Abstract: The present invention relates to a foldable basketball shooting device which comprises a backboard, a hoop, foldable frame structures, a pair of side fabric guards and a fabric bottom. The backboard is composed of four pivotally connected rectangular boards, two upright frame bars in the back and a hoop engaged in the front thereof. The foldable frame structures include side frame bars, upper supporting legs, first, second and lower supporting legs accompanied with collapsible joints and crossed connecting joint members wherein said side frame bars, upper supporting legs, first, second and third pair of lower supporting legs are respectively in different length. The side fabric guards are respectively extending upwardly from the side frame bars and inclining correspondingly toward two side edges of the backboard for preventing basketballs from dropping off. Catching returned basketballs is provided with said fabric bottom mounted to the side frame bars.

Abstract: A quick change backboard bracket system for a basketball goal permitting the quick removal and replacement of a basketball goal can include a backboard assembly and a basketball goal support assembly. The backboard assembly can include a backboard, a first yoke member, and a rim assembly. The basketball goal support assembly can include a second yoke member, a connecting pin, and bracing means for coupling the backboard to a basketball goal support. When the basketball goal is assembled, a slot of the first yoke member is coupled to a coupling shaft of the second yoke member, the connecting pin is engaged to both yoke members, and the basketball goal support is coupled to the backboard by the bracing means. When the basketball goal is in need of replacement, all of the points of coupling, as described above, are decoupled and the old basketball goal is removed, and a new basketball goal is coupled at the points of coupling.

Abstract: A storage cart for supporting a backboard assembly during replacement and storage is provided, which may also be used in combination with a quick change coupling system to permit the quick removal and replacement of the backboard assembly. The storage cart can include a frame, a carrier unit and a lifting mechanism. The frame includes a base, a top, and upright support members interconnecting the base and top. The base depth can be greater than the top depth to form a taper, permitting a backboard assembly to lean against the frame. The carrier unit includes a shelf sized to support the backboard assembly. The lifting mechanism includes means for adjusting the vertical position of the shelf to (dis)engage the shelf with the backboard assembly. The storage cart can include wheels, where the storage cart can be easily moved through a standard sized door and into its suitable position.

Abstract: The present invention is a sports support structure with an integrated pad. By ensuring that the protective pad is integrated with the structure, the present invention ensures theft padding is properly located around the support structure. The integrated pad and sports structure may be raised and lowered to a desired height with a handle attached to an elevator mechanism.

Abstract: A back stop device suitable for coupling to a backboard assembly in a sporting activity is disclosed. The device includes a central member. The central member couples to one or more clamps which couple to the backboard assembly. The central member may be coupled to a portion of one or more pivot members. One or more arm members may be coupled to a portion of each of the pivot members. The arm members may be selectively repositionable when used in conjunction with the pivot members. One or more netting members may be coupled to a portion of at least one of the central member and one or more of the arm members or a portion of the backboard assembly. The netting members may be configured to deflect a ball in a direction determined by the position of the members with weights coupled to a bottom portion of the netting members.

Abstract: A transportable basketball system having components which are arrangeable in a play configuration during which a basketball-related game can be played, and also in a transport configuration during which said transportable basketball system can be easily transported between a sand covered outdoor environment and a remote location. Preferably, the transportable basketball system comprises a wind-transmissive backboard structure having a backboard surface disposed substantially within a first plane, bounded by a frame structure, and characterized by a high degree of air permeability (i.e. transmissivity) across said backboard surface so that air currents, expected on said covered environment, can pass therethrough with minimal resistance, yet deflect a lightweight basketball when tossed thereagainst during basketball-related games.

Abstract: A sporting device having a display integrated into the construction of the sporting device and preferably configured to be responsive to the sporting activity. Preferably, the display is formed by a liquid crystal sheet that is visible through the structure of the sporting device. The liquid crystal sheet can be remotely operated or otherwise configured to provide a pre-selected display. Alternatively, operation of the liquid crystal sheet is controlled by the activity associated with the sporting device.

Abstract: Blow molded plastic structures are provided for use in various structures such as, but not limited to, tables, chairs, walls, backboards, storage bins, sports equipment and the like. The blow molded plastic structure has a first surface and a second surface extending between a first end and a second end and forming a chamber there between. A plurality of depressions is formed on the second surface and extends into the chamber. The depressions are usually unitary structures formed by a depression wall. Generally, the steeper the depression wall, the more strength is provided to the structure. In addition, where the plurality of depressions has a low profile and a greater density, increased strength is provided to the structure. The depressions may or may not be joined to the first surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anchor to be used with a basketball support pole, and more particularly to an anchor that facilitates ease of assembly and mounting of a basketball support pole and a backboard/hoop assembly attached thereto. The anchor may include an anchoring base and a lifting system. In use, the lifting system may rotatably attach to the support pole and allow a user to conveniently assemble and raise the basketball backboard/hoop assembly and support pole into a position for playing basketball.

Abstract: A portable basketball goal system having an adjustable wheel assembly is disclosed. The portable basketball goal system may comprise a rigid pole, a support base, an adjustable wheel assembly, and an engaging member. The support base is configured to maintain the rigid pole in a generally elevated position. The adjustable wheel assembly is connected to the support base and has an engaged and disengaged position. In the engaged position, the wheel assembly supportably engages a playing surface. In the disengaged position, the wheel assembly may not supportably engage the playing surface. The adjustable wheel assembly may be slidably coupled to the support base. The adjustable wheel assembly may be operated by an engaging member coupled to a cam surface. The cam surface may interact with a follower to transition the adjustable wheel assembly between the supportable and unsupportable engagements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus reversibly converting a chair into a basketball goal. Four operating modes are disclosed. A first mode in which the article is configured as a basketball goal, a second mode in which the article is configured as a chair within an upwardly extended backboard, a third mode in which a net is deployed for returning basketballs to a shooter and a fourth mode wherein the article is configured as a chair with the backboard collapsed therebehind.

Abstract: A basketball backboard may include one or more weights disposed proximate the perimeter of the backboard in order to enhance the rebounding characteristics of the backboard. In particular, a first weight may be positioned proximate a first side of the backboard and a second weight may be positioned proximate a second side of the backboard in order to enhance the rebounding characteristics of the backboard. Advantageously, the weights may be positioned internally within the backboard or the weights may be positioned externally to the backboard. In addition, the weights may be selectively or permanently attached to the backboard, and the weights may also be sized and configured to increase the rigidity of the basketball backboard.

Abstract: A transportable basketball system having components which are arrangeable in a play configuration during which a basketball-related game can be played, and also in a transport configuration during which said transportable basketball system can be easily transported between a sand covered outdoor environment and a remote location. Preferably, the transportable basketball system comprises a wind-transmissive backboard structure having a backboard surface disposed substantially within a first plane, bounded by a frame structure, and characterized by a high degree of air permeability (i.e. transmissivity) across said backboard surface so that air currents, expected on said covered environment, can pass therethrough with minimal resistance, yet deflect a lightweight basketball when tossed thereagainst during basketball-related games.

Abstract: A foldable basketball stand comprises a seat having a supporting frame, a transfer unit installed at one end of the supporting frame and a weight installed to the supporting frame; and the weight being a foldable water box; a supporting unit formed of a plurality of rod bodies; one end of the supporting unit being connected to the transfer unit of the seat; and a backboard installed at another end of the supporting unit; and the backboard having at least two plate bodies and a hoop installed between the two plate bodies. The installation of the seat, supporting unit and backboard causes the foldable basketball stand can be assembled easily for use and detached easily for storage. Thereby the volume of the foldable basketball stand is small. It can be storage and transferred easily and conveniently.

Abstract: A luminous basket backboard includes first and second boards made of light-transmitting acrylic material. The first board is provided on a front surface thereof a shooting rectangle and the second board has a surface that is roughened. Light reflectors are respectively arranged along edges of the first and second boards and contain therein light sources. The light reflectors forms through holes and the first and second boards are provided with mounting holes corresponding to the through holes of the light reflectors to receive extension of bolts therethrough to fix the light reflectors, the first board and the second board together.

Abstract: When a rod extending out of the bottom of a hollow rigid plastic trunk encasing a collapsible basketball backboard is pushed up, the backboard comes out of the top of the trunk and opens and a rim rotates 90 degrees to an “up” position perpendicular to the trunk. A pulley system inside the trunk, one end of which is connected to the push rod, controls rotation of a hinge attached to a rim, the hinge sitting in an opening in the top of the trunk. When the rod is pulled, the planar segments of the backboard fold to a point one behind the other and go downward to fit into the trunk and the hoop moves to a “down” position. In open position the backboard segments fan out. The rod has a V-shaped attachment piece connecting the top of the rod to the common bottom border of the backboard.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sports support pole, and more particularly to a reinforced support structure for supporting a pole such as a basketball pole or the like. The support structure may include a support bar positioned substantially in the center of the sports pole and may be held in position by one or more spacers. Cement may then be poured into the sports pole, with the spacers holding the support bar in position. Once the cement is cured, the support bar provides reinforcement to the sports pole against tension and shearing forces and the cement provides reinforcement against compression forces. An alternative embodiment provides for three or more support bars positioned at substantially equivalent intervals adjacent to the inner diameter of the sports pole.

Abstract: A portable basketball shooting practice device includes an upper and a lower cover pivotally connected and openably closed to each other; a backboard connected to an inner side of the upper cover, and provided at a central position with a pivotal connecting unit, to which a rim is pivotally turnably connected; a folding support skeleton consisting of a plurality of sections serially connected via link plates, and having an innermost section fixedly connected to an inner side of the lower cover; and a net apron spread on and fixed to a top of the support skeleton with two upward extended lateral sides connected to two lateral edges of the backboard. With the foldable support skeleton and pivotally turnable rim, the whole basketball shooting practice device can be easily folded and received in the closed upper and lower covers, and be conveniently carried for use at different places.

Abstract: A water level indicator for use with a fillable base for supporting a basketball goal is disclosed. The water level indicator may be attached to the fillable base and may alert a user when the level of water contained in the base drops below a predetermined level. In one embodiment, a mechanical device having a rotatable lever arm with a floating portion attached to one end and a display attached to the other end may be utilized. The floating portion may be configured to float on top of water contained in the base and the display may be configured to indicate to a user when the base should be refilled with water. In another embodiment, an electrical device having two metal probes, an alert and a power source may be utilized. When water in the base is in contact with the metal probes, a circuit may be completed between the metal probes, the alert and the power source.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a system and method for adjusting the height of a basketball backboard assembly. The present invention includes a releasable locking mechanism connected to the backboard assembly to lock the backboard at a selected vertical height above a playing surface. In one embodiment of the present invention, the releasable locking mechanism may include a ratchet and cam, the ratchet having a plurality of ratchet teeth configured to engage with a pawl. A cam may be configured to allow a user to incrementally increase the height of the backboard using the releasable locking mechanism and may further be configured to prevent the releasable locking mechanism locking the backboard at any height when a user desires to decrease the height of the backboard.

Abstract: The present invention is a device and method variously and separately provided for a transportable backboard and hoop connectable to a chain-link fence as its support structure. Methods of teaching are included. Detail is also provided regarding the methods and structures for attachment of the device to the support structure. The invention is to be limited only by the scope of the claims as ultimately allowed in this application, and in no way limited by the prior versions of the claims inserted into this provisional application which are inserted only for purposes of priority and satisfaction of potential foreign filing requirements.

Abstract: A portable basketball system that may be assembled without the need for hand tools. The present invention may include a regulation portable basketball system that is entirely assembled by hand with the use of hand grippable devices. The pole and supporting struts may be releasably secured to portable base by bolts and hand grippable nuts. The system according to the present invention may also secure the basketball goal, basketball backboard, and basketball pole using one or more bolts and hand grippable nuts. It is contemplated that hand grippable bolts and an attached nuts may be used to reduce the number of loose nuts during assembly.

Abstract: A basketball goal support structure includes a support base and a pneumatic cylinder coupled to the support base. A pneumatically operated rod is extendably disposed insure the pneumatic cylinder. The rod is adapted to couple a basketball goal assembly to the end of the rod. The structure includes means for controllably applying pneumatic pressure to the interior of the cylinder to lift the rod out the cylinder, and means for self-propelling the base to a selected location.

Abstract: An indoor basketball backboard and hoop positioned in an unfolding mode in a cater-corner orientation to maximize play area and in proximity to a door to cause opening movement of the door to restore by folding the backboard and hoop into a flat storage condition on the back of the door.

Abstract: A rollable sports ballast base for supporting a sports apparatus support member comprising a base member which has a first edge and a second edge, a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface is adapted to contact a support surface such as a driveway or other playing surface. There is at least one wheel assembly for contacting the support surface. One of the wheel assemblies is retractable from a lowered position to a raised position such that when in the raised position, the bottom surface of the base member substantially contacts the support surface. In the lowered position, both wheel assemblies contact the support surface thereby separating or elevating the base member from the support surface. In another embodiment, the invention consists of a similar rollable sports base for supporting a sports apparatus support member wherein one wheel assembly is retractable and comprises a pivoting connector coupled to the base member and a wheel bracket coupled to the pivoting connector.

Abstract: Blow molded plastic structures are provided for use in various structures such as, but not limited to, tables, chairs, walls, backboards, storage bins, sports equipment and the like. The blow molded plastic structure has a first surface and a second surface extending between a first end and a second end and forming a chamber there between. A plurality of depressions is formed on the second surface and extends into the chamber. The depressions are usually unitary structures formed by a depression wall. Generally, the steeper the depression wall, the more strength is provided to the structure. In addition, where the plurality of depressions has a low profile and a greater density, increased strength is provided to the structure. The depressions may or may not be joined to the first surface.

Abstract: The portable basketball system allows a basketball goal to be positioned in a desired location and readily moved to another location. The portable basketball system may include a basketball goal, a pole or support structure that supports the basketball goal above a playing surface, and a base that maintains the support structure in a generally upward direction. The portable basketball system may also include an adjustment assembly that is capable of being moved between a first position in which the portable basketball system is held in a generally fixed position relative to the playing surface and a second position in which the portable basketball system is readily movable relative to the playing surface. The adjustment assembly may include a bracket, an arm, a link pivotally connecting the arm to the bracket, and a wheel assembly connected to the bracket.

Abstract: A basketball goal system may include a backboard, an elongated support that positions the backboard above a playing surface, a backboard support assembly that connects the backboard to the elongated support, and a goal support assembly with a rim and a support member. Preferably the support member is attached to the backboard support assembly behind a plane that is generally aligned with the front surface of the backboard. In addition, the basketball goal system may include a resistance mechanism to create a breakaway type basketball rim. The resistance mechanism is also preferably positioned behind a plane that is generally aligned with the front surface of the backboard. Advantageously, the basketball goal system may be part of a portable basketball system and/or a basketball system in which the height of the backboard and rim is adjustable relative to the playing surface.

Abstract: A sign for display on a basketball backboard includes a substantially rigid sheet of material having indicia to be displayed on a front surface thereof. The sheet of material includes a notch formed in a lower edge of the sheet of material for engaging rim. When the sign is mounted on the backboard with the rim disposed in the notch, one or more attachment devices secure the sheet to the backboard. Various attachment devices including straps, hooks, and elastic cords are disclosed. At least some of the attachment devices are reversible, such that either side of the sign can be displayed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus, with improved depth perception, focal line guidance, symmetry, extension, and spacial fixation on a goal or target. The primary purpose being to provide improved appeal and excitement to the game of basketball by providing improved long range shooting. According to a preferred embodiment, an improved accuracy backboard is disclosed comprising a backboard portion, a goal in fixed communication with the backboard portion and at least one stripe which provides a focal line tapering towards the goal so as to visually aid the player. The strip may be straight or wedge shaped and may be dramatic colors which may be similar to the color of the goal. The stripes may be symmetrically imprinted on the face of a backboard in a triangulating or surrounding axial formation to the goal. There may also be an outer concentric square and an inner concentric square.

Abstract: A basketball backboard may include one or more weights disposed proximate the perimeter of the backboard in order to enhance the rebounding characteristics of the backboard. In particular, a first weight may be positioned proximate a first side of the backboard and a second weight may be positioned proximate a second side of the backboard in order to enhance the rebounding characteristics of the backboard. Advantageously, the weights may be positioned internally within the backboard or the weights may be positioned externally to the backboard. In addition, the weights may be selectively or permanently attached to the backboard, and the weights may also be sized and configured to increase the rigidity of the basketball backboard.

Abstract: A basketball goal system may include a rim assembly that forms part of a breakaway rim that can deflect downwardly when a force larger than a predetermined amount is applied to the rim. The basketball goal system may include a support pole, a support structure including a pair of upper arms and a pair of lower arms, a backboard support frame including a pair of elongated members, and a backboard. The elongated members of the backboard support frame are preferably connected to one of the upper support arms and one of the lower support arms of the support structure, and these upper and lower support arms are preferably connected to the support pole. The basketball goal system may also include a backboard connected to the backboard support frame and a rim assembly including a pair of support arms. The support arms of the rim assembly are preferably connected to the elongated members of the backboard support frame.

Abstract: A portable basketball goal system having an adjustable wheel assembly is disclosed. The portable basketball goal system may comprise a rigid pole, a support base, an adjustable wheel assembly, and an engaging member. The support base is configured to maintain the rigid pole in a generally elevated position. The adjustable wheel assembly is connected to the support base and has an engaged and disengaged position. In the engaged position, the wheel assembly supportably engages a playing surface. In the disengaged position, the wheel assembly may not supportably engage the playing surface. The adjustable wheel assembly may be slidably coupled to the support base. The adjustable wheel assembly may be operated by an engaging member coupled to a cam surface. The cam surface may interact with a follower to transition the adjustable wheel assembly between the supportable and unsupportable engagements.

Abstract: A support assembly cooperative with a vehicular trailer hitch for allowing the temporary erection of sports equipment such as a basketball post, backboard and net, or supports for volleyball or badminton, the support assembly comprising a T-shaped tubular support member having a horizontal member and a vertical member, the horizontal member having a tubular cross section cooperative with the internal diameter of a tubular trailer hitch for the slidable engagement thereof and the vertical tubular member being of a cross section and length sufficient enough to support a basketball backboard and net at a regulation height, in one embodiment, the vertical member being hinged at its mid section so as to allow transport of the assembly without having to remove it from the trailer hitch, and in another embodiment, the vertical member being telescopic and having a crank and pulley mechanism associated therewith in which the support assembly is transported in a non-telescopic mode and then raised to the regulation hei

Abstract: A basketball goal system having a lightweight blow molded support frame and a transparent acrylic backboard is disclosed. The support frame includes an outer periphery and a support structure that is disposed within the outer periphery. The support structure divides the frame into two or more sections and at least a portion of the two or more sections are preferably covered by the acrylic backboard. Advantageously, the support structure and frame can create a lightweight basketball backboard with consistent rebounding characteristics.

Abstract: A basketball frame structure includes a backboard, two fixing plates, a base, two first upright rods, two second upright rods, two first links, an adjusting bar, two second links, and a plurality of hollow weights. Thus, the height of the backboard is changed by movement of the adjusting bar, thereby facilitating a user adjusting the height of the backboard. In addition, when the adjusting bar is moved, the positioning bolt is slidable in the slideway of the adjusting bar and detachably locked in either one of the retaining slots of the adjusting bar, so that the height of the backboard is changed in a multi-stage manner so as to fit requirements of different users.

Abstract: The present invention provides an educational basketball game device, comprising a backboard which houses cheer lights outlining perimeter, a score display, a target, a hoop, and a sensor, an extendable pole which is made of two parts an upper part and a lower part, and a progress display made of several portions which illuminate game progress, and a baseboard which houses speakers, an extendable foul line and wheels. Also, the present invention provides a method for educating a game of basketball with an educational basketball game device. The educational method incorporates playing of recordings that cheer the player to make a shot, encourage the player to aim at target, motivate to keep practicing and getting the ball in the hoop. In addition, the educational method uses cheer lights to acknowledge success. Additionally, a visual display showing a cheering crowd of fans will light up when a goal is achieved.

Abstract: A transportable basketball system having components which are arrangeable in a play configuration during which a basketball-related game can be played, and also in a transport configuration during which said transportable basketball system can be easily transported between a sand covered outdoor environment and a remote location. Preferably, the transportable basketball system comprises a wind-transmissive backboard structure having a backboard surface disposed substantially within a first plane, bounded by a frame structure, and characterized by a high degree of air permeability (i.e. transmissivity) across said backboard surface so that air currents, expected on said covered environment, can pass therethrough with minimal resistance, yet deflect a lightweight basketball when tossed thereagainst during basketball-related games.

Abstract: A molded frame backboard assembly is disclosed including a unitary molded plastic frame and rebounding surface bonded thereto. The frame preferably is formed as one piece of plastic material having sufficient strength and rigidity to support the rebound surface and may include an internal reinforcing structure integrally molded therewith. The rebounding surface preferably is an acrylic sheet bonded at its edges to the peripheral edge of the frame. The peripheral edge of the frame is raised to support the rebounding surface such that, when attached, the rebounding surface sits flush with the peripheral edge of the frame so that the edges of the rebounding surface are not left exposed. The rebounding surface is bonded to the frame by flame treating or corona treating portions of the frame and applying an adhesive bonding material such as silicon thereto to secure the rebounding surface to the frame. A cavity is formed between the rebounding surface and the frame within the interior portion of the frame.

Abstract: A deformable basketball goal support structure configured to selectively engage a rigid upright member and allow for adjustment of the height of a basketball goal above a playing surface. The basketball goal support structure has a backboard and an attachment member configured to selectively connect the goal support structure to the upright member. At least one support arm pivotally attaches between the attachment member and the backboard. Preferably, a pair of first support arms and a pair of second support arms pivotally attach between the attachment member and the backboard. The backboard includes a support frame having an internal periphery sufficient for receiving at least a portion of the attachment member and the support arms.

Abstract: A basketball system that includes a movable platform and a pole rotatably mounted to the movable platform. The pole has either a curved or an angled region, and also has an axis of rotation. The basketball system also includes a backboard mounted to the pole and a rim mounted to the backboard. The rim has a vertical central axis that is coaxial with the axis of rotation of the pole. In addition, the movable platform is horizontally adjustably mounted to a base. A controller may be employed to control the operation of the system, such as by adjusting the distance and rotation of the pole in accordance with a stored program or a user defined preference, by starting and stopping a ball return system in accordance with the player pace of shooting, etc.

Abstract: A portable basketball goal system having an adjustable wheel assembly is disclosed. The portable basketball goal system may comprise a rigid pole, a support base, an adjustable wheel assembly, and an engaging member. The support base is configured to maintain the rigid pole in a generally elevated position. The adjustable wheel assembly is connected to the support base and has an engaged and disengaged position. In the engaged position, the wheel assembly supportably engages a playing surface. In the disengaged position, the wheel assembly may not supportably engage the playing surface. The adjustable wheel assembly may be slidably coupled to the support base. The adjustable wheel assembly may be operated by an engaging member coupled to a cam surface. The cam surface may interact with a follower to transition the adjustable wheel assembly between the supportable and unsupportable engagements.

Abstract: An improved basketball training aid comprising a barrier over which a basketball shot must be lofted in order to pass through the basketball goal. The basketball training aid is intended for attachment to a basketball backboard and basketball goal. The basketball training aid comprises a shield formed into a substantially semi-circular shape or a substantially semi-elliptical shape with a gripping means affixed to each end of the shield. In use, each of the gripping means is attached to the front surface of the basketball backboard. The shield is held in place by the gripping means slightly above and substantially parallel to the basketball goal solely by the gripping means, with the upper surface of the shield is positioned above the top surface of the basketball goal and outside the front edge of the basketball goal. The basketball training aid is removed from the front surface of the basketball backboard by detaching each gripping means from the front surface of the basketball backboard.

Abstract: A basketball goal system that is capable of being assembled without tools is disclosed. The basketball goal system may include a support member, a rim, a bracket, a brace and a backboard. A support pin is sized and configured to be inserted through a first set of openings in the support member, a first set of openings in the bracket and a first set of openings in the brace to connect the bracket and brace to the support member. The backboard is attached to the support member by inserting at least a portion of the first support pin into the first groove in the backboard and inserting at least a portion of the brace into a brace groove. The basketball goal system may also include a second set of openings in the support member, a second set of openings in the bracket, and a second set of openings in the brace. A second support pin is sized and configured to be inserted through the second set of openings in the support member, bracket and brace to connect the bracket and brace to the support member.

Abstract: A portable basketball stand apparatus includes a frame member for supporting a backboard and rim assembly, a base member for supporting the frame member, and wheels that allow the base member to move over a supporting surface. A reciprocating actuator displaces the frame member between a storage position and a playing position. One or more front wheels lie adjacent the front or first end of the base member, the end most proximate the backboard and rim assembly when the frame extends to the playing position. These front wheels move relative to the base member between a lowered position in which the base member lies above the supporting surface and a raised position in which the base member engages the supporting surface.

Abstract: A portable basketball system includes a support pole that is sized and configured to support a basketball goal above a playing surface. The portable basketball system also includes a base with a generally hollow interior that allows the base to be filled with ballast material such as sand or water. In addition, the portable basketball system may include an axle and a locking member that are connected to the support pole, and a wheel that is connected to the axle. The base may include a wheel receiving portion that receives at least a portion of the wheel and support pole, an axle receiving portion that connects the axle to the base, a support pole receiving portion that receives at least a portion of the support pole, and a locking member receiving portion that receives at least a portion of the locking member when the support pole is in a playing position.

Abstract: A basketball apparatus is provided that teaches basketball players to make the perfect basketball shot when shooting backboard shots from any location on the basketball court. The basketball apparatus consists of a backboard, a basketball hoop, a supporting bracket located in front of the backboard providing a reflective surface, and a member attached to the supporting bracket and having a target affixed thereon. The member and the supporting bracket coacting to reflect the target and produce a reflective target bulls eye. Upon shooting, if the user aims towards the centerpoint of the reflective target bulls eye and shoots the basketball in the proper trajectory to engage that centerpoint, the basketball, on this trajectory toward the centerpoint, would engage the backboard at a perfect reflection point and, thereby, bounce off the backboard towards the basketball hoop to obtain the perfect basketball shot.

Abstract: An Electronically Interactive Target Game to be played indoors by children, wherein the target is a flexible sheet hung on a wall or attached to a portable stand; and has mural-like artwork on the sheet portraying characters playing an action sport. A projectile corresponding to the portrayed sport is thrown at the target. Selected area rigid surfaces, each with a sensor, are attached behind selected areas of the sheet and, when struck, activate audible and visual signals that relate to the success of the child hitting the selected areas to facilitate the fantasy of actually playing a game with the characters in the artwork. A vibration sensor may be attached to the target sheet to detect contact of the projectile with the rest of the target outside of the selected areas. Hook and loop material may be used on the ball and on a selected area (e.g., mitt).

Abstract: A transportable basketball system having components which are arrangeable in a play configuration during which a basketball-related game can be played, and also in a transport configuration during which said transportable basketball system can be easily transported between a sand covered outdoor environment and a remote location. Preferably, the transportable basketball system comprises a wind-transmissive backboard structure having a backboard surface disposed substantially within a first plane, bounded by a frame structure, and characterized by a high degree of air permeability (i.e. transmissivity) across said backboard surface so that air currents, expected on said covered environment, can pass therethrough with minimal resistance, yet deflect a lightweight basketball when tossed thereagainst during basketball-related games.

Abstract: A basketball goal assembly includes a basketball goal with a strike plate. The strike plate preferably includes a rebound surface support that is sized and configured to help prevent the backboard from undesirably flexing or bending. In addition, the strike plate may allow forces to be directly transmitted from the backboard to other structures such as a backboard bracket or goal support structure. The strike plate may also have one or more flexural supports that brace the strike plate against flexure so that impact received from the rebound surface via the rebound surface support does not excessively bend the strike plate.