Hoop Secure

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a system and method of providing weight to a base. The system and method may comprise securing a sealable container to the base with straps. The container is tillable with ballast material to provide stability to the base. The base may have a pole that protrudes from the base. An attachment that is affixed to the container wraps around the protrusion from the base. The container and straps are weather and water resistant. An opening to the container is closeable to provide a water barrier between the inside of the container and the outside.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Sport's equipment is ubiquitous in the homes of individuals around the world. There are myriad styles and types of equipment that individuals can purchase to put in their front and back yards. Different types of equipment may include football equipment, baseball cages, soccer goals and basketball hoops. Many pieces of equipment that are intended for front or back yards require extra weighting so as to withstand various threes, such as wind and weather.

[0002] A portable basketball hoop is present in an uncountable number of front driveways across the United States and likely across the world. The portable basketball hoop generally has an adjustable height rim attached to a backboard. The backboard and rim are affixed to a main pole that provides access to the adjustability. The main pole is generally attached to a base and may also be attached to a pair of support rods that also attach to the base. This arrangement allows the main support to remain vertical while attached to the base. The base may be a hollow plastic material that is fillable with water or other material. The other material may include sand or a specialized filler such as a gel-like filler that consists of polymer that may replace or be used with sand or water to act as a ballast weight for portable base supports. This gel-like material generally absorbs many times its weight in water and may create a firm, stable gel that provides a somewhat permanent ballast in the base as the gel, once activated, cannot be removed. Further, sand and water, once placed in the plastic base, may prove to be very difficult to remove.

[0003] Weighted sports' apparatus may need to be periodically moved and relocated. Moving a weighted base system that contains sand or water requires moving the weighted base with the sand and water still in the base or requires removing the sand and water prior to moving the base. Without additional steps to deactivate a gel-like base, a weighted base with a gel-like material activated in the base must be moved with the material in the base.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Embodiments of the invention may therefore comprise a weight system for a base, the system comprising a container enabled to fit on a top portion of the base, the container comprising an opening and the opening comprising an opening closure, a first fastener strap affixed to a first side of the container and enabled to wrap around the base, wherein the first fastener strap is connectable to a first strap attachment affixed to a second side of the container, a second fastener strap affixed to a first location of the container and enabled to wrap around a protuberance of the base, wherein the second fastener is connectable to a second strap attachment affixed to a second location of the location.

[0005] Embodiments of the invention may further comprise a method of weighting a base, the method comprising placing a container on top of the base, wherein the container comprises an opening and the opening comprises an opening closure, affixing a first fastener strap so a first side of the container, wrapping the first fastener strap around the base, connecting the first fastener strap to a first attachment affixed to a second side of the container, wrapping a second fastener strap affixed at one end to the container around a protuberance from the base, and filling the container with a ballast material through the opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sports apparatus cover.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a side of a sports apparatus cover and straps.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Front yard sports apparatus are common sights in front yards and otherwise in the yards of homeowners. Such sports apparatuses include basketball hoops. These sports apparatuses may be susceptible to gusts of wind and may cause damage to themselves, or otherwise, should the wind cause them to fall over. Further, if a sports apparatus, such as a basketball hoop, is top heavy, injury may occur to a user should the sports apparatus tip over on the user. Accordingly, basketball hoops may have a plastic hollow base that is fillable with a weighted material that mitigates the tendency of the basketball hoop to tip over. A plastic hollow base may be black or another color. The plastic hollow base may be filled with any material that allows for a stabilizing effect on the basketball hoop. This material may be water, sand, a water absorption material, or other material that provides weight to the plastic base.

[0009] It may be inconvenient to move a weighted base any considerable distance. While the plastic base may have a means to roll the base while it is still weighted, movement of the base is limited. The base may need to be emptied prior to lifting of the basketball hoop. Emptying the base may be a messy, time consuming exercise.

[0010] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a sports apparatus cover. An apparatus cover 100 may comprise a main bag 110. The main bag 110 provides a weighted portion and fits on top of an apparatus base 120. In FIG. 1, a base of a basketball hoop is shown and is used for purposes of example. It is understood that any sports apparatus that has a fillable base may be utilized with embodiments of this invention.

[0011] An apparatus main pole 130 is located at one end of the apparatus base 120. Typically, the apparatus base 120 is rectangular in shape and the main pole 130 is located on one of the shorter sides of the base 120. It is understood that the apparatus base 120 may be any shape or dimension. For instance, the base may be a square or circular in shape. Typically, a base 120 is rectangular to provide superior stability to the apparatus. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other shapes are capable of providing stability to the base. Also, there may be an opening in the base 120 anywhere along the top of the base 120, but usually the opening is toward the end of the base opposite the pole 130. It is understood that the opening may be anywhere in the base.

[0012] The main bag 110 may have a pole fastener strap 170 that is enabled to engage the pole 130. The pole fastener strap 170 may be connected to the main bag 110. The connection between the pole fastener strap 170 and the main bag 110 may be by any means that allows a secure connection. For instance, the pole fastener strap 170 may be glued to the main bag 110 using a waterproof fabric glue, or other glue that can withstand various weather conditions without breaking down over a period of years. The pole fastener strap 170 may also be sewn to the main bag 110 using durable materials to withstand time and weather conditions.

[0013] The pole fastener strap 170 is connected to a first half of a buckle 172. The buckle is any type buckle that is useful to securely connect the pole fastener strap 170 to a pole fastener attachment 171. The pole fastener attachment 171 is connected to the other half of the buckle 172. The pole fastener attachment 171 may be connected to the main bag 110 in a similar manner to the pole fastener strap 170. The pole fastener attachment 171 connects to the buckle 172 in a manner that allows a user to pull a portion of the pole fastener attachment 171 through the buckle 172 in order to tighten the pole fastener strap 170 around the main pole 130. It is understood that the pole fastener strap may be tightened around the main pole 130 by a pull portion attached to the pole fastener strap. It is also understood that those skilled in the art will understand different useful ways to providing a fastening mechanism to the pole attachment strap 170, buckle 172, pole fastener attachment 171 arrangement.

[0014] It is understood that there are a variety of means of providing attachment to the main pole 130. For instance, the pole attachment strap may be connected to a looping type mechanism that allows one to pull on the strap 170 to tighten the strap 170. This type of arrangement is similar to a cinching belt. The other end may be connected to a ring that is attached to the attachment 171 portion. The attachment portion may be connectable to the main bag by use of a Velcro strip.

[0015] The apparatus support rods 132 are part of the basketball hoop and connect the main pole 130 to the base 120. A rod attachment 160 connects to the main bag 110 and may wrap around the support rod 132. A rod attachment 160 may engage each of the support rods 132. The rod attachment may comprise a first portion 161 and a second portion 162. Each of the first portion 161 and the second portion 162 are connected to the main bag 110. The connection to the main bag 110 may be by any means that provides a secure connection. For instance, the connection may be sewn or glued using materials or glues that are suitable to withstand weather and time. The first portion 161 and the second portion 162 may connect via a buckle or other means that provides a secure connection. The first portion 161 and second portion 162 may Velcro together. A person skilled in the art will understand how to connect the first portion and the second portion in a secure manner. The connection may also be similar to the buckle 172 of the pole fastener strap 170 or other means described in regard to the pole fastener strap 170. It is understood that one or both of the support rods may be engaged with the rod attachments 160, 161, and 162.

[0016] The main bag 110 may be constructed of a waterproof material that provides weather resistance and keeps any materials inside the main bag free from interference by moisture. The main bag 110 may be constructed of a PVC (polyvinyl chloride) mesh, for example. Those skilled in the area will understand the use of different materials to provide resistance to the effects of weather.

[0017] A main fastener strap 140 may be attached to the main bag 110 on one side of the main bag 110. The connection between the main fastener strap 140 and the main bag 110 may be by any means that allows a secure connection. For instance, the main fastener strap 140 may be glued to the main bag 110 using a waterproof fabric glue, or other glue that can withstand various weather conditions without breaking down over a period of years. The main fastener strap 140 may also be sewn to the main bag 110 using durable materials to withstand time and weather conditions.

[0018] The main fastener strap 140 is connected to a first half of a buckle 142. The buckle 142 is any type buckle that is useful to securely connect the main fastener strap 140 to a main fastener attachment 141. The main fastener attachment 141 is connected to the other half of the buckle 172. The main fastener attachment 141 may be connected to the main bag 110 in a similar manner to the main fastener strap 140. The main fastener attachment 141 connects to the buckle 142 in a manner that allows a user to pull a portion of the main fastener attachment 141 through the buckle 142 in order to tighten the main fastener strap 140 around the main pole 130. It is understood that the main fastener strap 140 may be tightened apparatus base 120 by a pull portion attached to the main fastener strap 140. It is also understood that those skilled in the art will understand different useful ways to providing a fastening mechanism to the main fastener strap 140, buckle 142, main fastener attachment 141 arrangement.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, there may be a second fastener strap 143, a second buckle 145 and a second fastener attachment 146. The second fastener strap 143, a second buckle 145 and a second fastener attachment 146 operate in the same manner as the first fastener strap 140, buckle 142 and first fastener attachment 141. The second fastener strap 143, a second buckle 145 and a second fastener attachment 146 may be placed at a second location as shown in FIG. 1 to provide increased stability to the main bag.

[0020] The fastener straps fastener attachments and buckle may be constructed of a weather durable material. The fastener straps and attachments may also provide a certain elasticity. For example, the fastener straps and attachments may be made of a heavy-duty nylon. Those skilled in the art will understand different materials that will provide secure and consistent stability to the main bag and also be weather resistant.

[0021] The main bag 110 may be shaped to allow the main bag 110 to fit around the apparatus support rods 132. The main bag 110 may have a cut-out 180 portion.

[0022] The main bag 110 may have an opening 152 that allows a user to insert ballast materials into the main bag 110. Such ballast materials may be sand, rocks, gel packs, or any other material that a user desires that will provide a weighted stability to the apparatus base 120 when the main bag 120 is placed on top of the apparatus base 120. The size of the opening 152 may vary. The opening 152 may run the entire length of the main bag 110 or any partial length of main bag 110 that allows a user to input ballast material. The opening 152 may run the entire width of the main bag 110 or any partial length of main bag 110 that allows a user to input ballast material. The main opening 152 may also run diagonally from one corner to an opposite corner of main bag 110 or any shorter distance from between opposing corners.

[0023] The opening 152 may be enabled to be opened and closed by a user. As shown in FIG. 1, the opening 152 is zippered. A zipper may allow a user to open and close the opening 152 for input and removal of ballast materials. Any other type of cover is acceptable. An opening cover 150 may also be placed over the opening 152. The opening cover 150 may be attached to the main bag 110 at one end. The opening cover 150 may be attached to the main bag 110 along one side of the opening cover 150. The opening cover 150 may be attached to the main bag 110 by being sewn to the main bag 110. Other methods of attaching the opening cover 150 to the main bag 110 are understood by those skilled in the art. For instance, the opening cover 150 may be glued to the main bag 110 at locations that allow the opening cover 150 to be partially removed to gain access to the opening 152. The opening cover 150 covers the opening 152 and may be non-permanently affixed to the main bag 110 over the top of the opening 152. Methods of non-permanently affixing the opening cover 150 to the main bag 110 may include Velcro or clips that hold the opening cover in place over the top of the opening 152.

[0024] The opening 152 may be closed with a weather resistant mechanism. For instance, a zipper may be used to close the opening 152. The zipper may be constructed of a weatherproof material or coated with a weather proofing material. The zipper may be constructed of a non-erosive material or coated with a non-erosive material. Those skilled in the art will understand different closure mechanisms for the opening 152 that provide water proofing to the interior of the main bag 110 and with itself withstand the effects of time and weather.

[0025] It is understood that there are a variety of means of providing attachment to the main pole 130. For instance, the main fastener strap 140 may be connected to a looping type mechanism that allows one to pull on the main fastener strap 140 to tighten the main fastener strap 140. This type of arrangement is similar to a cinching belt. The other end may be connected to a ring that is attached to the main fastener attachment 141 portion. The attachment portion may be connectable to the main bag by use of a Velcro strip.

[0026] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a side of a sports apparatus cover and straps. The side of the cover 200 is understood to be a portion of a main bag 110 as shown in FIG. 1. A main fastener strap 240 is shown connected to the side of the cover 200. The main fastener strap 240 may be sewn to the side of the cover 200. The connection at the distal end 250 of the fastener strap 240 may be connected to the main bag (not show) in any manner suitable to keeping the main bag on the sports apparatus. A Velcro loop 252 and Velcro hook 254 may be used to connect to a connection mechanism on the main bag. Example lengths of the Velcro loop 252 (13 inches) and the Velcro hook 2534 (8 inches) are shown in FIG. 2. It is understood that many different lengths may be used for the Velcro loop 252 and Velcro strap 254 and the examples shown in FIG. 2 are not intended to limit the scope of this invention.

[0027] While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the figures and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only selected embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes, modifications and equivalents that come within the spirit of the disclosures described heretofore and/or defined by the following claims are desired to be protected. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to the claimed invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain, using no more than routine experimentation, numerous equivalents to the specific substances and procedures described herein. In addition, all publications cited herein are indicative of the level of skill in the art and are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if each had been individually incorporated by reference and fully set forth.

Claims

1. A weight system for a base, said system comprising: a container enabled to fit on a top portion of said base, said container comprising an opening and said opening comprising an opening closure; a first fastener strap affixed to a first side of said container and enabled to wrap around said base, wherein said first fastener strap is connectable to a first strap attachment affixed to a second side of said container; a second fastener strap affixed to a first location of said container and enabled to wrap around a protuberance of said base, wherein said second fastener is connectable to a second strap attachment affixed to a second location of said location.

2. The weight system of claim 1, wherein said first fastener strap is connectable to said first strap attachment with a buckle, and wherein a first portion of said buckle is attached to said first fastener strap and a second portion of said buckle is attached to said first strap attachment.

3. The weight system of claim 1, wherein said first fastener strap is connectable to said first strap attachment with Velcro.

4. The weight system of claim 1, wherein said second fastener strap is connectable to said second strap attachment with a buckle, and wherein a first portion of said buckle is attaches to said second fastener strap and a second portion of said buckle is attached to said second strap attachment.

5. The weight system of claim 1, further comprising a third fastener strap affixed to a first side of said container and is enabled to wrap around said base, wherein said third fastener strap is connectable to a third strap attachment affixed to a second side of said container.

6. The weight system of claim 5, wherein said third fastener strap is connectable to said third strap attachment with a buckle, and wherein a first portion of said buckle is attached to said third fastener strap and a second portion of said buckle is attached to said third strap attachment.

7. The weight system of claim 1, wherein said third fastener strap is connectable to said third strap attachment with Velcro.

8. The weight system of claim 1, further comprising at least one stabilizer attachment affixed to said container enabled to wrap around a connection from said protuberance to said base.

9. The weight system of claim 8, wherein said container comprises at least one cut-out portion to accommodate said connection from said protuberance to said base.

10. The weight system of claim 8, wherein said at least one stabilizer attachment comprises a first portion and a second portion connectable to each other.

11. The weight system of claim 1, wherein said opening is closeable with said opening closure to provide a moisture seal between an interior portion of said container and an exterior to said container.

12. The weight system of claim 11, wherein said opening closure is a non-erosive zipper.

13. The weight system of claim 1, further comprising an opening cover capable of covering said opening, wherein said opening cover is affixed to said container.

14. The weight system of claim 1, wherein said opening cover is affixed to said container with a Velcro affixment.

15. A method of weighting a base, said method comprising: placing a container on top of said base, wherein said container comprises an opening and said opening comprises an opening closure; affixing a first fastener strap so a first side of said container; wrapping said first fastener strap around said base; connecting said first fastener strap to a first attachment affixed to a second side of said container; wrapping a second fastener strap affixed at one end to said container around a protuberance from said base; and filling said container with a ballast material through said opening.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising wrapping a second fastener strap around said base and connecting said second fastener strap to a second attachment, wherein said second fastener strap is affixed to a first side of said container and said second attachment is affixed to a second side of said container.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein said ballast material is one of a granular material and a gel material.

18. The method of claim 15, further comprising closing said opening with a watertight closure.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein said watertight closure is a non-erosive zipper.

20. The method of claim 15, further comprising covering said opening to said container with a covering strip, wherein said covering strip is affixed to said container at least one location.