Abstract: A basketball net, fabricated from a combination of elastic and non-elastic cords, is designed to be disposed substantially in the horizontal geometric plane defined by the basketball hoop. The no-hang feature of the net deters players from hanging and swinging from the net.

Abstract: A free standing, upright sports goal structure (10) having a plurality of inflatable bladders to form the framework (19) of a standing goal structure, together with an outer casing (25) of non-elastic material which encloses the inflatable framework (19) and serves to form a strong rigid goal structure (10) which is useful in a plurality of sports, yet which can quickly and easily be erected or collapsed for convenient transportation and storage.

Abstract: A score counter for sensing route of basketball shots includes a pair of photoelectric sensors installed at respective positions below an inner rim of a basket hoop to detect basketball valid shots. Such an arrangement overcomes basket net interference to the photoelectric sensors to avoid malfunctions and is capable of discriminating the correct route after a basketball is thrown into the basket hoop.

Abstract: A basketball net installation system for quickly and easily installing a basketball net on a basketball net hoop. The basketball net installation system includes a net assembly including a net and a resting frame. The resting frame has an annular lower channel therearound. The net is extended through the resting frame with an upper end of the net coupled to the resting frame. The net has a plurality of spaced apart loops coupled to the upper end of the net and outwardly radiating from the resting frame. The system also includes a mounting assembly having an annular hanging frame and a pole with a top end connected to the hanging frame with a support frame. A plurality of downwardly depending hooks are coupled to the hanging frame around the outer perimeter of the hanging frame. Each hook is inserted into a corresponding loop of the net such that the net depends from hooks.

Abstract: A sports assembly such as a basketball goal assembly with a removable ballast wherein the basketball goal comprises a base and a ballast component, which is separate from the base. In the assembled configuration, the ballast member preferably extends beyond the rear of the base to increase the pullover force required to topple the unit and provide more stability. A support pole preferably is mounted at the rear of the base. Thus, by extending the ballast member beyond the rear of the base, the advantage of rearwardly disposed ballast may be achieved. In order to be easily transported, the ballast component may comprise one large tank with wheels or the like, or multiple attachable tanks. In another embodiment of the invention, there is a sports apparatus ballast having two removable members which engage a structural member of the particular sports apparatus such as the pole of a basketball goal assembly.

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: 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 utility bag for carrying and storing sports gear. The bag has a hollow cylindrical body portion, a removable bottom portion for closing the bottom of the body, and a removable shoulder strap. The body portion is made of basketball netting with loops along the top edge for installation and use on a basketball goal rim. Attachments for sports related items are provided on the strap and on the body portion, and a purse is attached to the bottom portion.

Abstract: A new BASKETBALL RIM LOCKING COVER for PREVENTING UNAUTHORIZED USE OF A BASKETBALL HOOP. The inventive device includes a cover member having a circular configuration. The cover member has a diameter greater than a diameter of a basketball rim. A pair of diametrically opposed coupling members are secured to the planar lower surface of the cover member disposed inwardly of the peripheral edge for engaging the basketball rim.

Abstract: A lighted basketball goal encompassing a lighted flexible member situated about the perimeter of the basketball rim. This lighted flexible member is situated at a predetermined position so as not to interfere with the basketball, and so as not to be jarred or damaged by said basketball. The power supply coupling to the flexible lighting element is further characterized by a quick connect mechanism. A method for lighting an existing basketball goal comprising the installation of a flexible lighted member about the perimeter of a basketball rim at a predetermined position as not to interfere with the basketball, or be jarred or damaged by said basketball.

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 basketball rim security lock protector is a single, one piece device which prevents unauthorized use, vandalism and destruction of unoccupied goal rims or hoops. The basketball rim security lock protector contains a sheet of hardened, sturdy material whereby the opening of a basketball rim is temporarily sealed, an appendage which has a claw for attachment to a standard basketball rim, and an opening on the sheet which allows for adjustment and attachment to a standard basketball rim.

Abstract: A basketball hoop and backboard covering system for covering a backboard and a basketball hoop, comprising a lower toroid ring removably attached to the basketball hoop, an upper toroid ring, connecting tubes attached between the lower toroid ring and the upper toroid ring, for suspending the upper toroid ring above the lower toroid ring, and a cover, wherein the cover is draped over the backboard and the upper toroid ring, and placed around the lower toroid ring, the basketball hoop and the bottom edge of the backboard. The cover is secured to the back side of the backboard. The cover is shaped to fit snugly around the backboard and the basketball hoop.

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 breakaway net attachment system for mounting a basketball net to the rim of a basketball goal at predetermined locations along the rim. The system includes clips which are attachable to the rim and which include retainer portions for retaining the net in association with the rim. The rim includes a plurality of small mounting projections, which may be in the form of studs welded along an undersurface thereof for engaging within apertures formed in the clips whereby the clips are retained in engagement with the rim. In one embodiment, the clips are provided with fingers for retaining the net wherein the fingers will release the net in response to a predetermined force being applied to the net. In a further embodiment, the clip is adapted to be pulled off of the rim when a predetermined force is applied to the net.

Abstract: A basketball net clip for a breakaway net attachment system that detachably mounts a basketball net to the rim of a basketball goal at predetermined locations along the rim. The net clips are resilient and include a base portion attachable to the rim and a retainer portion for detachably retaining the net in association with the rim. The rim preferably includes a plurality of studs located along an undersurface thereof for engaging within apertures formed in the clips whereby the clips are retained in engagement with the rim. In one embodiment, the clips are provided with fingers for retaining the net wherein the fingers will release the net in response to a predetermined force being applied to the net. In a further embodiment, the clip is adapted to be pulled off of the rim when a predetermined force is applied to the net.

Abstract: A basketball rim assembly includes an anchoring plate having a mounting assembly, a back plate, a support member, a rim and a locking mechanism. The anchoring plate is removably attached to the back plate by the mounting assembly, and the locking mechanism, comprising of a cam assembly, locks the back plate to the anchoring plate allowing for the safe and easy removal and placement of the rim.

Abstract: A basketball net may be constructed from fabric. Appropriate fabrics may include knit fabrics made from durable materials, such as nylon thread. Monofilament nylon in a knit fabric having perforations manufactured in the fabric, may provide resilient nets capable of stretching in two dimensions. Nets may be constructed in a shape resembling a frustum of a cone. The frustum may be constructed from multiple pieces. Fabric may be laid flat, and cut in tapered pieces, having the fabric oriented in a direction selected to provide the best performance in service. Segments may be hemmed together along more-or-less vertical lines on the edges of the frustum. The net is manufactured of a fabric selected to provide a substantial fraction of its overall area in a surface for receiving an image. However, a substantial portion of the overall area of the fabric of the net may be voids for providing resilient stretching and service.

Abstract: A basketball goal for use in playing the game of basketball. The basketball goal includes a metal circular rim attached to a mounting bracket. The rim in configured with an inner rim perimeter with a diameter of about 18 inches and a centerline rim perimeter with a diameter of between about 18.5 inches and about 20 inches. A pair of support braces are disposed between the mounting bracket and the rim to support the rim. The basketball goal also includes net hooks for attaching a net to the rim.

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: A multipurpose game device comprises a stand having a plurality of detachable standards, each standard containg a webbed hoop with a central aperture and a plurality of plastic spider balls with colored streamers. The balls can be tossed into one of the respective targets in the hoops by the designated player or any one of the standards with its hoop can be detached from the stand with the standard being used as a mallet for hitting one of the plastic balls into a hoop positioned on the ground as in golf, or all of the hoops can be stacked together to form a vertical support with a hoop on the elevated stack for playing basketball. Baseball would be played outdoors with four standards forming a diamond. The homeplate standard would be without a hoop and serves to hold the spiderball, which would be hit with a lightweight bat.

Abstract: An improved basketball goal assembly that combines buttressed side support arms, an L-brace, and at least one center plate brace to provide greater structural integrity to the goal. A horizontal section of the L-brace is attached at one end to the hoop, and a vertical section extends from the opposite end. Each side support is attached to the hoop on one end and to the vertical section of the L-brace on the other end. Each arm may have a bend proximate its attachment end to the hoop, allowing the arms to avoid obstruction of the aperture defined by the hoop. The basketball goal is mounted to a backboard along a back side of the vertical section of the L-brace. Each part of the goal provides enhanced support to the others for overall synergistic integrity. Deformation and failure of the goal as a whole is drastically reduced under conditions of strenuous use.