Games using tangible projectile – Playing field or court game; game element or accessory... – Goal or target structure for projectile; element thereof
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-15
2001-10-16
Pierce, William M. (Department: 3711)
Games using tangible projectile
Playing field or court game; game element or accessory...
Goal or target structure for projectile; element thereof
C473S483000, C248S280110, C248S281110
Reexamination Certificate
active
06302811
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a system for adjusting the height of a basketball goal. More particularly, the invention pertains to an adjustable height basketball system having an operating mechanism within the upright and with a leveraging system to move the backboard.
2. State of the Art
Regulation height for a basketball hoop or rim is ten (10) feet. For various reasons, one may wish to vary the height of a basketball hoop or rim to more than or less than the regulation height. For example, young children may have difficulty in shooting the basketball into a goal set at regulation height. Therefore, it may be desired to lower the goal to encourage young children to learn and play basketball.
While many adjustable height systems are available, there are various disadvantages associated with each of them. Many are cumbersome and awkward to operate, some require the use of a ladder or special tools for proper adjustment, some are arranged in a manner that exposes players and operators of the mechanism to potential dangers of varying degrees, and nearly all are arranged so as to expose the adjustment actuator to weathering of the elements with the potential for inducing maintenance problems.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,211,393 (Rolffs, et al.) shows one adjustable system in which a backboard is pivotally mounted to a mast section that is offset from a ground supported mast. A jack extends upwardly out of the mast to contact the backboard support structure. The system requires a jack system that supports a substantial portion of the weight of the backboard and the rim/hoop structure as well as any pressure from a player that may choose to jump and grasp or hang onto or from the rim. Thus, the jack system must be able to withstand these forces leading to expensive design requirements.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,695,417 (Winter, et al.) shows an adjustable system in which the backboard supports are attached to the mast or post to rotate on an axle and also extend past the upright mast or post for connection to a mechanism that extends externally along the outside of the mast or post. The arms or separate support elements of the backboard support act as levers so that the distal ends and in turn the operating mechanism move in an arc with the leverage arm extending away from the upright post. In turn the leverage mechanism is exposed to the elements when used out of doors and in turn is susceptible to deterioration from rust and dirt. In both indoor and outdoor use, the mechanism is otherwise exposed to contact by basketballs with the risk of suffering damage from or causing damage to the basketballs. Further, some users may wrap the mast or post with a cushioning material to protect players from injury should they be unable to avoid running into the post or mast. The cushioning material inhibits or reduces the ease of use of the height adjusting system and may also get caught in or otherwise interfere with proper operation.
Some mechanisms to adjust the height involve latches and notches along with sticks or poles that must be used to push the backboard structure to a desired height. See for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,324,027 (Nye); U.S. Pat. No. 4,781,375 (Nye) and U.S. Pat. No. 4,881,734 (Nye). Some mechanisms not only are height adjustable but are incorporated into a portable or moveable base. See: U.S. Pat. No. 5,375,835 (VanNimwegen, et al.).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A basketball goal or standard has a mechanism for adjusting the height of the backboard or rim/hoop. The mechanism is internally disposed within the vertical support member of the basketball goal to be protectable from the elements and to limit exposure to damage to persons, players and basketballs.
The adjustable basketball goal system of the invention includes a vertical support member having an upper end and a lower end. The vertical support member has a hollow portion and an aperture formed therein proximate its upper end. A first support structure has a first end pivotally attached to the vertical support member and preferably to a bracket mounted proximate the upper end of the vertical support member. A second support structure also has a first end pivotally attached to the vertical support member. Preferably it is mounted to a bracket that is attached to the vertical support member spaced from the first end of the first support structure.
A backboard has a front and a back. The second end of the first support structure and the second end of the second support structure are each rotatably attached to the back. A basketball hoop or rim is mounted to the front of the backboard.
A fulcrum is attached proximate the upper end of the vertical support member preferably between the upper and lower brackets. A lever member has a first end and a second end with a fulcrum point in between positioned proximate the fulcrum. The first end of the lever is rotatably attached to one of the first support structure and the second support structure and preferably to a cross member that extends between spaced apart arms of either one and preferably the second or lower of the first and second support structures. The lever member has a first lever portion extending from the first end to the fulcrum point and a second lever portion extending from the second end to the fulcrum point. The second lever portion extends into the vertical support member.
An actuator is positioned within the hollow portion of the vertical support member. The actuator has an upper end connected to the second lever portion to move the second portion of the lever member about the fulcrum and in turn cause the first portion of the lever member to urge the backboard to move between a first position and a second position vertically displaced from the first position. The lower end of the actuator is attached to an operating structure connected to the vertical support member and positioned for operation by a user. The operating structure is configured for operation by the user such as by a crank. In preferred and alternate arrangements, the operating structure may be a screw jack.
In a preferred arrangement, the backboard extends away from the vertical support member toward the playing surface while the crank member of the operation structure is oriented to extend away from the playing surface. Of course, the crank member is also removable. Mechanical stops may be provided to regulate or control the travel distance of the lever member as it rotates about the fulcrum. A vertical height or location indicator may also be included. The vertical support member may be connected or installed in the ground or may be mounted to a moveable base.
In a preferred configuration, the upper bracket and the lower bracket each have an axle. The first and second support structures are preferably formed to be substantially triangular in projection with an apex rotatably connected to the axles of upper and lower brackets. In a most preferred arrangement, the axle of the lower bracket is the fulcrum.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5211393 (1993-05-01), Rolffs et al.
patent: 6077177 (2000-06-01), Winter et al.
patent: 6120396 (2000-09-01), Van Nimwegen et al.
Holme Roberts & Owen LLP
Pierce William M.
LandOfFree
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