Abstract: A portable electronic scoreboard apparatus attachable to a basketball goal is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an electronic analysis and report mechanism capable of receiving input information, analyzing the information according to a mode of operation, and reporting output information which includes an indication of the number of successful shots and an indication of the shooting percentage. The apparatus also comprises an attempt detection means for detecting contact of a basketball with the basketball goal and sending a contact signal to the electronic analysis and report mechanism, and for detecting the successful passage of a basketball through the hoop and sending a passage signal to the electronic analysis and report mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, the contact signal arises in response to vibration of a piezoelectric vibration sensor, and the passage signal arises in response to movement of a paddle beneath the hoop by the basketball.

Abstract: A portable basketball system with a ballast-fillable base configured to house the component parts of the basketball system is disclosed. The basketball system includes a base, a backboard, a basketball goal, a pole, and means for affixing the backboard and goal to the pole. The base includes molded recesses for retaining the backboard, basketball goal, a plurality of pole sections, which are joined together to form the pole, and the means for affixing the backboard and goal to the pole, such as threaded fasteners. The backboard functions as a lid to retain the component parts within their respective recesses in the base. A handle is located on the exterior surface of the base for transporting the component parts of the basketball system, much like a suitcase.

Abstract: A basketball assemblage capable of assembly into a basketball system includes an inner pole section and an outer pole section which mate in a telescoping manner. The inner pole section contains a plurality of depressions which are releasably engageable by a latch secured to the outer pole section, thereby making the pole movable among a plurality of predetermined positions. The latch includes a pivot arm pivotally mounted for movement between a position engaging a selected depression to prevent telescoping pole movement, and a releasing position which allows movement. A safety lock pin is releasably engageable to prevent movement of the pivot arm. A slider positioned adjacent the inner pole section reduces binding. The pole also includes a sealed chamber for damping movement of the inner pole section to prevent the backboard from moving suddenly downward when the latch is released.

Abstract: A portable basketball system that in a preassembled state is capable of disposition within an outer relatively flat container to assist in shipping. The basketball system comprises a pole, a backboard, a basketball goal, and a hollow ballast-receiving base. The pole has a proximate end and a distal end and comprises a plurality of pole sections. The backboard may be connected to the pole near the distal end of the pole. The basketball goal may be connected to the backboard. The hollow ballast-receiving base supports the pole in a stationary, substantially upward position when connected to the pole near the proximate end of the pole. This provides a pole upon which the basketball goal may be suspended at an elevation above a playing surface and the base.

Abstract: A basketball return apparatus is disclosed, together with a method for switching the apparatus between an active mode and a passive mode. The apparatus comprises a plurality of supports secured to a runway, and may also include one or more struts connected to the runway and connectable to the supports. In the active mode, the supports hang from the basketball hoop by hooks or other releasable attachment means, so the additional poles and extensive webbing of conventional systems are not needed. The supports and the runway form a channel leading downward and away from the hoop. The channel is preferably arcuate. After each successful shot, the apparatus returns the ball to the player's vicinity. The channel may be oriented at various angles relative to the backboard to control the direction in which balls are returned. In the passive mode, the ball return apparatus is detached from the basketball hoop and is disposed substantially flat for storage or shipping.

Abstract: A portable electronic scoreboard comprising a housing with a display face, an electronic mechanism disposed within the housing, and a score registering assembly. The housing back configuration is amenable to releasable attachment to a pole or a flat surface such as a wall. The housing back face configuration comprises a longitudinal channel capable of disposition adjacent to a pole and a strap fastener extendable about the pole. The housing back configuration also comprises a pair of flat surfaced wings having slots capable of receiving bolts of the like to secure the housing to a wall. The score registering assembly may be positioned to detect the successful passage of a basketball through a basketball goal. The score registering assembly comprises a paddle and a switch. The paddle actuates the switch if a basketball passing through the goal causes the paddle to change from a ready to a reactive position.

Abstract: A portable water-filled device for supporting a basketball system including a base configured to hold a ballast material for supporting the basketball system in a substantially rigid position during us of the system to play the game of basketball. A pole is pivotally mounted to the base such that the pole may move between a generally vertical position and a tilted position with the base configured with a beveled hole for restraining the pole from pivotal movement substantially beyond the tilted position. A contractible sleeve is utilized to pivotally attach support arms to the pole. The sleeve includes an adjustment wheel for securing the sleeve to the pole and a bubble level for vertically positioning the pole. The base is configured with an orifice through which water may be inserted into the base. A plug for closing the orifice includes an anchor for loosely connecting the plug to the base when the plug is disengaged from the orifice.

Abstract: A portable basketball system that in a preassembled state is capable of disposition within an outer relatively flat container to assist in shipping. The basketball system comprises a pole, a backboard, a basketball goal, and a hollow ballast-receiving base. The pole has a proximate end and a distal end and comprises a plurality of pole sections. The backboard may be connected to the pole near the distal end of the pole. The basketball goal may be connected to the backboard. The hollow ballast-receiving base supports the pole in a stationary, substantially upward disposition when connected to the pole near the proximate end of the pole. This provides a pole upon which the basketball goal may be suspended at an elevation above a playing surface and the base.

Abstract: A joint structure for joining two pole members is disclosed. A female component of the structure is formed on a first end of a first pole member. At least one, and in some embodiments two, diverging segments are provided on an end of pipe member to form the female component of the joint. A complementing male component is formed on an end of another pipe member. The male component includes at least one, and in some embodiments two, converging segments. The values of the angles and lengths of the converging and diverging segments are preferably as close to each other as possible. The joint structure can be adapted to allow pole members of many different shapes, sizes, and materials to be securely joined together without the need of fasteners such as bolts. Once assembled, the joint structure resists disassembly and lateral deflection of the pole members and provides for long service even under rigorous use.