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 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 mounting assembly for permanently mounting a basketball goal assembly is provided. The mounting assembly may include a base plate with holes configured to fit over retaining members, which may take the form of J-bolts. The mounting assembly preferably has a shorter span of base plate material located between holes on the front side of the base plate, so that bending of the base plate is reduced and vibration of the backboard is not sufficient to disturb game play. The span may be shortened by providing an intermediate support member underneath the base plate, positioned between the front holes, by making the front holes closer together, by affixing the pole toward the front end of the base plate, or any combination thereof. Preferably, the front holes are elongated to form slots so that the front end of the base plate can rest on the ground while the basketball goal assembly is pivoted into position over the retaining members.

Abstract: A pole joint screw may be used to connect a first section of a basketball support pole and a second section of a basketball support pole. The pole joint screw may include an elongated body including a first end and a second end, a head disposed on the first end of the elongated body, a threaded portion disposed on the second end of the elongated body, and a gap disposed between the head and the threaded portion. The gap is preferably sized and configured to receive a portion of the first section of the basketball support pole and a portion of the second section of the basketball support pole. The pole joint screw preferably freely rotates when the portion of the first section of the basketball support pole and the portion of the second section of the basketball support pole are located in the gap.

Abstract: A picnic table includes a pair of benches and a central table is generally disposed between the benches. The picnic table may include first and second legs that are used to support the benches and the central table above a support surface such as a floor or the ground. The first and second legs preferably each include a loop portion that supports the benches and a table support portion that supports the central table. Desirably, the loop portion and the table support portion of each leg are generally aligned in the same plane.

Abstract: An adjustable basketball goal system allowing for adjustment of the height of a basketball goal above a playing surface. The basketball goal system including a rigid support pole having a first end, a second opposing end, and an intermediate body portion disposed between the first and second ends. A first parallelogrammic structure configured to pivotally engage the first end of the rigid support. A basketball goal attached to the first parallelogrammic structure. The first deformable parallelogrammic structure may be deformed into a plurality of configurations resulting in an adjustment to the height of the basketball goal above the playing surface corresponding to each configuration. A second parallelogrammic structure, which may also be deformed into a plurality of configurations, includes a first end pivotally connected to the first parallelogrammic structure and a second opposing end configured to pivotally engage the rigid support pole.

Abstract: A table desirably includes a table top that is constructed from blow-molded plastic. A frame is mounted to the table top by one or more first frame mounting portions. The frame mounting portions are preferably integrally formed in the table top as part of a unitary, one-piece construction. Each of the frame mounting portions may include a recess that is sized and configured to connect the frame to the table top. Desirably, the frame is connected to the table top by a snap, friction or interference fit, and without the use of mechanical fasteners such as bolts or screws.

Abstract: A table that includes a table top with a first half which is pivotally connected to a second half. The first and second halves of the table top are movable between a first position in which the halves are generally aligned and a second position in which the halves are generally placed adjacent to each other. The first and second halves of the table top are preferably constructed from blow-molded plastic and each of the halves desirably have a generally hollow interior. The first and second halves of the table top may include interlocking portions that are interconnected when the halves are in the aligned position. Desirably, the interlocking portions have generally hollow interiors that are integrally formed with the generally hollow interiors of the halves of the table top during the blow-molding process. The table top may also include one or more overlapping portions that are interconnected when the halves of the table top are in the aligned position.

Abstract: A table includes a support brace that interconnects the table top and the leg. The support brace includes a first end with an outwardly extending arm with an opening and a second end with an outwardly extending arm with an opening. A first bracket is attached to the leg and it includes a flange with a rounded end and an aperture. The rounded end of the flange is disposed within the opening in the outwardly extending arm and a portion of the outwardly extending arm extends through the aperture in the flange when the support brace is connected to the first bracket. A second bracket is attached to the table top and it includes a first end with an angled portion and an aperture. A portion of the angled portion is disposed within the opening in the outwardly extending arm and a portion of the outwardly extending arm extends through the aperture in the bracket when the support brace is connected to the second bracket.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a basketball goal assembly with a basketball goal supported over a playing surface by a deformable goal support structure connected to a support pole. The deformable goal support structure may be connected to an adjustment collar configured to selectively slide over a series of holes arrayed along a portion of the length of the support pole. The adjustment collar may have a handle and a trigger, through which a user can retract an extension within the collar from a hole. The user can then slide the adjustment collar along the support pole until the extension is aligned over the desired hole and release the trigger, so that the adjustment collar locks in place, thereby locking the basketball goal at the desired height. The adjustment collar may be connected to the goal support structure by an adjustment arm pivotally attached to the goal support structure and the adjustment collar. The adjustment arm may be retained by the trigger, or by a housing of the adjustment collar.

Abstract: A personal table is provided having a table top supported by a support assembly. The table top is preferably constructed from blow-molded plastic and the support assembly preferably includes a first leg and a second leg that are pivotally connected. The legs desirably have a generally X-shaped configuration when the legs are placed in an upright position and the legs can be collapsed into a storage position. Each of the legs may include a lower portion, a body portion and an upper portion that is preferably selectively connected to the table top. The legs, for example, can be connected to the table top by inserting the upper portions of the legs into leg receiving recess formed in the table top. The leg receiving recesses are preferably integrally formed in the bottom surface of the table top as part of a one-piece construction.

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 goal assembly having a quick-release, self-adjusting adjustable latch mechanism for adjusting the height of a basketball goal above a playing surface is disclosed. The basketball goal assembly includes a deformable goal support structure pivotally attached at a first end of a support pole. An extension arm includes a first end pivotally connected to the goal support structure and a second opposing end having a locking tab attached thereto for selective engagement with a plurality of slots associated with the support pole. An adjustment mechanism disposed in relation to the extension arm selectively deforms the goal support structure, thereby adjusting the height of the basketball goal in relation to the playing surface. A biasing member is operably disposed in relation to the goal support structure to assist in controlling adjustment in the height of the basketball goal assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compression crank adjustment mechanism for a basketball goal assembly that allows for adjustment of the height of a basketball goal into a plurality of configurations above a playing surface. The basketball goal assembly includes a deformable goal support structure having a first end pivotally attached to a rigid support pole. A basketball goal is preferably attached at a second opposing end of the goal support structure. An extension arm may be connected between the goal support structure and a first adjustment member preferably positioned along the back side of the support pole. A second adjustment member may be connected to the support pole and configured for threaded engagement with the first adjustment member. Preferably, the first and second adjustment members are operably disposed in compression relative to each other under the forces acting on the basketball goal assembly.

Abstract: An adjustable basketball goal system allowing for adjustment of the height of a basketball goal above a playing surface. The basketball goal system including a rigid support pole having a first end, a second opposing end, and an intermediate body portion disposed between the first and second ends. A first parallelogrammic structure configured to pivotally engage the first end of the rigid support. A basketball goal attached to the first parallelogrammic structure. The first deformable parallelogrammic structure may be deformed into a plurality of configurations resulting in an adjustment to the height of the basketball goal above the playing surface corresponding to each configuration. A second parallelogrammic structure, which may also be deformed into a plurality of configurations, includes a first end pivotally connected to the first parallelogrammic structure and a second opposing end configured to pivotally engage the rigid support pole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a basketball goal assembly having a quick-release, self-adjusting adjustable latch mechanism for adjusting the height of a basketball goal above a playing surface. The basketball goal assembly includes a deformable goal support structure pivotally attached at a first end of a support pole. An extension arm includes a first end pivotally connected to the goal support structure and a second opposing end having a locking tab attached thereto for selective engagement with a plurality of slots formed in relation to the support pole. An adjustment mechanism disposed in relation to the extension arm allows the position of an anchor point to be adjusted. The adjustment of the position of the anchor point selectively deforms the goal support structure, thereby adjusting the height of the basketball goal in relation to the playing surface.