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

Abstract: A basketball rim assembly for use with a basketball system is disclosed. Desirably, the basketball rim assembly is movable between a collapsed position and a use or playing position. The basketball rim assembly may include a rim, an upper back plate connected to the rim, a brace connected to the rim, and a lower back plate connected to the brace. The lower back plate is preferably positioned proximate the upper back plate when the basketball rim assembly is in the collapsed position and the lower back plate is spaced apart from the upper back plate when the basketball assembly is in the use position. The basketball rim assembly may also include a connecting member that connects the upper back plate to the rim and a mounting plate that is sized and configured to be connected to the upper back plate and the lower back plate.

Abstract: The portable basketball system allows a basketball goal to be positioned in a desired location and readily moved to another location. The portable basketball system may include a basketball goal, a pole or support structure that supports the basketball goal above a playing surface, and a base that maintains the support structure in a generally upward direction. The portable basketball system may also include an adjustment assembly that is capable of being moved between a first position in which the portable basketball system is held in a generally fixed position relative to the playing surface and a second position in which the portable basketball system is readily movable relative to the playing surface. The adjustment assembly may include a bracket, an arm, a link pivotally connecting the arm to the bracket, and a wheel assembly connected to the bracket.

Abstract: A basketball backboard and hoop apparatus, including a basketball backboard and hoop assembly, a support arm for supporting the basketball backboard and hoop assembly, and a support element, wherein the support element provides support for the support arm. The support arm is longitudinally moved along the support element, and the basketball backboard and hoop assembly is moved in a direction of a longitudinal movement of the support arm along a horizontal plane or a nearly horizontal plane from a first position inside a structure to a second position outside the structure. The basketball backboard and hoop assembly is moved to an in-use position.

Abstract: The inflatable basketball structure includes an inflatable basketball backboard, an inflatable basketball rim, a basketball net, an inflatable supporting pole, and an inflatable safety enclosure. The inflatable basketball structure on a trampoline allows height challenged users the opportunity to slam-dunk and otherwise fulfill athletic basketball fantasies in a safe environment.

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.

Abstract: A support assembly cooperative with a vehicular trailer hitch for allowing the temporary erection of sports equipment such as a basketball post, backboard and net, or supports for volleyball or badminton, the support assembly comprising a T-shaped tubular support member having a horizontal member and a vertical member, the horizontal member having a tubular cross section cooperative with the internal diameter of a tubular trailer hitch for the slidable engagement thereof and the vertical tubular member being of a cross section and length sufficient enough to support a basketball backboard and net at a regulation height, in one embodiment, the vertical member being hinged at its mid section so as to allow transport of the assembly without having to remove it from the trailer hitch, and in another embodiment, the vertical member being telescopic and having a crank and pulley mechanism associated therewith in which the support assembly is transported in a non-telescopic mode and then raised to the regulation hei

Abstract: The present invention provides an educational basketball game device, comprising a backboard which houses cheer lights outlining perimeter, a score display, a target, a hoop, and a sensor, an extendable pole which is made of two parts an upper part and a lower part, and a progress display made of several portions which illuminate game progress, and a baseboard which houses speakers, an extendable foul line and wheels. Also, the present invention provides a method for educating a game of basketball with an educational basketball game device. The educational method incorporates playing of recordings that cheer the player to make a shot, encourage the player to aim at target, motivate to keep practicing and getting the ball in the hoop. In addition, the educational method uses cheer lights to acknowledge success. Additionally, a visual display showing a cheering crowd of fans will light up when a goal is achieved.

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.

Abstract: A molded frame backboard assembly is disclosed including a unitary molded plastic frame and rebounding surface bonded thereto. The frame preferably is formed as one piece of plastic material having sufficient strength and rigidity to support the rebound surface and may include an internal reinforcing structure integrally molded therewith. The rebounding surface preferably is an acrylic sheet bonded at its edges to the peripheral edge of the frame. The peripheral edge of the frame is raised to support the rebounding surface such that, when attached, the rebounding surface sits flush with the peripheral edge of the frame so that the edges of the rebounding surface are not left exposed. The rebounding surface is bonded to the frame by flame treating or corona treating portions of the frame and applying an adhesive bonding material such as silicon thereto to secure the rebounding surface to the frame. A cavity is formed between the rebounding surface and the frame within the interior portion of the frame.

Abstract: A protective apparatus for covering bolts and gussets of a mounting base of an in-ground anchoring system for a basketball goal post includes a shell formed of a resiliently deformable material. The shell includes a top wall defining a post opening configured to receive the goal post therethrough and at least one side wall integral with the top wall. The top wall and side walls define a cavity for enclosing the protruding features of the mounting base when the post is received in the opening of the top wall. An access opening is provided through which the goal post is maneuvered into the post opening. The access opening can be in the form of a slot or a closeable slit in the shell. In certain embodiments, a retention element is provided that attaches to the bolts of the mounting base to hold the protective apparatus in position.

Abstract: The inflatable basketball structure includes an inflatable basketball backboard, an inflatable basketball rim, a basketball net, an inflatable supporting pole, and an inflatable safety enclosure. The inflatable basketball structure on a trampoline allows height challenged users the opportunity to slam-dunk and otherwise fulfill athletic basketball fantasies in a safe environment.

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.

Abstract: An adjustable basketball goal system wherein a basketball goal is mounted to a moveable sleeve slidable a post. A ring is attached to the sleeve and connected to a cable. The cable runs through a pulley at the top of the post, then back through the ring and down to a winch. The winch functions to draw in cable thereby raising the sleeve and the attached goal, to release cable and thereby lower the goal, and to hold the cable in position and thereby fix the position of the goal.

Abstract: The apparatus has a stanchion (10) including a plurality of telescopic members (12, 112, 14, 114, 16) provided with lines of spaced securing holes (22, 12, 1122) extending along the length thereof. A ball target device (20, 120) is detachably and adjustably mounted on the stanchion (10). Telescopic leg assemblies (18, 54, 56) are mounted on thc stanchion (10) intermediate the ends thereof.

Abstract: A protective apparatus for covering bolts and gussets of a mounting base of an in-ground anchoring system for a basketball goal post includes a shell formed of a resiliently deformable material. The shell includes a top wall defining a post opening configured to receive the goal post therethrough and at least one side wall integral with the top wall. The top wall and side walls define a cavity for enclosing the protruding features of the mounting base when the post is received in the opening of the top wall. An access opening is provided through which the goal post is maneuvered into the post opening. The access opening can be in the form of a slot or a closeable slit in the shell. In certain embodiments, a retention element is provided that attaches to the bolts of the mounting base to hold the protective apparatus in position.

Abstract: Heatball is a new field game, and board game. Heatball was created to be played, on foot, on skates, and wheelchairs. Heatball has two court designs, a round court, with one basket in the center, and an oval court with two baskets in different areas of the court. Heatball courts may have various dimensions. and surfaces, such as concrete, ice, or wood. Players follow specific rules using a ball, baskets, ramps, and court symbols, with the objective of scoring points. Courts may have elevated areas throughout the court, and may have, an elevated wall with a rail, along the outer edge of the court. The field game is played by two teams with four participants each, or three teams with three participants each. One team will play offense, this team will have possession of the ball, and will try to score by placing the ball through the basket, defensive teams will try to prevent scoring by preventing, and blocking shots.

Abstract: A portable and adjustable basketball hoop apparatus includes a backboard with a hoop connected to a front thereof. An elongate clamping arm is pivotally coupled to a back of the backboard for pivoting between clamped and released configurations. A rear support member of the clamping arm and the back of the backboard are capable of sandwiching an upstanding structure therebetween in the clamped configuration. A lower end of the clamping arm may be releasably coupled to the upstanding structure with a ratcheted strap assembly whereby to secure the backboard thereto in the clamped configuration. The clamping arm may be released from the upstanding structure in the released configuration whereby to adjust the backboard longitudinally along the upstanding structure.

Abstract: A portable basketball practice system or apparatus and method are shown having a plurality of pads situated on a plurality of adjustable arms that provide a toggle assembly, respectively. A position of the pads can be adjusted relative to a box-out area and can be engaged by a player during a basketball practice or training session. After a pad is engaged and driven away from the box-out area, the other pad is driven toward the box-out area. The player experiences a predetermined amount of resistance in order to simulate “boxing out” during a rebound drill. The apparatus and method may be provided separately or integrally with a basketball backboard and hoop. The apparatus and method may also include or be used with a rebounder so that the player can simulate “boxing out” before, during or after capturing a rebound.

Abstract: A basketball goal system that is capable of being assembled without tools is disclosed. The basketball goal system may include a support member, a rim, a bracket, a brace and a backboard. A support pin is sized and configured to be inserted through a first set of openings in the support member, a first set of openings in the bracket and a first set of openings in the brace to connect the bracket and brace to the support member. The backboard is attached to the support member by inserting at least a portion of the first support pin into the first groove in the backboard and inserting at least a portion of the brace into a brace groove. The basketball goal system may also include a second set of openings in the support member, a second set of openings in the bracket, and a second set of openings in the brace. A second support pin is sized and configured to be inserted through the second set of openings in the support member, bracket and brace to connect the bracket and brace to the support member.

Abstract: A basketball backboard and hoop apparatus and method including a basketball backboard and hoop assembly, a support arm for supporting the basketball backboard and hoop assembly, and a support element, wherein the support element provides support for the support arm, wherein the basketball backboard and hoop assembly is longitudinally moved along a horizontal plane or along any angle within 45 degrees of or about a horizontal plane from a first position inside a structure to a second position outside the structure, and further wherein the basketball backboard and hoop assembly is moved to an in-use position.

Abstract: A basketball practicing and collecting device includes a base, a first tube, a lift tube, a second tube, a third tube, a lower support rack, a backboard, a reduction motor, a drive roller, a driven roller, a frame tube, two opposite pulley members, two opposite slide seats, a pull handle, and a pull cord. Thus, the frame tube can be turned horizontally, while the ball inlet opening and the collection channel are moved and directed toward the same direction, so that the basketball falling into the elastic net from the ball inlet opening can be collected and introduced outward through the collection channel, thereby facilitating the user practicing the free throw in a determined direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for playing two games, one at a time, in a swimming pool. The apparatus comprises a floating support having first and second portions, a first game target disposed in the first portion and a second game target disposed in the second portion, wherein the support may be disposed first portion up or first portion down, and is shaped and arranged to float stably in either orientation, so that of the first or second games my be played accordingly.

Abstract: A Basketball backboard and hoop apparatus, including a basketball backboard and hoop assembly having a foldable backboard, a support structure having a rotatable member and a support arm attached to the rotatable member which supports the assembly. A rotation of the rotatable member rotates the assembly along a horizontal plane from a non-use position through an aperture to an in-use position. The backboard is folded as the assembly moves through the aperture. Basketball backboard and hoop apparatus, including a basketball backboard and hoop assembly, a support arm for supporting the assembly and a guiding device. The support arm is moved along the guiding device and the assembly is longitudinally moved along a horizontal plane or along any angle within 45 degrees about a horizontal plane from a first position inside a structure to a second position outside the structure. The assembly is moved to an in-use position.

Abstract: A team trampoline game includes an elongate rectangular enclosure having parallel side walls, a first end wall and a second end wall. A first team goal is positioned on the first end wall which is adapted to permit a game projectile to pass through. A second team goal is positioned on the second end wall which is adapted to permit the game projectile to pass through. A first team offensive trampoline is spaced from the second team goal. A second team defensive trampoline is positioned between the first team offensive trampoline and the second team goal. A second team offensive trampoline is spaced from the first team goal. A first team defensive trampoline is positioned between the second team offensive trampoline and the first team goal. Protective barriers are positioned between the trampolines to prevent collisions between players.

Abstract: A foldable structure is a singular structure that includes first and second flexible, foldable panels that are pivotally connected to each other along adjacent edge portions. One or more support panels pivotally connects to one of the flexible, foldable panels and removably connects to the other flexible foldable panel. When in an unfolded position, the foldable structure may comprise any of a variety of structures such as, for example, soccer goals, sports goals, basketball hoops, tents, etc. The flexible, foldable panels comprise flexible, foldable, continuous members covered by fabric covers that are sewn together to form the pivotal connections.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sports toy with multiple instructional modalities which combine auditory, visual, and kinesthetic stimulation to teach and reinforce language skills. In one embodiment, a sports toy comprises a goal defining an aperture and a switch associated with the goal for indicating that a goal has been scored. A memory is operatively associated with the switch. A voice synthesizer is operatively associated with the memory and a speaker is in turn operatively associated with the voice synthesizer. Code stored in the memory causes sounds associated with language to sound from the speaker after the switch is activated. The sounds associated with the language include letter names, letter sounds, words, or phonics. The sports toy may also comprise an electronic visual display operatively associated with the memory for displaying stored images, such as letters or words, after the switch is activated.

Abstract: A basketball goals system providing a high degree of portability is disclosed. The goal system has a pole, a base member, and an adjustable wheel assembly. The adjustable wheel assembly is attached to the base member and transitions a set of wheels in contact or out of contact with the playing surface. The wheels of the adjustable wheel assembly are placed in contact with the playing surface by pivoting a cam on the axle of the wheels. The cam pushes upward on a portion of the base member, such that the base member is supported on the wheels. Once the base member is supported on the wheels, it may be easily transported to the desired location. The cam may be operated by an adjustment member that is coupled to the cam, such as a lever.

Abstract: A basketball backboard and hoop apparatus, including a basketball backboard and hoop assembly, and a support structure, wherein the support structure further includes a rotatable member, and a support arm, wherein the support arm supports the basketball backboard and hoop assembly, and further wherein the support arm is attached to the rotatable member, wherein a rotation of the rotatable member rotates the basketball backboard and hoop assembly along a horizontal plane from a non-use position to an in-use position.

Abstract: A basketball rebound trainer for mounting in a basketball hoop has a body having a flexible surface and having filler material therein and an upper portion forming a basketball striking surface and a lower portion sized to fit into a basketball hoop and extending therebelow and a flanged support portion located between said upper body portion and the lower body portion and being sized to fit onto the basketball hoop to support the body. The body upper portion flexible surface has a plurality of generally rigid basketball striking surfaces mounted thereto through the flexible surface to a backing plate thereunder. The striking surfaces are generally wedged shaped and a plurality of the surfaces have an angle of approximately 30° to the horizontal plane of the hoop. The body flexible surface may include an inflatable bladder thereinside.

Abstract: A foldable basketball frame assembly includes a backboard having four flanges extending from four sides of the backboard and a cover is connected to the bottom flange of the backboard. A ring is connected to the top flange. A first transverse bar is connected to the flange on the lower end of the backboard and two two-way connection members are respectively connected to two ends of the first transverse bar. Two foldable siderails are respectively connected the two two-way connection members and a three-way connection member is connected to a distal end of each siderail. A second transverse bar is connected between the two three-way connection members. Two legs are respectively connected to the three-way connection members. All the parts of the assembly can be folded and received in a bag formed by connecting the cover to the flanges on four sides of the backboard.

Abstract: A rollable sports ballast base for supporting a sports apparatus support member comprising a base member having a top and bottom surface. The bottom surface contacts a support surface such as a driveway or other playing surface. There is at least one wheel assembly, retractable from a lowered position to a raised position. The wheel assembly includes a pivoting connector coupled to the base member and a wheel bracket coupled to the pivoting connector. The wheel bracket includes an axle, at least one wheel, and a handle extending outwardly from the wheel bracket. The handle is used to pivotally rotate the wheel assembly about a transverse axis. When the handle is rotated away from the base member, the wheel assembly is placed in a lowered position whereby the wheel contacts the support surface thus separating the bottom surface of the base member from the support surface.

Abstract: An adjustable structure wherein the rim is mounted directly to a center bracket and a slide through or under the backboard. A support bracket having vertical and horizontal walls with apertures in each wall to receive fasteners to mount the adjustable structure to single or dual, horizontal or vertical support struts and systems.

Abstract: A basketball backboard and hoop apparatus including a basketball backboard and hoop assembly, and a support structure, wherein the support structure further comprises a rotatable member, and a support arm, wherein the support arm supports the basketball backboard and hoop assembly, and further wherein the support arm is attached to the rotatable member, wherein a rotation of the rotatable member rotates the basketball backboard and hoop assembly along a horizontal plane or along a plane having an angle of inclination about a horizontal plane from a non-use position to an in-use position.

Abstract: A training device includes a platform mounted on a wheel assembly. The platform has a rail for a support mechanism mounted thereon. On this support mechanism at least one training implement can be mounted and be supported therearound for use by an athlete in contacting the training device. In the platform is a control device for the wheel assembly, in order to adjust movement of the training device with respect to the type of training desired.

Abstract: A molded frame backboard assembly is disclosed including a unitary molded plastic frame and rebounding surface bonded thereto. The frame preferably is formed as one piece of plastic material having sufficient strength and rigidity to support the rebound surface and may include an internal reinforcing structure integrally molded therewith. The rebounding surface preferably is an acrylic sheet bonded at its edges to the peripheral edge of the frame. The peripheral edge of the frame is raised to support the rebounding surface such that, when attached, the rebounding surface sits flush with the peripheral edge of the frame so that the edges of the rebounding surface are not left exposed. The rebounding surface is bonded to the frame by flame treating or corona treating portions of the frame and applying an adhesive bonding material such as silicon thereto to secure the rebounding surface to the frame. A cavity is formed between the rebounding surface and the frame within the interior portion of the frame.

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 disengage 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.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a backboard, a rim on the backboard and a net extending from the rim are provided for a child shooting a basketball. A first sensor on the backboard produces a first signal when the basketball hits the backboard. A second sensor disposed relative to the rim produces a second signal when the basketball hits the rim. A third sensor disposed relative to the net produces a third signal when the basketball passes through the net. The first, second and third sensors may respectively include first, second and third switches which respectively close when the basketball hits the backboard, when the basketball hits the rim and when the basketball passes through the net and which respectively cause the first, second and third signals to be produced when they close. The first, second and third signals may be processed as by a microprocessor to provide an indication of the path of movement of the basketball relative to the backboard, the rim and the net.

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

Abstract: A rollable sports ballast base for supporting a sports apparatus support member comprising a base member having a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface contacts a support surface such as a driveway or other playing surface. There is at least one wheel assembly, retractable from a lower position to a raised position. The wheel assembly includes a pivoting connector coupled to the base member and a wheel bracket coupled to the pivoting connector. The wheel bracket includes an axle, at least one wheel, and a handle extending outwardly from the wheel bracket. The handle is used to pivotally rotate the wheel assembly about a transverse axis. When the handle is rotated away from the base member, the wheel assembly is placed in a lowered position whereby the wheel contacts the support surface thus separating the bottom surface of the base member from the support surface.

Abstract: A rollable sports ballast base for supporting a sports apparatus support member comprising a base member having a top and bottom surface. The bottom surface contacts a support surface such as a driveway or other playing surface. There is at least one wheel assembly, retractable from a lowered position to a raised position. The wheel assembly includes a pivoting connector coupled to the base member and a wheel bracket coupled to the pivoting connector. The wheel bracket includes an axle, at least one wheel, and a handle extending outwardly from the wheel bracket. The handle is used to pivotally rotate the wheel assembly about a transverse axis. When the handle is rotated away from the base member, the wheel assembly is placed in a lowered position whereby the wheel contacts the support surface thus separating the bottom surface of the base member from the support surface.

Abstract: A rollable sports ballast base for supporting a sports apparatus support member comprising a base member having a top and bottom surface. The bottom surface contacts a support surface such as a driveway or other playing surface. There is at least one wheel assembly, retractable from a lowered position to a raised position. The wheel assembly includes a pivoting connector coupled to the base member and a wheel bracket coupled to the pivoting connector. The wheel bracket includes an axle, at least one wheel, and a handle extending outwardly from the wheel bracket. The handle is used to pivotally rotate the wheel assembly about a transverse axis. When the handle is rotated away from the base member, the wheel assembly is placed in a lowered position whereby the wheel contacts support surface thus separating the bottom surface of the base member from the support surface.

Abstract: A rollable sports ballast base for supporting a sports apparatus support member comprising a base member having a top and bottom surface. The bottom surface contacts a support surface such as a driveway or other playing surface. There is at least one wheel assembly, retractable from a lowered position to a raised position. The wheel assembly includes a pivoting connector coupled to the base member and a wheel bracket coupled to the pivoting connector. The wheel bracket includes an axle, at least one wheel, and a handle extending outwardly from the wheel bracket. The handle is used to pivotally rotate the wheel assembly about a transverse axis. When the handle is rotated away from the base member, the wheel assembly is placed in a lowered position whereby the wheel contacts the support surface thus separating the bottom surface of the base member from the support surface.

Abstract: A foldable basketball frame assembly includes a backboard having four flanges extending from four sides of the backboard and a cover is connected to the bottom flange of the backboard. A ring is connected to the top flange. A first transverse bar is connected to the flange on the lower end of the backboard and two two-way connection members are respectively connected to two ends of the first transverse bar. Two foldable siderails are respectively connected the two two-way connection members and a three-way connection member is connected to a distal end of each siderail. A second transverse bar is connected between the two three-way connection members. Two legs are respectively connected to the three-way connection members. All the parts of the assembly can be folded and received in a bag formed by connecting the cover to the flanges on four sides of the backboard.

Abstract: A basketball score-keeping apparatus (10) for detecting and tracking shooting statistics of a player shooting a basketball (12) at a basketball goal (14) that detects a first location at which the basketball (12) crosses a generally horizontal detection plane (26) as it ascends and a second location at which the basketball (12) crosses the detection plane (26) as it descends. The apparatus (10) also tracks the shooting statistics of the player. The apparatus (10) may also include a display (30). The apparatus (10) may be coupled to other similar apparatuses to allow competition between players. Vibration (38) and verification (40) sensors may be part of the apparatus (10) in order to provide additional features.

Abstract: A self contained lighting apparatus releasably supported by a conventional translucent basketball backboard. The lighting apparatus includes a translucent front panel and a back panel defining an interior chamber. A reflective surface is disposed within the interior chamber and a plurality of substantially uniformly distributed light sources are supported proximate the reflective surface. The light generated from a plurality of light sources reflects off the reflective surface and is directed toward the front panel. The front panel preferably diffuses the light which then passes to the translucent backboard panel for providing a substantially uniform illumination of the backboard and adjacent rim.

Abstract: A basketball return net assembly is attachable to a basketball hoop support having a post extending upwardly from the ground and carrying a basketball hoop adjacent an upper end thereof. The return net assembly includes a flexible foldable return net and an elongated rigid net-carrying member extending along the upper end of the net to enable the net to be supported in a latterly-extending configuration. The upper end of the net and the net-carrying member can be suspended from an upper portion of the hoop support behind the hoop, and an attachment bracket is connected to opposite lower corner portions of the net and is adjustably securable to the post to enable the bracket to be adjusted relative thereto.

Abstract: A training apparatus has a primary frame structure including a pair of base members, first and second vertical post assemblies each including a lower vertical post member attachable to a respective base member and an upper vertical post member telescopically received within the lower vertical post members and selectively positionable relative thereto to adjust a height of a top end of the upper vertical post member, and a horizontal cross beam assembly including a pair of elongate cross beam members. The top ends of the upper vertical post members are provided with receptacles for receipt of outboard ends of the cross beam members so that the horizontal cross beam assembly spans between the spaced apart vertical post assemblies at a selected, adjusted height above the floor.

Abstract: A portable basketball hoop assembly includes a post having at least one hinge connecting two portions thereof together to enable the post to be in an elongated operative position or a folded transportable position, a backboard and hoop carried by the post at one end thereof, and an attachment member adjacent the other end of the post to enable the post to be detachably secured to a support.

Abstract: A pivoting breakaway basketball hoop reduces player injury and prevents damage to the hoop by deflecting in multiple directions. The basketball hoop includes a rim which is supported on a rim support member by a joint such as flexible coupling or universal joint. The joint allows the rim to deflect in multiple directions and returns the rim to its original position. The basketball hoop also may include a counter balance and/or a stop which help to return the rim to its original position.