U.S. patent application number 14/746583 was filed with the patent office on 2015-12-24 for foot operated height adjustment mechanism for a basketball system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Lifetime Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to Robert A. Astle, Danny Green, Jacob Kearl, S. Curtis Nye, Eric Olsen.
Application Number | 20150367213 14/746583 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54868757 |
Filed Date | 2015-12-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150367213 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Olsen; Eric ; et
al. |
December 24, 2015 |
FOOT OPERATED HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM FOR A BASKETBALL
SYSTEM
Abstract
In one example, a basketball system includes a basketball goal,
a support structure, a connecting structure connected to the
basketball goal and the support structure, and a height adjustment
mechanism. The height adjustment mechanism includes a biasing
mechanism operably connected to the connecting structure and the
basketball goal, and also includes a locking member. An adjustment
member of the height adjustment mechanism is engaged with the
locking member and is movable relative to the locking member. The
adjustment member is also connected to the connecting structure so
that the adjustment member and connecting structure are operable to
move in unison with each other. Finally, a foot actuator of the
height adjustment mechanism is connected to the adjustment member
and is operable to releasably engage the locking member.
Inventors: |
Olsen; Eric; (West Haven,
UT) ; Green; Danny; (Layton, UT) ; Kearl;
Jacob; (Plain City, UT) ; Nye; S. Curtis;
(Clinton, UT) ; Astle; Robert A.; (Kaysville,
UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Lifetime Products, Inc. |
Clearfield |
UT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54868757 |
Appl. No.: |
14/746583 |
Filed: |
June 22, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62016586 |
Jun 24, 2014 |
|
|
|
62015216 |
Aug 19, 2014 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/483 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 63/083 20130101;
A63B 2225/093 20130101; A63B 2063/002 20130101; A63B 2071/026
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 63/08 20060101
A63B063/08 |
Claims
1. A basketball system comprising: a goal; a support structure; a
connecting structure connected to the goal and the support
structure; and a height adjustment mechanism comprising: a locking
member; an adjustment member engaged with the locking member and
movable relative to the locking member, and the adjustment member
connected to the connecting structure so that the adjustment member
and the connecting structure are operable to move in unison with
each other; and a foot actuator connected to the adjustment member
and operable to releasably engage the locking member.
2. The basketball system as recited in claim 1, wherein an upward
movement of the adjustment member corresponds to a downward
movement of the goal, and a downward movement of the adjustment
member corresponds to an upward movement of the goal.
3. The basketball system as recited in claim 1, wherein the foot
actuator is located proximate a lower end of the support
structure.
4. The basketball system as recited in claim 1, wherein the foot
actuator includes a foot pedal which, when subjected to a downward
force, disengages an engagement element from the locking
member.
5. The basketball system as recited in claim 1, wherein an
engagement element of the foot actuator is biased into engagement
with the locking member by one or more springs.
6. The basketball system as recited in claim 1, wherein when an
engagement element of the foot actuator is disengaged from the
locking member, the adjustment member is movable relative to the
locking member.
7. The basketball system as recited in claim 1, wherein when an
engagement element of the foot actuator is engaged with the locking
member, the adjustment member is fixed relative to the locking
member.
8. The basketball system as recited in claim 1, wherein when an
engagement element of the foot actuator is disengaged from the
locking member, the goal is movable in a vertical direction under
the influence of a biasing mechanism that is operably connected to
the connecting structure and to the goal.
9. The basketball system as recited in claim 1, wherein the
adjustment member is slidingly engaged with the locking member.
10. The basketball system as recited in claim 1, wherein the height
adjustment mechanism is operable such that a single movement of the
foot actuator effects both release of the adjustment member from a
fixed position relative to the locking member, and a change to a
height of the goal relative to a playing surface.
11. A basketball system comprising: a goal; a support structure; a
connecting structure including a pair of arms connected to the goal
and the support structure; and a height adjustment mechanism
comprising: a biasing mechanism connected to one of the arms and to
the goal; a locking member; an adjustment member engaged with the
locking member and movable relative to the locking member, and the
adjustment member connected to the pair of arms so that the
adjustment member and the arms are operable to move in unison with
each other; and a foot actuator connected to the adjustment member
and operable to releasably engage the locking member.
12. The basketball system as recited in claim 11, wherein an
engagement element of the foot actuator is biased into engagement
with the locking member by one or more springs.
13. The basketball system as recited in claim 11, wherein a
downward movement of a foot pedal of the foot actuator frees the
adjustment member to move relative to the locking member.
14. The basketball system as recited in claim 13, wherein the
downward movement of the foot pedal causes a change in a height of
the goal relative to a playing surface.
15. The basketball system as recited in claim 11, wherein the
height adjustment mechanism is operable such that a downward
movement of the foot actuator effects both release of the
adjustment member from a fixed position relative to the locking
member, and a downward movement of the adjustment member that
increases a height of the goal relative to a playing surface.
16. The basketball system as recited in claim 11, wherein when the
biasing mechanism is free to act, the biasing mechanism biases the
goal in an upward direction.
17. The basketball system as recited in claim 11, wherein the
height adjustment mechanism is operable to adjust a height of the
goal solely by a foot of a user.
18. The basketball system as recited in claim 11, wherein in
operation, the height adjustment mechanism lowers the goal without
requiring a user to do more than disengage the foot actuator from
the locking member.
19. The basketball system as recited in claim 11, wherein the foot
actuator is engageable with the locking member at multiple
different locations on the locking member.
20. The basketball system as recited in claim 11, wherein the
locking member is partly received within the adjustment member.
21. A basketball system comprising: a goal; a support structure; a
connecting structure connected to the goal and the support
structure; and a height adjustment mechanism comprising: an
adjustment member connected to the connecting structure so that the
adjustment member and the connecting structure are operable to move
in unison with each other; and a foot actuator connected to the
adjustment member and operable by a foot of a user to move the
adjustment member so as to change a height of the goal above a
reference surface.
22. The basketball system as recited in claim 21, wherein the foot
actuator includes a foot pedal, and a downward movement of the foot
pedal corresponds to an upward movement of the goal.
23. The basketball system as recited in claim 21, wherein an upward
movement of the adjustment member corresponds to a downward
movement of the goal, and a downward movement of the adjustment
member corresponds to an upward movement of the goal.
24. The basketball system as recited in claim 21, further
comprising: a biasing mechanism connected to the support structure
and to the goal; and a locking member engaged with the adjustment
member, the adjustment member being movable relative to the locking
member, and the adjustment member connected to the connecting
structure so that the adjustment member and the connecting
structure are operable to move in unison with each other, wherein
the foot actuator is connected to the adjustment member and is
operable to releasably engage the locking member to permit a change
to a height of the goal relative to a reference surface.
25. The basketball system as recited in claim 24, wherein when an
engagement element of the foot actuator is disengaged from the
locking member, the goal is movable in a vertical direction under
the influence of a biasing mechanism that is operably connected to
the connecting structure and to the goal.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application hereby claims priority to: U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 62/015,586, filed Jun. 24, 2014, and
entitled FOOT BASED HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM FOR A BASKETBALL
SYSTEM; and, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/015,216,
filed Aug. 19, 2014, and entitled BASKETBALL ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM. All
of the aforementioned applications are incorporated herein in their
respective entireties by this reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present disclosure is generally directed towards
sporting equipment and, in particular, to a foot based height
adjustment mechanism for a basketball system.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The game of basketball is played by many people throughout
the United States and 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, metal, plastic or tempered
glass.
[0004] Conventional basketball goals typically include a backboard
that is perpendicular to the playing surface and a rim that is
parallel to the playing surface. The rim is often rigidly mounted
to the basketball backboard, but the rim may also be pivotably
mounted to the basketball backboard to create a movable or
"break-away" type rim.
[0005] Known basketball systems may be permanently secured in a
fixed location. For example, the end of the support pole may be
inserted into the ground and secured in a set position. Portable
basketball systems, in which the system may be selectively moved
from one location to another, are also known. Conventional portable
basketball systems may include a base with a hollow interior
portion that is sized and configured to be filled with ballast such
sand or water. These known portable basketball systems may include
one or more wheels to facilitate movement of the basketball system.
These known portable basketball systems may also include a handle
to facilitate movement of the basketball system.
[0006] Basketball systems that allow the height of the basketball
goal to be adjusted relative to the playing surface are also known.
These known adjustable height basketball systems may allow
basketball to be played and/or practiced by a wide variety of
persons. For instance, adjustable height basketball systems may be
used by relatively tall players for some games and by shorter
players during other games. Adjustable height basketball systems
may also be used by players of different strengths or skill levels.
In addition, adjustable height basketball systems may be used by
adults and children. Further, adjustable height basketball systems
may be used to play a regulation game of basketball or for
practicing skills such as dunking the basketball.
[0007] Many conventional adjustable height basketball systems are
difficult and/or time consuming to adjust. In addition, many
conventional adjustable height basketball systems have complicated
designs with numerous parts and connections, which may undesirably
increase the cost of the system and make the system time consuming
and difficult to assemble. Further, many known adjustable height
basketball systems are constructed with large and bulky components.
Disadvantageously, these large and bulky components may require a
large amount of space, interfere with playing basketball and can
make the basketball system more difficult to ship, store and/or
assemble. The large and bulky components may also create an
unpleasing appearance or design of the basketball system.
[0008] It may also be difficult and time consuming to adjust the
height of many conventional adjustable height basketball systems.
For example, some known adjustable height basketball systems
require two people and/or two hands to adjust the height of the
basketball system. For example, one hand or person may need to
operate a release mechanism so that the height of the basketball
goal may be adjusted and the other hand or person may then adjust
the height of the basketball goal. Additionally, some known
adjustable height basketball systems may require the user to
perform multiple functions in order to adjust the height of the
basketball system. Thus, it may be difficult and awkward to adjust
the height on these known basketball systems if two people or hands
are required, and/or if multiple functions have to be
performed.
[0009] In view of problems such as those noted, what is needed is a
mechanism that enables a user to quickly and easily adjust the
height of a basketball goal.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF ASPECTS OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0010] Various disclosed embodiments are concerned with basketball
systems, which can be fixed or portable, that include a height
adjustment mechanism that enables a user to change the height of a
basketball goal relative to a playing surface.
[0011] The embodiments disclosed herein do not constitute an
exhaustive summary of all possible embodiments, nor does this
summary constitute an exhaustive list of all aspects of any
particular embodiment(s). Rather, this summary simply presents
selected aspects of some example embodiments. It should be noted
that nothing herein should be construed as constituting an
essential or indispensable element of any invention or embodiment.
Rather, and as the person of ordinary skill in the art will readily
appreciate, various aspects of the disclosed embodiments may be
combined in a variety of ways so as to define yet further
embodiments. Such further embodiments are considered as being
within the scope of this disclosure. As well, none of the
embodiments embraced within the scope of this disclosure should be
construed as resolving, or being limited to the resolution of, any
particular problem(s). Nor should such embodiments be construed to
implement, or be limited to implementation of, any particular
effect(s).
[0012] In particular, example embodiments within the scope of this
disclosure may include one or more of the following elements, in
any combination: fixed basketball systems; portable basketball
systems; a foot-operated height adjustment mechanism for a
basketball goal; an adjustment member connectable to a connecting
structure for a basketball goal and movable relative to a locking
member; a locking member configured to be attached to a support
structure of a basketball system; a pedal that can be operated by a
foot of a user to change a position of an adjustment member
relative to a locking member; a pedal that is releasably engageable
with a locking member at a plurality of different positions; a
pedal that is biased into an engaged position with respect to a
locking member; a biasing mechanism that biases a basketball goal
into one or more positions relative to a playing surface; a biasing
mechanism that biases a basketball goal into one or more positions
relative to a playing surface, and the biasing mechanism is free to
act with respect to the basketball goal when a pedal of a height
adjustment mechanism is unengaged with a locking member, and the
biasing member is constrained from acting with respect to the
basketball goal when the pedal is engaged with the locking member;
one or more pins that limit a range of motion of a pedal of a
foot-operated height adjustment mechanism; and, one or more pins
upon which one or more springs are able to act so as to bias a
pedal of a foot-operated height adjustment mechanism into a desired
position.
[0013] In one particular example embodiment, a basketball system
includes a basketball goal, a support structure, a connecting
structure connecting the basketball goal and the support structure,
and a foot-operated height adjustment mechanism operable to change
a height of the basketball goal relative to a playing surface. In
this particular example, the foot-operated height adjustment
mechanism includes an adjustment member that is connected by a
connecting structure to a basketball goal and is movable relative
to a locking member. A pedal attached to the adjustment member is
releasably engageable at various positions relative to the locking
member so that a position of the basketball goal can be changed by
a user operating the pedal and moving the adjustment member. The
pedal is biased into a locking engagement with the locking member,
and the bias can be overcome, and the pedal disengaged from the
locking member, when a user operates the pedal.
[0014] In a second example embodiment, a foot-operated height
adjustment mechanism for a basketball goal includes an adjustment
member connectible to a connecting structure of a basketball system
and movable relative to a locking member. A pedal attached to the
adjustment member is releasably engageable at various positions
relative to the locking member and is operable by a user to change
a position of the adjustment member relative to the locking member.
The pedal is biased into a locking engagement with the locking
member, and the bias can be overcome, and the pedal disengaged from
the locking member, when a user operates the pedal.
[0015] In a third example embodiment, a foot-operated height
adjustment mechanism such as the aforementioned second embodiment,
for example, operates in association with a biasing mechanism that
is operable to bias a basketball goal into one or more desired
positions relative to a playing surface. The biasing mechanism can
be included as an element of the foot-operated height adjustment
mechanism, or may be separate from the foot-operated height
adjustment mechanism. In either instance, operation of the biasing
mechanism may be controlled, constrained, or otherwise influenced
or affected, by elements of the foot-operated height adjustment
mechanism.
[0016] In a fourth example embodiment, a basketball system includes
a goal, a support structure, a connecting structure connected to
the goal and the support structure, and a height adjustment
mechanism. The height adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment
member connected to the connecting structure so that the adjustment
member and the connecting structure are operable to move in unison
with each other. The basketball system also includes a foot
actuator connected to the adjustment member and operable by a foot
of a user to move the adjustment member so as to change a height of
the goal above a reference surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The appended drawings contain figures of example embodiments
to further illustrate and clarify various aspects of the present
invention. It will be appreciated that these drawings depict only
example embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit
its scope. Aspects of the invention will be described and explained
with additional specificity and detail through the use of the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of a
basketball system with a foot operated height adjustment mechanism,
and a goal in a lowered position;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of a
basketball system with a foot operated height adjustment mechanism,
and a goal in a raised position;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a side view disclosing elements of a height
adjustment mechanism, and a goal in a lowered position;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a side view disclosing elements of a height
adjustment mechanism, and a goal in a raised position;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a detail view of an example embodiment of a foot
operated actuator;
[0023] FIG. 6 is an enlarged cutaway side view of an embodiment of
a foot actuator where the foot actuator is disengaged from a
locking member;
[0024] FIG. 7 is an enlarged cutaway side view of an embodiment of
a foot actuator where the foot actuator is engaged with a locking
member; and
[0025] FIG. 8 is a partial exploded view of an example height
adjustment mechanism.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0026] The present disclosure is directed towards a height
adjustment mechanism for a basketball system and, particularly, to
a foot-operated height adjustment mechanism. The principles of the
present disclosure, however, are not limited to height adjustment
mechanisms for a basketball system. It will be understood that, in
light of the present disclosure, the height adjustment mechanism
disclosed herein can be successfully used in connection with other
types of sports equipment and/or support structures.
[0027] A. General Aspects of Some Example Embodiments
[0028] In general, basketball systems and associated components
disclosed herein, including support structures, connecting
structures, goals, backboards, height adjustment mechanisms, bases,
and other components disclosed herein, may be constructed with a
variety of components and materials including, but not limited to,
plastic (including injection-molded, blow-molded, roto-molded, and
twin sheet plastic structures and elements) including
polycarbonates, plastics such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE),
composites, fiberglass, wood, rubber, metals, and combinations of
any of the foregoing. Blow-molded or other plastic may be used, for
example, in the construction of the base of a basketball system
and/or in the construction of a backboard of a basketball
system.
[0029] Suitable metals may include steel, aluminum, and aluminum
alloys, although the skilled person will understand that a variety
of other metals may be employed as well and the scope of the
invention is not limited to the foregoing examples. Where metal is
employed in the construction of a basketball system or basketball
system component, the metal elements may take one or more forms
including, but not limited to, square tube, rectangular tube, oval
tube, round tube, pipe, angles, flat bar, I-shapes, T-shapes,
L-shapes, and combinations and portions of any of the
foregoing.
[0030] Depending upon the material(s) employed in the construction
of the basketball systems, a variety of methods and components may
be used to connect, releasably or permanently, various elements of
the basketball systems. For example, the various elements of
basketball systems within the scope of this disclosure may be
attached to each other by any one or more of processes such as
welding or brazing, and/or mechanically by way of fasteners such as
bolts, screws, pins, and rivets, for example.
[0031] Some, none, or all of portions of a one or more of the
basketball systems and their components may be coated with paint or
other materials. At least some of such materials may serve to help
prevent, or reduce, rust and corrosion.
[0032] Surface treatments and textures may also be applied to
portions of the basketball systems. For example, the pedal of a
height adjustment mechanism can include a texture or pattern, which
can be created with a blow-molding or other process.
[0033] B. General Aspects of an Example Basketball System
[0034] With reference now to FIGS. 1 and 2, an example basketball
system 10 may include a support structure 12, such as a support
pole, that is sized and configured to support a basketball goal 14
above a playing surface. The support structure 12 may include one
or more segments 12a that are interconnected, which may facilitate
shipping and transportation of the basketball system 10, and the
segments 12a may or may not be movable relative to each other.
Alternatively, the support structure 12 can take the form of a
single pole.
[0035] The basketball goal 14 includes a backboard 16 and a rim 18,
and the basketball goal 14 may also include a net connected to the
rim 18. The backboard 16 may be constructed, for example, from
materials such as glass, metal, plastic, or combinations of the
foregoing. In addition, the backboard 16 may be a unitary,
one-piece structure such as a blow-molded plastic structure.
Further, the rim 18 may be secured in a fixed position relative to
the backboard 16, or the rim 18 may have a breakaway configuration
that enables a temporary change in the position of the rim 18
relative to the backboard 16.
[0036] The basketball system 10 can be a portable basketball
system, as indicated in FIG. 1 and discussed in more detail
elsewhere herein, that is capable of being moved from one location
to another. For example, the support structure 12 may be connected
to a base 17 to form part of a portable basketball system. The base
17 can be a hollow structure that can be filled with ballast, such
as sand or water, to aid in the stability of the basketball system
10 when in use. For example, the base 17 can be a unitary one-piece
structure made of plastic and formed by a blow-molding process. In
some alternative embodiments, the base is a substantially solid
structure. The attachment of the support structure 12 to the base
17 can be strengthened with the use of one or more struts 19.
[0037] In an alternative embodiment, the basketball system can be a
permanent system that is intended to remain in a fixed location.
For example, the support structure 12 may be connected to the
ground or other foundation to form an in-ground or permanent
basketball system 10.
[0038] With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the basketball
goal 14 is connected to the support structure 12 by a connecting
structure 20. In general, the connecting structure 20 is sized and
configured to position the backboard 16 in a generally vertical
position and the rim 18 in a generally horizontal position relative
to a playing surface. The connecting structure 20 is configured to
allow adjustments to the height of the basketball goal 14 relative
to the playing surface.
[0039] In particular, the connecting structure 20 may allow the rim
18 to be positioned at the standard, regulation height of ten (10)
feet for playing the game of basketball. The connecting structure
20 may also allow the rim 18 to be positioned at higher and/or
lower heights. For example, the connecting structure 20 may allow
the rim 18 to be positioned below the standard height to
accommodate children that may lack the ability to shoot at a
regulation height rim. In addition, the connecting structure 20 may
allow the rim 18 to be positioned above the standard height, if
desired.
[0040] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the connecting structure 20 may
include one or more connecting members that connect the support
structure 12 and the basketball goal 14 to each other. For example,
the connecting structure 20 may include a pair of upper connecting
members 22, 24 and a pair of lower connecting members 26, 28. The
connecting members can be made of metal and/or any other suitable
materials. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lower
connecting members 26, 28 may be longer than the upper connecting
members 22, 24. In particular, the lower connecting members 26, 28
may extend beyond the support structure 12 and away from the
basketball goal 14.
[0041] In order to permit the height of the basketball goal 14 to
be adjusted, the connecting members 22, 24, 26, 28 are movable. For
example, the upper connecting members 22, 24 are pivotably
connected to the support structure 12 and pivotably connected to
one or more brackets 29 which, in turn, are attached to the
backboard 16. Thus configured and arranged, the upper connecting
members 22 and 24 move in unison with each other. Similarly, the
lower connecting members 26, 28 are pivotably connected to the
support structure 12 by way of one or more pins 21, studs or bolts,
and to the bracket(s) 29.
[0042] Thus configured and arranged, the lower connecting members
26 and 28 move in unison with each other, and also move in unison
with the upper connecting members 22 and 24. In addition, the
connecting members 22, 24, 26, 28 are disposed in a generally
parallelogram-shaped configuration. The connecting members 22, 24,
26, 28 are also connected to the basketball goal 14 and the support
structure 12 to form part of a four-bar and/or four-pivot linkage.
Advantageously, this may allow the height of the basketball goal 14
to be adjusted relative to the playing surface, while maintaining
the backboard 16 and rim 18 in a generally vertical orientation
relative to the playing surface, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0043] With reference now as well to FIGS. 3 and 4, some
embodiments of the basketball system 10 include one or more biasing
mechanisms 27 operable to bias the basketball goal 14 into a
desired position, to help maintain the basketball goal 14 in a
desired position and/or to facilitate movement of the basketball
goal 14. In particular, the biasing mechanism 27 may help
facilitate movement of the basketball goal 14 and/or help prevent
unintended movement of the basketball goal 14. In the illustrated
example, a biasing mechanism 27 is provided that is connected to
the lower connecting member 26 and the bracket 29, and another
biasing mechanism 27 is provided that is connected to the lower
connecting member 28 and the bracket 29. Different arrangements of
the biasing mechanisms 27 can alternatively be employed however.
For example, one or more biasing mechanisms may be connected to an
upper connecting member 22, 24 and to the bracket 29.
[0044] The biasing mechanism 27 may simply provide a counterbalance
or serve as a counterweight. For instance, as discussed in more
detail below, the biasing mechanism 27 may provide a counterbalance
or counterweight to the basketball goal 14 and/or connecting
structure 20. The biasing mechanism 27 is sized and configured to
apply sufficient force to allow the height of the basketball goal
14 to be easily adjusted, but the biasing mechanism could provide
any desired force. The force applied by a biasing mechanism 27 may
be a function of the extent to which the biasing mechanism 27 is
displaced or deformed. For example, a force `F` exerted by a spring
is a function of a spring constant `k` and a displacement `X,`
namely, F=kX.
[0045] More specifically, in at least some embodiments, the biasing
mechanism 27 is sized and configured to exert a force that at least
partially counters the weight of the basketball goal 14. In
particular, the biasing mechanism 27 may help provide a
counterbalance force that at least partially counters the force of
gravity against the basketball goal 14. Advantageously, this may
make the height of the basketball goal 14 relatively easier to
adjust than if the biasing mechanism 27 were not present. The
biasing mechanism 27 may thus assist in raising and/or lowering of
the basketball goal 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing
mechanism 27 assists in raising the basketball goal 14. However,
the effects achieved by use of the biasing mechanism 27 can be
varied by connecting the biasing mechanism 27 to other elements of
the basketball system.
[0046] Although shown as a spring in the illustrated embodiment, it
will be appreciated that the biasing mechanism 27 may include one
or more shocks, dampers, springs, and any combination of these. In
one particular example, the biasing mechanism 27 may include a gas
shock, such as a pneumatic shock. The biasing mechanism 27 may also
include other types of shocks, such as fluid shocks and the like,
and/or one or more springs, such as gas springs, compression
springs, coil springs, cantilever springs, tension springs, torsion
springs, and any combination of these.
[0047] C. Aspects of an Example Height Adjustment Mechanism
[0048] With continued attention to FIGS. 1-4, and directing
attention to FIGS. 5-7 as well, details are provided concerning
aspects of some example height adjustment mechanisms, one example
of which is a foot-operated height adjustment mechanism denoted
generally at 30, which may be referred to herein as simply the
height adjustment mechanism 30. In general, the height adjustment
mechanism 30 enables a user to adjust the height of the basketball
goal 14 relative to a playing surface. In more detail, and
discussed further below, the height adjustment mechanism 30 is
operably connected to the connecting structure 20, and thus enables
a user to use the height adjustment mechanism 30 to manipulate the
connecting structure 20, and thereby change a height of the
basketball goal 14 to which the connecting structure 20 is
connected.
[0049] As shown in the example of FIGS. 1-4, the height adjustment
mechanism 30 is positioned behind the support structure 12 so that
it does not interfere with use of the basketball system 10. It will
be appreciated, however, that the height adjustment mechanism 30
may be disposed in other suitable locations relative to one or more
elements of the basketball system 10. In another embodiment, the
height adjustment mechanism 30 may be located on a side (i.e. left
or right) or even on the front of the support structure 12.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 1, the height adjustment mechanism 30
includes an adjustment member 32, which could be a metal bar or
metal tube, for example, that is connected to the support structure
12. The upper end of the adjustment member 32 is pivotably
connected, such as by way of one or more pins 33, bolts or studs
for example, to the lower connecting members 26, 28 near the
terminal ends of the lower connecting members 26, 28.
[0051] The connection of the adjustment member 32 to the terminal
portions of the lower connecting members 26 and 28 can provide a
useful mechanical advantage that aids the user in raising and/or
lowering the basketball goal 14. For example, a moment arm `M`
associated with such a connection is the upward/downward force `F`
exerted on the lower connecting members 26, 28 multiplied by the
distance `D` between pin 33 and pin 21. The size of the moment arm
`M` and, thus, the relative mechanical advantage, can be increased
by lengthening the lower connecting members 26 and 28, thereby
increasing the distance `D` between pin 33 and pin 21.
[0052] It will further be appreciated that the height adjustment
mechanism 30 may be connected to other portions of the basketball
system 10 such as the upper connecting members 22, 24. For
instance, the upper connecting members 22, 24 may have a longer
length that the lower connecting members 26, 28 and/or may extend
beyond the support structure 12 and away from the basketball goal
14. The adjustment member 32 may then be connected to the upper
connecting members 22, 24. Thus, it will be understood that the
basketball system 10 and the accompanying parts and components may
have various suitable shapes, sizes, configurations and
arrangements depending, for example, upon the intended use of the
basketball system.
[0053] With continued reference to the adjustment member 32, the
lower end of the adjustment member 32 can slidingly engage a
locking member 34, which could be a metal bar or metal tube, for
example, that is connected to the support structure 12. The locking
member 34 may be connected to the support structure 12, such as by
way of a bracket 36 that is bolted or otherwise attached to the
support structure 12. The sliding engagement of the adjustment
member 32 and the locking member 34 is such that one of the
adjustment member 32 and the locking member 34 is able to move
relative to the other of the adjustment member 32 and the locking
member 34. In the example disclosed in FIGS. 1-4, the locking
member 34 may be slidable relative to the adjustment member 32. In
particular, the locking member 34 may be at least partly received
inside the adjustment member 32 such that the adjustment member 32
slides along a longitudinal axis of the adjustment member 32 and a
longitudinal axis of the locking member 34. In an alternative
embodiment, the adjustment member 32 may be inserted inside the
locking member 34 and can slide along the longitudinal axes.
[0054] As best seen in FIGS. 5-8, the height adjustment mechanism
30 includes a foot operated actuator 40, which may be referred to
herein as simply an actuator 40, that may be used to adjust the
height of the basketball goal 14. The actuator 40 may include a
foot pedal 42, which can be plastic or metal for example, attached
to a bracket 44 having a pair of arms 44a and 44b. The bracket 44
in turn, can be connected to an actuator mount 46 by way of a bolt
48, pin, or stud for example. As best shown in FIG. 5, a bar 50,
bolt or stud is also provided that is mounted in the arms 44a and
44b. Although the bracket 44 is rotatable about the bolt 48, the
downward motion of the bracket 44 is limited by a pair of stops 46a
and 46b of the actuator mount 46. In particular, and as best shown
in FIG. 5, as the bracket 44 rotates downward, such as in response
to exertion of a force on the foot pedal 42 by a user, the bar 50
eventually contacts the stops 46a and 46b, and further downward
motion of the bracket 44 is thus prevented.
[0055] With continued reference to FIGS. 5-8, the actuator 40
further includes one or more biasing elements, such as springs 52
for example, that serve to bias the bracket 44 into a desired
position relative to the locking member 34. In the illustrated
example, the springs 52 are torsion springs, but any other suitable
spring or biasing element could alternatively be employed. More
specifically, the springs 52 each include a pair of legs 52a, one
of which is generally positioned flat against a wall 44c of the
bracket 44, and the other of which is positioned below, and exerts
a force on, the bar 50. This positioning and configuration of the
springs 52 results in the imposition of a pre-load on the springs
52. Because the bar 50 is received in the bracket 44, the springs
52 thereby exert a biasing force on the bar 50, which then
transfers the biasing force to the bracket 44. As a result of the
exertion of the biasing force, the bracket 44 is moved into
engagement with the locking member 34, as discussed in more detail
below.
[0056] With particular reference now to FIGS. 6-8, the locking
member 34 may include one or more locking stops 34a. In the example
of FIG. 8, there are five locking stops 34a. However, more or fewer
locking stops 34a may be used. The five locking stops 34a may be
spaced, for example, two inches apart. Based on the length of the
lower connecting arms 26 and 28 to which the adjustment member 32
is connected, two inches of travel of the adjustment member 32
relative to the locking member 34 may correspond to about six
inches of vertical travel for the basketball goal 14. By way of
illustration, the topmost locking stop 34a may correlate to a
vertical position of the basketball goal 14 that is about eight
feet above a playing surface. The next topmost locking stop 34a may
correlate to an eight foot six inch vertical position. The middle
locking stop 34a may correlate to a nine foot vertical position.
The bottommost locking stop 34a may correlate to a ten foot
vertical position. The next bottommost locking stop 34a may
correlate to a nine foot six inches vertical position. Thus, for a
foot pedal 42 travel distance of about ten inches, the basketball
goal 14 may move from an eight foot vertical position to a ten foot
vertical position. Such travel would not ordinarily be possible
when adjusting the height by hand.
[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, the locking stops 34a take
the form of a slot, groove, or other female engagement element in
an outer surface of the locking member 34. In other embodiments,
the locking stops 34a may take the form of a male engagement
element connected to an outer surface of the locking member 34. In
general however, and as discussed in more detail below, the locking
stops 34a and an engagement element 45 of the foot actuator 40 are
implemented as, or comprise, complementary structures configured to
releasably engage each other. The engagement element 45 in the
illustrated embodiment is shown as a tab configured and arranged to
be removably received in the locking stops 34a.
[0058] As collectively disclosed in FIGS. 6 and 7, the foot pedal
42 is operable to move the engagement element 45 into, and out of,
engagement with a locking stop 34a of the locking member 34. When
the engagement element 45 is engaged with the locking stop 34a, as
shown in FIG. 7, movement of the height adjustment member 32
relative to the locking member 34 is prevented, and when the
engagement element 45 is disengaged from the locking stop 34a, as
shown in FIG. 6, movement of the height adjustment member 32
relative to the locking member 34 is enabled.
[0059] In connection with the foregoing, it is noted elsewhere
herein that one or more springs 52 bias the bracket 44 and, thus,
the engagement element 45, into engagement with a locking stop 34a.
This biasing effect can be overcome when a user depresses the foot
pedal 42, which then results in disengagement of the engagement
element 45 from the locking stop 34a. In general then, to effect a
change in position of the adjustment member 32, to which the foot
pedal 42 is connected, relative to the locking member 34, a user
can depress the foot pedal 42, which retracts the engagement
element 45 from a locking stop 34, thereby enabling movement of the
adjustment member 32 relative to the locking member 34a. When the
adjustment member 32 is in a desired position relative to the
locking member 34, the user can simply release the foot pedal 42,
which enables the biasing force exerted by the spring 52 to come
into effect and move the engagement element 45 into engagement with
a locking stop 34a. Because the adjustment member 32 is connected
to the connecting structure 20 which, in turn, is connected to the
basketball goal 14, the aforementioned operations enable changes to
a vertical position of the basketball goal 14 relative to a playing
surface.
[0060] In more detail, a user can initially push the foot pedal 42
down, thereby disengaging the engagement element 45 and locking
stop 34a from each other. The user can continue to push down on the
foot pedal 42 until the adjustment member 32 moves downward,
relative to the locking member 34, to a position that corresponds
to a desired height of the basketball goal 14. In so doing, the
force exerted by the user overcomes the bias imposed on the
basketball goal 14 by the biasing mechanism 27. It should be noted
that the two operations performed by the user to adjust the
position of the basketball goal 14 can be performed at discrete
times, or can be performed as a single operation or motion. In any
case, once the adjustment member 32 has been moved to a position
that corresponds to the desired height of the basketball goal 14,
the user can then release the foot pedal 42 and thereby enable the
spring(s) 52 to move the engagement element 45 into engagement with
the locking stop 34a that corresponds to the desired height of the
basketball goal 14. In this way, the vertical position of the
basketball goal 14 is locked.
[0061] To move the basketball goal 14 upward, a user can initially
push the foot pedal 42 down, thereby disengaging the engagement
element 45 and locking stop 34a from each other. The user can
maintain enough force on the foot pedal 42 to keep the engagement
element 45 and locking stop 34a from each other, while at the same
time allowing the adjustment member 32 to move upward relative to
the locking member 34, under the influence of a biasing force
exerted by the biasing mechanism 27, to a position that corresponds
to a desired height of the basketball goal 14. Depending upon the
force exerted by the biasing mechanism 27, there may be little or
no effort required on the part of the user to move the basketball
goal 14 upward to the desired position once the engagement element
45 and the locking stop 34a have been disengaged from each other.
Once the adjustment member 32 has been moved to a position that
corresponds to the desired height of the basketball goal 14, the
user can then release the foot pedal 42 and thereby enable the
spring(s) 52 to move the engagement element 45 into engagement with
the locking stop 34a that corresponds to the desired height of the
basketball goal 14. In this way, the vertical position of the
basketball goal 14 is locked.
[0062] As will be apparent from the foregoing discussion, at least,
the movement of the foot actuator 40 locks and/or unlocks the
adjustment member 32 and allows the height of the basketball goal
14 to be adjusted, which may happen almost simultaneously and
without any other actions being required. This may allow a person
to adjust the height of the basketball goal 14 either up or down,
as desired, using only one foot. Thus, no other mechanisms need to
be released and/or other functions performed other than employing
the foot pedal 42, as described above. This one-footed operation of
the height adjustment mechanism 30 may allow the height of the
basketball goal 14 to be quickly and easily adjusted with little
effort on the part of the user. Furthermore, because the foot
actuator 40 is actuated with a foot rather than a hand, users of
varying heights or strengths may be able to make adjustments to a
basketball goal 14 height that would not be possible, or that would
at least be difficult, with a hand actuated system.
[0063] As disclosed herein, the biasing mechanism 27, in the
illustrated embodiment, is connected to the upper connecting
members 22, 24 and to the support structure 12. This connection
enables the application of a downward force to the upper connecting
members 22, 24 to move the basketball goal 14 toward a lower (i.e.
below regulation height) position. In one alternative embodiment, a
biasing mechanism, such as the biasing mechanism 27 for example,
biases a goal, such as the basketball goal 14 for example, toward a
lower position, rather than a higher position as in the case of the
illustrated embodiment. This approach may provide the advantage
that a foot actuator, such as the foot actuator 40 for example,
need only have force applied by the user in the downward
direction.
[0064] In particular, if the user wants to transition the
basketball goal toward a lower position from a higher position, the
user need only activate the foot actuator to disengage from a
locking member, such as the locking member 34 for example, and then
maintain the foot actuator in a disengaged state while the biasing
mechanism will, acting through connecting members, such as upper
connecting members 22, 24 for example, move the goal downward. The
foot of the user can then maintain the foot actuator in a
disengaged state until the basketball goal reaches its desired
position, at which time the foot actuator can be allowed by the
user to return to an engaged state with the locking member.
[0065] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in
all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. All changes
which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the
claims are to be embraced within their scope.
* * * * *