Portable basketball system

Abstract

A basketball system includes a basketball goal and a support structure that is sized and configured to support the basketball goal above a support surface. The basketball system may include one or more feet that are sized and configured to engage a support surface. The feet may movable among a plurality of positions to facilitate, for example, moving the basketball system to a desired location, leveling the basketball system, adjusting the height of the basketball system and/or holding the basketball system in a generally fixed location.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/643,887, filed Jan. 14, 2005 and entitled PORTABLE BASKETBALL SYSTEM, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

This application also claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/643,888, filed Jan. 14, 2005 and entitled PORTABLE BASKETBALL SYSTEM, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a basketball system and, in particular, to a portable basketball system that is capable of being selectively moved from one location to another location.

2. Description of Related Art

Basketball is a very popular game and many people desire to play basketball at their home. Many basketball systems designed for home use require the basketball system to be permanently fixed in a particular location. For example, many home basketball systems are permanently positioned on the edge of the driveway. Disadvantageously, mounting a basketball goal adjacent to the driveway of the home may create a risk of damage to cars using the driveway or cars that are parked nearby. Thus, one or more cars may have to be moved before the basketball goal may be used. In addition, the cars and other objects may limit the use of the basketball system, and the cars and other objects may create a risk of injury to the players.

Permanent basketball systems designed for use at home may also be difficult to install. For example, concrete or asphalt may be located where it is desired to install the permanent basketball system. Accordingly, the concrete or asphalt may have to be removed and/or replaced to allow the basketball system to be installed. Undesirably, removing and/or replacing the concrete or asphalt may be difficult, time-consuming and expensive. In addition, this would most likely prevent use of the driveway during the period of construction and repair.

Permanent basketball systems that are installed at home are usually located outdoors and are exposed to the harsh elements of the weather throughout the entire year. Disadvantageously, when conventional permanent basketball systems are constantly exposed to the elements such as rain, snow, sleet, high temperatures and high humidity, various components of the basketball system may prematurely oxidize, corrode or rust. Premature oxidation, corrosion and rust can be particularly troublesome in basketball goal assemblies that have any moving parts, such as height adjustment mechanisms or breakaway rim assemblies. Moreover, constant exposure to the elements may cause failure of such mechanisms in some known basketball systems.

It is also known to use permanent basketball systems indoors. Indoor basketball systems, however, often require a large amount of space and the basketball goal must be located at least a few feet away from other structures to allow basketball to be played. For example, conventional indoor basketball systems must generally be spaced away from the walls so that the walls do not interfere while playing basketball. These permanent basketball systems may limit or prevent the space from being used for other purposes. For example, schools typically have a gymnasium and basketball goals may be located near the ends or sides of the gymnasium. The basketball goals may undesirably preclude or interfere with use of the gymnasium for other purposes. In addition, on formal occasions, objection may be made to the appearance of the permanently mounted basketball goals.

Portable basketball systems that are movable from one location to another location are also known. Conventional portable basketball systems typically require a large amount of weight so that the basketball goal remains in a generally rigid, upright position for use when playing basketball or shooting baskets. In particular, many conventional portable basketball systems require a large and heavy base to prevent the basketball system from undesirably moving. The large and heavy base, however, often makes the basketball system very difficult to move and may require the assistance of several people to set up or relocate the basketball goal. Additionally, these known basketball system may be very expensive and that may prohibit people from using these systems at home.

Conventional portable basketball systems may use removable weights, such as sand bags or metal weights, which help maintain the basketball system in a fixed position. Disadvantageously, these removable weights can be extremely heavy, difficult to lift and hard to position in the desired location. Accordingly, although these basketball systems using removable weights may be easier to move in relation to permanently mounted goal assemblies, the weights or weighted members are often not easy to move, lift or position.

In an attempt to make portable basketball goal assemblies that are better suited for home use, large support bases with a large hollow cavity for receiving ballast material, such as sand or water, have been developed. These conventional portable basketball systems may be moved into the desired location and then the support base may be filled with ballast such as sand or water. The ballast adds weight to the portable basketball system and helps prevent the basketball system from undesirably moving during use. Disadvantageously, the sand or water may have to be removed to allow the portable basketball system to be moved, which may be very difficult and inconvenient. For example, the portable basketball system may have to be tilted or placed on its side to allow the sand or water to be removed. In addition, having to fill and empty the support base with sand or water each time the goal is to be set up or moved may require an undesirable amount of time and effort, which may limit the use and effectiveness of the basketball system.

It is known to use portable basketball systems in a wide variety of areas such as in driveways and cul-de-sacs. Disadvantageously, many driveways and cul-de-sacs are not level and may contain uneven or sloped surfaces. Accordingly, the goal of many conventional portable basketball systems may also be uneven or sloped. That is, when these portable basketball systems are used on uneven or sloped surfaces, the basketball goals may not properly positioned in an upright position and the rim may not be located in a horizontal position. In addition, these known portable basketball systems may be more susceptible to undesirable movement when positioned on uneven or sloped surfaces.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

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

One aspect is a basketball system that may be selectively moved from one location to another location. Desirably, the basketball system is a portable basketball system that is readily capable of being moved. Advantageously, the basketball system may be quickly and easily moved from one location to another, and the basketball system may be movable by a single person, if desired.

Another aspect is a basketball system that may include a support structure and a basketball goal connected to the support structure. The basketball goal may include a backboard and a rim, and the support structure may support the basketball goal above a playing surface. The support structure may include one or more interconnected support members. For example, the support structure may include two front support members and a rear support member, and the support members may advantageously help construct a strong, stable and/or rigid support structure.

Yet another aspect is a basketball system that may include a base. The base may be sized and configured to receive ballast (such as weights, sand bags, loose sand, water and the like), which may help prevent the basketball system from undesirably moving. For example, the base may include a hollow interior portion that is sized and configured to receive ballast. The base may also be sized and configured to receive and/or store items such as basketballs, nets and the like. These items may be stored in a hollow interior portion or other suitable portions of the base.

Still another aspect is a basketball system that may include one or more wheels, which may facilitate movement of the basketball system from one location to another location. Advantageously, the wheels may be simply and easily connected to the portable basketball system.

A further 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 be movable to facilitate movement of the basketball system and to help retain the basketball system in a generally fixed or stationary position. In addition, the feet may assist in leveling and/or adjusting the position of the basketball system. This may allow, for instance, allow the basketball system to be used on uneven or sloping surfaces.

Another aspect is a basketball system that may include engaging members or feet which may be movable between a first position in which the basketball system is held in a generally fixed position and a second position in which the basketball system can be readily moved. For example, in the first position, the feet may engage the support surface to help prevent the basketball system from being unintentionally moved. In the second position, the feet may be positioned to allow the basketball system to be moved, such as on wheels.

Still another aspect is a basketball system that may include engaging members or feet which may be sized and configured to adjust the orientation of the basketball goal. For example, the feet may be movable between a first position in which the basketball goal is at a first orientation and a second position in which the basketball goal is at a second orientation. Advantageously, this may allow a person to properly position the basketball goal in an upright position, even when the basketball system is placed on a non-planar and/or non-level support surface.

Yet another aspect is a basketball system that may include engaging members or feet which may be sized and configured to adjust the height of the basketball goal. For example, the feet may be movable between a first position in which the basketball goal is at a first height and a second position in which the basketball goal is at a second height.

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 view of an exemplary embodiment of a basketball system;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the basketball system shown in FIG. 1;

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

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

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, an exemplary basketball system 10, illustrated in accordance with a preferred embodiment, includes a support or support structure 12 and a basketball goal 14. The basketball system 10 shown in the accompanying figures and described in more detail below is preferably a portable basketball system that is sized and configured to be selectively moved from one location to another location. This may allow the basketball system 10 to be quickly and easily moved, and the basketball system may be capable of being moved by a single person, if desired. It will be appreciated, however, that the basketball system 10 does not have to be a portable basketball system and, for example, the basketball system may be a permanent basketball system.

The basketball goal 14 may include a backboard 16 and a rim 18, and the support structure 12 may be sized and configured to support the basketball goal above a support or playing surface. For example, the support structure 12 may include one or more elongated support members and these elongated support members may be interconnected to form a strong and sturdy support for the basketball goal. In greater detail, as shown in the accompanying figures, the support structure 12 may include three elongated support members. In particular, the support structure 12 may include two front elongated support members 20, 22 and one rear elongated support member 24. The front elongated support members 20, 22 preferably have about the same length and are preferably disposed at an angle relative to each other. For instance, the lower portions of the front support members are preferably separated by a larger distance than the upper portions of the front support members. Additionally, as best seen in FIG. 2, the front elongated support members 20, 22 are preferably disposed in a generally upward configuration in which the front elongated support members angled slightly rearwardly. For example, the front elongated support members 20, 22 may be angled rearwardly between about 5° and about 10°. It will be appreciated that the front elongated support members 20, 22 may also be disposed at other angles depending, for example, upon the configuration of the support structure 12.

The rear elongated support member 24 preferably has a length that is larger than the length of the front elongated support members 20, 22. The rear elongated support member 24 is also preferably disposed in a generally upward configuration, but the rear elongated support member preferably angled slightly forwardly. In particular, as best seen in FIG. 2, the rear elongated support member 24 is preferably angled forwardly at an angle between about 10° and about 30°. As shown in the accompanying figures, the rear support member 24 may be angled forwardly at a greater angle than the front support members 20, 22 extend rearwardly. Additionally, the ends of the front elongated support members 20, 22 are preferably spaced apart from the end of the rear elongated support member 24. It will be appreciated that the rear elongated support member 24 may also be disposed at other angles depending, for example, upon the configuration of the support structure 12.

The front and rear elongated support members 20, 22, 24 are preferably interconnected to form a three-legged support structure 12. Advantageously, this configuration may help create a strong and sturdy support structure 12. In greater detail, the front elongated support members 20, 22 are preferably connected to the rear elongated support member 24 to form the three-legged support structure with a generally tripod-shaped configuration. In particular, the front elongated support members 20, 22 are preferably attached proximate the midpoint of the rear elongated support member 24. Thus, the front elongated support members 20, 22 preferably have a length that is at least equal to one-half the length of the rear support member 24. Additionally, as best seen in FIG. 2, the upper end of the rear support member 24 is preferably generally vertically aligned with the lower ends of the front support members 20, 22. It will be appreciated that the support structure 12 may also have other suitable shapes, sizes, configurations and arrangements depending, for example, upon the intended use of the basketball system 10. For instance, the support structure 12 may include other suitable numbers of elongated support members and the elongated support members may be connected at other appropriate angles, positions and the like.

The basketball system 10 may also include a support platform 26 that is sized and configured to support the support structure 12. For example, the support members 20, 22, 24 may be connected to the support platform 26 and the support platform may position the support members in the desired locations and configuration. In greater detail, the support platform 26 is preferably constructed from multiple interconnected components. For instance, the support platform 26 may be constructed from two generally parallel support members 28, 30 that extend from the front towards the rear of the basketball system 10 and three interconnected support members 32, 34, 36 that are disposed proximate the front of the basketball system. The support platform 26 may help construct a strong, stable and rigid basketball system 10. If desired, the support platform 26 and the support structure 12 may be part of the same structure. For example, the basketball system 10 may include a support structure that includes both the support structure 12 and the support platform 26, or just a portion of these components. The basketball system 10 may also include separate structures, such as a separate support structure 12 and a support platform 26, which may be interconnected as appropriate.

The support structure 12 and the support platform 26 are preferably constructed from relatively strong and sturdy materials such as steel. In particular, the support structure 12 and the support platform 26 may be constructed from metal tubing. Advantageously, the metal tubing may be relatively strong and lightweight. The metal tubing may have a generally circular, square or rectangular cross-section and the metal tubing may be interconnected together to create a strong, stable and/or rigid support structure 12 and support platform 26. It will be appreciated that the metal tubing may be connected using fasteners, welding, adhesives and the like. It will also be appreciated that the support structure 12 and the support platform 26 may be constructed from other materials with suitable characteristics and these portions of the basketball system 10 may have a variety of appropriate shapes, sizes, configurations and arrangements depending, for example, upon the intended use of the basketball system.

The basketball system 10 may include a base 38 and the base may be sized and configured to receive ballast (such as weights, sand bags, loose sand, water and the like), which may help prevent the basketball system 10 from undesirably moving. For example, the base 38 may include the receiving portion that is sized and configured to receive ballast. The base 38 may also sized and configured to receive and/or store items such as basketballs, nets and the like. For example, the base 38 may include a first receiving portion that is sized and configured to receive ballast and a second receiving portion that is sized and configured to receive various items. If desired, one or more weights may be placed upon the base 38 to help prevent the basketball system 10 from undesirably moving. The base 38 may also include one or more lids or covers, if desired. It will be appreciated that the base 38 may have other suitable configurations and the base is not required.

The basketball system 10 may include wheels to facilitate movement of the basketball system. For example, the basketball system 10 may include two larger wheels 40, 42 that are disposed proximate the base 38 and the end of the elongated rear support member 24. The basketball system 10 may also include a smaller wheel 43 disposed proximate the front elongated support members 20, 22. The wheels 40, 42, 43 may be connected to the support platform 26 or other suitable portions of the basketball system 10. It will be appreciated that the basketball system 10 may have any number of wheels with various suitable shapes, sizes and configurations, but wheels are not required.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the basketball system 10 may include one or more engaging members such feet, stops, contacts or the like. The engaging members are preferably sized and configured to engage a support surface, such as the playing surface. The engaging members may also be sized and configured to help maintain the basketball system in a generally fixed or stable position. For example, the basketball system 10 may include a first front foot 44, a second front foot 46 and a rear foot 48. The front feet 44, 46 and the rear foot 48 may be connected to the support structure 12, the support platform 26 and/or other suitable portions of the basketball system 10. In particular, the first front foot 44 may be connected to the support member 34 of the support platform 26 and the support member 20 of the support structure 12, and the second front foot 46 may be connected to the support member 36 of the support platform 26 and the support member 22 of the support structure 12. The rear foot 48 may be support members 28, 30 of the support platform 26. It will be appreciated that the basketball system 10 may include any suitable number of engaging members, which may be connected to any appropriate portions of the basketball system, and the engaging members may have various shapes, sizes configurations and arrangements depending, for example, upon the intended use of the basketball system 10

The feet 44, 46, 48 may be movable among a plurality of positions relative to the basketball system 10. In particular, the feet 44, 46, 48 may be movably or pivotally connected to the support platform 26. As discussed below, moving the feet 44, 46, 48 relative to the support structure 12 may allow the basketball system 10 to be disposed in a desired location, help level or adjust the basketball system, and/or allow the height of the basketball system to be adjusted.

For example, the feet 44, 46, 48 may be movable between a position in which the feet engage a support surface and a position in which the feet are spaced apart from the support surface. The feet 44, 46, 48 may also be movable between a position in which the wheels 40, 42, 43 engage the support surface and a position in which the wheels are spaced apart from the support surface. Thus, for instance, the feet 44, 46, 48 may be moved or positioned so that the wheels 40, 42, 43 are spaced apart from the support surface and the feet securely engage the support surface. In this position, the basketball system 10 may be held in a generally fixed or stationary position. On the other hand, the basketball system 10 may be configured such that when the feet 44, 46, 48 securely engage the support surface, then the basketball system 10 is held in a generally fixed or stationary position even if the wheels 40, 42, 43 engage the support surface. In addition, the feet 44, 46 48 may be moved so that the feet are spaced apart from the support surface, which may facilitate movement of the basketball system 10. Therefore, when the feet 44, 46, 48 are spaced apart from the support surface and/or when the wheels 40, 42, 43 engage the support surface, the basketball system 10 may be readily portable and more easily moved to a desired location. In contrast, if the feet 44, 46, 48 engage the support surface and/or the wheels 40, 42, 43 are spaced apart from the support surface, then the basketball system 10 may be held in a generally fixed or stationary position.

It will be appreciated that the feet 44, 46, 48 may be moved independently or together as a group. In addition, less than all of the feet 44, 46, 48 may be spaced apart from the support surface to allow the basketball system 10 to be moved to a particular location. In particular, if the feet 44, 46 are spaced apart from the support surface, then that may allow the basketball system 10 to be moved forwardly even if the rear foot 48 still contacts the support surface. Similarly, if the rear foot 48 is spaced apart from the support surface, then that may allow the basketball system 10 to be moved rearwardly even if the front feet 44, 46 still contact the support surface. Of course, the feet 44, 46, 48 may be moved into different positions and locations depending, for example, upon the configuration and arrangement of the basketball system 10.

The feet 44, 46, 48 may also be used to locate the basketball goal 14 in the desired position. For example, the feet 44, 46, 48 may be movable between a position in which the basketball goal 14 is at a first orientation and a position in which the basketball goal 14 is at a second orientation. This may allow the basketball goal 14 to be disposed in an upright position even when the basketball system 10 is placed on a non-planar and/or non-level support surface. Advantageously, the feet 44, 46, 48 may be positioned independently and/or in different positions to allow the basketball system 10 to be properly positioned on an uneven or sloped support surface. In greater detail, if the basketball goal 14 is not located in an upright position when resting on a particular support surface, some or all of the feet 44, 46, 48 may be moved relative to the support structure 12 to tilt the basketball system 10 to reposition the basketball goal in an upright position. For example, the foot 44 may be moved upwardly to tilt the basketball system 10 and the basketball goal 14 to the left, or the foot 44 may be moved downwardly to tilt the basketball system and the basketball goal to the right. Also, the foot 46 may be moved downwardly to tilt the basketball system 10 and the basketball goal 14 to the left, or the foot 46 may be moved upwardly to tilt the basketball system and the basketball goal to the right. Further, for example, the foot 48 may be moved downwardly to tilt the basketball system 10 and the basketball goal 14 forwardly, or the foot 48 may be moved upwardly to tilt the basketball system and the basketball goal rearwardly.

Additionally, the feet 44, 46, 48 may be sized and configured to allow the height of the basketball goal 14 to be adjusted. For example, the feet 44, 46, 48 may be movable between a position in which the basketball goal 14 is at a first height and a position in which the basketball goal 14 is at a second height. Advantageously, this may allow a person to select the height of the basketball goal 14. The basketball system 10 may also include, if desired, a height adjustment mechanism such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,120,396; 6,273,834; 6,699,146 and the like.

The basketball system 10 may also include one or more biasing members, such as springs or other suitable types of mechanisms, which may be used to bias the feet 44, 46, 48 into a desired position. For example, the biasing members may be sized and configured to bias the feet 44, 46, 48 into a position in which the feet engage a support surface. The biasing members may also be sized and configured to bias the feet 44, 46, 48 into a position in which the wheels 40, 42, 43 are spaced apart from the support surface.

In addition, the basketball system 10 may include a device that is used to move the feet 44, 46, 48 and/or wheels 40, 42, 43 into the desired positions. For example, the basketball system 10 may include a handle that may be used to move the feet 44, 46, 48 into the desired positions. In particular, the handle may be used to move the feet 44, 46, 48 from a position in which the feet engage the support surface to a position in which the feet are spaced apart from the support surface. Thus, the handle may be moved between a first position in which the basketball system 10 is readily portable and a second position in which the basketball system is held in a generally fixed position. Additionally, the handle may be used to help move or position the basketball system 10, if desired. Further, the handle may form part of a barrier, such as a backstop, and it may be positioned proximate the support members 20, 22 of the support structure. The handle could also be attached to other suitable portions of the basketball system 10, but the basketball system does not require the use of a handle.

Further, if desired, the feet 44, 46 may be positioned and/or secured in a preferred location. For example, a first connector 50 may be connected to the first foot 44 and a second connector 52 may be connected to the second feet 46, and the connectors may help secure the feet in a desired position. In particular, one end of the first connector 50 may be connected to the first foot 44 and the other end of the first connector may be connected to the support member 20 of the support structure 12. Likewise, one end of the second connector 52 may be connected to the second foot 46 and the other end of the second connector may be connected to the support member 22 of the support structure 12. The connectors 50, 52 may consist of tension-adjusting devices, such as turnbuckles, springs and the like, that are sized and configured to position and/or secure the feet 44, 46 in the desired locations. The connectors 50, 52 are preferably adjustable in length to help position and/or maintain the feet 44, 46 in the desired locations.

The rear foot 48 is preferably pivotally connected to the support members 28, 30 of the support platform 26 and the rear foot 48 preferably has a different configuration that the front feet 44, 46. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the rear foot 48 may include a first flange 54, a second flange 56 and an intermediate portion 58. The flanges 54, 56 preferably include openings, such as slots 60, 62, which may be sized and configured to help secure the foot 48 in a desired position. For example, the slots 60, 62 may include a serrated edge with a plurality of projections and recesses. The recesses are preferably sized and configured to receive and retain locking members 64, 66 in a desired location, which may allow the foot 48 to be disposed in a desired position.

As shown in the accompanying figures, the locking members 64, 66 may be connected to the support members 28, 30 via brackets 68, 70, 72, 74. In particular, the brackets 68, 70 may be connected to the locking member 64 and the support member 28, and the brackets 72, 74 may be connected to the locking member 66 and the support member 30. The brackets 68, 70 are preferably pivotally or movably connected to the support member 28, and the brackets 72, 74 are preferably pivotally or movably connected to the support member 30. This may allow the rear foot 48 to be disposed and held in a plurality of locations. In addition, this may allow the rear foot 48 to be quickly and easily locked into the desired position, and then released. It will be appreciated that the rear foot 48 may also have other suitable configurations and arrangements depending, for example, upon the desired use of the portable basketball system 10.

As discussed above, the basketball goal 14 may be positioned at a plurality of heights relative to the support surface. For example, the basketball goal 14 may be positioned so that the rim 18 is ten feet above the playing surface, which is the conventional height for playing basketball. The basketball goal 14 may be moved to other positions in which the rim 18 is disposed at other heights, such as nine feet, eight feet, seven feet, six feet and the like. Advantageously, this may allow children and others to play basketball. The rim 18 may also be disposed at greater heights, if desired.

In addition, the basketball goal 14 may be attached to the support structure 12 by connecting members. For example, a single lower connecting member 76 and two upper connecting members 78, 80 may be used to connect the basketball goal 14 to the support member 24 of the support structure. The connecting members 76, 78, 80 may be pivotally connected to the basketball goal 14 and the support member 24, and the connecting members may form a generally parallelogram-shaped connection. The connecting members may allow the basketball goal 14 to be moved relative to the support structure 14, which may allow the height of the rim 18 to be adjusted.

Additional information regarding other suitable configurations and aspects of height-adjustable basketball goals and, in general, basketball systems is disclosed in 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; U.S. Pat. No. 6,699,146; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/706,637, which was filed on Aug. 8, 2005; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. (unknown), filed concurrently with this application and entitled PORTABLE BASKETBALL SYSTEM, (Attorney Docket No. 15499.697.1). Each of these patents and applications are incorporated by reference in their entireties.

As shown in the accompanying figures and shown in the above-listed patents and applications, the support structure 12 and the basketball goal 14 may have a variety of suitable shapes, sizes, configurations and arrangements. In addition, the basketball goal 14 may be connected to the support structure 12 using various suitable structures and various types of structures may be used to adjust the height of the basketball goal 14, if desired. Further, the basketball system 10 may also have a variety of suitable shapes, sizes, configurations and arrangements depending, for example, upon the intended use of the basketball system.

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 including a backboard and a rim;

a support structure sized and configured to support the basketball goal above a support surface;

at least one wheel connected to the support structure;

a first foot movably connected to the support structure, the first foot being sized and configured to move between a first position in which the basketball system is capable of being moved and a second position in which the basketball system remains in a generally fixed position, the first foot extending outwardly and away from the support structure; and

a second foot movably connected to the support structure, the second foot being sized and configured to move between a first position in which the basketball system is capable of being moved and a second position in which the basketball system remains in a generally fixed position, the second foot extending outwardly and away from the support structure.

2. The portable basketball system as in claim 1, further comprising a third foot movably connected to the support structure, the first foot and the second foot being connected proximate a front portion of the support structure and the third foot being connected proximate a rear portion of the support structure.

3. The portable basketball system as in claim 1, wherein the first foot is independently connected to the support structure and the second foot is independently connected to the support structure.

4. The portable basketball system as in claim 1, further comprising:

a first connector including a first portion connected to the support structure and a second portion connected to the first foot, the first connector being sized and configured to adjust the positioning of the first foot relative to the support structure; and

a second connector including a first portion connected to the support structure and a second portion connected to the second foot, the second connector being sized and configured to adjust the positioning of the second foot relative to the support structure.

5. The portable basketball system as in claim 4, wherein the first connector comprises a turnbuckle and the second connector comprises a turnbuckle.

6. The portable basketball system as in claim 1, wherein the support structure includes a first front elongated support member, a second front elongated support member and a rear elongated support member disposed in a generally tripod-shaped configuration, the first front elongated support member and the second front elongated support member connected proximate a midpoint of the rear elongated support member.

7. The portable basketball system as in claim 1, wherein the support structure includes a first front elongated support member, a second front elongated support member and a rear elongated support member, the first front elongated support member and the second front elongated each having a length that is generally equal to or greater than one-half of a length of the rear elongated support member.

8. A portable basketball system comprising:

a basketball goal including a backboard and a rim;

a support structure sized and configured to support the basketball goal above a support surface, the support structure comprising: a first elongated support member; a second elongated support member; and a third elongated support member, the first, second and third elongated support members being disposed in a generally tripod-shaped configuration, the first elongated support member and the second elongated support member each having a length that is generally equal to or greater than one-half of a length of the third elongated support member;

at least one wheel connected to the support structure; and

one or more feet movably connected to the support structure, the feet being sized and configured to move between a first position in which the basketball system is capable of being moved and a second position in which the basketball system is held in a generally fixed position.

9. The portable basketball system as in claim 8, wherein the first elongated support member and the second elongated support member are connected proximate a midpoint of the third elongated support member.

10. The portable basketball system as in claim 8, wherein the one or more feet further comprise:

a first foot movably and independently connected to the support structure, the first foot being sized and configured to move between a first position in which the basketball system is capable of being moved and a second position in which the basketball system remains in a generally fixed position, the first foot extending outwardly and away from the support structure;

a second foot movably and independently connected to the support structure, the second foot being sized and configured to move between a first position in which the basketball system is capable of being moved and a second position in which the basketball system remains in a generally fixed position, the second foot extending outwardly and away from the support structure; and

a third foot movably and independently connected to the support structure, the third foot being sized and configured to move between a first position in which the basketball system is capable of being moved and a second position in which the basketball system remains in a generally fixed position, the third foot extending outwardly and away from the support structure.

11. The portable basketball system as in claim 10, wherein the first foot and the second foot are connected proximate a front portion of the support structure and the third foot is connected proximate a rear portion of the support structure.

12. The portable basketball system as in claim 8, wherein the one or more feet comprise a first foot movably connected to the support structure and a second foot movably connected to the support structure.

13. The portable basketball system as in claim 12, further comprising:

a first connector including a first portion connected to the support structure and a second portion connected to the first foot, the first connector being sized and configured to adjust the positioning of the first foot relative to the support structure; and

a second connector including a first portion connected to the support structure and a second portion connected to the second foot, the second connector being sized and configured to adjust the positioning of the second foot relative to the support structure.

14. The portable basketball system as in claim 13, wherein the first connector comprises a turnbuckle and the second connector comprises a turnbuckle.

15. A portable basketball system comprising:

a basketball goal including a backboard and a rim;

a support structure sized and configured to support the basketball goal above a support surface, the support structure comprising: a first elongated support member; a second elongated support member; and a third elongated support member, the first, second and third elongated support members being disposed in a generally tripod-shaped configuration;

at least one wheel connected to the support structure; and

a first foot and a second foot movably connected to the support structure, the first foot and the second foot being independently movable relative to the support structure, the first foot and the second foot being sized and configured to be moved between a first position in which the basketball goal is disposed in a first orientation and a second position in which the basketball goal is disposed in a second orientation.

16. The portable basketball system as in claim 15, wherein the first foot and the second foot are sized and configured to allow the portable basketball system to be used on sloped or uneven surfaces.

17. The portable basketball system as in claim 15, wherein the first elongated support member and the second elongated support member each have a length that is generally equal to or greater than one-half of a length of the third elongated support member.

18. The portable basketball system as in claim 15, wherein the first foot and the second foot are further sized and configured to move between a first position in which the at least one wheel engages a support surface and a second position in which the at least one wheel is spaced apart from the support surface.

19. The portable basketball system as in claim 15, wherein the first foot and the second foot are further sized and configured to move between a first position in which the basketball system is readily portable and a second position in which the basketball system remains in a generally fixed position.

20. The portable basketball system as in claim 15, wherein a lower end of the first elongated support member and a lower end of the second elongated support member are connected to a front portion of the support structure, an upper end of the first elongated support member and an upper end of the second elongated support member is connected to an upper portion of the third elongated support member;

wherein a lower end of the third elongated support member is connected towards a rear portion of the support structure; and

wherein an upper end of the third elongated support member is generally aligned with the connection of the lower end of the first elongated support member and the lower end of the second elongated support member to the front portion of the support structure.