BASKETBALL SYSTEM

Abstract

A basketball system may include a basketball goal and a support structure sized and configured to support the basketball goal at a desired height. The basketball goal may include a rim assembly, which may include a ring, one or more rim braces and one or more reinforcing members connected to the ring and the rim braces. The support structure may include a support pole. The basketball system may include a support member connected to a lower end of the support pole, which may form a generally T-shaped configuration. The support member may have a generally rigid construction and may be connected to a support surface to help secure the support pole in a generally fixed position. The basketball system may also include one or more braces that may have a low profile and that may be connected to the support pole and/or the support member.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to a basketball system and, in particular, to a portable basketball system and a basketball goal.

2. Description of Related Art

The game of basketball is played by many people throughout the world. Briefly, the game of basketball typically includes a flat and level playing surface with a basketball goal at each end of the court. The basketball goal, which may include a backboard and a rim or hoop, is typically attached to the top of a support pole. The rim or hoop is normally located ten feet above the playing surface and the backboard may be constructed from materials such as wood, plastic or tempered glass.

Conventional basketball goals typically include a backboard that is positioned perpendicular to the playing surface and a rim that is positioned parallel to the playing surface. The rim of many conventional basketball goals is rigidly mounted to the basketball backboard, but the rim may also be pivotally mounted to the backboard to create a breakaway type rim. The rims of some conventional basketball goals may be relatively weak and can undesirably bend or break when a large force is applied to the rim, such as when a player dunks a basketball or hangs from the rim.

Known basketball systems may by permanently secured in a fixed location by, for example, inserting an end of the support pole into the ground. Known basketball systems may also be part of a portable basketball system that is capable of being moved from one location to another. For example, the support pole may be connected to a base and the base may be filed with ballast material, such as sand or water. Undesirably, some known portable basketball systems can be inadvertently moved. For instance, while the basketball system is being used, it may inadvertently be moved out of position. If this occurs, the basketball system may have to be repositioned, which may undesirably take time and interrupt playing basketball.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

A need therefore exists for a basketball system that eliminates or diminishes the disadvantages and problems described above.

One aspect is a basketball system that may include a basketball goal, which may include a backboard, a rim and a net. The basketball system may also include a support structure that is sized and configured to support the basketball goal at a desired height above a playing surface. The support structure may support the basketball goal at a fixed height or the height of the basketball goal may be adjustable. In addition, the basketball system may be sized and configured to be fixed in permanent location or be part of a portable basketball system. Further, the basketball system may have various shapes, sizes, configurations and arrangements depending, for example, upon the intended use of the basketball system. The basketball system may also include various parts and components depending, for example, upon the intended use of the basketball system.

Another aspect is a basketball system that may include a support structure which includes a support pole. The support pole may consist of a unitary, one-piece structure or it may include multiple pieces that are interconnected. The bottom portion of the support pole may be connected to a base, which may be used to create a portable basketball system. For example, the base may include a hollow interior portion that is formed from blow-molded plastic and the base may be filled with ballast material, such as sand or water. Advantageously, all or a portion of the support pole may be packaged with the base, which may facilitate shipping. For example, the top portion of the base may include an elongated opening and at least a portion of the support pole may be inserted into the opening. In greater detail, the opening may allow the support pole to be disposed at an angle. The opening may also allow at least a portion of the support pole to be disposed in the hollow interior portion of the base. Because all or a portion of the support pole may be disposed in the elongated opening and/or within the base, this may reduce the amount of required storage space and/or the size of the packaging, which may decrease shipping and storage costs.

Still another aspect is basketball system that may include a support pole, which may be movable between an extended position and a collapsed position, and a base. The top portion of the base may include an opening that is in communication with a hollow interior portion of the base, and the opening may be sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the support pole in the collapsed position. Advantageously, because the opening may be disposed in the top portion of the base, the base may be quickly and easily filled with ballast. In addition, the opening is preferably elongated to allow the support pole to be disposed at an angle within the base. The support pole, however, could be disposed in other suitable locations and positions within the base, and the opening could have other suitable shapes, sizes, arrangements and configurations depending, for example, upon the intended use of the basketball system.

Yet another aspect is a basketball system is a basketball system that may include a support member. The support member is preferably constructed from a rigid material, such as metal, and may be disposed proximate a front portion of the base. The support member may be sized and configured to be connected to a support surface, such as a playing surface or the ground. Advantageously, this may help secure the basketball system in a fixed position. In addition, if the support structure is connected to the support member, then this may help secure the support structure in a fixed position, which may help secure the basketball system in a fixed location. Thus, when it is desired to secure the basketball system in a fixed location, the support member may be connected to the support surface. On the other hand, when it is desired to move the basketball system, the support member may be disconnected from the support surface. If desired, one or more wheels may be connected to the support member or other portions of the basketball system to facilitate movement of the basketball system.

A further aspect is a basketball system that may include one or more braces connected to the support pole and the support member. In particular, a first brace may be attached to one side of the support pole and one end of the support member, and a second brace may be connected to the other side of the support pole and the other end of the support member. Advantageously, if the braces are connected to the sides of the support pole, then the braces may provide lateral support to the support pole. It will be appreciated that the braces may be connected to the support pole and the support member using one or more brackets, fasteners, connectors and the like.

Desirably, the braces may have a low profile that may help prevent the braces from interfering with use of the basketball system because, for instance, the braces may be unlikely to be stepped on or contacted while the basketball system is used. In particular, the braces may be disposed proximate to the support surface, the support member and/or the base to create a low-profile type brace. For example, the low-profile braces may include a top portion and a bottom portion, and the top portion may be disposed less than about 8 to 12 inches (20.3 centimeters to 30.5 centimeters) from the support surface, the m support member and/or the base. In addition, the low-profile braces may be disposed at a relatively small angle relative to the support surface, the support member and/or the base. Moreover, if desired, at least a substantial portion of the low-profile braces may be disposed within receiving portions formed in the base. It will be appreciated, however, that low-profile type braces are not required and the braces may be disposed in any suitable positions, configurations and arrangements relative to the support surface, the support member and/or the base depending, for example, upon the intended use of the basketball system.

A still further aspect is a basketball system that may include a basketball goal with a rim assembly. The rim assembly may include a rim, a mounting member connected to the rim and one or more braces connected to the rim and the mounting member. The rim assembly may also include reinforcing members, which may be quickly and easily added or connected to the rim assembly. Advantageously, because the reinforcing members are not required, the reinforcing members may be manufactured, shipped and/or stored separately from the other portions of the rim assembly. Exemplary reinforcing members may include tie rods that can be connected to and/or at least partially disposed between the braces and to the rim to help strengthen and/or reinforce the braces. Another exemplary reinforcing member may be a ring or similar hoop-shaped structure. For example, a first ring may be connected to the rim assembly and a second ring may be connected to the first ring to may help strengthen and/or reinforce the first ring. It will be appreciated that the rim assembly may include other suitable reinforcing members with appropriate shapes, sizes, arrangements and configurations.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The appended drawings contain figures of preferred embodiments to further illustrate and clarify the above and other aspects, advantages and features of the present invention. It will be appreciated that these drawings depict only preferred embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary basketball system;

FIG. 2 a rear perspective view of the basketball system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the basketball system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged front view of a portion of the basketball system shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the portion of the basketball system shown in FIG. 4, illustrating a portion of the basketball system in broken lines;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged front view of a portion of the basketball system shown in FIG. 1, illustrating the base;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the basketball system shown in FIG. 1, illustrating the wheel assembly;

FIG. 8 is a partially exploded view of the portion of the basketball system shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a lower perspective view of a portion of the basketball system shown in FIG. 1, illustrating a portion of the base, wheel assembly and support member;

FIG. 10 is a partially exploded view of the portion of the basketball system shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a lower perspective view of a portion of the basketball system shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a portion of the basketball system shown in FIG. 1, illustrating an exemplary rim assembly;

FIG. 13 is a lower perspective view of the rim assembly shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a right side view of the rim assembly shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a left side view of the rim assembly shown in FIG. 12; and

FIG. 16 is a diagram of a portion of the basketball system shown in FIG. 1, illustrating an exemplary opening in the base.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is generally directed towards a basketball system. The principles of the present invention, however, are not limited to a basketball system. It will be understood that, in light of the present disclosure, the basketball system disclosed herein can be successfully used in connection with other types of sporting systems.

Additionally, to assist in the description of the basketball system, words such as top, bottom, front, rear, right and left may be used to describe the accompanying figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale. It will be appreciated, however, that the basketball system can be located in a variety of desired positions—including various angles, sideways and even upside down. A detailed description of the basketball system now follows.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, a basketball system 10 that may include a basketball goal 12, which may include a backboard 14, a rim 16 and a net. The basketball system 10 may also include a support structure 18 that is sized and configured to support the basketball goal 12 at a desired height above a playing surface 20. The support structure 18 may support the basketball goal 12 at a fixed height or the height of the basketball goal may be adjustable. In addition, the basketball system 10 may be sized and configured to be fixed in permanent location or be part of a portable basketball system. For example, if the basketball system 10 is part of a portable basketball system, then the system may include one or more wheels which may facilitate movement of the system. Further, the basketball system 10 may have various shapes, sizes, configurations and arrangements depending, for example, upon the intended use of the basketball system. The basketball system 10 may also include various parts and components, such as backboards, rims and the like, depending upon the intended use of the basketball system. Thus, while the basketball system 10 is shown in the accompanying figures as being part of a portable basketball system and with a rim having a particular configuration, it will be appreciated that the basketball system may have other suitable shapes, sizes, configurations, arrangements, parts and components.

As shown in FIGS. 1-6, the support structure 18 may include a support pole 22. The support pole 22 may consist of a unitary, one-piece structure or it may include multiple pieces that are interconnected. The bottom portion of the support pole 22 may be connected to a base 24, which may be filled with ballast such as sand or water.

The bottom portion of the support pole 22 may also be connected to a support member 26, as shown in FIGS. 4-5 and 7-8, which may form a generally T-shaped configuration. The support member 26 may be sized and configured to contact, abut and/or engage a support surface 20, such as the playing surface or the ground. Advantageously, the support member 26 may also be connected to the support surface 20. Significantly, this may secure the bottom portion of the support pole 22 in a fixed position, which may help secure the basketball system 10 in a fixed location. Thus, in order to secure the basketball system 10 in a fixed location, the support member 26 may be connected to the support surface 20. On the other hand, when it is desired to move the basketball system 10, the support member 26 may be disconnected from the support surface 20.

In greater detail, a bracket 28 may be connected to the bottom portion of the support pole 22 and the support member 26 may be connected to the bracket to connect the support member to the support pole. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the bracket 28 may have a generally U-shaped configuration including side portions 30, 32 and an intermediate portion 34 disposed between side portions. An upper surface of the bracket's intermediate portion 34 may be connected to the bottom portion of the support pole 22. A lower surface of the bracket's intermediate portion 34 may contact, abut and/or engage an upper portion 36 of the support member. The side portions 30, 32 of the bracket 28 may contact, abut and/or engage generally opposing side portions 38, 40 of the support member 26, and the bracket's and the support member's side portions may include openings 42, 44 sized and configured to receive fasteners to connect the support member and the bracket to each other. As shown in FIG. 9, a lower portion of the base 24 may also include recesses 45 into which these fasteners may extend when inserted through the openings 42, 44. It will be appreciated, however, that the bracket 28 may have a variety of other suitable shapes and/or configurations and that the support member 26 may be connected to the support pole 22 using one or more suitable connectors, fasteners, welds, adhesives and/or any other suitable means.

As mentioned above, the support member 26 may be connected to the support surface 20. For example, one or more fasteners, connectors or the like may be secured to the support surface 20 using cement, and the support member 26 may include one or more openings sized and configured to receive the fasteners or connectors. Desirably, the support member 26 may be sized and configured to be quickly and easily connected to and disconnected from the fasteners or connectors, which may allow the basketball system 10 be selectively secured to the support surface. It will be appreciated, however, that the support member 26 may be connected to the support surface 20 using any suitable structures and/or means.

The support member 26 may be constructed from a rigid material, such as metal. Desirably, if the support pole 22 is connected to a generally rigid support member 26 that is secured to the support surface 20, then the support pole 22 may remain an in a generally fixed position when substantial forces are applied to the basketball system 10, such as when a player dunks a basketball and/or contacts the rim 16. In addition, this may help the basketball system 10 experience less wear and tear when such forces are applied.

If desired, the support member 26 may have an elongated configuration, a tubular configuration, a solid rod-like configuration, and/or other suitable configurations. The support member 26 may have a cross-sectional shape that is generally rectangular, square, circular, oval, oblong, polygonal, U-shaped, I-shaped and/or other suitable cross-sectional shape. It will be appreciated, however, that the support member 26 may have a variety of other suitable shapes and/or configurations and may be constructed from other materials having other suitable characteristics.

As shown in FIG. 7, the basketball system 10 may include one or more braces 46 sized and configured to be connected to the support pole 22 and the support member 26. For example, the braces 46 may include elongated tubular members 48 and the braces may be connected to the support pole 22 and the support member 26 using brackets 50, 52. In particular, a first brace 46 may be attached to one side of the support pole 22 and one end of the support member 36, and a second brace 46 may be connected to the other side of the support pole and the other end of the support member. Advantageously, if the braces 46 are connected to the sides of the support pole 22, then the braces may provide lateral support to the support pole. It will be appreciated that the braces 46 may be connected to the support pole 22 and the support member 26 using one or more suitable connectors, fasteners, welds, adhesives and/or any other suitable means. It will also be appreciated that the braces 46 may include other components having other suitable shapes and/or configurations.

Desirably, the braces 46 may have a low profile that may prevent the braces from interfering with use of the basketball system 10. The braces 46, for instance, may be sized and configured so that they are unlikely to be stepped on or contacted while using the basketball system 10. In particular, the low-profile braces 46 may include a top portion and a bottom portion, and the top portion may be disposed less than about 8 to 12 inches (20.3 centimeters to 30.5 centimeters) from the support surface 20 and/or a lower portion 54 of the support member 36. In addition, the low-profile braces 46 may be disposed at an angle that is between 20 to 30 degrees, between 20 to 25 degrees, less than 30 degrees, less than 25 degrees, less than 20 degrees and/or other angles relative to the support surface 20 and/or the lower portion 54 of the support member 36. Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 4-5, the low-profile braces 46 may be disposed proximate the base 24 and all or at least a substantial portion of the braces may be disposed within the base and/or at a height that is less than the height of the top portion of the base. For instance, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 10-11, the base 24 may include a first receiving portion 56 sized and configured to receive at least half of a first brace 46 and a second receiving portion 56 sized and configured to receive at least half of a second brace 46. It will be appreciated, however, that the braces 46 do not require a low profile and that the braces may be disposed in any suitable position relative to the support surface 20, the base 24 and/or the support member 26.

As shown in FIGS. 9-10, the support member 26 may be disposed proximate the front portion of the base 24. The side portion 32 of the bracket 28 may be generally aligned in the same plane with surfaces 58 of the base 24, and the side portion 40 of the support member 26 may contact, abut and/or engage the bracket's side portion and these surfaces. This may help position the support member in a desired position relative to the base and/or the bracket 28, which may facilitate faster assembly of the basketball system 10.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the basketball system 10 may include one or more braces 60, which may be connected to the support pole 22 and the base 24. The basketball system 10 may also include one or more wheels 62 to facilitate movement of the basketball system. As shown in FIGS. 7-8, the basketball system 10 may include one or more axles 64, which may be connected to the wheels 62 and the support member 26. For example, the axles 64 may be connected to the brackets 52, which may be connected to the support member 26 to connect the axles to the support member. It will be appreciated, however, that the axles 64 may be connected to the support member 26 using any other suitable means and that the wheels 62 and/or the axles 64 may be connected any suitable portion of the basketball system 10. It will also be appreciated that the basketball system does not require any wheels 62 or axles 64.

As shown in FIGS. 12-15, the basketball system 10 may include a rim assembly 66, which may include the rim 16, a mounting member 68 connected to the rim and one or more braces 70 connected to the rim and the mounting member. The rim assembly 66 may also include one or more reinforcing members that may be quickly and easily added to the rim assembly. Because the rim assembly does not require the reinforcing members, the reinforcing members may be manufactured and/or stored separately and included in rim assemblies as desired.

Exemplary reinforcing members may include tie rods 72, which may be connected to and/or at least partially disposed between the braces and to the rim 16 to help strengthen and/or reinforce the braces. Another exemplary reinforcing member may be an additional ring 74. In particular, the rim 16 may include a first ring 74 and an additional second ring 74, which may be connected to the first ring to may help strengthen and/or reinforce the first ring.

The rim assembly 66 is preferably constructed from metal. For example, the mounting member 68 is preferably constructed from sheet metal and the brace 70, the tie rods 72 and the rings 74 are preferably constructed from elongated metal members, such as generally solid rods, generally hollow tubes or the like. It will be appreciated, however, that the rim 16, the mounting member 68, the brace 70, the tie rods 72 and the rings 74 may be constructed from other suitable materials having other suitable configurations. It will also be appreciated that the rim assembly 66 does not require the tie rods 72 or the additional ring 74 and that the rim assembly 66 may include other suitable reinforcing members with various appropriate configurations.

The base 24 may include a hollow interior portion formed, for example, during a blow-molding process. Advantageously, all or a portion of the support pole 22 may be packaged within the base 24, which may facilitate shipping. For example, the base 24 may include an opening 76 through which at least a portion of the support pole 22 may be inserted. In greater detail, the opening 76 may be in communication with the hollow interior portion of the base 24 and the opening may allow at least a portion of the support pole to be disposed in the hollow interior portion of the base. Because all or a portion of the support pole may be packaged with the base, this may reduce the amount of required storage space and/or the size of the packaging, which may decrease shipping and storage costs.

As mentioned above, the support pole 22 may include multiple pieces. This multi-piece construction may allow the support pole 22 to be moved between an extended position and a collapsed position. Desirably, the opening 76 may be sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the collapsed support pole 22, which may further reduce the amount of required storage space and/or the size of the packaging.

All or at least a portion of the opening 76 may be disposed in the top portion of the base and/or may face in a generally upward angle relative to a support surface 20, such as the playing surface 20 or the ground. In addition, the opening 76 preferably has a non-circular, oval and/or elongated shape. These features may help allow the support pole 22 to be inserted into the opening 76 at an angle relative to the support surface 20 and/or disposed within the base at an angle relative to the support surface 20. In addition, these features may allow the base's hollow interior to be quickly and easily filled with ballast.

It will be appreciated, however, that the opening 76 does not require an oval, elongated or non-circular shape and that the opening may have other suitable shapes. It will also be appreciated that the opening may be formed in other portions of the base 24 and that the support pole 22 may be disposed in other suitable locations and positions within the base.

The rim 16; the support pole 22; the support member 26; the brackets 28, 50, 52; the braces 46; the braces 60; the axles 64 and the rim assembly 66 are preferably constructed from metal, such as steel. Desirably, the metal components may be generally rigid and/or strong. It will be appreciated, however, that these components may be constricted from other suitable materials having other suitable characteristics.

Although this invention has been described in terms of certain preferred embodiments, other embodiments apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art are also within the scope of this invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is intended to be defined only by the claims which follow.

Claims

1. A portable basketball system comprising: a basketball goal; a support pole sized and configured to support the basketball goal above a playing surface, the support pole including an upper end disposed proximate the basketball goal and a lower end disposed proximate a support surface; a base including a hollow interior portion sized and configured to receive ballast; and an elongated rigid member connected to the lower end of the support pole in a generally T-shaped configuration, the elongated rigid member abutting and being sized and configured to be connected to the support surface to secure the support pole in a generally fixed position, the elongated rigid member being disposed proximate the base.

2. The portable basketball system as in claim 1, wherein the basketball goal includes a rim assembly including a ring, mounting member connected to the rim, a rim brace connected to the ring and the mounting member, and a reinforcing member including a first end connected to the ring and a second end connected to the rim brace, the second end being spaced apart from the first end.

3. The portable basketball system as in claim 1, further comprising: a first brace connected to a first portion of the elongated rigid member, the first brace including a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion being disposed less than 12 inches from the support surface; and a second brace connected to a second portion of the elongated rigid member, the second portion of the elongated rigid member being spaced apart from the first portion of the elongated rigid member, the first and second braces being connected to generally opposing portions of the support pole, the second brace including a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion being disposed less than 12 inches from the support surface.

4. The portable basketball system as in claim 1, further comprising: a first brace connected to a first portion of the elongated rigid member, the first brace including a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion being disposed less than 8 inches from the support surface; and a second brace connected to a second portion of the elongated rigid member, the second portion of the elongated rigid member being spaced apart from the first portion of the elongated rigid member, the first and second braces being connected to generally opposing portions of the support pole, the second brace including a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion being disposed less than 8 inches from the support surface.

5. The portable basketball system as in claim 1, further comprising: a first brace connected to a first portion of the elongated rigid member, the first brace including a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion being disposed between 8 to 12 inches from the support surface; and a second brace connected to a second portion of the elongated rigid member, the second portion of the elongated rigid member being spaced apart from the first portion of the elongated rigid member, the first and second braces being connected to generally opposing portions of the support pole, the second brace including a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion being disposed between 8 to 12 inches from the support surface.

6. The portable basketball system as in claim 1, further comprising: a first brace connected to a first portion of the elongated rigid member, the first brace being disposed at an angle that is between 20 to 30 degrees relative to the support surface; and a second brace connected to a second portion of the elongated rigid member, the second portion of the elongated rigid member being spaced apart from the first portion of the elongated rigid member, the first and second braces being connected to generally opposing portions of the support pole, the second brace being disposed at an angle that is between 20 to 30 degrees relative to the support surface.

7. The portable basketball system as in claim 1, further comprising: a first brace connected to a first portion of the elongated rigid member, the first brace being disposed at an angle that is less than 30 degrees relative to the support surface; and a second brace connected to a second portion of the elongated rigid member, the second portion of the elongated rigid member being spaced apart from the first portion of the elongated rigid member, the first and second braces being connected to generally opposing portions of the support pole, the second brace being disposed at an angle that is less than 30 degrees relative to the support surface.

8. The portable basketball system as in claim 1, further comprising: a first brace connected to a first portion of the elongated rigid member, the first brace including a bottom portion and a top portion, the top portion being disposed at a height that is less than the height of a top portion of the base; and a second brace connected to a second portion of the elongated rigid member, the second portion of the elongated rigid member being spaced apart from the first portion of the elongated rigid member, the first and second braces being connected to generally opposing portions of the support pole, the second brace including a bottom portion and a top portion, the top portion being disposed at a height that is less than the height of a top portion of the base.

9. The portable basketball system as in claim 1, wherein the elongated rigid member has a generally tubular configuration.

10. The portable basketball system as in claim 1, wherein the elongated rigid member has a generally U-shaped cross section.

11. The portable basketball system as in claim 1, wherein the elongated rigid member is disposed proximate a front portion of the base.

12. The portable basketball system as in claim 1, further comprising at least one wheel connected to the elongated rigid member.

13. A portable basketball system comprising: a basketball goal; a support pole sized and configured to support the basketball goal above a playing surface, the support pole including an upper end disposed proximate the basketball goal and a lower end disposed proximate a support surface; a base including a hollow interior portion sized and configured to receive ballast; a first brace including a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion being disposed less than 12 inches from the support surface; and a second brace including a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion being disposed less than 12 inches from the support surface, the first and second braces being connected to generally opposing portions of the support pole.

14. The portable basketball system as in claim 13, wherein the basketball goal includes a rim assembly including a ring, mounting member connected to the rim, a rim brace connected to the ring and the mounting member, and a reinforcing member including a first end connected to the ring and a second end connected to the rim brace, the second end being spaced apart from the first end.

15. The portable basketball system as in claim 13, wherein the top portion of the first brace is disposed less than 8 inches from the support surface; and wherein the top portion of the second brace is disposed less than 8 inches from the support surface.

16. The portable basketball system as in claim 13, wherein the top portion of the first brace is disposed between 8 to 12 inches from the support surface; and wherein the top portion of the second brace is disposed between 8 to 12 inches from the support surface.

17. The portable basketball system as in claim 13, wherein the first brace is disposed at an angle that is between 20 to 30 degrees relative to the support surface; and wherein the second brace is disposed at an angle that is between 20 to 30 degrees relative to the support surface.

18. The portable basketball system as in claim 13, wherein the first brace is disposed at an angle that is less than 30 degrees relative to the support surface; and wherein the second brace is disposed at an angle that is less than 30 degrees relative to the support surface.

19. The portable basketball system as in claim 13, wherein the top portion of the first brace is disposed at a height that is less than the height of a top portion of the base; and wherein the top portion of the second brace is disposed at a height that is less than the height of the top portion of the base.

20. A basketball goal comprising: a rim assembly including a ring, mounting member connected to the rim, a rim brace connected to the ring and the mounting member, and a reinforcing member including a first end connected to the ring and a second end connected to the rim brace, the second end being spaced apart from the first end.

21. The basketball goal as in claim 20, wherein the reinforcing member comprises a tie rod.