Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure deal with a tool for removing shaft components from a shaft. In one embodiment, the tool is a shaft component separator with an inflatable bladder configured to wrap circumferentially around a shaft. In one embodiment, the bladder is slotted to form a C-shaped profile so that a user can position the bladder perpendicularly around the shaft, adjacent a removable shaft component. Extending from the bladder is an inflation stem, which enables the user to move the ring between a deflated state and an inflated state via the introduction and/or removal of a fluid. Typically, the user positions the bladder between a fixed component and the removable shaft component, such that the fixed component and removable shaft component form a sandwich arrangement with respect to the bladder. Expansion of the bladder, via fluidic pressure, applies increasing axial force to the removable shaft component until the removable shaft component breaks free from the shaft.

Abstract: Certain preferred embodiments of the present invention provide an improved light raising and lowering apparatus and method for a basketball goal. A light assembly is mounted at the upper end of an arcuate pole. The pole extends through two pairs of rollers. The pole can be rolled upward and downward to raise and lower the light assembly.

Abstract: Certain preferred embodiments of the present invention provide an improved light raising and lowering apparatus and method for a basketball goal. A light assembly is mounted at the upper end of an arcuate pole. The pole extends through two pairs of rollers. The pole can be rolled upward and downward to raise and lower the light assembly.