Abstract: A method for assembling a sports enclosure includes coupling a driving gear to an upper support structure, coupling a net having an upper edge and a lower edge to the upper support structure such that an enclosure is at least partially defined by the net, and coupling the lower edge of the net to the driving gear such that operation of the driving gear raises the net such that the net is folded in an accordion like manner between the upper support structure and the lower edge of the net.

Abstract: A basketball backboard assembly includes a basketball backboard, a hollow member, a second member, and an actuator. The hollow member is connected to the basketball backboard, and includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The second member is located at least partially within the hollow member and in slidable contact with the hollow member. The second member includes an outer surface and an inner surface, and at least one of the hollow member outer and inner surfaces defines a cross-sectional profile for the hollow member that is substantially similar to that of a cross-sectional profile defined by at least one of the second member outer and inner surfaces. The actuator is connected to the second member and the hollow member, and provides for relative movement between the second member and the actuator member.

Abstract: A method for adjusting the height of a volleyball net comprises operatively connecting a net-supporting cable, which supports a net, to upper post sections, tensioning the net-supporting cable to a net-supporting tension which is sufficiently great that first and second ends of the net's upper edge margin does not exceed the elevation of the mid-point of the net's upper edge margin by more than approximately ¾″ (2 cm) when the first and second ends of the net's upper edge margin are at approximately the same elevation, and moving the upper post sections between raised and lowered positions without reducing the tension of the cable below the net-supporting tension.

Abstract: A basketball backboard assembly includes a basketball backboard, a hollow member, a second member, and an actuator. The hollow member is connected to the basketball backboard, and includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The second member is located at least partially within the hollow member and in slidable contact with the hollow member. The second member includes an outer surface and an inner surface, and at least one of the hollow member outer and inner surfaces defines a cross-sectional profile for the hollow member that is substantially similar to that of a cross-sectional profile defined by at least one of the second member outer and inner surfaces. The actuator is connected to the second member and the hollow member, and provides for relative movement between the second member and the actuator member.

Abstract: A basketball backboard mounting system includes a stationary member that provides support for a basketball backboard assembly. The mounting system combines a support system including a plurality of hollow members and an actuator system for easily adjusting the support system. The support system includes a stationary member mounted perpendicularly with respect to a floor. The actuator system includes a plurality of adjustable brackets which attach to a basketball backboard, an adjustable structural member which is in slidable contact with the stationary member, and a drive mechanism which easily adjusts the height from the floor of the basketball backboard assembly. The adjustable structural member is telescoping and provides enough support to a basketball backboard to eliminate potentially damaging torsional forces on the basketball backboard.

Abstract: A pre-assembled package-unit for adjusting the height of a basketball backboard includes a fixed assembly including a pair of vertical square tubes into whose downward ends fit the square tubes of an upward telescoping assembly which bears lower brackets to support the backboard. On the outer square surfaces of the fixed assembly slide the internally-squared surfaces of upper brackets extending to the backboard. An electric linear actuator, mounted on the fixed assembly and extending to the telescoping assembly, is powered and controlled from below by a hand-held electric wand to adjust the height of the backboard. The squared construction firmly resists side forces imposed on the backboard.