U.S. patent application number 11/836121 was filed with the patent office on 2008-02-14 for basketball system.
Invention is credited to S. Curtis Nye.
Application Number | 20080039242 11/836121 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39051500 |
Filed Date | 2008-02-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080039242 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nye; S. Curtis |
February 14, 2008 |
BASKETBALL SYSTEM
Abstract
A basketball system may include a basketball goal and a support
structure that may be sized and configured to support the
basketball goal. The support structure may include one or more
support members. The basketball system may include an adjustment
mechanism, which may be sized and configured to move at least a
portion of the support members to adjust the height of the
basketball goal. The basketball system may include a biasing member
sized and configured to absorb energy when a force is applied to
the basketball goal and to release the energy when the force is
removed from the basketball goal.
Inventors: |
Nye; S. Curtis; (Clinton,
UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WORKMAN NYDEGGER
60 EAST SOUTH TEMPLE, 1000 EAGLE GATE TOWER
SALT LAKE CITY
UT
84111
US
|
Family ID: |
39051500 |
Appl. No.: |
11/836121 |
Filed: |
August 8, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60836270 |
Aug 8, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/483 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2225/093 20130101;
A63B 63/083 20130101; A63B 2063/086 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/483 |
International
Class: |
A63B 63/08 20060101
A63B063/08 |
Claims
1. A basketball system comprising: a basketball goal including a
backboard and a rim; a support structure sized and configured to
support the basketball goal, the support structure comprising: a
support pole; and at least one connecting member movably connected
to the basketball goal and the support pole; an adjustment
mechanism comprising a first biasing member sized and configured to
move between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration,
the first biasing member including a first portion and a second
portion, the first and second portions being secured in a generally
fixed relative position when the first biasing member is in the
locked configuration, the first and second portions being movable
relative to each other to adjust the height of the basketball goal
when the first biasing member is in the unlocked configuration; and
a second biasing member sized and configured to, when the first
biasing member is in the locked configuration and a force is
applied to the basketball goal, absorb energy at least partially
via the support structure to permit the basketball goal to move
from a first height to a second height and, when the force is
removed from the basketball goal, release the energy at least
partially via the support structure to return the basketball goal
back to the first height.
2. The basketball system as in claim 1, wherein the second biasing
member is sized and configured to, when the first biasing member is
in the locked configuration and a force is applied to the
basketball goal, absorb energy at least partially via the at least
one connecting member to permit the basketball goal to move from
the first height to the second height and, when the force is
removed from the basketball goal, release the energy at least
partially via the at least one connecting member to return the
basketball goal back to the first height.
3. The basketball system as in claim 2, wherein the first biasing
member comprises a gas spring; and wherein the second biasing
member comprises a compression spring.
4. The basketball system as in claim 2, wherein the first biasing
member comprises a gas spring; and wherein the second biasing
member comprises an extension spring.
5. The basketball system as in claim 2, wherein the first biasing
member comprises a gas spring; and wherein the second biasing
member comprises a torsion spring.
6. The basketball system as in claim 2, wherein the first biasing
member comprises a gas spring; and wherein the second biasing
member comprises a helical spring.
7. A basketball system comprising: a basketball goal including a
backboard and a rim; a support structure sized and configured to
support the basketball goal, the support structure including a
plurality of support members; an adjustment mechanism comprising a
first biasing member sized and configured to move between a locked
configuration and an unlocked configuration, the first biasing
member including a first portion and a second portion, the first
and second portions being secured in a generally fixed relative
position when the first biasing member is in the locked
configuration, the first and second portions being movable relative
to each other to move at least one of the support members to adjust
the height of the basketball goal when the first biasing member is
in the unlocked configuration; and a second biasing member sized
and configured to, when the first biasing member is in the locked
configuration and a force is applied to the basketball goal, absorb
energy at least partially via the support structure to permit the
basketball goal to move from a first height to a second height and,
when the force is removed from the basketball goal, release the
energy at least partially via the support structure to return the
basketball goal back to the first height.
8. The basketball system as in claim 7, wherein the second biasing
member is sized and configured to, when the first biasing member is
in the locked configuration and a force is applied to the
basketball goal, absorb energy at least partially via the at least
one of the support members to permit the basketball goal to move
from the first height to the second height and, when the force is
removed from the basketball goal, release the energy at least
partially via the at least one of the support members to return the
basketball goal back to the first height.
9. The basketball system as in claim 8, wherein the first biasing
member comprises a gas spring; and wherein the second biasing
member comprises a compression spring.
10. The basketball system as in claim 8, wherein the first biasing
member comprises a gas spring; and wherein the second biasing
member comprises an extension spring.
11. The basketball system as in claim 8, wherein the first biasing
member comprises a gas spring; and wherein the second biasing
member comprises a torsion spring.
12. The basketball system as in claim 8, wherein the first biasing
member comprises a gas spring; and wherein the second biasing
member comprises a helical spring.
13. A basketball system comprising: a basketball goal including a
backboard and a rim; a support structure sized and configured to
support the basketball goal, the support structure including a
plurality of support members; and an adjustment mechanism
comprising a first adjustment member; a second adjustment member,
the first and second adjustment members being movable relative to
each other to adjust the height of the basketball goal; and a
biasing member sized and configured to, when a force is applied to
the basketball goal, absorb energy at least partially via the
support structure to permit the basketball goal to move from a
first height to a second height and, when the force is removed from
the basketball goal, release the energy at least partially via the
support structure to return the basketball goal back to the first
height.
14. The basketball system as in claim 13, wherein the biasing
member is at least partially disposed within the first adjustment
member.
15. The basketball system as in claim 13, wherein the biasing
member is partially disposed within the first adjustment member;
and wherein the biasing member is partially disposed within the
second adjustment member.
16. The basketball system as in claim 13, wherein the first and
second adjustment members are slidably coupled.
17. The basketball system as in claim 16, wherein the biasing
member is partially disposed within the first adjustment member;
and wherein the biasing member is partially disposed within the
second adjustment member.
18. The basketball system as in claim 13, further comprising a
crank sized and configured to move the first and second adjustment
members relative to each other.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S.
provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/836,270, which was filed
on Aug. 8, 2006 and entitled BASKETBALL SYSTEM, which is
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention generally relates to basketball
systems and, in particular, to basketball goals and support
structures.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] The game of basketball is frequently played by many people
throughout the world. Briefly, the game of basketball typically
includes a flat and level playing surface with a basketball goal at
each end of the court. The basketball goal, which may include a
backboard and a rim or hoop, is typically attached to the top of a
support pole. The rim or hoop is normally located ten feet above
the playing surface and the backboard may be constructed from
materials such as wood, plastic or tempered glass.
[0006] Conventional basketball goals typically include a backboard
that is positioned perpendicular to the playing surface and a hoop
that is positioned parallel to the playing surface. The hoop of
many conventional basketball goals is rigidly mounted to the
basketball backboard, but the hoop may also be pivotally mounted to
the backboard to create a break-away type rim.
[0007] The support pole of conventional basketball systems may be
permanently secured in a fixed location. For example, the end of
the support pole may be inserted into the ground. Conventional
basketball systems may also be part of a portable basketball system
in which the system may be selectively moved from one location to
another.
[0008] It is known for the height of the goal above the playing
surface to be adjustable and the adjustable height basketball
system may allow the system to be used by a wide variety of
persons. For instance, the adjustable height basketball system may
be used by relatively tall players for some games and by shorter
players during other games. The adjustable height basketball system
may also be used by players of different strengths or skill levels.
In addition, the adjustable height basketball system may be used by
adults or children. Further, the adjustable height basketball
system may also be used to play a regulation game of basketball or
for practicing skills such as dunking the basketball.
[0009] Many conventional basketball systems experience significant
stresses and forces while being used. For example, a significant
amount of stress and force may be applied to the basketball system
when a player dunks the basketball or hangs onto the rim. Over
time, these stresses and forces may damage the rim, backboard
and/or other portions of the basketball system. It may be very
difficult, time consuming and costly to repair or replace the
damaged portions of the basketball system.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0010] A need therefore exists for a basketball system that
eliminates or diminishes the disadvantages and problems described
above.
[0011] One aspect is a basketball system that may include a
basketball goal, which may include a backboard, a rim and a net
connected to the rim. The basketball system may also include a
support structure that is sized and configured to support the
basketball goal at a desired height above a playing surface. The
support structure is preferably sized and configured to selectively
support the basketball goal at a plurality of different heights.
For example, the support structure may support the rim ten feet
above the playing surface, which is the conventional height for a
basketball goal. The support structure may also support the rim at
other heights, if desired. For example, the support structure may
support the rim at lower heights, such as nine feet, eight feet,
seven feet, six feet or other desired height. The support structure
may also support the rim at a greater height, if desired, such as
eleven or twelve feet above the playing surface. Advantageously,
the height adjustable support structure may allow children and
others to play basketball. In addition, the height adjustable
support structure may be used in connection with basketball systems
that are located in fixed or permanent positions, and portable
basketball systems that are readily capable of being moved between
different locations. The height-adjustable support structure may
also be used in connection with different types of basketball
systems and it may be used in connection with various parts and
components, such as a variety of backboards, rims and the like.
[0012] Another aspect is a basketball system that may include a
support structure which includes one or more support members. The
support members are preferably movable or adjustable to allow the
height of the basketball goal to be adjusted. For example, the
basketball system may include a height-adjustable support structure
and the support members may allow the height of the basketball goal
to be adjusted. In greater detail, the support members may fit and
slide one within another in a telescoping manner. The support
members could also be connected in other suitable manners, such as
rotatably connected.
[0013] Yet another aspect is a basketball system that may include
an adjustment mechanism that is sized and configured to adjust the
height of basketball goal. For example, the basketball system may
include a support structure with one or more support members and
the adjustment mechanism may be sized and configured to move at
least a portion of one or more of the support members. By moving at
least a portion of one or more of the support members, the height
of the basketball goal may be adjusted. The adjustment mechanism
may include a crank or handle that is preferably movable into
different positions, which may move the support members into
different positions.
[0014] A further aspect is a basketball system that may include an
adjustment mechanism and the adjustment mechanism may include a
biasing mechanism, such as a compression spring, an extension
spring, a gas spring and/or other suitable type of spring or
biasing member. For example, the basketball system may include a
support structure with one or more support members and the biasing
mechanism may be sized and configured to bias at least a portion of
at least one of the support members into a desired position. The
biasing mechanism may also be sized and configured to move at least
a portion of at least one of the support members.
[0015] A still further aspect is a basketball system that may
include one or more biasing members that are sized and configured
to help absorb forces or impacts on the basketball system. For
example, if a force is applied to the rim and/or basketball goal,
then the biasing member may help absorb at least a portion of the
force applied to the rim or goal. Advantageously, this may help
prevent the rim and/or basketball goal from being bent or damaged.
It may also help prevent other portions of the basketball system
from being damaged. The biasing member may also be sized and
configured to support at least a portion of the weight of the
basketball goal. For instance, the biasing member may be positioned
so that it helps support at least a portion of the weight of the
basketball goal, which may help reduce the amount of weight that
other portions of the basketball goal may have to support.
[0016] Yet another further aspect is a basketball system that may
include an adjustment mechanism which includes a tension adjustment
mechanism. The tension adjustment mechanism may be used to increase
and/or decrease the tension in the biasing member, which may
facilitate movement of the adjustment mechanism and/or assist in
adjusting the height of the basketball goal. For example, the
tension adjustment mechanism may include a crank and the crank may
be rotated in a first direction to help compress the biasing
member, and that may move the adjustment mechanism and raise the
basketball goal. In addition, the crank may be rotated in a second
direction to help decompress the biasing member, and that may move
the adjustment mechanism and lower the basketball goal. It will be
appreciated that the tension adjustment mechanism is not required
and it is not necessary to raise or lower the basketball goal. It
will also be appreciated that the tension adjustment mechanism may
include other components and may be disposed in other suitable
configurations and arrangements.
[0017] Another aspect is basketball system that may include a
biasing mechanism that is sized and configured to absorb energy or
force applied to the basketball goal, for example, when players
hang onto the rim when dunking. When such a force is applied to the
basketball goal, the basketball goal may move to a new position and
the biasing mechanism may absorb at least a portion of that force.
When the force applied to the basketball goal is removed, the
biasing mechanism may return the basketball goal to its original
position. Desirably, the biasing mechanism may be sized and
configured to permit the basketball goal to move within a range
when a force is applied to the basketball goal. For example, the
biasing mechanism could include a helical compression spring that
is compressed when a force is applied to the basketball goal. The
biasing mechanism could also include a helical extension spring
that is extended when a force is applied to the basketball goal. It
will be appreciated that the biasing mechanism may include a
compression spring, an extension spring, a gas spring and/or other
suitable type of spring or biasing member. The basketball system
may include multiple biasing mechanisms. For example, the
basketball system may include a first biasing mechanism, such as a
compression spring, that is sized and configured to absorb forces
applied to the basketball goal and a second biasing mechanism, such
as a gas spring, that is sized and configured to adjust the height
of the basketball goal.
[0018] Yet another aspect is basketball system that may include a
biasing mechanism as and a support structure that is sized and
configured to transfer energy to the biasing mechanism when a force
is applied to the basketball goal. The support structure may also
be sized and configured to transfer energy from the biasing
mechanism to the basketball goal to return the basketball goal to a
desired position when the force is removed from the basketball
goal. In addition, the biasing member may be sized and configured
to help support the basketball goal in a desired position. For
example, the biasing member may be sized and configured to help
retain the basketball goal in a desired position and, when a force
exceeds a certain amount, the biasing member may allow the
basketball goal to move into a different position. The biasing
member may then be sized and configured to return the basketball
goal to the desired position.
[0019] Still another aspect is basketball system that may include a
basketball backboard, which may include a frame, and a support
structure connected to the frame of the backboard. The support
structure preferably includes an elongated support member and one
or more connecting members. The connecting members are preferably
pivotally connected to the support member and the frame of the
backboard to allow the basketball goal to be positioned among a
plurality of heights. For example, the support structure may
include a first pair of connecting members connected to the frame
and a second pair of connecting mechanisms connected to the frame.
The support structure may also include a first pair of connecting
arms connected to the frame, a second pair of arms connected to the
frame and/or the basketball goal, and a third pair of arms
connected from the basketball goal. It will be appreciated that the
support structure could include any suitable number of connecting
members and the connecting members could be disposed in a variety
of suitable configurations and arrangements. In addition, it will
be appreciated that the connecting members may be connected to any
appropriate portions of the support structure, backboard, backboard
frame, basketball goal or other portions of the basketball
system.
[0020] A further aspect is a basketball system that may include a
basketball goal which is sized and configured to facilitate
connection of the basketball goal to the support structure. For
example, the backboard may include a rebound portion with at least
one opening that is sized and configured to allow the basketball
goal to be connected to the support structure. In particular, a
bracket may be connected to the support structure and at least a
portion of the bracket may be disposed in the opening in the
rebound portion of the backboard. The bracket may also be connected
to the rim to allow the rim to be directly connected to the support
structure.
[0021] A still further aspect is basketball system that may include
a basketball goal and a support structure connected to the
basketball goal. The support structure may include an elongated
support member and three pairs of connecting members that are sized
and configured to connect the basketball goal to the elongated
support member. The three pairs of connecting members are
preferably pivotally connected to the support member and the
basketball goal to allow the basketball goal to be positioned among
a plurality of heights. The support structure may include a first
pair of connecting members pivotally connected to the backboard, a
second pair of connecting members pivotally connected to the
backboard and/or the rim support structure, and a third pair of
connecting members pivotally connected to the rim support
structure. This may allow forces or stresses on the rim, for
example, to be applied more directly to the support structure and
less to the backboard frame and/or the rebound portion of the
backboard, which may help avoid damage to the backboard.
[0022] Another further aspect is a basketball system that may
include a support structure with a support pole, a first connecting
member and a second connecting member. The first connecting member
is preferably pivotally or movably connected to the basketball
goal, the support pole and the second connecting member. The second
connecting member is preferably pivotally or movably connected to
the first connecting member and the support pole. In particular,
the first and second connecting members may include openings that
are sized and configured to receive a fastener that may pivotally
or movably interconnect the connecting members. For example, the
openings in the second connecting member may be elongated slots
along which the fastener may slide. The movement of the fastener
within the slots may compress a biasing member when, for example, a
force is applied to the basketball goal. When the force is removed
from the basketball goal, the biasing member may return the first
and/or second connecting members to their previous positions.
[0023] Still another further aspect is a basketball system that may
include a support structure with a support pole, a first connecting
member and a second connecting member. The first connecting member
is preferably pivotally or movably connected to the basketball
goal, the support pole and the second connecting member. The second
connecting member is preferably pivotally or movably connected to
the first connecting member and the support pole. In particular,
the second connecting member preferably includes a first portion
and a second portion. The first portion is preferably pivotally or
movably connected to the first connecting member and the second
portion is preferably pivotally or movably connected to the support
pole. The first and second portions of the second at connecting
member may be interconnected. For example, the first and second
portions may be telescopically connected so that the second
connecting member is adjustable in length. In greater detail, the
first and/or second portions may include openings, such as
elongated slots, that are sized and configured to receive a
fastener that may interconnect the portions. The movement of the
fastener within the slots may compress a biasing member when, for
example, a force is applied to the basketball goal and this may
cause the length of the second connecting member to change. When
the force is removed from the basketball goal, the biasing member
may return the first and/or second connecting members to their
previous positions.
[0024] Another aspect is a basketball system that may include a
support structure with a support pole, a first connecting member
and a second connecting member. The first connecting member is
preferably pivotally or movably connected to the basketball goal,
the support pole and to the second connecting member. The second
connecting member is preferably pivotally or movably connected to
the first connecting member and the support pole. In particular,
the second connecting member preferably includes a first portion
and a second portion. The first portion is preferably pivotally or
movably connected to the first connecting member and the second
portion is preferably pivotally or movably connected to the support
pole. The first and second portions of the second connecting member
may be interconnected and a biasing member may be connected to the
first and second portions of the second connecting member. When a
force is applied to the basketball goal, the first connecting
member and the first and second portions of the second connecting
member may move, and that movement may be resisted by a biasing
member. When the force is removed from the basketball goal, the
biasing member may return the basketball goal to its previous
position.
[0025] Still another aspect is a basketball goal that may include a
support structure with a support pole, a first connecting member, a
second connecting member and a bracket which may be connected to
the second connecting member and the support pole. The first
connecting member is preferably pivotally or movably connected to
the basketball goal, the support pole and to the second connecting
member. The second connecting member is preferably pivotally or
movably connected to the first connecting member and the bracket.
The bracket is preferably pivotally or movably connected to the
second connecting member and the support pole. When a force is
applied to the basketball goal, the first connecting member, the
second connecting member and/or the bracket may move. This
movement, however, may be resisted by a biasing member. When the
force is removed from the basketball goal, the biasing member may
return the bracket, the first connecting member and/or the second
connecting member to their previous positions.
[0026] Yet another aspect is a basketball goal that may include a
support structure with a support pole, a first connecting member, a
second connecting member and a bracket connected to the first and
second connecting members. The first connecting member is
preferably pivotally or movably connected to the basketball goal,
the support pole and to the bracket. The second connecting member
is preferably pivotally or movably connected to the bracket and the
support pole. The bracket is preferably pivotally or movably
connected to the first and second connecting members, and a biasing
member may be connected to the bracket and the first connecting
member. When a force is applied to the basketball goal, the first
connecting member, the second connecting member and the bracket may
move. The movement of the bracket may compress the biasing member.
When the force is removed from the basketball goal, the biasing
member may decompress, which may bias the bracket, the first
connecting member and/or the second connecting member into their
previous positions.
[0027] A further aspect is a basketball goal system that may
include a support structure with a support pole, a first connecting
member, a second connecting member and a bracket connected to the
second connecting member and the support pole. The first connecting
member is preferably pivotally or movably connected to the
basketball goal, the support pole and to the second connecting
member. The second connecting member is preferably pivotally or
movably connected to the first connecting member and the bracket.
The bracket and the second connecting member may include openings
that are sized and configured to receive a fastener that may
pivotally or movably interconnect the bracket and the second
connecting member. In greater detail, the openings formed in the
bracket may be elongated slots and the fastener may slide within
the slots. The movement of the fastener within the slots may
compress a biasing member when, for example, a force is applied to
the basketball goal. When the force is removed from the basketball
goal, the biasing member may bias the first and/or second
connecting members of the basketball goal into their previous
positions.
[0028] A still further aspect is a basketball system that may
include a support structure with a support pole, a first connecting
member and a second connecting member. The first connecting member
is preferably pivotally or movably connected to the basketball
goal, the support pole and to the second connecting member. The
second connecting member is preferably pivotally or movably
connected to the first connecting member and the support pole. In
particular, the second connecting member preferably includes a
first portion and a second portion that are movably interconnected.
In particular, the first and second portions are preferably
telescopically connected, which may provide the second connecting
member with an adjustable length. The first portion is preferably
pivotally or movably connected to the support pole and the second
portion is preferably pivotally or movably connected to the first
connecting member. When a force is applied to the basketball goal,
the first connecting member and the first and second portions of
the second connecting member may move to decrease the length of the
second connecting member and compress a biasing member. When the
force is removed from the basketball goal, the biasing member may
decompress and the length of the second connecting member may
increase. In addition, the biasing member may bias the basketball
goal to its previous position. Advantageously, the second
connecting member may be connected to various portions of the
basketball system. For example, the second connecting member may be
connected to a lower portion of the first connecting member and a
front portion of the support pole. Also, the second connecting
member may be connected to an upper portion of the first connecting
member and a rear portion of the support pole. Moreover, the
support pole may include a hollow interior portion and at least a
portion of the second connecting member may be disposed within and
be connected to the hollow interior portion. Of course, the second
connecting member may be connected to other portions of the first
connecting member and/or the support pole. Consequently, the
biasing member may be positioned in front of or behind the support
pole. In addition, the biasing member may be positioned in front of
or behind a connection of the first connecting member to the
support pole. Of course, the biasing member may be other suitable
locations.
[0029] Another aspect is a basketball system that may include a
cover which covers a portion of the basketball system. The cover,
for example, may include one or more generally helical portions.
The helical portions may form part of a biasing member, such as a
spring, or the helical portions may be sized and configured to have
the appearance of a spring. It will be appreciated that the cover
could have other suitable shapes, sizes, configurations and
arrangements depending, for example, upon the intended use of the
basketball system. In greater detail, the cover may be disposed
around and/or may cover at portion of a height adjustment
mechanism. The generally helical portions of the cover may
advantageously indicate to the user that the height adjustment
mechanism is configured to absorb energy or force applied to the
basketball goal. For example, the height adjustment mechanism may
include a biasing member that is sized and configured to absorb
energy or force applied to the basketball goal. If desired, the
cover may at least partially enclose the biasing member. The cover
could also be a separate and distinct component from the biasing
member or other portions of the basketball system.
[0030] Yet another aspect is a basketball system that may include
an adjustment mechanism with a biasing member and an enclosure.
Desirably, the biasing member may be removable from the enclosure,
which may allow the biasing member to be replaced when worn or
damaged. The adjustment mechanism may also be sized and configured
to use different types of springs or biasing members having
different properties (such as, compressibility, extendibility,
resilience, etc.) and that may allow the adjustment mechanism to be
used with basketball systems having different sizes and
configurations.
[0031] Still another aspect is a basketball system that may include
a height adjustment mechanism and a biasing member that may be
sized and configured to at least help absorb forces applied to the
basketball goal. For example, the height adjustment mechanism may
include an adjustment mechanism, such as a crank, that allows the
height of the basketball goal to be changed. In particular, the
height adjustment mechanism may include two telescoping members and
the crank may be used to vary the length of the telescoping
members. In addition, a biasing member is preferably connected to
the height adjustment mechanism and that may allow the telescoping
members and/or the crank to move if a force greater than a certain
amount is applied to the basketball goal. Advantageously, this may
help prevent damage to the basketball system.
[0032] 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
[0033] 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:
[0034] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of an exemplary basketball
system;
[0035] FIG. 2 is another rear perspective view of the basketball
system shown in FIG. 1;
[0036] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of the basketball
system shown in FIG. 2;
[0037] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a portion of the basketball
system shown in FIG. 3;
[0038] FIG. 5 is perspective view of a portion of the basketball
system shown in FIG. 4;
[0039] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the portion of the basketball
system shown in FIG. 5;
[0040] FIG. 7 is perspective view of a portion of the basketball
system shown in FIG. 6;
[0041] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the portion of the basketball
system shown in FIG. 7;
[0042] FIG. 9 is side view of a portion of another exemplary
basketball system;
[0043] FIG. 10 is side view of a portion of yet another exemplary
basketball system;
[0044] FIG. 11 is side view of a portion of still another exemplary
basketball system;
[0045] FIG. 12 is side view of a portion of a further exemplary
basketball system;
[0046] FIG. 13 is side view of a portion of a still further
exemplary basketball system;
[0047] FIG. 14 is side view of a portion of still another exemplary
basketball system;
[0048] FIG. 15 is side view of a portion of still yet another
exemplary basketball system; and
[0049] FIG. 16 is side view of a portion of another exemplary
basketball system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0050] The present invention is generally directed towards
basketball systems. The principles of the present invention,
however, are not limited to basketball systems. 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 sporting equipment and/or support structures.
[0051] 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 and/or orientations. A detailed description of the
basketball system now follows.
[0052] As shown in FIGS. 1-2, a basketball system 10 may include a
basketball goal 12, which may include a backboard 14, a rim 16 and
a net connected to the rim. The basketball system 10 may also
include a support structure 18, which may be sized and configured
to support the basketball goal 12 at a desired height above a
playing surface.
[0053] The support structure 18 is preferably sized and configured
to selectively support the basketball goal 12 at a plurality of
different heights. For example, the support structure 18 may
support the rim ten feet above the playing surface, which is the
conventional height for a basketball goal 12, and the support
structure may support the rim at other heights. In particular, the
support structure 18 may support the rim at lower heights, such as
nine feet, eight feet, seven feet, six feet, or any other desired
height. The support structure 18 may also support the rim at a
greater height, if desired. Advantageously, the support structure
18 may allow children and others to play basketball. The support
structure 18 may also be used in connection with permanent and
portable basketball systems. In addition, the support structure 18
may be used with different types of basketball systems and
components such as various types of backboards, rims and the
like.
[0054] The support structure 18 may include one or more support
members, such as a support pole, connecting members and/or other
support members. For example, the support structure 18 may include
a support pole 20 and one or more connecting members (such as
connecting members 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32) that may be sized and
configured to help interconnect the support pole and the basketball
goal 12. The connecting members 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32 are
preferably pivotally or otherwise movably connected to the support
pole 12 and the basketball goal 12 to help the basketball goal move
between a plurality of heights. If desired, the connecting members
22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32 may be pivotally or otherwise movably
connected to any suitable portion of the basketball goal 12, such
as the rim 16, the backboard 14, a frame of the backboard and/or
any other suitable portion of the basketball goal 12. The
connecting members may be connected to the support pole 12 and the
basketball goal 12 using one or more connectors (such as brackets),
fasteners, welds, adhesives and/or any other suitable means.
[0055] The support members of the support structure 18 may have an
elongated shape and may be constructed from metal tubes. It will be
appreciated, however, that the support members need not be
constructed from metal tubes and that the support members may be
constructed from other suitable materials and may have other shapes
and/or configurations.
[0056] The support members of the support structure 18 may be
movable or adjustable and the basketball system 10 that may include
an adjustment mechanism 34 that is sized and configured to adjust
the height of basketball goal 12 by moving at least a portion of at
least one of the support members. In particular, the adjustment
mechanism 34 is preferably movable into different positions, which
may move the support members into different positions.
[0057] For example, as shown in FIGS. 3-5, the adjustment mechanism
34 may include a first adjustment member 36 and a second adjustment
member 38 and the first and second adjustment members may be
movable among a plurality of relative positions. Desirably, this
relative movement of the adjustment members 36, 38 may move the
support members of the support structure 18 into different
positions to adjust the height of the basketball goal 12. The
adjustment members 36, 38 preferably include metal tubes sized and
configured to slidably, telescopically and/or otherwise movably
couple each other. It will be appreciated, however, that the
adjustment members 36, 38 need not be constructed from metal tubes
and that the adjustment members may be constructed from other
suitable materials and may have other shapes and/or
configurations.
[0058] In further detail, as shown in FIGS. 3-4, the adjustment
members 36, 38 may be connected to the support structure 18 using
one or more connectors, such as brackets, links and/or other
connectors. For example, the adjustment member 36 may be pivotally
or otherwise movably connected to the support pole 20 of the
support structure 18 using a bracket 40. In addition, the
adjustment member 38 may be pivotally or otherwise movably a
connected to the support pole 20 and the connecting members 30, 32
of the support structure using a bracket 42 and links 44, 46, 48,
50. In particular, the bracket 40 may be connected to the support
pole 20, and the adjustment member 38 may be pivotally or otherwise
movably connected to the bracket. In addition, the bracket 42,
which may be connected to the adjustment member 38, may be
pivotally or otherwise movably connected to the links 44, 46, 48,
50. The links 44, 46 and the links 48, 50 may be pivotally or
otherwise movably connected to the support pole 20 and the
connecting members 30, 32, respectively.
[0059] When the adjustment members 36, 38 are moved away from each
other, the bracket 42 may pull the links 48, 50 downwardly, which
may create torque that pivots the connecting members 30, 32 about
the fastener 52 to raise the basketball goal 12. When the
adjustment members 36, 38 are moved towards each other, the bracket
42 may move upwardly, which may allow the links 48, 50 to move
upwardly and thus allow gravity to cause the connecting members 30,
32 to pivot about the fastener 52 to lower the basketball goal 12.
It will be appreciated that the adjustment members 36, 38 may be
connected to other suitable portions of the support structure 18
using one or more connectors, fasteners, welds, adhesives and/or
any other suitable means. It will be also appreciated that no
particular relative movement of the adjustment members 36, 38 is
required to raise or lower the basketball goal 12. It will be
further appreciated that the adjustment mechanism 34 does not
require any adjustment members 36, 38 and may include other
components having other suitable features.
[0060] As shown FIGS. 6-8, the adjustment mechanism 34 may also
include a crank 54, which may be sized and configured to move the
adjustment members 36, 38 among a plurality of relative positions.
For example, the crank 40 may be rotated in a first direction to
move the adjustment members 36, 38 in away from each other and the
crank may be rotated in an opposing second direction to move the
adjustment members towards other. As mentioned above, moving the
adjustment members 36, 38 in this fashion may help move the support
members of the support structure 18 into different positions to
raise and/or lower the basketball goal 12.
[0061] In further detail, as shown in FIGS. 6-8, the adjustment
mechanism 34 may include a shaft 56, a guide 58 and a biasing
member 60. The guide 58 may be connected to the adjustment member
36 and the shaft 56 may be movably coupled to the guide. The guide
58 may, for example, include a receiving portion 62, which may be
sized and configured to threadably receive a portion of the shaft
56. In particular, a portion of the shaft 56 may extend through the
receiving portion 62, and the shaft and the receiving portion may
include generally complementary threaded portions that may
threadably couple each other.
[0062] The crank 54 may be connected to a lower portion 64 of the
shaft 56 and the crank may be rotated to rotate the shaft. As the
shaft 56 is rotated, the threaded portions of the shaft and the
guide 58 may engage each other to move the guide relative to the
shaft. For example, when in the shaft 56 is rotated in a first
direction, the guide 58 may move in a direction 66 along the shaft,
and when the shaft is rotated in an opposing second direction, the
guide may move in a direction 68 along the shaft. As discussed
below, the guide's movement along the shaft 56 may help raise
and/or lower the basketball goal 12.
[0063] When the guide 58 moves along the shaft 56 in the direction
66, the adjustment members 36, 38 may move away from each other to
raise the basketball goal. In greater detail, the biasing member 60
shown in FIG. 6 may be at least partially positioned between a
lower portion 70 of the adjustment member 38 and a washer 72. For
example, to position the biasing member 60 between the lower
portion 70 and the washer 72, the lower portion 64 of the shaft 56
may be inserted through passageways formed in the washer 72, the
biasing member 60, a bearing assembly 74 and the lower portion 70
of the adjustment member 38, after which the lower portion 64 of
the shaft may be connected to the crank 54, as shown in FIG. 3.
When the shaft 56 is rotated and causes the guide 58 moves along
the shaft in the direction 66, the shaft may move away from the
adjustment member 36, which may help push the adjustment member 38
away from the adjustment member 36. In particular, when the guide
58 moves along the shaft 56 in the direction 66, the shaft may move
away from the adjustment member 36 and may contact and/or exert a
force against the washer 72, which may contact and/or exert a force
against the biasing member 60, which may contact and/or exert a
force against the bearing assembly 74, which may contact and/or
exert a force against the lower portion 70 of the adjustment member
38 to push the adjustment members 36, 38 away from each other. As
the adjustment members 36, 38 are pushed away from each other, the
bracket 42 may pull the links 48, 50 downwardly, which may create
torque that pivots the connecting members 30, 32 about the fastener
52 to raise the basketball goal 12.
[0064] When the shaft 56 is rotated and causes the guide 58 move
along the shaft in the direction 68, the adjustment members 36, 38
may move towards each other to lower the basketball goal 12. In
greater detail, when the guide 58 moves along the shaft 56 in the
direction 68, the shaft 56 may move towards the adjustment member
36, which may allow the lower portion of the adjustment member 38
and, thus also the bracket 42, to move upwardly. The bracket 42
moving upwardly may allow the links 48, 50 to move upwardly and
thus allow gravity to cause the connecting members 30, 32 to pivot
about the fastener 52 to lower the basketball goal 12.
[0065] As shown in FIG. 6, the bearing assembly 74 may be
positioned between the biasing member 60 and the lower portion 70
of the adjustment member 38. This may help prevent friction between
the biasing member 60 and the adjustment member 38 when, for
example, the crank 54 and/or the shaft 56 are rotated.
[0066] Significantly, the biasing member 60 may be sized and
configured to absorb energy or force applied to the basketball goal
12, for example, when players hang onto the rim 16 when dunking.
When such energy or force is applied to the basketball goal 12, the
basketball goal may move to a new position and the biasing member
60 may absorb at least a portion of that energy or force. When the
energy or force applied to the basketball goal 12 is removed, the
biasing member 60 may return the basketball goal to its original
position. Desirably, the biasing member 60 may be sized and
configured to permit the basketball goal 12 to move within a range
when energy or force is applied to the basketball goal. This may
advantageously help avoid damage to the rim 16, backboard 14 and/or
other portions of the basketball system 10. The biasing member 60
may include, for example, a compression spring, an extension
spring, a leaf spring, a helical compression spring, a helical
extension spring, a torsion spring, a bushing or washer, a gas
spring, a hydraulic spring and/or other suitable biasing members
that may be sized and configured to absorb and release energy or
force. The biasing member 60 may also be constructed from metal,
plastic, rubber, elastomeric materials and/or other suitable
materials having suitable characteristics. As discussed below, the
support structure 18 may be sized and configured to transfer energy
to the biasing member 60 when a force is applied to the basketball
goal 12, and the support structure 18 may also be sized and
configured to transfer energy from the biasing mechanism to the
basketball goal to raise the basketball goal when the force is
removed from the basketball goal.
[0067] In further detail, the force applied to the basketball goal
12 may create torque that may pivot the connecting members 30, 32
about the fastener 52, which may pull the links 48, 50 and the
bracket 42 upward and thus move the adjustment members 36, 38 of
the adjustment mechanism 34 towards each other. As the adjustment
members 36, 38 are moved together, the biasing member 60 may absorb
energy, and the basketball goal 12 may move to from a higher
initial position to a displaced lower position. When the force is
removed from the basketball goal, the biasing member 60 may
resiliently release the energy, which may move the adjustment
members 36, 38 away from each other. As the adjustment members 36,
38 move away from each other, the bracket 42 may pull the links 48,
50 downwardly, which may create torque that may pivot the
connecting members 30, 32 about the fastener 52 to return the
basketball goal 12 to its higher initial position.
[0068] To absorb the energy, the biasing member 60 may be
compressed and/or deformed. In particular, when the adjustment
members 36, 38 are moved together, the lower portion 64 of the
shaft 56 may extend an additional distance past the lower portion
70 of the adjustment member 38, which may allow the washer 72 and
the lower portion 70 to move closer together to compress and/or
deform the biasing member 60. To release the energy, the biasing
member 60 may resiliently decompress and/or reform. As the biasing
member 60 decompresses and/or reforms, the biasing member may exert
a force against the lower portion 70 of the adjustment member 38
and the washer 72, which may move the adjustment members 36, 38
away from each other and, as discussed above, return the basketball
goal to its higher initial position. It will be appreciated,
however, that the biasing member 60 need not be compressed,
decompressed, deformed or reformed to absorb or release energy and
that the biasing member 60 may absorb and/or release energy in a
variety of other suitable ways. It will also be appreciated that
the biasing member 60 may be positioned in other suitable locations
and/or orientations and may contact, abut, engage and/or be
connected to other suitable portions of the adjustment mechanism
34, the support structure 18 and/or the basketball system 10.
[0069] Significantly, the biasing member 60 may be sized and
configured to permit a particular range of basketball goal movement
when a force is applied to the basketball goal 12. For example, the
biasing member 60 may be sized and configured to permit the
basketball goal to move downwardly about 2 inches, about 4 inches,
about 6 inches and/or about 8 inches in response to 200, 300, 400
and/or 500 pounds of force. The biasing member 60 may also be
customizable to permit a variety of different amounts of basketball
goal movement when a force is applied to the basketball goal 12.
For example, the biasing member 60 may comprise a spring and the
tension in the spring may be increased or decreased to affect the
manner in which the spring absorbs energy and thus how much the
basketball goal 12 moves when a force is applied to the basketball
goal. It will be appreciated that the biasing member 60 may be
sized and configured to permit greater or lesser downward movement
in response to other amounts of force, if desired. It will also be
appreciated that the biasing member 60 need not be
customizable.
[0070] It will be further appreciated that the adjustment mechanism
34 does not require a crank 54 to rotate the shaft 56. For example,
the adjustment mechanism 34 may include a motor configured to
rotate the shaft 56. Moreover, the adjustment mechanism 34 does not
require the shaft 56 or the guide 58 to move the adjustment members
36, 38 among a 2, plurality of relative positions.
[0071] For instance, the adjustment mechanism 34 may include a gas
or hydraulic spring that may include the adjustment members 36, 38.
As part of the gas or hydraulic spring, the adjustment members 36,
38 may advantageously be configured to be moved among various
generally fixed relative positions. For instance, the gas or
hydraulic spring may be moved to a locked configuration to secure
the adjustment members 36, 38 in a first generally fixed relative
position; then moved to an unlocked configuration to permit the
adjustment members to be moved among other relative positions which
may, as discussed above, adjust the height of the basketball goal
12; and then back to a locked configuration to secure the
adjustment members 36, 38 in a second generally fixed relative
position.
[0072] Desirably, the biasing member 60 may contact, abut, engage
and/or be connected to the adjustment members 36, 38, other
portions of the gas spring or hydraulic spring, other portions of
the adjustment mechanism 34, the support structure 18 and/or other
portions of the basketball system 10 such that, when a force is
applied to the basketball goal, the biasing member 60 may absorb
energy. The biasing member 60 may absorb energy, for instance, when
the gas or hydraulic spring is in a locked configuration that
secures the adjustment members 36, 38 in a generally fixed relative
position. As the biasing member 60 absorbs the energy, the
basketball goal 12 may move from an initial position to a displaced
position. When the force is removed from the basketball goal, the
biasing member may resiliently release the energy. As biasing
member 60 resiliently releases the energy, the biasing member may
help bias the basketball goal from its displaced position to its
initial position. This may advantageously help avoid damage to the
gas spring or hydraulic spring and/or other portions of the
basketball system 10.
[0073] As shown in FIGS. 9-16, a biasing member 60 may be
positioned in other suitable locations in which, when a force is
applied to the basketball goal 12, the biasing member may absorb
energy and subsequently release that energy to return the
basketball goal to its initial position.
[0074] As shown in FIG. 9, a connecting member 76 may be pivotally
or otherwise movably connected to the connecting member 30 and the
support pole 20. The connecting members 30, 76 may include openings
sized and configured to receive a fastener 78 that may pivotally or
otherwise movably interconnect the connecting members. For example,
the openings in the connecting member 76 may be elongated slots 80
along which the fastener 78 may slide. The movement of the fastener
78 within the slots 80 may compress a biasing member 60 when, for
example, a force is applied to the basketball goal 12. When the
force is removed from the basketball goal 12, the biasing member 60
may return the connecting members 30, 76 to their previous
positions and thus return the basketball goal 12 to its previous
position.
[0075] As shown in FIG. 10, a connecting member 82 may be pivotally
or otherwise movably connected to the connecting member 30 and the
support pole 20. The connecting member 82 preferably includes a
first portion 84 and a second portion 86. The first portion 84 is
preferably pivotally or otherwise movably connected the connecting
member 30 and the second portion 86 is preferably pivotally or
otherwise movably connected to the support pole 20. The first and
second portions 84, 86 may be interconnected. For example, the
first and second portions 84, 86 may be telescopically connected so
that the a connecting member 82 is adjustable in length. In greater
detail, the first and second portions 84, 86 may include openings,
such as elongated slots 88, along which the fastener 90 may slide.
The movement of the fastener 90 within the slots 88 may compress a
biasing member 60 when, for example, a force is applied to the
basketball goal 12. This may cause the length of the connecting
member 82 to increase. When the force is removed from the
basketball goal 12, the biasing member 60 may return the connecting
members 30, 82 to their previous positions and thus return the
basketball goal 12 to its previous position.
[0076] As shown in FIG. 11, a connecting member 92 may be pivotally
or otherwise movably connected to the connecting member 30 and the
support pole 20. The connecting member 90 preferably includes a
first portion 94 and a second portion 96. The first portion 94 is
preferably pivotally or otherwise movably connected to the
connecting member 30 and the second portion 96 is preferably
pivotally or otherwise movably connected to the support pole 20.
The first and second portions 94, 96 may be interconnected and a
biasing member 60 may be connected to the first and second
portions. When a force is applied to the basketball goal 12, the
connecting member 30 and the first and second portions 94, 96 of
the connecting member 92 may move, which may be resisted by the
biasing member 60. When the force is removed from the basketball
goal 12, the biasing member may return the connecting member 30 and
the first and second portions 94, 96 of the connecting member 92 to
their previous positions and thus return the basketball goal 12 to
its previous position.
[0077] As shown in FIG. 12, a connecting member 98 may be pivotally
or otherwise movably connected to the connecting member 30 and a
bracket 100. The bracket 100 is preferably pivotally or otherwise
movably connected to the support pole 20. A biasing member 60 may
be connected to the bracket 100 and the support pole 20 using a
fastener, a washer and/or other suitable means. When a force is
applied to the basketball goal 12, the connecting member 30, the
connecting member 98 and the bracket 100 may move, which may be
resisted by the biasing member 60. When the force is removed from
the basketball goal 12, the biasing member 60 may return the
connecting members 30, 98 and the bracket 100 to their previous
positions and thus return the basketball goal 12 to its previous
position.
[0078] As shown in FIG. 13, a connecting member 102 may be
pivotally or otherwise movably connected to a bracket 104 and the
support pole 20. The bracket 104 is preferably pivotally or
otherwise movably connected to the connecting member 30, and a
biasing member 60 may be connected to the bracket and the
connecting member 30 using a fastener, a washer and/or other
suitable means. When a force is applied to the basketball goal 12,
the connecting member 30, the connecting member 102 and the bracket
104 may move, which may be resisted by the biasing member 60. When
the force is removed from the basketball goal 12, the biasing
member 60 may return the connecting members 30, 102 and the bracket
104 to their previous positions and thus return the basketball goal
12 to its previous position.
[0079] As shown in FIG. 14, a connecting member 106 may be
pivotally or otherwise movably connected to the connecting member
30 and a bracket 108. The bracket 108 may be connected to the
support pole 20. The bracket 102 and the connecting member 106 may
include openings sized and configured to receive a fastener 110
that may pivotally or otherwise movably interconnect the bracket
and the connecting member. In greater detail, the openings formed
in the bracket may be elongated slots 112 and the fastener 110 may
slide within the slots. The movement of the fastener within the
slots may compress a biasing member 60 when, for example, a force
is applied to the basketball goal 12. When the force is removed
from the basketball goal 12, the biasing member 60 may return the
connecting members 30, 106 to their previous positions and thus
return the basketball goal 12 to its previous position.
[0080] As shown in FIG. 15, a connecting member 114 may be
pivotally or otherwise movably connected to the connecting member
30 and the support pole 20. The connecting member 114 preferably
includes a first portion 116 and a second portion 118 that are
movably interconnected. In particular, the first and second
portions 116, 118 are preferably telescopically connected, which
may provide the connecting member 114 with an adjustable length.
The first portion 116 is preferably pivotally or otherwise movably
connected to the support pole 20 and the second portion 118 is
preferably pivotally or otherwise movably connected to the
connecting member 30. When a force is applied to the basketball
goal 12, the connecting member 30 and the first and second portions
116, 118 of the connecting member 114 may move to decrease the
length of the connecting member 114 and compress a biasing member
60. When the force is removed from the basketball goal 12, the
biasing member 60 may decompress, which may increase the length of
the connecting member 114 and return the connecting members 30, 114
to their previous positions and thus return the basketball goal 12
to its previous position. As shown in FIG. 15, the connecting
member 114 may be connected to an upper portion of the connecting
member 30 and a rear portion of the support pole 20. It will be
appreciated, however, that the connecting member 114 may be
connected in any suitable fashion to any other suitable portion of
the support pole 20 and/or the connecting member 30.
[0081] As shown in FIG. 16, a connecting member 120 may be
pivotally or Z E otherwise movably connected to the connecting
member 30 and the support pole 20. The connecting member 120
preferably includes a first portion 122 and a second portion 124
that are movably interconnected. In particular, the first and
second portions 122, 124 are preferably telescopically connected,
which may provide the connecting member 120 with an adjustable
length. The first portion 122 is preferably pivotally or otherwise
movably connected to the support pole 20 and the second portion 124
is preferably pivotally or otherwise movably connected to the
connecting member 30. When a force is applied to the basketball
goal 12, the connecting member 30 and the first and second portions
122, 124 of the connecting member 120 may move to decrease the
length of the connecting member 120 and compress a biasing member
60. When the force is removed from the basketball goal 12, the
biasing member 60 may decompress, which may increase the length of
the connecting member 120 and return the connecting members 30, 120
to their previous positions and thus return the basketball goal 12
to its previous position. As shown in FIG. 16, the connecting
member 120 may be connected to a lower portion of the connecting
member 30 and a front portion of the support pole 20. It will be
appreciated, however, that the connecting member 120 may be
connected in any suitable fashion to any other suitable portion of
the support pole 20 and/or the connecting member 30.
[0082] In some embodiments, the connecting members 76, 82, 92, 98,
102, 106, 114, 120 shown in FIGS. 9-16 may form a part of an
adjustment mechanism, such as the adjustment mechanism 34. For
example, the adjustment mechanism 34 may include a gas or hydraulic
spring that may include the connecting members 76, 82, 92, 98, 102,
106, 114, 120. Thus, the adjustment mechanism 34 and/or the gas or
hydraulic spring leverage the features of the connecting members
76, 82, 92, 98, 102, 106, 114, 120 and/or the other features shown
in FIGS. 9-16 to facilitate utilize a biasing member 60 configured
to absorb energy and subsequently release that energy as discussed
above.
[0083] As shown in the accompanying figures, the biasing member 60
may be disposed within enclosures at least partially formed by the
adjustment members 36, 38 and/or the connecting members 76, 82,
114, 120. It will be appreciated, however, that the biasing member
60 may be fully or at least partially within or outside the
adjustment members 36, 38; the connecting members 76, 82, 114, 120;
the support pole 20; other portions of the support structure and/or
other portions of the basketball system 10.
[0084] As shown in FIG. 4, the basketball system 10 may include a
cover 126 which covers a portion of the basketball system 10. The
cover 126 may include, for example, one or more generally helical
portions 128. In greater detail, the cover 126 may be disposed
around and/or may cover at portion of the adjustment mechanism 34.
The generally helical portions 128 may advantageously indicate to
the user that the adjustment mechanism 34 is configured to absorb
energy or force applied to the basketball goal 12. For example, the
adjustment mechanism 34 may include a biasing member 60 that is
preferably sized and configured to absorb energy or force when a
force is applied to the basketball goal 12. If desired, the cover
126 may at least partially enclose the biasing member 60. The cover
126 could also be a separate and distinct component from the
biasing member 60 or other portions of the basketball system
10.
[0085] Additional information regarding other suitable
configurations and aspects of height-adjustable basketball goals
and basketball systems in general 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; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.
No. 60/706,637, which was filed on Aug. 8, 2005. These patents and
application are incorporated by reference in their entireties.
[0086] 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.
* * * * *