With Height Adjustment Feature Patents (Class 473/483)
  • Publication number: 20030171171
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: Dennis M. Fair
  • Patent number: 6554243
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Huffy Corporation
    Inventors: Mark E. Davis, Ronald A. White, Keith Kristiansen, Michael Ballone, Gary Grossman
  • Patent number: 6537162
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Porter Athletic Equipment Company
    Inventor: Edward A. Schroeder
  • Publication number: 20020187864
    Abstract: An adjustable height miniature basketball backboard assembly is described having an a-symmetric backboard with a plurality of threaded apertures, a basket mounted thereto via single face-plate. A first and second biased support structures are used in combination with a series of coupling brackets to secure the backboard assembly on the supports at selective heights within a door frame or similar area. A plurality of thumb fasteners are used to quickly secure and deploy the assembly as a light-weight and transparent assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventor: R. Gary Griswold
  • Patent number: 6488599
    Abstract: The present invention relates to quick-release locking mechanisms for adjustable basketball goal systems and methods for using the same to adjust the height of a basketball goal above a playing surface. An adjustable basketball goal system may include basketball goal connected to a rigid support via a deformable goal support structure. A second arm may be coupled to the rigid support. A first arm may be coupled to the deformable goal support structure and may slidably engage the second arm. According to one embodiment, locking plates may selectively bind the second arm with respect to the first to selectively lock relative motion of the arms to maintain the basketball goal at a desired height. According to an alternative embodiment, an engagement grip maybe attached to the first arm, and may contain multiple locking members configured to pivot to simultaneously engage openings formed in the second arm to prevent movement of a first arm relative to the second arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventor: S. Curtis Nye
  • Publication number: 20020165049
    Abstract: A portable basketball apparatus comprising a hoop, backboard and pole having a base unit. The base unit comprises a movable platform having two or more wheels on the rear portion and one or more swivel casters on the front portion, a pair of leveling mounts with vibration and slide control pads located in proximity of the front portion and means to position a plurality of weight discs on the platform. The number of discs is selected by the user based on the weight and overhang of the backboard and force of the players.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventor: Bemanali H. Dadbeh
  • Publication number: 20020107093
    Abstract: An adjustable structure for altering the position of a device such as a basketball goal. The adjustable structure includes a pivoting frame mounted to a support. The positionally adjustable device is mounted to the frame for movement therewith. Incorporated into the frame is a spring-biased jack member for controlling the position of the frame and facilitates movement of the frame over a range of positions. The jack includes inner and outer telescoping tubes secured at their outer ends to the frame. A spring disposed within the tubes biases the tubes toward an expanded position. A lock plate mounted to the outer tube selectively lockingly engages the inner tube to retain the jack and frame in the desired position. The lock plate includes a cup for depressing the lock plate and releasing the inner tube for adjustment of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventor: Michael J. Roll
  • Patent number: 6427963
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Huffy Corporation
    Inventors: Mark E. Davis, Ronald A. White, Craig Saunders, Rene Polin, Keith Kristiansen, Michael Ballone, Gary Grossman
  • Patent number: 6422957
    Abstract: A basketball goal assembly having a quick-release, self-adjusting adjustable latch mechanism for adjusting the height of a basketball goal above a playing surface is disclosed. The basketball goal assembly includes a deformable goal support structure pivotally attached at a first end of a support pole. An extension arm includes a first end pivotally connected to the goal support structure and a second opposing end having a locking tab attached thereto for selective engagement with a plurality of slots associated with the support pole. An adjustment mechanism disposed in relation to the extension arm selectively deforms the goal support structure, thereby adjusting the height of the basketball goal in relation to the playing surface. A biasing member is operably disposed in relation to the goal support structure to assist in controlling adjustment in the height of the basketball goal assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Winter, S. Curtis Nye
  • Publication number: 20020094890
    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 an electrically powered elevating assembly coupled to one of the upper and lower arm and the support member for adjusting and securing the basketball backboard at a selected height. The elevating assembly is actuated by a user operated switch and upon actuation, causes the deformable parallelogram to be deformed, thereby adjusting the height of the basketball backboard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventors: Ron White, Ron Matteucci, Jeff Breitzman
  • Patent number: 6419598
    Abstract: An adjustable basketball goal system allowing for adjustment of the height of a basketball goal above a playing surface. The basketball goal system including a rigid support pole having a first end, a second opposing end, and an intermediate body portion disposed between the first and second ends. A first parallelogrammic structure configured to pivotally engage the first end of the rigid support. A basketball goal attached to the first parallelogrammic structure. The first deformable parallelogrammic structure may be deformed into a plurality of configurations resulting in an adjustment to the height of the basketball goal above the playing surface corresponding to each configuration. A second parallelogrammic structure, which may also be deformed into a plurality of configurations, includes a first end pivotally connected to the first parallelogrammic structure and a second opposing end configured to pivotally engage the rigid support pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Winter, Edward G. van Nimwegen, Coplan E. Vaughan
  • Patent number: 6419597
    Abstract: The invention relates to a compression crank adjustment mechanism for a basketball goal assembly that allows for adjustment of the height of a basketball goal into a plurality of configurations above a playing surface. The basketball goal assembly includes a deformable goal support structure having a first end pivotally attached to a rigid support pole. A basketball goal is preferably attached at a second opposing end of the goal support structure. An extension arm may be connected between the goal support structure and a first adjustment member preferably positioned along the back side of the support pole. A second adjustment member may be connected to the support pole and configured for threaded engagement with the first adjustment member. Preferably, the first and second adjustment members are operably disposed in compression relative to each other under the forces acting on the basketball goal assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward G. van Nimwegen, David C. Winter
  • Patent number: 6412746
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Huffy Corporation
    Inventors: Mark E. Davis, Ronald A. White, Craig Saunders, Rene Polin, Keith Kristiansen, Michael Ballone, Gary Grossman
  • Patent number: 6412747
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Huffy Corporation
    Inventors: Mark E. Davis, Ronald A. White, Craig Saunders, Rene Polin, Keith Kristiansen, Michael Ballone, Gary Grossman
  • Patent number: 6405990
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Huffy Corporation
    Inventors: Mark E. Davis, Ronald A. White, Craig Saunders, Rene Polin, Keith Kristiansen, Michael Ballone, Gary Grossman
  • Patent number: 6402644
    Abstract: A novel constant force adjustment assembly for a basketball goal assembly is disclosed. The basketball goal assembly includes a deformable goal support structure attached at a first end to a support pole. A basketball goal is preferably attached at a second end of the goal support structure. An extension arm is operably connected between the goal support structure and a handle member operable by a user to adjust the height of the basketball goal. The constant force adjustment assembly includes one or more resilient members attached to the deformable goal support structure to counterbalance the weight of the basketball goal. The resilient members maybe attached to a cam fixture rigidly mounted, pivotally attached, or otherwise connected to the deformable goal support structure. The cam fixture varies the moment arm of the restorative force of each resilient member so that as the restorative force of the resilient member increases, the length of the moment arm of that force decreases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl R. Stanford, Charles Monsen
  • Patent number: 6368240
    Abstract: A basketball backboard mounting system includes a stationary member that provides support for a basketball backboard assembly. The mounting system combines a support system including a plurality of hollow members and an actuator system for easily adjusting the support system. The support system includes a stationary member mounted perpendicularly with respect to a floor. The actuator system includes a plurality of adjustable brackets which attach to a basketball backboard, an adjustable structural member which is in slidable contact with the stationary member, and a drive mechanism which easily adjusts the height from the floor of the basketball backboard assembly. The adjustable structural member is telescoping and provides enough support to a basketball backboard to eliminate potentially damaging torsional forces on the basketball backboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Aalco Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Christopher M. Pohrer
  • Patent number: 6344005
    Abstract: A basketball hoop. The basketball hoop includes a hoop, a connecting board provided with holes on lateral sides thereof, a securing deck, a pivot, at least one torsional spring, and one end of the hoop extends outwards and is coupled into the connecting board. A connector includes a pair of fixing poles, a pair of symmetrical combined pedestals each attached to a respective one of the fixing poles, and a hole is provided on each side of the combined pedestals. The holes of the connecting board correspond to the holes of the combined pedestals, such that the pivot passes through the holes of the connecting board, the one or more torsional springs and the holes of the combined pedestals. The connector further includes a pair of symmetrical long plates with a fixture on an end of each of the long plates, and the long plates and the fixing poles are spaced apart from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Inventor: Che Jen Lin
  • Publication number: 20020004431
    Abstract: The present invention relates to quick-release locking mechanisms for adjustable basketball goal systems and methods for using the same to adjust the height of a basketball goal above a playing surface. An adjustable basketball goal system may include basketball goal connected to a rigid support via a deformable goal support structure. A second arm may be coupled to the rigid support. A first arm may be coupled to the deformable goal support structure and may slidably engage the second arm. According to one embodiment, locking plates may selectively bind the second arm with respect to the first to selectively lock relative motion of the arms to maintain the basketball goal at a desired height. According to an alternative embodiment, an engagement grip may be attached to the first arm, and may contain multiple locking members configured to pivot to simultaneously engage openings formed in the second arm to prevent movement of a first arm relative to the second arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Inventor: S. Curtis Nye
  • Patent number: 6302811
    Abstract: A height adjustable basketball goal system has a backboard with a hoop attached. A hollow vertical support member has brackets proximate its upper end. An upper and a lower support each having a pair of support arms attached at one end to the backboard and at the other ends to the brackets in a prism-like shape. A fulcrum is attached to the vertical support, and a lever arm is attached at one end to one of the upper and lower supports. A linear actuator is disposed within the hollow vertical support member and is pivotally linked to the lever arm. The linear actuator moves the end of the lever arm and in doing so deforms the parallelogram structure to effect arcuate movement of the backboard and hoop thus changing the height of the backboard and hoop relative to a playing surface. The linear actuator is connected to a rack and pinion or jack screw operable by the user to urge the linear actuator and in turn the lever arm to move the backboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventor: Michael Topham
  • Patent number: 6299556
    Abstract: Sports training apparatus has a substantially vertical base and a hoop-carrying member adapted to be attached to the base in a pre-selected position. The hoop-carrying member has attached at least one mounting bracket and hoop assembly of a mounting bracket supporting a hoop. The base can have a backboard attached also, with the backboard including at least one ball-support bracket adapted to receive and/or retain a ball, and the backboard is spaced from the base in a direction opposite the hoop. The hoop-carrying member can be adapted to be attached to the base in a plurality of pre-selected vertical positions, and the top portion of the base can have an angular portion carrying at least one hoop, in which the angular portion carries a hoop adapted to be located in a plurality of positions along its path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Paul Redden
  • Patent number: 6273834
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a basketball goal assembly having a quick-release, self-adjusting adjustable latch mechanism for adjusting the height of a basketball goal above a playing surface. The basketball goal assembly includes a deformable goal support structure pivotally attached at a first end of a support pole. An extension arm includes a first end pivotally connected to the goal support structure and a second opposing end having a locking tab attached thereto for selective engagement with a plurality of slots formed in relation to the support pole. An adjustment mechanism disposed in relation to the extension arm allows the position of an anchor point to be adjusted. The adjustment of the position of the anchor point selectively deforms the goal support structure, thereby adjusting the height of the basketball goal in relation to the playing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventor: David C. Winter
  • Patent number: 6155938
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a push button height adjustment mechanism for a basketball goal assembly for adjusting the height of a basketball goal above a playing surface. The basketball goal assembly includes a deformable goal support structure interposed between a rigid support member and a basketball goal. A first end of an extension arm pivotally connects to an extension that protrudes from the back side of the goal support structure. A second end of the extension arm is pivotally connected to the support member. An adjustment mechanism disposed in relation to the extension arm allows the length of the extension arm to be adjusted. The adjustment of the length of the extension arm selectively deforms the goal support structure, thereby adjusting the height of the basketball goal in relation to the playing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Barry D. Mower
  • Patent number: 6142891
    Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable basketball goal system for adjusting the height of a basketball goal above a playing surface. The basketball goal includes a deformable parallelogrammic structure attached at one end to a rigid support. A basketball goal is attached to the other end of the parallelogrammic structure. A locking rod is also attached to the rigid support. An extension arm positioned between the parallelogrammic structure and a housing which is slidably engaged with the locking arm. The housing is configured with a pair of plates kept at non-perpendicular angles to the locking rod by a biasing spring. In this configuration, the locking plates bind with the locking rod and prevent movement of the housing relative to the locking rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Winter, Edward van Nimwegen
  • Patent number: 6135901
    Abstract: A novel compression crank adjustment mechanism for a basketball goal assembly is disclosed in one presently preferred embodiment which facilitates an adjustment in the height of a basketball goal above a playing surface. The basketball goal assembly includes a deformable goal support structure attached at a first end to a rigid support pole. A basketball goal is preferably attached at a second opposing end of the goal support structure. An extension arm is operably connected between the goal support structure and a first adjustment member positioned along the back side of the support pole. A second adjustment member is connected to the support pole and configured for threaded engagement with the first adjustment member. The first and second adjustment members are operably disposed in compression relative to each other under the force acting on the basketball goal assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward G. van Nimwegen
  • Patent number: 6120396
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a quick-release locking mechanism for adjustable basketball goal system and methods for using the same which facilitates an adjustment in the height of a basketball goal above a playing surface. The adjustable basketball goal system includes a deformable goal support structure attached at one end to a rigid support. A basketball goal is preferably attached at the other end of the goal support structure. A locking rod is also attached to the rigid support. An extension arm is positioned between the goal support structure and a housing which movably engages the locking rod. The housing is configured with one or more locking plates kept at non-perpendicular angles to the locking rod by a biasing spring. In this configuration, the locking plates selectively bind the locking rod and prevent movement of the extension arm relative to the locking rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward G. Van Nimwegen, David C. Winter
  • Patent number: 6113506
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Inventor: Gary Kenneth Nielsen
  • Patent number: 6077177
    Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable basketball goal system for adjusting the height of a basketball goal above a playing surface. The basketball goal includes a deformable parallelogrammic structure attached at one end to a rigid support. A basketball goal is attached to the other end of the parallelogrammic structure. A locking rod is also attached to the rigid support. An extension arm positioned between the parallelogrammic structure and a housing which is slidably engaged with the locking arm. The housing is configured with a pair of plates kept at non-perpendicular angles to the locking rod by a biasing spring. In this configuration, the locking plates bind with the locking rod and prevent movement of the housing relative to the locking rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Winter, Edward van Nimwegen
  • Patent number: 6056654
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Porter Athletic Equipment Company
    Inventor: Edward A. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 5984811
    Abstract: An adjustable basketball standard includes a mast, a backboard and rim, a support arm for holding the backboard and rim, and a clamp assembly for attaching the support arm to the mast. The clamp assembly is configured to slide along the backboard to enable the user to move the backboard and rim to a desired height. Unlike many of the prior art configurations, the adjustable basketball standard does not move the backboard and rim horizontally with respect to the boundaries of the playing surface. Additionally, the adjustable basketball standard is easy to use and provides a greater variation of heights at which the backboard may be placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventor: Bryce Taylor
  • Patent number: 5947849
    Abstract: A positionable basketball backboard by which a basketball hoop may be positioned at predetermined, selected heights for playing the game. The unit includes standards which are mounted to a stationary support and slidable units received into the now stationary unit with guide means between the movable and stationary members which insures the non-racking movement of the shiftable backboard section. The guides include both bearings for simple sliding movement between the two units as well as axial or longitudinal guides. Both of the guiding elements serve to prevent racking during movement. The unit also includes positive stops to limit travel between the movable and stationary sections of the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventor: Linden Ellenbaum
  • Patent number: 5947848
    Abstract: A basketball-stand comprising: a base; at least one support system carried by the base; a beam carried by the at least one support system, the beam is attached to a back-board and basketball-rim, the beam--and thereby the stand--being capable of moving between a storage position and a playing position; and gravity operated mechanism acting upon a point connected to the at least one support system and accumulating potential energy when the stand is lowered to the storage position, wherein the accumulated potential energy is released when the stand is raised to the playing position. Preferably, said gravity operated mechanism is at least one weight adjustably suspended from at least one suspension rod, the end of one weight comprising the point connected to the at least one support system, the at least one suspension rod extending substantially horizontally in its position stand, and vertically in its position corresponding to the playing position of the basketball-stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Schelde International B.V.
    Inventor: Peter Marinus Koole
  • Patent number: 5879247
    Abstract: An adjustable basketball goal system for adjusting the height of a basketball goal above a playing surface is disclosed. The basketball goal includes a deformable parallelogrammic structure attached at one end to a rigid support. A basketball goal is attached to the other end of the parallelogrammic structure. An adjustment lever is pivotally mounted to the rigid support below the parallelogrammic structure. An extension arm is positioned between the parallelogrammic structure and the adjustment lever such that movement of the adjustment lever deforms the parallelogrammic structure which repositions the basketball goal to a different height above the playing surface. A lockable piston assembly is attached to the rigid support and to the adjustment lever. The piston assembly includes a switch which locks the piston assembly preventing the parallelogrammic structure from deforming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Winter, Richard C. Nordgran, Coplan E. Vaughan
  • Patent number: 5823898
    Abstract: A basketball backboard and boxing training apparatus including a base, a column, adjusting stem, first and second reeds and a boxing bag. The column has adjusting holes on opposite walls thereof. The first reed is inserted into a lower portion of the adjusting stem and any pair of the adjustment holes when the stem is fitted into the column. The backboard includes a ring and a suspension bolt disposed therein, and a mounting plate disposed at its bottom end. The suspension bolt can be driven into the backboard and is concealed when the apparatus is used as a basketball backboard. The second reed is inserted into and upper portion of the stem. Bolts are used to join the mounting plate of the backboard to the upper portion of the stem so that the apparatus can be used as a basketball backboard. The backboard can be turned to a horizontal position and the boxing bag can be suspended therefrom to make the apparatus usable as a boxing training apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Inventor: Lian-Cheng Wang
  • Patent number: 5800295
    Abstract: A basketball apparatus includes a base and a vertically reciprocating mechanism on the base. A hoop support is connected to the mechanism, such that motion of the mechanism causes motion of the hoop support. Also, a basketball hoop is attached to the hoop support, and an actuator pad is in communication with the mechanism such that the pad, when stepped on by a person driving to the hoop, activates the mechanism to thereby lower the hoop and facilitate a dunk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventor: John Mark Rogitz
  • Patent number: 5800294
    Abstract: A portable basketball goal assembly mounted on the hitch of a vehicle is readily disassembled, packaged and stored in or on the vehicle for transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventor: Charles A. Naecker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5800296
    Abstract: An adjustment assembly for adjusting the height of a backboard which includes an assembly to which the backboard is mounted, a rear assembly mounted to a pole or mast, with the rear assembly being stationary and the front assembly being slidably moved with respect thereto by way of a screw positioned therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Jaypro Sports, Inc.
    Inventor: Dan Shaw
  • Patent number: 5772167
    Abstract: A basketball-stand, comprising a base which carries at least one support system which in turn carries a beam provided with means for attachment of a back-board and dunk ring. The beam comprises two parts--a first part carried by the support system and a second part which carries the means for attachment of a back-board and dunk ring--said first and second parts being movable one with respect to the other such that the effective beam length is adjustable.Preferably the second beam part is slidable with respect to the first beam part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Schelde International B.V.
    Inventor: Peter Marinus Koole
  • Patent number: 5722902
    Abstract: A metal mounting frame (10) has a pair of parallel frame portions (20, 22) connected to each other to support a basketball backboard (12). Each frame portion (20, 22) includes a lower upwardly facing channel-shaped base member (24), a downwardly facing channel-shaped upright member (26), and an adjustable diagonal bracing member (28) extending between members (24) and (26). In a flat collapsed position, upwardly facing channel-shaped base members (24) are received within downwardly facing channel-shaped upright members (26) and diagonal bracing members (28) are received in the space between the channel-shaped base members (24) and channel-shaped upright members (26). For erection of the mounting frame (10) from the flat collapsed position, upright members (26) are unfolded from base members (24) and the lower free ends of diagonal bracing members 28 are then secured to the extending free ends of base members (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Inventor: Donovan G. Dupree
  • Patent number: 5695417
    Abstract: An adjustable basketball goal system for adjusting the height of a basketball goal above a playing surface is disclosed. The basketball goal includes a deformable parallelogrammic structure attached at one end to a rigid support. A basketball goal is attached to the other end of the parallelogrammic structure. An adjustment lever is pivotally mounted to the rigid support below the parallelogrammic structure. An extension arm is positioned between the parallelogrammic structure and the adjustment lever such that movement of the adjustment lever deforms the parallelogrammic structure which repositions the basketball goal to a different height above the playing surface. A lockable piston assembly is attached to the rigid support and to the adjustment lever. The piston assembly includes a switch which locks the piston assembly preventing the parallelogrammic structure from deforming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Inventors: David C. Winter, Richard C. Nordgran, Coplan E. Vaughan
  • Patent number: 5672130
    Abstract: A basketball system having has a ballasted base, an adjustable support system comprising two pole sections, a backboard, a hoop structure, and a net. They include an upper pole section and a lower pole section, and may be operated either telescopically or non-telescopically. The base has a first socket that receives the lower pole section, and a second socket is sized to receive the upper pole section when the system is operated in the non-telescoping mode. The hoop structure is provided with a neck flange for attaching the hoop structure to a recess in the upper telescoping pole section. The net is attached to the hoop structure by a net retention hoop on which the net is threadedly engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Fisher-Price, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy P. O'Connell, Mark A. Strayer
  • Patent number: 5632480
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Huffy Corporation
    Inventors: Mark E. Davis, Ronald A. White
  • Patent number: 5601284
    Abstract: An adjustable basketball goal generally includes a movable support, telescoped within a vertically mounted fixed support, and a hydraulic, water-powered drive mechanism for enabling the raising or lowering of a basketball rim connected to the upper end of the movable support. The drive mechanism includes a dual-compartment water piston and is powered by a conventional garden hose using ordinary household water pressure. With appropriate adjustments made to the water piston, the drive mechanism may be alternatively operable by pneumatic pressure as well as hydraulic pressure. A valve is included for enabling manual control of the drive mechanism. The adjustable basketball goal may also include a rotatable coupling between the movable and fixed supports such that the basketball rim may be rotated 360 degrees about an axis defined by the vertically mounted supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Inventors: Scott Blackwell, James Cahill