US20120220397A1

US20120220397A1 - Basketball system

Info

Publication number: US20120220397A1
Application number: US13/403,226
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert A. Astle; Joel Bennett
Original assignee: Lifetime Products Inc
Current assignee: Lifetime Products Inc
Priority date: 2011-02-25
Filing date: 2012-02-23
Publication date: 2012-08-30

Abstract

In one example, a basketball system includes a base, a post connected at least indirectly to the base, a backboard, a backboard support structure connected at least indirectly to the backboard, a biasing mechanism connected at least indirectly to the backboard support structure, and an adjustment mechanism connected at least indirectly to the backboard support structure, the post, and the biasing mechanism, wherein the biasing mechanism is configured to bias the adjustment mechanism toward a fully extended state.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This application hereby claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. 61/446,749, entitled BASKETBALL SYSTEM, filed Feb. 25, 2011, and incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Present Disclosure
The present disclosure is generally concerned with basketball systems. More specifically, the disclosed embodiments concern a basketball system that may, in one implementation, include a base to which a post is attached. An adjustment mechanism may be attached to the post. A backboard support structure may be attached to the adjustment mechanism. A backboard may be attached to the backboard support structure. Finally, a rim may be attached to the backboard.
2. Description of Related Art
A variety of different basketball systems have been constructed, but many suffer from one or more deficiencies. Example embodiments within the scope of this disclosure may thus present one or more advantages relative to other basketball systems. Such advantages may relate to a single piece backboard that can be supported without the use of adhesives. Other advantages may relate to the use of a post with rolling elements. Still other advantages may relate to a lift mechanism that is biased in an extended position. Yet other advantages may relate to the use of one or more blow-molded plastic components. The aforementioned possible advantages are presented solely by way of illustration and may or may not apply to any given embodiment and, accordingly, such advantages, if any, should be not construed to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME ASPECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein do not constitute an exhaustive summary of all possible embodiments, nor does this brief summary constitute an exhaustive list of all aspects of any particular embodiment(s). Rather, this brief summary simply presents selected aspects of some example embodiments. It should be noted that nothing herein should be construed as constituting an essential or indispensable element of any invention or embodiment. Rather, various aspects of the disclosed embodiments may be combined in a variety of ways so as to define yet further embodiments. Such further embodiments are considered as being within the scope of this disclosure. As well, none of the embodiments embraced within the scope of this disclosure should be construed as resolving, or being limited to the resolution of, any particular problem(s). Nor should such embodiments be construed to implement, or be limited to implementation of, any particular technical effect(s) or solution(s).
Disclosed embodiments are generally concerned with basketball systems and associated components. Embodiments within the scope of this disclosure may include any one or more of the following elements, and features of elements, in any combination: a base, which may or may not comprise a plastic structure that has been blow-molded, roto-molded, or constructed with a twin-sheet process; a base which may be at least partially hollow and configured to be at least partly filled with a ballast material; an auxiliary base unit that may be connected, at least indirectly, to a base; a post configured to be connected, at least indirectly, to a base; a post configured to be received, removably or otherwise, in a base; a base that may include one or more wheels or other devices of similar functionality connected, at least indirectly, to the base; a backboard support structure configured to be connected, at least indirectly, to a post; a backboard configured to be connected, at least indirectly, to a backboard support structure; a backboard support arm which may or may not comprise a plastic structure that has been blow-molded, roto-molded, or constructed with a twin-sheet process; a fixed backboard support arm; a triggerless adjustment mechanism that enables a user to raise and lower an associated backboard; an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a height of a backboard; an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a height of a backboard and also configured so that the adjustment mechanism is biased to a fully extended state where a height of the backboard is at a maximum; an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a height of a backboard and also configured so that the adjustment mechanism is biased such that force is required to overcome the bias in order to change the height of the backboard; an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a height of a backboard and also configured so that the adjustment mechanism is biased to an extended state such that force is required to overcome the bias in order to move the adjustment mechanism to a non-extended state and/or to a less than fully extended state; an adjustment mechanism configured so that a user can unlock the adjustment mechanism, so as to enable backboard movement, by rotating a handle of the adjustment mechanism toward the user; an adjustment mechanism configured so that, when the adjustment mechanism is unlocked, a user can decrease the height of the backboard by pulling a handle of the adjustment mechanism toward the user; a rim configured to be connected, at least indirectly, to a backboard; a rim configured to be partially, or completely, rigidly connected, at least indirectly, to a backboard; a backboard frame configured to enable a backboard to be connected to the backboard frame with little, or no, adhesive; a backboard substantially comprising formed polycarbonate; a backboard substantially comprising a formed acrylic; a biasing mechanism configured to bias an adjustment mechanism to a desired state or configuration; and, a biasing mechanism configured to be locked and unlocked.
Note that as used herein, the term ‘at least indirectly connected’ embraces arrangements in which, for example, a first element is connected to a second element not directly but by way of one or more intervening elements, and also embraces arrangements in which, for example, a first element is directly connected to a second element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The appended drawings contain figures of some example embodiments to further clarify various aspects of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that these drawings depict only some embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit its scope in any way. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of an example basketball system;

FIG. 2 is a side view of an example basketball system, indicating an adjustment mechanism in a retracted position;

FIG. 3 is a side view of an example basketball system, indicating an adjustment mechanism in an extended position;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of an example of a base for a basketball system;

FIG. 5 a is a partial perspective view of an adjustment mechanism, indicating a handle in a position that corresponds to an unlocked biasing mechanism;

FIG. 5 b is a partial perspective view of an adjustment mechanism, indicating a handle in a position that corresponds to a locked biasing mechanism;

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of elements of an adjustment mechanism;

FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of an adjustment mechanism, indicating an arrangement of a handle and biasing mechanism;

FIG. 8 is a rear partial perspective view indicating portions of a backboard support structure and backboard;

FIG. 9 is a front partial perspective view indicating portions of a rim and backboard;

FIG. 10 is an exploded front perspective view of portions of the rim and backboard; and

FIG. 11 is an exploded rear perspective view of portions of the rim and backboard.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure is generally concerned with basketball systems. In brief, a basketball system may, in one implementation, include a base to which a post is attached. An adjustment mechanism may be attached to the post. A backboard support structure may be attached to the adjustment mechanism. A backboard may be attached to the backboard support structure. Finally, a rim may be attached to the backboard.

General Aspects of Some Example Embodiments

In general, basketball system components disclosed herein may be constructed with a variety of components and materials including, but not limited to, plastic (including blow-molded, roto-molded, and twin sheet plastic structures and elements) including polycarbonates, composites, metals, and combinations of any of the foregoing. Suitable metals may include steel, aluminum, and aluminum alloys, although the skilled person will understand that a variety of other metals may be employed as well and the scope of the invention is not limited to the foregoing examples. Where metal is employed in the construction of a basketball system component, the metal elements may take one or more forms including, but not limited to, square tube, rectangular tube, round tube, pipe, angles, flatbar, I-shapes, T-shapes, L-shapes, and combinations and portions of any of the foregoing.
Depending upon the material(s) employed in the construction of the basketball system, a variety of methods and components may be used to connect, releasably or permanently, various elements of the basketball system. For example, the various elements of a basketball system or basketball system component within the scope of this disclosure may be attached to each other by any one or more of allied processes such as welding or brazing, and/or mechanically by way of fasteners such as bolts, screws, pins, and rivets, for example.
Some, none, or all of portions of a one or more of the basketball system components may be coated with paint or other materials. Surface treatments and textures may also be applied to portions of the basketball system. At least some of such materials may serve to help prevent, or reduce, rust and corrosion.

Structural Aspects of Some Example Embodiments

Directing attention first to FIG. 1, aspects of an example basketball system 100 are disclosed. In the disclosed example, the basketball system 100 includes a base 200 to which a post 300 is connected by way of a post support 400. An adjustment mechanism 500 is attached to the post 300, and to a backboard support structure 600. The backboard support structure 600, in turn, is attached to a backboard 700 that supports a rim 800.
With general reference now to FIGS. 2 and 3, and with continuing attention to FIG. 1, FIG. 2 discloses a disposition of the basketball system 100 where the adjustment mechanism 500 is in a retracted state, while FIGS. 1 and 3 disclose a disposition of the basketball system 100 where the adjustment mechanism 500 is in an extended state. As revealed by a comparison of FIGS. 1 and 2, when the example adjustment mechanism 500 is an extended state (FIGS. 1 and 3), the backboard 700 is located relatively higher, and laterally further away from the post 300, than it is when the adjustment mechanism 500 is in a retracted state (FIG. 2). Among other things, the retracted state may provide a relatively more compact configuration if a user decides to move the basketball system 100. The overall change in height of the backboard 700 between fully extended and fully retracted positions of the adjustment mechanism 500, that is, the range of heights defined by the adjustment mechanism 500, may be defined and implemented as desired. In at least one example embodiment, an adjustment mechanism 500 enables a user to move the backboard 700 to a height where the rim 800 is approximately 10 feet above the playing surface, although other heights may be achieved as well with embodiments of the invention.
Example Post and Base Configurations
With continued reference to FIGS. 1-3, and directing particular attention to FIG. 4, further details are provided concerning aspects of the base 200, post 300 and post supports 400. Turning first to the base 200, one example embodiment comprises a blow-molded plastic structure having a substantially hollow interior. Other processes, examples of which include roto-molding and twin-sheet processes, may be used to construct the base 200. The base 200 may include one or more plugs (not shown) which can be removed so as to enable the substantially hollow interior of the base to be filled with a ballast material, examples of which include sand and water. The same, or other, plugs may also be used to allow the ballast material to flow from or be removed from the substantially hollow interior of the base 200.
The base 200 may be configured with any desirable configuration. For example, and as discussed in further detail below and also illustrated in the Figures, the base 200 may include one or more recesses, pockets, grooves, tunnels, through holes, lugs, openings, ribs, contours, or other features, or combinations of any of the foregoing. In some instances, one or more of such features may enable removable, or permanent, attachment of various structures to the base 200.
For example, in at least some embodiments, the base 200 is configured to enable the attachment, to the base 200, of one or more auxiliary base units (not shown), which may comprise blow-molded plastic structures having substantially hollow interiors. The auxiliary base units may be similar to the base 200 in that one or more of the auxiliary base units include one or more plugs that enable the auxiliary base unit to be filled with a ballast material, which can also be removed from the auxiliary base unit when desired.
In general, one or more of the auxiliary base units can be removably attached to the base 200 through the use of fasteners such as bolts, screws or pins. In some embodiments, one or more auxiliary base units may be provided that are substantially solid and made of a relatively heavy material such as steel, or concrete. Like the substantially hollow auxiliary base units, the substantially solid auxiliary base units may be configured to be releasably attached to the base 200.
As best indicated in FIGS. 1-3, the base 200 may include one or more recesses 201 formed on either side of the top of the base 200 and configured to receive a corresponding post support 400. Corresponding recesses 201 may likewise be formed on the bottom of the base 200 (see FIG. 4). As indicated in FIGS. 1-4, each of the recesses 201 may be configured so that a fastener 203, such as a bolt for example, can be passed through the base 200 and into an opening defined in the lower end of each post support 400. In this way, the post supports 400 can be removably secured to the base 200. In at least some embodiments, bolts are passed from the bottom of the base 200 through the top of the base 200 so that corresponding nuts and washers can be conveniently placed on the ends of the bolts that extend upward through the base 200. Of course, the disclosed arrangement of the post supports 400, and their attachment to the base 200, is presented solely by way of example and other suitable methods and structures can be used to connect the post 300, either removably or permanently, to the base 200.
With continued reference to FIGS. 1-3, the upper ends of each post support 400 can be secured to the post 300 either removably or permanently. In the disclosed example, the upper ends of the post supports are attached to the post 300 by way of a bolt 401 that passes through the post 300 and the post supports 400. A nut and washer (not shown) may be used to secure the bolt 401 in place. Any alternative device, such as one or more rivets or pins may alternatively be used to secure the post supports 400 to the post 300. Alternatively, the post supports 400 may be welded or brazed to the post 300.
With continued reference to FIGS. 1-4, the post 300 may have a telescoping, or other multi-piece, configuration that includes one or more post elements 301 that may be tubular and that can be assembled together to form the post 300. In other embodiments, the post 300 may have a single piece construction. In at least some embodiments, the post 300 is metal. With particular reference now to FIG. 4, the basketball system 100 may include a shaft 303, which may be metal, that passes laterally through the post 300 and into the base 200 so as to aid in securing the post 300 to the base 200. In at least some embodiments, the post 300 is reinforced in the locations where the shaft 303 passes through the post 300. The shaft 303 may or may not be attached to the post 300. Where the shaft 303 is attached, welding or other suitable processes may be employed to make the attachment.
With continued reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 in particular, at least some embodiments of the basketball system 100 include one or more wheels 205 or other mechanisms, such as rollers for example, of comparable functionality. In the illustrated example, the wheels 205 are attached at either end of an axle 207, which may be metal, that passes through the post 300 below the shaft 303. The ends of the axle 207 are received in the base 200. In at least one embodiment, the axle 207 is snap fit into corresponding recesses (not shown) defined in the base 200. In another embodiment, the axle 207 is fitted in the base 200 during a blow-molding process. In addition to supporting the wheels 205, the axle 207 may also facilitate secure retention of the post 300 to the base 200. The axle 207 may or may not be substantially the same diameter as the shaft 303. As in the case of the shaft 303, the post 300 may be reinforced in the locations where the axle 207 passes through the post 300.
Example Adjustment Mechanism
Directing attention now to FIGS. 5 a-7, and with continuing attention to FIGS. 1-3, details are provided concerning aspects of an adjustment mechanism 500. It should be noted that the adjustment mechanism 500 disclosed herein is but one example of a structural implementation of a means for adjusting a backboard position. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to this example structural embodiment. Rather, any other mechanism(s) capable of performing this function are likewise considered as being embraced within the scope of the invention.
As indicated in the aforementioned Figures, the adjustment mechanism 500 includes a biasing mechanism 501, such as a gas shock or similar component. The biasing mechanism may additionally, or alternatively, comprise one or more springs or elements of similar functionality.
In the illustrated example, the biasing mechanism 501 includes a piston 503 arranged for reciprocal movement relative to a housing 505 within which the piston 503 is at least partially received. In general, the biasing mechanism 501 is configured such that the piston 503 is biased out of the housing 505 into an extended position such that exertion of a force is necessary to push the piston 503 back into the housing 505, that is, to a retracted position. One effect of such a bias may be that the adjustment mechanism 500 and, thus, the backboard 700, is biased toward an extended position.
In other embodiments, the biasing mechanism 501 may have a neutral bias such that, in the absence of any force, the piston 503 tends to remain in a fixed position relative to the housing 505 after the piston 503 has been moved. In still other embodiments, the biasing mechanism 501 may be configured such that the piston 503 is biased into the housing 505 such that exertion of a force is necessary to draw the piston 503 away from the housing 505 into the extended position.
Regardless of the nature of the bias of the biasing mechanism 501, the biasing mechanism 501 may include a locking mechanism 507, such as a pin for example, that permits the position of the piston 503 to be locked relative to the housing 505. In an embodiment where the piston 503 is biased into the extended position, the exertion of a force on the piston 503 may move the piston 503 to the retracted position. The locking mechanism 507 then enables the piston 503 to be locked into the retracted position. Correspondingly, release of the locking mechanism 507 enables the piston 503 to move automatically to an extended position. In the illustrated embodiment, where the locking mechanism 507 comprises a pin, movement of the pin a distance into the housing 505 unlocks the biasing mechanism 501 such that the piston 503 is able to move relative to the housing 505. Correspondingly, movement of the pin a distance out of the housing 505 locks the biasing mechanism 501 such that the piston 503 is fixed relative to the housing 505. In this way, the adjustment mechanism 500 and, thus, the backboard 700, can be substantially prevented from moving.
Movement of the pin a distance into the housing 505 may be effected as disclosed elsewhere herein. Correspondingly, the pin may be biased a distance out of the housing 505 so that in the absence of a counteracting force or component, the pin is in a position that corresponds to a locked disposition of the biasing mechanism 501.
As further disclosed in the example of FIGS. 5 a-7, the adjustment mechanism 500 includes two pairs of arms 511 and 513 which include arms 511A/B and 513A/B, respectively. The pairs of arms 511 and 513 are connected to other components of the basketball system 100 in such a way that the two pairs of arms 511 and 513 are able to move in unison with each other. Thus configured and arranged, the pairs of arms 511 and 513 may cooperatively define a parallelogram shape or configuration throughout their range of motion.
As indicated in FIG. 6, for example, the lower ends of the arms 513 are rotatably connected to the post 300 by way of a pin 515. The pin 515 may comprise a bolt, rivet, rod, shaft or other suitable structure(s). The lower ends of the arms 511 are rotatably connected to the post 300 in a similar fashion.
As best shown in FIG. 7, the upper ends of the arms 513 are connected, indirectly in the illustrated embodiment, to a center support member 601 of the backboard support structure 600 by way of one or more brackets 517A and 517B through whose lower ends a pin 519 passes. In the example of FIG. 7, a total of four brackets 517 are disclosed, although more or fewer brackets can be employed. The brackets 517A may or may not have substantially the same configuration as brackets 517B. The upper ends of brackets 517A and 517B, as well as the upper ends of arms 511A and 511B, are rotatably connected to the center support member 601 by way of a pin 521. Among other things, and as apparent from a comparison of FIGS. 1 and 2 for example, the brackets 517 not only enable the spacing between arms 511 and 513 to be varied as necessary to permit changes in the position of the backboard 700, but also facilitate maintenance of a parallel arrangement of the arms 511 and 513 relative to each other throughout a range of motion.
With particular attention now to FIG. 6, the illustrated embodiment may also include one or more bearing elements 523 configured and arranged to support the brackets 517 as the brackets 517 move. The bearing elements 523, which may or may not be rotatable, may be supported by a pin 525 that passes through arms 511A and 511B below the brackets 517. One or more spacers 527 may maintain a desired spacing between the bearing elements 523. The bearing elements 523 may be made of any suitable material. In at least some embodiments, the bearing elements 523 may comprise a low-friction material such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), sold under the trademark TEFLON®, or polyoxymethylene (POM), also known as acetal, polyacetal, and polyformaldehyde, one or more of which may be sold under the trademark DELRIN®.
With particular reference now to FIG. 7, and with continuing reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 5 a and 5 b, some embodiments of the basketball system 100 include a handle 529 or other mechanism configured and arranged to effect operation of the biasing mechanism 501. As indicated in FIG. 5 a, a pin 531 may be employed to rotatably connect the handle 529 and the housing 505 of the biasing mechanism 501 to arms 513A and 513B. The piston 503 of the biasing mechanism 501 may be connected, directly, or indirectly by way of one or more brackets 602, to the center support arm 601 of the backboard support structure 600 by way of a pin 532.
As explained below, the handle 529 can be rotated to effect locking and unlocking of the biasing mechanism 501. As shown in FIG. 7, the handle 529 may include one or more upper cam surfaces 529A and lower cam surfaces 529B configured and arranged so that rotation of the handle 529 results in a substantially linear motion of an actuation bar 533 that is operably disposed with respect to the locking mechanism 507. The range of motion of the actuation bar 533 is defined by a one or more slots 535 within which the actuation bar 533 is positioned. The actuation bar 533 is configured and arranged for contact with the locking mechanism 507.
With reference to the handle 529 position shown in FIG. 7, the upper cam surfaces 529A are positioned in such a way as to hold the actuation bar 533 against the locking mechanism 507, pressing the locking mechanism 507 into the housing 505 such that the locking mechanism 507 is unlocked and the piston 503 is free to move relative to the housing 505. When the handle 529 is thus positioned, the user may pull the handle 529 downward so as to decrease the height of the backboard 700. As well, if the user does not exert a force on the handle 529 in excess of the bias imposed by the biasing mechanism 501, the biasing mechanism will act on the adjustment mechanism 500 so as to bias the adjustment mechanism 500 toward an extended position, thereby increasing the height of the backboard 700.
At such time as the backboard 700 is positioned at the desired height, the user may then lock the biasing mechanism, thereby securing the backboard 700 is a desired position, by rotating the handle 529 upward. In particular, as the handle 529 is rotated upward, the upper cam surfaces 529A slide past the actuation bar 533. As a result of the differing configuration and arrangement of the lower cam surfaces 529B, the lower cam surfaces 529B enable the actuation bar 533, still in contact with the locking mechanism 507, to move downward in the slot 535 away from the locking mechanism 507. This motion of the actuation bar 533, in turn, enables the locking mechanism 507 to extend a distance from the housing 505, so that the biasing mechanism 501 is locked.
As should be apparent, the example adjustment mechanism 500 may be advantageous in one or more ways. By way of illustration, a user can unlock the biasing mechanism 501 and lower, or permit the elevation of, the backboard 700 solely by use of the handle 529. No triggers or trigger mechanisms are required. As another example, because the biasing mechanism 501 is configured to bias the adjustment mechanism 500 toward an extended position, raising the backboard 700 is relatively easily accomplished, without significant effort on the part of the user. As a further example, the weight of the backboard 700 and other elements also enable a user to lower the backboard 700 relatively easily after the biasing mechanism 501 has been unlocked.
Example Backboard Support Structure and Related Elements
Turning now to FIGS. 8-9, and with continued attention to FIGS. 5 a-7, details are provided concerning some aspects of the backboard support structure 600, backboard 700, and rim 800.
As indicated in the example of FIGS. 7 and 8, the backboard support structure 600 includes a center support member 601 whose lower end is attached to elements of the adjustment mechanism 500, as explained above. The upper end of the center support member 601 is positioned between, and attached to, a pair of brackets 605 by way of one or more pins 607. As with the other pins disclosed herein, pins 607 may comprise bolts, rivets, rods, shafts or other comparable devices. The brackets 605 are attached to a frame 701 of the backboard 700. Such attachment can be effected with fasteners 609 and/or processes such as welding or brazing. Further details concerning the attachment of the brackets 605 to the frame 701 are set forth below.
In addition to the center support member 601, the backboard support structure 600 may also include a pair of backboard support arms 611. In at least one example embodiment, the backboard support arms 611 are made of blow-molded plastic but, as noted elsewhere herein, the backboard support arms 611, like other components of the disclosed basketball systems, may be constructed of metal, composites, plastics, or any combination of the foregoing. The lower portion of each backboard support arm 611 is attached to the center support member 601. This attachment may be effected with bolts, brackets and/or any other suitable device(s). As well, the two backboard support arms 611 split into portions that are attached to the frame 701. In the example of FIG. 8, this attachment of the backboard support arms 611 is effected by way of slots 701A into which corresponding structure of the backboard support arms 611 is snap fit. In other embodiments attachment of the backboard support arms 611 to the frame 701 may be effected with bolts, brackets and/or any other suitable device(s).
As noted above, and disclosed in FIGS. 8-9, one example embodiment of the basketball system 100 includes a backboard frame 701. In general, the backboard frame 701 may be constructed so as to provide attachment points for one or more of the backboard support structure 600, the backboard 700, and the rim 800. One or more components of the frame 701 may be constructed of square or U-shaped aluminum or steel stock such as tube, although any other materials and configurations disclosed herein could be used in constructing one or more components of the frame 701. As is the case with other metal components disclosed herein, part or all of the frame and the rim may be painted or otherwise finished, such as by powder coating for example.
With attention now to FIGS. 10 and 11, and with continued attention to FIGS. 8 and 9, the example backboard frame 701 may include four vertical members 703 and three horizontal members 705, although different numbers and arrangements of members may alternatively be employed. The vertical members 703 and horizontal members 705 may be attached to each other with fasteners, such as screws for example, and/or by welding, brazing or other processes. In the disclosed embodiment, the backboard 700 is attached to the backboard frame 701 with adhesive, although other methods of attachment may also be employed. In some embodiments, the backboard 700 comprises a single piece of material, examples of which include acrylic and polycarbonate, although other materials may alternatively be employed.
As indicated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the backboard 700 may include an edge wrap 707 that at least partly encases the lower and side edges of the frame 701 and backboard 700 so as to protect players from any sharp edges that may exist. Thus, the edge wrap 707 may be constructed of plastic, rubber, or comparable materials. The edge wrap 707 may comprise multiple pieces 707A that are each attached to the frame 701 by fasteners. In general, the interior configuration of the edge wrap 707 may be configured with a shape that corresponds with the edges of the frame 701 and/or backboard 700 such that those edges can be at least partly received by the edge wrap 707.
Directing further attention now to the attachment of the brackets 605 to the backboard 700 and rim 800, four fasteners 609 are provided that extend from the rim side of the backboard 700 through a box 801, which may be constructed of folded metal, that serves to distribute the load imposed by the rim 800 on the backboard 700. Additionally, a U-bolt 803 or similar device may be provided that extends through the brackets 605 and the box 801. Disposed on each leg of the U-bolt 803 extending from the rim side of the backboard 700 is a spring 805. The springs 805 are retained in place by a plate 807 through which the legs of the U-bolt 803 extend. Among other things, the springs 805 may permit the rim 800 to flex downward in response to imposition of a force or load, and the plate 807 may help ensure that the springs 805 are uniformly compressed when exposed to a load or force. A bracket 809 attached to the box 801 supports a pin 811 which is received by holes 813A defined by a housing 813 within which the springs 805 are disposed. The housing 813 also defines holes that receive the ends of the fasteners 609 such that the nuts that secure the fasteners 609 are disposed within the housing 813. Finally, the housing 813 includes a removable cover 813B.
Although this disclosure has been described in terms of certain embodiments, other embodiments apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art are also within the scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the disclosure is intended to be defined only by the claims which follow.

Claims

1. A basketball system, comprising:

a base;

a post connected at least indirectly to the base;

a backboard;

a backboard support structure connected at least indirectly to the backboard;

a biasing mechanism connected at least indirectly to the backboard support structure; and

an adjustment mechanism connected at least indirectly to the backboard support structure, the post, and the biasing mechanism, wherein the biasing mechanism is configured to bias the adjustment mechanism toward a fully extended state.

2. The basketball system as recited in claim 1, wherein the biasing mechanism is configured to be locked and unlocked.

3. The basketball system as recited in claim 2, wherein when the adjustment mechanism is in other than the fully extended state, and in the absence of a force to counteract the bias, unlocking of the biasing mechanism results in automatic movement of the adjustment mechanism toward the fully extended state.

4. The basketball system as recited in claim 1, wherein:

when the adjustment mechanism is in the fully extended state, the height of the backboard is at a maximum; and

when the adjustment mechanism is in a fully retracted state, the height of the backboard is at a minimum.

5. The basketball system of claim 1, wherein exertion of a force on the adjustment mechanism is required to overcome the bias imposed by the biasing mechanism and move the adjustment mechanism toward a fully retracted state.

6. The basketball system as recited in claim 1, wherein the adjustment mechanism is a triggerless adjustment mechanism.

7. The basketball system as recited in claim 1, further comprising a handle operably disposed with respect to the biasing mechanism, wherein various movements of the handle enable a user to: lock the biasing mechanism; unlock the biasing mechanism; and, lower the backboard.

8. The basketball system as recited in claim 1, wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises first and second pairs of arms which collectively define a parallelogram configuration and which are configured to move in unison with each other.

9. The basketball system as recited in claim 8, wherein:

the first pair of arms is connected, at least indirectly, at an upper end to the backboard support structure, and the first pair of arms is connected, at least indirectly, at a lower end to the post; and

the second pair of arms is connected, at least indirectly, at an upper end to the backboard support structure, and the second pair of arms is connected, at least indirectly, at a lower end to the post.

10. The basketball system as recited in claim 9, further comprising first and second connecting brackets, wherein an upper end of each connecting bracket is connected to a pin that passes through the upper ends of the first pair of arms, the upper ends of the connecting brackets, and a portion of the backboard support structure, and wherein a lower end of each connecting bracket is connected to a pin that passes through the upper ends of the second pair of arms and the lower ends of the connecting brackets.

11. The basketball system as recited in claim 1, further comprising:

an axle and a pair of wheels, the axle passing through the post and a portion of the base, and a wheel being attached at either end of the axle; and

a pin passing through the post and connected to the base.

12. A basketball system, comprising:

a base;

a post connected at least indirectly to the base;

a backboard;

a backboard support structure connected at least indirectly to the backboard;

a biasing mechanism that is configured to be locked and unlocked;

a handle operably disposed with respect to the biasing mechanism such that rotation of the handle to a first position locks the biasing mechanism and rotation of the handle to a second position unlocks the biasing mechanism; and

an adjustment mechanism connected at least indirectly to the backboard support structure, the post, and the biasing mechanism, wherein:

the biasing mechanism is configured to bias the adjustment mechanism toward a fully extended state;

when the adjustment mechanism is in other than the fully extended state, and in the absence of a force to counteract the bias, rotation of the handle to the second position results in automatic movement of the adjustment mechanism toward the fully extended state; and

a rotation of the handle to the second position, followed by exertion of a downward force on the handle, causes the backboard to be lowered and moved toward the post.

13. The basketball system as recited in claim 12, wherein the adjustment mechanism is a triggerless adjustment mechanism.

14. The basketball system as recited in claim 12, wherein the base is configured to be partially filled with a ballast material.

15. The basketball system as recited in claim 12, wherein when the biasing mechanism is locked, movement of the backboard is substantially prevented.

16. The basketball system as recited in claim 12, wherein the biasing mechanism comprises one or more of: a shock; and, a spring.

17. The basketball system as recited in claim 16, wherein rotation of the handle from the first position to the second position comprises a downward motion of the handle, and rotation of the handle from the second position to the first position comprises an upward motion of the handle.

18. A basketball system, comprising:

a base;

a post connected at least indirectly to the base;

a backboard;

a backboard support structure including a center support member and two fixed backboard support arms connected at least indirectly to the center support member and to the backboard, the backboard support arms each comprising a unitary, single piece structure of blow-molded plastic;

a biasing mechanism configured to be locked and unlocked; and

an adjustment mechanism having a handle operably disposed with respect to the biasing mechanism, the adjustment mechanism being connected at least indirectly to the backboard support structure and the post, wherein:

the biasing mechanism is configured to bias the adjustment mechanism toward a fully extended state where a height of the backboard is at a maximum;

when the adjustment mechanism is in other than the fully extended state, and in the absence of a force to counteract the bias, unlocking of the biasing mechanism results in automatic movement of the adjustment mechanism toward the fully extended state;

a downward rotation of the handle, followed by exertion of a downward force on the handle, causes the backboard to be lowered; and

when the biasing mechanism is locked, movement of the backboard, adjustment mechanism, and biasing mechanism is substantially prevented.

19. The basketball system as recited in claim 18, further comprising a frame at least indirectly connected to the backboard support structure, and wherein the backboard is implemented as a single piece of formed polycarbonate that is connected to the frame without the use of adhesive.

20. The basketball system as recited in claim 18, further comprising a rim connected at least indirectly to the backboard by one or more substantially rigid connections and one or more resilient connections.