Abstract: A breakaway basketball rim assembly in which there is a release assembly which operably interconnects the base member and the rim member, the release assembly being configured to release the rim member in response to a downward load which is received at any point along an extended frontal arc of the circular hoop portion, so that the hoop tilts downwardly generally in the direction of the load. There is also a reaction load mechanism for returning the hoop to its horizontal playing position. In a preferred embodiment, a U-shaped fulcrum joint extends between the reaction load in the hoop so as to provide a pivot point in line between the reaction load and any impact point along the extended frontal arc of the hoop. The joint is configured so that the rim releases in response to a substantially identical impact load anywhere along the frontal arc. The rim comprises a rim portion, a backboard mounting portion, and bolts for securing the rim portion to the mounting portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for suspending a basketball goal assembly above a basketball playing surface. The apparatus comprises: (a) a housing having an array of through holes formed therein; (b) a basketball ring attached to the housing; (c) a plurality of mounting plates each having an array of mounting holes formed therein; (d) a backboard having an array of holes formed therein; (e) a structural member having an array of holes formed therein, the structural member being suspended above the basketball playing surface; and (f) attachment bolts and nuts for allowing any one of the plurality of mounting plates to be attached to the housing. The arrays of holes in the housing, the mounting plate attached thereto, the backboard, and the structural member are aligned to allow mounting bolts to be so inserted through the various holes that the housing is rigidly suspended above the basketball playing surface.

Abstract: A basketball rim assembly especially adapted to relieve forces which normally are imparted to the backboard of conventional basketball rim assemblies. There is a rim of conventional configuration mounted to a support plate which fits against the forward face of the backboard. There is a rear support plate on the backside of the backboard fixedly attached to the front plate. This rear plate in turn transmits loads exerted thereon into a base frame structure. Additionally, the rim is provided with a release mechanism which permits it to rotate downwardly from its horizontal position when an impact load of sufficient magnitude is exerted on the rim (such as those occurring in the execution of a dunk shot.