CN115193001A

CN115193001A - Basket ring locking cover and volleyball training equipment

Info

Publication number: CN115193001A
Application number: CN202210319287.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 克莱·赛兹; 罗伯特·科内尔
Original assignee: Indian Industries Inc
Current assignee: Indian Industries Inc
Priority date: 2021-04-01
Filing date: 2022-03-29
Publication date: 2022-10-18
Also published as: CN218165916U; AU2022202107A1; US20220314095A1

Abstract

The rim cover includes a cover plate that rests on the rim. The first locking member extends downwardly. The support arm is disposed through the lock cylinder such that the ends of the support arm are aligned with facing points of the basket rim. The second locking member engages the first locking member and is adjusted to clamp the rim between the cover plate and the support arm. The locking bar may be placed through slots in the first and second locking members. A fastener may be used to prevent the locking bar from being removed. In an alternative embodiment, the volleyball training aid is disposed on the basis of a hoop mounting assembly, which can be mounted to the hoop. The volleyball training auxiliary equipment further comprises a supporting frame and a net.

Description

Basket ring locking cover and volleyball training equipment

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/200,888, filed on 1/04/2021, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to basketball stand assemblies, and more particularly, to an accessory that can be mounted to a basketball stand assembly.

Background

Basketball is a popular sport that can be played by any person who has access to the ball and basketball stands. Basketball stands have become frequently visible in private roadways and parks. Many such racks are considered to be "buried" racks, that is, the racks are permanently installed, either by extending the rack to the ground or by fixing the lower end of the rack to a base, such as concrete, buried in the ground. Additionally, basketball stands may be "portable," that is, the stands have an above-ground base that can be moved when needed. The base may include wheels. Portable bases typically add weight for stability when in use.

In some instances, it may be desirable to use a lid configured to be placed on the basketball rim to prevent unauthorized use of the basketball stand, such as when the homeowner is not present, when the park is closed, to prevent damage to the basketball stand, and to prevent injuries that may occur during unsupervised use or for various other reasons. In certain other instances, it may be desirable to mount a training accessory to the rim.

Disclosure of Invention

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a rim cover that may be selectively placed and locked in place on a rim of a basketball stand. Certain alternative embodiments provide a rim cover that may be selectively placed to a rim to mount a training accessory, such as a volleyball training aid, to the rim.

In a representative example, a rim cover includes a cover plate configured to be placed over a rim. The lock cylinder extends downward from the cover plate. Support arms are disposed through opposing vertical slots in the lock cylinder such that ends of the support arms are aligned with opposing points of the basket rim. A locking ring is then mounted to the lock cylinder and adjusted to raise the support arm into engagement with the basket hoop. The lock cylinder and the lock ring draw the cover plate and the support arm together, sandwiching the basket hoop therebetween. Once the lock cylinder and the lock ring have been engaged and tightened, they may be selectively locked to prevent disengagement. In some embodiments, a locking bar is then placed through the aligned slots in the lock ring and the lock cylinder to prevent them from being adjusted. Fasteners may be used to prevent removal of the locking bar.

In an alternative embodiment, the volleyball training aid is based on a hoop mounting assembly that is mountable to a hoop. The volleyball training auxiliary equipment further comprises a supporting frame and a net. When mounted and arranged for use on a hoop, the rim holds the training net in an expanded configuration with an open top to receive a volleyball. The height of the rim may be adjusted to place the training aid at a desired height. Alternatively, the training aid may comprise a return ramp to return balls received in the net. In certain embodiments, the frame and the training net may be folded for storage and transport.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed drawings and description provided herein.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a basketball stand with a rim locking cover in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 is a bottom perspective view of a portion of the system and cover of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the basket hoop locking cover of fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a top perspective view of the rim locking lid of fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is an exploded view of the rim locking cover of fig. 3.

Fig. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the lid plate of the basket locking lid of fig. 3.

Fig. 7 is a view of the lock cylinder of the basket locking cover of fig. 3.

Fig. 8 is a view of the locking ring of the basket locking cover of fig. 3.

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a representative embodiment of a volleyball training aid.

Fig. 10 is a perspective side view of the volleyball training aid of fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a side view of the volleyball training aid of fig. 9.

Fig. 12 is an exploded view of the volleyball training aid of fig. 9.

Detailed Description

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates.

In a representative example, the rim locking assembly includes a lid, such as a cover plate configured to be placed over the rim. A first component, such as a lock cylinder, extends downwardly from the cover plate. Support arms are disposed through opposing vertical slots in the lock cylinder such that ends of the support arms are aligned with opposing points of the basket rim. A second component, such as a locking ring, is engaged with the lock cylinder and is adapted to raise the support arm so that it engages the basket hoop. The lock cylinder and the lock ring draw the cover plate and the support arm together, sandwiching the basket hoop therebetween. Once the lock cylinder and the lock ring have been engaged and tightened, they may be selectively locked to prevent disengagement. In some embodiments, a locking bar is placed through aligned slots in the lock ring and the lock cylinder to prevent them from being adjusted. Fasteners may be used to prevent removal of the locking bar.

In an alternative embodiment, the volleyball training aid is arranged on the basis of a rim cover, which can be mounted to the rim. The volleyball training auxiliary equipment further comprises a supporting frame and a net. When installed and deployed in the hoop for use, the rim maintains the training net in an expanded configuration with an open top to receive a volleyball. The height of the rim may be adjusted to place the training aid at a desired height. Alternatively, the training aid may comprise a return ramp to return balls received in the net. In certain embodiments, the frame and the training net may be folded for storage and transport.

Figure 1 illustrates a representative basketball backboard 10 having an embodiment of a rim lock mounting assembly 20. The basketball backboard 10 includes a backboard assembly 15, and the backboard assembly 15 includes a backboard 16 and a rim assembly that includes a rim support 17 and a rim 18. The net 19 is typically suspended from the rim 8. Various backboard assemblies, backboard and rim assemblies, and variations thereof may be used as desired. The backboard assembly 15 is preferably mounted to a support member such as the support pole 12. Alternatively, the height of the backboard assembly 15 may be adjustable, for example, using pairs of arms 13 formed in a parallelogram, which may be adjusted using a mechanism such as a piston 14. In some embodiments, the support pole 12 may be integral; however, in other embodiments, the support pole 12 may include two or more sections that are connected together. The support pole 12 may have a curved cross-section, such as a circular or oval, a rectangular cross-section, or may have a cross-section of any other desired shape.

As shown, the lower end of the support rod 12 is mounted to the buried base. In some embodiments, the support pole may be mounted to a portable above-ground base. The support pole 12 is generally vertically mounted and extends perpendicular to the support surface. In an alternative embodiment, the support bar 12 may be angled such that the bar 12 extends from the base, again vertically but obliquely, relative to the support surface.

Fig. 2 illustrates a detailed view of the rim mounting assembly 20 mounted to the rim 18. For ease of illustration, the mesh is omitted from fig. 2.

Figures 3-5 illustrate the rim mounting assembly 20 in an assembled configuration. Fig. 6-8 illustrate certain components, respectively. The rim 18 is omitted for ease of illustration. The rim mounting assembly 20 includes an upper member, shown for example as a cover or lid plate 30, a first locking member, such as a lock cylinder 40, a second locking member, such as a lock ring 50, a lower member, shown for example as a support arm 60 and a lock rod 70. The cover plate 30 is shown as a circular, dome-shaped plate having an upper surface 32, a lower surface 33, and a peripheral edge 38. An opening 35 is defined through the center of the cover plate 30 along a longitudinal axis 36. In alternative embodiments, a planar or flat plate or other shape may be used. In some embodiments, the plate may be formed as a rod or band that extends across the rim, such as to form an "X" arrangement or triangle with a central mounting location for the first locking member, rather than a continuous plate. The peripheral rim 38 defines an outer diameter that is at least greater than the inner diameter of the rim 18. The peripheral rim 38 is configured to rest on the upper surface of the rim 18 and may have an outer diameter that is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the rim 18.

The cover 30, as shown in detail in FIG. 6, also includes a plurality of spaced tabs 39. Spacing tabs 39 extend downwardly from the lower surface 33 and are positioned slightly inwardly of the peripheral edge 38. In some embodiments, the plurality of spaced apart tabs 39 form a ring shape and have an outer diameter sized to fit coaxially within the inner diameter of the rim 18. The spacing tabs have a height and spacing configured to prevent the cover 30 from being removed laterally from the rim 18.

Fig. 7 shows in detail the use of a cylindrical locking member 40 as the first locking member. The cylindrical locking member 40 is formed with a cylindrical base 42. The base 42 may optionally be hollow. The cylindrical locking member has a length. In an alternative embodiment, a non-cylindrical locking member may be used, with appropriate modifications to enable it to engage a secondary locking member in place of the locking ring 50. A series of threads 44 or threaded portions extend outwardly from the outer surface of the base 42. The thread 44 may be helical. The inner diameters of the base 42 and the threads 44 are sized to fit to the diameter through the opening 35 in the cover plate 30. The cylindrical locking member 40 also includes an upper flange 46, shown as an annular flange extending laterally outward from the top edge of the base 42. In other embodiments, the upper flange 46 may be formed in other shapes, such as a series of flanges, a rectangle, a polygon, or otherwise. The upper flange 46 has a diameter larger than that of the opening 35, so that the upper flange 46 does not fit through the opening 35. At least one pair of vertical slots 48 are defined in the sidewalls of the base 42. The slots 48 are arranged diametrically opposite the base 42. In alternative embodiments, the first locking member may be integrally formed with the cover plate 30 and/or may be secured to the cover plate 30 with fasteners.

Fig. 8 shows the second locking element in detail with the locking ring 50. The lock ring 50 is formed with a cylindrical seat 52. A series of threads 54 or threaded portions extend inwardly from the inner surface of the base 52. The threads 54 may be helical. Locking ring 50 and threads 54 are sized to matingly attach to and engage cylindrical lock 40 and threads 44. In an alternative embodiment, the cylindrical locking member 40 and the locking ring 50 each include threaded portions with gaps that can be oriented to be offset in a position to allow the locking ring 50 to slide vertically directly relative to the cylindrical locking member 40, but the threads interlock when the portions are rotated to prevent the locking ring 50 from moving vertically.

The locking ring 50 includes an upper outer edge 56, illustrated as an annular surface, optionally having a flange extending laterally outward from the upper edge. In other embodiments, the upper outer edge 56 may be formed in other shapes, such as a series of flanges, a rectangle, a polygon, or other shapes. The diameter of the upper rim 56 is larger than the diameter of the opening 35 of the cover plate so that the locking ring 50 does not fit through the opening 35.

The locking ring/annular locking ring 50 includes at least one pair and optionally a plurality of slots 58 defined in the sidewall of the base 52. Each pair of slots 58 is arranged toward one another along a diameter of the base 52. The groove 58 may have a continuous outer edge that surrounds the groove opening on four sides without gaps. In some embodiments, a plurality of pairs of opposing slots 58 may be included. Figure 8 shows a locking ring 50 having three pairs of slots.

The rim mounting assembly 20 also includes support arms 60 and a lock lever 70 for securing the rim mounting assembly 20 to the rim 18. The support arm 60 includes a pair of opposed ends 62. The support arms 60 define a length that is at least greater than the inner diameter of the rim 18. The opposing ends 62 may be configured to engage a lower surface of the rim 18. The opposing ends 62 may be spaced to engage opposing portions of the rim 18 when placed along the diameter of the rim, with the opposing ends 62 extending a distance slightly greater than the outer diameter of the rim 18. Alternatively, the opposing ends 62 may define curved or hooked portions to assist in engaging the rim 18.

Latch lever 70 includes a stop end 72 and a fastener end 74. In the illustrated embodiment, the lock lever 70 is formed in an "L" shape, and the stopper end 72 is bent with respect to the remaining length of the lock lever 70. Locking lever 70 defines a length that is greater than the diameter of locking ring 50 and is sized to be positioned through a pair of slots 58 with a stop end 72 and a fastener end 76 extending outwardly from locking ring 50. The stop end 72 is bent or otherwise sized to prevent it from passing through the slot 58.

The rim mounting assembly 20 may be selectively mounted to the rim 18. The cover plate 30 is initially placed on the upper surface of the rim 18 with the peripheral rim 38 placed on top of the rim 18 and the spaced tabs 39 arranged in a ring shape that is inside the inner diameter of the rim 18. Before or after placing the cover over the rim 18, the cylindrical locking member 40 is inserted down the longitudinal axis 36 and through the opening 35 in the cover 30. The upper flange 46 of the cylindrical retaining member 40 is larger than the opening 35 and engages the upper surface 32 around the opening 35 when the base 42 extends downwardly from the cover plate 30.

The support arms 60 are then disposed through the first lock, such as by extending through the opposing vertical slots 48 in the cylindrical locks 40 to engage the lower surface of the rim 18. In some embodiments, the ends 62 of the support arms 60 are aligned with opposing points of the rim 18. The locking ring 50 then engages the cylindrical locking member 40, such as by being vertically adjusted/tightened along the base 42 using the threaded portions shown, correspondingly raising the support arms into engagement with the rim 18, securing the locking ring 50 to the cylindrical locking member 40 to clamp the cover plate 30 and the support arms 60 together, sandwiching the rim 18 therebetween. In one variation, the support arm 60 can be passed through the slot 48 after the locking ring is partially raised over the cylindrical lock 40.

Once the cylindrical locking member 40 and locking ring 50 have been engaged and tightened to create a sufficient clamping action, they are selectively locked to prevent disengagement. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking ring is slightly adjusted, if necessary, to align the pair of locking ring grooves 58 with the grooves 48 in the cylindrical locking member 40. Locking bar 70 is then placed through the aligned slots. Fastener end 74 may be placed into inlet slot 58. The locking bar 70 is then advanced through the entrance slot 58 and the cylinder slot 48 until the fastener end 74 extends outwardly from the exit slot 58. The stop end 72 abuts the exterior of the inlet slot. Thus, the locking bar 70 prevents the locking ring 50 from rotating or otherwise being adjusted relative to the cylindrical locking member 40. A fastener such as a padlock, snap lock or similar fastener may then be used to selectively engage the fastener end 74 to prevent the lock bar 70 from being removed. Preferably, the fasteners are difficult to remove except by the authorized user or owner. Alternatively, the fastener end 74 may define an opening that may be engaged by a fastener. Once in place, the rim mounting assembly 20 prevents the basketball stand 10 from being used to play basketball. When desired, the homeowner and/or authorized user may remove the fasteners, allowing retraction of the locking bar 70, thereby allowing the locking ring 50 and support arm 60 to be disengaged and the cover plate 30 to be removed.

In an alternative embodiment, the volleyball training aid 110 is shown in FIGS. 9-12. The volleyball training aid 110 is mounted to a rim mounting assembly 120, which may be mounted to a rim and basketball stands, such as basketball stand 10 and rim 18. The rim mounting assembly 120 is formed and primarily used in the same manner as the rim mounting assembly 20; however, the locking bar 70 and fasteners are optional and may be omitted when used to assist the volleyball training aid 110.

The rim mounting assembly 120 includes a cover plate 122. The cover plate 122 is shown as circular in comparison to the cover plate 30, and the cover plate 122 is more planar than the cover plate 30. The cover plate 122 is sized such that the peripheral edge defines an outer diameter that is at least greater than the inner diameter of the rim 18. The peripheral rim is configured to rest on the upper surface of the rim 18 and may have an outer diameter that is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the rim 18. The cover plate 122 may include a plurality of spaced tabs corresponding to the spaced tabs 39. The plurality of spaced tabs 39 are formed in a ring shape and have an outer diameter sized to fit within the inner diameter of the rim 18 to prevent the cover plate from being removed laterally from the rim.

The cover plate 122 also differs from the cover plate 30 in the mounting aspect of the combined volleyball training aid frame and net. The cover plate 122 may include or define passages and/or mounting locations for the frame members and various fasteners.

The rim mounting assembly 120 includes a cylindrical locking member 124 that may be identical to the cylindrical locking member 40 and that engages the central opening in the cover plate 122 in the same manner that the cylindrical locking member 40 engages the cover plate 30. The rim mounting assembly 120 includes a locking ring 126 and a support arm 128 that are identical and/or equivalent to the locking ring 50 and the support arm 60. In substantially the same manner as the rim mounting assembly 20, the rim mounting assembly 120 may be secured to the rim 18 by placing the cover plate 122 over the rim 18 and inserting the lock cylinder 124 downward into the cover plate. The support arm 128 is placed through a vertical slot in the lock cylinder 124 and the lock ring is adjusted to raise the support arm 128 and clamp the support arm 128 to the rim.

The volleyball training aid 110 further includes a support frame and a net. The support frame 160 includes a pair of parallel side bars 162 rigidly connected to a pair of parallel cross bars 164. A cross bar 164 forms a rigid base perpendicular to the side bars 162. The base is mounted to the cover 122, for example, a crossbar 164 is connected to and mounted to a pair of lateral channels defined on the upper surface of the cover 122. A plurality of support arms 166 extend vertically upward from the base. The support arms 166 may extend from four corners of the side bar 162 and may optionally be spaced apart in two lateral directions, thereby defining a generally trapezoidal shaped space between each pair of adjacent support arms 166. Optionally, support arm 166 is connected to side bar 162 by hinge 168. Hinges 168 allow each support arm 166 to pivot downward and parallel to side bars 162 for storage and transport.

A volleyball training net 170 is mounted to the frame 160. The training net 170 may be aligned over the upper surface of the rim 18. The training net 170 may be formed with a bottom net panel 172 and side panels, such as a pair of lateral side panels 173, a back side panel 174, and a front side panel 175. Front side plate 175 may define an opening 178 that leads to a return ramp 180. The bottom web 172 extends above and across the rim 18. The side panels are shown as being generally trapezoidal in shape with the shorter edges thereof arranged as lower edges, which are connected to the bottom web 172. The side edges of the side panels connect and form the four corner edges 176 of the web 170.

The upper ends of the four corner edges 176 are mounted to the upper ends of the support arms 166. The upper ends of the four corner edges may be mounted to the support arms 166 by pockets or sleeves defined by the mesh 170, or may be mounted using fasteners such as hooks, snaps, screws/bolts, hook and loop fasteners, adhesives, rivets, or other forms of connectors.

In some embodiments, the lower ends of the four corner edges 176 are anchored to the rim mounting assembly 120 and/or the rim 160. The lower ends of the four corner edges may be secured using hooks 190 that engage anchor points in the lid or frame assembly. Hook 190 may be secured to a tether or cable to provide sufficient length to anchor the lower corner to an anchor point.

When installed and arranged for use in a hoop, the rim 160 maintains the training net 170 in an open configuration. The panels of the net 170 may remain somewhat taut but flexible enough to absorb the impact of a volleyball with minimal bounce. In some embodiments, the training net 170 may be formed as part of one continuous member with the bottom web panel 172 and side panels, or may be separate members that are joined together, such as by stitching or ties. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the training net 170 may be formed from a variety of materials, such as mesh, cloth, polyethylene, or nylon fabric. In certain embodiments, the training net 170 may be removed and/or folded with the support arms for storage and transport.

In some embodiments, the return ramp 180 extends downwardly at an angle from the opening 178 in the front side plate 175. The return ramp 180 includes a length having a pair of parallel side bars 186 extending at an angle from the front of the frame 160. For example, the front ends of the side bars 186 may be hingedly mounted to the front ends of a pair of frame brackets, allowing the ramp 180 to be folded over the frame 160 and cover 122 for storage and transport. The return net is mounted to the ramp side bar 186. The return net includes a central net panel 182 forming a sloped surface extending downward at an angle. A pair of side return webs 183 are disposed on opposite sides of the central web 182. The central screen 182 and the side return screens 183 form downwardly extending chutes.

The training net 170 is optionally configured to feed volleyballs received in the net 170 into the return ramp 180. In some embodiments, bottom web 172 is angled or sloped, forming a ramp or ramp to direct volleyballs received in web 170 toward opening 178. The opening 178 directs the volleyball laterally over the rim 18. As the volleyball leaves the net 170, the volleyball is received on the return ramp 180 and directed downwardly by the return net chute where it may be caught or may fall and may then be retrieved by the player using the volleyball training aid. Optionally, but less preferably, the return ramp 180 may be omitted and/or the return ramp 180 and opening 178 may be omitted, thus requiring manual retrieval of each volleyball received in the training net 170. In some basketball stands, the height of the rim may be adjusted to adjust the height at which the training aid is used.

In certain other embodiments, the rim mounting assembly 120 may be used to support other types of training accessories that need to be mounted to the rim. Non-limiting examples include basketball shooting aids, basketball backboard training aids, and volleyball training aids that are different from the hoop.

While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the disclosure are desired to be protected.

Claims

1. A volleyball training aid mountable to a rim of a basketball stand, comprising:

a support frame;

a net mounted over at least a portion of the support frame, wherein the net comprises side panels and a bottom panel defining an interior, wherein the net defines an opening adjacent the bottom panel, wherein the net is arranged in an open configuration having an open top to receive a ball;

wherein a basket hoop mounting assembly is secured to the support frame of the volleyball training aid, wherein the basket hoop mounting assembly comprises:

a cover configured to be placed on an upper surface of a rim of a basketball goal, wherein an outer diameter of the cover is at least greater than an inner diameter of the rim, wherein the cover defines an opening through a center of the cover along a longitudinal axis;

a cylindrical locking member having a top and a length, wherein the cylindrical locking member extends downwardly along a longitudinal axis and through the opening in the cover plate, wherein the top of the cylindrical locking member is larger than the opening in the cover plate, wherein the cylindrical locking member defines a pair of opposing vertical slots;

a support arm having a pair of opposing ends, wherein the support arm has a length greater than the inner diameter of the rim, wherein the support arm extends through the opposing vertical slots of the cylindrical lock, wherein the pair of opposing ends are configured to engage opposing points along a lower surface of the rim; and

an annular lock secured to the cylindrical lock, wherein the annular lock is screwable to clamp the lid plate and the support arm to the rim.

2. A volleyball training aid according to claim 1, comprising:

a return ramp having a length, wherein the return ramp extends downwardly at an angle from the opening in the net.

3. The volleyball training aid of claim 1, wherein the net further comprises a rear side panel and a front side panel, wherein the side panels are connected to four corner edges of the net, wherein the opening is defined through the front side panel of the net.

4. A volleyball training aid according to claim 3, wherein the bottom panel and the side panels are formed from one continuous piece of material.

5. A volleyball training aid according to claim 3, wherein the support frame includes a base of a pair of side bars connected by a pair of parallel cross bars, wherein a plurality of support arms extend vertically upwardly from the base.

6. The volleyball training aid of claim 5, wherein the crossbar is secured to the hoop mounting assembly within a side channel defined in the upper surface of the cover plate.

7. A volleyball training aid according to claim 5, wherein the support arm is connected to the side bar by a hinge, wherein the support arm is pivoted downwardly and parallel to the side bar for storage.

8. A volleyball training aid according to claim 5, wherein the rims each include a sleeve defined by the net, wherein each sleeve is attached to one of the plurality of support arms to mount the net to the support frame.

9. A volleyball training aid according to claim 1, wherein the sole plate is inclined towards the opening in the net.

10. A volleyball training aid according to claim 1, wherein the cover plate includes spacer tabs extending vertically downward therefrom, wherein the spacer tabs are arranged in a ring shape and have an outer diameter sized to fit coaxially inside the inner diameter of the basket hoop.

11. A volleyball training aid according to claim 1, wherein the cylindrical lock includes external threads along at least a portion of the length of the cylinder.

12. A volleyball training aid according to claim 11, the annular locking ring including a series of internal threads sized to matingly engage and engage the threads of the cylinder.

13. A volleyball training aid mountable to a rim of a basketball stand, comprising:

a support frame;

a net mounted over at least a portion of the support frame, wherein the net includes side panels and a bottom panel defining an interior, wherein the bottom panel extends over an edge of a basketball goal, wherein the net defines an opening adjacent the bottom panel, wherein the net is arranged in an open configuration having an open top to receive a ball; wherein the opening directs the at least one ball laterally through the opening above the rim; and

a rim mounting assembly secured to the support frame, wherein the rim mounting assembly comprises:

an upper member configured to engage with the upper member of the rim; and

a lower member configured to engage with a lower member of the rim, wherein the lower member is secured to the upper member to clamp the upper member and the lower member to the rim.

14. A volleyball training aid according to claim 13, wherein the upper member is a cover plate having a diameter at least greater than an inner diameter of the hoop, and the lower member is a support arm, wherein the support arm has a length greater than the inner diameter of the hoop.

15. A volleyball training aid according to claim 14, wherein the cover plate defines an opening through the center of the cover plate along a longitudinal axis.

16. A volleyball training aid according to claim 15, comprising:

a cylindrical locking member having a length, wherein said cylindrical locking member extends downwardly along a longitudinal axis and through said opening in said cover plate, wherein a top of said cylindrical locking member is larger than said opening in said cover plate, wherein said cylindrical locking member defines a pair of opposing vertical slots; wherein one of the opposing ends of the support arm extends through the opposing vertical slots of the cylindrical lock; and

an annular lock configured to be secured to the cylindrical lock, wherein the annular lock is tightenable to clamp the lid plate and the support arm to the basket rim.

17. A volleyball training aid according to claim 13, comprising:

18. A volleyball training aid according to claim 13, wherein the sole plate is inclined towards the opening in the net.

19. A method of mounting a volleyball training aid to a basketball goal rim, comprising:

placing a lid on an upper surface of a rim of a basketball goal, wherein the lid has a diameter at least greater than an inner diameter of the rim, wherein a support frame of a volleyball training aid is secured to the lid, wherein a net is mounted over at least a portion of the support frame, wherein the net includes side panels and a bottom panel defining an interior, wherein the net defines an opening adjacent the bottom panel, wherein the net is arranged in an open configuration having an open top to receive a ball;

positioning a support arm in engagement with a lower portion of the rim, wherein the support arm has a length that is greater than the inner diameter of the rim; and

clamping the support arm to the lid to clamp the lid and the support arm to the rim.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein said clamping said support arm to said lid comprises:

inserting a cylindrical lock downwardly from an opening defined through a lid, wherein a top of the cylindrical lock is larger than the opening in the lid, wherein the cylindrical lock defines a pair of opposing vertical slots, wherein arranging the support arm includes arranging the support arm to extend through the opposing vertical slots of the cylindrical lock; and

securing an annular lock to the cylindrical lock to clamp the lid and the support arm to the rim.