Folding Basketball Goal
The invention disclosed is a foldable basketball goal apparatus that when in the unfolded, active position, is usable as a basketball goal for playing the game of basketball. When in the folded, home position, the apparatus is usable as a sports table on which games may be played, picnics may be held, or other activities requiring a table can be carried out. The apparatus is made of a base, a frame assembly, and a basketball goal assembly. The basketball goal assembly is rotatably attached to one end of the frame assembly. The opposite end of the frame assembly is pivotally attached to the base. In the home position, the basketball goal assembly is rotated so that the back surface of the backboard acts as a table surface, creating a complete table surface when positioned next a partial table surface held by the frame assembly. The rim is protected between the frame assembly and base when in the home position. The frame assembly is pivoted between a generally horizontal orientation for use as a table, to a generally vertical position for use as a basketball goal.
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STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates generally to the design and configuration of mechanical devices, and more specifically to a foldable, two-mode basketball goal and sports table apparatus.
Many basketball systems are available to consumers who have a need for a basketball goal system that is mobile, or one that has the ability to be stored when not being used. Some consumers may require a basketball goal that is adjustable in height. Currently, systems range from the relatively inexpensive to elaborate and robust high quality systems. Often, high quality basketball hoops need to be stored indoors to protect them from the elements and prolong their useful life. Some consumers may also wish to have a basketball goal system available when needed, but do not wish to install such systems permanently. Some situations may not allow for the installation of permanent hoops, such as those wishing to use them at a gym, where multiple basketball goals are needed during team practices, but are removed for intersquad games. Locale zoning ordinances or temporary residence circumstances can also contribute to a desire for the temporary installation of a basketball goal system.
Simple prior art systems provide for portable basketball goals, such as U.S. Pat. No. 3,025,058 to Brumfield and U.S. Pat. No. 3,722,886 to Sinner. The Brumfield patent is a basic design having a basketball goal supported by a support pole that is in turn connected to a base. The base is configured such that the entire system can be tilted backwards onto wheels affixed to the base. Thus, by holding onto the support pole, a user can push or pull the system, to move it to another desired location. Similarly, Sinner's '886 patent discloses a set of wheels for the base of the system, with the support pole extending backwards from the goal to the ground, where it can be fixed to the floor. By detaching the support pole from the floor, the Sinner system can be moved to other desired locations.
The portable systems described above are not optimized for storage, however. Largely devoid of the ability to collapse into a smaller volume, the space taken up by these and similar systems cannot be substantially reduced. Users may wish for a basketball goal system to be portable, not because they wish to deploy the system in multiple locations, but so that it can be stored while not in use. Because storage spaces are often small and basketball goal systems are large and bulky, it is desirable that said systems be collapsible as well as portable. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,841,631 to Dolan discloses a simple portable basketball goal system that can be assembled and disassembled. The ability to disassemble a basketball goal into smaller components is useful for mobility and for storing the device. The Dolan patent discloses a portable basketball backstop construction that utilizes a liquid-filled base member, detachable support post sections, and a backboard and hoop component to allow users to erect a freestanding basketball goal system. Disassembling the components of the Dolan system allows for compact storage and increases the portability of the device. When disassembled, however, the separate component pieces provide no individual functionality when in this state.
In lieu of a system that may be easily disassembled into component parts, others have developed basketball goal systems that remain assembled, but fold into more compact positions for transporting or storing. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,628,508 and 5,772,167 to Koole disclose a foldable basketball goal stand. Incorporating a basic four-bar structure between a basketball goal support and a base stand, springs allow the support to be raised to regulation height or lowered to near ground level for transportation or storage. The Koole system decreases the height of the mechanism when in the folded position, but does not decrease the footprint, or floor space taken up by the system. Other systems, such as the system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,390,914 to Schroeder, utilize a folding mechanism to ease transportation, also without significantly affecting storage size. Furthermore, much like the Dolan patent, these systems serve no functional purpose when in the folded/stored position.
Many consumers desire a basketball goal that is adjustable. While the normal height of a basketball rim is ten feet from ground level, some prefer to lower the rim for younger players, or for a change of pace. Many systems provide for an adjustable rim height, although the range of adjustable sizes varies greatly.
Basketball goals similar to the Dolan system can be reduced to a relatively compact size, but are more difficult to transport. Transporting and storing several individual components is much more difficult than storing a single system that has been reconfigured into a more compact form. Many foldable basketball systems, however, do not significantly decrease the size of the folded system, such that a large area is needed for storage.
No devices are available that exhibit functionality when in a stored or folded position. Many consumers do not desire to have a permanent basketball goal installed, or do not have the requisite storage space for a storable unit. If a basketball goal had a secondary use when in its storage mode, the overall system would be more useful to consumers, and would provide year-round usefulness. Thus, there is presently an unmet and growing need for an improved basketball goal system that will fold for storage, and one that will provide for alternative uses of the system when in such a stored position.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention is embodied in an apparatus that provides a foldable basketball hoop structure that—when in the folded or home position—becomes a sports table having a tabletop and base. The system can operate using an automatic motorized actuator to transition from the home position to the upright, basketball hoop, or active position, and to return to the home position as well. Likewise, the apparatus may be configured to require a human force input to traverse the positions, with force assistance provided or force multiplication utilized.
While many foldable, portable systems are available on the market, these have limited useful function when in the folded position. It is desirable to have multiple functions available in a foldable system so that the device is useful at all times, and not just when the basketball goal is in the active, unfolded, position. The basketball hoop and backboard make up the basketball goal assembly, which is rotatably attached to one end of a frame assembly, which is in turn connected to a base. The frame assembly portion of the apparatus is pivotally connected to the base at a pivot point at the end of the frame assembly opposite to the connection point of the basketball goal assembly. The height of the backboard and rim may be adjustable by providing for a telescopically extendable frame assembly. The fully extended position results in the hoop being positioned at the standard regulation height of ten feet off the ground.
The basketball goal assembly connected to the frame assembly rotates to fold into the frame assembly, tucking the hoop between the frame assembly and base. The result turns the back surface of the backboard and the safety shield/partial table surface covering the frame assembly into a complete tabletop when in the home position. The frame assembly rests on the base when in the home position, with the base configurable to have two benches with storage compartments affixed to either side of the base.
A preferred embodiment is a basketball goal apparatus foldable, i.e. transitionable between two modes, an active position as a basketball goal and a home position as a table with benches. The apparatus preferably comprises a frame assembly, with a partial table surface, an upper end and a lower end, a fixed frame portion to which the partial table surface is attached and a telescoping portion for extending the length of the frame assembly, thereby adjusting the goal height; a basketball goal assembly, with a backboard having a front playing surface and a back table surface and a rim attached to the front playing surface of the backboard, said basketball goal assembly rotatably connected to the telescoping portion of the frame assembly so that the basketball goal assembly is rotatable between a closed position, wherein the front playing surface of the backboard is disposed against the frame assembly such that the back table surface and partial table surface are mated to form a complete table surface, and an open position, wherein the rim is accessible for playing basketball; a base pivotally connected to the lower end of the frame assembly at a pivot connection; a lifting mechanism, with a tension spring assembly provided at the pivot connection between the base and the frame assembly providing assistive force in the direction traveled by the frame assembly when traversing from the home position to active position; and a gas spring having an upper extendable end connected to the frame assembly at an upper connection point, and a lower end connected to the base at a lower connection point, said gas spring providing assistive force in the direction traveled by the frame assembly when traversing from the active position to home position; and an extending mechanism connected to the fixed portion and the telescoping portion of the frame assembly for reversibly extending the length of the frame assembly. The two modes of the apparatus include the home position wherein the basketball goal assembly oriented in the closed position and the frame assembly pivoted so that the partial table surface is generally horizontally disposed, with the base providing support to the frame assembly, and an active position wherein the basketball goal assembly is oriented in the open position and the frame assembly pivoted so that the partial table surface is generally vertically oriented, with the base acting as a counterweight to the frame assembly. The system may be made portable by the implementation of wheels.
Other features of the system may include removable wheels that, when attached, allow the user to move the table-goal system to different locations, or to store the apparatus. To raise and lower the frame assembly, extend the frame assembly, or open the basketball goal assembly, linear actuators or other lifting/extending mechanisms may be used. When in the active mode, the cylinders or other foldable support systems may be used to create a supporting triangle between a portion of the frame assembly and the base. Also, when in the home position, the basketball hoop and net are hidden and protected between two table legs, removing them from harm's way and from obstructing the legs of table users.
For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Disclosed herein is a basketball goal apparatus, foldable between an active position and a home position. The main object of the invention is to provide a basketball goal system that is safe, portable, storable, foldable, compact, and useful when in a home, or folded, position (when the device is not being used as a basketball goal). The apparatus includes a basketball goal assembly pivotally connected to the upper end of a pivotable frame assembly. The basketball goal assembly includes a backboard and basketball rim, and may include other related items which may be useful to basketball players during the course of a basketball game, such as a score indicator, lights, or time display. The frame assembly is in turn pivotally connected to a base at the frame assembly's lower end. When the base is at rest, the pivot connection between the lower end of the frame assembly and the base does not experience translational motion. The upper end of the frame assembly experiences rotational motion about the lower pivot point when traversing the positions of the apparatus.
The apparatus has two main modes of operation, the home and active positions, in which the moveable elements are adjustable to certain positions needed for the mode of use desired. In the home position, the basketball goal assembly is folded into the frame assembly, so that the front surface of the backboard is disposed against the frame assembly, and the back surface of the backboard mates with a partial table surface carried by the frame assembly to form a complete table surface. The frame assembly is pivoted about the pivot point with the base to bring the frame assembly to rest on the base, such that the table surface is disposed in a generally horizontal orientation. In this position, the apparatus may be utilized as a sports table, or for any of the general purposes for which a table may be used. Users of the apparatus may, for instance, play sports games or board games on the table surface, or they may choose to use it as a picnic table. The table surface might be used as a work surface in a garage while the device is stored during the winter months in colder climates, when outdoor basketball participation ebbs, or if the apparatus is used as an indoor basketball goal, during periods of inactivity.
In the active position, the apparatus is configured for use as a basketball goal to be used by participants playing a game of basketball. This position requires the frame assembly to be lifted from its resting position on the base and pivoted about the lower pivot point, such that the table surface becomes generally vertically disposed. In this position, the table surface functions as a protective shield, shielding the apparatus from errant passes and shot attempts, and shielding players' bodies from injury should they leave the bounds of the basketball court while playing. The basketball goal assembly is pivoted about its connection point with the frame assembly so that the rim and backboard are oriented in a manner conducive to being used as a basketball goal during a basketball game. For example, the basketball goal assembly is oriented in such a manner when the rim becomes level, or parallel to the basketball court, and the front surface of the backboard is disposed in a generally vertical orientation.
Various element dimensions—such as frame assembly distance between the lower and upper ends (i.e. table length)—may be used to fit the needs of those making and using the invention, as those skilled in the art will recognize. In the preferred embodiment, the basketball assembly should come to rest in the active position so that the rim is positioned at a height of ten feet from the basketball court floor, per usual basketball competition standards. The best mode of the invention currently employs an overall table length of approximately seven feet when the apparatus is in the home position. This table length is comparable to average table sizes, while simultaneously providing a frame assembly length that is ideal with respect to the force required to lift it to an upright position. Longer table lengths increase the required input forces for a given lifting mechanism mounting point by increasing the distance between the frame assembly center of gravity and the pivot point between the frame assembly and the base member, thus increasing the reactive moment at the pivot. Seven feet is a preferred table length that is well within the lifting forces commercially available in linear actuators, given current availability and selection.
To illustrate the two basic modes of operation,
When the apparatus is in the home position 100, the basketball goal assembly is pivoted about the upper pivot point 150 so that the partial table surface 121 and the back surface 132 of the backboard are mated to form a table surface effectively spanning the table area. The frame assembly 120 is in a lowered position, such that the partial table surface 121 is generally horizontal. The partial table surface 121 may be any material with a substantially flat surface attached to the frame assembly 120, or may alternatively be an actual surface of the frame assembly 120. The particular manufacturing method used to form or assemble the frame assembly 120 is not the object of the present invention; any method that will yield a frame assembly 120 carrying a partial table surface 121 with a sufficient area on which the backboard 130 may rest, mating back surface 132 with the partial table surface 121, is sufficient. For example, the frame assembly 120 may be created using a metal frame with an attached partial table surface made of metal, wood, plastic or even a power source, such as an array of solar cells. It could also be created by extruding one seamless unit, welding multiple metals together, or by casting a mold.
To transition to the active position 200 for playing a game of basketball, the frame assembly 120 is lifted from its generally horizontal position to a generally vertical position around lower pivot point 140. The basketball goal assembly is rotated around upper pivot point 150 so that the front surface 131 of the backboard 130 and the rim 135 are disposed in an orientation conducive to being used as a basketball goal during a basketball game. While in the active position 200, rotational movement is restricted about the upper 150 and lower 140 pivot points during use for added safety and rigidity, by varying methods depending on the particular embodiment used, as will be described in more detail below.
The weight and positioning of the base 110 relative to the frame assembly 120 provides a counterweight, or opposite moment, to moments resulting from forces applied to the frame assembly 120 when in the active position 200. For example, players dunking the basketball may apply an impulse force to the rim 135, directed generally toward the ground 105, from time to time during the use of the invention. Such a force may result in a positive moment applied at the tipping edge 206, causing the apparatus to tend to tilt toward the basketball court. The base 110 provides a countering moment to these and other tilt-causing moments to stabilize the device at all times. The base may also conveniently provide an attachment point for various add-on features, such as a scorer's table, power systems, seats, and secondary table surfaces.
The basketball goal assembly may be configured to be rotated in either the clockwise or counterclockwise directions, or to use a multiple-point swing and slide configuration to traverse the open and closed positions. However, it is preferred that the assembly rotates clockwise from closed to open, and counterclockwise from open to closed. This method ensures that the basketball goal assembly can be moved between the open and closed positions regardless of the position of the frame assembly 120, and allows the front surface 131 of the backboard to be disposed on the frame assembly 120 when in the closed position, eliminating the need for additional support or attachment means.
Various configurations of the basic elements of the invention can improve the safety, utility, and convenience of the apparatus. For example, in a preferred embodiment, depicted in
Turning first to the composition of the frame assembly 120, in this particular embodiment it is manufactured by welding hollow square metal frame elements to one another and affixing the partial table surface 121 to the resulting frame assembly. Specifically, the elements include a tabletop frame 325, a left 326 and right 327 foot portion, and an axle portion 328. The tabletop frame 325 is composed of four additional frame elements forming a rectangle generally defining the perimeter of the tabletop. The left 326 and right 327 foot portions attach each at one end to the tabletop frame 325 and at the other end to the axle portion 328, elevating the table surface with respect to the ground. Thus, the length of the left 326 and right 327 foot portions determines the height of the table surface 121, 132 when the apparatus is in the home position. The axle portion 328 is connected to the base 110 at each end at pivot points within the bench seats (for instance). When the frame assembly 120 is lifted from the home position, the axle portion 328 thus rotates about axis 3-3.
When in the home position as shown in
Benches 311 are preferably formed to create a weather resistant container. In
In the particular embodiment shown, the length between the frame assembly axle portion 328 and the base cross member 114 (and thus the general overall tabletop frame 325 length) is insufficient to position the basketball rim 135 at a regulation height (i.e., ten feet from the ground) when the frame assembly 120 is rotated to the active position and the basketball goal assembly is opened. While one skilled in the art of constructing mechanical devices could readily construct an apparatus with dimensions sufficient to meet the regulation height, the overall length of the apparatus would be unwieldy and undesirable. Therefore, to achieve the proper rim 135 height, a means for extending the frame assembly length is employed. A simple way to provide for the additional height needed, without lengthening the base 110, is to manufacture the tabletop frame 325 to be longer than the base 110, such that the tabletop frame 325 extends past the left 111 and right 112 frame support posts when the apparatus is in the home position. Such a configuration is undesirable, however, where the floor space, or area, taken up by the apparatus when in the home position is a design consideration to be minimized.
A preferred method for achieving the correct playing height for the basketball rim 135 is to provide the tabletop frame 325 as comprised of a fixed frame portion 322 and telescoping extendable frame portion 323. The basketball goal assembly is then pivotally connected to the extendable frame portion 323, which is in turn connected with the fixed frame portion 322 in a manner that allows the extendable frame portion to be telescopically extended, for instance, increasing the overall tabletop frame 325 length. Extending the basketball goal assembly in this manner can be accomplished when the frame assembly 120 is in its lowered position, raised position, or in transition between the two. Simple mechanical locking pins (not shown) or other such methods may be used to lock the extendable frame portion 323 into position when fully extended. Alternatively, as discussed in greater detail below, extensible height struts may be used to support the extendable frame portion when the frame assembly has been extended (as shown in
In all of the embodiments of the current invention, the various moveable elements may be positioned through unassisted user-applied force. For example, a user simply gripping the handle 133 and physically lifting the basketball goal assembly from its resting point and rotating it about its pivotable connection with the frame assembly 120 may be used to move the basketball goal assembly from a closed position to an open position. One or more users physically lifting the frame assembly 120 into an upright position can likewise provide the motive force to lift it into the active position. The apparatus may also be constructed so as to utilize various sources of mechanical force assistance to aid in the transitions between the home and active positions. The descriptions that follow are intended to illustrate the application of several known force providers, including electric motors, torque tube assemblies, coil springs, and scissor jacks, as examples of the various ways to make and construct the invention.
A preferred embodiment, as depicted in
As shown in
For embodiments of the invention utilizing a telescopically extendable frame assembly, such as depicted in
Extension and retraction of the extendable frame assembly 120 could be accomplished with, for instance, scissor jacks 524 and push rods 324, as depicted in
In a preferred embodiment, shown in
Use of hydraulic cylinders as depicted in
The apparatus 120 can readily be provided with removeable or retractable wheels. As shown in
The frame assembly 120 is also configured to rest on, and be supported by, the left 111 and right 112 frame support posts when in the home position. These frame supports form a portion of the base 110, which includes cross members 113, 114, and benches 311. The frame support posts are preferably configured with post gussets 116 and top plate 118, with an optional bumper on top plate 118, together providing a durable rest for the goal system when in the home position. The exact configuration and make up of the base 110 is not meant to be limited by the disclosure herein, as the object of the invention is to provide shelter for the basketball rim 135, a mounting location for any desired lifting mechanism 360, 362, and pivoting attachment point for the frame assembly 120, while simultaneously acting as a counterweight for the frame assembly 120 when in the active position.
In addition to the systems disclosed in
Alternatively, the apparatus may be configured to include a tension spring assembly to provide assistive force to a user lifting the frame assembly into the upright position. A combination of this assistive force with a frame assembly made of lighter material, such as aluminum, can provide convenient force assistance without requiring a power source to operate the apparatus. For example,
In an alternative embodiment, the support rods 1111 shown in
The system is preferred to have a lifting mechanism that provides automatic or assisted traversal between the positions of the apparatus. The lifting mechanism can provide automatic traversal between the apparatus positions by using, for instance, electrically controlled linear actuators, assistive force to the user via, for example, a tension spring assembly or block and tackle system, or a combination of the methods disclosed herein. Supporting features, such as the telescoping support rods 1111 depicted in
While various configurations achieving these features may be employed according to the current disclosure, several considerations are noteworthy. First, the position of the lifting mechanism or support rods should be such that they are disposed in a manner that is least obstructive to use of the invention as a table when in the home position. Short lifting or support means mounted nearer to the frame assembly axle portion 328 than the support posts 111, 112 will achieve this goal. The mounting points of each end of the lifting or support means and the length will affect the table height and unobstructed under-the-table area, where users' legs will likely be positioned when using the apparatus in its home position. Telescoping lifting or support means are thus considered the best mode for lifting the frame assembly to, or supporting the frame assembly when in, the active position, as they provide a more compact profile when retracted.
Secondly, the use of a telescoping means will require the consideration of several factors. The cylinder or rod choice will be restricted in that it must be long enough for its fully extended position to reach the desired upright position for the frame assembly. Also, the position of the mounting points should be such that the direction of the force exerted by the linear actuator on the frame assembly is within an acceptable deviation from normal (with respect to the frame assembly plane) during a complete traversal between home and active positions, so that the power being used to lift the frame assembly is used efficiently. Mounting a linear actuator closer to the pivot point will, however, require relatively more force to lift the frame assembly, so these mounting must be chosen with the actuator attributes in mind.
Turning to
An additional step may be included in the transition from home to active position, if the basketball goal assembly incorporates an extendable backboard 1730, permitting the backboard to be positioned horizontally away from the frame assembly 120. Providing for this additional degree of freedom would permit basketball players to have more space between the baseline indicating the basketball court lower boundary, and the partial table surface. This additional space can help prevent injuries to out of control players that cannot stop before colliding with the apparatus due to their body's momentum. The extension of the backboard 1730 could be accomplished by using, for instance, a scissor-screw mechanical assembly 1737, or other comparable methods known in the art.
The object disclosed provides for a basketball goal that is foldable from a home position to an active position, wherein the apparatus may be utilized both as a basketball goal and as a sports table. Various lifting and extending mechanisms are applied to the structure to further assist in the transition between these positions, and to provide convenience, stability, and safety to the apparatus. The descriptions of these mechanisms are not meant to be limiting, but to allow those skilled in the art to make and use the invention. Analogous mechanisms known in the art are considered enabled by the above disclosure of the design considerations and possibilities.
Further additions to the invention may also be made without departing from the object of the disclosure. For instance, basketball games are often played with time limits, or to a predetermined score. To make the use of the invention more convenient for those playing basketball, elements may be added to assist in time keeping or score keeping. Lighted scoring or time keeping systems known in the art may be mounted on the apparatus and powered by the apparatus power source. Such systems could be mounted on the basketball goal assembly, the frame assembly, or the base. The rim could be provided with an optical or mechanical indicator to determine when a basketball goal is scored. Scores may be indicated with a light, audible signal, or may be automatically recorded on a score-keeping device.
At parks, homes, and other outdoor areas, tables are often placed in the vicinity of basketball goals for spectators or players' drinks and belongings. A secondary table surface may be provided beneath the frame assembly so that, when the apparatus is in the active position, the secondary table surface remains in a position to serve as a table for those not playing, those operating a scoring display, or for other such uses. Such a surface could be attached, for instance, to the left 111 and right 112 support arms of the embodiment shown in
Depending on the power source used, a lighting system may also be provided so as to facilitate basketball games in low lighting circumstances. For example, floodlights could be mounted at the pinnacle of the basketball goal assembly to illuminate the basketball court at night. The power source may be electric, hydraulic, or other such sources, as previously indicated. Electric storage systems now known or later developed could be used to store solar energy in the form of electrical energy, to be used with the additional convenience components, the lifting mechanisms, or both.
Additionally, other games commonly played on a flat table-like surface may be provided with the apparatus and stored in the benches. For example, board games or card games could be stored in the hollow benches provided as part of the apparatus base. Other sports games, such as table tennis, may be played on the table surface when the apparatus is in the home position. Paddles, balls, and a net may be stored in a like manner. Those skilled in the art could easily modify the tabletop frame portion of the apparatus to be mounted with the table tennis net. These and other such uses of and additions to the apparatus are envisioned as being alternate embodiments of the invention as described herein.
While the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Since certain changes may be made in the above compositions and methods without departing from the scope of the invention herein involved, it is intended that all matter contained in the above descriptions and examples or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. In this application all units are in the metric system and all amounts and percentages are by weight, unless otherwise expressly indicated. Also, all citations referred herein are expressly incorporated herein by reference. All terms not specifically defined herein are considered to be defined according to Webster's New Twentieth Century Dictionary Unabridged, Second Edition. The disclosures of all of the citations provided are being expressly incorporated herein by reference. The disclosed invention advances the state of the art and its many advantages include those described and claimed.
Claims
1. A basketball goal apparatus transitionable between an active position and a home position, comprising:
- a. a frame assembly supporting a partial table surface and having an upper end and a lower end;
- b. a basketball goal assembly, comprising a backboard having a front playing surface and a back table surface; and a rim attached to the front playing surface of the backboard, said basketball goal assembly rotatably connected to the upper end of the frame assembly so that the basketball goal assembly is rotatable between a closed position, wherein the front playing surface of the backboard is disposed against the frame assembly such that the back table surface and partial table surface are mated to form a complete table surface, and an open position, wherein the rim is accessible for playing basketball; and
- c. a base pivotally connected to the lower end of the frame assembly,
- said apparatus home position comprising the basketball goal assembly oriented in the closed position and the frame assembly pivoted so that the partial table surface is generally horizontally disposed, with the base providing support to the frame assembly, and
- said apparatus active position comprising the basketball goal assembly oriented in the open position and the frame assembly pivoted so that the partial table surface is generally vertically oriented, with the base acting as a counterweight to the frame assembly.
2. The basketball goal apparatus of claim 1, the frame assembly further comprising a fixed portion to which the partial table surface is attached; and a telescoping portion to which the basketball goal assembly is rotatably connected for extending the length of the frame assembly relative to the rim and lower end.
3. The basketball goal apparatus of claim 2, the frame assembly further comprising a foot portion comprising the lower end of the frame assembly and attached to the fixed portion, wherein the frame assembly is an L-shape, with the length of the foot portion determining the height of the complete table surface when the apparatus is in the home position.
4. The basketball goal apparatus of claim 1, the base further comprising two benches attached to the base such that the frame assembly rests between them when in the home position.
5. The basketball goal apparatus of claim 4 further comprising a hollow bench attached to the base with a removeable lid and providing storage space inside the hollow bench.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein wheels are provided allowing the apparatus to be moved across a hard surface to a desired location.
7. The basketball goal apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a lifting mechanism connected to both the base and the frame assembly for reversibly lifting the frame assembly from the home position to the active position.
8. A basketball goal system foldable between an active position and a home position, comprising: said apparatus home position comprising the basketball goal assembly oriented in the closed position and the frame assembly pivoted so that the partial table surface is generally horizontally disposed, with the base providing support to the frame assembly, and said apparatus active position comprising the basketball goal assembly oriented in the open position and the frame assembly pivoted so that the partial table surface is generally vertically oriented, with the base acting as a counterweight to the frame assembly.
- a. a frame assembly, comprising: a partial table surface; an upper end and a lower end; a fixed portion to which the partial table surface is attached; and a telescoping portion for extending the length of the frame assembly, thereby determining goal height;
- b. a basketball goal assembly, comprising: a backboard having a front playing surface and a back table surface; a rim attached to the front playing surface of the backboard, said basketball goal assembly rotatably connected to the telescoping portion of the frame assembly so that the basketball goal assembly is rotatable between a closed position, wherein the front playing surface of the backboard is disposed against the frame assembly such that the back table surface and partial table surface are mated to form a complete table surface, and an open position, wherein the rim is accessible for playing basketball.
- c. a base pivotally connected to the lower end of the frame assembly at a pivot connection; and
- d. a lifting mechanism connected to both the base and the frame assembly for reversibly lifting the frame assembly from the home position to the active position,
9. The basketball goal system of claim 8, the lifting mechanism comprising:
- a. a linear actuator having an upper extendable end connected to the frame assembly at an upper connection point, and a lower end connected to the base at a lower connection point;
- b. a motor; and
- c. a power source.
10. The basketball goal system of claim 9, wherein the upper connection point and lower connection point are positioned on the frame assembly and base, respectively, so that the linear actuator passes through a completely vertical position when traversing between the home and active positions to improve apparatus compactness when in the home position.
11. The basketball goal system of claim 8 wherein the height of the goal above the playing surface can be adjusted by extending telescoping an extendable frame portion from within a fixed frame portion.
12. The basketball goal system of claim 11, further comprising an extending mechanism connected to the fixed portion and the telescoping portion of the frame assembly for reversibly extending the length of the frame assembly.
13. The basketball goal system of claim 8 wherein at least a portion of the motive force necessary to transition the system between modes or to extend the frame is provided by one or more of an electric motor, an hydraulic cylinder, a winch and a spring.
14. The basketball goal system of claim 8, the lifting mechanism comprising:
- a. a tension spring assembly provided at the pivot connection between the base and the frame assembly providing assistive force in the direction traveled by the frame assembly when traversing from the home position to active position; and
- b. a gas spring having an upper extendable end connected to the frame assembly at an upper connection point, and a lower end connected to the base at a lower connection point, said gas spring providing assistive force in the direction traveled by the frame assembly when traversing from the active position to home position.
15. A basketball goal and table system foldable between modes of an active position and a home position, comprising:
- a. a frame assembly, comprising a rotatable goal assembly support frame, a base, frame support posts and a partial table surface;
- b. a basketball goal assembly, comprising a backboard having a front playing surface and a back table surface with a rim attached to the front playing surface of the backboard, said basketball goal assembly further rotatably connected to goal assembly support frame so that the basketball goal assembly is rotatable between a closed position, wherein the front playing surface of the backboard is disposed against the frame assembly such that the back table surface and partial table surface are mated to form a complete table surface, and an open position, wherein the rim is accessible;
- c. a base pivotally connected to the lower end of the goal assembly support frame at a pivot connection; wherein the rotatable goal assembly support frame can be rotated from a generally horizontal position to a generally vertical position,
- said system home position comprising the basketball goal assembly oriented in the closed position and the frame assembly pivoted so that the partial table surface is generally horizontally disposed, with the base providing support to the frame assembly, and
- said system active position comprising the basketball goal assembly oriented in the open position and the frame assembly pivoted so that the partial table surface is generally vertically oriented, with the base acting as a counterweight to the frame assembly, and the rim being positioned for playing basketball.
16. The basketball goal and table system of claim 15 wherein when the system is positioned in the apparatus home position, the rim is located approximately between the frame support posts.
17. The basketball goal and table system of claim 15 further comprising a lifting mechanism, comprising
- a. a tension spring assembly provided at the pivot connection between the base and the frame assembly providing assistive force in the direction traveled by the frame assembly when traversing from the home position to active position; and
- b. a gas spring having an upper extendable end connected to the frame assembly at an upper connection point, and a lower end connected to the base at a lower connection point, said gas spring providing assistive force in the direction traveled by the frame assembly when traversing from the active position to home position; and
- c. a fixed portion and a telescoping portion of the frame assembly, and an extending mechanism connected to the fixed portion and the telescoping portion of the frame assembly for reversibly extending the length of the frame assembly,
18. The basketball goal and table system of claim 17, the extending mechanism further comprising a hydraulic linear actuator connected to the fixed portion and the telescoping portion of the frame assembly for reversibly extending the length of the frame assembly, wherein the hydraulic linear actuator is contained within the fixed portion of the frame so that it is not visible from the exterior.
19. The basketball goal and table system of claim 17 wherein at least a portion of the motive force necessary to transition the system between modes or to extend the frame assembly is provided by one or more of an electric motor, an hydraulic cylinder, a winch and a spring.
20. The basketball goal and table system of claim 15, the base further comprising two benches attached to the base such that the basketball goal assembly rests between them when in the home position.
21. The basketball goal apparatus of claim 2, further comprising an extending mechanism comprised of at least one electro-mechanical screw connected to the fixed portion and the telescoping portion of the frame assembly for reversibly extending the length of the frame assembly.
22. The basketball goal system of claim 12, the extending mechanism further comprising at least one electro-mechanical screw.
23. The basketball goal and table system of claim 17, the extending mechanism further comprising at least one electro-mechanical screw connected to the fixed portion and the telescoping portion of the frame assembly for reversibly extending the length of the frame assembly, wherein the at least one electro-mechanical screw is contained within the fixed portion of the frame so that it is not visible from the exterior.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 19, 2011
Publication Date: Jul 19, 2012
Inventors: Lawrence Shepherd (Upper Sandusky, OH), Lillian Jean Shepherd (Upper Sandusky, OH)
Application Number: 13/009,139
International Classification: A63B 63/08 (20060101);