Hoop Or The Net, Pocket, Or Support Structure Therefor Patents (Class 473/485)
  • Patent number: 11027180
    Abstract: The present invention is a basketball net designed to facilitate preferred directional momentum to an exiting basketball. The basketball net is designed and constructed in a manner such that the basketball exiting the net has desired exit-trajectory and rotational spin. The present invention enables the basketball leaving the net to return towards the preferred direction, which is, field of play instead of an undefined random direction. The asymmetry is induced by either substituting existing cord segments with those having elastomeric properties, or surface treatment on internal face of the net at particular sections so as to create frictional differentiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Inventor: Mark Costin Roser
  • Patent number: 10315084
    Abstract: The present invention is a basketball net designed to facilitate preferred directional momentum to an exiting basketball. The basketball net is designed and constructed in a manner such that the basketball exiting the net has desired exit-trajectory and rotational spin. The present invention enables the basketball leaving the net to return towards the preferred direction, which is, field of play instead of an undefined random direction. The asymmetry is induced by either substituting existing cord segments with those having elastomeric properties, or surface treatment on internal face of the net at particular sections so as to create frictional differentiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Inventor: Mark Costin Roser
  • Patent number: 10272308
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present disclosure describe a frameless basketball backboard assembly and a method for producing a frameless basketball backboard assembly. A mounting structure is attached to one side of the backboard assembly, and a support assembly mounted to the backboard assembly connects the backboard assembly to a base. A rim may be added to a side of the backboard assembly by attaching to the support assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Indian Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Elpers, Robert W. Cornell
  • Publication number: 20150065276
    Abstract: The present invention is a basketball net designed to facilitate preferred directional momentum to an exiting basketball. The basketball net is designed and constructed in a manner such that the basketball exiting the net has desired exit-trajectory and rotational spin. The present invention enables the basketball leaving the net to return towards the preferred direction, which is, field of play instead of an undefined random direction. The asymmetry is induced by either substituting existing cord segments with those having elastomeric properties, or surface treatment on internal face of the net at particular sections so as to create frictional differentiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Mark Costin ROSER
  • Publication number: 20140296004
    Abstract: I have invented a new design for an electroluminescent attachable basketball rim, as set forth in the following specifications. The claimed electroluminescent attachable basketball rim is used to train basketball players. The apparatus relates to an electroluminescent (el wire) encased, also marked with or without reflectors positioned diametrical of each, rubber attachable basketball rim. Currently basketball rims only have a net affixed to them and have no distinguishing features to aim at besides the backboard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventor: Teno Demont Myles
  • Publication number: 20140235375
    Abstract: An easily transportable basketball goal system includes a base having a post coupling fixed thereto, a post including a base coupling on lower end and an arm coupling on an upper end, an arm assembly including a post coupling fixed to a first end, the post coupling on the arm assembly engaging the arm coupling on the post, the arm assembly including a backboard coupling fixed to a second end, a backboard including an arm coupling fixed to a rear surface, the arm coupling of the backboard engaging the backboard coupling fixed to the arm assembly, the backboard including a basketball rim coupling fixed to a front surface, and a basketball rim assembly including a backboard coupling engaging the rim coupling on the front surface of the backboard, each coupling being designed to permit quick disassembly of the goal system into component elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Gared Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: William D. Crosby, Kevin R. Needler
  • Patent number: 8672755
    Abstract: A net or barrier has strategically located pocket(s) attached to the net over holes(s) in the net/barrier in order to catch a ball or projectile that passes through the hole(s). A computer-assisted method displays information, more particularly advertisement, onto a net or barrier. The computer-assisted display is viewable by a TV or video audience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventors: David W Guthrie, George Baumgardner
  • Patent number: 8663038
    Abstract: The invention therefore provides a basketball hoop and net assembly having (i) a hoop or ring and a wave shaped rail attached thereto which depends downwardly from the hoop or ring so as to form a plurality of valleys thereby to provide apertures between the hoop or ring and each valley; and (ii) a net assembly having a top cord and a multiplicity of upper net loops attached thereto characterized in that the top cord has a multiplicity of inner parts and a plurality of outer parts and each inner part extends through a pair of adjacent primary apertures and each outer part is located outwardly of a secondary aperture wherein each secondary aperture is located proximal to a respective primary aperture and each upper net loop extends around each outer part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Trevor Bowman
  • Publication number: 20140057744
    Abstract: A system of decorations may be applied to a basketball net to enhance the net's decorative appeal. Coloration of the net strands or links may be placed in any combination with decorative fill material placed between the strands and links, a decorative lattice surrounding the exterior surface of the net, or decorative patches affixed to the exterior of the net. Each type of decorative surface may be printed, embroidered, dyed, or otherwise decorated with any combination of colors, patterns, designs, or indicia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Craig Whitten
  • Patent number: 8439773
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a novel and unique basketball shooting target removably connected to a basketball goal. The target is an object that includes a female member having a female member core and female outer layer and a male member having a male member core and male outer layer. The female member core includes female lock flanges and female contact surfaces for engaging the male member core. The male member core has buttons that each includes respective cam locks configured for releasable engagement with female lock flanges on a female core to prevent horizontal movement. The male member core has male contact surfaces for engaging the female contact surfaces of the female member to prevent vertical movement. In operation, the male and female members removably connect with one another to engage a netting of a basketball goal and prevent movement relative to one another in horizontal or vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Howard Silagy
  • Publication number: 20130090191
    Abstract: The invention therefore provides a basketball hoop and net assembly having (i) a hoop or ring and a wave shaped rail attached thereto which depends downwardly from the hoop or ring so as to form a plurality of valleys thereby to provide apertures between the hoop or ring and each valley; and (ii) a net assembly having a top cord and a multiplicity of upper net loops attached thereto characterized in that the top cord has a multiplicity of inner parts and a plurality of outer parts and each inner part extends through a pair of adjacent primary apertures and each outer part is located outwardly of a secondary aperture wherein each secondary aperture is located proximal to a respective primary aperture and each upper net loop extends around each outer part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventor: Trevor Bowman
  • Publication number: 20120225742
    Abstract: A portable game apparatus having two identical free-standing units that can be assembled and used independently or together in an opposing or side-by-side arrangement. The game apparatus is convertible to and from a use configuration and a storage configuration. In the storage configuration, the game apparatus is a single unit with a cavity formed therein to house all of the parts of the game apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: Brad Max, Jay Todd Max
  • Publication number: 20120202624
    Abstract: There is disclosed a system comprising a basketball backboard; a basketball rim; a support structure connecting the backboard to the rim; a first space bounded by a left side of the backboard, a left side of the support structure, and a left side of the rim; a first stopper occupying at least a portion of the first space; a second space bounded by a right side of the backboard, a right side of the support structure, and a right side of the rim; and a second stopper occupying at least a portion of the second space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventor: KarlVan Davis
  • Publication number: 20110312448
    Abstract: An adjustable basketball device includes a support, a backboard coupled to the support, a mounting structure coupled to the backboard, an adjustment mechanism movably coupled to the mounting structure, and an adjustable rim supported by the mounting structure and engaged with the adjustment mechanism. The adjustable rim is adjustable between a first configuration in which the rim defines an opening with a first diameter, and a second configuration in which the opening of the rim defines an opening with a second diameter different than the first diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Mcilvain, Christopher F. Lucas, David E. Moomaw
  • Publication number: 20110230284
    Abstract: The invention relates to a free-standing post comprising stabilizer means for stabilizing it on the ground, a non-rigid element for holding an article, which element extends upwards over a height H and has a bottom portion extended by a top portion. First anchor means are arranged between the stabilizer means and the bottom portion. In addition, a flexible longitudinal element is of length greater than the height H of the non-rigid element. Second anchor means are arranged between the bottom end of the flexible longitudinal element and the stabilizer means. Third anchor means are arranged between the top end of the flexible longitudinal element and the top end of the top portion of said non-rigid element. The invention also relates to a sport game set equipped with at least one such free-standing post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventor: Yoann SIMON
  • Patent number: 7938746
    Abstract: Basketball training systems and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a basketball training apparatus includes a first rim and a second rim. The first rim has a center and the second rim has a center. The first rim rotates about its center and the second rim revolves about the center of the first rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Inventor: Richard F. Chipperfield
  • Patent number: 7798921
    Abstract: A basketball rim mounting assembly permitting multi-directional deflection in response to extraordinary forces imposed on the rim has a fixed portion coupled to a back board and a movable portion fixed to a basketball rim. The fixed portion can include a back plate secured to a front face of the back board, a pair of bracket plates fixed to extend forward from the back plate, and a base plate fixed between the bracket plates. The movable portion can include a top plate overlying the base plate and a pair of side plates extending downward from the top plate outside the bracket plates. A pair of downwardly extending members is fixed to the top plate in spaced relation to each other. Tilt regulating structure is coupled between the pair of downwardly extending members and to the fixed portion for controlling the extent of deflection of the rim relative to the backboard such that the extraordinary force necessary to cause the rim to break-away from its normal position is the same in any direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Gared Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: James J. Connerley
  • Publication number: 20100190588
    Abstract: A basketball net includes a plurality of net-like units arranged in a side-by-side parallel and vertical fashion, each net-like unit including a plurality of top first loops for fastening at a basket rim, a plurality of second loops at a bottom, and a first connecting cord extending from one end of the first loops, and a knot assembly including a plurality of first knots for tying the first connecting cord of one net-like unit and the cord of an adjacent one of the net-like units, and a plurality of second knots for tying the first connecting cord of one net-like unit and the cord thereof. The net-like units are of different colors. In another embodiment, each net-like unit further includes spikes formed at bottom of each second loop. Roots of the adjacent spikes are tied by a third knot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventor: Wan Sheng Yu
  • Publication number: 20090318249
    Abstract: An apparatus on a net of a basketball hoop for displaying advertisement, making sounds and creating eye catching visual effects when a basketball passes through the net, which comprises a plurality of components and a structure for securing the components to the net. The components will make contact with the basketball when the basketball passes through the net.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Nelson C. Dones
  • Patent number: 7628718
    Abstract: A basketball rim mounting assembly permitting multi-directional deflection in response to extraordinary forces imposed on the rim has a fixed portion coupled to a back board and a movable portion fixed to a basketball rim. The fixed portion can include a back plate secured to a front face of the back board, a pair of bracket plates fixed to extend forward from the back plate, and a base plate fixed between the bracket plates. The movable portion can include a top plate overlying the base plate and a pair of side plates extending downward from the top plate outside the bracket plates. A pair of downwardly extending members are fixed to the top plate in spaced relation to each other. Tilt regulating structure is coupled between the pair of downwardly extending members and to the fixed portion for controlling the extent of deflection of the rim relative to the backboard such that the extraordinary force necessary to cause the rim to break-away from its normal position is the same in any direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Gared Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: James J. Connerley
  • Publication number: 20090233738
    Abstract: A basketball net includes a longitudinal strap assembly and an annular strap assembly each has a plurality of straps releasably or permanently secured together. Additionally, at least one of logo(s) and visual or audible scoring indication can be printed or mounted thereon. A hoop together with the mounted basketball net aims to bring advertisement effect or be more interesting when playing a ball game. A method of manufacturing the basketball net is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventor: Wan-Sheng Yu
  • Publication number: 20090191988
    Abstract: A shooting sports measurement system to use with a hoop comprises a net including a first sensor suspended within the net and connectable with the hoop to detect vibration transmitted through one or both of the net and the hoop and a second sensor to detect one or both of motion of the net and pressure from a passing object. The shooting sports measurement system further comprises a console communicatively coupled with the first sensor and the second sensor to receive data and calculate results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventor: William M. Klein
  • Publication number: 20090176604
    Abstract: A collapsible ball game basket comprising an entrance hoop and three or more legs, means for holding the legs together at a predetermined position on each leg, means for detachably connecting the upper end of each leg to said hoop and means for locating the lower end of each leg on a ground sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: Baron Warren Redfern
    Inventor: Jonathan Harries
  • Patent number: 7553245
    Abstract: An apparatus on a net of a basketball hoop for displaying advertisement, making sounds and creating eye catching visual effects when a basketball passes through the net, which comprises a plurality of components and a structure for securing the components to the net. The components will make contact with the basketball when the basketball passes through the net.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Inventor: Nelson C. Dones
  • Patent number: 7488264
    Abstract: An improved basketball training device is presented. It has a bearing attached to a basketball goal, as well as either a facsimile hoop for attaching on the market chutes or a folding chute. This device allows balls to be returned to any area of the court.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Inventor: Philip Jeffrey Seaman
  • Publication number: 20080280706
    Abstract: A basketball net includes a plurality of net-like units including a plurality of first loops on a top for fastening at a rim of a basket, a plurality of second loops at a bottom, and a first connecting cord extending from one end of the first loops, and a knot assembly including a plurality of first knots for tying the first connecting cord of one net-like unit and the cord of an adjacent one of the net-like units, and a plurality of second knots for tying the first connecting cord of one net-like unit and the cord thereof. The net-like units are of different colors. In another embodiment, each net-like unit further includes spikes formed at bottom of each second loop. Roots of the adjacent spikes are tied by a third knot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Wan Sheng Yu
  • Publication number: 20080214334
    Abstract: A collapsible structure has a coiled wire supporting a covering which is attached to the wire to define an internal space, the coiled wire and its covering having a first end and a second end, and the first end having a first edge that defines an opening. The structure can have a lid that is coupled to the first end to completely cover the opening, or an amusement item that is positioned in the opening and coupled to the first end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Patent number: 7402116
    Abstract: A basketball goal system is provided which helps improve the shooting skills of a use. The system includes a rim which is expandable and contractable in diameter. The rim has a pair of free ends which are caused to be moved relative to each other to change the rim diameter. Attached to each of the free ends is a device for causing such relative movement and thereby the expansion and contraction of the rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Inventors: Daniel P. Zuccarini, Steven J. Gordon
  • Patent number: 7396302
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a basketball net for a breakaway net attachment system that detachably mounts a basketball net to the rim of a basketball goal. The attachment system may include clasps located in the attachment loops of the basketball net. The clasps may release in response to an application of a predetermined force applied to the basketball net. Once released, the attachment loops may disengage form the basketball rim, effectively allowing the basketball net to breakaway from the basketball rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Russell Corporation
    Inventor: Cory Richard Boudreau
  • Publication number: 20080153633
    Abstract: A disc catching device for catching a thrown disc, having a canopy structure, a basket structure, an assembly coupled to the canopy structure and the basket structure, and a pole to which the canopy structure and the basket structure may be attached. The assembly may engage a thrown disc, and for some embodiments, may comprise chains. When the disc catching device is deployed in its upright position for the sport of disc golf, the assembly hangs from the canopy structure, and is coupled to a ring that surrounds the pole. The basket structure comprises a set of basket arms, and when the disc catching device is deployed upright, the ring hangs below the set of basket arms. For some embodiments, the canopy structure and the basket structure may be foldable, like an umbrella. For some embodiments, the basket arms may be basket support arms, where each basket support arm supports a basket arm. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Joshua S. Orzech, Scott W. Keasey
  • Patent number: 7390274
    Abstract: The disclosed basketball net has enhanced sound making ability due to a series of strips attached to a rung of the net. These strips are made from a flexible material and make sound when contacted by a basketball passing through the net. The strips can have an air pocket which collapses due to the force of the basketball moving along it, creating a loud sound as the surfaces of the strip collide against each other. Embodiments of the present invention having strips with no air pockets as well as noise making materials on the inner surfaces of the strips are shown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: William L. Bradford
  • Publication number: 20080081713
    Abstract: A portable basketball shooting practice device includes an upper and a lower cover pivotally connected and openably closed to each other; a backboard connected to an inner side of the upper cover, and provided at a central position with a pivotal connecting unit, to which a rim is pivotally turnably connected; a folding support skeleton consisting of a plurality of sections serially connected via link plates, and having an innermost section fixedly connected to an inner side of the lower cover; and a net apron spread on and fixed to a top of the support skeleton with two upward extended lateral sides connected to two lateral edges of the backboard. With the foldable support skeleton and pivotally turnable rim, the whole basketball shooting practice device can be easily folded and received in the closed upper and lower covers, and be conveniently carried for use at different places.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventor: Feng-Teng Huang
  • Patent number: 7223186
    Abstract: An athletic training assembly and methods suitable for use in training basketball players. The training assembly allows a ball to be suspended at a selectable height by a suspension member that is attached to a spring loaded reel. The spring loaded reel urges the ball upward when a user grabs the ball to pull it away from the spring loaded reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: John B. Tresvant
  • Patent number: 7195571
    Abstract: A basketball rim assembly for use with a basketball system is disclosed. Desirably, the basketball rim assembly is movable between a collapsed position and a use or playing position. The basketball rim assembly may include a rim, an upper back plate connected to the rim, a brace connected to the rim, and a lower back plate connected to the brace. The lower back plate is preferably positioned proximate the upper back plate when the basketball rim assembly is in the collapsed position and the lower back plate is spaced apart from the upper back plate when the basketball assembly is in the use position. The basketball rim assembly may also include a connecting member that connects the upper back plate to the rim and a mounting plate that is sized and configured to be connected to the upper back plate and the lower back plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventor: S. Curtis Nye
  • Patent number: 7094166
    Abstract: A snapping basketball net includes a plurality of beads supported by a net material. The plurality of beads knock together in response to a basketball passing through the net material. A plurality of retainer members maintain the arrangement of the plurality of beads on the net material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Inventor: Delance Beane
  • Patent number: 6790151
    Abstract: A portable and adjustable basketball hoop apparatus includes a backboard with a hoop connected to a front thereof. An elongate clamping arm is pivotally coupled to a back of the backboard for pivoting between clamped and released configurations. A rear support member of the clamping arm and the back of the backboard are capable of sandwiching an upstanding structure therebetween in the clamped configuration. A lower end of the clamping arm may be releasably coupled to the upstanding structure with a ratcheted strap assembly whereby to secure the backboard thereto in the clamped configuration. The clamping arm may be released from the upstanding structure in the released configuration whereby to adjust the backboard longitudinally along the upstanding structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventors: LaRhonda L. Wilson, Jacinta M. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20040152543
    Abstract: A basketball hoop cover that is somewhat tubular and circular in shape with a slit along its length to allow a fitting over an existing basketball rim to provide a player protection and increased hoop visibility. The device also provides a way of reducing the ball entry area and includes particular targeting features that may assist in improving the skill level and enjoyment for the basketball shooter. The single piece tubular cover is contoured similar to an existing rim diameter and installs, without any tools or additional fasteners to a variety of existing rims and permits an easy way of custom fitting and trimming to satisfy unforeseen or unusual applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas R. Kershaw
  • Patent number: 6746349
    Abstract: The disclosed basketball net has an integrally formed resilient net-like body of a generally tapered configuration. A connected undulating central waist portion of the body is defined by a series of oppositely disposed upper and lower cutouts to facilitate limited stretching of the net-like body about its waist. A connected undulating lower portion of the body facilitates limited stretching of the net-like body about its lower circumference. The overall shape of the net and its cutouts is adapted to provide an interaction with a regulation basketball similar to that of a conventional nylon basketball net. In one embodiment, the net is fastened to a conventional basketball hoop by a strap in the form of a high-strength metallic cable. In that embodiment, a male clip having a downwardly extending tongue is attached to the body and is connected by the strap to a female clip having a corresponding aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventors: Sean Allen Neiberger, Ian Reed Kaiser
  • Publication number: 20040102260
    Abstract: An apparatus for playing two games, one at a time, in a swimming pool. The apparatus comprises a floating support having first and second portions, a first game target disposed in the first portion and a second game target disposed in the second portion, wherein the support may be disposed first portion up or first portion down, and is shaped and arranged to float stably in either orientation, so that of the first or second games my be played accordingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventor: Francis See Chong Chia
  • Publication number: 20040072636
    Abstract: The present invention provides a backstop net assembly and kit for use in combination with a basketball hoop assembly, which comprises a multi-socketed mounting block, a plurality of net extension rods, and a ball-gathering net assembly. In a basketball playground, one can find an upright support post, a backboard mounted on the post, and a basketball rim and net structure mounted on the backboard. The present invention provides a basketball backstop net assembly to gather errant basketball shots launched by a basketball shooter to minimize basketball retrieval time and possible damage to surrounding valuables. The ball-gathering net is a reticulated having a size and width, which extends vertically and laterally via the net extension rods a sufficient distance to capture errant shots and to assist in keeping the basketball in play. Additionally, a perimeter cord bounds the reticulated portion of the net to provide added strength to the ball-gathering net.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Richard J. Barnes, James P. Fieberg
  • Publication number: 20040038760
    Abstract: A wastepaper basketball basket comprises a cylindrical container and an upright, substantially rectangular barrier. The cylindrical container has a peripheral wall which extends between a closed end and an opposing open end. An arm protrudes from the open end of the container and detachably fits into a pocket in the rectangular barrier. Preferably, the cylindrical container and barrier are shaped to resemble a basketball net and backboard respectively. The barrier is adapted to attach to a vertical support member at any desired elevation. Waste paper or other trash items may be thrown into the container in a manner similar to that in which a basketball is typically directed towards a net.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Ricardo D. Pau Diaz, Luis F. Ossio
  • Patent number: 6652396
    Abstract: A basketball net, fabricated from a combination of elastic and non-elastic cords, is designed to be disposed substantially in the horizontal geometric plane defined by the basketball hoop. The no-hang feature of the net deters players from hanging and swinging from the net.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Donald W. McBride
  • Publication number: 20030190985
    Abstract: The disclosed basketball net has an integrally formed resilient net-like body of a generally tapered configuration. A connected undulating central waist portion of the body is defined by a series of oppositely disposed upper and lower cutouts to facilitate limited stretching of the net-like body about its waist. A connected undulating lower portion of the body facilitates limited stretching of the net-like body about its lower circumference. The overall shape of the net and its cutouts is adapted to provide an interaction with a regulation basketball similar to that of a conventional nylon basketball net. In one embodiment, the net is fastened to a conventional basketball hoop by a strap in the form of a high-strength metallic cable. In that embodiment, a male clip having a downwardly extending tongue is attached to the body and is connected by the strap to a female clip having a corresponding aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Sean Allen Neiberger, Ian Reed Kaiser
  • Publication number: 20030168360
    Abstract: A collapsible structure has a coiled wire supporting a covering which is attached to the wire to define an internal space, the coiled wire and its covering having a first end and a second end, and the first end having a first edge that defines an opening. The structure can have a lid that is coupled to the first end to completely cover the opening, or an amusement item that is positioned in the opening and coupled to the first end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Patent number: 6607456
    Abstract: A self-luminous basket net being hung to an iron basket ring of a basket board is disclosed. The self-luminous basket net comprises a fabric rope, which is fabricated to be formed with as a lower half basket net with a plurality of basket meshes and an upper half basket net formed by a plurality of basket meshes; the plurality of basket meshes of the upper half basket net is self-luminous which is fabricated by a self-luminous plastic monofilament and hung from the iron basket ring; the basket net emits light at night so that the shooter can view the position of the basket net.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Inventor: Wan-Sheng Yu
  • Publication number: 20030153414
    Abstract: A basketball rim assembly for use with a basketball system is disclosed. Desirably, the basketball rim assembly is movable between a collapsed position and a use or playing position. The basketball rim assembly may include a rim, an upper back plate connected to the rim, a brace connected to the rim, and a lower back plate connected to the brace. The lower back plate is preferably positioned proximate the upper back plate when the basketball rim assembly is in the collapsed position and the lower back plate is spaced apart from the upper back plate when the basketball assembly is in the use position. The basketball rim assembly may also include a connecting member that connects the upper back plate to the rim and a mounting plate that is sized and configured to be connected to the upper back plate and the lower back plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: S. Curtis Nye
  • Patent number: 6572496
    Abstract: A basketball rebound trainer for mounting in a basketball hoop has a body having a flexible surface and having filler material therein and an upper portion forming a basketball striking surface and a lower portion sized to fit into a basketball hoop and extending therebelow and a flanged support portion located between said upper body portion and the lower body portion and being sized to fit onto the basketball hoop to support the body. The body upper portion flexible surface has a plurality of generally rigid basketball striking surfaces mounted thereto through the flexible surface to a backing plate thereunder. The striking surfaces are generally wedged shaped and a plurality of the surfaces have an angle of approximately 30° to the horizontal plane of the hoop. The body flexible surface may include an inflatable bladder thereinside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: Jackie L. Brown
  • Publication number: 20020123398
    Abstract: Apparatus for connecting a basketball net to a basketball rim includes a collar adapted to hold the net in an open position permitting passage of a basketball, and a plurality of suspension arms having hook-shaped upper ends sized to releasably clip on the rim. As well the apparatus may include a suspension arm that has a horizontally extending plate-shaped upper end that is sized to extend outward over the rim and over a reinforcing plate that is typical of many basketball rim structures. The collar and the suspension arms have a thin sheet construction formed from elastic material having plastic memory. Preferably, the suspension arms are sufficiently resilient to flex from their normal shape to a deformed shape permitting the arm to be forcibly pulled downwardly from the rim, and to return to their normal shape upon release of the deforming force. To facilitate manufacture by injection molding, the collar may be constructed in connectable segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventors: Billy-Joe Checko, Clifford B. Hewson
  • Publication number: 20020119843
    Abstract: A self-luminous basket net being hung to an iron basket ring of a basket board is disclosed. The self-luminous basket net comprises a fabric rope, which is fabricated to be formed with as a lower half basket net with a plurality of basket meshes and an upper half basket net formed by a plurality of basket meshes; the plurality of basket meshes of the upper half basket net is self-luminous which is fabricated by a self-luminous plastic monofilament and hung from the iron basket ring; the basket net emits light at night so that the shooter can view the position of the basket net.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventor: Wan-Sheng Yu
  • Patent number: 6440014
    Abstract: Apparatus for connecting a basketball net to a basketball rim includes a collar adapted to hold the net in an open position permitting passage of a basketball, and a plurality of suspension arms having hook-shaped upper ends sized to releasably clip on the rim. As well the apparatus may include a suspension arm that has a horizontally extending plate-shaped upper end that is sized to extend outward over the rim and over a reinforcing plate that is typical of many basketball rim structures. The collar and the suspension arms have a thin sheet construction formed from elastic material having plastic memory. Preferably, the suspension arms are sufficiently resilient to flex from their normal shape to a deformed shape permitting the arm to be forcibly pulled downwardly from the rim, and to return to their normal shape upon release of the deforming force. To faciltate manufacture by injection molding, the collar may be constructed in connectable segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventors: Billy-Joe Checko, Clifford B. Hewson