Portable Basketball Goal Having an Adjustable Backboard Angle

Abstract

A portable basketball goal assembly that has a backboard and rim. The backboard can be adjusted to a vertical position even if the assembly is set on a sloped surface. The backboard is supported at an elevation by a pole and linkages. The linkages engage brackets that are affixed to the backboard. A manual adjustment is provided that selectively moves the point where at least one of the linkages connects to the bracket. This changes the angle of inclination of the bracket. Since the backboard is affixed to the brackets, the angle of inclination also changes. This enables the backboard to be adjusted to a vertical orientation when the pole is slanted away from vertical due to uneven ground.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

In general, the present invention relates to portable basketball goals that have a base, a support pole, a backboard, and a rim. More particularly, the present invention relates to the interconnection between the backboard and the support pole and any adjustable design features that affect the interconnection.

2. Prior Art Description

Many people own portable basketball goal assemblies. These types of assemblies hold a basketball rim and a backboard above a portable base. The base is typically filled with water, sand, or gel to stabilize the basketball goal assembly and ensure that the assembly does not fall over during play. Since a base must be capable of holding a significant volume of water, sand or gel, the bases of portable basketball goal assemblies tend to be large and bulky.

The base of a portable basketball goal assembly has a bottom surface that contacts the street, driveway, or other surface where the portable goal assembly is positioned for use. Most portable basketball assemblies are designed to rest upon a flat surface. It can also be assumed by the surface upon which the basketball goal assembly rests will be horizontal so that the backboard used by the portable basketball goal assembly is supported in a position that is perpendicular to the surface upon which the basketball goal assembly rests. Therefore, in order for the backboard to be properly positioned vertically, the base must rest upon a horizontal surface. Likewise, the rim of the basketball goal assembly is supported in a plane parallel to the underlying support surface and perpendicular to the backboard. Accordingly, in order for the rim to be properly positioned in a horizontal plane, the base must rest upon a horizontal surface.

The problem that is often encountered is that a portable basketball goal assembly is rarely placed on a surface that is both flat and perfectly horizontal. Rather, many driveways and streets are sloped and/or uneven across any area large enough to receive the base of the basketball goal assembly. The result is that the base of the basketball goal assembly may slope slightly, therein causing the backboard and the rim to also slope. This sloping of the backboard and rim has a large effect upon the bounce of the basketball as it strikes the backboard and/or rim. This alters both shooting and rebounding during play, therein detracting from the usefulness of the portable basketball goal assembly in developing playing skills. In the prior art, there are many adjustment mechanisms that are used on basketball goal assemblies to adjust the height of the basketball backboard and rim. However, none of these devices alters the orientation of the backboard and rim relative to the bottom surface of the base. To adjust the orientation of the backboard and rim, shims are usually placed under the base of the portable basketball goal assembly to orient the base in the horizontal plan.

Chinese patent reference CN 207886620U is one of the few prior art assemblies that allows for the direct adjustment of the angle of a basketball backboard. However, the adjustment mechanism requires adjusting the length of various linkages that connect the backboard to the support pole. Such adjustments are difficult to make and require the use of tools and a ladder. Furthermore, this prior art reference does not allow for lateral adjustments in the vertical plane.

A need therefore exists for a portable basketball goal assembly that has a backboard that can have its orientation selectively adjusted relative to the base of the portable basketball goal assembly. In this manner, the backboard and rim can be properly positioned even when the base is on a sloped and/or slanted surface. A need also exists for a backboard that can be easily adjusted without the need for tools and/or a ladder. These needs are met by the present invention as described and claimed below.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a system that includes a portable basketball goal assembly that has a backboard and rim. The backboard can be adjusted to a vertical position even if the assembly is set on a sloped surface.

The backboard is supported at an elevation by a support pole and support linkages that extend from the support pole. The support linkages engage one or more brackets that are affixed to the backboard. The brackets have a bolt hole connector and a slotted connector.

At least one of the support linkages extends from the support pole to the bolt hole connector. Likewise, at least one of the support linkages extends from the pole to the slotted connector, wherein the support linkage can move within the slotted connector. A manual adjustment is provided that selectively moves the support linkage within the slotted connector. This changes the angle of inclination for the bracket, or brackets, relative to the long axis of the pole. Since the backboard is affixed to the brackets, the angle of inclination also changes. This enables the backboard to be adjusted to a vertical orientation when the pole is slanted away from vertical due to uneven ground. Additionally, an adjustment can be provided between a bracket that supports the backboard and a bracket that connects to the support linkages. This enables the backboard to be pivoted while remaining in one plane. This enables the backboard to be leveled when the pole is tilted to one side.

Additionally, the elevation of the backboard and rim on the support pole can be selectively adjusted. The angle of inclination set for the backboard is maintained while the backboard is raised and lowered.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following description of an exemplary embodiment thereof, considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an exemplary embodiment of a portable basketball goal assembly;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a section of the portable basketball goal assembly highlighting the brackets that connect to the backboard in a first orientation;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the section shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a fragmented view of a section of the portable basketball goal assembly highlighting the manual adjustment mechanism;

FIG. 5 shows the same view as FIG. 2 with the angle of inclination of the backboard at a maximum position;

FIG. 6 shows the same view as FIG. 2 with the angle of inclination of the backboard at a minimum position;

FIG. 7 shows an alternate embodiment of the portable basketball goal assembly with a bracket configuration that enables for backboard angle adjustments within a single plane;

FIG. 8 shows the adjustment bracket used in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7; and

FIG. 9 shows the adjustment range of the backboard using the adjustment bracket of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the present invention rebound assembly can be embodied in many ways, only two exemplary embodiments are illustrated. The exemplary embodiments are being shown for the purposes of explanation and description. The exemplary embodiments are selected in order to set forth two of the best modes contemplated for the invention. The illustrated embodiment, however, are merely exemplary and should not be considered as limitations when interpreting the scope of the appended claims.

Referring to FIG. 1, a portable basketball goal assembly 10 is shown. The portable basketball goal assembly 10 has a base 12. The base 12 can be blow-molded and is capable of holding a significant weight of water, sand, or gel. The base 12 has a bottom surface 14 that preferably is set on a flat surface that is in the horizontal plane. However, the portable basketball goal 10 may be positioned on a sloped surface, wherein the bottom surface 14 of the base 12 may be inclined by up to +/−10 degrees from the horizontal.

A pole 16 extends from the base 12. The pole 16 is stabilized by angled support brackets 18 that extend from the base 12 to an elevated position on the pole 16 at an inclined angle. The pole 16 has a long axis 17 that is held at a perpendicular to the bottom surface 14 of the base 12. Accordingly, if the bottom surface 14 of the base 12 is in the horizontal plane, the long axis 17 of the pole 16 extends in the vertical plane.

A backboard 20 is provided. The backboard 20 can be blow molded plastic, molded plastic, or acrylic. The backboard 20 supports a rim 22. The backboard 20 is preferably supported in the vertical plane. However, in the current assembly, the backboard 20 is adjustable up to 10 degrees from long axis 17 of the pole 16. In this manner, the backboard 20 can be adjusted into a vertical orientation even if the bottom surface 14 of the base 12 is set upon an inclined surface. In addition to being adjustable about the vertical plane, the backboard 20 can also be adjusted in height while maintaining its vertical angle adjustability.

Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, in conjunction with FIG. 1, it can be seen that brackets 24, 26 are mounted to the rear of the backboard 20. The brackets 24, 26 provide rigidity to the backboard 20 as well as support the weight of the backboard 20. The brackets 24, 26 include a reinforcement bracket 24 and an adjustment bracket 26. The reinforcement bracket 24 directly reinforces the backboard 20. The reinforcement bracket 24 connects directly to the backboard 20. Furthermore, there are bolts 28 that extend through to the reinforcement bracket 24 to attach the rim 22 to the backboard 20, therein providing strength to the rim 22. The adjustment bracket 26 attaches to the reinforcement bracket 24. Since the adjustment bracket 26 attaches to the reinforcement bracket 24, it will be understood that the two brackets 26, 26 can be unistructurally formed as a single bracket. However, for reasons that are later explained, the use of two brackets is preferred.

In the shown embodiment, the adjustment bracket 26 contains two sets of hinge tabs. The first set of hinge tabs 30 are fitted with bolt holes 32. The second set of hinge tabs 34 are set with slots 36. The purpose of the slots 36 is later explained. The backboard 20 is connected to the pole 16 using a linkage mounting system 40. The linkage mounting system 40 has a set of upper links 42. The upper links 42 have first ends 44 that extend to the adjustment bracket 26. At the adjustment bracket 26, the first ends 44 are attached to the first set of hinge tabs 30 with a first pivot bolt 46. This creates a hinge connection 47 between the upper links 42 and the adjustment bracket 26. The upper links 42 have opposite second ends 48 that extend to a hinge mount 50 at the top of the pole 16.

The linkage mounting system 40 also has a set of lower links 52. The lower links 52 have a first end 54, a midpoint 56 and an opposite second end 58. The lower links 52 are longer than the upper links 42. The lower links 52 are pivotably connected to the pole 16 at a point between midpoint 56 and the second end 58. The first ends 54 of the lower links 52 connect to the adjustment bracket 26, wherein the lower links 52 are parallel to the upper links 42.

The first ends 54 of the lower links 52 connect to the slots 36 in the second set of hinge tabs 34 on the adjustment bracket 26 using a slide bolt 60. This creates a slotted pivot joint 61 between the adjustment bracket 26 and the lower links 52. The slide bolt 60, and the first ends 54 of the lower links 52 are connected to the adjustment bracket 26 but are free to move back and forth within the slots 36 of the second set of hinge tabs 34. Accordingly, the point of attachment between the lower links 52 and the adjustment bracket 26 can be altered through a range that corresponds to the length of the slots 36. As the slide bolt 60 moves the lower links 52 in the slots 36, the adjustment bracket 26 is caused to pivot about the pivot bolt 46. This alters the angle of the adjustment bracket 26. Since the adjustment bracket 26 is bolted to the reinforcement bracket 24 and the backboard 20, the backboard 20 moves with the adjustment bracket 26. It will therefore be understood that by moving the slide bolt 60 in the slots 36, the angle of inclination of the backboard 28 can be selectively adjusted. The preferred range of adjustment is approximately +/−10 degrees from the vertical.

Referring to FIG. 4 in conjunction with FIG. 3, a manual adjustment mechanism 62 is provided to move the slide bolt 60 in the slots 36 of the second set of hinge tabs 34. A tubular collar 64 is provided that passes around the slide bolt 60. The tubular collar 64 connects to a threaded adjustment shaft 66. The adjustment shaft 66 threads into the reinforcement bracket 24. A knob 68 is provided to turn the adjustment shaft 66. As a result, when the knob 68 is turned, the adjustment shaft 66 turns. As the adjustment shaft 66 turns, a lateral force is applied to the tubular collar 64. The force is transferred to the slide bolt 60, therein causing the slide bolt 60 to move in the slots 36 of the second set of hinge tabs 34. The knob 68 can be turned by hand. As such, no tools are required for making an adjustment.

Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, it can be seen that by moving the slide bolt 60 on the slots 36, the adjustment bracket 26 can be pivoted about the hinge connection 47. This alters the angle of the adjustment bracket 26 relative to the long axis 17 of the pole 16. This change in angle is transferred to the backboard 20, therein making the angle of inclination for the backboard 20 adjustable. The angle adjustment made to the backboard 20 remains constant as the backboard 20 is raised and lowered. As such, the backboard 20 can be lowered, adjusted in inclination, and raised to a desired height. Adjustments can therefore be made without the use of a ladder.

Returning to FIG. 1, it will be understood that the backboard 20 and rim 22 are raised and lowered in a traditional manner. The second ends 58 of the lower links 52 are joined to an adjustable bar 70. The adjustable bar 70 is telescoping and can be selectively adjusted in length. The length adjustment is controlled by a slide handle 72. As the length of the adjustable bar 70 is changed, the second ends 58 of the lower linkages 52 are raised or lowered. The lower linkages 52 pivot and raise or lower the backboard 20 accordingly.

In the embodiment explained above, the angle for the plane of the backboard 20 can be adjusted relative to the long axis 17 of the pole 16. However, no adjustments are possible within the plane of the backboard 20. To provide for such adjustments, the connection between the reinforcement bracket 24 and the adjustment bracket 26 can be modified. Referring to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, it can be seen that a modified adjustment bracket 80 is provided. The adjustment bracket 80 has the same features and functions as the adjustment bracket 26 described for the first embodiment, However, in this embodiment, lateral arms 82 are added. The lateral arms 82 are symmetrically disposed about the mid-axis 84 of the adjustment bracket 80. The lateral arms 82 contain curved slots 86.

A pivot bolt 88 is used to join the adjustment bracket 80 to the reinforcement bracket 90. The reinforcement bracket 88 supports the backboard 20, as has been previously described. When the pivot bolt 88 is loosened, the adjustment bracket 80 can rotate about the pivot bolt 88 relative to the reinforcement bracket 90.

Slide bolts 92 extend through the curved slots 86 in the lateral arms 82 of the adjustment bracket 80. The slide bolts 92 engage the reinforcement bracket 90. Thus, the adjustment bracket 80 can rotate about the pivot bolt 88 relative to the adjustment bracket 80 when the pivot bolt 88 and slide bolts 92 are loose.

Referring to FIG. 9 in conjunction with FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, it can be seen that the movement of the adjustment bracket 80 relative to the reinforcement bracket 90 enables the backboard 20 to be adjusted through a range while remaining in a set plane. Accordingly, the corners 94, 96 of the backboard 20 can be raised and lowered relative to one another. In this manner, the backboard 20 can be leveled in a selected plane, even if the overall goal assembly is set on a tilted surface.

It will be understood that the embodiments of the present invention that are illustrated and described are merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art can make many variations to those embodiments. For instance, many known height adjustment mechanisms can be used in place of the height adjustment mechanism illustrated and described. All such embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A basketball goal assembly, comprising: a support pole;a backboard;at least one bracket that support said backboard, wherein said at least one bracket has a bolt hole connector and a slotted connector thereon;at least one upper linkage extending from said pole to said bolt hole connector;at least one lower linkage extending from said pole to said slotted connector, wherein said at least one lower linkage can move within said slotted connector; anda manual adjustment that selectively moves said at least one lower linkage within said slotted connector.

2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein a slide bolt connects said at least one lower linkage to said slide connector.

3. The assembly according to claim 2, wherein said manual adjustment includes a threaded shaft that threads through said at least one bracket and acts upon said slide bolt, therein moving said slide bolt relative to said at least one bracket when said threaded shaft is turned.

4. The assembly according to claim 3, further including a knob for manually turning said threaded shaft.

5. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein said at least one bracket includes a reinforcement bracket that is affixed to said backboard and an adjustment bracket that connects to said reinforcement bracket, wherein said slotted connector is disposed on said adjustment bracket.

6. The assembly according to claim 5, wherein said adjustment bracket can be selectively adjusted in position relative to said reinforcement bracket through an adjustment range.

7. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein said at least one lower linkage is connected to said pole with a pivot connection and further including a height adjustment mechanism that connects to said at least one lower linkage for selectively pivoting said at least one lower linkage about said pivot connection.

8. The assembly according to claim 1, further including a portable base that supports said pole.

9. A basketball goal assembly, comprising: a support pole;support linkages that extend from said support pole;a bracket coupled to support linkages by a pivot joint;a backboard supported at an orientation by said bracket, wherein said bracket can rotate about said pivot joint, therein altering said orientation; andan adjustment for selectively rotating said bracket about said pivot joint.

10. The assembly according to claim 9, wherein said backboard is mounted to a reinforcement bracket and said reinforcement bracket is connected to said adjustment.

11. The assembly according to claim 10, wherein said adjustment bracket is adjustable in position relative to said reinforcement bracket.

12. The assembly according to claim 9, further including a height adjustment mechanism that selectively pivots said support linkages relative to said support pole.

13. The assembly according to claim 9, wherein said adjustment includes a threaded shaft that acts upon at least one of said support linkages, therein moving said at least one of said support linkages relative to said bracket when said threaded shaft is turned.

14. The assembly according to claim 9, further including a base for supporting said pole.

15. A basketball goal assembly, comprising: a pole having long axis;a backboard supported in a plane by said pole, wherein said plane is at an angle of inclination relative to said long axis of said pole;a manual adjustment disposed between said backboard and said pole that selectively adjusts said angle of inclination for said backrest relative to said long axis of said pole.

16. The assembly according to claim 15, further including a second adjustment for selectively adjusting said orientation of said backboard in said plane.

17. The assembly according to claim 15, further including support linkages that extend from said pole and support a bracket.

18. The assembly according to claim 17, wherein said backboard is mounted to said bracket.

19. The assembly according to claim 17, wherein said manual adjustment is a knob and shaft that, when turned, affect rotational movement of said bracket relative to said support linkages.

20. The assembly according to claim 15, further including a base for supporting said pole.