Basketball Hoop Structure For A Trampoline

Abstract

A basketball hoop structure configured to be fixed onto a trampoline is disclosed. The basketball hoop structure includes a frame, a rim and a backboard. The rim has a horizontal position, is connected to the frame, and pivots vertically from the horizontal position. The rim includes a connection arrangement having a first branch and a second branch for connecting the rim to the frame. The basketball hoop structure further includes a first elastic arrangement and a second elastic arrangement. Parts of the first branch and the second branch are positioned between the elastic arrangements. The elastic arrangements dampen the movements of the rim and return it to the original position.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a national filing based upon Finnish priority patent application FI20217188, filed Dec. 3, 2021, the content of which is herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a basketball hoop structure for a trampoline, and the basketball hoop structure comprises a frame, a rim and a backboard, and the rim has a horizontal position and is connected to the frame in such a way that the rim is vertically pivotable from the horizontal position and the rim is padded at least partially with a layer of an elastic material, and the frame is configured to be affixed to the trampoline.

Description of Related Art

Trampolines are commonly used in outdoor and indoor activities. Trampolines comprise a frame structure and a mat connected to the frame structure with stretching elements such as springs or similar. The frame structure comprises transverse and horizontal tubes. Trampoline activities include playing basketball. A basketball hoop designed for trampolines include traditional basketball hoop parts such as a rim, a backboard and arrangements for attaching the basketball hoop to the frame structure, which is in this case the trampoline frame structure. However, installing a basketball hoop onto the trampoline may lead to accidents when the trampoline users collide with the hoop. This is because the users can injure themselves by colliding with the hoop during the upward bounce.

Patent publication U.S. Pat. No. 7,429,224 discloses a basketball hoop and a backboard for a trampoline. It provides a basketball hoop assembly that absorb energy to avoid injury to players. This is implemented by having two pairs of springs that are deployed in such a way that the rim assembly can flex in the vertical direction, absorbing the collision energy. However, this kind of spring arrangement is hard to construct, and it has many parts that can break and thus render the whole hoop construction unusable. Furthermore, having this many springs that extend and contract can cause irritating sounds when the basketball hoop assembly is in active use.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is a solution that can significantly reduce the disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art. In particular, the object of the invention is a solution where a basketball hoop structure is provided that improves safety and still is silent and easy to construct.

The objects of the invention are attained with a basketball hoop structure that is characterised by what is stated in the independent patent claim. Some advantageous embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

The invention is a basketball hoop structure that is configured to be fixed onto a trampoline. The basketball hoop structure comprises a frame, a rim and a backboard, and the rim has a horizontal position and is connected to the frame and is vertically pivotable from the horizontal position. The rim comprises a connection arrangement having a first branch and a second branch for connecting the rim to the frame. The basketball hoop structure further comprises a first elastic arrangement and a second elastic arrangement, and parts of the first branch and the second branch are positioned between said elastic arrangements. The elastic arrangements dampen the movements of the rim and return it to the original position.

When reference is made in the text to the upper or the lower parts or respective directions such as down or up, a situation is described in which the basketball hoop structure according to the invention is in use, i.e., attached to the trampoline. Also, when reference is made to the vertical or horizontal directions or surfaces, the basketball hoop structure is placed similarly.

In one embodiment of the invention is a basketball hoop structure for a trampoline. The basketball hoop structure comprises a frame, a rim and a backboard, and the rim has a horizontal position and is connected to the frame in such a way that the rim is vertically pivotable from the horizontal position and the rim is padded at least partially with a layer of elastic material. The frame is configured to be affixed to the trampoline. In one advantageous embodiment of the invention, the rim comprises a connection arrangement having a first branch and a second branch for connecting the rim to the frame. The frame comprises a support structure having at least a horizontal lower surface, and the basketball hoop structure further comprises two elastic arrangements: a first elastic arrangement and a second elastic arrangement, and parts of the first branch and the second branch are positioned between the first elastic arrangement and a second elastic arrangement, and the first elastic arrangement is positioned on the lower surface.

In one embodiment of the basketball hoop structure, the layer of elastic padding material on the rim surrounds the rim in such a way that the part of the rim between the first branch and the second branch is uncovered at least partly.

In a second embodiment of the basketball hoop structure, the basketball hoop structure comprises an attaching arrangement for attaching the first elastic arrangement and the second elastic arrangement to each other and onto the frame. In a third embodiment of the basketball hoop structure, the attaching arrangement penetrates at least the first elastic arrangement, the second elastic arrangement and the lower surface. In a fourth embodiment of the basketball hoop structure, the attaching arrangement is a bolt-like structure and is positioned between the first branch and the second branch.

This feature improves the elasticity and makes construction easier and keeps the elastic arrangement firmly in place.

In a fifth embodiment of the basketball hoop structure, the elastic arrangements are made of rubber or of another material having properties similar to rubber. The inventors have discovered that the durability and elasticity of rubber are very suitable for the basketball hoop structure according to the invention.

In a sixth embodiment of the basketball hoop structure, the elastic arrangements are continuous objects, and the ends of the elastic arrangements extend over the first branch and the second branch. This feature improves the elasticity and makes construction easier and keeps the elastic arrangement firmly in place. Also, the durability of the structure improves in this kind of embodiment.

In a seventh embodiment of the basketball hoop structure, the connection arrangement is configured in such a way that the directions of the first branch and the second branch on the elastic arrangements are dissimilar. This feature improves the bouncing effect of the rim without having to widen the elastic arrangement, because longer sections of the branches touch the elastic arrangement compared to a situation where the branch slot is perpendicular to the elastic arrangement.

In an eighth embodiment of the basketball hoop structure, the elastic arrangements have front sides and back sides, and the front side of the elastic arrangement is toward the rim and the back side is of the elastic arrangement is on the opposing side in relation to the front side, and the distance between the first branch and the second branch is larger at the front side than at the back side. This feature makes it possible to implement more compact connection arrangements and basketball hoop structures.

In a ninth embodiment of the basketball hoop structure, the connection arrangement is a loop, i.e. the first branch and the second branch are interconnected. This feature improves the durability and safety of the connection arrangement.

In a tenth embodiment of the basketball hoop structure, the support structure comprises an upper surface and the elastic arrangements are between the upper surface and the lower surface.

In an eleventh embodiment of the basketball hoop structure, the support structure is at least partly behind the backboard. In a twelfth embodiment of the basketball hoop structure, there is a hole in the lower part of the backboard, and the lower surface is configured to fit into said hole. In a thirteenth embodiment of the basketball hoop structure, the front surface of the lower surface is approximately at the same level as the backboard. In a fourteenth embodiment of the basketball hoop structure, the connection arrangement connections to the frame are positioned behind the backboard. These features make the basketball hoop structure more compact and thus safer.

It is an advantage of the invention that it provides a basketball hoop structure for a trampoline that improves safety and is easy to manufacture.

One advantage of the invention is that it is relatively silent.

It is a further advantage of the invention that it can be easily optimized for different kinds of trampolines.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Further advantages features and details of the various embodiments of this disclosure will become apparent from 11 the ensuing description of a preferred exemplary embodiment and with the aid of the drawings. The features and combinations of features recited below in the description, as well as the features and feature combination shown after that in the drawing description or in the drawings alone, may be used not only in the particular combination recited, but also in other combinations on their own, with departing from the scope of the disclosure.

In the following, the invention is described in detail. The description refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 depicts an example of a basketball hoop structure according to an embodiment,

FIG. 2 depicts a close view of the basketball hoop structure presented in FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 depicts a second close view of the basketball hoop structure presented in FIG. 1, and

FIG. 4 depicts an explosion view of the basketball hoop structure presented in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

As used throughout the present disclosure, unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “or” encompasses all possible combinations, except where infeasible. For example, the expression “A or B” shall mean A alone, B alone, or A and B together. If it is stated that a component includes “A, B, or C” then, unless specifically stated otherwise or infeasible, the component may include A, or B, or C, or A and B, or A and C, or B and C, or A and B and C. Expressions such as “at least one of” do not necessarily modify an entirety of the following list and do not necessarily modify each member of the list, such that “at least one of “A, B, and C” should be understood as including only one of A, only one of B, only one of C, or any combination.

The embodiments in the following description are given as examples only and someone skilled in the art can carry out the basic idea of the invention also in some other way than what is described in the description. Though the description may refer to a certain embodiment or embodiments in several places, this does not mean that the reference would be directed towards only one described embodiment or that the described characteristic would be usable only in one described embodiment. The individual characteristics of two or more embodiments may be combined and new embodiments of the invention may thus be provided.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a basketball hoop structure 100 that is fixed to a trampoline frame 112 with a fixing arrangement. The basketball hoop structure comprises a frame 101, a rim 102, a backboard 103, a connection arrangement 113, a support structure 107 and two elastic arrangements (not visible in FIG. 1): a first elastic arrangement and a second elastic arrangement.

The rim 102 is a metal structure with an attached net affixed onto a backboard. The structure is at least partially circular; it is a bent rod or a similar construction. The rim of the trampoline basketball hoop does not necessarily require a net and in some embodiments is the net is omitted for safety reasons. The rim 102 is padded at least partially with a layer of elastic material 104.

The frame 101 connects the rim 102 and the backboard 103 and keeps the whole basketball hoop structure 100 together. Also, the frame provides structural integrity for the basketball hoop structure. The connection arrangement 113 comprises a first branch and a second branch (not visible in FIG. 1) for connecting the rim to the frame. The branches comprise first ends and second ends. The first ends of the branches are fixed to the rim and the second ends are connected to the frame. The connection between the branches and the frame is such that the rim pivots in the vertical direction and the pivot point (the point that forms its centre of rotation) is the connection point between the branches and the frame. In some embodiments the rim is not a continuous circle but the rod, which forms the rim, is bent toward the branches, and there is a gap in the rim between first ends of the branches.

The support structure 107 serves to support the elastic arrangements and keeps them in predetermined positions in relation to the frame. Some parts of the first branch and the second branch are positioned between the first elastic arrangement and a second elastic arrangement. The first elastic arrangement is resting on the bottom part of the support structure. When a vertical force, acting upward or downward, is affecting the rim in its horizontal position, the rim pivots toward the direction of the force. The elastic arrangements deform and resist the movement and then regain their original form and return the rim to its horizontal position.

FIG. 2 shows a detail of the basketball hoop structure 100 presented in FIG. 1 as seen from above the level of the rim. The basketball hoop structure comprises the frame 101, the rim 102, the backboard 103, the connection arrangement 113, the support structure 107 and two elastic arrangements: a first elastic arrangement 109 and a second elastic arrangement 110. The rim is padded with a layer of elastic material 104 for protective purposes. The connection arrangement comprises the first branch 105 and the second branch 106. The branches have first ends and second ends. The first ends are connected to the rim and the second ends are connected in an adjustable way to the frame. In this embodiment the rod forming the rim is bent toward the branches. Between the branches there is a gap in the rim. The layer of elastic material leaves the gap uncovered. In this embodiment, the branches are parallel and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elastic arrangement. In some embodiments, the directions of the first branch and the second branch on the elastic arrangements are dissimilar. In that case, the lengths of the branches between the elastic arrangements are longer than in the situation where the branches are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elastic arrangement. In some embodiments, the branches converge when they approach the backboard 103. In some embodiments, the second ends of the branches are interconnected, and this loop is placed into a tunnel or a groove when connected to the frame.

The support structure 107 serves to support and hold the first elastic arrangement 109 and the second elastic arrangement 110 and the branches between them. The support structure comprises at least a lower surface 108 and an upper surface. Said surfaces are horizontal plate-like structures or extensions and the distance between them is adjustable. Advantageously, the upper surface is removable for maintenance purposes. The basketball hoop structure 100 comprises an attaching arrangement 115 for attaching the first elastic arrangement and the second elastic arrangement to each other and onto the frame 101 and more particularly to the support structure. The attaching arrangement is a vertical bolt-like structure and is positioned between the first branch and the second branch. The attaching arrangement penetrates at least the first elastic arrangement, the second elastic arrangement and the lower surface. In this embodiment, the attaching arrangement presses the lower surface against the upper surface, sandwiching the elastic arrangements between the two.

On the lower part of the backboard 103 is a hole 115. The support structure fits at least partly inside said hole. The frame 101 is positioned at least partly behind the backboard. The lower surface 108 is connected to the frame 101. Fitting the support structure at least partly inside the hole makes it possible to move the rim closer to the backboard and thus secure the moving parts in order to minimise the possibility of accidents.

The first elastic arrangement 109 and the second elastic arrangement 110 have first ends and second ends, front sides and back sides, and upper sides and lower sides. The front side of the elastic arrangement is positioned toward the rim 102 and its back side is positioned toward the backboard 103 or toward the same level as the backboard. The elastic arrangements are both continuous objects that extend over the first branch 105 and the second branch 106, i.e., the first branch and the second branch are between the ends of the elastic arrangements. The first elastic arrangement is positioned on the lower surface 108. The second elastic arrangement is positioned on the first elastic arrangement. The first branch and the second branch are positioned between the upper side of the first elastic arrangement and the lower side of the second elastic arrangement. In some embodiments, the distance between the first branch and the second branch is larger at the front sides than at the back sides. The elastic arrangements are made of rubber or of another material having properties similar to rubber. Rubber maintains its properties even if the basketball structure is extensively used. The structure of the support structure 107 makes it possible to change the elastic arrangement if required.

FIG. 3 shows a detail of the basketball hoop structure 100 presented in FIG. 1 as seen from somewhat below the level of the rim 102 when it is in its horizontal position. The basketball hoop structure comprises the frame 101, the rim 102, the backboard 103, the support structure 107, the first elastic arrangement 109, the second elastic arrangement 110, the first branch 105 and the second branch 106. The frame comprises a horizontal beam 116 at the lower part of the basketball hoop structure. The horizontal beam forms the bottom edge of the frame.

The support structure 107 further comprises an attachment plate 117. The attachment plate is fixed onto the horizontal beam 116. At least some of the parts of the support structure that support the elastic arrangements are fixed onto the attachment plate. In this example, the lower surface (not marked in FIG. 2) is fixed onto the attachment plate. The lower surface forms a shelf-like structure and the first elastic arrangement 109 is positioned on the lower surface. On the lower part of the backboard 103 there is the hole 115. In this embodiment, the hole is positioned in such a way that it is open toward the bottom edge of the backboard, i.e. the bottom edge has a curvature that forms the hole. The attachment plate is positioned partly inside the hole and the lower surface extends horizontally from one side of the hole to the other side of the hole. The attaching arrangement 111 extends from the lower surface to the upper surface (not marked in FIG. 3) and joins said surfaces together and at the same time, joins the elastic arrangements and branches between the elastic arrangements as well. The attaching plate makes fixing the support structure onto the frame easier and it provides more alternative positions for the rim. In some embodiments, the connection arrangement (not marked in FIG. 3) is configured to be fixed onto the frame with the attaching plate.

FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of the basketball hoop structure 100 as presented in FIG. 1. The basketball hoop structure comprises the frame 101, the rim 102, the backboard 103, the support structure 107, the first elastic arrangement 109, the second arrangement 110, the hole 115 and the branches (not shown it FIG. 4) fixed onto the rim from one end and attached in a vertically adjustable way onto the frame from the other end. The frame is attached onto the trampoline frame 112. The trampoline frame comprises at least a horizontal tube, and the basketball hoop structure is attached to it. Advantageously, the attachment of the basketball hoop structure to the trampoline frame is implemented in such a way that the bottom edge of the frame is positioned below the horizontal tube. This arrangement prevents cracks from forming between the trampoline frame and the basketball hoop structure, in which the user's fingers can get stuck, thus increasing safety.

Some advantageous embodiments of the device according to the invention have been described above. The invention is however not limited to the embodiments described above, but the inventive idea can be applied in numerous ways within the scope of the claims.

Having described some aspects of the present disclosure in detail, it will be apparent that further modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the disclosure. All matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be implemented as illustrated and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. A basketball hoop structure for a trampoline, the trampoline having a trampoline frame, the basketball hoop structure comprising: a substantially vertical backboard having a backboard frame therearound, the backboard frame configured to be affixed onto the trampoline frame, the backboard frame comprising a horizontal beam on a lower portion thereof, the horizontal beam forming a bottom edge of the backboard frame;a support structure attached to the horizontal beam, the support structure comprising a horizontal lower surface, a horizontal upper surface, at least two elastic arrangements between the horizontal lower surface and the horizontal upper surface, the elastic arrangements comprising a first elastic arrangement resting on the horizontal lower surface and a second elastic arrangement between the first elastic arrangement and the horizontal upper surface; anda basketball rim having a horizontal position and in vertically pivotable connection with the support structure, the basketball rim comprising a horizontal circular portion and a connection arrangement, the connection arrangement comprising two branches extending horizontally outward from the circular portion and into the support structure between the first elastic arrangement and the second elastic arrangement, the branches being secured between the first elastic arrangement and the second elastic arrangement thereby forming the vertically pivotable connection;wherein in the vertically pivotable connection, the elastic arrangements dampen a vertical movement of the basketball rim and return the basketball rim to the horizontal position;and wherein the circular portion is at least partially padded with a layer of elastic padding material.

2. The basketball hoop structure according to claim 1, wherein the layer of elastic padding material on the rim is arranged surrounding the rim such that a part of the rim between the first branch and the second branch is at least partly uncovered.

3. (canceled)

4. The basketball hoop structure according to claim 1, wherein the horizontal upper surface and the horizontal lower surface are connected by an attaching arrangement, the attaching arrangement penetrating the horizontal upper surface, the horizontal lower surface, the first elastic arrangement, and the second elastic arrangement.

5. The basketball hoop structure according to claim 4, wherein the attaching arrangement comprises a bolt-like structure and is arranged between the first branch and the second branch.

6. The basketball hoop structure according to claim 1, wherein the elastic arrangements comprise rubber or a rubber substitute.

7. The basketball hoop structure according to claim 1, wherein the elastic arrangements comprise continuous objects having ends which extend over the first branch and the second branch.

8. The basketball hoop structure according to claim 1, wherein the first branch and the second branch extend horizontally outward from the circular portion in different orientations.

9. The basketball hoop structure according to claim 8, wherein the first elastic arrangement and the second elastic arrangement each comprise a front side facing toward the rim and a back side facing away from the rim, and a distance between the first branch and the second branch is larger at the front side than at the back side.

10. (canceled)

11. (canceled)

12. (canceled)

13. (canceled)

14. (canceled)

15. The basketball hoop structure according to claim 16, wherein the connection arrangement is arranged behind the backboard.

16. The basketball hoop structure according to claim 1, further comprising an opening arranged in a lower part of the backboard, and wherein the support structure is configured to fit into the opening.

17. The basketball hoop structure according to claim 16, wherein the support structure is arranged at least partly behind the backboard.

18. The basketball hoop structure according to claim 5, wherein the attaching arrangement presses the horizontal lower surface against the horizontal upper surface, sandwiching the elastic arrangements therebetween.