ADJUSTABLE BASKETBALL GOAL

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure deals with basketball goals, and specifically deals with an arrangement to mount a basketball backboard and a rim to a support arrangement.

BACKGROUND

The standard height of a basketball goal is ten (10) feet. However, this placement for the goal is frequently difficult for children and others to use. Thus, many families, particularly with small children, find it desirable to have a basketball goal where the backboard and rim are at a height which is lower than the standard height. At the same time, it is desirable to have the goal adjustable to the standard height to ensure that users develop skills for use in a standard basketball situation.

Various methods of raising and lowering basketball backboard assemblies as desired are known. It is known in certain applications to use an actuator or compression assembly with a crank mechanism, allowing the user to turn the crank to raise and lower the basketball goal scoring height. Most such systems require the crank to be placed at a height convenient for the user and require the actuator assembly to be at or above the height of the crank. This limits the placement and usable length of the actuator assembly.

Many adjustable basketball systems rely on a rotatable parallelogram arrangement as part of adjusting the height of the backboard assembly. As the upper and lower arms of a rotatable parallelogram pivot, the forward vertical side of the parallelogram travels in an arcuate movement, correspondingly translating the backboard and rim assembly closer to or away from the support, and correspondingly moving the backboard and rim assembly slightly forward or rearward relative to the court surface. In some embodiments, an arrangement with a constant overhang of the backboard relative to the support and the court is desired.

Still further, it is desirable to provide a durable, rigid, adjustable basketball goal structure which is easy to assemble and maintain.

Further forms, objects, features, aspects, benefits, advantages, and embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent from a detailed description and drawings provided herewith.

SUMMARY

Representative embodiments of the present disclosure provide a basketball goal assembly incorporating a vertical support assembly with a lower end anchored to a support surface. The vertical support assembly may include an upper end connected to a support arm to which a backboard assembly is mounted. The vertical support assembly may be formed with an outer support pole and an inner pole telescopically nested within the outer support pole. A series of tracking blocks may be secured to the inner pole and engage tracks within the outer support pole to hold the inner pole laterally rigid while allowing the inner pole to travel vertically.

In certain embodiments, a gearing assembly is operationally connected to an actuator engaged between the outer pole and inner pole to raise and lower the inner pole relative to the outer pole allowing a user to raise or lower the rim to a desired height. The gearing assembly may provide a vertical offset to place the crank handle at a comfortable height.

In other embodiments, the upper end of the inner pole may be connected to a support arm that extends forward. A backboard assembly may be mounted to the support arm with a rim assembly extending from a backboard panel. The joint between the inner pole and the support arm may be configured to securely connect the components.

Further forms, objects, features, aspects, benefits, advantages, and embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent from a detailed description and drawings provided herewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a basketball goal in the lowered position.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the basketball goal of FIG. 1 in a raised position.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a lower portion of the basketball goal of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a lower portion of the basketball goal of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an exterior perspective view of the lower pole sections of the basketball goal of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the lower pole sections of FIG. 5 with the outer pole removed.

FIG. 7 is a partially exploded view of the lower pole sections of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a partially exploded view of the lower pole sections of FIG. 7 with the U-shaped beam portions removed.

FIG. 9 is a top-down, cross-sectional view of the lower pole sections of FIG. 5

FIG. 10A is a perspective, cross-sectional view of the joint assembly of the basketball goal of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10B is a partially exploded view of the joint assembly of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 11 is a perspective, partially exploded view of the joint assembly of FIG. 10A with the inner pole sections removed.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the backboard assembly of FIG. 1 being aligned with the support arm.

FIG. 13 is a perspective, partially exploded view of the connection between the backboard assembly and the support arm of FIG. 1.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a basketball goal in the lowered position.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the basketball goal of FIG. 14 in a raised position.

FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view of a lower portion of the basketball goal of FIG. 14.

FIG. 17 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of a lower portion of the basketball goal of FIG. 14.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a housing for a gearing assembly of the basketball goal of FIG. 14.

FIG. 19 is a perspective, partially exploded view of the gearing assembly of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20A is a perspective, cross-sectional view of the joint assembly of the basketball goal of FIG. 14.

FIG. 20B is a partially exploded view of the joint assembly of FIG. 20A.

FIG. 21 is a perspective, partially exploded view of the joint assembly of FIG. 20A with the inner pole sections removed.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the backboard assembly being aligned with the support arm of FIG. 14.

FIG. 23 is a perspective, partially exploded view of the connection between the backboard assembly and the support arm of FIG. 14.

FIG. 24 is an enlarged perspective view of the hinge arrangement of FIG. 14.

FIG. 25A is a partially exploded view of the lower pole sections as an alternative to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-7.

FIG. 25B is another partially exploded view of the lower pole sections of FIG. 25A.

FIG. 26 is a partially exploded view of an alternate embodiment of the lower portion of the joint assembly of FIG. 14.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SELECTED EMBODIMENTS

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.

Representative embodiments of the present disclosure provide a basketball goal assembly incorporating a vertical support assembly with a lower end anchored to a support surface. The vertical support assembly may include an upper end connected to a support arm to which a backboard assembly may be mounted. The vertical support assembly may be formed with an outer support pole and an inner pole telescopically nested within the outer support pole. A series of tracking blocks may be secured to the inner pole and engage tracks within the outer support pole to hold the inner pole laterally rigid while allowing the inner pole to travel vertically.

In certain embodiments, a gearing assembly may be operationally connected to an actuator engaged between the outer pole and inner pole to raise and lower the inner pole relative to the outer pole allowing a user to raise or lower the rim to a desired height. The gearing assembly may provide a vertical offset to place the crank handle at a comfortable height.

In other embodiments, the upper end of the inner pole may be connected to a support arm that extends forward. A backboard assembly may be mounted to the support arm with a rim assembly extending from a backboard panel. The joint between the inner pole and the support arm can be configured to securely connect the components.

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 representatively illustrate a basketball goal assembly 20 in lowered and raised positions, respectively. Basketball goal assembly 20 may include an outer support pole 80 extending from a base 300. Inner pole 90 may be telescopically arranged to travel vertically within the outer support pole 80. A gearing assembly 100 can be operationally connected to control an internal actuator which controls telescoping vertical movement of inner pole 90 relative to outer pole 80. A support arm 60 extends forward from an upper end 97 of the inner pole 90. A backboard assembly 30 with a backboard panel 31 and rim assembly 200 may be secured to a backboard end 68 of support arm 60. The angle and length of support arm 60 may define a constant offset and overhang of backboard assembly 30 relative to outer support pole 80 and inner support pole 90.

Outer support pole 80 may be mounted relative to a support surface 400. In some embodiments, outer support pole 80 may be mounted directly into the ground or to a base 300 anchored in the ground. Base 300 may be portable or a more permanent fixture. Typically outer support pole 80 is vertical and extends substantially perpendicular to the support surface 400. In suitably modified embodiments, outer support pole 80 could be angled relative to the ground, which would not be a constant overhang arrangement.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate cross-sectional views of the gearing assembly 100 in relation to outer pole 80 and inner pole 90. Gearing assembly 100 is designed to allow an individual to drive actuator 130 to raise and lower the backboard assembly 30 using the crank handle 104. Mechanically, the lower end of gearing assembly 100 may be aligned with the lower end of actuator 130 which is engaged between outer pole 80 and inner pole 90. For ease of use, gearing assembly 100 provides offset vertical spacing, placing crank handle 104 at a more comfortable height for the average person. Actuator 130 correspondingly extends below crank handle 104. This also provides a greater usable working length available to actuator 130, allowing actuator 130 to be placed near the bottom of outer pole 80 and it may extend both below and above the crank handle shaft.

In the illustrated embodiment, gearing assembly 100 may include a housing 102 and an optional housing cap 103. Housing 102 conceals and protects the portions of gearing assembly 100 exterior to outer pole 80. Crank handle 104 may be attached to handle shaft 106. Optionally, crank handle 104 may be removable. Rotation of crank handle 104 in either a clockwise or counter clockwise direction will operate the gearing assembly 100 to operate actuator 130 to correspondingly raise or lower the backboard assembly 30 to a desired height.

Handle shaft 106 may enter housing 102 through housing cap 103 adjacent an upper end of housing 102. Handle shaft 106 may be arranged substantially perpendicular to outer pole 80. Handle shaft gear 108 may be mounted to handle shaft 106. When handle shaft 106 rotates, it correspondingly rotates handle shaft gear 108. Handle shaft gear 108 is engaged with and drives upper drive shaft gear 110. Handle shaft gear 108 and upper drive shaft gear 110 are angularly engaged, defining an approximately 90 degree angle. Example angular gears may include but are not be limited to a bevel gear, a spiral bevel gear, a miter gear, etc. The gears may be made of any appropriate material including various metals or plastic.

Upper drive shaft gear 110 is mounted to an upper end of drive shaft 112. Drive shaft 112 extends downward and may be substantially perpendicular to handle shaft 106. Lower drive shaft gear 114 is mounted to a lower end of drive shaft 112 so that lower drive shaft gear 114 rotates with drive shaft 112. The lower drive shaft gear 114 engages and drives drive coupling gear 116. The length of drive shaft 112 defines the vertical offset that gearing assembly 100 provides. Lower drive shaft gear 114 and drive coupling gear 116 are angularly engaged, defining an approximately 90 degree angle. Drive coupling gear 116 is mounted on an outer end of coupling shaft 118. Coupling shaft 118 extends at substantially a right angle to drive shaft 112 and parallel to handle shaft 106.

Coupling shaft 118 may extend into the interior of outer pole 80. Worm coupling gear 120 is mounted to an inner end of coupling shaft 118. As coupling shaft 118 rotates it causes worm coupling gear 120 to rotate. Worm coupling gear 120 engages and drives a worm drive gear 122 of actuator 130.

Actuator 130 is arranged between and controls the vertical telescoping movement of inner pole 90 relative to outer pole 80. In the illustrated embodiment, actuator 130 is in the form of a worm gear driven vertical piston. Actuator 130 may include cylindrical outer housing 132. Worm gear 126 is longitudinally arranged within actuator 130 with a base of worm gear 126 mounted adjacent a lower end 131 of outer housing 132. Anchor member 133 may be utilized to secure the positioning of actuator 130.

Inner housing 134 includes an upper end 135. An actuator shaft 138 may extend upward from upper end 135. Shaft 138 terminates in top connector 140 which is anchored to the joint between inner pole 90 and support arm 60. Raising and lowering inner housing 134 controls shaft 138 to raise and lower inner pole 90.

Worm drive gear 122 may be mounted to drive vertically arranged worm gear 126 such that rotation of worm drive gear 122 causes worm gear 126 to rotate. Collar 124 is secured to inner housing 134 and may be in threaded engagement with worm gear 126. Rotation of worm gear 126 causes collar 124 to vertically traverse up or down the length of worm gear 126 and correspondingly raises and lowers inner housing 134. As a safety advantage, collar 124 does not travel along worm gear 126 absent affirmative rotation of worm gear 126, thus the pole is held tight while not in operation and the possibility of the backboard assembly 30 lowering on its own is eliminated.

FIGS. 5-8 illustrate the telescopic arrangement between the outer support pole 80 and inner pole 90. Many support poles have a rectangular cross-section as illustrated. Alternate embodiments may use poles with circular cross-sections. In these arrangements, the walls of outer support pole 80 are effectively composed of vertical planar sheets of metal. Functionally, the basketball goal assembly needs to provide lateral rigidity to secure the inner support pole in order to maintain the backboard in a fixed position. At the same time, the offset weight of backboard assembly 30 applied to inner pole 90 effectively asserts a pivotal force on inner pole 90 using support arm 60 as a lever. Lateral rigidity requires containing the horizontal forces as inner pole tries to horizontally pivot. Physically the rotational force that the inner pole applies which essentially is perpendicular to the planar sheet walls of the outer pole. This creates a challenge since planar sheet walls are susceptible to deformation or bowing when force is applied along a vector perpendicular to the plane. To address this challenge, embodiments of the present disclosure incorporate an arrangement to rigidly support the inner pole horizontally while allowing for vertical translation of the inner pole 90 relative to the outer support pole 80.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective exterior view of the outer support pole 80 extending from base 300. FIG. 9 is a top-down view. Outer support pole 80 has a hollow interior cross-section in which is defined a vertical passage with interior surfaces that receives a cross-section of the inner pole 90. As discussed in further detail below, inner pole 90 is held within the vertical passage yet the outer walls of inner pole 90 are maintained at a spaced lateral distance from the inner walls of outer support pole 80. In FIG. 5, inner pole 90 is shown only slightly protruding from the upper end of outer support pole 80. An optional bezel 82 may cover the gap between the upper end of outer support pole 80 and the outer walls of inner pole 90. Bezel 82 may assist in aligning inner pole 90 relative to outer pole 80. Bezel clips 84 may be used to secure bezel 82 to outer support pole 80.

FIGS. 6-8 provide the same perspective view as FIG. 5 with the outer support pole 80 removed for illustrative clarity. FIG. 9 illustrates a top-down cross-sectional view. Illustrated assembled in FIG. 6 and in an exploded view in FIG. 7, in certain embodiments, a liner with interior surfaces is arranged within the vertical passage defined by the outer support pole 80. In some embodiments, the liner includes an opposing pair of U-shaped beams/sections/tracks 180 mounted within outer support pole 80 and extending vertically along the inner walls of outer support pole 80 to form a framing arrangement. Each U-shaped beam 180 may include a planar outer surface 182, a planar inner surface 184 and a pair of side flanges 186. Each side flange 186 may include an outer surface 187 and an inner surface 188. The planar inner surface in combination with its pair of side flanges can be characterized as a U-shaped portion. The U-shaped beams 180 are spaced apart and extend parallel to each other with open ends facing each other. Inner surface 184 and inner surface 188 of the U-shaped beam are the interior surfaces of the liner.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the framing arrangement, namely U-shaped beams 180, is positioned adjacent to and may abut the inner surfaces of opposing sides of outer support pole 80. For instance, the outer surfaces 182, 187 of the U-shaped beams 180 may abut the inner surfaces of the outer support pole 80. The cross-sectional area between the inner surfaces 184, 188 may define a vertical passage.

The outer cross-section of the inner pole 90 can fit inside the vertical passage, yet is held at a spaced distance from inner surfaces 184, 188. Inner pole 90 is illustrated with an upper end 97 and lower end 98. In the illustrated embodiment, inner pole 90 is rectangular. Inner pole 90 includes a front surface 89, back surface 91, and two opposing sides 93 and 95, respectively. Regardless of the shape of inner pole 90, inner pole 90 includes a perimeter around the outer surfaces of the inner pole 90. Preferably, during vertical translation of the inner pole 90 the surfaces of inner pole 90 may not physically contact outer support pole 80 or the U-shaped beams 180.

Illustrated in detail in FIGS. 7 and 8, inner pole 90 defines a plurality of cross-bracket apertures/openings 92 along the surfaces of the inner pole 90. In one embodiment, the inner pole 90 defines four apertures 92, including two apertures 92 across the front surface 89 and two apertures 92 across the back surface 91. In some embodiments, all of the apertures 92 are located on the lower half of the inner pole 90. In various other embodiments more than four apertures 92 may be included in the inner pole 90 or the apertures may be at spaced locations along the length of the inner pole 90. Each aperture 92 can be characterized as a cut-out in the general shape of the letter “U”. For instance, a long base portion of the U-shaped aperture 92 has a width defined across the width of either the front surface 89 or the back surface 91 of inner pole 90. The base opening also has a height measured as a partial vertical length of either front surface 89 or back surface 91. Two parallel legs of the U-shaped aperture 92 each define an opening extending from the front surface rearward or from the rear surface forward along a partial portion of a side surface 93 or 95. If an aperture is defined on lower end 98, one leg of the U may be omitted. Each aperture 92 may define an open volume extending into the interior of inner pole 90 substantially in the shape of a rectangular prism.

A cross-bracket 160 may be nested within the open volume of each aperture 92. As illustrated in the partially exploded view of FIG. 8, cross-bracket 160 defines a rectangular prism volume and may include an open faced front side 162, a back side 164, a top side 166 and a bottom side 168. An open channel may be defined within the cross-bracket between the front side 162, back side 164, top side 166 and bottom side 168. Each cross-bracket defines opposing ends 169a and 169b . Each cross-bracket 160 may be mounted inside an aperture 92, preferably with edges of back side 164, top side 166 and bottom side 168 flush with or slightly protruding from the edges of an aperture 92. Cross-brackets may be welded in place, or adhered with fasteners or adhesive. Cross-bracket 160 may be constructed of any appropriate metal, for example, steel.

A pair of tracking blocks 190 are mounted in the opposing ends 169a and 169b of each cross-bracket 160. In one embodiment, each tracking block 190 is secured to a cross-bracket 160 using fasteners, such as a threaded screws or bolts. Each tracking block includes a front surface 192, a back surface 194 and two opposing side surfaces 196 and 198. Each tracking block 190 may be mounted to a cross-bracket 160 with back surface 194 abutting back side 164. In certain embodiments, the basketball goal assembly 20 includes four apertures 92 with four cross-brackets 160 and eight tracking blocks 190. The tracking blocks 190 may be arranged to include a first series of tracking blocks extending from the inner pole at a first height and a second series of tracking blocks extending from the inner pole 90 at a second height. The first series and second series of tracking blocks 190 may extend from all four sides of the inner pole 90. Tracking blocks 190 are constructed of durable materials, preferably with low friction properties. For example, tracking blocks 190 may be constructed of a self-lubricating durable plastic material such as polyoxymethylene, commercially available under the trademark Delrin®.

Illustrated for instance in the cross-sectional view in FIG. 9, the tracking blocks 190 protrude from cross-brackets 160 and thus protrude from inner pole 90. In other embodiments, the tracking blocks 190 may be mounted to and extend from the outer surfaces of inner pole 90. The protruding/extending faces abut tracks defined by outer pole 80 such as inner surfaces 184, 188 of U-shaped beams 180. For instance, the tracking blocks bear against the U-shaped portions of the framing arrangement formed by the U-shaped beams. In other examples, the liner or framing arrangement includes a single piece of material extending around at least a portion of all four sides of the inner pole 90. Front surface 192 of each tracking block 190 bears against an inner surface 188 of a side flange 186 while a side surface 196 or 198 bears against inner surface 184. Tracking blocks 190 rigidly hold inner pole 90 in lateral directions within the U-shaped beams at a spaced distance from the outer support pole 80. The tracking blocks 190 may serve as the only points of contact between the inner support pole 90 and the outer support pole 80 with U-shaped beams 180.

When gearing assembly 100 is used to raise or lower the basketball goal assembly 20, inner pole 90 travels and telescopes vertically relative to outer support pole 80. During travel of inner pole 90, tracking blocks 190 vertically slide along the surfaces of the U-shaped beams providing a rigid lateral alignment yet allowing vertical translation.

The telescoping pole assembly may be shipped as a preassembled lower unit, for example in a shipping crate, preventing a user or installer from inadvertently assembling the poles, beams, blocks and actuator incorrectly. The gearing assembly including the gear box housing may be shipped preassembled as well. During assembly, the user or installer may install the base for the basketball goal assembly. The user or installer then mounts the preassembled lower unit on the base. Additionally, the support arm is then attached followed by attaching the backboard assembly and the rim assembly.

The joint between inner pole 90 and support arm 60 is illustrated in detail in FIGS. 10A, 10B and 11. Inner pole 90 extends upward to upper end 97. Vertically, upper end 97 defines an open cross-section to the interior of inner pole 90. From a side view as illustrated in FIG. 10B, upper end 97 presents an angled or downward slanted aspect with the upper edges of sides 93, 95 extending from an upper edge of the back surface 91 downward to the upper edge of the front surface 89. Midway along the angled upper edges of sides 93, 95 are a pair of upward and forward extending locking tabs 99.

Support arm 60 includes a lower or rear joint end 62 configured to matingly engage with upper end 97 of inner pole 90 forming a mitered joint. Joint end 62 may include downward slanted side edges extending from a top edge to a lower edge. The top edge, lower edge and side edges are preferably sized, shaped and angled to complimentarily align with the upper edges of upper end 97. There may be a slight gap between the back edge of upper end 97 and the top edge of joint end 62. Joint end 62 defines a pair of slots 64 midway along the side edges. Slots 64 may be sized and shaped to matingly receive locking tabs 99 in a tab-in-slot arrangement. The engagement between locking tabs 99 and slots 64 assists in positioning and maintaining proper alignment between upper end 97 and joint end 62. The engagement between locking tabs 99 and slots 64 also provide a pivot point as the joint is tightened during assembly.

A pair of angled joint plates 158 may extend internally between upper end 97 and joint end 62 to connect them. Joint plates 158 align support and support arm 60 to inner pole 90. A plurality of lower mounting openings in each joint plate 148 is aligned with a corresponding plurality of mounting openings defined in the sides 93, 95 of upper end 97. A plurality of fasteners, such as screws, bolts, rivets or similar fasteners, is used to secure the joint plates 158 to upper end 97. When joint end 62 is properly positioned and aligned with upper end 97, a plurality of upper mounting openings in each joint plate 158 is aligned with a corresponding plurality of mounting openings defined in the sides of support arm 60. A plurality of fasteners, such as screws, bolts, rivets or similar fasteners is used to secure the joint plates 158 to joint end 62.

Internal to the joint assembly, top connector 140 of actuator 130 may be secured to an actuator cradle 142. Actuator cradle 142 may include an upper horizontal plate portion and a pair of downwardly angled plate portions extending forward and rearward. From a side perspective, cradle 142 may form a downward facing obtuse U-shape. Actuator top connector 140 may be arranged within the U-shape. In one embodiment, a fastener 146, such as a bolt or a screw, extends laterally through a pair of side plates 144 with the actuator top connector 140 sandwiched between side plates 144. Side plates 144 have substantially vertical sections matching the profile of U-shaped cross-section and are partially nested within the open sides of cradle 142. The vertical sections transition to downward and outward angled side portions which protrude laterally from cradle 142. The outer edges of the side portions form T-shaped portions, with each edge having a pair of tabs that extend forward and rearward to overlap with and interlock with the edges of cradle 142.

Within upper end 97, the top of actuator cradle 142 may be secured to a lower side of anchor plate 156, for instance by welding or with a fastener. Socket 154 may be on the upper side of anchor plate 156. Socket 154 may define a fastener receiver bore, for instance an internally threaded passage. Within joint end 62, hanger plate 152 may be arranged on the inner face of the top side of support arm 60. Hanger plate 152 is secured to support arm 60, for instance by welding. Hanger plate 152 may include a pair of vertical flanges at opposing ends of a horizontal portion. The horizontal portion of hanger plate 152 defines a vertical fastener opening. When joint end 62 and upper end 97 are aligned, the fastener opening is aligned with the fastener receiver bore. A fastener 150, such as a threaded bolt, extends downward through hanger plate 152 and engages socket 154 to secure joint end 62 to the joint assembly. As fastener 150 is tightened, it applies a downward force to the rear of joint end 62. The upper end of fastener 150 such as a cap head can be accessed via an opening in joint end 62. The downward force of fastener 150 and the pivot point defined by the tab-in-slot arrangement of locking tabs 99 and slots 64 assist to adjust and align support arm 60 to hold it at the desired angle relative to inner pole 90. After assembly, any gap between the rear edges of the joint assembly as well as the fastener access opening may be covered with a cap 66.

FIGS. 12-13 illustrate the connection between the support arm 60 and backboard assembly 30 in detail. Backboard assembly 30 includes a backboard panel 31 and rim assembly 200. Backboard panel 31 is illustrated as transparent for ease of illustration. Backboard panel 31 may be made in conventional sizes and shapes and may be of materials such as glass, acrylic, plastic, wood or similar materials. Backboard panel 31 may define one or more rim fastener openings 32.

In some embodiments, the periphery of backboard panel 31 may be all or partially encircled by a frame 34. In the illustrated embodiment, frame 34 includes bracket 250 with a vertical mounting plate. In other embodiments, bracket 250 may be used without frame 34 or bracket 250 may be omitted. As illustrated, bracket 250 includes a rearward extending upper flange, and a pair of rearward extending side flanges. As illustrated, bracket 250 further includes a plurality of rim fastener openings 256.

Backboard assembly 30 may include a set of mounting plates arranged adjacent the rear face of bracket 250 and encircled by the upper flange, the pair of side flanges and the lower edge piece of frame 34. The mounting plates may include a central hook plate 270 and a pair of side plates 260. Hook plate 270 may include a vertical portion parallel to the rear face of bracket 250. An upper portion of hook plate 270 may be bent rearward and partially downward forming a downward opening hook 274. Each side plate 260 includes a vertical portion parallel to the rear face of bracket 250. Each side plate defines at least one and preferably a plurality of rearward extending stud portions 262. Rearward extending stud portions 262 are fixedly mounted to the side plates 260 and protrude rearward without protruding forward. In some embodiments, stud portions 262 are threaded shafts welded to side plates 260. Side plates 260 also define a plurality of rim fastener openings 264.

Rim assembly 200 extends forward from the front face of backboard panel 31. Rim assembly 200 may include mounting bracket 220. A conventional circular rim 210 extends forward from mounting bracket 220. Rim assembly 200 may incorporate a break-away mechanism which allows rim 210 to be resiliently deflected relative to mounting bracket 220. Mounting bracket 220 includes a vertical and planar rear portion 221. Rear portion 221 defines one or more, and preferably at least two or more fastener openings 226.

During assembly of the backboard assembly, rim assembly 200 may be arranged with bracket rear portion 221 abutting the front face of panel 31. The backboard panel and rim assembly are further aligned with bracket 250 side plates 260 and hook plate 270. In this arrangement, fastener openings 264, 256, 32 and 226 are aligned. Fasteners, such as bolts 222, are then placed to extend through the aligned openings. In the illustrated embodiment, bolts 222 include a cap end on a rearward side of side plates 260. The forward ends of bolts 222 are secured, for instance with washers and nuts, on the forward side of mounting bracket rear portion 221. Optionally, shock absorber members 224, such as rubber dampers, may be arranged within backboard panel fastener openings 32 to isolate fasteners from directly contacting backboard panel 31. Accordingly, force applied to rim assembly 200 is transmitted to the mounting arrangement without impacting backboard panel 31. Bolts 222 can be tightened to secure backboard assembly 30 together in a sandwiched arrangement as shown. Backboard assembly 30 is then ready to be mounted to support arm 60.

Backboard end 68 of support arm 60 may include a vertically oriented end plate 70. End plate 70 may be rigidly secured to support arm 60, for example by welding. End plate 70 may be in the general shape of a square or rectangle. In one embodiment, end plate 70 defines a plurality of mounting openings 74, for instance with two openings arranged adjacent each lateral side of end plate 70. Mounting openings 74 are arranged in number and position to correspond to stud portions 262. End plate 70 defines an upper edge 76.

End plate 70 may also define a plurality of clearance openings 72, arranged to provide clearance for the cap ends of bolts 222 to at least partially extend into and overlap with the thickness of end plate 70. In certain embodiments, openings 72 are sufficiently sized to allow the front face of end plate 70 to abut the rear faces of side plates 260 without interference from the cap ends of bolts 222.

The process of mounting backboard assembly 30 to support arm 60 includes placing backboard assembly 30 adjacent to the forward face of end plate 70, and specifically placing the hook 274 of hook plate 270 over upper edge 76 of end plate 70. Backboard assembly 30 may be slightly rearwardly angled as hook 274 is engaged. Hook 274 and end plate 70 thereby form a hinged arrangement allowing support arm 60 to vertically support backboard assembly 30 while also allowing backboard assembly to be slightly pivoted. Specifically, backboard assembly may then be pivoted to rotate stud portions 262 into alignment with and to extend through mounting openings 74. Once stud portions 262 are positioned through openings 74 as desired, they can be secured, for instance with washers and threaded nuts while the backboard assembly is supported by the hinge. When stud portions 262 are tightened, backboard assembly 30 is rigidly secured to support arm 60.

Representatively illustrated in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 is an alternate embodiment of the basketball goal assembly. Basketball goal assembly 1020 is illustrated in lowered and raised positions, respectively. Basketball goal assembly 1020 is comparable to basketball goal assembly 20. The differences between basketball goal assembly 1020 and basketball goal assembly 20 are discussed below in reference to basketball goal assembly 1020.

FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate cross-sectional views of an embodiment of the gearing assembly 1100 in relation to outer pole 80 and inner pole 1090. FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate a perspective and a perspective, partially exploded enlarged view of a portion of gearing assembly 1100. Gearing assembly 1100 is an alternate embodiment of gearing assembly 100. Gearing assembly 1100 is designed to allow an individual to drive actuator 130 to raise and lower the backboard assembly 30 using a crank handle (not shown). Mechanically, the lower end of gearing assembly 1100 may be aligned with the lower end of actuator 130 which is engaged between outer pole 80 and inner pole 1090. For ease of use, gearing assembly 1100 provides offset vertical spacing comparable to gearing assembly 100.

In the illustrated embodiment, gearing assembly 1100 may include a housing 1102 and an optional housing cap 1103. Housing 1102 conceals and protects the portions of gearing assembly 1100 exterior to outer pole 80. Housing 1102 may be mounted to the outer pole 80 using two mounting spacers on the back of the housing 1102 secured to the outer pole 80 by fasteners. During assembly the fasteners may be inserted through two openings on the front of the housing 1102.

A selectively removable crank handle may enter housing 1102 through housing cap 1103 adjacent an upper end of housing 1102. Crank handle may be arranged substantially perpendicular to outer pole 80. Crank handle may include a keyed aspect to engage with chain crank shaft 1106. During use, the crank handle may be slideably inserted over chain crank shaft 1106 creating a keyed joint. A radially extending crank pin 1107 may be received in slots in the crank handle to rotationally lock the crank handle to the chain crank shaft 1106. Rotation of crank handle in either a clockwise or counter clockwise direction may operate the gearing assembly 1100 to operate actuator 130 to correspondingly raise or lower the backboard assembly 1030 to a desired height.

Gearing assembly 1100 may also include a lock out feature. When not in use, the crank shaft may be removed from the housing 1102 and housing cap 1103. Housing cap 1103 includes linear passage 1104. Once the crank shaft is removed, linear passage 1104 is no longer obstructed. A user may then place a lock, for example a padlock through the passage. The padlock obstructs the passage used to insert the crank shaft. This assembly allows for the user to prevent unsupervised use of the gearing assembly 100, for example a child will not be able to use the gearing assembly without removing the lock. This advantageously prevents potential injuries, such as pinching when trying to insert and operate the crank handle.

Chain crank shaft 1106 may engage a chain drive to transmit the mechanical power created by turning the crank handle. Chain drive may include a top sprocket 1108, a bottom sprocket 1112, a drive chain 1110 and a main shaft 1114. Crank shaft 1106 may be secured to the top sprocket 1108 by utilizing two flange bushings on the front and back surface of the main shaft 1114. Each flange bushing includes one flat side or “flange” to mount against the main shaft 1114 while the rest of the bushing passes through the main shaft 1114. The diameter of the bushing is larger than the diameter of the chain crank shaft 1106. Therefore, the crank shaft can extend through the front bushing through the top sprocket 1108 and into the back bushing. The bushings and chain crank shaft 1106 may be secured in place using fasteners. Top sprocket 1108 may be mounted to chain crank shaft 1106.

When chain crank shaft 1106 rotates it correspondingly rotates top sprocket 1108. Top sprocket 1108 may engage with and pulls drive chain 1110. Once the drive chain 1110 begins to move, the bottom sprocket 1112 simultaneously begins to rotate. Bottom sprocket 1112 may be smaller than top sprocket 1108 to provide a mechanical advantage. The main shaft 1114 may be used to help secure the components of the chain drive in place.

The bottom sprocket 1112 may engage and drive a coupling shaft 1118. The bottom sprocket 1112 may be secured to the coupling shaft 1118 using two flange bushings secured in the same manner as described above between the chain crank shaft 1106 and top sprocket 1108. The length of drive chain 1110 defines the vertical offset that gearing assembly 1100 provides. Coupling shaft 1118 extends at substantially a right angle to drive chain 1110.

Coupling shaft 1118 extends into the lower unit, namely the interior of outer pole 80. As coupling shaft 1118 rotates it causes worm coupling gear 120 to rotate. Worm coupling gear 120 may engage and drive a worm drive gear 122 of actuator 130 to control the telescopic movement of inner pole 1090 relative to outer pole 80. The current embodiment may include the same lower unit and telescopic arrangement between the outer support pole and inner pole illustrated in FIGS. 5-9. The disclosure relating to these figures and the telescopic arrangement is incorporated herein.

Another embodiment of the joint between inner pole 1090 and support arm 1060 is illustrated in detail in FIGS. 20A, 20B and 21. Inner pole 1090 extends upward to upper end 1097. Vertically, upper end 1097 defines an open cross-section to the interior of inner pole 1090 similar to FIG. 9. A mounting plate 1159 may be secured to the upper end 1197 of inner pole 1090, for example by welding. Mounting plate 1159 extends forward past the front edge of inner pole 1090.

Support arm 1060 includes a lower or rear joint end 1062 configured to be secured with upper end 1097 of inner pole 1090. Joint end 1062 may include upward and forward slanted side edges extending from a lower edge to a top edge. The top edge, lower edge and side edges are preferably sized, shaped and angled to receive a Z-shaped strap 1150.

The Z-shaped strap 1150 may include a top portion 1152 parallel to a bottom portion 1154. The top portion 1152 may be connected to the bottom portion 1154 by a vertical middle portion 1155. The Z-shaped strap 1150 may include a gusset plate 1158 secured, for example by welding, to the back side of the Z-shaped strap 1150. Gusset plate 1158 reinforces the Z-shaped strap 1150 to prevent bending. Gusset plate 1158 also assists in transferring the load of support arm 1060. The Z-shaped strap 1150 and gusset plate 1158 may be made of any appropriate material, for example steel. The Z-shaped strap 1150 may be rigidly secured to joint end 1062, for example by welding the top portion 1152 of the Z-shaped strap 1150 to the exterior top side of joint end 1062 and the bottom portion 1154 to the interior lower side of joint end 1062.

In this arrangement, the bottom side of support arm 1060 is sandwiched between the Z-shaped strap 1150 and the mounting plate 1159. Bottom surface of joint end 1062 may be mounted flush with a surface of mounting plate 1159. A plurality of openings in the portion of mounting plate 1159 extending past the front edge of inner pole 1090 may be aligned with a corresponding plurality of openings (not shown) in the support arm 1060. Similarly, openings in the bottom portion 1154 and rearward openings in plate 1159 and joint end 1062 are aligned. A plurality of fasteners, such as screws, bolts, rivets or similar fasteners, may be used to help position the support arm 1060 correctly on the mounting plate 1159. In certain embodiments, the mounting plate openings and joint end 1062 openings are threaded to receive bolts.

Top connector 140 of actuator 130 and the actuator cradle 142 are arranged comparable to the discussion above. Only the differences will be addressed in detail. Within upper end 1097, the top of actuator cradle 142 may be secured to a lower side of anchor plate 1156, for instance by welding or with a fastener. Anchor plate 1156 may be secured to the interior of the inner pole 1090, for example by welding.

After assembly, any gap between the rear edges of the joint assembly as well as the Z-shaped strap 1150 may be covered with a cap 1066. The cap 1066 may include tabs on the interior and the support arm 1060 may include slots. The cap 1066 may be snapped into place by inserting the tabs into the slots of the support arm 1060.

FIGS. 22-24 illustrate the connection between the support arm 1060 and backboard assembly 1030. Backboard assembly 1030 is comparable to backboard assembly 30. Only the differences between backboard assembly 1030 and backboard assembly 30 will be discussed below in detail.

Backboard assembly 1030 may include a set of mounting plates arranged adjacent the rear face of bracket 250. The mounting plates may include a central hook plate 1270. Additionally, the set of mounting plates can include base connector plate 1280. Hook plate 1270 may include a vertical portion parallel to the rear face of bracket 250. An upper portion of hook plate 1270 is bent rearward and partially downward forming a rounded, downward opening hook 1274. In one embodiment, the opening hook 1274 may include a central bushing 1290 welded to opening hook 1274. Base connector plate 1280 may include a vertical portion parallel to the rear face of bracket 250. Both the hook plate 1270 and base connector plate 1280 may define at least one and optionally a plurality of aligned openings for rearward extending stud portions 1262. Rearward extending stud portions 1262 may be used to fixedly secure hook plate 1270 and base connector plate 1280 together and protrude rearward without protruding forward. In some embodiments, stud portions 1262 are threaded shafts welded to base connector plate 1280. Hook plate 1270 and base connector plate 1280 may also define a plurality of rim fastener openings 1264, 1282.

During assembly of the backboard assembly, rim assembly 200 may be arranged with bracket rear portion 221 abutting the front face of panel 31. The backboard panel and rim assembly are further aligned with bracket 250 and the hook plate 1270 and base connector plate 1280. In this arrangement, fastener openings 1264, 256, 32, 1282 and 226 are aligned. Fasteners, such as bolts 222, may then be placed to extend through the aligned openings. In the illustrated embodiment, bolts 222 include a cap end on a rearward side of side plates 260. The forward ends of bolts 222 may be secured, for instance with washers and nuts, on the forward side of mounting bracket rear portion 221. Accordingly, force applied to rim assembly 200 is transmitted to the mounting arrangement without impacting backboard panel 31. Bolts 222 can be tightened to secure backboard assembly 1030 together in a sandwiched arrangement as shown. Backboard assembly 1030 is then ready to be mounted to support arm 1060.

Backboard end 68 of support arm 1060 may include a vertically oriented end plate 70. End plate 70 is substantially the same as discussed above. In this illustrated embodiment, the end plate 70 includes two bushings 1291, 1292 welded to upper edge 76 of end plate 70.

The process of mounting backboard assembly 1030 to support arm 1060 may include placing backboard assembly 1030 adjacent to the forward face of end plate, and specifically placing the hook 1274 of hook plate 1270 over upper edge 76 of end plate 70. Backboard assembly 1030 may be slightly rearwardly angled as hook 1274 is engaged. This arrangement aligns the bushing 1290 in the hook 1274 along an axis between the bushings 1291, 1292 of the end plate 70 to create a linear passage. It is understood that a different number of bushings may be present in hook 1274 or on end plate 70. The number of bushings discussed is for illustrative purposes only.

Once the bushings have been aligned to create the linear passage, a hinge pin 1293 may be linearly inserted through the bushings, forming an axle. Hook 1274 and end plate 70 thereby form a hinged arrangement allowing support arm 60 to vertically support backboard assembly 30 while also allowing backboard assembly to be slightly pivoted. Specifically, backboard assembly may be pivoted to rotate stud portions 1262 into alignment with and to extend through mounting openings 74. Once stud portions are positioned through the openings as desired, they can be secured, for instance with washers and threaded nuts while the backboard assembly is supported by the hinge. When stud portions are tightened, backboard assembly 1030 is rigidly secured to support arm 1060.

Assembly and shipment of the alternate embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14 is comparable to the assembly of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

As illustrated in exploded views in FIGS. 25A and 25B, in certain embodiments, the framing assembly/liner is a rectangular sleeve extending around at least a portion of all four sides or a majority of the inner pole 90. More specifically, the framing assembly can be arranged using a C-shaped sleeve 380 which is mounted within the outer support pole and which extends vertically along the inner walls of the outer support pole. The C-shaped sleeve 380 may be made from one sheet of material and bent into the shape of the letter “C”. C-shaped sleeve 380 may incorporate portions which form U-shaped sections. C-shaped sleeve 380 may be substituted as the framing arrangement in the embodiments disclosed as an alternative to U-shaped beams 180.

During manufacture of the C-shaped sleeve 380, the sleeve starts as a flat sheet blank. Openings 390 may be cut from the center of the sheet leaving one or more cross-pieces 389. The sheet may then be folded to form the C-shaped sleeve with a rectangular cross-section.

Once assembled, the C-shaped sleeve 380 includes a pair of lateral sides, a front side and an open rear. The pair of lateral sides may include planar outer surfaces 382 and planar inner surfaces 384. Each lateral side may include a pair of side flanges 386. One side flange 386 may extend from the rear edge of the lateral side extending partially across the open rear. The other side flange 386 may extend from the front edge of the lateral side extending partially across the front side. Each side flange may include an outer surface 387 and an inner surface 388. Each lateral side in combination with a flange extending from the rear edge and a flange extending from a front edge can be characterized as a U-shaped portion of the C-shaped sleeve.

Comparable to the beams 180 in FIG. 9, the C-shaped sleeve 380 is positioned within and may abut the inner surfaces of the outer support pole. For instance, the outer surfaces 382, 387 of the C-shaped sleeve 380 may abut the inner surfaces of the outer support pole. The cross-sectional area between the inner surfaces 384, 388 defines a vertical passage.

The front side of the C-shaped sleeve 380 may include one or more cross-pieces 389 connecting the two lateral sides. The cross-pieces 389 may extend between the two opposing front side flanges 386 extending from the front edges of the C-shaped sleeve's lateral sides. In the illustrated embodiments, the space between each cross-piece 389 defines an opening 390 into the interior of the C-shaped sleeve 380. Openings 390 are cut from the sheet blank to reduce the mass of the sleeve. In alternative embodiments, the front side of the C-shaped sleeve may be a solid surface. The front side of the C-shaped sleeve may be positioned facing the playing area.

The rear of the C-shaped sleeve 380 includes opening 394 defined along the height of sleeve 380 between a pair of side flanges 386. In some embodiments, optionally one or more spread limiting straps 385 may extend across the opening and are fastened to the pair of side flanges, such as by tack or spot welding. Spread limiting straps 385 prevent the rear edges of the C-shaped sleeve 380 from spreading/bending. In some examples, two spread limiting straps may be utilized. In the illustrated embodiment, spread limiting straps are placed adjacent the upper end and the lower end of the C-shaped sleeve. In other embodiments, more or less spread limiting straps may be used. Spread limiting straps 385 may be made of any suitable material, for instance a metal such as steel. In some examples, the spread limiting straps are made of a thinner thickness of metal than the metal forming C-shaped sleeve 380.

C-shaped sleeve 380 may include a pair of slots 392 extending upward from the lower end of each lateral side. Slots 392 may be in the general shape of the letter “U”. Slots 392 provide clearance to allow sleeve 380 to extend below anchor member 133.

The outer cross-section of inner pole 90 can fit inside the vertical passage defined by the C-shaped sleeve, yet is held at a spaced distance from inner surfaces 384, 388. The C-shaped sleeve extends around at least a portion of all four sides of the inner pole 90. Inner pole 90 shown in FIGS. 25A-25B is the same as illustrated in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. The inner pole may be according to any of the inner pole embodiments disclosed herein.

The tracking blocks 190 (as shown in detail in FIG. 8) protrude from cross-brackets 160 and thus protrude from inner pole 90. The protruding faces abut tracks within the outer pole such as inner surfaces 384, 388 of C-shaped sleeve 380. A front surface 192 of each tracking block 190 bears against an inner surface 388 of a side flange 386 while a side surface 196 or 198 bears against inner surface 384. Tracking blocks 190 rigidly hold inner pole 90 in lateral directions within the C-shaped sleeve 380 at a spaced distance from the outer support pole 80. The tracking blocks 190 may serve as the only points of contact between the inner support pole 90 and the outer support pole with C-shaped sleeve 380.

When the gearing assembly is used to raise or lower the basketball goal assembly, inner pole 90 travels vertically relative to outer support pole 80. During travel of inner pole 90, tracking blocks 190 vertically slide along the surfaces of the C-shaped sleeve 380 providing a rigid lateral alignment yet allowing vertical translation.

Another embodiment of the lower portion of the joint between an inner pole and a support arm is illustrated in FIG. 26. Internal to the joint assembly, top connector 140 of the actuator may be secured to an actuator cradle 2142. Actuator cradle 2142 may be formed as a hollow column or sleeve with a rectangular cross-section. The sleeve may include a top portion, an open base portion, a pair of opposing side plates 2144 and a pair of opposing end plates 2145 defining an interior column. The top portion of actuator cradle 2142 may abut and is connected to a lower surface of mounting plate 1159, for instance by welding or with a fastener. The side plates 2144 and end plates 2145 of the rectangular sleeve may include substantially vertical sections transitioning to downward and outward angled flanges which diverge from the vertical sections. The vertical sections may extend parallel with the inner pole

The top connector 140 is received inside of the interior column of the sleeve. In one embodiment, a fastener 2146, such as a bolt or a screw, extends laterally through the side plates 2144 with the actuator top connector 140 sandwiched between the side plates 2144. Side plates 2144 may also include a pair of stop plate openings 2157 defining a horizontal channel extending between the openings. Stop plate 2156 may be mounted across the interior, extending between the stop plate openings 2157. Stop plate 2156 may be fixed in place, for example by welding. The ends of stop plate 2156 may protrude beyond the edges of the openings 2157. When assembled, top connector 140 abuts a lower surface of stop plate 2156. Stop plate 2156 acts as a load transferring mechanism helping to manage the load borne between actuator top connector 140 and cradle 2142.

The language describing the sides, surfaces and tops and bottoms of the disclosed components is not intended to be limiting in any manner. The language is solely included to aid in the understanding of the disclosure.

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, equivalents, and modifications that come within the spirit of the disclosure defined by following claims are desired to be protected. All publications, patents, and patent applications cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference and set forth in its entirety herein.

ADJUSTABLE BASKETBALL GOAL

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CPC

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Abstract

Description

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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Provisional Applications (1)