Abstract: A basketball goal for use with a basketball backboard having a front surface has a rigid annular rim which is normally disposed horizontally during play and a rigid metal plate fixed to the rigid annular rim and extending rearwardly therefrom in coplanar relationship thereto. The goal includes a mounting bracket having at least a back wall and a top wall mounted on the front surface of the backboard by the backwall and pivotally connected to the rigid metal plate. The rigid metal plate is pivotally connected to the bracket to thereby permit the rigid metal plate and rigid annular rim fixed thereto to pivot in relation to the backboard. The releasable latching mechanism is rollably interconnected to the rigid metal plate and to the mounting bracket and permits tilting of the rigid annular rim from the normally horizontal play position thereof only when force of at least a certain preselected amount is placed upon the rigid annular rim.

Abstract: A basketball goal unit for use with a basketball backboard including a rigid backboard mounting frame adapted to be securely mounted to said backboard and a goal mounting frame configured for cooperative interengagement with the backboard mounting frame. A goal is carried by the goal mounting frame and a pivot shaft interconnects the goal mounting frame with the backboard mounting frame to permit pivotal rocking movement of the goal and goal mounting frame about a transverse pivot axis in response to the goal being struck or slapped or hung from, as by a player during a "dunk" shot. A curved leaf spring provides resilient coupling between the goal mounting and backboard mounting frames to permit resilient movement of the goal about the pivot axis, and a double-acting shock absorber provides damped coupling between said goal mounting and backboard mounting frames during this pivotal rocking movement.

Abstract: A basketball goal-backboard unit comprising a backboard of glass, a rigid frame surrounding the backboard, a shock-absorbing assembly comprising a front plate and a rear plate disposed in registering relationship forwardly and rearwardly, respectively, of the backboard. Cushioning panels are snugly disposed between the backboard adjacent faces of the front and rear plates and the backboard, and with the basketball goal incorporating a mounting element disposed on the forward face of the front plate. A single bolt interengages the basketball goal mounting element, the front and rear plates, and the cushioning panels. A fluid cylinder may be presented rearwardly of the backboard, being mounted upon the frame, and having a piston operatively engaged at the rearward plate.