AU2018101244A4 - A goal hoop stand assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A stand assembly for a supporting a backboard for a goal hoop is provided. The goal hoop can be a basketball hoop. The stand assembly could be positioned 5 adjacent to a trampoline so that the basketball hoop is suspended over the mat of the trampoline.

Description

A goal hoop stand assembly

Technical field

The present invention relates to a stand assembly for a supporting a backboard for a goal hoop. In a preferred embodiment the goal hoop is a basketball hoop.

Background

Goal hoop height can be adjustable to accommodate the location of the hoop and or to accommodate the height of the players. Some goal hoops, supported by a backboard, are permanently fixed to a building structure such as an outside wall, and the height of the goal hoop can be considered during installation. Where a permanent fixture of the goal hoop is not desirable, or is not possible, a goal hoop stand assembly can be provided which can be portable and adjustable in height. The goal hoop stand assembly can comprise a heavy base and a support structure for the backboard to which the goal hoop is attached. Children and other players enjoy shooting for goal, but the goal has to be at a reasonable height for them to be able to throw the ball up and through the hoop rim. With this in mind, most goal hoop stand assemblies are height adjustable using various mechanisms. The height of the stand can be adjusted from time to time depending on the player’s specifications, or it can be adjusted to accommodate different locations for the stand assembly subject to the landscaping requirements.

An advantage of a goal hoop stand assembly (when compared with a fixed goal hoop assembly) is that it can be moved to a desired location depending on where the players wish to play. Typically, the desired location is adjacent a flat paved area where the children can bounce and throw the ball. The present goal hoop stand assembly has, in addition to the existing uses, a new and interesting application. Here, the goal hoop stand assembly can be constantly or occasionally used with a trampoline. The players can bounce on the trampoline and compete with one another for the ball. The player who wins the ball can shoot for the goal with a land-defying bounce adding to the thrill of the game.

The requirements of a goal hoop stand assembly for use with a trampoline are different from those of other goal hoop stand assemblies. Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved goal hoop stand assembly that in some embodiments is suitable for use with a trampoline.

Some goal hoop stand assemblies have a strong and heavy base to ensure stability, but the goal hoop once suspended from the backboard cannot be used adjacent a trampoline. This is because the base of the stand assembly abuts the base or skirt of the trampoline so the goal hoop would not be suspended over the mat of the trampoline. A goal stand assembly for use with a trampoline may be disposed within an open yard, rather than being pushed up against a wall. Most trampolines require a lot of space and their location is sometimes constrained by the available land space. The placement of the stand assembly in open areas adjacent a trampoline can mean that a stand assembly and the associated backboard supporting the goal hoop will be exposed to wind. The backboard of most stand assemblies is not adapted to be used in windy conditions and can pose a tipping hazard of the stand if the wind blows strongly enough.

Some height adjustment mechanisms for stand assemblies have arms which pivot about a pivot point in order to adjust the height of the goal hoop. These mechanisms tend to have arm portions which scissor relative to one another and thereby prevent or reduce a pinching or (worse) a trapping hazard in use. Other height adjustment mechanisms have exposed springs; small spaces enticing little fingers; and or sharp edges on fixing means such as nuts of bolts. These safety hazards on typical stand assemblies cannot be tolerated on items intended for use by children in a trampoline environment where fun and play and enthusiasm can distract from otherwise obvious dangers.

Summary of invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a stand assembly for a supporting a backboard for a goal hoop, the stand assembly comprising: a base having a goal hoop facing end and a rear facing end; a trunk comprising three telescopic poles extending upwardly from the base; arms extending from the trunk, wherein each arm is an extension of one of the three poles forming the trunk, the arms adapted to support the backboard so that, in use, a goal hoop located on the backboard is suspended above the ground at a distance set apart from the hoop facing end of the base; a lift mechanism arranged in one of the three telescopic poles of the trunk; a handle arranged on the trunk for telescopic adjustment of the length of the trunk under assistance of the lift mechanism, whereby adjusting the length of the trunk adjusts the height of the backboard relative to the base; a locking mechanism arranged on the trunk for locking the trunk into position once the backboard is adjusted to the desired height.

In an embodiment, the stand assembly is used adjacent to a trampoline. The goal hoop located on the backboard is thereby suspended above the mat part of the trampoline.

The telescopic trunk of the stand assembly can allow the entire upper portion of the stand, where the arms extend from the trunk, to move without any pivoting or scissoring of the struts forming the arms. As the height of the backboard relative to the base is changed, there are no moving parts that can trap objects between them including e.g. articles of clothing, shade cloths, little arms and fingers. The apparent simplicity of the stand assembly height adjustment mechanism as described can provide not only aesthetic appeal but also improved safety in use.

In another aspect there is provided stand assembly for a supporting a backboard for a goal hoop, the stand assembly comprising: a base having a goal hoop facing end and a rear facing end; a telescopic trunk extending upwardly from the base; arms extending from the trunk and adapted to support the backboard, wherein, in use, a goal hoop located on the backboard is suspended above the ground at a distance set apart from the goal hoop facing end of the base; a handle arranged on the trunk for one-handed telescopic adjustment of the length of the trunk, whereby adjusting the length of the trunk adjusts the height of the backboard relative to the base; a locking mechanism arranged on the trunk for one-handed locking of the trunk into a desired length position, whereby the locking mechanism locks together telescopic parts of the trunk by friction force; wherein the handle and locking mechanism are simultaneously operable by the same user to adjust the height of the backboard relative to the base.

Any description herein relating to one aspect of the invention should be understood to apply to other aspects of the invention unless the content makes clear otherwise.

The simultaneous operation of the handle and the locking mechanism can mean that the assembly can be used by one person (the user). The user can be a child eager to set up the goal hoop e.g. over his/her trampoline, or eager to change the height of the goal hoop relative to his/her trampoline. By allowing a one-handed operation of the adjustment handle, together with one handed operation of the locking mechanism, the user (possibly a child) can adjust the stand height as many times as desired without bothering others (including adults) for help thereby completing a feeling of independence and control over the stand.

The trunk of the stand assembly can be formed from one or more poles. The one or more poles of the trunk body can be solid. Preferably, one or more poles of the trunk body are hollow to save on materials and also on weight. The wall of the or each pole can be solid. The wall of the or each pole can have cut-out parts to save on materials and also on weight. The one or more poles can be of any cross-sectional shape including circular, triangular, square, or other shape as desired. In an embodiment, the one or more poles are hollow cylinders. The trunk can comprise three poles extending upwardly from the base. Where there are three poles, the assembly can be described as tri-cylindrical. By using three poles, each can have a smaller cross-sectional diameter and thinner wall relative to embodiments in which there is a single pole used as the trunk. Three poles can provide increased structural integrity to the stand assembly in addition to imparting a pleasing and recognisable aesthetic to the trunk.

The trunk can be set at 90 degrees to the base (vertical with respect to the ground). The trunk can be offset from 90 degrees, by at least about 10, 15 or 20 degrees. A slight offset of the trunk may assist in lengthening the distance between the trunk and goal hoop end of the base (distance X). Distance X can be at least about 800 cm, 900 cm, 1m, 1.2m or 1.5m.

The telescoping nature of the trunk can divide the trunk body into two parts: a top part and a bottom part. The bottom part of the trunk can engage with the base and form a fixed piece relative to which the top part of the trunk can move. The base of the trunk can be integrated with a chassis which can have a large footprint for stability.

The handle of the stand assembly can be attached to the top part of the trunk, since it is this part of the trunk that will be adjusted up and down to lengthen the trunk and thereby change the height of the backboard. While a two part telescoping function is described, it should be understood that there could be a three part or four part telescoping function provided. The top part of the telescoping trunk has to have a diameter slightly smaller than the bottom part of the trunk to allow it to slide snugly (telescopically) into the bottom part of the trunk. If there are a plurality of poles, each pole may telescope into its respective mated pole part. Alternatively, the bottom part of the trunk can be shaped so as to receive the plurality of poles into one moulded piece. In this embodiment, the bottom part will have an outside shape that traces the outside surface of the pole cluster. It should be understood that while the top part is described as telescoping into the bottom part of the trunk, the telescoping function could be arranged to be visa versa, i.e. the top part of the trunk could slide over the bottom part of the trunk. However, this latter described arrangement is less desirable.

The top part of the trunk diverges into a plurality of arms which branch from the top part of the trunk. There can be any number of arms extending from the top part of the trunk provided they are sufficient in number to support the backboard to engineering standards. The arms may form graceful arcs as they extend as struts from the trunk towards the backboard, acting to provide suspension for the backboard, and also to elongate the location of the backboard away from the base. In use, a goal hoop located on the backboard is suspended above the ground at a distance set apart from the hoop facing end of the base. This can help to make sure that when presented adjacent to a trampoline, the goal hoop is suspended over the mat part of the trampoline, which is where the users are bouncing ready to score. A plurality of arms can sprout from the top part of the trunk in various directions as required. In embodiments, the arms extending from the trunk can be an extension of the one or more poles forming the trunk body. In embodiments in which there are three poles forming the trunk, all or some of the poles can continue as arms to support the backboard. In an embodiment, at least two of the poles continue as arms to support the backboard. In an embodiment, all three of the poles continue as arms to support the backboard.

The arms can be joined to the backboard directly. The arms can join to a frame associated with the backboard. The frame can be arranged around the periphery of the backboard. The arms can be welded to a frame of the backboard. The arms can be otherwise attached to the frame of the backboard by bolts or other engaging mechanisms.

In order to assist in adjusting the length of the trunk, a lift mechanism can be associated with the trunk. The lifting mechanism can be biased to an extended position, so that when the locking mechanism is unlocked (disengaged) the telescoping parts of the trunk gradually lengthen under the influence of the lifting mechanism to their longest length.

The lifting mechanism can be a piston that exerts a lengthening force when unconstrained. The piston can be a liquid piston. The liquid filled piston can be a hydraulic piston. The piston can be a gas piston. In an embodiment, the piston is a gas piston sometimes referred to as a gas spring. The lifting mechanism can be arranged inside a pole of the trunk of the stand assembly.

It is preferred that there is a single lifting mechanism in the stand assembly. Where there are multiple poles of the trunk, it is preferred that only one of the poles houses the lifting mechanism. By providing a single lifting mechanism, in some embodiments it can help to make sure that any lifting pressure is equal across the trunk. This equal lifting pressure can be important in a multiple pole trunk, such as a three pole arrangement. If there is more than one lifting mechanism in a multiple pole trunk, there is a risk that each lifting mechanism will provide its own unique lifting force which may be at odds with the other lifting forces. These odd lifting forces could skew the trunk or render the movement of it relatively uncontrollable.

In an embodiment, the telescopic trunk comprises a cluster of three telescopic poles. By “cluster” is it is meant that the telescopic poles are located close to one another (although the poles do not have to touch). By close it can mean about a finger width apart although preferably, little fingers cannot find their way between the poles. The cluster of poles are associated with one another by lateral connections which means that any movement of one pole move the other poles. The cluster of poles can comprise two poles (a pair of poles) facing the read end of the base, and one pole (single pole) facing the hoop end of the base. Alternatively, the cluster of poles can comprise two poles (a pair of poles) facing the hoop end of the base, and one pole (single pole) facing the rear end of the base. In these embodiments, preferably, the lifting mechanism is arrangement in the single pole of the arrangement.

In each embodiment described above, there can be two arms extending from the trunk, each of the two arms can be an extension from the pair of poles respectively. The arms extending from the pair of poles can support respective sides of the backboard. Where there are only two arms extending from the trunk, the third (and single) pole houses the lifting mechanism and does not play any other role in the stand assembly other than to provide lift. Alternatively, there are three arms extending from the trunk, each of the three arms being an extension of one of the three telescopic poles. Where there are only three arms extending from the trunk, the third (and single) pole houses the lifting mechanism and also has an arm extending from it. The extending arm can support a bottom of the backboard.

The backboard can be formed from any material such as a plastic, metal, wood. In an embodiment, the backboard is polycarbonate. In an embodiment, the backboard is metal. The backboard can made of steel. The steel can include zinc to assist in corrosion reduction. The backboard can be have a powder-coated surface.

In an embodiment, the backboard comprises a pattern of apertures. The apertures can be perforations. The apertures can be arranged over the surface of the backboard to allow the through flow of air including wind through the backboard. The apertures are intended to reduce the lift impact of wind striking the backboard when it is disposed in a windy area such as a garden or a windy corridor such as a courtyard (rather than being disposed flat against a wall).

The apertures in the backboard can be at least about 2, 5, 10, or 20 mm in diameter. Preferably, the apertures are small i.e. at most about 2 or 3 mm in diameter. The apertures can cover a substantial portion of the backboard surface, optionally in an aesthetically pleasing pattern. In some embodiments, at least 50, 60, 70 or 80% of the surface is patterned with apertures. The edges of the backboard can be aperture-free to allow for the proper fixing of any frame and or of the arm parts.

The handle can be attached to the top part of the trunk and may be used to assist in lifting the top part of the trunk upwards and downwards. Preferably, the handle is not arranged too high on the trunk otherwise it will be difficult for users of short stature to reach it. The handle should preferably not be arranged too low on the trunk otherwise the weight of the top part of the trunk above it may be difficult to move/lift. The handle can be disposed on the trunk adjacent to where the arms diverge from the trunk. The arms are where most of the weight is disposed in the top part of the trunk.

In some embodiments, the handle is an inverted U shape. The user can grasp the handle at the bottom of the U shape (a bar) and optionally apply their whole body weight to the handle to start to move the top part of the trunk. Once the trunk is moving, it can be floated to the desired position. It has been found that in some instances, the wide space defined by a U shaped handle can overlap with the locking mechanism - meaning that the user either cannot easily access the occluded locking mechanism while holding the handle - or worse, the user has to reach through the area defined handle in order to use the locking mechanism. Reaching through the area defined by the handle to use the locking mechanism is not preferred because if the user accidentally lets go of the handle, the top part of the trunk can be caused to move upward under force of the lifting mechanism and an arm can be trapped and injured. It is therefore preferred that the handle does not depend downwardly from the trunk towards the locking mechanism. Instead, the handle can be arranged so as to extend upwardly from the trunk, and away from the locking mechanism. The handle can be an inverted U-shape. The handle can be provided as a solid piece. The solid piece can be moulded to provide a flange that the fingers can engage with and grip. In any case the handle can have a grip surface that reduces possible slip of the hand when in use.

Advantageously, the handle and locking mechanism are located apart from one another on the trunk, so that each hand of the user can separately grasp and operate the respective devices readily and without obstruction. In an embodiment, the handle is arranged on the trunk above the locking mechanism (with respect to the ground). The handle can be pushed upwardly to lengthen the trunk. The handle can be designed to extend upwardly from the locking mechanism as to emphasise the access to the locking mechanism. In some embodiments, the handle and the locking mechanism are colocated.

In order to prevent or reduce movement of the telescopic poles relative to one another a locking mechanism can lock them relative to one another. When locked, the poles should be immovable even under the application of some manual force. The locking mechanism can comprise apertures and a locking pin. The locking pin can be inserted into an aperture in the telescopic poles to lock them. A locking pin will require that there are apertures disposed in both sets of telescopic poles and it will also require that the apertures line up to form a passageway. The disadvantage of a locking pin mechanism is that the number of locations for the adjusted length of the trunk is finite, being limited by the spacing of the apertures.

In a preferred embodiment, the telescoping of the poles and the associated locking mechanism allows for an infinitesimal number of locations of the poles relative to one another, thereby providing for any number of adjusted heights of the backboard supporting the goal hoop. In order to achieve this, the locking mechanism can lock the poles together using friction forces. The locking mechanism can comprises a means for reducing the size of aperture through which the trunk passes. A reduction in the size of an aperture through which the trunk passes will mean that the trunk can no longer slide through that piece of reduced size, therefore it can act as a stop. In an embodiment, the locking mechanism is a pinch collar, which can be reduced in diameter by making the aperture in the collar smaller.

In an embodiment the means for frictionally locking the poles is by offsetting a collar with respect to another collar through which the trunk must pass, so as to reduce the overall aperture size through which the trunk passes. This can be achieved by having first and second collar parts offsetable with respect to one another so the lumen formed by the overlap of the collars is overall smaller and compresses the trunk. When the poles should be locked relative to one another, the collar can be tightened to compress the trunk which effectively presses the pole(s) of smaller diameter against their mate(s). The friction imparted by the collar will prevent or at least substantially reduce any further telescopic movement of the pole.

Where there are three (or n) poles in the arrangement, the collar can appear as a first fixed collar piece with three (or n) holes through which respective poles will pass. In some embodiment, the first fixed collar piece can be the bottom part of the trunk. In other embodiment, the fixed collar piece is separate from the trunk. The fixed collar piece can be fixed relative to the trunk. The fixed collar piece can be associated with a second moving collar piece. The moving collar piece can be movable with respect to the trunk. In order to help to make sure that the moving collar piece does not deviate from the fixed collar piece in use, the moving and fixed collar pieces can be movingly engaged with one another. The moving engagement can be one or more protrusions on either piece for respective engagement in a track on the other of the pieces. The moving collar piece can be moved by any means including by turning a screw associated with it. As the screw is turned, the force applied can press against the moving collar piece forcing it away from the direction of turning the screw. Alternatively, as the screw is turned, the force applied can pull the moving collar piece forcing it towards the direction of turning the screw. In either case, the moving collar piece is therefore laterally offset with respect to the fixed collar piece therefore the apertures in each piece which were previously aligned, are now overlapped (a circumference of a passageway through the collar parts is reduced). The overlapping of the apertures reduces the overall space through which the trunk pole(s) can pass. When the collar is tightened by moving the moving collar piece, the pole(s) can be moved and wedged and held together, locking them with friction forces.

The locking mechanism in the form of a collar can be located at the junction between the top part and the bottom part of the trunk.

The base should provide a strong and solid downward pressure to the stand assembly to prevent or at least substantially reduce any tipping of the assembly. The base can comprise a solid heavy material. The base can be hollow and can be filled with ballast such as sand or water to provide the required stability. The base can have one or more wheels to allow it to be moved. It is typical for the base to have a footprint that shifts the centre of gravity backwards, since the goal hoop is extending frontwards; to do this, the base can be larger in surface area at the rear of the trunk when compared with the base forward of the trunk. The intention of the base is to provide stability even when a player leaps and scores a goal, applying some downward pressure to the goal hoop.

The shape of the base can provide for function and aesthetics. For example, the base can fan outwardly towards the front and have a sleek side profile giving the impression of aerodynamics and sporty prowess. The base has a goal hoop facing end which is the end of the base that is located closest to the goal hoop. The base has a rear facing end, which is the end of the base located remote from the goal hoop. The base has side edges between each of the ends. The base has a top surface and a bottom surface.

The top surface of the base can comprise a ball rest indentation, where the user can store the ball when it is not in use. The ball rest indentation can be a concave shape into which the ball can rest and out of which the ball is unlikely to roll unless force is applied to it.

The user can climb onto the top surface of the base when adjusting the height of the backboard supported by the stand assembly. With this in mind, to reduce unwanted slippage of the user’s feet in use, the base can comprise a pair of foot stands where the user can plant their feet. By standing on the base, the user will gain some height advantage, and also the weight of the user may assist in stabilizing the assembly during movement of the telescopic parts. The foot stands can be patterned so as to hold the users feet securely.

The base can also provide a small storage area for items associated with the goal hoop.

For example, the ball may have an associated pump. Such pumps are useful but tend to be small and easy to misplace. The base can have a discrete compartment adapted to receive the small ball pump. The compartment can be a snug fit for the pump, so the user can always locate it. Preferably, the compartment is arranged substantially horizontally to reduce the collection of any water which might come into contact with the compartment.

The goal hoop can be a basketball hoop. While a basketball hoop is described, it should be understood that the stand assembly can be used with other goal hoops of any diameter. The goal hoop could be, for example, a netball hoop which may have a different standard rim diameter (smaller ball) than a basketball hoop (larger ball). The goal hoop is preferably mounted to the backboard so as to provide some flexibility when pressure is applied to the goal hoop rim. Some sprung basketball hoops allow for the user to more safely jump onto and hang off the rim of the goal hoop while scoring a goal (although this is not recommended). Such inbuilt flexibility in a goal hoop is common and can be imparted by a spring arrangement in the mounting mechanism for the goal hoop. In the present arrangement, since the goal hoop may be accessed by a bouncing user, preferably, the rim is flexible in a range of 180 degrees. A net can be arranged around the rim of the goal hoop. The net can assist in ensuring that the ball passes out of the hoop at a reduced velocity.

In use, the user can step up onto the base and plant their feet on the foot stands provided. The user can then use their hand to grasp the handle disposed on the top part of the trunk. While holding the handle firmly, the user can use their other hand to disengage the locking mechanism, thereby releasing the locking between the telescopic top and bottom parts of the structure. The user will feel an instant pressure forcing the top part of the trunk structure upwards, but their hand on the handle can prevent or reduce the movement. The user than then apply a force to the handle to lengthen or shorten the trunk. In order to lengthen the trunk the user can allow the top part to travel upwards. In order to shorten the trunk, the user can pull the top part downwards. When the top part of the trunk moves upwards, the backboard travels upwards and the trunk gains height. The backboard and goal hoop are thus disposed as a greater height. There is a stop built into the system to prevent the top part from being moved too high. When the top part of the trunk moves downwards, the backboard travels downwards and the backboard and hoop are thus disposed at a lower height. When the handle reaches the locking mechanism, the user will be unable to move the system further. The user can keep their eyes on the backboard so as to ensure it is arrange at a height that they desire. The height can be so as to suspend it over a trampoline mat. The height can be adjusted to make it higher to increase the difficulty of shooting a goal, or to make it lower to make it easier to shoot a goal. Once the backboard and hoop are at the desired height. The user engages the locking mechanism in order to lock the stand assembly into place. The height can be adjusted as many times as desired.

Brief Description of the Figures

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which are not drawn to scale and which are exemplary only and in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective front view of the stand assembly supporting a backboard and goal hoop according to one embodiment.

Figure 2 is a close up view of the handle assembly of the stand assembly of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a close up view of the trunk of the stand assembly of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a perspective rear view of the stand assembly of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a perspective front view of the backboard of the stand assembly of Figure 1.

Figure 6 is a perspective rear view of the backboard of the stand assembly of Figure 1.

Figure 7(a) is a close up view of the locking mechanism of the stand assembly of Figure 1. Figure 7(b) is a side view of another embodiment of the locking mechanism. Figure 7(d) is a top perspective view of the locking mechanism of Figure 7(b). Figure 7(c) is a close up of the screw of Figure 7(d).

Figure 8 are perspective view of the base of the stand assembly of Figure 1.

Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention

Figure 1 shows a stand assembly 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The stand assembly 10 is supporting a backboard 12. The backboard 12 has a goal hoop 14. The stand assembly 10 has a base 18, a trunk 20 and arms 22 extending from the trunk 20. A handle 16 arranged on the trunk 20 for telescopic adjustment of the length of the trunk 20 under assistance of a lift mechanism (not shown). Adjusting the length of the trunk 20 adjusts the height of the backboard 12 relative to the base 18. A locking mechanism 24 is arranged on the trunk 20 for locking the trunk 20 into position once the backboard 12 has been adjusted to the desired height.

The stand assembly 10 can be for a backboard for a basketball hoop 14. While a basketball hoop is described, it should be understood that the stand assembly 10 can be used with other goal hoops. The stand assembly and basketball hoop can be used adjacent to a trampoline (not shown).

The trunk 20 of the stand assembly 10 is formed from three poles 20a, 20b, 20c (shown most clearly in Figure 2). The poles 20a, 20b, 20c are hollow cylinders. As illustrated by Figure 3, the telescoping nature of the trunk 20 divides the trunk body into two parts: a top part 120 and a bottom part 220. The bottom part 220 of the trunk 20 can engage with the base 18 and form a fixed piece relative to which the top part 120 of the trunk 20 can move. The bottom part 220 of the trunk 20 can be associated with a chassis 19 which is inside of base 18. The chassis 19 can comprise a handle for movement of it 32 and wheels 33 (one of the wheels is obscured from view).

The handle 16 of the stand assembly 10 can be attached to the top part 120 of the trunk 20, since it is this part of the trunk that will be adjusted up and down to lengthen the trunk 20 and thereby change the height of the backboard 12. While a two part telescoping function is described, it should be understood that there could be a three part or four part telescoping function provided. The top part 120of the telescoping trunk 20 has to have a diameter slightly smaller than the bottom part 220 of the trunk 20 to allow it to slide snugly (telescopically) into the bottom part 220 of the trunk 20. In the embodiment shown, each pole 20a, 20b, 20c telescopes into its respective mated pole part 20a, 20b, 20c.

The top part 120 of the trunk 20 diverges into a plurality of arms 22 which branch from the trunk. There are shown three arms 22a, 22b, 22b extending from the top part of the trunk to support the backboard 12. In the embodiment shown, the arms 22a, 22b, 22c extending from the trunk 20 are each an extension of the respective poles 20a, 20b, 20c forming the trunk body. The arms 22a, 22b, 22b form arcs as they extend from the trunk 20 towards the backboard 12, acting to provide suspension for the backboard 12, and also to elongate the location of the backboard away from the base (distance X). In use, a goal hoop 14 located on the backboard 12 is suspended above the ground at a distance X set apart from the hoop facing end 18a of the base 18. The distance X can be measured as the distance from the end of the hoop facing end 18a of the base and the midline of the goal hoop 14. In the embodiment shown, distance X is 1.2 meters.

As shown in the Figures, the telescopic trunk 20 comprises a cluster of three telescopic poles 20a, 20b, 20c. The cluster of poles are associated with one another by lateral connections. The lateral connection can be handle 16 and locking mechanism 24 which connect the poles 20a, 20b, 20c together so that any movement of one pole e.g. pole 20b including the lifting mechanism move the other poles 20a and 20c. The cluster of poles 20a, 20b, 20c comprise two poles 20a and 20c (a pair of poles) facing the read end of the base 18b, and one pole 20b (single pole) facing the hoop end 18a of the base 18.

As can be seen in Figure 4, the arms 22a and 22c are joined adjacent to edges of a frame 26 associated with the backboard 12. Arm 22b is joined at location 28 which is the location at which goal hoop 14 is attached to the front of backboard 12. The frame 26 is arranged around the periphery of the backboard 12.

In order to assist in adjusting the length of the trunk, a lift mechanism 28 can be associated with the trunk 28. The lifting mechanism is biased to an extended position, so that when the locking mechanism 24 is unlocked (disengaged) the telescoping parts of the trunk 120 and 220 gradually lengthen under the influence of the lifting mechanism 28 to their longest length. The lifting mechanism 28 is a gas piston arranged inside pole 20b of the trunk 20 of the stand assembly 10.

The backboard 12 is formed from powder-coated metal. The backboard 12 comprises a pattern of apertures 28. The apertures 28 are perforations made in the backboard 12 during manufacture. The apertures are arranged over the surface of the backboard 12 to allow the through flow of air including wind through the backboard. The apertures are about 2 mm in diameter and cover about 70% of the surface with pattern.

The handle 16 is attached to the top part 120 of the trunk 20 and may be used to assist in lifting the top part 120 of the trunk upwards and downwards. The handle 16 is disposed on the trunk midway between the locking mechanism 24 and the location at which arms 22 diverge from the trunk 20. The handle 16 is shown as a solid piece. The solid piece 16 has a moulded flange fingers can engage with and grip.

In order to prevent (or at least reduce) movement of the telescopic poles of the top part 120 and the bottom part 220 relative to one another a locking mechanism 24 is provided to lock them relative to one another. When locked, the poles of the top part 120 and the poles of the bottom part 220 should be immovable even under the application of some manual force. The locking mechanism 24 comprises a collar around the outside of the smaller of the poles in the telescoping arrangement. When the poles should be locked relative to one another, the collar 24 can be tightened to compress the trunk 20 which effectively presses the pole of smaller diameter in the top part of the trunk 120 against their mates. The collar can be seen in Figure 7 as a first fixed collar 24a piece with n= 3 three holes through which respective poles will pass. The fixed collar piece 24a is separate from the trunk 20 and is fixed relative to the trunk 20. The fixed collar piece 24a is associated with a second moving collar piece 24b. The moving collar piece 24b can be movable with respect to the trunk 20. Figure 7(a) is a schematic; an alternative embodiment is shown in Figure 7(b), (c) and (d) with the fixed collar piece 124a of collar 124 shown relative to the movable collar piece 124b. It is clear from these images that as screw 130 is activated (by manual turning), the screw 130 is advanced forward which pushes against the movable piece 124b and moves it. A close up of the screw 130 is shown in Figure 7(c). The overlapping of the apertures resulting from movement of the moving piece 24b reduces the overall space through which the trunk poles 20a, 20b, 20c can pass. When the collar 24 is tightened the poles 20a, 20b, 20c are moved and wedged and held together, locking them with friction forces. To release them, screw 30 can be untightened thereby releasing the holding force and opening the aperture squeezing the poles.

In order to assist the moving collar piece 24b to not deviate from the fixed collar piece 24a as it is advanced in use, the moving and fixed collar pieces 24a, 24b can be movingly engaged with one another (not shown). The moving engagement can be one or more protrusions on either piece for respective engagement in a track on the other of the pieces.

The base 18 provides a strong and solid downward pressure to the stand assembly 10. The base 18 can comprise a solid heavy material. The base 18 is filled with ballast. The base 18 can have one or more wheels and or a handle 32 to allow it to be moved. The base has a goal hoop facing end 18a which is the end of the base that is located closest to the goal hoop 14. The base has a rear facing end 18b, which is the end of the base located remote from the goal hoop 14. The base 18 has side edges 18c, 18d between each of the ends 18a, 18b. The base 18 has a top surface 18e and a bottom surface 18f.

The top surface of the base 18 can comprise a ball rest indentation 34, where the user can store the ball when it is not in use. The ball rest indentation 34 can be a concave shape into which the ball can rest and out of which the ball is unlikely to roll unless force is applied to it.

The user can climb onto the top surface of the base 18 when adjusting the height of the backboard 12 supported by the stand assembly 10. The base 18 comprises a pair of foot stands 38’, 38” where the user can plant their feet. By standing on the base 18, the user will gain some height advantage, and also the weight of the user may assist in stabilizing the assembly 10 during movement of the telescopic parts 120, 220. The foot stands 38’ 38” are patterned so as to hold the users feet more securely.

The base also has a fill point 42 and a small storage area 40 for items associated with the goal hoop. For example, the ball may have an associated pump (not shown). Such pumps are useful but tend to be small and easy to misplace. The base 18 has a compartment 40 adapted to receive the small ball pump. The compartment 40 is a snug fit for the pump.

In use, the user can step up onto the base 18 and plant their feet on the foot stands 38, 38’ provided. The user can then use their hand to grasp the handle 16 disposed on the top part 120 of the trunk 20. While holding the handle 16 firmly, the user can use their other hand to disengage the locking mechanism 24, thereby releasing the locking between the telescopic top and bottom parts 120, 220 of the structure 20. The user will feel an instant pressure from the lifting mechanism, forcing the top part 120 of the trunk structure upwards, but their hand on the handle 16 can prevent or reduce the movement. The user than then apply a force to the handle 16 to lengthen or shorten the trunk 20. In order to lengthen the trunk 20 the user can allow the top part 120 to travel upwardly away from base 18. In order to shorten the trunk 20, the user can pull the top part 120 downwards towards the base 18. When the top part 120 of the trunk moves upwards, the backboard 12 travels upwards and the trunk gains height. The backboard 12 and goal hoop 14 are thus disposed as a greater height than before. When the top part 120 of the trunk 20 moves downwards, the backboard 12 travels downwards and the backboard 12 and hoop 14 are thus disposed at a lower height than before. The user can keep their eyes on the backboard/hoop 12/14 so as to ensure it is arranged at a height that they desire. Once the backboard 12 and hoop 14 are at the desired height. The user engages the locking mechanism 24 in order to lock the stand assembly 10 into place. The parts can no longer telescope relative to one another. The height can be adjusted as many times as desired.

There is provided a method for adjusting the height of a stand assembly comprising the steps of operating the stand assembly as herein described.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Any promises made in the present description should be understood to relate to some embodiments of the invention, and are not intended to be promises made about the invention as a whole. Where there are promises that are deemed to apply to all embodiments of the invention, the applicant/patentee reserves the right to later delete them from the description and does not rely on these promises for the acceptance or subsequent grant of a patent in any country.

Claims (5)

1. CLAIMS:

   1. A stand assembly for a supporting a backboard for a goal hoop, the stand assembly comprising: a base having a goal hoop facing end and a rear facing end; a trunk comprising three telescopic poles extending upwardly from the base; arms extending from the trunk, wherein each arm is an extension of one of the three poles forming the trunk, the arms adapted to support the backboard so that, in use, a goal hoop located on the backboard is suspended above the ground at a distance set apart from the hoop facing end of the base; a lift mechanism arranged in one of the three telescopic poles of the trunk; a handle arranged on the trunk for telescopic adjustment of the length of the trunk under assistance of the lift mechanism, whereby adjusting the length of the trunk adjusts the height of the backboard relative to the base; a locking mechanism arranged on the trunk for locking the trunk into position once the backboard is adjusted to the desired height.
2. 2. A stand assembly for a supporting a backboard for a goal hoop, the stand assembly comprising: a base having a goal hoop facing end and a rear facing end; a telescopic trunk extending upwardly from the base; arms extending from the trunk and adapted to support the backboard, wherein, in use, a goal hoop located on the backboard is suspended above the ground at a distance set apart from the goal hoop facing end of the base; a handle arranged on the trunk for one-handed telescopic adjustment of the length of the trunk, whereby adjusting the length of the trunk adjusts the height of the backboard relative to the base; a locking mechanism arranged on the trunk for one-handed locking of the trunk into a desired length position, whereby the locking mechanism locks together telescopic parts of the trunk by friction force; wherein the handle and locking mechanism are simultaneously operable by the same user to adjust the height of the backboard relative to the base.
3. 3. A stand assembly for a supporting a backboard for a goal hoop according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the telescopic trunk comprises a cluster of three telescopic poles with two poles facing the read end of the base, and one pole facing the hoop end of the base; and wherein there are three arms extending from the trunk, each of the three arms being an extension of one of the three telescopic poles; the arms extending from the two poles facing the read end of the base supporting respective sides of the backboard, the arm extending from the pole facing the hoop end of the base supporting a bottom of the backboard, wherein the pole facing the hoop end of the base comprises a gas spring lifting mechanism.
4. 4. A stand assembly for a supporting a backboard for a goal hoop according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a collar having a first part and a second part forming a passage therethrough, the passage having a circumference, wherein the first part can be laterally offset with respect to the second part thereby reducing the circumference of the passage and thereby locking the telescopic parts of the trunk together by friction force.
5. 5. A stand assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4 when arranged adjacent to a trampoline.