BASKETBALL SYSTEM

Abstract

A basketball system may include a basketball goal, which may include a backboard and a rim. The basketball system may include a support structure, which may support the basketball goal at a desired height. The support structure may include one or more support members, which may be arranged in a generally tripod-shaped configuration or other configurations. Some of the support members may be disposed within each other when in a packaging arrangement. The basketball system may include a base sized and configured to receive ballast material, and the backboard may include one or more receiving portions sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the base when in a packaging arrangement. The base may include one or more receiving portions sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the backboard, for example, at least a portion of a backboard frame when in a packaging arrangement.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to sporting equipment and, in particular, to basketball systems.

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 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 break-away type rim.

Known basketball systems may include the support pole permanently secured in a fixed location. For example, the end of the support pole may be inserted 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, conventional portable basketball systems may include wheels that help facilitate movement of the system and a base that may be filled with ballast material, such as sand or water, to help maintain the system in a fixed position.

Undesirably, some known portable basketball systems can be inadvertently moved. For example, the basketball system may unintentionally be moved out of position when it is being used to play or practice the game of basketball. If this occurs, the basketball system may have to be repositioned and that may undesirably take a significant amount of time and it may interrupt the game or practice.

Conventional basketball systems often include a number of large and/or awkwardly shaped components. Thus, the packaging of many conventional basketball systems is rather large and bulky. Consequently, such basketball systems can be expensive to store and ship.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

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

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 and components thereof may have a variety of components that may have various shapes, sizes, configurations and arrangements depending, for example, upon the intended use of the basketball system.

Another aspect is a basketball system that may include a base which can be filled with ballast material such as sand or water. The basketball system may also include a support structure that is sized and configured to support the basketball goal and the base.

Yet another aspect is a basketball system that may include a support structure with a plurality of support members. For example, the support structure may include a first support member connected to the basketball goal, and second, third and fourth support members connected to the first support member. In particular, the second and third support members may be attached to the sides of the first support member and the fourth support member may be attached to the rear of the first support member. Advantageously, the second, third and fourth support members may be arranged in a generally tripod-shaped configuration, which may help increase the stability of the support structure.

A further aspect is a basketball system that may include a support structure in which the second, third and fourth support members are smaller than the first support member. For example, the support members may be constructed from tubes having a generally circular cross-sectional configuration and the diameters of the second, third and fourth support members may be smaller than the diameter of the first support member. Advantageously, the smaller tubes may help reduce the basketball system's shipping weight and may help allow the basketball system to be shipped in smaller packaging, which may help reduce shipping costs.

Still another aspect is a basketball system that may include a support structure which is adjustable in length. For example, the fourth support member may include a plurality of tubes and the tube may be movable relative to each other to adjust the length of the fourth support member. The adjustable length fourth support member may advantageously be used to adjust the orientation of the basketball goal. For example, the length of the fourth support member may be increased to tilt the first support member and the basketball goal forward, and the length of the fourth support member may be decreased to tilt the first support member and the basketball goal rearward.

Yet another aspect is a basketball system that may include a barrier, guard and/or rebound device. The barrier may help prevent damage and/or contact to the basketball system. For instance, the barrier may help prevent damage and/or contact with the support structure and/or the base. In addition, the barrier may act as a rebound device so that when a basketball strikes the barrier, the basketball is rebounded towards the basketball court. Significantly, because the basketball may be rebounded towards the basketball court and not away from the court, a player may not have to chase a loose basketball and that may make playing basketball more enjoyable. Further, the barrier may help to strengthen and/or reinforce the support structure.

Still yet another aspect is a basketball system that may include a barrier, guard and/or rebound device that is sized and configured to at least partially hide the second and third support members, which may also help protect the support members. The barrier is preferably positioned in a generally vertical orientation; however, the barrier may be positioned in other suitable orientations depending, for example, upon the particular configuration of the barrier and support structure.

Another aspect is a basketball system that may include a barrier, guard and/or rebound device that may be constructed from plastic. The barrier is preferably constructed using a vacuum molding process, which may advantageously decrease costs. The vacuum formed barrier may also require less plastic to construct, which may reduce the amount of materials required to manufacture the basketball system. In addition, the vacuum formed barrier may be relatively thin, which may allow the basketball system to fit within a smaller area so that the size of its packaging may be decreased. Decreasing the size of the basketball system's packaging may reduce shipping and storage costs. The barrier could also be constructed from other materials and processes, such as blow molding.

Yet another aspect is a basketball system that may include a support structure with one or more cross members that may be connected to the second and third support members. The cross members may abut, contact, engage and/or be connected to the barrier. Advantageously, the crosses members may help support and/or reinforce the barrier, which may allow the barrier to be constructed from lighter and/or thinner materials. The cross members may also be connected to the first support member, if desired.

Still another aspect is a basketball system that may include a support structure with second and third support members that have a generally straight configuration. The generally straight support members may advantageously be more efficiently packaged for shipping. In addition, the generally straight support members may be more quickly and easily manufactured, which may reduce manufacturing costs for the basketball system. It will be appreciated, that the second and third support members may also have other suitable configurations.

A further aspect is a basketball system that may include one or more wheels, which may facilitate movement of the basketball system. For example, the wheels may be disposed proximate the front portion of the basketball system and the system may be pivoted onto the wheels to facilitate movement. The wheels may include a first portion and a second portion that are interconnected to form the wheel. The first and second portions of the wheel may be connected using fasteners; adhesives; a snap fit, a friction fit and/or an interference fit; and the like. The first and second portions of the wheel are preferably constructed from plastic using an injection molding process; however, other suitable materials and/or processes may be used to construct the wheel. If desired, the first and second portions may be formed using the same mold, which may allow the first and second portions to be interchangeable; however, the first and second portions do not have to be interchangeable.

Advantageously, constructing the wheel from first and second portions may allow the wheel to have a variety of sizes, shapes and configurations. In addition, this may allow the wheel and/or basketball system to be efficiently shipped because the wheel may be shipped in the unassembled position and the wheel may be quickly and easily attached to the basketball system.

Still another aspect is a basketball system that may include a wheel and a support member, such as a rod, tube or the like, that may support the wheel. For example, the wheel may include an opening and the support member may be disposed in the opening. The wheel may rotate relative to the support member and/or the support member may rotate relative to the basketball system.

Yet another aspect is a basketball system that may include a support member which is sized and configured to limit the movement of the wheel along the length of the support member. For example, the support member may include a positioning member and the wheel may include one or more receiving portions that are sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the positioning member. In particular, the wheel may include first and second portions that are interconnected and the wheel may include a generally circular receiving portion that is at least partially disposed between the first and second portions of the wheel. The positioning member, which may extend outwardly from the support member, may be disposed in the receiving portion and it may allow the wheel to rotate about the support member. When the positioning member is disposed in the receiving portion, it may limit the movement of the wheel along the length of the support member.

Another aspect is a basketball system that may include engaging members, such as feet, which may be sized and configured to help retain the basketball system in a generally fixed or stationary position. The feet, for example, may be sized and configured to engage a support or playing surface to help retain the basketball system in a generally fixed or stationary position. The feet may also assist in leveling and/or adjusting the position of the basketball system. This may, for instance, allow the basketball system to be used on uneven or sloping surfaces.

A further aspect is a basketball system that may include a foot that is pivotally or movably connected to a support structure. The foot preferably includes a base and the pivotally connected foot may allow the base to rest firmly against uneven or sloping support surfaces. The base may include one or more openings that are sized and configured to receive fasteners to connect the base to a support surface. If desired, the pivotal movement of the foot relative to the support structure may be limited to a specific range to help secure the basketball system in a generally fixed position.

Another further aspect is a basketball system that may include a foot that is connected to a plurality of support members of the support structure. For example, the foot may be connected to two, three or more of the support members, which may advantageously help interconnect those support members.

Yet another aspect is a basketball system that may be sized and configured to be shipped and transported in relatively small sized packaging. Desirably, the components of the basketball system are sized and configured to fit within a smaller area so that the size of the packaging is decreased, which may reduce shipping costs.

A further aspect is a basketball system that may include a base. The base may include one or more receiving portions that are sized and configured to receive at least a portion of a backboard, such as a backboard frame, when the basketball system is in an unassembled or shipping configuration. This may advantageously allow the basketball system to fit within a smaller area so that the size of its packaging may be decreased.

Still another aspect is a basketball system that may include a base with a smaller size than a base for a conventional portable basketball system. For example, the basketball system may include a base with a width and length that is approximately equal to or less than the width and length of the backboard. Advantageously, if the backboard and base have generally the same dimensions, then the backboard and base may be disposed more easily within the same package. In addition, this may allow the packaging to be smaller, which may result in decreased manufacturing, shipping and/or storage costs.

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 perspective view of an exemplary basketball system;

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the basketball system shown in FIG. 1;

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

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the basketball system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a front view of a portion of the basketball system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of a portion of the basketball system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of exemplary feet connected to an exemplary support structure that may be used in connection with a basketball system;

FIG. 8 is a partially exploded view of the feet and support structure shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the feet and support structure shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a foot shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another foot shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 12 is a partially exploded view of a portion of the basketball system shown in FIG. 1, illustrating exemplary wheel portions, an exemplary positioning member and an exemplary support member;

FIG. 13 is a partially exploded view of the portion of the basketball system shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an exemplary wheel portion shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is another perspective view of the wheel portion shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a portion of the basketball system shown in FIG. 1, illustrating an exemplary barrier;

FIG. 17 is another perspective view of the barrier shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another exemplary basketball system;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a portion of the basketball system shown in FIG. 18, illustrating the barrier;

FIG. 20 is another perspective view of the barrier shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a portion of another exemplary embodiment of the basketball system;

FIG. 22 is a partially exploded view of the portion of the basketball system shown in FIG. 21; and

FIGS. 23-33 are perspective views illustrating exemplary arrangements for packaging various components of an exemplary basketball system.

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 structures and devices, such as other types of sporting equipment.

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 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. The support structure 18 may support the basketball goal 12 at a fixed height or the height of the basketball goal 12 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. Further, the basketball system 10 and components thereof may have a variety of components that may have various shapes, sizes, configurations and arrangements depending, for example, upon the intended use of the basketball system.

In further detail, as shown in FIGS. 2-3, the support structure 18 may include one or more support members. For example, the support structure may include a generally upright support member 20, which may be connected to the basketball goal 12, and support members 22, 24, 26, which may be connected to the generally upright support member. In particular, upper portions of the support members 22, 24 may be attached to the sides of the support member 20, while an upper portion of the support member 26 may be attached to the rear of the support member 20.

As best seen in FIG. 5, the support members 22, 24, 26 may be smaller than the support member 20. For example, the support members 20, 22, 24, 26 may be constructed from tubes having a generally circular cross-sectional configuration and the individual diameters of the support members 22, 24, 26 may be smaller than the diameter of the support member 20. Advantageously, the smaller tubes may help reduce the shipping weight of the basketball system 10 and may help allow the basketball system to be shipped in smaller packaging, which may help reduce shipping costs. It will be appreciated that the support members 20, 22, 24, 26 could have a variety of shapes, sizes, configurations and arrangements depending, for example, upon the intended use of the basketball system.

The support members 22, 24, 26 may be arranged in a generally tripod-shaped configurating which may advantageously help increase the stability of the support structure 18. The support structure 18 may also include additional support members, which may be connected to the support members 22, 24, 26 to even further increase the support structure's stability. For example, as best seen in FIG. 6, the support structure 18 may include a first support member 28 connected to the support members 22, 24, a second support member 30 connected to the support members 22, 26 and a third support member 32 connected to the support members 24, 26. It will be appreciated that the support members and/or other components of the support structure 18 may be interconnected in a variety of suitable configurations using one or more brackets or connectors; one or more fasteners; a snap fit, a friction fit and/or an interference fit; one or more welds; one or more adhesives; and/or any other suitable means.

As shown in FIGS. 2-3, the support members 22, 24, 26 may be connected to a lower portion of the support member 20, which may help position the support member 20 at a height above a support surface, such as, the ground or a playing surface. For example, the support members 22, 24, 26 may help position the support member 20 at least 8 inches, at least 12 inches, at least 18 inches, at least 24 inches or more above the support surface. It will be appreciated, however, that the support member 20 may be in other suitable positions relative to the support surface and that the support member 20 may contact, abut and/or engage the support surface, if desired.

The support member 26 may have an adjustable length, which may be used to adjust the orientation of the basketball goal 12. For example, the length of the support member 26 may be increased to tilt the support member 20 and the basketball goal 12 forward, and the length of the support member 26 may be decreased to tilt the support member 20 and the basketball goal 12 rearward.

In further detail, the support member 26 may include a plurality of tubes, such as tubes 34, 36, and the tubes may be movable relative to each other to adjust the length of the support member. The tubes 34, 36 of the support member 26 are preferably telescopically, slidably and/or movably interconnected to facilitate such movement. The tubes 34, 36 preferably include openings sized and configured to be aligned to receive a locking member (such as a fastener, a pin or the like) to lock the tubes in a generally fixed relative position and thus generally maintain the support member's length. It will be appreciated, however, that the tubes 34, 36 may be interconnected in any other suitable fashion and do not require any openings. It will also be appreciated that the support member 26 does not require any tubes 34, 36 and that the support member 26 does not require an adjustable length.

As shown in FIGS. 7-11, the basketball system 10 may include engaging members, such as feet 38, 40, which may be sized and configured to help retain the basketball system in a generally fixed or stationary position. For example, the feet 38, 40 may be sized and configured to contact, abut and/or engage a support surface (such as a playing surface or the ground) to help retain the basketball system in a generally fixed or stationary position.

The feet 38, 40 may also assist in leveling and/or adjusting the position of the basketball system. This may, for instance, allow the basketball system 10 to be used on uneven or sloping surfaces. In particular, the feet 38, 40 may be pivotally or otherwise movably connected to the support structure 18. The feet 38, 40 preferably include a base 42, 44 and the pivotally connected feet 38 may allow the bases of the feet to rest firmly against uneven or sloping support surfaces. The base 42, 44 may include one or more openings 46, 48 that are sized and configured to receive fasteners to connect the bases to a support surface. If desired, the pivotal movement of the feet 38, 40 relative to the support structure may be limited to a specific range to help secure the basketball system 10 in a generally fixed position.

The feet 38, 40 may be connected to a plurality of the support members of the support structure 18, which may help interconnect the support members. In particular, as shown in FIGS. 6-7, the foot 38 may be connected to the support members 22, 28, 30 and the foot 40 may be connected to the support members 24, 28, 32. As shown in FIGS. 10-11, the feet 38, 40 may include flanges 50, 52, which may be connected to the support members using one or more fasteners, welds and/or any other suitable means. The feet 38, 40 preferably have a generally U-shaped configuration. It will be appreciated, however, that the feet may have a variety other suitable shapes and/or configurations. It will also be appreciated that the basketball system does not require any feet.

As shown in FIG. 2, the support structure 18 may include one or more connecting members 54, 56 connected to the basketball goal 12 and to the support member 20. For example, the support structure 18 may include an upper pair of connecting members 54 and a lower pair of connecting members 56, and the connecting members may include a first portion pivotally or otherwise movably connected to the basketball goal 12 and a second portion pivotally or otherwise movably connected to the support member 20. As discussed in further below with reference to exemplary packaging arrangements, the connecting members 54, 56 may be sized and configured to such that at least a portion of the connecting members 54 may be disposed within a hollow interior portion of the connecting members 56. For instance, the connecting members 56 may comprise tubes including a hollow interior portion sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the connecting member to provide a more compact packaging arrangement.

Advantageously, a portion of the basketball goal 12, a connecting member 54, a portion of the support member 20 and a connecting member 56 may form at least a portion of a four-bar linkage. In addition, the portion of the basketball goal 12, the connecting member 54, the portion of the support member 20 and the connecting member 56 may have a generally parallelogram configuration. These components may also be pivotally connected to form part of a four-pivot linkage, if desired. It will be appreciated, however, that the connecting members 54, 56 may be connected to the basketball goal 12 and/or the support member 20 in any other suitable fashion. It will also be appreciated that the basketball system 10 does not require the connecting members 54, 56 or any such linkages.

The basketball system 10 may include an adjustment assembly 58 sized and configured to move at least a portion of the support structure 18 to adjust the height of the basketball goal 12. Desirably, this may allow adults, children and/or others to use the basketball system 10.

In further detail, the adjustment assembly 58 may include an arm 60, which may be used to move at least a portion of the connecting members 54, 56 to adjust the height of the basketball goal 12. In particular, the arm 60 may be connected to the connecting members 56 and moving the arm may move the connecting members to raise or lower the basketball goal 12. For instance, the arm 60 may be pivotally or otherwise movably connected to the support members 56 and moving the arm downward may raise the basketball goal 12 and moving the arm upward may lower the basketball goal. The adjustment assembly 58 may also include a handle 62 and/or one or more biasing members (such as compression springs, extension springs, torsion springs, leaf springs, gas springs and the like) and the handle and/or the biasing members may be sized and configured to facilitate movement of the arm 60. The biasing members may also be sized and configured to act as a dampener to, for example, at least partially counteract the force of gravity to allow the height of the basketball goal 12 to be more easily adjusted. It will be appreciated, however, that the adjustment assembly 58 does not require the arm 60, the handle 62 or the biasing members and that the adjustment assembly 58 may include a variety of other suitable components having other suitable configurations. It will also be appreciated that the basketball system 10 does not require the adjustment assembly 58 and does not require a height-adjustable basketball goal 12.

As shown in FIG. 1, the basketball system 10 may include a base 64, which can be filled with ballast material such as sand or water. For instance, the base 64 may be constructed from blow-molded plastic and may include a hollow interior portion sized and configured to receive ballast material.

The basketball system 10 may also include one or more wheels 66, which may facilitate movement of the basketball system. For example, the wheels 66 may be disposed proximate the front portion of the basketball system 10 and the system may be pivoted onto the wheels to facilitate its movement.

As shown in FIGS. 12-13, a wheel 66 may include a first portion or section 68 and a second portion or section 70 that may be interconnected to form the wheel. The wheel portions 68, 70 may be connected using fasteners; adhesives; a snap fit, a friction fit and/or an interference fit; and/or any other suitable means. Advantageously, constructing the wheel 66 from the wheel portions 68, 70 may allow the wheel to have a variety of sizes, shapes and configurations. In addition, this may allow the wheel 66 and/or basketball system 10 to be efficiently shipped because the wheel may be shipped in the unassembled position and the wheel may be quickly and easily attached to the basketball system.

The wheel portions 68, 70 are preferably constructed from plastic using an injection molding process. If desired, the wheel portions 68, 70 may be formed using the same mold, which may allow the portions to be interchangeable as shown in FIGS. 14-15. Desirably, the injection-molded wheel portions 68, 70 may include openings 72 sized and configured to be aligned to receive fasteners to interconnect the wheel portions. It will be appreciated, however, that the wheel portions 68, 70 do not have to be interchangeable. It will also be appreciated that the other suitable materials and/or processes may be used to construct the wheel 66, the wheel portions 68, 70 and/or the openings 72.

As shown in FIG. 4, the support member 28 may support the wheels 66. For example the wheels 66 may include an opening and the support member 28 may be disposed in the openings, which may allow the support member 28 to be used as an axle. If desired, the wheels 66 may rotate relative to the support member 28, the support member may rotate relative to the wheels and/or the support member and wheels may rotate together relative to the basketball system 10.

As shown in FIGS. 12-13, the support member 28 may include a positioning member 74, which is sized and configured to limit the movement of the wheel along the length of the support member. For example, a wheel 66 may include one or more receiving portions that are sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the positioning member 74 and the positioning member may contact, abut and/or engage the wheel 66 to limit the wheel's movement along the support member's length.

In further detail, as shown in FIG. 13, the support member 28 may include an elongated body 76 and the positioning member 74 may extend outwardly from the support member's body. As shown in FIG. 14, one or both of the wheel portions 68, 70 may form at least a part of a generally circular receiving portion 76, which may receive at least a portion of the positioning member 74. With at least a portion of the positioning member 74 disposed in the receiving portion 78, the wheel 66 may rotate about the support member, while the positioning member limits the wheel's movement along the length of the support member 28.

As shown in FIGS. 12-13, the positioning member 74 preferably comprises an elongated pin that may be inserted into openings 78 formed in the support member 28. After inserting the positioning member into the openings 78, the wheel sections 68, 70 may be interconnected to secure the positioning member within the wheel's receiving portion 78. It will be appreciated, however, that the positioning member 74 may be connected to the support member other suitable fashions and that the positioning member and the wheel's receiving portion 78 may have a variety of other suitable shapes and/or configurations.

As shown in FIGS. 1-2 and 16-17, the basketball system 10 may include an exemplary barrier, guard or rebound device 80. The barrier 80 may help prevent damage and/or contact to the basketball system 10. For instance, the barrier 80 may help prevent damage and/or contact with the support structure 18 and/or the base 64. In addition, the barrier 80 may act as a rebound device so that when a basketball strikes the barrier, the basketball is rebounded towards the basketball court. Significantly, because the basketball may be rebounded towards the basketball court and not away from the court, a player may not have to chase a loose basketball and that may make playing basketball more enjoyable.

The barrier 80 is preferably constructed from plastic using a blow-molding process. The barrier 80, however, may be formed from other suitable materials using any other suitable manufacturing and/or molding process. For example, as shown in FIGS. 18-20, the basketball system 10 may include an exemplary barrier 82 that may be constructed from plastic using a vacuum molding process, which may advantageously decrease costs. The vacuum-formed barrier 82 may also require less plastic to construct, which may reduce the amount of materials required to manufacture the basketball system 10. In addition, the vacuum-formed barrier 82 may be relatively thin, which may allow the basketball system 10 to fit within a smaller area so that the size of its packaging may be decreased. Decreasing the size of the basketball system's packaging may reduce shipping and storage costs.

The barriers 80, 82 may be sized and configured to hide at least a portion of the support members 20, 22, 24 which may help protect the support members. In addition, the barriers 80, 82 may include one or more receiving portions sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the support members 20, 22, 24. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, the barrier 80 may include one or more receiving portions 84, 86, 88 sized and configured to receive, retain and/or be connected to at least a portion of the support members 20, 22, 24, which may help to strengthen and/or reinforce the support structure 18. In addition, as shown in FIG. 20, the barrier 82 may include a receiving portion 90 sized and configured to receive, retain and/or be connected to at least a portion of the support member 20.

The barriers 80, 82 may also include one or more receiving portions 92, 94 sized and configured to receive at least a portion of one or more wheels 66. This may allow the barriers 80, 82 to be more easily positioned to hide at least a portion of the support member 28 and to help protect the support member. The barriers 80, 82 are preferably positioned in a generally vertical orientation; however, the barriers may be positioned in other suitable orientations depending, for example, upon the particular configuration of the barrier and support structure 18.

The receiving portions 84, 86, 88, 90, 92, 94 may be integrally formed in the barriers 80, 82 during, for example, a blow-molding process or a vacuum-molding process. It will be appreciated, however, that the receiving portions 84, 86, 88, 90, 92, 94 may be formed in the barriers 80, 82 in any suitable fashion using any suitable process. It will also be appreciated that the barriers 80, 82 do not require any receiving portions 84, 86, 88, 90, 92, 94.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the support members 22, 24 may have a non-linear configuration including one or more bends, angles, curves and the like formed along their lengths. It will be appreciated, however, that the support members 22, 24 do not require bends, angles, curves and the like. For example, as shown in FIGS. 21-22, support members 22a, 24a may have a generally straight configuration. The generally straight support members 22a, 24a may advantageously be more efficiently packaged for shipping. In addition, the generally straight support members 22a, 24a may be more quickly and easily manufactured, which may reduce manufacturing costs for the basketball system 10. Of course, the support members 22a, 24a may also have other suitable configurations.

As shown in FIG. 21, the support structure 18 may include one or more cross members 96, 98, which may be connected to the support members 22a, 24a. The cross member 96 may also be connected to the support member 20, if desired.

Desirably, the cross members 96, 98 may abut, contact, engage and/or be connected to a barrier 80, 82. Advantageously, this may help support and/or reinforce the barrier, which may allow the barrier to be constructed from lighter and/or thinner materials. For instance, the cross members 96, 98 may be particularly advantageous for strengthening and/or reinforcing a plastic barrier, such as a vacuum-formed or blow-molded plastic barrier.

As discussed in further detail below, FIGS. 23-33 illustrate various aspects of exemplary arrangements for packaging various components of the basketball system 10 within, for example, a container (such as a box) and/or other packaging structures. For example, some of the components may include one or more cavities, recesses and/or hollow interior portions in which other components of the basketball system may be at least partially disposed. Desirably, these arrangements may help the basketball system 10 to be more efficiently packaged, which may help reduce shipping and/or storage costs. Moreover, these arrangements may help the packaged basketball system 10 more easily fit into a retail purchaser's automobile or truck. It will be appreciated, however, that while shipping arrangements for the basketball system 10 may use some or all of the aspects of the illustrated shipping arrangements, shipping arrangements for the basketball system 10 do not require any of these illustrated aspects.

As shown in FIGS. 23-24, at least a portion of the tube 34 may be inserted into and/or disposed within a hollow interior portion of the connecting member 54. As shown in FIGS. 24-25, at least a portion of the tube 34 and/or at least a portion of the connecting member 54 may be inserted into and/or disposed within a hollow interior portion of the tube 36. As shown in FIGS. 25-26, at least a portion of the tube 34, at least a portion of the connecting member 54, and/or at least a portion of the tube 36 may be inserted into and/or disposed within a hollow interior portion of a connecting member 56. As shown in FIGS. 26-27, at least a portion of the tube 34, at least a portion of the connecting member 54, at least a portion of the tube 36 and/or at least a portion of the connecting member 56 may be inserted into and/or disposed within a hollow interior portion of a part of the support member 20. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the support member 20 may include one or more interconnected tubes 100, 102; and at least a portion of the tube 34, at least a portion of the connecting member 54, at least a portion of the tube 36 and/or at least a portion of the connecting member 56 may be inserted into and/or disposed within a hollow interior portion of the tube 102. As shown in FIG. 27, the tube 34, the connecting member 54, the tube 36, the connecting member 56 and/or the tube 102 may be disposed proximate a first side of the barrier 80. As shown in FIGS. 28, the support members 30, 32 may also be disposed proximate the first side of the barrier 80.

As shown in FIGS. 28-29, at least a portion of the support member 28 may be inserted into and/or disposed within a hollow interior portion of a part of the support member 20. For example, at least a portion of the support member 28 may be inserted into and/or disposed within a hollow interior portion of the tube 102. As shown in FIG. 29, the support member 28 and/or the tube 102 may be disposed proximate a first end of the barrier 80.

As shown in FIGS. 29-30, at least a portion of another connecting member 54 may be inserted into and/or disposed within a hollow interior portion of another connecting member 56. In addition, at least a portion of the connecting member 54 and/or at least a portion of the connecting member 56 may be inserted into and/or disposed within a hollow interior portion of the support member 24 (or the support member 22, if desired). As shown in FIG. 30, the connecting member 54, the connecting member 56, the support member 22 and/or the support member 24 may be disposed proximate a second side of the barrier 80. As shown in FIGS. 30-31, the base 64 may placed upon the barrier 80. As shown in FIGS. 31-32, at least a portion of the rim 16 may be disposed in a receiving portion 104 formed in the base.

As shown in FIGS. 32-33, the base 64 and/or the backboard 14 may include receiving portions to receive at least a portion of the other. The backboard 14 may include a rebound member 106 and a backboard frame 108, which may be connected to the rebound member and may be sized and configured to strengthen, reinforce and/or support the rebound member. The base 64 may include one or more receiving portions 110 sized and configure to receive at least a portion of the frame 108. In particular, the frame 108 may include an outer portion 112 and one or more elongated central supports 114, and the receiving portions 110 in the base 64 may be sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the elongated central supports. Desirably, if the base 64 is constructed from blow-molded plastic, then the receiving portions 110 may be integrally formed in the base during the blow-molding process.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the backboard 12 may include one or more receiving portions 116 formed by the rebound member 106 and the frame 114, and the receiving portions 116 may receive at least a portion of the base as shown in FIG. 33.

Desirably, the receiving portions 110, 116 formed in the backboard 14 and the base 64 may advantageously cooperate to help keep the backboard and the base in a desired relative position for shipping. For example, the receiving portions may help interlock the backboard 14 and the base 66 to help keep in them in the desired relative position. This may help reduce the packing materials (such as, foam peanuts, cardboard structures, etc.) that may be used in shipping the basketball system 10.

Moreover, the receiving portions 110, 116 may help to provide a more compact shipping arrangement. For instance, the receiving portions may help reduce gaps formed between the backboard 14 and the base.

As shown in FIG. 33, the base 64 may have a width and length that is approximately equal to or less than the width and length of the backboard 14. Advantageously, if the backboard 14 and base 64 have generally the same dimensions, then the backboard and base may be more easily disposed within the same package. In addition, this may allow the packaging to be smaller, which may result in decreased manufacturing, shipping and/or storage costs. It will be appreciated, however, that the backboard 14 and the base 64 may have other suitable sizes.

The support structure 12; the rim 16; the support members 20, 22, 22a, 24, 24a, 26, 28, 30, 32; the tubes 34, 36, 100, 102; the feet 38, 40; the connecting members 54, 56; the arm 60; the positioning member 74; the cross members 94, 96; the frame 108 and the frame's outer portion 112 and supports 114 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 constructed from other suitable materials having other suitable characteristics.

In addition, the support members and the connecting members preferably include one or more tubes, which may have a generally circular, square, rectangular, oblong and/or other suitable cross-sectional configuration. It will be appreciated, however, that the support members and connecting members need not include tubes and may have other suitable shapes and/or configurations.

Other suitable features that may be used in connection with the basketball system 10 are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/331,496, filed Jan. 12, 2006, entitled BASKETBALL SYSTEM; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/333,912, filed Jan. 17, 2006, entitled PORTABLE BASKETBALL SYSTEM; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/333,914, filed Jan. 17, 2006, entitled PORTABLE BASKETBALL SYSTEM; U.S. Pat. No. 5,695,417; U.S. Pat. No. 5,879,247; U.S. Pat. No. 6,077,177; U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,396; U.S. Pat. No. 6,155,938; U.S. Pat. No. 6,135,901; U.S. Pat. No. 6,142,891; U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,834; U.S. Pat. No. 6,419,597; U.S. Pat. No. 6,419,598; U.S. Pat. No. 6,402,644; U.S. Pat. No. 6,422,957; U.S. Pat. No. 6,645,095; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,699,146; the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

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 basketball system comprising: a basketball goal; and a support structure sized and configured to support the basketball goal at a height above a playing surface, the support structure comprising: a first support member having an elongated configuration extending between an top end of the support member and a bottom end of the support member; a second support member connected to the first support member; a third support member connected to the first support member; and a fourth support member connected to the first support member, the second, third and fourth support members being arranged in a generally tripod-shaped configuration that supports the first support member at least eight inches above a support surface.

2. The basketball system as in claim 1, wherein the second support member is connected to a first side portion of the bottom end of the first support member; wherein the third support member is connected to an opposing second side portion of the bottom end of the first support member; and wherein the fourth support member is connected to a rear portion the bottom end of the first support member.

3. The basketball system as in claim 2, wherein the first support member includes a tube having a first diameter; wherein the second support member includes a tube having a second diameter that is less than first diameter; and wherein the third support member includes a tube having a third diameter that is less than first diameter.

4. The basketball system as in claim 2, further comprising a barrier sized and configured to hide at least a portion of the first support member, at least a portion of the second support member, at least a portion of the third support member and at least a portion of the fourth support member.

5. The basketball system as in claim 1, wherein the fourth support member is sized and configured to have an adjustable length.

6. The basketball system as in claim 1, wherein the fourth support member includes at least two telescopically coupled tubes.

7. The basketball system as in claim 1, further comprising a foot sized and configured to engage the support surface, the foot being movably connected to the support structure.

8. The basketball system as in claim 1, further comprising a wheel including a first plastic wheel section connected to a second plastic wheel section, the first and second wheel sections being molded to be substantially interchangeable.

9. The basketball system as in claim 1, further comprising: an axle including a elongated body having a length and a positioning member extending outwardly from the elongated body; and a wheel including a receiving portion, at least a portion of the positioning member being disposed within the receiving portion and limiting the movement of the wheel along the length of the elongated body of the axle.

10. The basketball system as in claim 9, wherein the wheel further includes a first wheel section and a second wheel section connected to the first wheel section, a part of the receiving portion being formed in first wheel section, a part of the receiving portion being formed in second wheel section.

11. The basketball system as in claim 9, wherein the wheel further includes a first wheel section and a second wheel section connected to the first wheel section, at least a portion of the positioning member being sandwiched between the first and second wheel sections.

12. The basketball system as in claim 1, wherein the second, third and fourth support members are arranged in a generally tripod-shaped configuration that supports the first support member at least twelve inches above a support surface.

13. The basketball system as in claim 1, wherein the second, third and fourth support members are arranged in a generally tripod-shaped configuration that supports the first support member at least 18 inches above a support surface.

14. The basketball system as in claim 1, wherein the second, third and fourth support members are arranged in a generally tripod-shaped configuration that supports the first support member at least twenty-four inches above a support surface.

15. The basketball system as in claim 1, further comprising a base including a hollow interior portion sized and configured to receive ballast material; wherein the basketball goal includes a backboard, the backboard including one or more receiving portions sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the base in a packaging arrangement, the base including one or more receiving portions sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the backboard in the packaging arrangement.

16. A basketball system disposed in a packaging arrangement, the basketball system comprising: a basketball backboard including at least one receiving portion; and a base comprising: a hollow interior portion sized and configured to receive ballast material; and at least one receiving portion, at least a portion of the backboard being disposed in the at least one receiving portion of the base, at least a portion of the base being disposed in the at least one receiving portion of the backboard.

17. The basketball system as in claim 16, wherein the basketball backboard further includes a rebound member and a backboard frame sized and configured to be connected to the rebound member; and wherein at least a portion of the backboard frame is disposed within the at least one receiving portion of the base.

18. The basketball system as in claim 17, wherein the backboard frame includes an outer portion and an elongated central support; and wherein at least a portion of the elongated central support is disposed within the at least one receiving portion of the base.

19. A basketball system disposed in a packaging arrangement, the basketball system comprising: a first connecting member sized and configured to be movably connected to a basketball goal and to a generally upright support member; and a second connecting member sized and configured to be movably connected to the basketball goal and to the generally upright support member; at least a portion of the basketball goal, at least a portion of the first connecting member, at least a portion of the generally upright support member and at least a portion of the second connecting member being sized and configured to form at least a portion of a four-bar linkage; wherein the second connecting member includes a hollow interior portion sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the first connecting member.

20. The basketball system as in claim 19, wherein the second connecting member includes an elongated tube, the elongated tube including the hollow interior portion.