Abstract: A basketball training aid has a harness removably secured to a body of a player. A bumper is retained at a predetermined position in proximity to the body of the player and represents an obstacle to the player, either to the player's field of view or the movement of the player. In this manner, the bumper provides the player with simulated practice of a basketball skill. The bumper is supported by an elongate attachment, which has a first end connected to the bumper and a second end connected to the harness and configured to support the bumper at the predetermined position in proximity to the body of the player.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Blow molded plastic structures are provided for use in various structures such as, but not limited to, tables, chairs, walls, backboards, storage bins, sports equipment and the like. The blow molded plastic structure has a first surface and a second surface extending between a first end and a second end and forming a chamber there between. A plurality of depressions is formed on the second surface and extends into the chamber. The depressions are usually unitary structures formed by a depression wall. Generally, the steeper the depression wall, the more strength is provided to the structure. In addition, where the plurality of depressions has a low profile and a greater density, increased strength is provided to the structure. The depressions may or may not be joined to the first surface.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: The present invention is a device and method variously and separately provided for a transportable backboard and hoop connectable to a chain-link fence as its support structure. Methods of teaching are included. Detail is also provided regarding the methods and structures for attachment of the device to the support structure. The invention is to be limited only by the scope of the claims as ultimately allowed in this application, and in no way limited by the prior versions of the claims inserted into this provisional application which are inserted only for purposes of priority and satisfaction of potential foreign filing requirements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for adjusting the height of a basketball backboard and hoop assembly. One embodiment of the present invention may include an adjustment arm in telescoping relation with a threaded rod. The present invention may also include a threaded nut rotatably connected to the adjustment arm and in threadable engagement with the threaded rod such that rotation of the threaded nut on the threaded rod induces an adjustment in the vertical height of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly.

Abstract: Laterally extending upper and lower backboard bracing members are coupled to a vertically movable framework, the bracing members including ends coupled to corner brackets of a peripheral frame surrounding a backboard. A yoke member has a central plate coupled to a back face of the backboard in alignment with a basket assembly. The yoke member includes horizontal webs fixed to the central plate defining outwardly extending arms having terminal ends including rearwardly extending tabs coupled to the lower backboard bracing member at locations laterally outward spaced from the central plate.