Goal Or Target Is Elevated And Horizontally Disposed (e.g., For Basketball, Etc.) Patents (Class 473/479)
  • Patent number: 11371693
    Abstract: Presently disclosed is an illuminated cornhole platform comprising a top portion, at least two side portions, a front portion, a hole portion, at least one leg portion, and a back portion. The cornhole platform is illuminated by an inner illuminating string and an outer illuminating string, one abutting the hole portion and the other wrapped around the outer perimeter for the cornhole platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Brightz, ltd.
    Inventors: Ronald Finch, Michael Sauppe
  • Patent number: 10525318
    Abstract: A timing display device is defined by an extended length of indicator lights having a first end, a second end, and at least one intermediate location. A controller communicates with the indicator lights for controlled activation of the lights in a set pattern in conjunction with a clock sequence. The pattern of activating starts in the intermediate location and moves therefrom towards the ends of the extended length. The movement of the light activation includes a first and second projected color, wherein the first color is sequentially activated between the intermediate location and the two ends and the second color is sequentially activated from intermediate location towards the two ends, while overlapping the previously activated first color. The indicator lights may be light emitting diodes and the display may be affixed to a basketball backboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Inventor: Edmond J Dougherty
  • Patent number: 10300977
    Abstract: A wheeled vehicle with a ball hoop apparatus has a main body, multiple wheels, a pushing pole, and a hoop. The main body has an assembling mount. The multiple wheels are rotatably assembled to the main body. The pushing pole is detachably assembled to the main body. The pushing pole is able to be assembled to the assembling mount and has a top end. The hoop is assembled to the main body and is able to be assembled to the top end of the pushing pole. The pushing pole may be erectly assembled to the assembling mount. The hoop may be assembled to the top end of the pushing pole. The wheeled vehicle with a ball hoop apparatus provides a shooting ball function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Inventor: Tai-Chih Wang
  • Patent number: 9782650
    Abstract: An attachable basketball training device including a substantially semicircular inverted R-shaped clamp having a curved right portion, a curved left portion, a linear middle portion, and a continuous bottom opening. Each of the right portion, the left portion, and the middle portion has an interior lip and an exterior lip. A horizontal slot is medially disposed through the interior lip of the middle portion of the clamp, with a tab slidably engageable within the slot. A plurality of slits is disposed through the interior lip of each of the right portion of the clamp and the left portion of the clamp. Each of a plurality of vertical projections has a looped top section and a linear sword-shaped bottom section. The top section of each of the plurality of vertical projections is disposed through each of the plurality of slits. The clamp is removably attachable to a basketball hoop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Inventor: Alex Holcomb
  • Publication number: 20140315667
    Abstract: A recreational amusement takes the form a cooler having a toss-type game board integrated with the cooler's lid. The toss-type game board includes one or more cavities in the top of the lid. Provision is made for orienting the top of the lid in a sloping position for play of the game enabled by the game board. The cooler retains all conventional features of a beverage type cooler and, in particular, the characteristic of the interior space of the cooler being substantially sealed off from the environment about the cooler by placement atop the body of the cooler of the lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Kevin Edward Manner, Brooks Christopher Bennett
  • Patent number: 8852034
    Abstract: A basketball backboard assembly and a method of making the backboard assembly are disclosed. The assembly includes a backboard frame structure and an acrylic backboard which are bonded together with a suitable elastomeric adhesive, providing adequate adhesion and flexibility. The elastomeric adhesive has a bond gap in the range from 2 to 2.5 mm. The adhesive is catalyzed to provide control of the set time in the range from about 5 minutes to 1 hour. A plurality of bond gap spacers are located between the frame bonding surface and the backboard bonding surface to provide the bond gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry Stevens
  • Patent number: 8845463
    Abstract: A basketball backboard assembly and a method of making the backboard assembly are disclosed. The assembly includes a backboard frame structure and an acrylic backboard which are bonded together with a suitable elastomeric adhesive, providing adequate adhesion and flexibility. The elastomeric adhesive has a bond gap in the range from 2 to 2.5 mm. The adhesive is catalyzed to provide control of the set time in the range from about 5 minutes to 1 hour. A plurality of bond gap spacers are located between the frame bonding surface and the backboard bonding surface to provide the bond gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc
    Inventor: Larry Stevens
  • Patent number: 8475301
    Abstract: A multi-functional gaming assembly may include a portable free-standing first section capable of being selectively modified into a baseball batting game, a basketball shooting game, and a tether-ball swinging game assembly respectively. A portable free-standing second section may be removably connected to the portable free-standing first section in such a manner that the portable free-standing first and second sections may cooperate to selectively include a tennis playing game, a badminton playing game, and a volleyball playing game. A plurality of anchor stakes may be removably attached to the portable free-standing first and second sections respectively. The portable free-standing first section may include a mobile primary base which may include a wire frame preferably having a handle and a plurality of rings extending out from a perimeter of the wire frame. The portable free-standing second section may include a mobile auxiliary base spaced apart from the mobile primary base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventor: Patrick B. Lane
  • Patent number: 8460129
    Abstract: A back stop device suitable for coupling to a backboard assembly in a sporting activity is disclosed. The device includes a central member. The central member couples to one or more clamps which couple to the backboard assembly. The central member may be coupled to a portion of one or more pivot members. One or more arm members may be coupled to a portion of each of the pivot members. The arm members may be selectively repositionable when used in conjunction with the pivot members. One or more netting members may be coupled to a portion of at least one of the central member and one or more of the arm members or a portion of the backboard assembly. The netting members may be configured to deflect a ball in a direction determined by the position of the members with weights coupled to a bottom portion of the netting members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventors: Tracy Forlini, Brian Goldwitz
  • Patent number: 8328695
    Abstract: A trampoline and cage ball game device includes a trampoline frame structure with a spring supported flexible trampoline bed attached thereto and a plurality of support legs for supporting the trampoline frame and flexible bed. A single continuous open ended sheet of flexible material that is folded into four reinforced corners defining a pair of end wall panel sections and a pair of side wall end sections forming an enclosed cage structure. A plurality of elongated corner pipes are attached to inner corners of the trampoline extending beyond the top of the enclosed cage structure, the corner pipes having spring attachments secured to the four corner folds to stretch enclosed cage structure at the end wall sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventors: Devin J. Ronan, John S. Ronan
  • Patent number: 8210968
    Abstract: A table tennis basketball table includes a front leaf forming a front half of a table tennis table. The front leaf is pivotally mounted so that it folds from a horizontal position to a stowed vertical position. A rear leaf forms a rear half of a table tennis table. The rear leaf is pivotally mounted so that it folds from a horizontal position to a stowed vertical position. The table tennis basketball table has a table tennis mode when the front leaf and the rear leaf or in horizontal position. The table tennis basketball table has a basketball mode so that the front leaf is horizontal and the rear leaf is vertical. A pair of net support posts is movable and supports a net between them. The net support posts are mountable to a surface of the front leaf or a surface of the rear leaf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Inventor: Samuel Chen
  • Patent number: 8079915
    Abstract: A support member for playground equipment may include a first section with a flared end and a second section with a tapered end. An opening may be disposed in the flared end of the first section and an elongated slot may be disposed in the tapered end of the second section. When the tapered and flared ends are initially connected, the openings may be aligned and a fastener may be inserted into the aligned openings. When the tapered and flared ends are forced together and overlap a greater amount, which may create a more secure connection, the fastener may help keep in the first and second sections in alignment and may help prevent unintended rotational movement of the first and second sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Don Spencer, Jacob Kearl, Carl R. Stanford
  • Publication number: 20110306444
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method to determine a goaltending while playing basketball. The method begins with sensing if a vibration, pressure or motion change has occurred within an enhanced ball. The second step is to send data from a sensor packet containing one or more sensors via an RF switch to a backboard sensor having a sensory zone and computer having a processor, memory device and RF switch. The third step measures if the enhanced ball was deflected in a downward trajectory through a program contained within the memory device of the computer. The fourth step is to assess whether the enhanced ball would have gone through a rim of a backboard. The final step is to send an alert through an alert display of a goaltending once the computer confirms the downward trajectory and likelihood the enhanced ball would have gone through the rim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventor: Justin McKay
  • Patent number: 8038550
    Abstract: A basketball backboard assembly and a method of making the backboard assembly are disclosed. The assembly includes a backboard frame structure and an acrylic backboard which are bonded together with a suitable elastomeric adhesive, providing adequate adhesion and flexibility. The elastomeric adhesive has a bond gap in the range from 2 to 2.5 mm. The adhesive is catalyzed to provide control of the set time in the range from about 5 minutes to 1 hour. A plurality of bond gap spacers are located between the frame bonding surface and the backboard bonding surface to provide the bond gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry Stevens
  • Patent number: 8033935
    Abstract: A basketball backboard assembly and a method of making the backboard assembly are disclosed. The assembly includes a backboard frame structure and an acrylic backboard which are bonded together with a suitable elastomeric adhesive, providing adequate adhesion and flexibility. The elastomeric adhesive has a bond gap in the range from 2 to 2.5 mm. The adhesive is catalyzed to provide control of the set time in the range from about 5 minutes to 1 hour. A plurality of bond gap spacers are located between the frame bonding surface and the backboard bonding surface to provide the bond gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry Stevens
  • Patent number: 7967705
    Abstract: A storage cart for supporting a backboard assembly during replacement and storage is provided, which may also be used in combination with a quick change coupling system to permit the quick removal and replacement of the backboard assembly. The storage cart can include a frame, a carrier unit and a lifting mechanism. The frame includes a base, a top, and upright support members interconnecting the base and top. The base depth can be greater than the top depth to form a taper, permitting a backboard assembly to lean against the frame. The carrier unit includes a shelf sized to support the backboard assembly. The lifting mechanism includes means for adjusting the vertical position of the shelf to (dis)engage the shelf with the backboard assembly. The storage cart can include wheels, where the storage cart can be easily moved through a standard sized door and into its suitable position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Gared Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: James J. Connerley, Marty D. Retter
  • Patent number: 7946936
    Abstract: A sports system may include a base and a support structure that is sized and configured to support a goal, such as a netball goal or a basketball goal, at a height above a playing surface. The base may be constructed from plastic and may include a hollow interior portion that is sized and configured to receive ballast. The base may also include a protrusion that is sized and configured to abut a support surface and the protrusion may have an at least substantially solid construction. The sports system may further include a brace that may be connected to the support structure and the base. The brace may be disposed through an opening formed in the base and it may be connected to the base by a sleeve and a pin that is disposed within a receiving portion formed in the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl R. Stanford, Sharon Jones, Robert A. Astle, Wendell Peery, Danny Green, Gary Phillips, S. Curtis Nye
  • Patent number: 7896350
    Abstract: A collapsible ball game basket comprising an entrance hoop and three or more legs, a device for holding the legs together at a predetermined position on each leg, a device for detachably connecting the upper end of each leg to said hoop and a device for locating the lower end of each leg on a ground sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventor: Jonathan Harries
  • Patent number: 7892118
    Abstract: A basketball goal provides a support that has upper and lower end portions. A backboard is affixed to the upper end portion of the support. A hoop or rim is affixed to the backboard. A jacking mechanism elevates the hoop when the hoop pivots downwardly when a player dunks a basketball through the hoop or rim. In such a case, the player typically contacts the rim or hoop with his or her hands or hand forcing it downwardly. With each such dunk shot, the rim or hoop is deflected downwardly and the jacking mechanism elevates the hoop about half an inch. A control positioned on the support enables the hoop to be selectively used in the jacking mode or in a fixed mode wherein the hoop or rim is affixed to a selected position in a selected elevation thus overriding the jacking mechanism. The control has multiple selectable positions including a position that engages the jacking mechanism and a fixed position that overrides the jacking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventor: Lyn Kenley
  • Publication number: 20100298075
    Abstract: A basketball goal comprising: a frame; a transparent backboard mounted on the frame having a front face and a back face opposite the front face; a hoop mounted on the backboard and extending perpendicular to the front face of the backboard; an indicator strip mounted directly to the back face of the backboard, said strip including a plurality of light emitting diodes that are visible through the backboard; and a controller operatively connected to the indicator strip to selectively energize the light emitting diodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: NEVCO, INC.
    Inventors: David L. Paslay, Matthew M. Klarich
  • Patent number: 7803071
    Abstract: A sports system may include a base and a support structure that is sized and configured to support a goal, such as a netball goal or a basketball goal, at a height above a playing surface. The base may be constructed from plastic and may include a hollow interior portion that is sized and configured to receive ballast. The base may also include a protrusion that is sized and configured to abut a support surface and the protrusion may have an at least substantially solid construction. The sports system may further include a brace that may be connected to the support structure and the base. The brace may be disposed through an opening formed in the base and it may be connected to the base by a sleeve and a pin that is disposed within a receiving portion formed in the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl R. Stanford, Sharon Jones, Robert A. Astle, Wendell Peery, Danny Green, Gary Phillips, S. Curtis Nye
  • Patent number: 7794342
    Abstract: A quick change backboard bracket system for a basketball goal permitting the quick removal and replacement of a basketball goal can include a backboard assembly and a basketball goal support assembly. The backboard assembly can include a backboard, a first yoke member, and a rim assembly. The basketball goal support assembly can include a second yoke member, a connecting pin, and bracing means for coupling the backboard to a basketball goal support. When the basketball goal is assembled, a slot of the first yoke member is coupled to a coupling shaft of the second yoke member, the connecting pin is engaged to both yoke members, and the basketball goal support is coupled to the backboard by the bracing means. When the basketball goal is in need of replacement, all of the points of coupling, as described above, are decoupled and the old basketball goal is removed, and a new basketball goal is coupled at the points of coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Gared Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: James J Connerley, Marty D. Retter
  • Patent number: 7758456
    Abstract: An illuminable basketball rim assembly includes an anchor member that has a hollow cavity filled with a weight agent. A support pole is coupled to the anchor member and extends upwardly therefrom, and has a distal end positioned anterior to the anchor member. A rim section is positioned at the distal end of the support pole. A mechanism illuminates the rim section and the support pole when an external force is applied to the rim section. A mechanism maintains the support pole at a stable and equilibrium position such that the distal end of the support pole is prohibited from displacing downwardly beyond a predefined height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Inventor: Lamaar Dykes
  • Patent number: 7749111
    Abstract: A basketball backboard assembly and a method of making the backboard assembly are disclosed. The assembly includes a backboard frame structure and an acrylic backboard which are bonded together with a suitable elastomeric adhesive, such as a silicone adhesive, providing adequate adhesion and flexibility. The elastomeric adhesive has a bond gap in the range from about 2 to 2.5 mm. The adhesive is catalyzed to provide control of the set time in the range from about 5 minutes to 1 hour. A plurality of bond gap spacers are located between the frame bonding surface and the backboard bonding surface to provide the bond gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry Stevens
  • Patent number: 7736250
    Abstract: A transportable basketball system having components which are arrangeable in a play configuration during which a basketball-related game can be played, and also in a transport configuration during which said transportable basketball system can be easily transported between a sand covered outdoor environment and a remote location. Preferably, the transportable basketball system comprises a wind-transmissive backboard structure having a backboard surface disposed substantially within a first plane, bounded by a frame structure, and characterized by a high degree of air permeability (i.e. transmissivity) across said backboard surface so that air currents, expected on said covered environment, can pass therethrough with minimal resistance, yet deflect a lightweight basketball when tossed thereagainst during basketball-related games.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Inventors: Raymond O'Neill, Raymond O'Neill, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7731610
    Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-purpose sectional sports apparatus. The sports apparatus includes a plurality of assembling poles each including a main pole and a sub pole, a connector, and a supporting unit. The main pole has an insertion bore, an L-shaped lower fixture and a plurality of main coupling holes in an upper portion thereof. The sub pole is inserted into the main pole and has a plurality of lower height-adjusting holes and a plurality of upper sub coupling holes. The sub pole is movable up and down to have an adjustable height relative to the main pole as a fastener is fastened through selected ones of the height-adjusting holes and main coupling holes. The connector includes a branched body having a plurality of insertion branches for connection of the assembling poles, each insertion branch having an opening and an insertion bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Jeong-Hun Im
  • Patent number: 7691014
    Abstract: A basketball system may include a basketball goal and a support pole. The basketball system may also include a base and one or more braces connecting to the support pole and the base. The base is preferably spaced apart from the support pole by a distance and the base may have a low profile. The basketball goal may include a backboard and a rim assembly in which one or more portions of the rim assembly may extend through the backboard so that the rim assembly can be connected to the support pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventors: S. Curtis Nye, David C. Winter
  • Patent number: 7691015
    Abstract: A basketball goal system may include a basketball goal, which may include a rim assembly and a backboard, and a support structure that is sized and configured to support the basketball goal above a playing surface. The backboard may include one or more openings through which one or more portions of the rim assembly may extend, which may permit the rim assembly to be connected to the support structure. The basketball goal system may also include a base that is sized and configured to support the support structure and the rim assembly in a playing position. The base and the backboard may include openings to permit the base and the backboard to be connected when the basketball goal system is in a collapsed or storage position. In addition, the base and the backboard may include receiving portions that are sized and configured to receive and/or retain at least a portion of one or more components of the basketball goal system when the system is in the collapsed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventors: S. Curtis Nye, David C. Winter
  • Patent number: 7666109
    Abstract: The present invention is a sports support structure with an integrated pad. By ensuring that the protective pad is integrated with the structure, the present invention ensures theft padding is properly located around the support structure. The integrated pad and sports structure may be raised and lowered to a desired height with a handle attached to an elevator mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Russell Brands, LLC
    Inventor: Ronald A. White
  • Patent number: 7628717
    Abstract: A vertically adjustable backboard support includes a fixed position structure to which a shiftable backboard structure is sliding attached for vertical adjustment between several selectable elevations. A torsion spring counterbalance apparatus on the fixed position structure facilitates manual shifting of the adjustable backboard structure to any of its vertically adjusted positions. A vertically disposed outer tube of the fixed position structure includes vertically spaced openings in one of its side walls for receiving a cam secured to a vertical operating rod rotatably mounted to the shiftable backboard structure for selecting and maintaining desired vertical positions of backboard adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Gym Dynamics, LLC
    Inventors: Maurice A. Purcell, Dan D. Shaw, Thomas Leslie Hilton
  • Patent number: 7597635
    Abstract: An oversized basketball rim device for retrofitting onto an existing standard sized basketball rim attached to a backboard of a raised goal which increases an opportunity of making a basket when shooting a basketball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Inventor: David Davies
  • Patent number: 7549433
    Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided having at least one lower panel, each panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material substantially covering the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The fabric assumes the unfolded orientation of its frame member, and each panel further includes a first side, a second side, a bottom side and a top side. The first side of one panel is coupled to the second side of an adjacent panel. The collapsible structure according to the present invention further includes an upper panel having a bottom side coupled to the top side of one of the lower panels. In other embodiments, at least two upper panels are provided, with the upper panels provided above the lower panels. The respective panels can be coupled to each other using stitching and/or detachable connectors, or by crossing the frame members of the panels at adjacent left, right, top or bottom sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Patent Catergory Corp.
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Publication number: 20090149282
    Abstract: A method for using a basketball may include the steps of placing a backboard a predetermined distance from a chair, throwing the ball when a user is sitting in the chair, and scoring a point when the user throws the ball through a rim of the backboard. The method may include a step of retrieving the ball while sitting in the chair, and the method may include the step of using a retrieving device to return the ball. The method may include the step of allowing a new user to throw the ball, and the backboard may be at an angle with respect to the vertical. The retrieving device may include a flexible portion, and the retrieving device may include a handle. The backboard may include a slot for a foot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventor: Craig Dahlin
  • Patent number: 7509695
    Abstract: An apparatus has a collapsible base that assumes a deployed position and a collapsed position where the base has a smaller size than in the deployed configuration. A surface is removably attached to the base. The base includes a frame system that includes a plurality of struts that are hingedly connected to each other. The surface can be used as a sleeping surface, a table top, a game surface, or for other similar purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Patent number: 7510492
    Abstract: A basketball return net assembly that allows the net to be positioned to return the basketball in a set direction. The assembly may attach to a basketball backboard and can be adjusted to point the net in different directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventor: Glenn E. Hudson
  • Publication number: 20090048042
    Abstract: A transportable basketball system having components which are arrangeable in a play configuration during which a basketball-related game can be played, and also in a transport configuration during which said transportable basketball system can be easily transported between a sand covered outdoor environment and a remote location. Preferably, the transportable basketball system comprises a wind-transmissive backboard structure having a backboard surface disposed substantially within a first plane, bounded by a frame structure, and characterized by a high degree of air permeability (i.e. transmissivity) across said backboard surface so that air currents, expected on said covered environment, can pass therethrough with minimal resistance, yet deflect a lightweight basketball when tossed thereagainst during basketball-related games.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: Raymond O'Neill, Raymond O'Neill, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090042673
    Abstract: The use of spot locations that are freely movable with respect to one another and that include different uses for each side is an improvement over the prior art. A basketball game includes at least one ball, a playing surface, a support structure, a backboard, a hoop, and a plurality of spot locations, and may further include a timekeeping device. Each spot location has a first surface which may include a first plurality of raised dimples arranged thereon and a second surface, in opposition to the first surface, which may include a second plurality of raised dimples arranged thereon. The first surface has a first marking thereon and the second surface has a second marking thereon. On at least one spot location, the first marking differs from the second marking. Additionally, a basketball game package and method of playing a basketball game utilize aspects of the basketball game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Steven Scott Radice
  • Patent number: 7431672
    Abstract: A portable basketball goal system having an adjustable wheel assembly is disclosed. The portable basketball goal system may comprise a rigid pole, a support base, an adjustable wheel assembly, and an engaging member. The support base is configured to maintain the rigid pole in a generally elevated position. The adjustable wheel assembly is connected to the support base and has an engaged and disengaged position. In the engaged position, the wheel assembly supportably engages a playing surface. In the disengaged position, the wheel assembly may not supportably engage the playing surface. The adjustable wheel assembly may be slidably coupled to the support base. The adjustable wheel assembly may be operated by an engaging member coupled to a cam surface. The cam surface may interact with a follower to transition the adjustable wheel assembly between the supportable and unsupportable engagements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward G. Van Nimwegen
  • Patent number: 7429224
    Abstract: A padded basketball hoop is flexibly mounted to a backboard or other rigid vertical surface via an energy or shock absorbing connection device disposed between the backboard and the vertical surface supporting the hoop. The hoop responds to upward and downward vertical displacement by transferring energy to the shock absorbing connector, wherein the absorbing connector then urges said hoop to a substantially horizontal orientation. The hoop is particularly useful connection with play on a trampoline or other instances where players are likely to connect the rim during upward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Inventor: Mark W. Publicover
  • Publication number: 20080214334
    Abstract: A collapsible structure has a coiled wire supporting a covering which is attached to the wire to define an internal space, the coiled wire and its covering having a first end and a second end, and the first end having a first edge that defines an opening. The structure can have a lid that is coupled to the first end to completely cover the opening, or an amusement item that is positioned in the opening and coupled to the first end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Patent number: 7413523
    Abstract: A foldable basketball stand comprises a seat having a supporting frame, a transfer unit installed at one end of the supporting frame and a weight installed to the supporting frame; and the weight being a foldable water box; a supporting unit formed of a plurality of rod bodies; one end of the supporting unit being connected to the transfer unit of the seat; and a backboard installed at another end of the supporting unit; and the backboard having at least two plate bodies and a hoop installed between the two plate bodies. The installation of the seat, supporting unit and backboard causes the foldable basketball stand can be assembled easily for use and detached easily for storage. Thereby the volume of the foldable basketball stand is small. It can be storage and transferred easily and conveniently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventor: Lien-Fu Lu
  • Patent number: 7413522
    Abstract: A transportable basketball system having components which are arrangeable in a play configuration during which a basketball-related game can be played, and also in a transport configuration during which said transportable basketball system can be easily transported between a sand covered outdoor environment and a remote location. Preferably, the transportable basketball system comprises a wind-transmissive backboard structure having a backboard surface disposed substantially within a first plane, bounded by a frame structure, and characterized by a high degree of air permeability (i.e. transmissivity) across said backboard surface so that air currents, expected on said covered environment, can pass therethrough with minimal resistance, yet deflect a lightweight basketball when tossed thereagainst during basketball-related games.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventors: Raymond O'Neill, Raymond O'Neill, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7407453
    Abstract: A self-storing basketball goal system includes a foundation box enclosing a portable basketball goal including a backboard and hoop rim. The backboard attaches to the distal end section of a post assembly, which is preferably foldable and telescopic. The foundation box may be dug in the ground so that the post and goal assembly is installed upon a top cover of the foundation box which is flush with the ground, or the foundation box may be a remote storage container away from the playing surface. In that case, the post assembly and supporting struts are attached to keyways installed within the playing surface, such as a driveway, patio or other playing surface. The post assembly may then fold into the foundation box with the backboard and removable hoop rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher J. Shannon
  • Patent number: 7393292
    Abstract: A basketball backboard and hoop apparatus, including a basketball backboard and hoop assembly, further including a basketball backboard, and a hoop, a support arm for supporting the basketball backboard and hoop assembly, and a guiding device or a support element. The support arm is longitudinally moved along the guiding device or the support element, and further wherein the basketball backboard and hoop assembly is moved horizontally, nearly horizontally, or less than 45 degrees from or about a horizontal plane, in a direction of a longitudinal movement of the support arm from a first position inside a structure to a second position outside the structure, and further wherein the basketball backboard, is deployed to an upright position subsequent to the basketball backboard and hoop assembly being moved outside the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Inventor: Delbert Clarke Pile
  • Patent number: 7374503
    Abstract: When a rod extending out of the bottom of a hollow rigid plastic trunk encasing a collapsible basketball backboard is pushed up, the backboard comes out of the top of the trunk and opens and a rim rotates 90 degrees to an “up” position perpendicular to the trunk. A pulley system inside the trunk, one end of which is connected to the push rod, controls rotation of a hinge attached to a rim, the hinge sitting in an opening in the top of the trunk. When the rod is pulled, the planar segments of the backboard fold to a point one behind the other and go downward to fit into the trunk and the hoop moves to a “down” position. In open position the backboard segments fan out. The rod has a V-shaped attachment piece connecting the top of the rod to the common bottom border of the backboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Hewitt Mullins
  • Patent number: 7357738
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Russell Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald White, Thomas Strunsee, Anthony Grinwald
  • Patent number: 7351168
    Abstract: This device is an all-in-one sports combination, which will allow an individual to play soccer, hockey, rollerblade driveway hockey, lacrosse, football, baseball, and basketball, as well as practice kicking a football. The frame structure will allow different height adjustments for a portion of the device so that the height of the device may be adjusted as deemed appropriate by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Inventor: Brian E. Pannell
  • Patent number: 7331882
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Russell Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald White
  • Patent number: 7288034
    Abstract: A basketball goal support structure includes a support base and a pneumatic cylinder coupled to the support base. A pneumatically operated rod is extendably disposed insure the pneumatic cylinder. The rod is adapted to couple a basketball goal assembly to the end of the rod. The structure includes means for controllably applying pneumatic pressure to the interior of the cylinder to lift the rod out the cylinder, and means for self-propelling the base to a selected location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Inventors: Danny Woodard, D. Eugene Manning
  • Patent number: 7247105
    Abstract: A reconfigurable multi-sport, game apparatus is disclosed. The reconfigurable multi-sport, game apparatus includes multiple, separate target portions and a ball return portion. The multi-sport, game apparatus a basketball basket, a first target portion configured to receive a first sports implement thrown by a user, and a second target portion configured to receive a second sports implement propelled along the supporting surface by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt J. Huntsberger