Having Parallelogram Linkage Patents (Class 473/484)
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Patent number: 12146334Abstract: A convertible carrying case and securement system for a post comprising a case comprising of at least five contiguous panels that form a substantially hexahedral volume, a retractable pull handle on one end of said case, at least one pair of wheels on the distal end of said case at the opposite end of said retractable pull handle, said case having a plurality of straps and/or handles attached to at least one of the outside panel surfaces, wherein said five panels include the case floor, two case side panels, a wheel-side panel closest to said pair of wheels, and a panel parallel to said wheel-side panel but connecting the opposite edges of said side panels, a post comprising at least a base post or stump, wherein one end of the said base post or stump is within said case during the post's deployment.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2022Date of Patent: November 19, 2024Inventor: Diana Banjo
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Patent number: 11065525Abstract: A Functional Training System (FTS) is provided and includes a system container, wherein the system container includes a container front, a container rear, a container first side, a container second side, a container bottom, and a container top, wherein the container front, container rear, container first side, container second side, container bottom, and container top define a container cavity. The FTS further includes an exercise structure, wherein the exercise structure includes a platform connector, wherein the platform connector is non-perpendicularly and securely associated with at least one of the container front, container rear, container first side, container second side, container bottom, and container top, and wherein when the exercise structure is securely associated with at least one of the container front, container rear, container first side, container second side, container bottom, and container top, the exercise structure is supported by the system container.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2019Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: WESTERN SHELTER SYSTEMSInventors: Michael Scala, Joseph Thomas, Timothy Riley, Ryan Scott Fox
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Patent number: 11045704Abstract: An adjustable wall mount assembly for a basketball goal is provided. The adjustable wall mount assembly may include a frame, a pair of supports, an actuator, a pair of actuator brackets, and a support bracket. The pair of support brackets may each be rotatably coupled to a respective side member of the frame and adapted to be rotatably coupled to a backboard. The pair of actuator brackets may be rotatably coupled to the frame and the actuator. The support bracket may be adapted to be rotatably coupled to the backboard of the basketball goal, rotatably coupled to the frame, and rotatably coupled to the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2017Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignee: MEGA SLAM HOOPS, LLCInventor: Jon C. Givens
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Patent number: 9675859Abstract: In one example, a basketball system a goal attached to a backboard assembly. A connecting structure connects the backboard assembly to a support structure. A height adjustment mechanism includes a handle assembly that is directly connected to the support structure, and the handle assembly is operable to change a height of the goal and backboard assembly. As well, a shock absorbing element is provided that includes a first portion directly connected to the handle assembly, and the shock absorbing element has a second portion directly connected to the support structure of the basketball system, and the shock absorbing element enables temporary displacement of the goal and the backboard in response to imposition of a load or force on the goal. Finally, a structure is provided that is directly connected to the handle assembly and directly connected to the connecting structure.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2015Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: LIFETIME PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Danny Green, S. Curtis Nye
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Patent number: 8992350Abstract: In one example, a basketball system includes a backboard to which a goal is configured to be attached, a support structure, a connecting structure configured to connect the backboard to the support structure, a lockable height adjustment mechanism operably disposed with respect to the backboard, and a means for absorbing shock. When the height adjustment mechanism is locked, the means for absorbing shock enables temporary displacement of the backboard in response to imposition of a load or force on the backboard if the imposed load or force exceeds a threshold load or force, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2012Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.Inventors: Danny Green, S. Curtis Nye
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Patent number: 8708844Abstract: A basketball system may include a support structure that is sized and configured to support a basketball goal above a playing surface. The basketball system may also include a connecting structure that interconnects the basketball goal and the support structure. For example, the connecting structure may include a first pair of arms with one end connected to the basketball goal and another end connected to the support structure. The connecting structure may also include a second pair of arms with one end connected to the basketball goal and a rim assembly, and the other end connected to the support structure. The connecting structure may further include a third pair of arms with a first end connected to the rim assembly and a second end connected to the support structure. The third pair of arms is preferably disposed between the first pair of arms and the second pair of arms.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2007Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.Inventors: S. Curtis Nye, L. Curtis Strong
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Patent number: 8523715Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present system deal with a basketball goal assembly which adjustably supports a backboard assembly and a rim assembly to enable players to play the game of basketball. In certain preferred aspects, the rim assembly is connected directly to the support arrangement so that force applied to the rim assembly is transmitted directly to the support assembly and is not transferred to the backboard assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2013Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Indian Industries, Inc.Inventor: Philip Elpers
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Publication number: 20130172132Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present system deal with a basketball goal assembly which adjustably supports a backboard assembly and a rim assembly to enable players to play the game of basketball. In certain preferred aspects, the rim assembly is connected directly to the support arrangement so that force applied to the rim assembly is transmitted directly to the support assembly and is not transferred to the backboard assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2013Publication date: July 4, 2013Applicant: Indian Industries - PatentsInventor: Indian Industries - Patents
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Patent number: 8398509Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present system deal with a basketball goal assembly which adjustably supports a backboard assembly and a rim assembly to enable players to play the game of basketball. In certain preferred aspects, the rim assembly is connected directly to the support arrangement so that force applied to the rim assembly is transmitted directly to the support assembly and is not transferred to the backboard assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2012Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Indian Industries, Inc.Inventor: Philip Elpers
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Patent number: 8348788Abstract: In one example, a basketball system includes a basketball goal, a support structure, a connecting structure connecting the basketball goal and the support structure, and a height adjustment mechanism connected to the support structure and the connecting structure. The height adjustment mechanism includes: a biasing mechanism connected at least indirectly to the connecting structure and including a locking pin movable between a first position where the biasing mechanism is locked and a second position where the biasing mechanism is unlocked; and, a handle including an outer surface configured such that rotation of the handle results in a corresponding linear movement of the locking pin as the outer surface slidingly engages the locking pin. The height adjustment mechanism is configured such that a single movement of the handle is sufficient to effect both unlocking of the biasing mechanism and adjustment of a height of the basketball goal.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2011Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.Inventors: S. Curtis Nye, Brent Steed
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Publication number: 20130005514Abstract: In one example, a basketball system includes a backboard to which a goal is configured to be attached, a support structure, a connecting structure configured to connect the backboard to the support structure, a lockable height adjustment mechanism operably disposed with respect to the backboard, and a means for absorbing shock. When the height adjustment mechanism is locked, the means for absorbing shock enables temporary displacement of the backboard in response to imposition of a load or force on the backboard if the imposed load or force exceeds a threshold load or force, respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2012Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: LIFETIME PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Danny Green, S. Curtis Nye
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Publication number: 20120220397Abstract: In one example, a basketball system includes a base, a post connected at least indirectly to the base, a backboard, a backboard support structure connected at least indirectly to the backboard, a biasing mechanism connected at least indirectly to the backboard support structure, and an adjustment mechanism connected at least indirectly to the backboard support structure, the post, and the biasing mechanism, wherein the biasing mechanism is configured to bias the adjustment mechanism toward a fully extended state.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2012Publication date: August 30, 2012Applicant: LIFETIME PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Robert A. Astle, Joel Bennett
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Patent number: 8206247Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present system deal with a basketball goal assembly which adjustably supports a backboard assembly and a rim assembly to enable players to play the game of basketball. In certain preferred aspects, the rim assembly is connected directly to the support arrangement so that force applied to the rim assembly is transmitted directly to the support assembly and is not transferred to the backboard assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2010Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Indian Industries, Inc.Inventor: Philip Elpers
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Patent number: 8074950Abstract: A wall affixed vertically articulated flat panel display mount having a first frame assembly secured to a wall and a second frame assembly operatively connected to the back of a flat panel display. Two pairs of horizontally spaced parallel links extend between the first and second frame assemblies and have respective ends pivotally connected thereto. A pair of pneumatic springs and a linear actuator are connected between the first and second frame assemblies. Knob clamps are provided for holding the mount in a desired position.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2008Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Inventor: David Michael Clary
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Patent number: 8062152Abstract: A basketball system may include a basketball goal with a backboard and a rim. The basketball system may also include a support structure that is sized and configured to support the basketball goal above a playing surface. In addition, the basketball system may include a height adjustment mechanism that allows the height of the basketball goal to be adjusted. The height adjustment mechanism may include a locked position in which the height of the basketball goal may be set in a fixed position and an unlocked position in which the height of the basketball goal may be adjustable. The upward movement of a handle may unlock the height adjustment mechanism and adjust the height of the basketball system, and the downwardly movement of the handle may also unlock the height adjustment mechanism and adjust the height of the basketball system.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2008Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.Inventors: S. Curtis Nye, Brent Steed
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Publication number: 20110207562Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present system deal with a basketball goal assembly which adjustably supports a backboard assembly and a rim assembly to enable players to play the game of basketball. In certain preferred aspects, the rim assembly is connected directly to the support arrangement so that force applied to the rim assembly is transmitted directly to the support assembly and is not transferred to the backboard assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2010Publication date: August 25, 2011Inventor: Philip Elpers
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Publication number: 20090069130Abstract: A basketball system may include a basketball goal with a backboard and a rim. The basketball system may also include a support structure that is sized and configured to support the basketball goal above a playing surface. In addition, the basketball system may include a height adjustment mechanism that allows the height of the basketball goal to be adjusted. The height adjustment mechanism may include a locked position in which the height of the basketball goal may be set in a fixed position and an unlocked position in which the height of the basketball goal may be adjustable. The upward movement of a handle may unlock the height adjustment mechanism and adjust the height of the basketball system, and the downwardly movement of the handle may also unlock the height adjustment mechanism and adjust the height of the basketball system.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2008Publication date: March 12, 2009Inventors: S. Curtis Nye, Brent Steed
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Patent number: 7393293Abstract: Certain preferred embodiments of the present invention provide an improved adjustment system and method for raising and lowering a basketball backboard and goal using a telescoping assembly such as an extension and retraction cylinder. In some preferred embodiments, an actuator assembly is mounted to a midpoint of a lever arm and situated such that the extension or retraction of the actuator assembly causes a mechanically advantaged travel in the height adjustment structure for the goal assembly. As a preferred feature, the present invention provides a greater height adjustment distance in the backboard assembly for a reduced number of cranks compared to a direct connection between an actuator incorporated in or directly attached to an adjustment arm.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2005Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: SOP Services, Inc.Inventors: Mike Guerzini, James R. Allshouse
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Patent number: 7290744Abstract: A breakaway basketball goal system is provided for absorbing shocks during playing conditions. In embodiments of the invention, the basketball goal system includes a base, a neck movably coupled to the base, a backboard attached to a distal end of the neck, and a shock-absorbing mechanism that permits a neck, backboard and rim to move downward to absorb severe shocks, and that may automatically return them to their playing position. The shock-absorbing mechanism can include a housing disposed on a rearward side of a mounting post, a shock absorber, a guide attached to a movable end of the shock absorber, and a cable connecting the guide to the neck. In embodiments of the invention, the backboard extends a horizontal distance from the base to provide a safe playing area.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2004Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Inventor: Alan D. Baldasari
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Patent number: 7097574Abstract: A basketball goal system may include a backboard, an elongated support that positions the backboard above a playing surface, a backboard support assembly that connects the backboard to the elongated support, and a goal support assembly with a rim and a support member. Preferably the support member is attached to the backboard support assembly behind a plane that is generally aligned with the front surface of the backboard. In addition, the basketball goal system may include a resistance mechanism to create a breakaway type basketball rim. The resistance mechanism is also preferably positioned behind a plane that is generally aligned with the front surface of the backboard. Advantageously, the basketball goal system may be part of a portable basketball system and/or a basketball system in which the height of the backboard and rim is adjustable relative to the playing surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2003Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.Inventors: S. Curtis Nye, Robert A. Astle, Christopher A. Parada, Kathleen W. Bingham, legal representative, David C. Winter, Kevin Bingham, deceased
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Patent number: 7048655Abstract: A basketball goal system may include a rim assembly that forms part of a breakaway rim that can deflect downwardly when a force larger than a predetermined amount is applied to the rim. The basketball goal system may include a support pole, a support structure including a pair of upper arms and a pair of lower arms, a backboard support frame including a pair of elongated members, and a backboard. The elongated members of the backboard support frame are preferably connected to one of the upper support arms and one of the lower support arms of the support structure, and these upper and lower support arms are preferably connected to the support pole. The basketball goal system may also include a backboard connected to the backboard support frame and a rim assembly including a pair of support arms. The support arms of the rim assembly are preferably connected to the elongated members of the backboard support frame.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2004Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.Inventors: S. Curtis Nye, Carl R. Stanford
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Patent number: 6991568Abstract: A basketball frame structure includes a backboard, two fixing plates, a base, two first upright rods, two second upright rods, two first links, an adjusting bar, two second links, and a plurality of hollow weights. Thus, the height of the backboard is changed by movement of the adjusting bar, thereby facilitating a user adjusting the height of the backboard. In addition, when the adjusting bar is moved, the positioning bolt is slidable in the slideway of the adjusting bar and detachably locked in either one of the retaining slots of the adjusting bar, so that the height of the backboard is changed in a multi-stage manner so as to fit requirements of different users.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2004Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Acas Design Co., Ltd.Inventor: Feng-Yi Tien
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Patent number: 6932725Abstract: A deformable basketball goal support structure configured to selectively engage a rigid upright member and allow for adjustment of the height of a basketball goal above a playing surface. The basketball goal support structure has a backboard and an attachment member configured to selectively connect the goal support structure to the upright member. At least one support arm pivotally attaches between the attachment member and the backboard. Preferably, a pair of first support arms and a pair of second support arms pivotally attach between the attachment member and the backboard. The backboard includes a support frame having an internal periphery sufficient for receiving at least a portion of the attachment member and the support arms.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2003Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Assignee: Lifetime Products,Inventor: Charles Monsen
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Patent number: 6699146Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 15, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.Inventors: David C. Winter, Edward G. van Nimwegen, Coplan E. Vaughan
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Patent number: 6645095Abstract: The present invention relates to a basketball goal assembly with a basketball goal supported over a playing surface by a deformable goal support structure connected to a support pole. The deformable goal support structure may be connected to an adjustment collar configured to selectively slide over a series of holes arrayed along a portion of the length of the support pole. The adjustment collar may have a handle and a trigger, through which a user can retract an extension within the collar from a hole. The user can then slide the adjustment collar along the support pole until the extension is aligned over the desired hole and release the trigger, so that the adjustment collar locks in place, thereby locking the basketball goal at the desired height. The adjustment collar may be connected to the goal support structure by an adjustment arm pivotally attached to the goal support structure and the adjustment collar. The adjustment arm may be retained by the trigger, or by a housing of the adjustment collar.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2002Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.Inventors: S. Curtis Nye, David C. Winter
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Patent number: 6422957Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 14, 2001Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.Inventors: David C. Winter, S. Curtis Nye
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Patent number: 6419598Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 6, 2000Date of Patent: July 16, 2002Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.Inventors: David C. Winter, Edward G. van Nimwegen, Coplan E. Vaughan
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Patent number: 6419597Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 23, 2000Date of Patent: July 16, 2002Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.Inventors: Edward G. van Nimwegen, David C. Winter
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Patent number: 6402644Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 23, 2001Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.Inventors: Carl R. Stanford, Charles Monsen
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Patent number: 6302811Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 15, 1999Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Inventor: Michael Topham
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Publication number: 20010024984Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2001Publication date: September 27, 2001Inventors: Carl R. Stanford, Charles Monsen
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Patent number: 6283878Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1999Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Assignee: Huffy CorporationInventor: Ronald A. White
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Patent number: 6273834Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 21, 2000Date of Patent: August 14, 2001Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.Inventor: David C. Winter
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Patent number: 6179733Abstract: A mobile or permanently fixed basketball goal system wherein the backboard and hoop can be adjusted to a desired height by a user. The goal has a vertical support member having a base end, a backboard end and an intermediate portion, and a backboard including a hoop. Crossmembers pivotally connect the backboard to the vertical support member on one side of the backboard end to form an adjustable parallelogram. At least one of the crossmembers extends beyond the vertical support member to an extension end. In one embodiment, a weighted pad and clamp are fixedly adjustable within a continuous range on the support member and connect with the extension end via an extension member. Movement of the pad and clamp acts to raise or lower the backboard and hoop.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1999Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: Indian Industries, Inc.Inventor: John K. Story
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Patent number: 6155938Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 11, 1999Date of Patent: December 5, 2000Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.Inventor: Barry D. Mower
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Patent number: 6142891Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 8, 1999Date of Patent: November 7, 2000Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.Inventors: David C. Winter, Edward van Nimwegen
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Patent number: 6135901Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 11, 1999Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.Inventor: Edward G. van Nimwegen
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Patent number: 6120396Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 25, 1999Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.Inventors: Edward G. Van Nimwegen, David C. Winter
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Patent number: 6077177Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 3, 1998Date of Patent: June 20, 2000Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.Inventors: David C. Winter, Edward van Nimwegen
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Patent number: 5919102Abstract: A mobile or permanently fixed basketball goal system wherein the backboard and hoop can be adjusted to a desired height by a user. The goal has a vertical support member having a base end, a backboard end and an intermediate portion, and a backboard including a hoop. Crossmembers pivotally connect the backboard to the vertical support member on one side of the backboard end, to form an adjustable parallelogram. At least one of the crossmembers extends beyond the vertical support member to an extension end. A clamp is mounted on a brace for the vertical support member or directly on the vertical support member. The clamp is fixedly adjustable within a continuous range and connects with the counterbalanced extension end via an extension member. When the clamp is moved, it acts to rotate the extending crossmember to raise or lower the backboard and hoop.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 1998Date of Patent: July 6, 1999Assignee: Indian Industries, Inc.Inventors: Max David Smith, John K. Story
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Patent number: 5879247Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 8, 1997Date of Patent: March 9, 1999Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.Inventors: David C. Winter, Richard C. Nordgran, Coplan E. Vaughan
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Patent number: 5738601Abstract: A basketball goal apparatus has a basketball goal and an upright stand. The apparatus also includes a support assembly for supporting the goal on the stand at various heights spaced from the ground. The support assembly includes an elongated support member attached medially along the length thereof to the stand for swinging movement about a generally horizontal axis. The apparatus further includes a locking assembly for releasably locking the goal at the various heights, wherein the locking assembly includes a counterbalance body. The counterbalance body and basketball goal are pivotally connected to opposite ends of the support member such that raising and lowering of the counterbalance body swings the support member and thereby adjusts the height of the goal. The counterbalance body has a weight sufficient to substantially counterbalance the gravitational force of the basketball goal exerted on the support member.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 1996Date of Patent: April 14, 1998Inventor: Todd R. Hughes
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Patent number: 5720679Abstract: A height adjustable basketball backboard is pivotally attached to a support member by a parallelogram linkage. An adjusting link is a pivotally attached to an extension on one of the parallelogram links, is adjustably mounted to the support member and is weighted to act as a counter balance force to the weight of the basketball backboard to reduce the effort necessary to raise and lower the basketball backboard. A conversion kit for converting existing basketball backboard support system to the above referenced adjustable counter-weight design and methods for adjusting the counter-balance effect of the weight are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1992Date of Patent: February 24, 1998Assignee: Porter Athletic Equipment CompanyInventor: Edward A. Schroeder
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Patent number: 5695417Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 12, 1997Date of Patent: December 9, 1997Inventors: David C. Winter, Richard C. Nordgran, Coplan E. Vaughan