Abstract: The present invention relates to a sports support pole, and more particularly to a reinforced support structure for supporting a pole such as a basketball pole or the like. The support structure may include a support bar positioned substantially in the center of the sports pole and may be held in position by one or more spacers. Cement may then be poured into the sports pole, with the spacers holding the support bar in position. Once the cement is cured, the support bar provides reinforcement to the sports pole against tension and shearing forces and the cement provides reinforcement against compression forces. An alternative embodiment provides for three or more support bars positioned at substantially equivalent intervals adjacent to the inner diameter of the sports pole.

Abstract: A sports pole mounting structure for supporting sports equipment in a pool environment capable of repeated assembly and removal. The mounting structure includes a bracket and a collar securely engaging existing in-ground sleeves traditionally found around pool environments and supporting sports equipment for use in a pool. The bracket is configured such that the sports pole is prohibited from rotating in the in-ground sleeve and the combination of the bracket and collar is capable of use with in-ground sleeves of varying size and shape.

Abstract: A water level indicator for use with a fillable base for supporting a basketball goal is disclosed. The water level indicator may be attached to the fillable base and may alert a user when the level of water contained in the base drops below a predetermined level. In one embodiment, a mechanical device having a rotatable lever arm with a floating portion attached to one end and a display attached to the other end may be utilized. The floating portion may be configured to float on top of water contained in the base and the display may be configured to indicate to a user when the base should be refilled with water. In another embodiment, an electrical device having two metal probes, an alert and a power source may be utilized. When water in the base is in contact with the metal probes, a circuit may be completed between the metal probes, the alert and the power source.

Abstract: A wall or ceiling panel secures a grid insert, preferably of an architectural metal mesh, within a frame using a series of spring clips. The spring clips engage the metal mesh and are retained in a securing slot provided at an interior edge of the panel frame. Each spring clip includes at least one engagement member that passes through and engages the grid insert. The spring also includes a securing base that is received and retained within the securing slot of the frame. The panel can also include a securing arrangement for supporting the grid member at a position spaced from the frame to avoid downward bowing of the metal mesh.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a system and method for adjusting the height of a basketball backboard assembly. The present invention includes a releasable locking mechanism connected to the backboard assembly to lock the backboard at a selected vertical height above a playing surface. In one embodiment of the present invention, the releasable locking mechanism may include a ratchet and cam, the ratchet having a plurality of ratchet teeth configured to engage with a pawl. A cam may be configured to allow a user to incrementally increase the height of the backboard using the releasable locking mechanism and may further be configured to prevent the releasable locking mechanism locking the backboard at any height when a user desires to decrease the height of the backboard.

Abstract: A portable basketball system that may be assembled without the need for hand tools. The present invention may include a regulation portable basketball system that is entirely assembled by hand with the use of hand grippable devices. The pole and supporting struts may be releasably secured to portable base by bolts and hand grippable nuts. The system according to the present invention may also secure the basketball goal, basketball backboard, and basketball pole using one or more bolts and hand grippable nuts. It is contemplated that hand grippable bolts and an attached nuts may be used to reduce the number of loose nuts during assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to 1-N-amino-2-imidazolidinones and derivatives thereof which are effective as Kv1.5 potassium channel inhibitors providing atrial-selective antiarrhythmic agents. The present invention further relates to compositions comprising said Kv1.5 potassium channel inhibitors, and to methods for treating cardiac arrhythmia.

Abstract: Disclosed are medicaments, pharmaceutical compositions, pharmaceutical kits, and methods based on combinations comprising, separately or together: (a) a CYP3A4 inhibitor; and (b) a HCV protease inhibitor; for concurrent or consecutive administration in treating a human subject infected with HCV.

Abstract: Discharge tubes for a lamp include a body portion with a first end, a second end, and a tubular member defining an interior area. The tubular member extends along an elongated axis between the first end and the second end. The discharge tube further includes a first end portion provided at the first end of the body portion. The first end portion includes a first tubular extension having a first through passage in communication with the interior area. The first end portion further includes a first transition section connected between the first tubular extension and the body portion.

Abstract: Disclosed are medicaments, pharmaceutical compositions, pharmaceutical kits, and methods based on combinations of a hepatitis C virus (HCV) protease inhibitor and an aldo-keto reductase (AKR) competitor, for concurrent or consecutive administration in treating, preventing, or ameliorating one or more symptoms of HCV, treating disorders associated with HCV, or inhibiting cathepsin activity in a subject.

Abstract: Disclosed are medicaments, pharmaceutical compositions, pharmaceutical kits, and methods based on combinations of a hepatitis C virus (HCV) protease inhibitor and an aldo-keto reductase (AKR) competitor, for concurrent or consecutive administration in treating, preventing, or ameliorating one or more symptoms of HCV, treating disorders associated with HCV, or inhibiting cathepsin activity in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anchor to be used with a basketball support pole, and more particularly to an anchor that facilitates ease of assembly and mounting of a basketball support pole and a backboard/hoop assembly attached thereto. The anchor may include an anchoring base and a lifting system. In use, the lifting system may rotatably attach to the support pole and allow a user to conveniently assemble and raise the basketball backboard/hoop assembly and support pole into a position for playing basketball.

Abstract: A rollable sports ballast base for supporting a sports apparatus support member comprising a base member which has a first edge and a second edge, a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface is adapted to contact a support surface such as a driveway or other playing surface. There is at least one wheel assembly for contacting the support surface. One of the wheel assemblies is retractable from a lowered position to a raised position such that when in the raised position, the bottom surface of the base member substantially contacts the support surface. In the lowered position, both wheel assemblies contact the support surface thereby separating or elevating the base member from the support surface. In another embodiment, the invention consists of a similar rollable sports base for supporting a sports apparatus support member wherein one wheel assembly is retractable and comprises a pivoting connector coupled to the base member and a wheel bracket coupled to the pivoting connector.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a system and method for adjusting the height of a basketball backboard assembly. The present invention includes a releasable locking mechanism connected to the backboard assembly to lock the backboard at a selected vertical height above a playing surface. In one embodiment of the present invention, the releasable locking mechanism may include a ratchet and cam, the ratchet having a plurality of ratchet teeth configured to engage with a pawl. A cam may be configured to allow a user to incrementally increase the height of the backboard using the releasable locking mechanism and may further be configured to prevent the releasable locking mechanism locking the backboard at any height when a user desires to decrease the height of the backboard.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sports support pole, and more particularly to a reinforced support structure for supporting a pole such as a basketball pole or the like. The support structure may include a support bar positioned substantially in the center of the sports pole and may be held in position by one or more spacers. Cement may then be poured into the sports pole, with the spacers holding the support bar in position. Once the cement is cured, the support bar provides reinforcement to the sports pole against tension and shearing forces and the cement provides reinforcement against compression forces. An alternative embodiment provides for three or more support bars positioned at substantially equivalent intervals adjacent to the inner diameter of the sports pole.

Abstract: Compositions and therapeutic combinations are provided including at least one compound selected from the group consisting of compounds of Formulae I to XXVI as defined herein as well as methods of treatment, prevention or amelioration of one or more symptoms of hepatitis C, treating disorders associated with HCV virus, modulating activity of HCV protease, in which liver to plasma concentration ratio of the compound ranges from about 2:1 to about 10:1.

Abstract: Disclosed are medicaments, pharmaceutical compositions, pharmaceutical kits, and methods based on combinations of a hepatitis C virus (HCV) protease inhibitor and an aldo-keto reductase (AKR) competitor, for concurrent or consecutive administration in treating, preventing, or ameliorating one or more symptoms of HCV, treating disorders associated with HCV, or inhibiting cathepsin activity in a subject.