, the basketball goal 14 may be positioned
at a plurality of heights relative to the support surface. For
example, the basketball goal 14 may be positioned so that the rim
18 is ten feet above the playing surface, which is the conventional
height for playing basketball. The basketball goal 14 may be moved
to other positions in which the rim 18 is disposed at other
heights, such as nine feet, eight feet, seven feet, six feet and
the like. Advantageously, this may allow children and others to
play basketball. The rim 18 may also be disposed at greater
heights, if desired.
[0051] In addition, the basketball goal 14 may be attached to the
support structure 12 by connecting members. For example, a single
lower connecting member 76 and two upper connecting members 78, 80
may be used to connect the basketball goal 14 to the support member
24 of the support structure. The connecting members 76, 78, 80 may
be pivotally connected to the basketball goal 14 and the support
member 24, and the connecting members may form a generally
parallelogram-shaped connection. The connecting members may allow
the basketball goal 14 to be moved relative to the support
structure 14, which may allow the height of the rim 18 to be
adjusted.
[0052] Additional information regarding other suitable
configurations and aspects of height-adjustable basketball goals
and, in general, basketball systems is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
5,695,417; U.S. Pat. No. 5,879,247; U.S. Pat. No. 6,077,177; U.S.
Pat. No. 6,120,396; U.S. Pat. No. 6,155,938; U.S. Pat. No.
6,135,901; U.S. Pat. No. 6,142,891; U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,834; U.S.
Pat. No. 6,419,597; U.S. Pat. No. 6,419,598; U.S. Pat. No.
6,402,644; U.S. Pat. No. 6,422,957; U.S. Pat. No. 6,645,095; U.S.
Pat. No. 6,699,146; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
60/706,637, which was filed on Aug. 8, 2005; and U.S. patent
application Ser. No. (unknown), filed concurrently with this
application and entitled PORTABLE BASKETBALL SYSTEM, (Attorney
Docket No. 15499.697.1). Each of these patents and applications are
incorporated by reference in their entireties.
[0053] As shown in the accompanying figures and shown in the
above-listed patents and applications, the support structure 12 and
the basketball goal 14 may have a variety of suitable shapes,
sizes, configurations and arrangements. In addition, the basketball
goal 14 may be connected to the support structure 12 using various
suitable structures and various types of structures may be used to
adjust the height of the basketball goal 14, if desired. Further,
the basketball system 10 may also have a variety of suitable
shapes, sizes, configurations and arrangements depending, for
example, upon the intended use of the basketball system.
[0054] Although this invention has been described in terms of
certain preferred embodiments, other embodiments apparent to those
of ordinary skill in the art are also within the scope of this
invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is intended to
be defined only by the claims which follow.
* * * * *