US20060287141A1

US20060287141A1 - Basketball goal system

Info

Publication number: US20060287141A1
Application number: US11/453,480
Authority: US
Inventors: S. Nye; Robert Astle
Original assignee: Lifetime Products Inc
Current assignee: Lifetime Products Inc
Priority date: 2005-06-15
Filing date: 2006-06-14
Publication date: 2006-12-21

Abstract

A basketball goal system may include a backboard and a backboard support assembly that is sized and configured to support the backboard. The basketball goal system may also include a rim that is disposed proximate a front surface of the backboard and the rim may be sized and configured to move between a first position in which the rim is generally parallel to a playing surface and a second position in which the rim is disposed at an angle relative to the playing surface. Additionally, the basketball goal system may include a connecting member that is connected to the rim and the connecting member may include a first portion that is disposed generally in the same plane as the rim and a second portion that is disposed at an angle relative to the first portion. The basketball goal system may further include one or more brackets connecting the connecting member to the backboard support assembly.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority and the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/690,702, filed Jun. 15, 2005 and entitled BASKETBALL GOAL SYSTEM, and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/756,640, filed Jan. 6, 2006 and entitled BASKETBALL GOAL SYSTEM. The disclosures of each are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to basketball and, in particular, to a basketball goal system.
2. Description of Related Art
Basketball is a very popular game and the game of basketball typically includes players, a basketball and a basketball goal system. Conventional basketball goal systems may be permanently fixed in a particular location or movable from one location to another location. Conventional basketball goal systems typically include a basketball goal, which may include a rim, a backboard, and/or a net; and basketball goal systems typically include a support structure, such as a support pole, that supports a basketball goal at a desired height.
Unfortunately, some known support structures for conventional basketball goal systems can be large and/or heavy, which can make shipping the system more expensive. Also, such large and heavy support structures can make assembling the basketball goal system more difficult. Further, many conventional basketball goal systems often include several large and/or awkwardly sized components, making them inefficient for storage and/or shipping.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

A need therefore exists for a basketball goal system that eliminates or diminishes the above-described disadvantages and problems.
One aspect is a basketball goal system that may include one or more components. For example, the basketball goal system may include a base, a support structure and/or a basketball goal. The basketball goal may include a backboard, a rim or a hoop and/or a net; and the support structure may include one or more support members. The basketball rim may have a displaceable (or break away) configuration or a fixed configuration, and the basketball backboard may have a variety of suitable configurations and arrangements. The support structure may be connected to the basketball goal and may help support the basketball goal at a desired height about a playing surface. The support structure may have various configurations depending, for example, upon the type of basketball system and the support structure may allow the height of the basketball goal to be varied. The support structure may also be movable between a plurality of positions, such as between an extended or use position and a collapsed or storage position.
Another aspect is a basketball goal system that may be part of a portable basketball system that is selectively moved from one location to another location. Desirably, the portable basketball goal system is readily capable of being moved. Advantageously, the portable basketball goal system may be quickly and easily moved from one location to another and the basketball goal system may be moved by one or more persons. The basketball goal system may also be fixed at a particular location, if desired
Yet another aspect is a basketball goal system that may include a base and the base may be sized and configured to receive ballast such as sand or water. For example, the base may include a hollow interior portion that is sized and configured to received ballast and/or a relatively large surface or portion upon which ballast may be placed. Advantageously, the base may be constructed from relatively lightweight materials, such as plastic, which may allow the basketball goal system to be easily shipped and transported. In addition, the base could be constructed from blow-molded plastic which may help create a lightweight, rigid and sturdy structure.
Still another aspect is a basketball goal system that may include a rim and a cover for the rim. The rim cover may include a sleeve, guard or the like and it may enclose at least a portion of a rim. The rim cover may also receive and/or retain at least a portion of the rim such as the net hooks. Advantageously, the rim cover may help prevent inadvertent contact with the net hooks and/or may help the securely attach a net to the rim. The rim cover may also permit the rim to be used without the net, if desired, which may provide a different and/or cleaner appearance. Additionally, the rim cover may give the rim a bigger, more durable-looking appearance that may be appealing to consumers. In addition, the rim cover is preferably constructed from relatively lightweight and durable materials such as plastic, but the cover could be constructed from metal or other suitable materials. Further, the rim cover may be attached to the rim using a snap fit, a friction fit, an interference fit, fasteners, adhesives or other suitable devices or means.
Still yet another aspect is a basketball goal system that may include a rim brace and a cover for the rim brace. The brace cover may include a sleeve, guard or the like and it may enclose at least a portion of the brace. The brace cover may also be sized and configured to be attached to the brace by, for example, one or more fasteners and the brace cover may be sized and configured to appear like and/or enclose shock absorber. In particular, the brace cover may include a generally helical portion that may be similar to that of a shock absorber. In addition, the brace cover may be constructed from relatively lightweight and durable materials such as plastic, but the cover may be constructed from metal or other suitable materials. Further, the brace cover may be attached to the brace using a snap fit, a friction fit, an interference fit, fasteners, adhesives or other suitable devices or means.
A further aspect is a basketball goal system that may include a rim and a connecting member with a first portion, such as an upper plate, and a second portion, such as a back plate. The basketball goal system also may include a basketball backboard support assembly that is sized and configured to support the backboard. The backboard support assembly may include one or more support arms and a first bracket may be connected to the support arms. The first bracket may be connected to a biasing member, such as a compression spring, and the connecting member. The biasing member is preferably connected to a rear portion of the first bracket and the back plate of the connecting member is preferably connected to a front portion of the first bracket. Advantageously, this may help hide the biasing member from view. The basketball goal system may also include a second bracket that is connected to the support arms and rim braces, which may allow the rim to temporarily move or shift to create a displaceable or break away type rim.
A still further aspect is a basketball goal system that may include a backboard with a rebound member and a frame. The frame may be constructed from blow-molded plastic and it may include a hollow interior portion that is formed during the blow-molding process. The frame may be relatively lightweight, which may allow it to be easily transported and stored, and the frame may be straightforwardly constructed and assembled. Further, because the frame may be lightweight, it may not require a large support structure to support the backboard above the playing surface.
Another aspect is a basketball goal system that may include a backboard with a rebound member and a frame. The outer periphery of the frame may have a generally rectangular configuration with generally parallel disposed upper and lower surfaces. The outer periphery of the frame, however, may also be curved, fan-shaped or have other desired shapes and configurations. The frame may include a generally open center portion, which may help decrease the weight of the frame. The frame may also include a support structure that divides the frame into one or more areas. For example, the support structure could divide the frame into four distinctive areas with a right side portion, left side portion, upper center portion and lower center portion. Advantageously, the support structure may allow the basketball backboard and/or rebound member to be securely supported.
Still another aspect is a basketball goal system that may include a backboard with a rebound member that is bonded to a frame by an adhesive. For example, the rebound member may be a generally flat, planar structure that is constructed from acrylic, such as an acrylic sheet. The acrylic sheet is preferably a translucent, transparent or semi-transparent material that allows light to be transmitted through the rebound member. Advantageously, this may allow a backboard with a professional appearance to be created. The rebound member may be attached to the frame by an elastomeric adhesive and the rebound member may be spaced from the frame by a bond gap. Significantly, the size of the bond gap may be controlled by bond gap spacers, which may be structural elements of the frame, beads disposed within the adhesive or the like.
These and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The appended drawings contain figures of preferred embodiments to further illustrate and clarify the above and other aspects, advantages and features of the present invention. It will be appreciated that these drawings depict only preferred embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary basketball goal;
FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the basketball goal shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the basketball goal shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a left side view of the portion of the basketball goal shown in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a right side view of the portion of the basketball goal shown in FIG. 3;
FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the portion of the basketball goal shown in FIG. 3;
FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a portion of the basketball goal shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 8 is an exploded view of another portion of the basketball goal shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 9 is a front view of yet another portion of the basketball goal shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 10 is a rear view of the portion of the basketball goal shown in FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a lower perspective view of an exemplary rim cover;
FIG. 12 is an upper perspective view of the rim cover shown in FIG. 11;
FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the rim cover shown in FIG. 11;
FIG. 14 is a top view of the rim cover shown in FIG. 11;
FIG. 15 is an enlarged, cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the rim cover shown in FIG. 11;
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary brace cover; and
FIG. 17 is another perspective view of the portion of the brace cover shown in FIG. 16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is generally directed towards a basketball goal system. The principles of the present invention, however, are not limited to basketball goal systems. It will be understood that, in light of the present disclosure, the basketball goal system disclosed herein can be successfully used in connection with other types of sporting equipment and systems.
Additionally, to assist in the description of the basketball goal system, words such as top, bottom, front, rear, right and left may be used to describe the accompanying figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale. It will be appreciated, however, that the basketball goal system can be located in a variety of desired positions—including various angles, positions and configurations. A detailed description of the basketball goal system now follows.
A basketball goal system 10 may include a basketball goal 12 and a support structure that is sized and configured to support the basketball goal above a playing surface. The support structure may include one or more support members (such as a pole) and it may support the basketball goal 12 at a desired height above the playing surface. If desired, the height of the basketball goal 12 may be varied relative to the playing surface. The support structure may be constructed of a relatively strong material, such as metal, but other materials with suitable characteristics may also be used.
The basketball goal system 10 may be a portable basketball goal system that is readily capable of being moved from one location to another location. This may allow the basketball goal system 10 to be quickly and easily moved from one location to another and the basketball goal system may be moved by one or more persons. The basketball goal system 10 may be fixed at a particular location, if desired.
The basketball goal 12 may include a backboard 14, a rim 16 and/or a net. The backboard 14 may have a variety of suitable configurations and arrangements, such as a generally rectangular-shaped configuration or a fan-shaped configuration. As discussed in further detail below, the basketball rim 16 may have a displaceable (or break-away) type configuration, but the rim may also have a fixed configuration. It will be appreciated that the basketball goal system 10, including basketball goal 12, backboard 14 the rim 16 and the support structure, may have a wide variety of suitable configurations and arrangements depending, for example, upon the intended use of the basketball goal system.
Exemplary basketball goal systems, basketball goals, backboards, rims and other structures, features and aspects that may be used in connection with the basketball goal system 10 are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,695,417; U.S. Pat. No. 5,879,247; U.S. Pat. No. 6,077,177; U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,396; U.S. Pat. No. 6,155,938; U.S. Pat. No. 6,135,901; U.S. Pat. No. 6,142,891; U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,834; U.S. Pat. No. 6,419,597; U.S. Pat. No. 6,419,598; U.S. Pat. No. 6,402,644; U.S. Pat. No. 6,422,957; U.S. Pat. No. 6,645,095; U.S. Pat. No. 6,699,146; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/333,912, filed Jan. 17, 2006; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/331,496, filed Jan. 12, 2006. The disclosures of each of these patents and applications are incorporated by reference in their entireties.
As shown in the accompanying figures, the basketball goal system 10 may include a rim assembly 18 that includes the rim 16 and rim braces 20, 22, which may be sized and configured to increase the strength and/or stability of the rim 16. In addition, the rim assembly 18 may include a connecting member 24 that is connected to the rim 16.
The rim 16 is preferably a displaceable or break-away type rim that can pivot or move between a first position in which the rim is preferably generally parallel to the playing surface and a second position in which the rim is disposed at an angle relative to the playing surface. In greater detail, the rim assembly 18 may be connected to an upper bracket 26 and a lower bracket 28. The brackets 26, 28 can then be connected to a backboard support assembly 30 to create the break-away type rim. It will be appreciated that the rim assembly 18 and the brackets 26, 28 may also be mounted to other suitable portions of the basketball goal system 10, such as the backboard 14 or the support structure.
In greater detail, as best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the basketball backboard support assembly 30 preferably includes a pair of support arms 32, 34 that are connected to the backboard 14. As shown in FIG. 6, the braces 20, 22, the bracket 28 and the support arms 32, 34 may include openings 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, respectively, that are sized and configured to receive a pin or fastener 48 to pivotally or otherwise connect the bracket and the braces to the support arms. Additionally, the bracket 26 and the support arms 32, 34 may include openings 50, 52, 54, 56, respectively, that are sized and configured to receive a pin or fastener 58 to pivotally or otherwise connect the bracket to the support arms. Further, as best seen in FIGS. 6-8, the connecting member 24 may include an upper plate 60 and a back plate 62. The back plate 62 and the bracket 28 may include openings 64, 66, 68, 70, respectively, and a first fastener may be inserted through openings 64, 68 and a second fastener may be inserted through openings 66, 70 to connect the back plate 62 and the bracket 28.
The rim assembly 18 and the backboard support assembly 30 may also be connected by the braces 20, 22. For example, as best seen in FIGS. 3-6, the rim assembly 18 may include flanges 72, 74 that are connected to the rim 16 and the braces 20, 22 may be connected to the flanges. It will be appreciated that the rim assembly 18 and the basketball backboard support assembly 30 could also be connected using other suitable parts, components, designs and the like. It will also be appreciated that the backboard 14, rim 16 and support structure may also be interconnected in other suitable arrangements and configurations depending, for example, upon the intended use of the basketball goal system 10.
As discussed above, the rim 16 is preferably a break-away type rim. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 6, the bracket 26 and the back plate 62 may include openings 76, 78, respectively, that are sized and configured to receive a pin or fastener 80. The fastener 80 may be used to secure a biasing member 82, such as a spring, between the rim assembly 18 and the backboard support assembly 30. The biasing member may be sized and configured to bias the rim 16 into the first position, but also allow the rim to be moved into the second position. In greater detail, the biasing member 82 is preferably disposed between a rear portion of the bracket 26 and the backboard support assembly 30. In particular, the fastener 80 may include a bolt 86 and a nut 88, and the nut may be connected to the bolt with at least a portion of the biasing member 82 positioned between the bracket 26 and a washer 84. It will be appreciated that the rim 16 may have other suitable designs or configurations and the rim may be biased into the desired position using other suitable arrangements or structures.
In further detail, the brackets 26, 28 and/or the braces 20, 22 may pivot or move to allow the rim 16 to be displaced when a force that overcomes the biasing member 82 is applied to the rim. In addition, because the opening 78 preferably has an elongated shape, the may facilitate movement of the fastener 80 in a generally downwardly direction when the rim 16 is displaced from its normal position. When the rim 16 is displaced from its normal position, the plate 62 may also pivot or move away from the bracket 26 and that may draw the nut 88 and the washer 84 toward the bracket 26. As the washer 84 is drawn toward to the bracket 26, the biasing member 82 is compressed between the washer and the bracket to resist movement of the rim 16. When the force applied to the rim 16 is removed, the biasing member 82 may push the washer 84 and the nut 88 away from the bracket 26, the bolt 80 may move upwardly within the opening 78, and the connecting member 24 and the rim 16 may return to their normal positions. In addition, the brackets 26, 28 and/or the braces 20, 22 may return to their normal positions.
As shown in FIGS. 9-10, the backboard 14 may include a rebound member 90 and a frame 92. The rebound member 90 preferably has a generally flat, planar front surface and it is preferably constructed from plastic, such as acrylic. The rebound member 90 may also be constructed from a clear or generally transparent material that allows light to be transmitted through the rebound member. If desired, the rebound member 90 may include designs, graphics, or other printed material. The frame 92 is preferably constructed from plastic, such as high density polyethylene, and it is preferably constructed using a blow-molding process. An adhesive, such as an elastomeric or silicon-based adhesive, is preferably used to bond the rebound member 90 to the frame 92. Additionally, the rebound member 90 may be spaced from the frame 92 by a bond gap and the size of the bond gap may be controlled by bond gap spacers. The bond gap spacers may be structural elements of the frame 92, beads or other materials disposed within the adhesive or the like. It will be appreciated that the rebound member 90 and the frame 92 may also be connected using other appropriate structures, devices or methods. Additionally, it will be appreciated that the backboard 14 may have other suitable shapes, sizes, configurations and arrangements, and the backboard may be constructed from other suitable materials, processes and components.
The frame 92 may also include one or more depressions, “tack-offs” or “kiss-offs.” The depressions, which extend from one surface towards another surface, are desirably sized and configured to increase the strength and/or rigidity of the frame 92. Preferably, the depressions extend from one surface and contact or engage an opposing surface, but the depressions do not have to contact or engage the opposing surface. The depressions are desirably formed in the back or rear surface of the frame 92 so that the depressions are generally not visible while playing the game of basketball. The depressions, however, may also be formed in the front surface or other surfaces of the frame 92. If the depressions are formed in the front surface of the frame 92, these depressions may be covered in whole or in part by the rebound member 90. In addition, one or more depressions may be formed in the rear surface of the frame 92 and one or more depressions may be formed in the front surface of the frame 92, and these opposing depressions may be generally aligned. At least a portion of these opposing depressions preferably contact or engage each other, but the opposing depressions do not touch or engage.
The blow-molded plastic frame 92 may be relatively strong and rigid because it may include two opposing walls or surfaces that are separated by a given distance. Additionally, because an interior portion of the frame 92 may be hollow, the frame may be relatively lightweight. Significantly, the strong and rigid frame 92 may be able to withstand repeated impacts with a basketball or other similar objects. Further, the strong and rigid frame 92 may securely support the rebound member 90, which may allow a basketball goal system 10 with good rebounding characteristics to be constructed.
Significantly, the blow-molded plastic frame 92 may be quickly and easily constructed. In addition, features such as the depressions may be integrally formed in the frame 92 during the blow-molding process. Because the double walls and the depressions may allow a strong and sturdy frame 92 to be constructed, the frame may be constructed with relatively thin plastic walls and that may reduce the amount of material required to construct the frame. The thin plastic walls may also allow the frame 92 to be cooled more quickly during the manufacturing process, which may save time and decreases manufacturing costs.
The frame 92 may include an outer periphery 94 with a generally rectangular-shaped configuration. The outer periphery 94 of the frame 92, however, may also be curved, fan-shaped or have other desired shapes and configurations. The frame 92 may also include a generally open center portion, which may decrease the weight of the frame. A support structure 96 may be disposed within the outer periphery 94 of the frame 92. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the support structure 96 preferably divides the frame into four distinctive areas with a right side portion, left side portion, upper center portion and lower center portion. In further detail, the support structure 96 preferably includes a generally rectangular portion 98 and a pair of angled portions 100, 102. Advantageously, the support structure 96 may allow the rebound member 90 to be securely supported.
The frame 92 may be connected to the backboard support assembly 30 by one or more fasteners. For example, the support arms 32, 34 of backboard support assembly 30 may include openings 104, 106, 108, 110 that are sized and configured to receive fasteners to connect the support arms to the frame 92. The backboard support assembly 30 may include a bracket 112, as shown in FIGS. 6-8, that is sized and configured interconnect the support arms 32, 34. In particular, the support arms 32, 34 and the bracket 112 may include openings 114, 116, 118, respectively, that are sized and configured to allow one or more fasteners to connect the bracket to the support arms. It will be appreciated that the backboard 14 and the backboard support assembly 30 may be connected by other suitable structures or means.
The rebound member 90 and the frame 92 may also include an opening or access portion 120 that, as shown in FIGS. 1-2, may be sized and configured to allow the rim assembly 18 to be directly connected to the support arms 32, 34 of the backboard support assembly 30. It will be appreciated that the support arms 32, 34 may be connected to the backboard 14 using any suitable structures or means. It will further be appreciated that the backboard 14, rim 16, rim assembly 18 and/or backboard support assembly 30 may have a variety of other suitable shapes, sizes, configurations and arrangements, and they may be connected in other appropriate manners or designs depending, for example, upon the intended use of the basketball goal system 10.
As shown in FIGS. 1-2 and 1-15, the basketball goal system 10 may include a rim cover 122, such as a sleeve, guard or the like, that is connected to the rim 16. The rim cover 122 may enclose or be attached to at least a portion of the rim 16 and the rim cover may give the rim 16 a thicker or larger appearance.
In greater detail, the rim 16 may include a number of net hooks 124 and the rim cover 122 may include a corresponding number of receiving portions 126 that are sized and configured to receive and/or retain at least a portion of the net hooks. In particular, the receiving portions 126 may be sized and configured to receive and/or retain the net hooks 124 using a snap fit, a friction fit, an interference fit or the like, which may help attach the rim cover 122 to the rim 16. The rim cover 122 may also include an upper portion 128 that may be sized and configured to contact, abut and/or engage a portion of the rim 16. Preferably, the upper portion 128 of the rim cover 122 is generally complementary to a lower portion of the rim 16 so that these portions may contact, abut and/or engage. If desired, the rim cover 122 may be attached to the rim 16 using a snap fit, a friction fit, an interference fit, fasteners, adhesives and the like.
In addition, the rim cover 122 may include openings 130 that are in communication with the receiving portions 126 and the openings are preferably sized and configured to receive a portion of a net. For example, a loop of a net may be inserted through one or the openings 130 and one of the receiving portions 126 so that it can be attached to one of the net hooks 124. The net hook 124 may then be inserted into the receiving portion 126 to help secure the net to the net hook and prevent inadvertent detachment of the net from the net hook.
The rim cover 122 may further include receiving portions 132 that are sized and configured to receive and/or retain at least a portion of the flanges 72, 74. The receiving portions 132 may be sized and configured to receive and retain the flanges 72, 74 using a snap fit, a friction fit, an interference fit, fasteners, adhesives and the like, which may help attach the rim cover 122 to the rim 16.
The rim cover 122 and the rim 16 may be advantageously constructed from different materials. For example, the rim cover 122 is preferably constructed from plastic and the rim 16 is preferably constructed from metal. In particular, the rim cover 122 may be constructed from injection molded plastic and the rim 16 may be constructed from steel, but the rim cover and rim may be constructed from other suitable materials and processes. It will be appreciated that the rim cover 122 and the rim 16 may also be constructed from the same material, if desired.
As shown in FIGS. 1-2 and 16-17, the basketball goal system 10 may include also a brace cover 134, such a sleeve, guard or the like, that is sized and configured to be connected to a rim brace 20, 22. In particular, the basketball goal system 10 may include two brace covers 134 that at least partially enclose the rim braces 20, 22. The brace covers 134 are preferably sized and configured to appear like shock absorber or biasing member. For example, as best seen in FIGS. 16 and 17, the brace cover 134 may include a generally helical portion 136 that may be similar to that of a shock absorber. The generally helical portion 136 may include a generally continuous spiral, a plurality of discrete rings, or the like.
In addition, the brace cover 134 may include one or more apertures that are adapted to receive a fastener to connect the brace cover to the brace. The brace cover 134 may further be constructed from one or more separate parts that can be connected together about the rim brace. For example, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the brace cover 134 may be constructed from two parts 138 that include openings 140, 142. Fasteners may be inserted through the openings 140, 142 to connect the parts 138 about the rim brace.
One or both of the parts 138 of the brace cover 134 may include a receiving portion 144 that is sized and configured to receive and/or retain at least a portion of the rim braces 20, 22. The receiving portion 144 preferably has a shape that is generally complementary to the shape of the rim braces 20, 22 so that the rim brace is securely disposed within the receiving portion, but the receiving portion could have any desired shape or configuration. The parts 138 of the brace cover 134 may also include one or more curved sections 146. When two parts 138 are connected to form a brace cover 134, the curved sections 146 are preferably generally aligned to form the generally helical portion 136 of the brace cover.
It will be appreciated that the brace covers 134 may have a variety of suitable shapes, sizes, configurations and arrangements depending, for example, upon the intended use of the basketball goal system 10. For example, the brace covers 134 may consist of a single, unitary component. It will also be appreciated that while the brace cover 134 may be constructed from injection molded plastic, the brace cover could be constructed from other suitable materials and processes. It will further be appreciated the brace cover 134 may be attached to the rim brace using a snap fit, a friction fit, an interference fit, fasteners, adhesives and other suitable devices or means.
Although not known shown in the accompanying figures, the basketball goal system 10 may also include one or more wheels to allow the basketball goal system to be readily moved from one location to another location. For example, the wheels may be connected to a support structure and/or a base of the basketball goal system 10. In particular, the wheels may be connected to an axle that is connected to the support structure and/or the base of the basketball goal system 10. The basketball goal system 10, however, does not require wheels.
As discussed above, various components of the basketball goal system 10 may be constructed from different materials. For example, the rebound member 90, frame 92, rim cover 122 and brace covers 134 may be constructed from plastic. The rim 16; rim assembly 18; braces 20, 22; connecting member 24; brackets 26, 28, 112; backboard support assembly 30; support arms 32, 34; plates 60, 62; flanges 72, 74; biasing member 82; and/or the net hooks 124 may be constructed from metal. Advantageously, these materials may allow a relatively lightweight, long-lasting, strong and durable basketball goal system 10 to be constructed. Advantageously, the relatively lightweight basketball goal system 10 may reduce costs, for example, when shipping the basketball goal system from the factory to the store. In addition, this may allow a consumer to easily transport the basketball goal system 10 from the store to their house. Further, the basketball goal system 10 may be relatively inexpensive because it has few parts and it may be quickly and easily manufactured and assembled. It will be appreciated, however, that these and other components of the basketball goal system 10 may be constructed from other materials and processes with suitable characteristics.
Further, various components of the basketball goal system 10 may be integrally formed as part of unitary, one-piece structures during, for example, the manufacturing process. For example, the frame 92 may be integrally formed as part of unitary, one-piece frame during a blow-molding process. In addition, the rim cover 122 and/or the brace cover 134 may be integrally formed as part of unitary, one-piece structure during an injection molding process. Integrally forming these items as part of unitary, one-piece structure may advantageously help reduce manufacturing time and costs. These components could also be manufactured from other processes and these components need not be integrally formed as part of any unitary, one-piece structure.
Although this invention has been described in terms of certain preferred embodiments, other embodiments apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art are also within the scope of this invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is intended to be defined only by the claims which follow.

Claims

1. A basketball goal system comprising:

a backboard;

a backboard support assembly connected to the backboard;

a rim disposed proximate a front surface of the backboard, the rim being sized and configured to move between a first position in which the rim is generally parallel to a playing surface and a second position in which the rim is disposed at an angle relative to the playing surface;

a connecting member connected to the rim, the connecting member including a first portion that is disposed generally in the same plane as the rim and a second portion that is disposed at an angle relative to the first portion;

a first bracket connected to the backboard support assembly;

a biasing mechanism connecting the first bracket and the second plate of the connecting member, the biasing mechanism being sized and configured to bias the rim into the first position; and

a second bracket connected to the backboard support assembly and the second plate of the connecting member.

2. The basketball goal system as in claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the biasing member is disposed behind the second plate of the connecting member and the first bracket when the rim is in the first position.

3. The basketball goal system as in claim 1, wherein the first bracket is pivotally connected to the backboard support assembly and the second bracket is pivotally connected to the backboard support assembly.

4. The basketball goal system as in claim 1, wherein the backboard support assembly includes a first support arm and a second support arm, the first bracket being connected to the first support arm and the second support arm of the backboard support assembly, the second bracket being connected to the first support arm and the second support arm of the backboard support assembly

5. The basketball goal system as in claim 1, further comprising:

an elongated opening disposed in the second portion of the connecting member; and

a opening disposed in the first bracket, the biasing mechanism being at least partially disposed within the elongated opening in the second portion of the connecting member and the opening in the first bracket.

6. The basketball goal system as in claim 5, wherein the biasing mechanism is capable of moving within the elongated opening in the second portion of the connecting member when the rim is moved between the first and second positions.

7. The basketball goal system as in claim 5, wherein the biasing mechanism includes a fastener than extends through the elongated opening in the second portion of the connecting member and the opening in the first bracket.

8. The basketball goal system as in claim 7, wherein the biasing mechanism include a biasing member that is disposed between an end of the fastener and the first bracket.

9. The basketball goal system as in claim 1, further comprising:

a first flange connected to the rim;

a first rim brace including a first end connected to the first flange and a second end connected to the second bracket and the backboard support assembly;

a second flange connected to the rim;

a second rim brace including a first end connected to the second flange and a second end connected to the second bracket and the backboard support assembly.

10. The basketball goal system as in claim 9, further comprising:

a first brace cover that is sized and configured to at least partially cover a portion of the first rim brace; and

a second brace cover that is sized and configured to at least partially cover a portion of the second rim brace.

11. The basketball goal system as in claim 10, further comprising:

a first receiving portion disposed within the first brace cover that is sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the first brace cover; and

a second receiving portion disposed within the second brace cover that is sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the second brace cover.

12. The basketball goal system as in claim 10, wherein the first brace cover and the second brace cover are sized and configured to create the appearance of a spring.

13. The basketball goal system as in claim 1, further comprising a rim cover that is sized and configured to at least partially cover a portion of the rim.

14. A basketball rim cover that is sized and configured to at least partially cover a portion of a basketball rim, the basketball rim cover comprising:

an engaging surface that is sized and configured to engage at least a portion of a basketball rim;

a plurality of net hook receiving portions, each of the net hook receiving portions being sized and configured to receive a net hook of the rim; and

a plurality of net receiving portions, each of the net receiving portions being sized and configured to receive a portion of a basketball net;

wherein the rim cover is sized and configured to at least partially enclose the connection of the basketball net to the net hook.

15. The basketball rim cover as in claim 14, wherein the basketball rim cover is sized and configured to be attached to the basketball rim by a friction fit, a snap fit or an interference fit.

16. A basketball goal system comprising:

a backboard;

a backboard support assembly connected to the backboard;

a connecting member connected to the rim and the backboard support assembly, the connecting member including a first portion that is disposed generally in the same plane as the rim;

a first rim brace including a first end connected to the rim and a second end connected to the backboard support assembly; and

a second rim brace including a first end connected to the rim and a second end connected to the backboard support assembly.

17. The basketball goal system as in claim 16, further comprising:

a first flange connected to the rim, the first end of the first rim brace being connected to the first flange;

a second flange connected to the rim, the first end of the second rim brace being connected to the second flange.

18. The basketball goal system as in claim 16, further comprising:

19. The basketball goal system as in claim 18, further comprising:

20. The basketball goal system as in claim 16, wherein the first brace cover and the second brace cover are sized and configured to create the appearance of a spring.