GAME BOARD MOUNTING POST AND GAME BOARD MOUNTING POST ASSEMBLY
A portable mounting post for securing a game board to a stationary structure is disclosed. The mounting post may include a support portion to attach the post to the structure and an opening and a groove to receive the mounting element; and a slotted portion positioned above the post support portion and having at least one slot at a top surface of the slotted portion, the at least one slot configured to receive and thereby to secure the attachment device mounted to the game board. A basketball backboard designed to be secured to a structure it is also disclosed. The backboard may have a pair of apertures extending from a front to a rear of the backboard and positioned on either side of a vertical center line and receiving a securing strap or a rigid member for securing the device to the structure.
The present non-provisional patent application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/505,338, filed May 12, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD IF THE INVENTIONThe present application is related generally to mounting posts for mounting game boards, such as basketball backboards, or other game boards, to indoor or outdoor structures, and to a backboard that is so mountable.
BACKGROUNDPortable game tables and game boards as well as basketball backboards are widely known. For example, the Duncan toys brand bracket system affixes a basketball backboard by screwing a rod using brackets to an accessory mounted on the back of a basketball backboard. Similarly, Garner, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0177892 discloses a strap detachable portable basketball system that entails straps that may be affixed through slotted strap spines attached to an offset mounting shoe on the backside of the reinforced basketball backboard. Other prior art includes modular basketball backboard with rim, U.S. Pat. No. 9,452,334, breakaway basketball rim assembly, U.S. Pat. No. 9,415,285, folding basketball goal, U.S. Pat. No. 9,370,701, trampoline basketball goal, U.S. Pat. No. 9,084,908 and basketball backboard, U.S. Pat. No. 8,852,034. Each of these patent documents is incorporated in full herein by reference.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONDisclosed herein are a mounting post for a game board, such as a basketball backboard, for securing the game board to a stationary structure, and disclosed also is a basketball backboard that may be portable.
A game board mounting post is disclosed, which many be attached, using a mounting element, to a load bearing object and configured to receive an attachment device attached to the game board. Such a mounting post may include a post support portion configured to attach the post to the load bearing object; the post support portion having a longitudinal extent in use oriented vertically and having at least one of an opening and a groove positioned and configured to receive the mounting element; and a slotted portion positioned above the post support portion and having at least one slot at a top surface of the slotted portion, the at least one slot configured to receive and thereby to secure the attachment device mounted to the game board.
In such a mounting post, the at least one slot at the top surface of the slotted portion may be configured to receive a clip attached to the game board.
In such a mounting post, the at least one of the opening and the groove of the post support portion may include a first opening, and a second opening positioned below and spaced from the first opening, the first opening and the second opening each extending horizontally through an entirety of the post support portion from a first side of the support portion to a second side of the post support portion.
Such a mounting post may further include a first extension piece and a second extension piece, each extension piece configured to be mounted to a side of the slotted portion and may include at least one slot at a top surface of the respective extension piece, the at least one slot of the respective extension piece configured to receive and thereby to secure the attachment device mounted to the game board.
In such a mounting post, the slotted portion may have an extension member receiving slot positioned at the top surface, and the mounting post may further include an extension piece comprising a central connector thinner than laterally adjacent portions of the extension piece and configured to be mounted in the extension member receiving slot so as to secure the extension piece in the slotted portion.
Such a mounting post may further include the mounting element, wherein the mounting element is a strap.
In such a mounting post, the mounting post may define a concave slot positioned at a center of the mounting post and extending along at least a majority of a longitudinal extent of the mounting post.
Also disclosed is a mounting kit that may include such a mounting post and may further include the attachment device. Such a mounting kit may also include the game board.
Also disclosed is a game board that is designed to be attached, using a mounting element, to a load bearing object and configured to receive an attachment device attached to the game board. Such a mounting post may include a post support portion configured to attach the post to the load bearing object; the post support portion having a longitudinal extent in use oriented vertically and having at least one of an opening and a groove positioned and configured to receive the mounting element; and a fastener receiving portion defining an aperture configured to receive a fastener for securing the game board to the mounting post.
In such a mounting post, the at least one of the opening and the groove may be positioned on a front surface of the mounting post, the front surface being a side of the mounting post facing away and being parallel to a side of the mounting post facing the game board.
In such a mounting post, the fastener receiving portion may be configured to receive a rigid fastener.
Such a mounting post may also include a basketball backboard and basketball hoop, the device configured to be secured to a structure behind the basketball backboard. Such a basketball backboard may include:
a first pair of apertures, each aperture extending from a front surface to a rear surface of the basketball backboard and positioned on either side of a vertical center line of the basketball backboard; and
each aperture configured to receive a securing strap extending between the apertures on the front surface of the basketball backboard for securing the device to the structure.
Such a mounting post may also include a basketball backboard and basketball hoop, the device configured to be secured to a structure behind the basketball backboard. Such a basketball backboard may include:
a first pair of apertures, each aperture extending from a front surface to a rear surface of the basketball backboard and positioned on either side of a vertical center line of the basketball backboard; and
each aperture configured to receive a securing strap extending between the apertures on the front surface of the basketball backboard for securing the device to the structure,
wherein the basketball backboard comprises a second pair of apertures positioned below and vertically aligned with the first pair of apertures, each aperture of the second pair of apertures extending from the front surface to the rear surface of the basketball backboard, and configured to receive a second securing strap extending between the pair of second apertures on the front surface of the basketball backboard for securing the device to the structure.
In such a mounting post, each aperture may include a vertical slot configured to receive the strap, and a horizontal slot traversing the vertical slot configured to receive a male protruding member of a bracket.
Also disclosed is a device that includes a basketball backboard and basketball hoop, the device for being secured to a structure behind the basketball backboard. Such a basketball backboard may include:
a first pair of apertures, each aperture extending from a front surface to a rear surface of the basketball backboard and positioned on either side of a vertical center line of the basketball backboard; and each aperture configured to receive a securing strap extending between the apertures on the front surface of the basketball backboard for securing the device to the structure.
In such a device, the basketball backboard may include a second pair of apertures positioned below and vertically aligned with the first pair of apertures, each aperture of the second pair of apertures extending from the front surface to the rear surface of the basketball backboard, and configured to receive a second securing strap extending between the pair of second apertures on the front surface of the basketball backboard for securing the device to the structure.
Such a device may be provided in combination with a pair of brackets. Each such bracket may be configured to be positioned behind the basketball backboard and comprising two pairs of male protruding members, each male protruding member configured to extend through an aperture; each bracket comprising an L-shaped top portion configured to secure the bracket to the structure.
In such a combination, each male protruding member may include a flange configured to project up along the front surface of the basketball backboard so as to secure the basketball backboard to the bracket.
In such a device, each aperture may include a vertical slot configured to receive the strap, and a horizontal slot traversing the vertical slot configured to receive a male protruding member of a bracket.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention which refers to the accompanying drawings.
Dimensions illustrated or discussed with respect to any of the foregoing embodiments are provided only by way of illustrative example. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention which refers to the accompanying drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTSA game board mounting post receives a game board, such as a basketball backboard, for example, using a hook, a clip, or a bolt secured to the game board. The game board mounting post is securable to a load bearing structure or object, such as a fixed column, a post in a playground or the like. The game board may be a basketball mini hoop but may be a board used for a range of indoor or outdoor games or other activities, besides basketball, including tetherball, a badminton net, a tennis net or the like, as well as for a jump rope (with one person holding the other end of the jump rope), mini-golf holes, or a target, for example, a bulls eye, to be used for archery, darts, Velcro balls, or the like, or boards for activities other than sports and games, including a chalkboard, or bulletin board, a picture frame, a camera mount, tent or the like.
As illustrated in
According to an aspect of the disclosure, the slotted portion may comprise three attachable elements 32a and 32b. 32a and 32b may be unnecessary when the game board is attachable using a centrally located hook, clip or bolt or the like. On the other hand when the game board is attachable using two hooks, clips or bolts, instead of a single centrally located one, then slotted portion extension pieces 32a and 32b may be attached to slotted portion central structure 31 to form the entirety of the slotted portion 31.
Extension pieces 32a, 32b may be connected to slotted portion central structure 31 using a number of connections, including a routed joint (for example, using a mortise and tenon, a biscuit, a dowel or the like), a threaded screw rod or some other fitted connection).
Illustrated in
The strap received in slot 22a, 22b or integrally connected to post support portion 20 may be elastic and may be flexible. Post support portion 20 may also have a first side facing away from the game board and facing the load bearing structure to which it is mounted that is curved or rounded concave to facilitate attachment without undue movement on the support structure or support beam.
Also illustrated in
Also shown in
The mounting post may be made of wood, plastic, metal or other sturdy material, or a combination of the foregoing. Straps 23a, b and/or strap 57 (illustrated in
Also contemplated is a basketball backboard and hoop device as illustrated in
As illustrated in
Strap 57 may be threaded through the same slots 22a and 22b of the mounting post 10 as the slots used for affixing or securing the mounting post 10 to the playground structure. Alternatively, the strap 57 may be wound around the outside of mounting post 10 or one of the straps may be inserted in top slot 41 of threaded portion 30 of mounting post 10. It will be understood, however, that strap 57 may be used without the mounting post 10 to strap basketball backboard 50, 50′ directly to the playground structure behind it.
Thus provided is a conveniently portable and fastenable basketball backboard device that need not require the use of tools for installation. The strap may be made of plastic or other flexible weight bearing material and may include a Velcro instead of or in addition to a buckle. A ratchet or a wrench may also be used or may be included with the kit to tighten the strap. However, it will be understood that according to an aspect of the invention, such tools are unnecessary.
It will be understood, however, that the ends of two straps may be tied or otherwise secured on the front side of basketball backboard 50, 50′ facing the basketball players during play and need not run from aperture 52a to aperture 52b along the front side of the basketball backboard. Similarly, the ends of one or more straps may extend through apertures 53a, 53b and may be knotted or otherwise affixed thereto so as to secure the basketball backboard 50 without the need to run the strap along the front of the basketball backboard 50, 50′. Alternatively, such straps may be affixed permanently or removably inside aperture 52a, 52b, 53a, 53b, or on a front of the apertures on the front surface of the basketball backboard, or at the rear surface of the basketball backboard 50, 50′. For example, one or more straps like strap 57 may be permanently secured to the rear of the basketball backboard 50, 50′ using screws or rivets without the need to remove the straps for each installation.
Although the present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Structures and units described in relation to one aspect of the method or system may be added, or substituted, for structures or units described with respect to another aspect of the system. Combinations and permutations of structures different from those outlined are also contemplated. Structures illustrated or otherwise described as being adjacent each other may be positioned apart or remotely. Not all structures described need necessarily be provided, and other intervening structures may be inserted. It is preferred, therefore, that the present invention be limited not by the specific disclosure herein.
- support portion 20
- slots 22a, 22b
- slotted portion 30
- slot 41
- slots 42a, 42b
- attachable elements 31, 32a and 32b
- slotted portion extension pieces 32a and 32b
- slotted portion central structure 31
- threaded male member 33a
- threaded aperture 34a
- threaded male member 33b
- threaded aperture 34b
- single extension piece 38
- central connector 36
- extension member receiving slot 37
- mounting post 10
- straps 23a, b
- bottom recess 24
- top recess 31
- bottom threaded apertures 25a, b
- support extension pieces 52a, b
- groove 21
- openings 35a, b
- keyhole brackets 47a,b
- threaded screw holes 37a and 37b
- threaded screw holes 38a, b
- basketball backboard 50, 50′
- basketball hoop 51
- additional aperture 55
- back brackets 61a, 61b
- male protruding members 62a, 62b, 63a, 63b
- strap 57
- buckle 58
- hook 59
- apertures 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d, 53a, 53b, 53c, 53d
Claims
1. A game board mounting post configured to be attached, using a mounting element, to a load bearing object and configured to receive an attachment device attached to the game board, the mounting post comprising:
- a post support portion configured to attach the post to the load bearing object;
- the post support portion having a longitudinal extent in use oriented vertically and having at least one of an opening and a groove positioned and configured to receive the mounting element; and
- a slotted portion positioned above the post support portion and having at least one slot at a top surface of the slotted portion, the at least one slot configured to receive and thereby to secure the attachment device mounted to the game board.
2. The mounting post of claim 1, wherein the at least one slot at the top surface of the slotted portion is configured to receive a clip attached to the game board.
3. The mounting post of claim 1, wherein the at least one of the opening and the groove of the post support portion comprises a first opening, and a second opening positioned below and spaced from the first opening, the first opening and the second opening each extending horizontally through an entirety of the post support portion from a first side of the support portion to a second side of the post support portion.
4. The mounting post of claim 1, further comprising:
- a first extension piece and a second extension piece,
- each extension piece configured to be mounted to a side of the slotted portion and comprising at least one slot at a top surface of the respective extension piece, the at least one slot of the respective extension piece configured to receive and thereby to secure the attachment device mounted to the game board.
5. The mounting post of claim 1, wherein the slotted portion has an extension member receiving slot positioned at the top surface, and the mounting post further comprising:
- an extension piece comprising a central connector thinner than laterally adjacent portions of the extension piece and configured to be mounted in the extension member receiving slot so as to secure the extension piece in the slotted portion.
6. The mounting post of claim 1, further comprising the mounting element, wherein the mounting element is a strap.
7. The mounting post of claim 1, wherein the mounting post defines a concave slot positioned at a center of the mounting post and extending along at least a majority of a longitudinal extent of the mounting post.
8. A mounting kit comprising the mounting post of claim 1, and further comprising the attachment device.
9. A mounting kit comprising the mounting post of claim 1, and further comprising the attachment device and the game board.
10. A game board mounting post configured to be attached, using a mounting element, to a load bearing object and configured to receive an attachment device attached to the game board, the mounting post comprising:
- a post support portion configured to attach the post to the load bearing object;
- the post support portion having a longitudinal extent in use oriented vertically and having at least one of an opening and a groove positioned and configured to receive the mounting element; and
- a fastener receiving portion defining an aperture configured to receive a fastener for securing the game board to the mounting post.
11. The mounting post of claim 10, wherein the at least one of the opening and the groove is positioned on a front surface of the mounting post, the front surface being a side of the mounting post facing away and being parallel to a side of the mounting post facing the game board.
12. The mounting post of claim 10, wherein the fastener receiving portion is configured to receive a rigid fastener.
13. The mounting post of claim 10, further comprising a basketball backboard and basketball hoop, the device configured to be secured to a structure behind the basketball backboard, the basketball backboard comprising:
- a first pair of apertures, each aperture extending from a front surface to a rear surface of the basketball backboard and positioned on either side of a vertical center line of the basketball backboard; and
- each aperture configured to receive a securing strap extending between the apertures on the front surface of the basketball backboard for securing the device to the structure.
14. The mounting post of claim 10, further comprising a basketball backboard and basketball hoop, the device configured to be secured to a structure behind the basketball backboard, the basketball backboard comprising:
- a first pair of apertures, each aperture extending from a front surface to a rear surface of the basketball backboard and positioned on either side of a vertical center line of the basketball backboard; and
- each aperture configured to receive a securing strap extending between the apertures on the front surface of the basketball backboard for securing the device to the structure,
- wherein the basketball backboard comprises a second pair of apertures positioned below and vertically aligned with the first pair of apertures, each aperture of the second pair of apertures extending from the front surface to the rear surface of the basketball backboard, and configured to receive a second securing strap extending between the pair of second apertures on the front surface of the basketball backboard for securing the device to the structure.
15. The mounting post of claim 10, wherein each aperture includes a vertical slot configured to receive the strap, and a horizontal slot traversing the vertical slot configured to receive a male protruding member of a bracket.
16. A device comprising a basketball backboard and basketball hoop, the device configured to be secured to a structure behind the basketball backboard, the basketball backboard comprising:
- a first pair of apertures, each aperture extending from a front surface to a rear surface of the basketball backboard and positioned on either side of a vertical center line of the basketball backboard; and
- each aperture configured to receive a securing strap extending between the apertures on the front surface of the basketball backboard for securing the device to the structure.
17. The device of claim 16, wherein the basketball backboard comprises a second pair of apertures positioned below and vertically aligned with the first pair of apertures, each aperture of the second pair of apertures extending from the front surface to the rear surface of the basketball backboard, and configured to receive a second securing strap extending between the pair of second apertures on the front surface of the basketball backboard for securing the device to the structure.
18. The device of claim 16 in combination with a pair of brackets, each bracket configured to be positioned behind the basketball backboard and comprising two pairs of male protruding members, each male protruding member configured to extend through an aperture;
- each bracket comprising an L-shaped top portion configured to secure the bracket to the structure.
19. The combination of claim 18, wherein each male protruding member comprises a flange configured to project up along the front surface of the basketball backboard so as to secure the basketball backboard to the bracket.
20. The device of claim 16, wherein each aperture includes a vertical slot configured to receive the strap, and a horizontal slot traversing the vertical slot configured to receive a male protruding member of a bracket.
Type: Application
Filed: May 14, 2018
Publication Date: Nov 15, 2018
Inventor: Alan SOLOMON (Brooklyn, NY)
Application Number: 15/978,603