Basketball rim assemblies

Basketball goals may incorporate folding rim assemblies which can be packaged and transported pre-mounted to certain backboard assemblies. Alternately, folding rim assemblies can be sold separately or packaged with a backboard for on-site mounting. Some basketball rim assembles may incorporate a break-away mechanism using a leaf spring. The leaf spring biases the rim bracket and resiliently resists downward pivotal movement of the rim bracket and rim. When the rim is rotated downward under an applied force, the leaf spring is flexed, biasing the rim to return to a static playing position when the force is removed.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure deals with basketball goal assemblies and particularly basketball rim assemblies.

BACKGROUND

Basketball is a popular sport that can be played by anyone who has access to a ball and a basketball goal. Basketball goals have become common to find in driveways and public parks. For such goals to be assembled and/or installed they need to be packaged and transported to the desired location either by a consumer or an installer. It can then take time for the consumer or installer to assembly the various components into an assembled basketball goal. Furthermore, assembled and/or installed goals can take up significant space even when not in use.

For game play, the basketball rim assembly needs to be securely mounted to extend perpendicular to the face of the basketball backboard. In certain arrangements a rim assembly may incorporate a break-away feature, allowing the rim to resiliently pivot downward a short distance when impacted by a force, such as a player hanging from the rim. The rim assembly returns to a static playing position when the force is released. However, the inclusion of a break-away feature typically significantly increases the bulk and complexity of the rim assembly.

To facilitate assembly and installation of the goal, it would be desirable in some situations for the basketball rim assembly to arrive already connected to the backboard. However, since the rim assembly typically extends perpendicular to the backboard, a pre-attached fixed rim assembly can make packaging and transport unwieldy and impractical. Further, an extending rim assembly can require more room for storage. Some prior art references suggest arrangements where a rim assembly can be folded upward and parallel to the backboard so that the rim assembly does not protrude when not in use. However, such upward folding arrangements are often incompatible with break-away mechanisms which allow downward pivoting.

Some basketball rim assemblies include a break-away mechanism based on a coil spring arrangement. In representative examples, one or more coil springs are arranged with the spring axis perpendicular to the basketball rim or with an axis perpendicular to the backboard. A shaft, such as a bolt extends through the central axis of the coil spring. The coil spring is captured with one end bearing against a plate surface of the rim assembly which the shaft passes through. The other spring end is held using a cap arrangement, such as a washer with a diameter larger than the spring which is held on the shaft with a threaded nut or similar fastener. The plate surface is arranged to move along the shaft to compress the spring against the cap arrangement when force is applied.

In some arrangements, the consumer or installer has to assemble the components, including placing each spring over each corresponding shaft and securing it with a cap arrangement. This requires the proper assembly of multiple components, including adjusting the spring tension to provide the correct amount of resistive force, without too much or too little resistance. Alternately, if a coil spring arrangement is transported pre-assembled it adds to the manufacturer's cost, it is transported under significant tension and it is more bulky and awkward to package and transport. Moreover, any arrangement with a coil spring and cap arrangement involves more components, which increases the cost and complexity of assembly. Furthermore, when there are more components, there is an increased chance of components being omitted, getting lost, breaking or loosening over time.

SUMMARY

In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides rim assemblies which are attached or which are configured to be attached to or with a basketball backboard. The backboard may be mounted to a support member such as a support pole. The basketball goal is arranged to be in a playing position relative to a support surface such as the ground or a floor.

Illustrated embodiments include a rim assembly with a mounting bracket and a rim bracket connected by an axle forming a hinge. The mounting bracket is mountable to the backboard assembly and/or support structure. The rim bracket forms a portion of and/or is connected to a basketball rim. In certain embodiments, the rim bracket is rotatable approximately ninety degrees relative to the mounting bracket between a playing position and a folded position. In the upward or folded position the rim bracket and rim extend substantially parallel to the backboard. In the playing position, the rim bracket and rim extend perpendicular to the backboard.

In certain embodiments, the rim assemblies include a locking mechanism to selectively retain the rim assembly in the folded position or the playing position. In one illustrated embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a pair of retaining pieces such as locking buttons on the ends of respective leaf springs mounted to the rim bracket. The locking buttons resiliently extend laterally through openings in side flanges of the rim bracket. In the respective folded position or playing position, the locking buttons further extend through respective folded position openings or playing position openings in side flanges of the mounting bracket. The rim assembly can be unlocked by resiliently pressing the locking buttons inward from the openings corresponding to the current rim bracket position, allowing the rim bracket to be rotated to the other position, where the locking buttons will extend to engage the other pair of folded position openings or playing positions opening. In certain embodiments where a folding rim assembly also incorporates a break-away mechanism, the playing position openings may be elongated to allow some breakaway movement of the rim during play.

In another illustrated embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a retaining piece such as a retaining pin. Opposing ends of the retaining pin extend laterally through openings in side flanges of the rim bracket and the mounting bracket. The rim assembly can be unlocked by selectively removing the retaining pin, allowing the rim bracket to be rotated from a playing position to a folded position. In certain embodiments where a folding rim assembly also incorporates a break-away mechanism, openings for the retaining pin in the side flanges may be elongated and/or oval shaped to allow some breakaway movement of the rim during play. In an aspect which may be combined or use separately from the folding aspect of the rim assembly, a breakaway mechanism may incorporate an elongate rim leaf spring. The rim leaf spring has a lower end anchored to the mounting bracket. The leaf spring extends upward and a middle portion curves forward. The middle portion may abut the axle, which forces the leaf spring to maintain a curved orientation. An upper end of the rim leaf spring abuts the rim bracket in the playing position. The rim leaf spring biases the rim bracket upward and resists downward pivotal movement. Downward movement may occur when a player hangs from the rim.

In some embodiments the path of the unflexed leaf spring may extend slightly above a plane defined by the rim bracket's playing position, so that the spring contacts the rim bracket and a preload is applied as the rim bracket approaches and is placed into the playing position.

Further objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure shall become apparent from the detailed drawings and descriptions provided herein.

DESCRIPTION OF DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would no many occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates.

In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides rim assemblies which are attached or which are configured to be attached to or with a basketball backboard. The backboard may be mounted to a support member such as a support pole. The basketball goal is arranged to be in a playing position relative to a support surface such as the ground or a floor. Illustrated embodiments include a rim assembly with a mounting bracket and a rim bracket connected by an axle forming a hinge. The mounting bracket is mountable to the backboard assembly and/or support structure. The rim bracket forms a portion of and/or is connected to a basketball rim. In certain embodiments, the rim bracket is rotatable approximately ninety degrees relative to the mounting bracket between a playing position and a folded position. In the upward or folded position the rim bracket and rim extend substantially parallel to the backboard. In the playing position, the rim bracket and rim extend perpendicular to the backboard.

Certain embodiments of the rim assemblies include a locking mechanism to selectively retain the rim assembly in the folded position or the playing position. In one illustrated embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a pair of locking buttons on the ends of respective leaf springs mounted to the rim bracket. The locking buttons resiliently extend laterally through openings in side flanges of the rim bracket. In the respective folded position or playing position, the locking buttons further extend through respective folded position openings or playing positions openings in side flanges of the mounting bracket. The rim assembly can be unlocked by resiliently pressing the locking buttons inward from the openings corresponding to the current rim bracket position, allowing the rim bracket to be rotated to the other position, where the locking buttons will extend to engage the other pair of folded position openings or playing positions openings. In certain embodiments where a folding rim assembly also incorporates a break-away mechanism, the playing position openings may be elongated to allow some breakaway movement of the rim during play.

In another illustrated embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a retaining piece such as a retaining pin. Opposing ends of the retaining pin extend laterally through openings in side flanges of the rim bracket and the mounting bracket. The rim assembly can be unlocked by selectively removing the retaining pin, allowing the rim bracket to be rotated from a playing position to a folded position. In certain embodiments where a folding rim assembly also incorporates a break-away mechanism, openings for the retaining pin in the side flanges may be elongated and/or oval shaped to allow some breakaway movement of the rim during play.

In an aspect which may be combined or use separately from the folding aspect of the rim assembly, a breakaway mechanism may incorporate an elongate rim leaf spring. The rim leaf spring has a lower end anchored to the mounting bracket. The leaf spring extends upward and a middle portion curves forward. The middle portion may abut the axle, which forces the leaf spring to maintain a curved orientation. An upper end of the rim leaf spring abuts the rim bracket in the playing position. The rim leaf spring biases the rim bracket upward and resists downward pivotal movement, for instance due to a player hanging from the rim.

In certain embodiments the path of the unflexed leaf spring extends slightly above a plane defined by the rim bracket's playing position, so that the spring contacts the rim bracket and applies a preload as the rim bracket approaches and is placed into the playing position.

FIG. 1representatively illustrates a basketball goal assembly10. Basketball goal assembly10includes a backboard assembly20with a backboard panel21and a support member such as support pole30. Rim assembly110extends from backboard assembly20.FIGS. 1-3illustrate backboard panel21as transparent for ease of illustration. Backboard panel21may be transparent such as when made from acrylic, polycarbonate or glass or may be opaque such as when made from plastic, tinted glass, wood or other materials as desired in a particular embodiment.

In some embodiments, support pole30may be monolithic; however, in other embodiments, support pole30may include two or more portions connected together. Support pole30may have a curved cross-section such as a circular or oval shape, a rectangular cross-section, or it may have a cross-section of any other desired shape.

The lower portion32of support pole30is mounted relative to the support surface, for example by being attached to a base60. Base60may be portable. Support pole30may be angled so pole30extends obliquely from base60relative to the support surface. In other embodiments support pole30is vertical and extends perpendicular to the support surface. In some embodiments, pole30may be secured directly into the ground or to a base anchored in the ground. In other embodiments, backboard assembly20may be mounted to a wall or from a ceiling.

In the illustrated embodiment, a support system extends between backboard assembly20and an upper portion34of support pole30. As shown inFIG. 1, the support system includes at least one and preferably a pair of lower support arms42and at least one and preferably a pair of upper support arms44. Support arms42,44extend parallel to each other between backboard assembly20and support pole30. When used in pairs, one lower support arm42is located on one side of support pole30and another lower support arm42is located on the opposite side of support pole30. Support arms42,44, may have a square cross-section, a rectangular cross-section, a circular cross-section, or a cross-section of any other desired shape. Some support arms may be tubular, forming a hollow interior portion and some support arms may be a solid tube or plate.

Support arms42,44create a deformable parallelogram assembly for adjusting the backboard height. Rearward points on support arms42,44may each be pivotally attached to support pole30along a vertical axis forming the rearward side of the parallelogram. Forward ends of support arms42,44may each be pivotally attached to backboard assembly20along a vertical axis. The forward ends of the support arms may be attached directly to a rearward side of backboard assembly20or alternately the forward ends may be attached to a bracket46to which backboard assembly20is secured. Depending on the embodiment, backboard assembly20may be secured to bracket46either before or after the support arms42,44are attached to bracket46. The backboard assembly20and/or bracket46is vertical and forms the forward side of the deformable parallelogram.

Optionally, the ends of one or more support arms42,44may extend rearward past support pole30and may provide attachment points for additional features of basketball goal assembly10. For example, a height adjustment mechanism (not shown) may be attached between lower support arms42and a central portion of pole30. In one example, the height adjustment mechanism may be a worm gear/piston cylinder based mechanism with a manual crank for adjustment. A balancing structure, such as springs or weights in or on the support arms, may help keep the backboard weight close to neutrally balanced relative to the pole so that it takes a minimum force applied to the rear of the support arms to raise or lower the backboard.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1-3, rim assembly110extends from backboard assembly20.FIGS. 2-3illustrate backboard assembly20and rim assembly110without support pole30or base60for ease of illustration.FIGS. 2-3also represent embodiments where backboard assembly20is not mounted to a support pole, such as when backboard assembly is wall mounted.

FIG. 2illustrates rim assembly110in the down or playing position. In the playing position, rim assembly110extends forward with the rim generally in a plane perpendicular to backboard panel21.FIG. 3illustrates rim assembly110in the up or folded position. In the folded position, rim assembly110extends upward with the rim generally in a plane parallel and adjacent to backboard panel21.

Details of a representative embodiment of rim assembly110are illustrated further inFIGS. 4-8. Rim assembly110includes a base or mounting bracket120that is configured to be mounted to a backboard assembly. Base or mounting bracket120includes a vertical and planar rear portion122. Rear portion122may define one or more, and preferably at least two or more, mounting openings121. Fasteners such as bolts may extend through mounting openings121to secure mounting bracket120to backboard assembly20. Rear portion122is parallel to and aligned with the front surface of backboard panel21. In some embodiments rear portion122abuts the front surface of backboard panel21. In other embodiments, backboard panel21may define a cut-out area around bracket120, allowing mounting bracket120to be mounted directly to the backboard assembly support structure. Optionally, in cut-out embodiments, a spacer may be used to align the rear face of mounting bracket120with the front face of backboard panel21.

Mounting bracket120includes side flanges124which are bent forward relative to rear portion122. Side flanges124are planar and extend vertically. Side flanges124are perpendicular to rear portion122. Side flanges124define a pair of aligned mounting axle openings, at least one and optionally a pair of aligned folded position openings152illustrated as circular and at least one and optionally a pair of playing position openings154illustrated in the shape of an elongated slot or oval.

Rim assembly110further includes rim bracket130. Rim bracket130includes a planar top portion132. A circular rim140extends outward and forward from top portion132. Rim140is secured in a plane with top portion132, for example by welding. Rim140may be of a conventional size for the game of basketball and may include mounting hooks for a net. Rim bracket130includes side flanges134which are bent forward relative to top portion132. Side flanges134extend vertically and are perpendicular to top portion132. Side flanges134are parallel to side flanges124of mounting bracket120. Side flanges134define a pair of aligned mounting axle openings, at least one and optionally a pair of aligned folding spring mounting openings162and at least one and optionally a pair of aligned folding spring button openings164.

As assembled, rim bracket130is nested between side flanges124of mounting bracket120. The axle openings of rim bracket130and mounting bracket120are aligned, with rim bracket130pivotally mounted to mounting bracket120via an axle144extending through the aligned axle openings. Axle144is preferably locked at each end, for example with a cap, a fastener or a stamped end, to prevent unintended removal of axle144. Rim bracket130is pivotal relative to mounting bracket120around the axis of axle144. In the playing position, top portion132of rim bracket130is perpendicular to rear portion122of mounting bracket120. Correspondingly, in the folded position, top portion132of rim bracket130is parallel to rear portion122of mounting bracket120. Additionally in the playing position, the outer face133of top portion132is flush with upper edge128of mounting bracket120. Ideally for safety, there are minimal gaps between rim bracket130and upper edge128of mounting bracket120in the playing position, yet allowing sufficient clearance for rim assembly110to rotate between the playing position and the folded position when desired.

In the illustrated embodiment, rim assembly110includes a locking mechanism to selectively retain the bracket in the folded position or the playing position. Illustrated in detail inFIGS. 5-6, the locking mechanism includes at least one and optionally a pair of folding springs170, i.e. springs operable in folding the rim assembly. Folding springs170are leaf springs based on elongate, planar metal strips171. In the illustrated embodiment, each folding spring170is mounted parallel and adjacent to an interior face of a side flange134of rim bracket130. Other arrangements can also be used. A mounting end of each leaf spring is secured to side flange134, for instance with a mounting stud172secured within a mounting opening162. Mounting stud172may be secured within mounting opening162frictionally, for example via a snap fit, or alternately fastened with a screw, bolt, rivet, weld, adhesive, or the like. Mounting stud172may extend into mounting opening162and optionally slightly outward, yet does not protrude sufficiently to interfere with rotation of the bracket pieces.

A retaining piece such as locking button174is arranged at an opposing end of strip171from mounting stud172. Locking button174is perpendicular to the plane of strip171and extends into a folding spring button opening164of rim bracket130. Each locking button174has a height or thickness at least sufficient to engage the combined thicknesses of flanges124and134and optionally may extend slightly outward beyond flange124.

Locking button174is arranged to sequentially align with folded position opening152and playing position opening154defined in side flange124during rotation of rim bracket130relative to mounting bracket120. As one arrangement, the locking button can be arranged to travel at a fixed radius offset from the axis of axle144. When locking button174comes into alignment with either folded position opening152or playing position opening154, the folding spring biases locking button174laterally outward so that the height of locking button174extends through both side flanges124and134, whereupon the shear strength of the locking button locks the side flanges, preventing further rotational movement until locking button174is disengaged.

The rim assembly can be unlocked by resiliently pressing the locking buttons inward from the locking openings. Strip171has a sufficient length, flexibility and clearance to allow locking button174to be resiliently pressed inward against the biasing force of folding spring170a sufficient distance that locking button174disengages from the currently aligned opening in mounting bracket side flange124, enabling rotation of rim bracket130relative to mounting bracket124.

Embodiments of the rim assembly may incorporate a breakaway mechanism. A breakaway mechanism allows the rim bracket to resiliently rotate slightly downward when force is applied to the rim and causes the rim bracket to return to a static position when the force is released.

In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 5-8, rim assembly110incorporates a break-away mechanism using rim leaf spring180, i.e. a leaf spring operable to resist movement of the rim. Rim leaf spring180may be used in basketball rim embodiments with or without a folding bracket and/or locking mechanism arrangement.

As used herein, a leaf spring means an elongate beam or flat type of spring such as a strip of a substantially planar sheet or plate material with an elongated length, a width and a thickness. The strip maintains a fixed shape along its length, either a curved or a flat shape, in an unflexed state. The strip has a spring strength that resists being flexed, yet when flexed the strip is biased to return to an un-flexed shape. Rim leaf spring180may be made of high strength metal materials which are flexible yet with significant spring strength such steel, stainless steel or aluminum. In alternate embodiments, rim leaf spring may be made of a strip of non-metal material such as a plastic or rubber with a sufficient flexibility and spring strength.

Rim leaf spring180has a lower end182which converges with and becomes parallel to abut the inner face of mounting bracket rear portion122. Lower end182may be anchored to rear portion122, for example with a pair of clamping tabs126. When installed on a backboard assembly, lower end182may be further anchored with a fastener, such as a bolt, extending through a mounting opening183aligned with a bracket mounting opening121. The fastener may assist in securing the spring and the bracket to the backboard assembly.

The length of rim leaf spring180extends upward from lower end182, and is arranged with a mid-portion184which curves forward. In certain embodiments, mid-portion184is held in a curved orientation by axle144, where mid-portion184contacts axle144tangentially. When used in a foldable rim assembly as illustrated, leaf spring180is retained in the curved orientation by the combination of anchored lower end182and abutment against axle144regardless of whether rim assembly110is in the playing position or the folding position.

The length of rim leaf spring180continues to extend upward from mid-portion184to upper end186. Upper end186continues the curve of mid-portion184, and may transition to a flat portion which is substantially horizontal.

As illustrated in cross-section inFIG. 8, in the playing position upper end186abuts and may be depressed by an inner face135of the rim bracket top portion132. Upper end186engages rim bracket130along horizontal plane D-D abutting inner face135. Plane D-D may be arranged below mounting bracket upper edge128by the thickness of rim bracket top portion132. Rim leaf spring180, via engagement of upper end186, biases rim bracket top portion132to at least the horizontal position and resiliently resists downward pivotal movement of rim bracket130and rim140, for instance when a player impacts or hangs from rim140. When rim140is rotated downward under an applied force, leaf spring180is flexed, biasing rim140to return to a static playing position when the force is removed.

In certain embodiments, the unflexed path of leaf spring upper end186does or would extend to a vertical height higher than plane D-D, as illustrated for example inFIG. 7. Depending on the embodiment, the unflexed height of upper end186may be less than, equal to or greater than the upper edge128of mounting bracket120. When rim leaf spring180is installed against a rim bracket in a non-folding rim assembly or when folding rim assembly110is rotated into the playing position, inner face135contacts and slightly flexes upper end186downward, applying an initial force or pre-load onto the leaf spring180and correspondingly a resistive force to rim bracket130. Among other advantages, this pre-load helps hold rim bracket130in position and helps prevent unintended movement or rattle of the rim assembly.

When a break-away mechanism using rim leaf spring180is used in combination with a folding rim assembly as illustrated, the folding and locking arrangement needs to accommodate the break-away action. In the representative embodiment, this is accommodated via the shape of playing position openings154. In example embodiments, playing position openings154are defined each with an elongated slot or oval.

As illustrated in detail inFIG. 4, in the playing position locking button174extends through the side flange134of rim bracket130and further extends so that the height of locking button174engages playing position opening154in mounting bracket side flange124. The abutting engagement of locking button174against the forward edge of playing position opening154prevents rim bracket130from rotating upward toward the folded position until locking button174is disengaged. Correspondingly, it prevents the pre-load of rim leaf spring180from pushing rim140above a horizontal orientation. When combined in an embodiment where rim leaf spring180is subject to a pre-load, locking button174is urged against the forward edge of playing position opening154in the static playing position.

Additionally, the elongated or oval shape of playing position opening154allows the retaining piece such as locking button174to translate within playing position opening154when the rim140and rim bracket130pivot forward and downward under a break-away movement. This translation movement allows the rim bracket to pivot slightly downward separately yet in addition to the ability to fold the rim assembly upward. Upon release of the break-away force, rim leaf spring180urges rim bracket130upward to the static position and returns locking button174to abut the forward edge of playing position opening154. In example embodiments, the elongated slot or oval defined by playing position openings154has a major axis which is substantially horizontal, optionally with a slight angle and/or a slight radial curve to accommodate radial movement of locking button174as rim bracket130rotates.

Details of an alternate embodiment of a rim assembly210are illustrated inFIGS. 9-13. Rim assembly210can be used with and mounted to backboard assembly20in the same manner as rim assembly110. Rim assembly210includes a base or mounting bracket220that is configured to be mounted to a backboard assembly. Base or mounting bracket220includes a vertical and planar rear portion222. Rear portion222defines one or more, and preferably at least two or more, mounting openings221. Fasteners such as bolts may extend through mounting openings221to secure mounting bracket220to backboard assembly20. Rear portion222is parallel to and aligned with the front surface of backboard panel21. In some embodiments rear portion222abuts the front surface of backboard panel21. In other embodiments, backboard panel21may define a cut-out area around bracket220, allowing mounting bracket220to be mounted directly to the backboard assembly support structure. Optionally, in cut-out embodiments, a spacer may be used to align the rear face of mounting bracket220with the front face of backboard panel21.

Mounting bracket220includes side flanges224which are bent forward relative to rear portion222. Side flanges224are planar and extend vertically. Side flanges224are perpendicular to rear portion222. Side flanges224define a pair of aligned mounting axle openings and a pair of aligned outer pin openings252illustrated as circular in shape.

Rim assembly210further includes rim bracket230. Rim bracket230includes a planar top portion232. In the same manner as in rim assembly110, rim140extends outward and forward from top portion232. Rim bracket230includes side flanges234which are bent relative to top portion232. Side flanges234extend vertically and are perpendicular to top portion232. Side flanges234are parallel to side flanges224of mounting bracket220. Side flanges234define a pair of aligned mounting axle openings and a pair of aligned inner pin openings262illustrated as elongated or oval in shape.

As assembled, rim bracket230is nested between side flanges224of mounting bracket220. The axle openings of rim bracket230and mounting bracket220are aligned, with rim bracket230pivotally mounted to mounting bracket220via an axle244extending through the aligned axle openings. Axle244is preferably locked at each end, for example with a cap, a fastener or a stamped end, to prevent unintended removal of axle244. Rim bracket230is pivotal relative to mounting bracket220around the axis of axle244. In the playing position, top portion232of rim bracket230is perpendicular to rear portion222of mounting bracket220. Correspondingly, in the folded position, top portion232of rim bracket230is parallel to rear portion222of mounting bracket220. Additionally in the playing position, the outer face233of top portion232is substantially flush with upper edge228of mounting bracket220. Ideally for safety, there are minimal gaps between rim bracket230and upper edge228of mounting bracket220in the playing position, yet allowing sufficient clearance for rim assembly210to rotate between the playing position and the folded position when desired.

In the illustrated embodiment, rim assembly210includes a locking mechanism to selectively retain the assembly in the folded position or the playing position. Illustrated in detail inFIGS. 9-11, the locking mechanism includes a retaining piece such as retaining pin270. The illustrated embodiment of retaining pin270is an elongated metal shaft or bolt, although other styles of retaining pins may be used. With rim assembly210in the playing position. Opposing ends of retaining pin270extend laterally through the aligned pairs of outer pin openings252and inner pin openings262in the respective pairs of side flanges224and234. In the illustrated embodiment, retaining pin270includes a cap end272which prevents one end of retaining pin270from passing through the pin openings. A fastener could be used instead of a cap in alternate embodiments. A shaft portion274extends across the width of bracket220and a distal end276exits from mounting bracket220on a side opposite to cap end272. The distal end276can be selectively secured with a fastener to prevent unintended removal of retaining pin270. Example fastener options for securing distal end276include a retractable ball bearing, a cross-pin, a wire or ring, a removable cap or a nut secured to a threaded distal end of the retaining pin. Alternate options for selectively securing distal end276can also be used.

Retaining pin270can be selectively installed in rim assembly210to hold rim assembly210in the playing position. When desired, retaining pin270can be removed, allowing rim assembly210to be folded by rotating bracket230and rim140upward. Retaining pin270is removed inFIGS. 12-13.

In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 9-13, rim assembly210incorporates a break-away mechanism using rim leaf spring280. Rim leaf spring280is comparable in mounting and operation to rim leaf spring180. Rim leaf spring280has a lower end282which abuts the inner face of mounting bracket rear portion222. Lower end282may be anchored to rear portion222, for example with a pair of clamping tabs226. Rim leaf spring280extends upward with a mid-portion284which curves forward. In certain embodiments, mid-portion284is held in a curved orientation by axle244, where mid-portion284contacts axle244tangentially. Leaf spring280may be retained in the curved orientation by the combination of anchored lower end282and abutment against axle244regardless of whether rim assembly210is in the playing position or the folding position. Rim leaf spring280continues to upper end286.

As illustrated in cross-section inFIG. 11, in the playing position upper end286abuts and may be depressed by an inner face235of the rim bracket top portion232along horizontal plane D-D. Rim leaf spring280biases rim bracket top portion232to at least the horizontal position and resiliently resists downward pivotal movement of rim bracket230and rim140. When rim140is rotated downward under an applied force, leaf spring280is flexed, biasing rim140to return to a static playing position when the force is removed.

In certain embodiments, the unflexed path of leaf spring upper end286does or would extend to a vertical height higher than plane D-D, as illustrated for example inFIG. 13. Depending on the embodiment, the unflexed height of upper end286may be less than, equal to or greater than the upper edge228of mounting bracket220. In the playing position, inner face235contacts and slightly flexes upper end286downward, applying an initial force or pre-load onto the leaf spring280and correspondingly a resistive force to rim bracket230. Among other advantages, this pre-load helps hold rim bracket230in position and prevent unintended movement or rattle of the rim assembly.

In the embodiment ofFIGS. 9-13, rim bracket230incorporates elongated or oval shaped inner pin openings262. As part of the breakaway mechanism, the elongated or oval shape of pin openings262allows bracket230to slightly rotate downward when pressure is applied to rim140while retaining pin270is in place. Specifically, retaining pin270translates along the elongate length of inner pin openings262as rim bracket230rotates. As illustrated inFIG. 11, the major axis of oval inner pin openings262maybe slightly angled to be aligned with the translational path of retaining pin270as rim bracket230rotates. In some embodiments, the elongate openings may be slightly curved to accommodate the downward rotation of rim bracket230. In alternate embodiments, outer pin openings252could be oval shaped instead of inner pin openings262.

Optionally, rim bracket230may also incorporate stop tabs238extending laterally inward adjacent the lower edges of rim bracket side flanges234. Stop tabs238are spaced slightly forward of mounting bracket rear portion222in the playing position. When rim bracket230is rotated downward under pressure, stop tabs238may rotate rearward into engagement with rear portion222consequently limiting further rotation.

Folding rim assemblies using versions of the disclosed folding bracket and locking arrangement can be packaged and transported pre-mounted to certain backboard assemblies. Alternately, folding rim assemblies such as disclosed can be sold separately or packaged with a backboard for on-site mounting. As illustrated inFIG. 14, in certain embodiments a backboard assembly20is packaged and shipped in a package70with the folding rim assembly110or210arranged in an open or unfolded position within the package70with the basketball rim parallel to the backboard.

While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the disclosure are desired to be protected.