Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing timed basketball drills includes one or more ball return units, a basketball goal assembly, a timer/counter, and one or more remote transmitters. The timer/counter senses, processes, stores, and displays the number of balls thrown at and returned from the one or more ball return untis and/or the number of successful shots to the basketball goal assembly. The remote transmitter provides an encoded signal to the timer/counter from either the one or more ball return units or the basketball goal assembly.

Abstract: A breakover basketball goal release mechanism attached to a basketball backboard member so that a basketball rim member is automatically pivoted when an excessive pressure is applied and, after breakover, resets itself. The breakover basketball goal release mechanism includes: 1) a main support base assembly; 2) a basketball rim and support assembly pivotally connected along one edge to the main support base assembly; and 3) a breakover actuator assembly operably mounted between the main support base assembly and the basketball rim and support assembly. The breakover actuator assembly includes a breakover arm assembly having upper and lower breakover arm members which, when closely aligned with each other, prevents release of the basketball rim member until a preset pressure is applied. The breakover actuator assembly operates to cushion movement of the basketball member rim to the breakover condition. A second embodiment achieves superior breakover pressure release and adjustment features.

Abstract: A self-contained and portable personal hygiene apparatus (10) that aids a person to excrete or otherwise relieve themself into a toilet (12), is described. The hygiene apparatus is comprised of a toilet seat (14) that mounts on the toilet, a portable water pump (16) and a blower (18). The toilet seat is provided with a plurality of water nozzles (66) that direct a cleansing water flow from the water pump against the buttocks after the person is finished excreting into the toilet. Then, the person actuates the blower which causes a drying airflow to blow against the buttocks from a plurality of air nozzles (74) mounted on the toilet seat. After the person is cleaned, the hygiene apparatus can be disassembled and transported along with the person's other personal effects and belongings. This helps those persons that normally require assistance when they relieve themself to lead normal and active lives without the fear of being unable to relieve themself in a bathroom that is not the one that they normally use.

Abstract: This invention relates to a basketball rim assembly support apparatus usable with either of two types of supporting for basketball backboard assemblies being 1) a four corner backboard support; or 2) a center mount backboard support. A four corner frame support and rim connector assembly includes a vertical support strut assembly extended between upper and lower support members of a generally rectangular backboard support frame having a backboard glass member mounted therein. A basketball rim support assembly is provided having a "U" shaped main support plate which is connected to the vertical support strut assembly; the lower support member of the backboard support frame; and to a rim anchor plate of a basketball rim assembly. This eliminates any support or contact from the basketball rim assembly directly or indirectly to the glass backboard member.

Abstract: The portable mounting stand apparatus of this invention is adapted to receive a ball return apparatus for the like thereon and provide means for ease of movement from a portable transport condition to a rigid usage condition. The portable mounting stand apparatus includes a main support base assembly; a forward base support assembly secured to a forward portion of the main support base assembly; and a rearward base support assembly connected to a rear portion of the main support base assembly. The forward and rearward base support assemblies are each provided with support wheel assemblies to contact a support surface for ease of movability in the transport position. The rearward base includes a pivotal stationary support assembly having a pivotal stand support assembly which is selectively actuated to move support leg assemblies into and out of contact with the support surface.

Abstract: This invention is a break-away basketball goal apparatus having numerous embodiments but basically a feature whereby downward pressure on a basketball rim assembly causes the same to pivot or release to prevent damage to a backboard member. A few embodiments utilize biasing means to automatically restore a released rim assembly to its normal, horizontal usage condition. Other embodiments have an actuator latch assembly positioned in a concealed manner behind the backboard member. One other embodiment is a backboard break-away latch goal assembly wherein a portion of the backboard member with a rim assembly attached thereto breaks away on downward pressure applied thereto. It is the purpose of the break-away basketball goal apparatus to release a rim assembly when excessive pressure is applied thereto (normally by a basketball player during a dunking operation) to prevent breakage of the backboard member.

Abstract: A backboard reinforcing apparatus operable to transfer forces against a basketball goal assembly to a main support frame to prevent breakage of a main glass backboard member. The backboard reinforcing apparatus includes the main glass backboard member supported about its outer periphery by a backboard and main support assembly; a transverse frame and goal support assembly connected to the backboard and main support assembly; and the basketball goal assembly connected to the transverse frame and goal assembly. Shocks are prevented from entering the main backboard member through the embodiments of (1) the use of a threaded goal support anchor members threaded into a goal support plate member and vertical support plate members to maintain positive spacing there between; and (2) the use of spacer members between a vertical anchor plate and a front goal mount plate to maintain the desired spacing.

Abstract: This invention is a foldable basketball goal means having a plurality of basketball goal assemblies, namely two or four counterbalanced units, which are individually movable from a usage position to a folded position and being lowered from an elevated usage position for movement through conventional gymnasium door structures. More particularly, the foldable basketball goal means includes a basketball goal means; a goal support means having one end connected to the basketball goal means; a base support means connected to a lower end of the goal support means in order to raise and lower the basketball goal means. The main base support means includes an actuator wheel assembly which acts automatically on raising and lowering of the basketball goal means to anchor the main base support means in the usage condition or raise the main base support means for lateral movement in all directions of the entire invention to a desired location.

Abstract: This invention is a basketball backboard reinforcing assembly that can be attached to new or existing basketball backboard members to strengthen same and prevent breaking thereof when a basketball player grasps a basketball goal assembly attached thereto. More particularly, the basketball backboard reinforcing assembly includes a transparent support plate mounted against a back side of the backboard member; a front and a rear connector plate secured together by a connector assembly to clamp the support plate and the backboard member therebetween; and a base support assembly operable to secure together the lower edges of the support plate and the backboard member. The support plate acts to transmit forces and stress applied to the basketball goal assembly to a large area to prevent breaking of the backboard member. The base support assembly is important to prevent relative flexing movement of the interconnected support plate and backboard member.

Abstract: A basketball goal assembly of this invention is secured to a conventional basketball backboard member. The basketball goal assembly includes (1) a basic support assembly secured to the backboard member; (2) a horizontal rim assembly secured to the basic support assembly; (3) a net support assembly secured to a portion of the rim assembly; and (4) a net member connected to and dependent from the net support assembly. The basic support assembly is constructed of a box shape having no slots, braces, or openings that might catch a person's finger or the like therein. The rim assembly includes a conventional circular, rim member that is braced by solid, rim support members that have no slots or openings to cause injury. The net support assembly includes a net connector member secured to a lower side of the rim member and a connector or anchor member. The net connector member is constructed with a continuous ring section having a plurality of integral, laterally extended connector sections therein.