Abstract: A basketball backboard and hoop apparatus and method of use thereof, including a basketball backboard and hoop assembly, a mounting device for mounting the apparatus to an interior of a structure, a support device rotatably connected to the mounting device and connected to the basketball backboard and hoop assembly. The basketball backboard and hoop assembly is rotatable from a first position, whereat the basketball backboard and hoop assembly is stored inside the structure, to a second position, whereat the basketball backboard and hoop assembly is deployed for use outside the structure. A method for utilizing basketball backboard and hoop assembly, including rotating a basketball backboard and hoop assembly from a stored position inside a structure through an aperture, and deploying the basketball backboard and hoop assembly for use outside of the structure.

Abstract: A basketball goal sounding apparatus, comprises an elastic cord, a trigger, conducting wires, a switch of power supply and a audio device properly connected to each other. The trigger comprises a hollow insulating tube, a metal spring placed in the hollow insulating tube and two metal plates with conductive contact fixed to the ends of the metal spring respectively. Each end of the elastic cord is extended to the respective end of hollow insulating tube and fixed to the respective plate. One end of the conducting wires is fixed to the inner wall of the hollow insulating tube, the other end of the wires is connected to the switch of power supply and the audio device. The present invention is simple in structure and easy to be implemented, and is helpful for the judgement of whether a shot is made, and for increasing the friendly atmosphere of the game.

Abstract: An adjustable basketball apparatus having a basketball backboard, a support member or pole, and upper arm and a lower arm connecting the basketball backboard to the support member which, together with the backboard and support member, form a deformable parallelogram. There is a connecting rod disposed between one of the upper and lower arm and a locking device for holding the basketball backboard at a selected height. An inner bracket extends along the length of the connecting rod for preventing disengagement of the locking device. The connecting rod terminates in a first handle and the inner bracket terminates in a second handle such that when the first handle and the second handle are compressed, the locking device releases allowing the deformable parallelogram to be deformed, thereby adjusting the height of the basketball backboard.

Abstract: A practice device comprising a plurality of striking targets arranged about a frame in an overall configuration which approximates the shape of an opponent. The targets are individually articulated to the frame, so that each individual target reacts independently in response to a strike. The targets are each in communication with a common force sensor, through a load transfer shaft movable relative to the frame and bearing on a force sensor such as a load cell, which provides feedback to the athlete regarding the force of each strike.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided that have a single panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering selected portions of the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, the fabric assuming the unfolded orientation of the frame member. The single panel can further include an amusement feature provided thereon, or can be used as a cover for an object, a pool, pond, box, case or shelter, or can be used as a base with an opening provided in the fabric through which an object can be inserted. The single panels can even be combined to form structures having different configurations and utility.

Abstract: A lightweight poolside basketball goal that easily mounts to the side of an in-ground swimming pool. The poolside basketball goal will attach to a standard size volleyball or basketball sleeve in the pool deck. The poolside basketball goal can also be used with a weighted ballast, instead of with a sleeve. The basketball goal easily attaches to the side of a pool, utilizing the underside of the pool deck overhang, in such a manner that the basketball bounces off of the goal as if it were a conventional basketball goal.

Abstract: A basketball return net assembly attachable to a basketball hoop support behind a basketball hoop carried thereby has a flexible foldable return net having an upper end with an upper sleeve portion extending therealong, an elongated rigid net-carrying member removably insertable into the upper sleeve portion to enable the net to be suspended in a laterally-extended configuration from the net-carrying member, and at least one attachment member for securing the net-carrying member to an upper portion of the hoop support behind the hoop. The net also has a lower end portion for receiving ballast to retain the lower end of the net in a laterally extended configuration at a selected location on the ground.

Abstract: The ballast system for a portable basketball system is composed of dual ballast fillable tanks, which together form the base for supporting the pole, backboard and goal. The dual tank system includes a primary tank and a secondary tank cooperatively configured such that the secondary tank may be disposed in one position for compact shipping/storage and in another position to ensure stability during play. In particular, the secondary tank is centrally disposed within the dimensions of the primary tank during shipping. During play, the secondary tank is repositioned in a manner that elongates the primary tank to increase the footprint of the portable basketball system and concentrate the ballast of the secondary tank at the rear of the base.

Abstract: A system and method for playing a game in three dimensions. The system includes a three-dimensional playing field at least partially surrounded by a volume-defining surface, and an air mover operatively connected to the playing field to produce a stream of air within the playing field. A goal may be formed within the playing field so that an object may be moved relative to the goal. An air control system may control the stream of air within the playing field, so that the stream of air within the playing field has a volume flow rate that may be varied substantially by the air control system within at least one selected area of the playing field. A sensor may be provided for sensing the location of an object within the playing field. Goggles may be provided for wearing by a player, the goggles including a display device interconnected to a computer processor to display an image controlled by the processor. The method may use the described system to play a game while suspended in a stream of air.

Abstract: A portable collapsible backboard and goal assembly for a pickup truck. The assembly has a base means mounted in the bed or back of the pickup truck, a rotatable first support member attached to the base means, a rotatable second support means attached to the first support member, and a rotatable backboard and goal means attached to the second support member. The two support members and backboard and goal means are all rotatable relative to the base means and can be collapsed into a flat, compact package in the pickup truck for storage and/or transport. A first bracing means is used to hold the first and second support members in their upright, assembled positions. A second bracing means is used to hold the backboard and goal means at the desired position for use.

Abstract: A portable basketball goal support system having a base, a ballast tank, and an arm for supporting a basketball goal support pole can be assembled in a compact configuration for shipping or storage and an expanded configuration for use. The support pole is mounted at a rear portion of the base and angled forward in the expanded configuration. In the expanded configuration, the ballast tank extends at least partially behind the support pole, while in the compact configuration, the ballast tank may be nested within portion of the base, thereby occupying less space. The support pole may be formed with a generally "pear"-shaped cross section defined by large and small curved portions connected by relatively straight sections, such that the large curved portion readily adapts to existing mounting hardware. One or more of the base, ballast tank, and support arm may be formed from plastic with a printed graphics sheet integrally molded therewith.

Abstract: The ballast system for a portable basketball system is composed of dual ballast fillable tanks, which together form the base for supporting the pole, backboard and goal. The dual tank system includes a primary tank and a secondary tank cooperatively configured such that the secondary tank may be disposed in one position for compact shipping/storage and in another position to ensure stability during play. In particular, the secondary tank is centrally disposed within the dimensions of the primary tank during shipping. During play, the secondary tank is repositioned in a manner that elongates the primary tank to increase the footprint of the portable basketball system and concentrate the ballast of the secondary tank at the rear of the base.

Abstract: A portable basketball goal support system having a base, a ballast tank, and an arm for supporting a basketball goal support pole can be assembled in a compact configuration for shipping or storage and an expanded configuration for use. The support pole is mounted at a rear portion of the base and angled forward in the expanded configuration. In the expanded configuration, the ballast tank extends at least partially behind the support pole, while in the compact configuration, the ballast tank may be nested within portion of the base, thereby occupying less space. The support pole may be formed with a generally "pear"-shaped cross section defined by large and small curved portions connected by relatively straight sections, such that the large curved portion readily adapts to existing mounting hardware. One or more of the base, ballast tank, and support arm may be formed from plastic with a printed graphics sheet integrally molded therewith.

Abstract: An illuminated basketball goal comprises a first light source carried by the perimeter of the backboard and a second light source positioned within a recess formed in the perimeter of the rim. The target square, located on the front face of the backboard is made of an electroluminescent material or a fluorescent compound which glows upon activation of the first and second light source. The net depending from the rim is made of a reflective material. The first and second light source are made of a luminous material, providing an even, indirect source of illumination. Also advanced is a basketball having a luminous coating placed within the ribs recessed below the surface of the ball. Alternatively, the ball can be formed with clear tubing which accepts a charge of a chemiluminescent fluid.

Abstract: A basketball game area for recreation consisting of multiple zones, each having at least one hoop and backboard combination, multiple shooting indicators, and obstacles which can be free standing, and/or affixed to the hoop or backboard. The location of the obstacle in relation to the indicator changes the trajectory required to shoot the ball into the hoop. The placement of each indicator increases the difficulty in placing the ball through the hoop. The game rules provide the order of proceeding through the courts and proceeding through the sequential shooting indicators within each of the courts. The first player proceeds to the first courts, attempting to shoot the ball through the hoop, avoiding the obstacle, scoring points for placing the ball through the hoop. The players continue shooting one at a time until all players have taken a shot at the first basket from each of the indicators and then continue to proceed through the courts.

Abstract: A portable basketball goal assembly that includes a rim attached to a backboard bracket. The backboard bracket is attached to a basketball backboard. The rim is pivotal in a direction towards the basketball backboard. The backboard is attached to one end of a shaft that contains foldable elements. The other end of the shaft is pivotally attached to the rear end of a base. A shaft support element has one end pivotally attached to the front end of the base. The other end of the shaft support element is removably attached to the shaft. The shaft and the shaft support element can be folded towards the base to allow storage and portability of the basketball goal. The base includes one or more wheels along its front edge allowing for transportability of the folded assembly. The basketball goal assembly can be stored in either a horizontal position parallel to the ground, or a vertical position perpendicular to the ground.

Abstract: A basketball goal assembly (10) includes a base (11), a pole assembly (12) carried by the base (11), a rim assembly (14) pivotally carried by the pole assembly (12) and a backboard (13) carried by the pole assembly (12). The pole assembly (12) has a front face (21) having a recess (27) therein. A lug (36) on the rim assembly (14) is received in the recess (27) to hold the rim assembly (14) in a useable condition. Upon a downward force on the rim assembly (14), the rim assembly (14) breaks away from the pole assembly (12) as the lug (36) comes out of the recess (27). A yoke (59) extends between the base (11) and the pole assembly (12) to assist in supporting the pole assembly (12). However, the yoke (59) may be removed from the pole assembly (12) and the base (11) and positioned in a compartment (64) formed in the base (11). The pole assembly (12) may then be rotated to be generally flat with the base (11) and to be positioned over the yoke (59).

Abstract: A combination of sports game apparatus including a plurality of U-blocks, a plurality of triangle blocks, a plurality of elongated tubes, a plurality of L-bars, a plurality of angle connectors, and a plurality of coupling tubes, and adapted to be alternatively arranged into a framework for a net assembly for badminton or tennis, a framework for a goal for soccer or hockey, or a framework for a back stop for basketball.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a round ball rebounding game played on a circular court consisting of a spherical structure supported by a single pole and having a plurality of goals placed at equidistant intervals about the maximum horizontal diameter of the sphere and parallel to the playing surface. The apparatus further comprising a plurality of discharge tubes inserted into the bottom of the sphere, said number of tubes corresponding to the number of goals. Openings are further cut into the sphere relative to the position of each goal such that a net attached to the bottom of each goal can direct a round ball into the interior of the sphere with the ball eventually departing the bottom of the sphere through one of the discharge tubes which then deposit the ball at the base of the structure along the playing surface.

Abstract: A lighted basketball goal encompassing a lighted flexible member situated about the perimeter of the basketball rim. This lighted flexible member is situated at a predetermined position so as not to interfere with the basketball, and so as not to be jarred or damaged by said basketball. The power supply coupling to the flexible lighting element is further characterized by a quick connect mechanism. A method for lighting an existing basketball goal comprising the installation of a flexible lighted member about the perimeter of a basketball rim at a predetermined position as not to interfere with the basketball, or be jarred or damaged by said basketball.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are disclosed having a central panel, a first support panel disengageably connected to the left side of the central panel, and a second support panel disengageably connected to the right side of the central panel. Each of the central panel and support panels includes a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric material substantially covering the frame member.

Abstract: A recreational device which is designed for shooting baskets with a selected game ball includes a support structure consisting of a telescoping support column, four support arms which are assembled into the support column, an adapter for fixing the orientation of the support arms, and a base for positioning and stabilizing the support column relative to the ground. In addition to the support structure the recreational device includes a basket which is positioned at an elevated level and which includes an annular hoop and a net connected to the hoop in a conventional fashion. The four support arms are attached to the annular hoop for support. A manually operated adjustment ring is provided for changing the length of the support column and thereby enabling the user to set the desired height for the basket. The recreational device provides all the features of a basketball goal without the use of a backboard.

Abstract: The present invention provides a barrier apparatus for operation with a standing basketball goal pole, backboard and hoop. The barrier apparatus comprises a large net attached to a horizontal pole that is connected to a vertical basketball goal pole. The barrier net hangs from the horizontal pole and is staked to the ground. The system intercepts missed balls that are directed at the backboard or hoop and returns them to the playing court.

Abstract: A basketball goal is movable from a position wherein ball may be played to an out-of-play position wherein the ball may not be played. A locking mechanism, operable from the ground, maintains the goal in either the play or out-of-play positions.

Abstract: A basketball game area for recreation consisting of multiple zones, each having at least one hoop and backboard combination, multiple shooting indicators, and obstacles which can be free standing, and/or affixed to the hoop or backboard. The location of the obstacle in relation to the indicator changes the trajectory required to shoot the ball into the hoop. The placement of each indicator increases the difficulty in placing the ball through the hoop. The game rules provide the order of proceeding through the courts and proceeding through the sequential shooting indicators within each of the courts. The first player proceeds to the first courts, attempting to shoot the ball through the hoop, avoiding the obstacle, scoring points for placing the ball through the hoop. The players continue shooting one at a time until all players have taken a shot at the first basket from each of the indicators and then continue to proceed through the courts.

Abstract: An illuminated basketball goal comprises a first light source carried by the perimeter of the backboard and a second light source positioned within a recess formed in the perimeter of the rim. The target square, located on the front face of the backboard is made of a fluorescent compound which glows upon activation of the first and second light source. The net depending from the rim is made of a reflective material. The first and second light source are made of a luminous material, providing an even, indirect source of illumination. Also advanced is a basketball having a luminous coating placed within the ribs recessed below the surface of the ball. Alternatively, the ball can be formed with clear tubing which accepts a charge of a chemiluminescent fluid.

Abstract: An electronic basketball training apparatus that instructs a player to move to a sequence of zones and allows the player a limited amount of time to make a basket in each zone. The apparatus computes results and statistics which can be printed out or viewed from a computer screen. The invention can have the computer automatically communicate or allow a coach to communicate the next zone to the player. The invention uses a switch sensor in the basketball net to sense when a basket is made, laser beam sensors on the floor to locate the position of the player, a controller, memory, software, a visual display terminal, a printer, and a speaker to perform the training routine.

Abstract: A basketball goal support including a base, a ballast tank and an adjustable pole. The ballast tank is formed as a hollow structure for receiving a fluid such as water to provide ballasting weight to the base. The ballast tank is removably attached to the base to facilitate filling and emptying of the ballast tank as well as transportation of the base. The pole includes upper and lower tubes and an elastomeric ring extending around the upper tube. The elastomeric ring may be positioned at a substantially infinite number of locations along the upper tube to thereby define the position of the upper tube relative to the lower tube.

Abstract: A basket ball goal protector having two portions, one which is placed on top of the goal and the second is placed on the bottom. The two portions are hinged together so the basketball rim and goal can be enclosed between the two portions. Hooks are provided on the underside of the first portion so the net can be secured and will not get in the way as the two portions are secured to the goal. A lock is also provided so the protector can be secured and, can be removed only by authorized personnel. In addition, a seal is provided which will completely seal the goal from the elements.

Abstract: A cover for use on a basketball goal system. The cover includes a face plate which is configured with a channel for receiving the tip of a force-applying implement and is further configured to extend generally over the goal mounting mechanism of the goal such that the face plate provides a protective shield over the goal mounting mechanism when mounted to a goal. The face plate includes a pair of holes through which rim braces may extend when the cover is attached to a basketball goal for use in mounting the cover to the goal.