Abstract: A system for connecting the dunk ring of a basketball-stand to a beam of the stand, the back-board being of glass and being surrounded and supported by a frame which is connected to the beam.A spacer block is interposed in the connection of the dunk ring attachment plate and the attachment element of the beam. The spacer block allows for a sufficient spacing, which, at least, corresponds to the thickness of the back-board. The back-board is then provided with a cut-away which is open towards the lower edge and which, in its mounted position, straddles the spacer block.In this way forces from the ring to the beam are guided directly, without in any way imparting the back-board.The spacer block may be realized in such a way that it is fixed to the lower element of the frame which surrounds the glass back-board.

Abstract: A portable, folding basketball system employing a unique design to allow manual manipulation of the system from an extended position suitable for game play and a retracted position for compacted storage of the system. The system comprises a plurality of pole sections which form a pole of variable height, a base pivotally connected to the pole and having a recess for receiving the pole, a support arm pivotally connected to the base, a collar pivotally connected to the support arm and slidably engaging the pole, a bracket assembly pivotally connected to the pole, a backboard connected to the bracket assembly, and a rim assembly pivotally connected to the backboard. In the extended position the pole is generally directed upward at a playable height, the rim is in the horizontal position, and the backboard is in a playable position.

Abstract: A portable collapsible backboard and goal assembly for a pickup truck. The assembly has a base means mounted in the bed or back of the pickup truck, a rotatable first support member attached to the base means, a rotatable second support means attached to the first support member, and a rotatable backboard and goal means attached to the second support member. The two support members and backboard and goal means are all rotatable relative to the base means and can be collapsed into a flat, compact package in the pickup truck for storage and/or transport. A first bracing means is used to hold the first and second support members in their upright, assembled positions. A second bracing means is used to hold the backboard and goal means at the desired position for use.

Abstract: A basketball backboard formed of a structural foam material such as structural foam polypropylene. The backboard is provided with an inmolded graphics sheet formed of the same material as that used to form the backboard. The graphics sheet of material is formed with pores to receive the printing inks whereby a desired visual graphics display is provided on an exposed facing surface of the graphics sheet. The backboard is formed as a high strength rigid structure having good rebound characteristics.

Abstract: A molded frame backboard assembly for supporting a rebound member between separately formed front and rear frames such that the peripheral edge of the rebound member is encapsulated within the frame. The rear frame preferably is formed as one piece of plastic material having sufficient strength and rigidity to support the rebound member and may include an internal reinforcing structure integrally molded therewith. The front frame preferably is molded from plastic and has a large central opening providing substantially unobstructed access to the rebound surface of the rebound member. The rear frame includes a recess that locates the rebound member in a predetermined position within the rear frame. The front and rear frame members include cooperating alignment structures that enable the front frame to be easily located on and attached to the rear frame after the rebound member has been positioned within the rear frame.

Abstract: A portable basketball goal support system having a base, a ballast tank, and an arm for supporting a basketball goal support pole can be assembled in a compact configuration for shipping or storage and an expanded configuration for use. The support pole is mounted at a rear portion of the base and angled forward in the expanded configuration. In the expanded configuration, the ballast tank extends at least partially behind the support pole, while in the compact configuration, the ballast tank may be nested within portion of the base, thereby occupying less space. The support pole may be formed with a generally "pear"-shaped cross section defined by large and small curved portions connected by relatively straight sections, such that the large curved portion readily adapts to existing mounting hardware. One or more of the base, ballast tank, and support arm may be formed from plastic with a printed graphics sheet integrally molded therewith.

Abstract: Basketball backboards and other moldable plastic parts of basketball goal assemblies are formed of thermoplastic materials made in a compression molding process enabling use of an integrally molded graphics sheet. To produce the compression molded part with inmolded graphics, a peripheral edge of the printed graphics sheet is positioned to register with a positioning surface in the mold thereby aligning the graphics sheet relative to the mold. The graphics sheet bonds/melts with the base thermoplastic material during the molding operations and becomes a permanent inmolded graphics sheet surrounded by a border portion. The printed graphics sheet is formed of a material compatible with the thermoplastic material. A preferred thermoplastic material includes recycled plastic made from landfill-destined plastic and/or recycled glass fiber and/or other filler materials.

Abstract: The invention provides a backboard which is mountable on any wall surface, and which may be readily removed from the wall surface without leaving a mark or disfiguring the surface. The backboard is made of a thin, flexible sheet of material with a rear surface which firmly attaches to a wall, is held against the wall and is removable from the wall without marking the wall. A basketball rim and support is mounted on a lower position on the backboard material by a double-stick foam tape. One side of the foam tape adheres to the backboard in a pre-marked space. A vertical member of a support is attached to the other face of the foam tape, and a horizontal hoop is cantilevered from the support. A fabric net hangs down from the hoop to slow the descent of a ball which is used with the backboard. The net may be formed of lightweight flexible plastic filaments. The plastic rim and support may be molded of a high strength, lightweight reinforced plastic material.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for molding a part, such as a point-of-purchase display, is shown. The system comprises a plasticator and press. The molded part comprises an in-molded graphics sheet which becomes molded integral with the part.

Abstract: A portable, folding basketball system employing a unique design to allow manual manipulation of the system from an extended position suitable for game play and a retracted position for compacted storage of the system. The system comprises a plurality of pole sections which form a pole of variable height, a base pivotally connected to the pole and having a recess for receiving the pole, a support arm pivotally connected to the base, a collar pivotally connected to the support arm and slidably engaging the pole, a bracket assembly pivotally connected to the pole, a backboard connected to the bracket assembly, and a rim assembly pivotally connected to the backboard. In the extended position the pole is generally directed upward at a playable height, the rim is in the horizontal position, and the backboard is in a playable position.

Abstract: An illuminated basketball goal comprises a first light source carried by the perimeter of the backboard and a second light source positioned within a recess formed in the perimeter of the rim. The target square, located on the front face of the backboard is made of an electroluminescent material or a fluorescent compound which glows upon activation of the first and second light source. The net depending from the rim is made of a reflective material. The first and second light source are made of a luminous material, providing an even, indirect source of illumination. Also advanced is a basketball having a luminous coating placed within the ribs recessed below the surface of the ball. Alternatively, the ball can be formed with clear tubing which accepts a charge of a chemiluminescent fluid.

Abstract: A basketball mounting system for an in-ground basketball system has a flanged basketball support pole and a flanged ground sleeve receiving a portion of the pole in overlapping relationship. The flanges are connected together by removable fasteners such as threaded bolts. In addition, the mounting system may include jacking members in the pole flange to facilitate removal of the pole from the ground sleeve. The jacking members include members such as threaded bolts passing through the pole flange that, when rotated in one direction, press against the ground sleeve flange causing the pole and the ground sleeve to separate.

Abstract: Portable play structures are provided that provide fun and entertainment of both adults and children. These structures can be easily and quickly folded and collapsed into a compact configuration. The structure has a backboard having a first loop and a second loop, and a basket having a rim that is hingedly coupled to the backboard. In an operative state, the rim is substantially normal to the backboard. In a compact configuration, the rim is substantially parallel to the backboard. The structure has a weight for anchoring the structure to a support, and a connecting piece for hingedly coupling the weight to the backboard.

Abstract: A shatter-resistant basketball backboard is provided, which comprises a tempered glass basketball backboard having a front surface and back surface; and a plastic film adhered to the rear surface of the backboard. In preferred embodiments, the plastic film is comprised of at least one plastic layer and an adhesive layer. The plastic film can have a release liner adjacent to the adhesive layer, and a scratch resistant coating adjacent to the plastic layer. Ultraviolet resistance properties can also reside in the film or adhesive. The plastic film can be made of polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate or like materials. Plastic film can be applied either in an OEM or retrofit installation.

Abstract: An adjustable basketball goal system for adjusting the height of a basketball goal above a playing surface is disclosed. The basketball goal includes a deformable parallelogrammic structure attached at one end to a rigid support. A basketball goal is attached to the other end of the parallelogrammic structure. An adjustment lever is pivotally mounted to the rigid support below the parallelogrammic structure. An extension arm is positioned between the parallelogrammic structure and the adjustment lever such that movement of the adjustment lever deforms the parallelogrammic structure which repositions the basketball goal to a different height above the playing surface. A lockable piston assembly is attached to the rigid support and to the adjustment lever. The piston assembly includes a switch which locks the piston assembly preventing the parallelogrammic structure from deforming.

Abstract: A basketball backboard assembly comprising a body including a plurality of selectively releasable interfitting pieces and a rim extending from the body is disclosed whereby upon generating a sufficient force on the rim, the plurality of interfitting pieces release from each other to simulate a shattered backboard.

Abstract: A basketball assembly for supporting a backboard comprises, a base having a plurality of generally vertical side walls and a base face extending between said sidewalls. The base face and one of said side walls defining a forward edge. The assembly includes a pole, having spaced apart ends. An elongated opening is provided in the base for supporting one end of said pole on said base with said pole at an angle to the vertical to extend the other end of the pile over and beyond the forward edge of the base.

Abstract: A basketball backboard assembly for supporting a rebound member having a tubular steel frame and one or more plastic channels connecting the rebound member to the frame in a manner that protects the edge of the rebound member. The steel frame includes an outer section preferably formed from a single piece of tubular steel and an inner section welded to the outer section. The plastic channel includes a first slot which receives the peripheral edge of the rebound member and a second slot which receives a portion of the outer section of the frame.

Abstract: A portable, folding basketball system employing a unique design to allow manual manipulation of the system from an extended position suitable for game play and a retracted position for compacted storage of the system. The system comprises a plurality of pole sections which form a pole of variable height, a base pivotally connected to the pole and having a recess for receiving the pole, a support arm pivotally connected to the base, a collar pivotally connected to the support arm and slidably engaging the pole, a bracket assembly pivotally connected to the pole, a backboard connected to the bracket assembly, and a rim assembly pivotally connected to the backboard. In the extended position the pole is generally directed upward at a playable height, the rim is in the horizontal position, and the backboard is in a playable position.

Abstract: A children's basketball backboard and hoop assembly includes a backboard, and a hoop having a rim which is pivotably attached to the backboard, and a net attached to the rim. The assembly further includes an enlarged secondary training rim pivotably attached to the backboard for movement between an operative position wherein the secondary rim is located above the hoop rim in substantially parallel relation to the hoop rim, and a storage position generally parallel to the backboard. The hoop rim is pivotably attached to the backboard for movement between an operative position wherein the rim extends substantially perpendicular to the backboard and a storage position wherein the rim is positioned in closely spaced parallel relation to the backboard. When the secondary training rim is moved to the storage position it is received within a recess extending along an upper peripheral edge of the backboard.

Abstract: A backboard assembly for basketball including a backboard being provided with an elongate slot in the lower middle portion. The back surface of the backboard is provided with a pair of projected sockets which are spaced apart from each other and each of the sockets is adjacent to the end portion of the elongate slot. Each of the sockets is provided with a shaft hole which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongate slot. The elongate slot is further provided with a pair of cutouts which are spaced apart from each other and each of the cutouts is adjacent to the end portion of the elongate slot. A rim hoop ring defines an opening thereof. The opening is provided with a pair of mounting legs directed outward. Each of the mounting legs is further provided with a pin shaft which is pivotally received within the shaft hole of the socket of the backboard.

Abstract: A new Portable Hoop and Backboard Assembly that is easily installed and disassembled. The inventive device includes a rim, a light weight backboard that is equipped with bendable protrusions to stabilize the assembly, straps for attaching the backboard, and a rim that is collapsible.

Abstract: A portable basketball goal assembly mounted on the hitch of a vehicle is readily disassembled, packaged and stored in or on the vehicle for transport.

Abstract: A stuffed figure having a torso with a lower seating end and an upper shouldered end with a pair of forwardly projecting appendages between which may be secured either removably or permanently, a receptacle adapted to receive an object, such as a ball. The receptacle may be an open or closed bottom and the torso may be provided with means on its back to hang the figure from a hook at a predetermined level.

Abstract: A device for converting a container into a figure to simulate an interactive game with a player, comprising a headboard in the shape of the head of the figure, a clip affixed to the headboard for attaching the headboard to the container, wherein a portion of the clip extends below the headboard where the clip connects to the container, a sensor mounted to the extending portion of the clip for generating an electrical signal in response to impact from an object projected by the game player, and feedback device responsive to the electrical signal generated by the sensor for providing feedback to the game player when an object has been properly received by the figure.

Abstract: A basketball backboard pad for protecting basketball players from the sharp edge and corners of a backboard while maintaining the vibration and rebound characteristics of the backboard has a resilient skin and a hollow interior. The backboard pad preferably has a horizontal member and a vertical member integrally attached to and generally perpendicular to the horizontal member. A groove is formed in the members for mating with the edge of the backboard. The skin forms an inner surface that faces towards the edge of the backboard and connects to the backboard. A radius is formed between the inner surface and the rest of the surface for preventing players from handing from the pad and damaging it.

Abstract: An illuminated basketball goal comprises a first light source carried by the perimeter of the backboard and a second light source positioned within a recess formed in the perimeter of the rim. The target square, located on the front face of the backboard is made of a fluorescent compound which glows upon activation of the first and second light source. The net depending from the rim is made of a reflective material. The first and second light source are made of a luminous material, providing an even, indirect source of illumination. Also advanced is a basketball having a luminous coating placed within the ribs recessed below the surface of the ball. Alternatively, the ball can be formed with clear tubing which accepts a charge of a chemiluminescent fluid.

Abstract: An adjustable basketball goal system for adjusting the height of a basketball goal above a playing surface is disclosed. The basketball goal includes a deformable parallelogrammic structure attached at one end to a rigid support. A basketball goal is attached to the other end of the parallelogrammic structure. An adjustment lever is pivotally mounted to the rigid support below the parallelogrammic structure. An extension arm is positioned between the parallelogrammic structure and the adjustment lever such that movement of the adjustment lever deforms the parallelogrammic structure which repositions the basketball goal to a different height above the playing surface. A lockable piston assembly is attached to the rigid support and to the adjustment lever. The piston assembly includes a switch which locks the piston assembly preventing the parallelogrammic structure from deforming.

Abstract: A basketball backboard aiming device. The device includes a backboard member for attachment to a standard basketball hoop. The backboard has a front, planar surface. A linear array of indicia are disposed along the backboard, the array including a plurality of individual targets. Each of the targets is selectively viewable by a shooter disposed along a unique axis forming a preselected angle with respect to the plane of the backboard. One side of the angle is defined by a line of sight extending from the shooter to the target and the second side by the plane of the backboard. The selectively viewable target provides an aiming point for a shooter disposed anywhere along the line of sight when said player attempts a bank shot.

Abstract: A basketball backboard formed of a structural foam material such as structural foam polypropylene. The backboard is provided with an inmolded graphics sheet formed of the same material as that used to form the backboard. The graphics sheet of material is formed with pores to receive the printing inks whereby a desired visual graphics display is provided on an exposed facing surface of the graphics sheet. The backboard is formed as a high strength rigid structure having good rebound characteristics.

Abstract: A pro pitching device (10) comprising a backboard target (12) having a bull's-eye central aperture (14). An assembly (16) is for elevating the backboard target (12) in an adjustable vertical position above the ground (18). A person (20) can stand at a distance away from the backboard target (12) and throw a ball (22) towards the backboard target (12) and into the bull's-eye central aperture (14). A facility (24) is for stopping the ball (22) after entering the bull's-eye central aperture (14) and allowing the ball (22) to fall gently to the ground (18).