Abstract
Disclosed herein are various embodiments of basketball goal systems. One embodiment, among others, comprises a rim connection assembly coupled to a support structure, the rim connection assembly comprising a support plate coupled to a backboard frame, a rim, and a plurality of tubular members through which portions of the rim are inserted and from which the rim is secured to the support plate, wherein the plurality of tubular members are configured to maintain a gap between the goal rim and a substrate corresponding to the backboard frame.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A basketball goal system, comprising: a
segmented upright frame, having a first segment and a second segment; first
and second upper backboard support members and a lower
backboard support member; a pivot structure; a rim connection assembly;
and a backboard frame having a substrate, wherein the first segment comprises
a base having mounting apertures configured to receive a plurality of bolts
each of at least 3/4
inches diameter that secure the first segment to a surface, the first segment
having a screw jack coupled within the first segment, the screw jack having
a gear and pin assembly, the screw jack having an adjustment member coupled
to the gear and pin
assembly to cause movement of the screw jack upon imposition of force to
raise and lower the screw jack, the screw jack having a coupling mechanism,
the first segment having a slot configured to enable reception and movement
of a removable crank arm
without binding of the crank arm to a surface of the slot during an entire
range of the movement of the screw jack, the crank arm having a socket configured
to removably couple to the adjustment member, the socket having a shear
pin having a threshold
failure lower than a threshold failure of the pin of the gear and pin assembly,
the first segment coupled to a gas strut that moves in coordination with
the screw jack, the second segment having two side walls and a rear wall
connected to the two side
walls, the rear wall abutted adjacent the first segment, the second segment
coupled to the first and second upper backboard support members and the
lower backboard support member, the lower backboard support member pivotably
coupled to the second segment
at a pivot point, the pivot point extending beyond a vertical plane corresponding
to the first segment, the lower backboard support member pivotably coupled
to the coupling mechanism using a pin and a plurality of synthetic washers,
the synthetic washers
disposed between each of the two side walls and the lower backboard support
member, the lower backboard support member configured to move in conjunction
with the movement of the screw jack, the first and second upper backboard
support members configured
to move in response to the movement of the lower backboard support member,
the second segment having a slot configured to receive a member t
at enables a fixed height configuration, the pivot structure pivotably coupled
to the lower backboard support
member and the rim connection assembly, the pivot structure configured to
enable a substantially constant overhang throughout the range of movement
of the screw jack, the rim connection assembly comprising a support plate
coupled to the backboard frame,
a rim, and a plurality of tubular members through which portions of the
rim are inserted and from which the rim is secured to the support plate,
wherein the plurality of tubular members are configured to maintain a gap
between the rim and the substrate,
the first and second upper backboard support members rotatably coupled to
peripheral edges of the backboard frame.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure relates generally to basketball equipment, and more particularly, to basketball goal systems.
BACKGROUND
As the popularity of basketball has continued
to increase, so has the availability of a diverse selection of basketball
goals. Gone are the days of plywood nailed to the side of a garage, wherein
a rusty metal rim and a chain-link net often
completed the goal. Backboard options are now plentiful, ranging from inexpensive
molded, opaque plastic versions to higher end acrylic or tempered glass
models. Lighted rims and other specialty items are also available to enable
specialized and
uniquely stylized goal configurations.
In addition to backboard and rim developments,
advances have continued with respect to the design of the main upright support
pole and the configuration of the attachment of the backboard thereto. At
least some reconfigurations of the support
pole connections aesthetically improved the view through acrylic backboards,
while some others have been directed toward strengthening the rim support.
Other changes to the upright support pole have focused on facilitating backboard
height adjustment
mechanisms.
Numerous systems enable adjustment of backboard
and goal height relative to the player. One simply constructed version provides
a series of selectable backboard mounting apertures, thereby enabling mounting
of the backboard at a first particular
height, and subsequent re-mounting of the backboard at a second, or different
height. While such a system does enable a basketball goal to "grow"
with a child, it requires generally complete disassembly in order to adjust
the height, and is thus
disadvantageous for gyms, arenas or home courts where children and/or adults
of varying heights and/or skills interactively play.
Other more sophisticated adjustable height
versions enable adjustment without removal of the backboard, wherein on-board
mechanisms are provided about or within the main support pole. Some such
mechanisms manipulate the height of the pole, and
thus indirectly influence the height of the backboard by changing the height
of the pole. Other mechanisms involve manipulation of a backboard support
arm or arms about a pivot point. Unfortunately, the design of some pivot-type
adjustable goals
disadvantageously results in often a significant non-standardized overhang
at some heights, preventing use in some environments. That is, the distance
between the main support pole and the backboard is not constant or substantially
constant, and thus
the standard high school, college and professional basketball dimensional
requirement of four feet (4') for the overhang is not maintained for all
goal heights. Still other designs disadvantageously limit the range of adjustability.
Some pivot-type adjustable goals are disadvantageous
because backboard support is limited to a single arm connected behind the
rim. Although such designs can potentially increase direct support of the
rim, which can be advantageous during
aggressive play, single arm support designs disadvantageously allow potentially
damaging backboard torque. Unchecked backboard torque can lead to goal breakage,
and possible player injuries as a result thereof.
In an effort to limit backboard torque, some
pivot-type adjustable height designs provide for two support arms, defining
a V-shape support structure, and others provide four support arms, wherein
each arm is secured to the backboard, thereby
defining a parallelogram configuration. Although such designs can be beneficial
for counteracting backboard torque, additional improvements are still needed
to ensure more durability.
SUMMARY
Embodiments of basketball goal systems are
disclosed. One embodiment, among others, comprises a rim connection assembly
coupled to a support structure, the rim connection assembly comprising a
support plate coupled to a backboard frame, a rim,
and a plurality of tubular members through which portions of the rim are
inserted and from which the rim is secured to the support plate, wherein
the plurality of tubular members are configured to maintain a gap between
the goal rim and a substrate
corresponding to the backboard frame.
Other systems, features, and advantages of
the disclosed systems will be or become apparent to one with skill in the
art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description.
It is intended that all such additional systems,
features, and advantages be included within this description and be within
the scope of the disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The components in the drawings are not necessarily
to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles
of the disclosed systems. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals
designate corresponding parts
throughout the several views.
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a basketball goal system.
FIG. 2 is a side view of the basketball goal system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3A is an aerial perspective view of the basketball goal system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3B is a lower angled view of a rear wall of a bracket of the basketball goal system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is an aerial view of the basketball goal system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is a side view of the basketball goal system of FIG. 1, showing the backboard goal in a low-height position.
FIGS. 6A-6G are various schematic diagrams showing embodiments of a height-adjustment mechanism and cooperating components of the basketball goal system of FIG. 1.
FIGS. 7A and 7B are various schematic diagrams showing a rim connection assembly of the basketball goal system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 8 is a side view of an embodiment of a basketball goal system, showing a belt mechanism embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a basketball goal system.
FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a basketball goal system.
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a pivot rod of the basketball goal system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of the underside of a lower backboard support member of the basketball goal system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a basketball goal system with an extended width bracket.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Disclosed herein are various embodiments
of basketball goal systems. One embodiment comprises a basketball goal having
a height that may be easily and quickly adjusted according to a maximized range
of desirable dimensional specifications,
wherein the backboard is supported by three elongated members including a lower
centrally secured member and two upper peripherally secured members, wherein
the two upper members define a "V"-shape and the profile defined by
the three elongated members
is a parallelogram, and wherein the frame for the backboard provides a protective
rim connection assembly and an internal structural configuration to distribute
forces across the backboard, and away from the rim connection, and to the main
support pole.
Unlike conventional systems which transfer the majority of the loads to the
rim or support arms, the rim connection assembly, lower centrally secured member,
and the parallelogram configuration enables loads imposed on the basketball
rim to be
transferred predominantly to a support plate as part of the rim connection assembly
and then to the main support pole, preventing damage to the rim or support arms
under loads. For instance, load distribution may comprise approximately 10%
of the forces
distributed to the backboard and approximately 90% of the forces distributed
to the main support pole.
One or more embodiments of the basketball
goal systems described herein may comprise a backboard and rim connection assembly
that may provide enhanced strength, durability and torque control, and wherein
an adjustment mechanism in and associated
with the main support pole enables quick and easy backboard and goal height
manipulation relative to the ground.
One embodiment of a basketball goal
system comprises a main support pole that includes a height adjustment mechanism
for easy raising and lowering of the backboard, and wherein manipulation of
a removable crank facilitates rapid adjustment
between maximum and minimum goal heights (e.g., five and one half feet (5.5')
to ten feet (10')). The base of the main support pole is secured in an installed
position via a mounting base plate capable of accommodating a plurality of known
mounting
configurations. A support member is positioned proximate to the upper end of
the main support pole. In one embodiment, the support member may function as
a connector bracket (or simply, bracket) between the main support pole and the
backboard support
arms. The teardrop profile of the supportive connector bracket facilitates placement
of the bolts that secure the backboard support arms in an elevated manner, whereby
the achievable range of height adjustment of the backboard is maximized and
height
adjustment can occur without deviation, or without significant deviation, from
the standard four-foot (4') overhang. Such a consistent, standardized overhang
feature at any height may enable use in standard high school, college and professional
basketball arenas.
The backboard support arms may be
pivotally secured at the supportive connector bracket, supported by the main
support pole. Two upper support arms define a "V"-shape, wherein the
vertex may be positioned, in one embodiment, proximate the upper
end of the supportive connector bracket, and wherein the distal end of each
upper support arm is pivotally secured to the upper half of the backboard frame,
proximate the peripheral side edges, thereby reducing torque and providing a
true, solid rebound
with minimized vibration. The lower support arm is positioned proximate the
lower end of the supportive connector bracket and the upper end of the main
support pole, with the distal end of the lower support arm pivotally positioned
proximate the rim
connection assembly. On profile, the two upper support arms may be positioned
substantially parallel with the lower support arm, wherein the relative positions
remain essentially constant irrespective of goal height adjustment. The lower
support arm
may be pivotally adjusted via the height adjustment mechanism, wherein the pivotal
adjustment of the upper support arms is in response thereto.
In another embodiment, among others,
the backboard support arms may be pivotally secured to the lower support arm
with a relative position of upper and lower support arms upon adjustment of
backboard height more variable than the aforementioned
embodiment.
A frame for the backboard includes
an essentially continuous peripheral edge, two vertical support members extending
between the upper and lower peripheral edges, and a horizontal support member
extending between the two vertical support members,
proximate the connection point for the rim. Such an arrangement may enhance
the view through acrylic and/or glass-based backboards. A support plate is secured
to the frame, wherein a plurality of generally tubular-shaped members are provided,
extending
outwardly from the support plate, thereby enabling the rim to be fastened to
the backboard without compromising the glass or acrylic of the backboard. In
other words, this arrangement may facilitate secure installation of the rim
to the frame of the
backboard, essentially without coming into contact with the backboard substrate,
such as acrylic or glass. Accordingly, the support-plate attachment mechanism
and the vertical support members act to transfer tension resulting from aggressive
play, or
slam-dunks, to a plurality of locations about the frame, and the lower support
arm acts to transfer stresses (e.g., 90%) predominantly to the main support
pole, thus preventing localized stress and backboard breakage, reducing rim
distortion from heavy
loads, and generally providing for a robust assembly.
In one embodiment, the lower support
arm is height adjustable via a height adjustment mechanism, wherein a screw
jack is positioned within the main support pole proximate the lower support
arm and an adjustment cylinder (e.g., gas strut) is
secured between the main support pole and the lower support arm. The adjustment
cylinder has an additional benefit of acting as a safety feature in case of
failure of the pivot bolt coupling the lower support arm with the main support
pole, since in
such circumstances, the adjustment cylinder prevents the entire unit from falling.
The height adjustment mechanism may enable height adjustment with minimal effort,
that is, without requiring substantial physical strength. A crank arm is accessible
from the main support pole to facilitate actuation of the screw jack, wherein
the adjustment cylinder is responsive thereto. The crank arm is removable in
order to prevent any potential interference there from during play, and in order
to prevent any
unauthorized height adjustment. The crank arm directs expansion of the screw
jack, wherein the lower support arm of the backboard is pivoted upward in response
to the expansion, and the upper support arms pivotally respond to movement of
the lower
support arm, thus maintaining a consistent or relatively consistent parallelogram
profile at all heights, and enabling quick and easy backboard and goal height
manipulation relative to the ground.
Referring now to FIG. 1, which shows
one embodiment of a basketball goal system 10, comprising a main support pole
20, height adjustment mechanism 40, V-shaped backboard support mechanism 60,
lower backboard support member 90 (or lower support
arm), backboard frame 140, and rim connection assembly 200. Although shown using
height adjustment mechanism 40, one skilled in the art should readily recognize
that the embodiments of the basketball goal system described herein can also
be utilized in
a non-pivoting, static height conformation, wherein the structural enhancements
provided by the combination of V-shaped backboard support mechanism 60 and lower
backboard support member 90, among other enhancements described below, can be
realized in the
absence of height-adjustability.
In one embodiment, the main support
pole 20 is formed from steel, which may be powder coated. The main support pole
20 may define a generally square-shaped cross-section (e.g., six-inch (6'')
by eight-inch (8'')). Other appropriately sturdy
materials can be utilized in lieu of steel, and other shapes and dimensions
can be utilized for main support pole 20, wherein, for example, a rectangular,
circular, or elliptical shaped cross-section can be defined, and, for example,
dimensional
measurements can be greater or less than six or eight inches. In one embodiment,
each elongated corner edge 22 of main support pole 20 is generally blunt, essentially
defining a plurality of intervening angled walls 23. Alternately, padding or
other
protective materials (not shown) can be provided or formed around main support
pole 20.
First end 24 of main support pole
20 is supported by base 25, wherein brace members 28 can be correspondingly
positioned to extend between base 25 and intervening angled walls 23. Mounting
apertures 26 can be defined through base 25, wherein the
configuration thereof can be adaptable to a plurality of known mounting configurations,
specifically including but not limited to nine inch (9'') and ten-inch (10'')
center mounting configurations. Although industry standard 5/8'' bolts maybe
used
through mounting apertures, testing has revealed that aggressive play may lead
to significant torque and thus pole movement with 5/8'' bolts. In one embodiment,
bolt dimensions of at least approximately 3/4'' are used, and preferably 1''
bolts, to
reduce the torque and provide a safer installation. Although base 25 can comprise
a steel plate having a generally square shape with a generally square-shaped
central pole port 29 defined therein, any appropriately strong materials can
be utilized, and
other shapes can also be utilized. That is, base 25 can have a pyramidal shape,
or can define any suitable generally flat shape, such as, for exemplary purposes,
circular, elliptical, rectangular or irregular. Central pole port 29 can define
the same
shape as that defined by base 25 or can be differently shaped, wherein central
pole port 29 is shaped to receive and generally abut main support pole 20. In
some implementations, central pole port 29 and corresponding structures may
be omitted (e.g.,
for direct concrete burial implementations).
Height adjustment mechanism 40 can
be provided proximate to and partially within main support pole 20, wherein
screw jack 41 (shown, for example, in FIGS. 6B and 6C) and gas strut 42 comprise
adjustment components. It is recognized that, at
least in some embodiments, more than one gas strut 42 can be incorporated, and/or
other types of known adjustment components can be utilized in order to facilitate
the raising and lowering of lower backboard support member 90. It is further
recognized
that height adjustment mechanism 40 can be any type of mechanism enabling appropriate
movement of lower backboard support member 90.
FIGS. 6A-6G are used to describe
the height adjustment mechanism 40 and various components that cooperate with
the same to provide height adjustment functionality. FIG. 6A illustrates a detail
of the upper portion of the height adjustment
mechanism 40 shown in cooperation with the lower backboard support member 90,
a support member 50, and the main pole 20. The support member 50 comprises a
bracket 52, which comprises a slot 59 that is utilized for fixed height systems,
as described
below, and a pivot point 51 that represents the pivot point for the lower backboard
support member 90. At the pivot point, a bolt, pin, or like component is provided
that couples opposing flanges 57a and 57b of the lower backboard support member
90 to
the bracket 52. The height adjustment mechanism 40 comprises the gas strut 42
and screw jack 41. The gas strut 42 comprises a coupling mechanism 49 that couples
the gas strut 42 to the underside of the lower backboard support member 90.
In one
embodiment, the coupling mechanism 49 comprises a clevis pin assembly.
Referring to FIGS. 6B and 6C, shown
are front and side elevation views of the screw jack 41. The screw jack 41 comprises
hollow, opposing end coupling members 55 and 61 for coupling (e.g., via pin
or like component) to the flanges 57a and 57b of
the lower backboard support member 90 and the main pole 20, respectively. Internal
to the screw jack 41 is a gear and pin assembly that enables rotation of the
screw jack 41, as is well-known to those having ordinary skill in the art. Screw
jack 41
also comprises adjustment member 79, which upon the imposition of rotational
engagement by crank arm 47 (FIG. 6F) causes screw jack adjustment. The adjustment
member 79 may comprise a multi-sided bolt (e.g., having an octagon shape) or
like functioning
component that can be rotatably adjusted.
FIG. 6D shows a partial schematic
view of the disassembled screw jack 41, gas strut 42, and lower backboard support
member 90. As shown, a pivot pin 107 is inserted through flanges 57a and 57b
of the lower backboard support member 90 and through
the hollow coupling member 55 of the screw jack 41. Synthetic (e.g., nylon top
hat guides) washers 111 are placed at each end of the inserted pivot pin to
facilitate movement and stability of the flanges 57a and 57b relative to the
bracket 52, as shown
in FIG. 6E. That is, the synthetic washers 111 assist in centering the lower
backboard support member 90 between the interior surface of the walls of the
bracket 52 (minimizing vibration and improving stability) and also mitigate
binding of the flanges
57a and 57b of the lower backboard support member 90 to the interior surface
of the walls of the bracket 52.
FIG. 6F provides a schematic diagram
of the crank arm 47, having a handle 87 for interface with a user or other source
of force, and a socket 89 that removably couples to adjustment member 79. In
one embodiment, the socket 89 comprises a shear
pin 91. The shear pin 91 is configured to withstand a predetermined threshold
degree of force before failure (i.e., failure threshold), the failure threshold
preferably of lower value than the failure threshold of the pin of the screw
jack pin of the
gear and pin assembly. For instance, the shear pin 91 may withstand a force
of up to 50 pounds (lbs.), and the pin of the gear and pin assembly may withstand
forces of up to 100 lbs. One benefit of such two-tiered failure thresholds is
that excessive
crank turns may result in failure of the crank arm 47 before failure of the
screw jack 41, the former which requires an inexpensive repair and/or replacement
cost compared to the repair and/or replacement cost of the screw jack 41.
FIG. 6G provides another view of
the height adjustment mechanism 40, and is used to illustrate operation of the
height adjustment mechanism 40 and related components. Portions of main support
pole 20 and lower backboard support member 90 are
shown in transparent view to illustrate cooperation between screw jack 41 and
lower backboard support member 90. Crank arm 47 may be removably held proximate
to main support pole 20 in rotational communication with height adjustment mechanism
40,
specifically proximate screw jack 41. For example, and with continued reference
to FIGS. 6A-6F, the user couples socket 89 to adjustment member 79, and effects
rotation of crank arm 47 in a first direction, such as clockwise, which engages
screw jack 41
of height adjustment mechanism 40, and causes screw jack 41 to extend, causing
lower backboard support member 90 to pivot upward relative to the ground, and
results in extension of gas strut 42. Also, rotation of crank arm 47 in a second
direction, such
as counter-clockwise, may engage height adjustment mechanism 40, causing screw
jack 41 and gas strut 42 to retract, and cause lower backboard support member
90 to pivot downward relative to the ground. Other adjustment mechanisms may
be used.
In one embodiment, main support pole
20 comprises an oval slot (not shown), into and through which the socket 89
of crank arm 47 is positioned to engage adjustment member 79 of screw jack 41.
In one embodiment, the slot comprises an oval
configuration having dimensions of approximately 1-inch width and 1.75-inch
length (tall). In some implementations, as the crank arm 47 is adjusted to raise
the lower backboard support member 90, the screw jack 41 may tend to move closer
to the inner
surface of the main support pole 20, causing the crank arm 47 to be positioned
at an angle to the main support pole 20 that can cause binding of the crank
arm 47 and the edges of the slot if the slot is of a circular or square configuration
as opposed to
an oval configuration. However, in some embodiments, other geometric configurations
of the same or different dimension for the slot may be used that obviate the
potential for binding.
Referring to FIG. 1, support member
50 can be positioned proximate upper end 27 of main support pole 20, wherein
support member 50 comprises bracket 52, wherein bracket 52 may define a connective
and supportive link between main support pole 20
and upper and lower backboard support members 60 and 90, respectively. In one
embodiment, bracket 52 may include a profile defining a teardrop shape and a
cross-section defining a U-shape. The base of the U-shaped cross-section can
be defined by
generally rectangularly-shaped rear wall 53 (FIG. 3A), wherein the sides of
the U-shaped cross-section are defined by teardrop-shaped side walls 54a and
54b. In one embodiment, a "boxed" configuration for the bracket 52
is used. FIG. 3B provides a
schematic of a boxed configuration as viewed from underneath and at an angle
behind the bracket 52, wherein the rear wall 53a extends to the main support
pole 20. For instance, the rear wall 53a may comprise a plate welded to opposing
rear edges of the
bracket 52, extending from the top of the bracket 52 to the main support pole
20. Such a boxed configuration prevents or mitigates twisting of the bracket
52 under torque loads by, for instance, adding rigidity to the entire bracket
structure. One
skilled in the art should readily recognize that bracket 52 can also be formed
without rear wall 53, wherein the rear area can remain open.
Support member 50, arranged in the
form of bracket 52 in one embodiment, can be secured to upper end 27 of main
support pole 20, forming a main pole structure having at least two segments.
Alternatively, support member 50 can be integrally
formed with main support pole 20. In one embodiment, upper and lower backboard
support members 60 and 90, respectively, are pivotally attached to bracket 52,
wherein lower backboard support member 90 can be pivotally secured between teardrop-shaped
side
walls 54a and 54b via flanges 57a and 57b, and wherein upper backboard support
members 60 can be pivotally secured outside of teardrop-shaped side walls 54a
and 54b, that is, not therebetween. This arrangement maximizes torque resistance
and minimizes
vibration by inhibiting side-to-side movement of lower backboard support member
90, as restrictively positioned between teardrop-shaped side walls 54a and 54b.
The opposing position of backboard support members 60 and 90 relative to teardrop-shaped
side
walls 54a and 54b dampens vibration therebetween.
Upper backboard support members 60
may define a "V"-shape, wherein vertex 62 is positioned proximate
upper end 56 of bracket 52, and wherein distal ends 64a and 64b of each upper
backboard support member 65a and 65b, respectively, can be
pivotally secured to the upper half of backboard frame 140, proximate peripheral
side edges 142a and 142b, respectively, thereby reducing torque. The substantially
straight form of upper backboard support members 60 define triangular reinforcing
structure 68, when viewed from above as seen in FIG. 4, which enables the provision
of a true, solid rebound with minimized vibration. Vertex 62 can be defined
by pivot rod 66, and may extend between teardrop-shaped sidewalls 54a and 54b
of bracket 52.
Pivot rod 66 comprises a bolt, pin, or similar component that is disposed and
secured between sidewalls 54a and 54b using a plurality of synthetic (e.g.,
nylon) and/or metal bushings and washers between contact points to enable freedom
of movement. One
skilled in the art should recognize that pivot rod 66 can alternately be integrally
formed with bracket 52, as long as the structural integrity and pivotal relationship
of upper backboard support members 60 is not compromised. In some embodiments,
as
shown in FIG. 11, pivot rod 66 may be enclosed within sleeve 103. Sleeve 103
can be welded to opposing sidewalls 54a and 54b, or fixed thereto using other
attachment mechanisms. Pivot rod 66 is free to allow rotation of upper backboard
support members
60, while sleeve 103 provides rigidity to the upper structure proximal to the
upper backboard support members 60.
First end 92 of lower backboard support
member 90 can be pivotally secured at pivot point 51 proximate lower half 58
of supportive connector bracket 52, and thereby proximate upper end 27 of main
support pole 20, wherein second, or distal end 94
may be positioned proximate rim connection assembly 200. FIG. 12 provides an
illustration of a view from the underside of the first end 92 of the lower backboard
support member 90. As shown, the gas strut 42 is coupled to the underside of
the lower
backboard support member 90 via coupling mechanism 49. Screw jack 41 is coupled
to flanges 57a and 57b via coupling member 55 (and pivot pin 107) as described
above. At pivot point 51, a pivot rod 105 is used to provide coupling between
bracket 52 and
lower backboard support member 90.
Referring now to FIG. 3A, with continued
reference to FIG. 1, a pivot structure 96 is shown, which may be positioned
proximate second end 94 of lower backboard support member 90. Pivot pin 100
secures pivot structure 96 to rim connection
assembly 200 in such a manner so as to facilitate cooperative movement upon
backboard height adjustment to ensure consistent overhang. That is, on profile,
lower backboard support member 90 can be positioned substantially parallel to
upper backboard
support members 60, wherein strategically adjustable pivoting ensures that the
relative position of support members 60 and 90 to each other and the relative
position of backboard frame 140 to main support pole 20 remain essentially constant
irrespective
of goal height adjustment activity. The pivot structure 96 enables clearance
between the lower backboard support member 90 and the support plate 156 of the
backboard frame 140 throughout a range of movement (e.g., from 5/12 ft. to 10
ft.), as
illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5.
Backboard frame 140 can be defined
by essentially continuous peripheral edge 144, two vertical support members
146a and 146b extending between upper and lower peripheral edges 148a and 148b,
respectively, and horizontal support member 150
extending between vertical support members 146a and 146b, proximate the connection
point 152 for rim 154. Referring now to FIGS. 7A-7B, with continued reference
to FIGS. 1 and 3, support plate 156 can be secured to backboard frame 140, wherein
a
plurality of generally tubular-shaped members 157 are secured proximate support
plate 156, extending outwardly therefrom, enabling rim 154 to be fastened to
backboard frame 140 without compromising the glass or acrylic substrate 172
of backboard frame
140, and effectively transferring tension from aggressive play, or slam-dunks,
to the frame, thus preventing backboard breakage and reducing distortion of
rim 154 from heavy loads. In particular, vertical support members 146a and 146b,
coupled with
horizontal support member 150, facilitate the transfer of forces about peripheral
edge 144 of backboard frame 140, thereby substantially avoiding localization
of forces at central region 158 of lower peripheral edge 148b.
The basketball system 10 is suitable
for installation in any environment and/or for portable use. Therefore, while
the disclosed systems are described conveniently with the preferred embodiments
enabling permanent installation via base 25,
alternate installations are possible. For example, first end 24 of main support
pole 20 can be secured within a weighted movable base, as is known in the art,
in order to facilitate portability. Also, bracket 52 can be supported by a wall
or ceiling
mount structure, in lieu of main support pole 20, wherein height adjustment
features carried by main support pole 20 can be reconfigured, continuing to
function in an equivalent manner, yet from a different support position.
Further, the basketball goal system
10 can be adjusted to operate as a fixed height system with minor adjustments.
The fixed height system will generally omit the crank arm 47, screw jack 41,
and gas strut 42. In installation, the lower
backboard support member 90 is positioned at the desired height, and a securing
member (e.g., 5/8 inch double threaded bolt) is inserted in slot 59 (FIG. 6A)
and secured (e.g., via nut and washer).
In another embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 8, pivot structure 96 may work in cooperation with a belt member 98, wherein belt member 98 can shorten or lengthen, as appropriate.
In some embodiments, the basketball
goal system 10 can be provided with an alternate base structure, or can be manufactured
from alternate materials in order to facilitate installation and use proximate
to or within a swimming pool, wherein the
advantageous structure and height adjustment features can be utilized for water-based
basketball play.
In one implementation, basketball
goal system 10 is installed via base 25. Crank arm 47 is selectively installed
and rotated, whereby lower backboard support member 90 and upper backboard support
members 60 pivot relative to main support pole 20
and relative to backboard frame 140, enabling a selectable play height essentially
between 5.5 feet and 10 feet, wherein irrespective of play height, overhang,
or the distance between main support pole 20 and backboard 142, is approximately
four feet.
During play, if a player shoots the ball and the ball hits the backboard substrate
172, the structure of backboard frame 140, coupled with the support structure
defined by upper and lower backboard support members 60 and 90, effectively
dampens the
torque or twisting of backboard frame 140 relative to main support pole 20.
During aggressive play, if a player slam-dunks, or hangs on rim 154, rim connection
assembly 200, coupled with the supportive and tension directing structure of
backboard frame
140, effectively distributes the forces received therefrom away from rim 154
and connection 152 thereof about backboard frame 140 and ultimately main support
pole 20, thereby substantially eliminating the possibility of breakage of backboard
substrate
142 and reducing the chance of distortion to rim 154.
FIG. 9 is a front perspective view
of an embodiment of a basketball goal system 10a. The basketball system 10a
includes much of the features and elements of the basketball system 10 of FIG.
1. The basketball system 10a comprises backboard
support members 60a (having distal ends 64a and 64b) connected from the edge
142a, 142b of each side of the backboard to a pivot point disposed on lower
support member 90. This pivot point may enable free movement of the support
member 60a in linear
fashion, enabling the goal to be raised and lowered while still maintaining
a vertical plane on the backboard frame 140. This arrangement also provides
torque reduction and stabilization features needed to allow for aggressive play
with a minimum of
movement from the system 10a. The placement of the support member attaching
points on the backboard peripheral side edges 142a, 142b allows for free movement
of the system 10a while still maintaining the design features resulting in desired
playability,
as described above.
FIG. 10 is a front perspective view
of an embodiment of a basketball goal system 10b, which depicts an arrangement
comprising backboard support members 60b connected from the edge 142a, 142b
of each side of the backboard frame 140 to a pivot
point on the main support pole 20. This system 10b can be fitted with expanding
gas cylinders (e.g., gas struts) enabling the goal to be raised and lowered
while still maintaining a vertical plane on the backboard frame 140. This arrangement
also
provides torque reduction and stabilization features needed to allow for aggressive
play with a minimum of movement from the unit 10b. The placement of the attaching
points on the peripheral side edges 142a, 142b of the backboard frame 140 allows
for
free movement of the system 10b while still maintaining the design features
resulting in the desired playability described above.
Note that one or more features of
one embodiment may be used in lieu of like functioning features in other embodiments
disclosed above. For example, the pivot structure 96 of FIG. 1 and cooperating
elements may replace the pivot structure and
cooperating elements of FIG. 9.
Another embodiment of a basketball
goal system 10c is shown in FIG. 13, which is similar to the structure 10 shown
in FIG. 2 with an extended width bracket 52a. Dimension "d" represents
the length between the location where the screw jack 41
couples to the lower backboard support member 90a and the previous pivot point
51 of the lower backboard support member 90a for the basketball goal system
10 shown in FIG. 2. The previous pivot point 51 is a location where the flanges
of the 57a, 57b of
the lower backboard support member 90 are connected to the bracket 52. Extended
dimension "e" represents the length between the location where the
screw jack 41 couples to the lower backboard support member 90a and the pivot
point 51a of the lower
backboard support member 90a for the basketball goal system 10. In other words,
bracket 52a is wider than bracket 52 (and the flanges and/or lower backboard
support member 90a are extended in length compared to the lower backboard support
member 90
shown in FIG. 1, for example), thus enabling the longer dimension "e".
The longer the distance between the screw jack coupling point and the pivot
point 51a, the heavier the loads imposed to the rim 154 that can be borne. For
instance, by changing the
distance between the pivot point 51a and the screw jack coupling point six (6)
inches, the maximum load limit (imposed on the rim 154, for example) of basketball
goal system 10c increases from approximately 240 lbs to approximately 740 lbs.
This maximum
load increase translates to a more robust basketball goal system. An additional
benefit of this increased distance (dimension "e") between pivot point
51a and the screw jack coupling point is that raising and lowering the lower
backboard support member
90a is facilitated due to basic leverage principles.
It should be emphasized that the
above-described embodiments of the disclosure, particularly, any "preferred"
embodiments, are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth
for a clear understanding of the principles of the
disclosed systems. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described
embodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles
of the disclosed systems. All such modifications and variations are intended
to be
included herein within the scope of the disclosure.