Adjustable basketball goal system and mounting method

Systems and methods are provided for adjustable basketball goal systems, and methods for setting up such systems. In one embodiment of the invention, a basketball goal system is provided that includes a backboard that can be moved to be substantially vertical, and a rim that can be moved to be substantially horizontal. In other embodiments of the invention, the basketball goal system includes a neck that can be moved to adjust the height of the rim to a desired height above the playing surface. In one embodiment, a basketball goal system includes a shock absorption system that permits the neck, backboard and rim of the system to move downward to absorb severe shocks, and that automatically returns them to their playing position. Other embodiments include a vehicle-mounted support. Some of the embodiments may be attached to a vehicle-mounted support.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to sports equipment. More particularly, the invention concerns adjustable basketball goal systems and methods for mounting such systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Basketball equipment is well known. Many neighborhoods include a number of homes and/or parks where children or adults gather to play recreational basketball. Prior art basketball systems generally include permanent systems and portable systems.

Conventional permanent basketball goal systems generally include a basketball hoop attached to a backboard. The backboard is typically affixed to a vertical pole such that the backboard is attempted to be placed vertical and the goal is attempted to be placed horizontal. In addition, the vertical pole is usually attempted to be placed plumb. The installer typically does not need to worry about the tilt of the backboard or the angle of the rim as long as the pole is plumb. These permanent systems suffer from the disadvantage of not being movable to different locations as desired. Further, during extreme playing conditions, the rigid system including a basketball rim and other elements may be unable to absorb severe shocks and may fail.

Breakaway rims have been developed as an attempt to avoid such problems. In one type of breakaway rim design, these rims must be re-installed after they disconnect from the backboard, which undesirably interrupts play of the game. In another type, the rim rotates downward to absorb shocks; however, such rims are unable to absorb severe shocks and often fail.

Due to the popularity of the game, portable basketball goal systems are very appealing and increasingly commonplace. Portable basketball goal systems typically include a base that rests on the ground, a vertical pole connected to the base, and a backboard and rim connected to the vertical pole. The vertical pole is usually either perpendicular to the base or slightly angled in a forward direction toward the basketball rim. The backboard and rim of such portable systems are generally attached in a fixed orientation relative to the vertical pole and base. Thus, if the surface on which the base rests is uneven, the backboard and rim are correspondingly uneven. This can result in unsatisfactory play conditions and frustrating attempts by the players to repeatedly level the base. Although many of these systems provide for vertical adjustment of the hoop and backboard to accommodate various ages and abilities of the players, such adjustment does not address leveling problems.

These portable systems are generally less robust than permanent systems. Additionally, these systems may wobble or shift during play. To provide stabilizing support to the system, the base of many conventional portable basketball goal systems are weighted. For example, the base may include a ballast cavity, which can be filled with water or sand. The weighted base can sometimes stabilize the system during light to moderate play conditions, but typically fails to provide adequate support during heavier play conditions. Due to shifting of the base during extreme play, total failure of the system is unlikely but the shifting can be frustrating to the players during play of the game.

Thus, a need exists for improved basketball goal systems, and methods for setting up such systems, that can provide many of the advantages of prior art systems without many of the disadvantages.

SUMMARY

In order to overcome the above-described problems and other problems that will become apparent when reading this specification, the present invention provides basketball goal systems, and methods for setting up such systems, in which the orientation of the backboard and/or rim can be adjusted, or in which the orientation of an interface to the backboard and/or rim can be adjusted. In an embodiment of the invention, a basketball goal system is provided that includes a backboard that can be moved (e.g., tilted) to be substantially vertical, and a rim that can be moved to be substantially horizontal. In other embodiments of the invention, the basketball goal system includes a neck that can be moved to adjust the height of the rim to a desired height above the playing surface.

In one embodiment, the basketball goal system includes a shock absorption system that permits the neck, backboard and rim to move downward to absorb severe shocks, and that preferably automatically returns them to the pre-shock playing position. Some embodiments may be attached to a vehicle support, which provides an extremely mobile basketball goal system. Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent with reference to the following detailed description and figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now toFIGS. 1-4, a basketball goal system10is shown according to an embodiment of the invention. Basketball goal system10generally includes a base12, an attachment strap14, a neck16, a height adjustment interface18pivotally connecting base12to neck16, a backboard20, a leveling bracket22rotatably connecting backboard20to neck16, and a rim24attached to backboard20. As shown inFIG. 1, basketball goal system10may be attached to an upright support26, such as tree26. Height adjustment interface18allows neck16to be selectively rotated to place rim24at a user selectable height in relation to a desired playing surface28. Leveling bracket22is rotatable about a longitudinal axis23of neck16, which allows the orientation of backboard20and rim24to be adjusted to place rim24in a horizontal position regardless of the lean of tree26or other upright support. A front portion of leveling bracket22is also rotatable about a hinge64, which allows the tilt of backboard20to be adjusted for orienting backboard20to a substantially vertical position.

Basketball goal system10can provide a properly oriented backboard20and rim24when connected to a variety of different upright supports. The upright support26, however, does not need to be plumb for rim24of system10to be oriented in a substantially horizontal position, or for backboard20to be oriented in a substantially vertical position. As such, users can attach basketball goal system10to a variety of different upright structures, which may or may not be plumb, and can end up with a properly oriented basketball backboard20and rim24.

This can provide many advantages to users of basketball goal system10. For instance, basketball goal system10provides users with great flexibility in choosing a location for a basketball game. Users may attach basketball goal system10to almost any upright structure regardless of its vertical orientation. For example, a variety of trees, poles, or building structures may be used as a support structure. The user is therefore freer to choose a location based on other factors, such as a desired playing surface, rather than needing to find a substantially upright support structure. In addition, basketball goal system10may be set up in various non-conventional locations, such as along the edge of lake.

Further, being able to connect to a variety of upright structures provides great flexibility in selecting a desired stiffness for the support. For example, a user may select a smaller tree to provide a bendable support system that can absorb shocks during moderate to heavy playing conditions. In another example, a user may select a stiffer upright support, such as a telephone pole, to provide rigid support for heavier playing conditions.

FIGS. 2-4show the embodiment ofFIG. 1without backboard20and rim24for ease of explanation. As shown, base12may be formed from a first pair of angularly opposed standoffs30aligned with a second pair of angularly opposed standoffs32that are connected via bridge34. Base12may be formed by welding metal rectangular tubes to form opposed standoffs30,32and bridge34. The two pairs of angularly opposed standoffs30and32are spaced a vertical distance37by bridge34to provide leverage support. For example, the vertical distance37between standoffs30and32is preferably within the range of two to four feet. More preferably, vertical distance37is within the range of 24 to 28 inches. However, other ranges may provide sufficient leverage support.

The angularly opposed standoffs30,32define a gap for receiving a curved upright support, such as tree26. The angle38between opposed standoffs is preferably within the range of 80 to 120 degrees to receive a wide range of trees or poles. More preferably, angle38is within the range of 95 to 105 degrees, and even more preferably is about 100 degrees. At such an angle, the gap between opposed standoffs30,32is typically sufficient to receive a tree up to about two feet in diameter without the inner tips36of the standoffs biting into the tree; It is also typically sufficient to provide four points of contact along the inside of the standoffs30,32against smaller poles, such as telephone poles.

The inner tips36of standoffs30,32are substantially aligned in the same plane for abutting against a flat surface, such as an outer wall of a building. Accordingly, base12is adapted to connect to various types of upright structures, which may include both curved and planar surfaces. To improve contact against a flat surface, a pad (not shown) such as a metal flange may be attached to the distal end of each standoff30,32. The pads (not shown) may be substantially arranged in the same plane and may include a mounted mechanism for attaching to the flat surface. For example, each pad may be mounted using conventional hardware, such as bolts through the pad to permit bolted attachment to the flat support surface. In another example, the distal end of each standoff may be cut within the same plane (not shown) to facilitate mating to a flat surface.

Base12and other components of basketball goal system10may be formed using a variety of metals, plastics, or other common materials that can be assembled using known methods. For example, a lightweight and resilient material such as thin-walled steel known as electric metallic tubing (E.M.T.) may be desirable for many components. In another example, aluminium tubing or plates may be desirable for many components. Additionally, specially designed components conducive to manufacturing methods may be used. For instance, components formed via aluminium extrusion methods may be desirable. Connection and assembly methods may include welding, bolting, screwing, force fits, and other methods known in the art.

As shown inFIGS. 1-4, height adjustment interface18includes a pair of opposing brackets39and41welded to bridge34and spaced apart to form a neck-receiving channel35. A lower portion of interface18includes a pair of pivot holes40and a series of adjustment holes42formed through interface18. Pivot holes40permit neck16to be pivotally connected to base12via interface18, and adjustment holes42permit the angular orientation of neck16to be adjusted and set to a selected angular position based on predefined adjustment holes42. Accordingly, neck16has an angular range of motion43within a range of 45 to 160 degrees. Preferably, angular range of motion43is within a range of 60 to 120 degrees. More preferably, angular range of motion43is about 65 degrees. However, angular range of motion43may include various other ranges, and the ranges may be oriented differently with respect to base12. As an example, at the lowest setting, neck16may be angled about 85 degrees from base12, and at the highest setting, neck16may be angled about 20 degrees from base12.

Neck16generally includes an elongated rectangular tube having a base end46and a backboard end48. Base end46is received in neck-receiving channel35of interface18and is pivotally attached to interface18via bolt50. Bolt50is installed through holes40of interface18and corresponding holes formed through neck16at base end46. A handle52is attached to a nut on one end of bolt50to facilitate assembly and adjustment of neck16to interface18. A bolt54is installed through one of adjustment holes42and a corresponding hole in neck16to secure neck16at a desired angular orientation. Handle and nut combination55secures bolt54in the desired location. By adjusting the angular orientation of neck16, a user can modify the height of rim24as desired.

Backboard end48of neck16includes a first locking stud56and a second locking stud58. Locking studs56and58each include a handle connected to a bolt that is threaded through a nut welded on the outside of neck16at backboard end48. Locking stud56is installed on a lateral side of the rectangular tube forming neck16, and locking stud58is installed on the top side of the rectangular tube forming neck16. Locking studs56and58act to secure levelling bracket22to neck16in a desired orientation.

As also shown inFIGS. 1-4, levelling bracket22generally includes a backboard bracket60, a neck connector62, a hinge64, and a tilt adjustment65. Backboard bracket60includes a plurality of holes71formed therethrough for attaching backboard20and rim24to bracket60. Hinge64pivotally connects backboard bracket60to neck connector62along a top portion of bracket60and connector62. Neck connector62includes a plate66attached to hinge64on an upper portion, and a tilt adjustment65attached on an opposite lower portion.

Extending from a topside of plate66is a round tube68, which is received inside backboard end48of neck16for attaching levelling bracket22to neck16. Tilt adjustment65is attached to a bottom end of plate66and to a bottom portion of backboard bracket60. Tilt adjustment65includes a slide bar70pivotally connected to backboard bracket60that extents though a slide bracket72pivotally connected to plate66. Slide bar70can translate within slide bracket72, and thereby rotate backboard bracket60toward and from plate66. A slide lock stud74is threaded through slide bracket72to lock slide bar70in a desired position.

Levelling bracket22allows a user to tilt and angularly rotate backboard bracket60, and a backboard20and rim24attached thereto, with respect to neck16. For example, backboard bracket60has an angular range of motion61of 360 degrees about longitudinal axis23of neck16. Although, it may have a smaller angular range of motion. In addition, backboard bracket60has an angular range of motion63within the range of 40 to 165 degrees about hinge64. Preferably, angular range of motion63is within the range of 55 to 125 degrees, and more preferably is about 70 degrees. Although angular range of motion63may include other ranges, it is preferably larger than neck angular range of motion43, thereby allowing the tilt of backboard bracket to adjust to the height adjustment of neck16. For instance, neck angular range of motion43may be about 65 degrees, and backboard bracket range of motion63may be about 70 degrees. As such, backboard20and rim24, which are attached to backboard bracket60, may be tilted and rotated as desired by the user with respect to neck16.

Because round tube68fits within a square cavity of neck16, levelling bracket22may be rotated about longitudinal axis23of neck16. A user may lock-in a desired rotational orientation (typically to make rim24substantially horizontal) by turning locking studs56and58until they make an interference contact with round tube68. In an alternate embodiment, the round tube and square bracket arrangement may be reversed. For example, backboard end48of neck16may include a round tube, and levelling bracket22may include a square bracket adapted to receive the round tube of neck16within it. As such, the locking studs would be attached to the square bracket on the levelling bracket22for retaining the desired configuration. A safety connector (not shown), such as a cable may be used to attach neck16to backboard20or levelling bracket22, and to thereby protect users in the event locking studs56and58are not sufficiently tightened.

As shown inFIG. 1, basketball goal system10may be mounted to an upright support such as tree26. The design of basketball goal system10allows the process of mounting it to an upright support to be relatively quick and easy. A user may store basketball goal system10in a semi-assembled state in which levelling bracket22is detached from neck16, and neck16is detached from base12. Accordingly, backboard20and rim24are stored attached to levelling bracket22as a first unit, and neck16and base12are stored as separate units. The attachment strap14could be wrapped around any of the units or stored separately. A user may thus transport basketball goal system10as three or more units using a minivan, pickup truck, or other vehicle. Neck16is around 6 feet in length, which allows it to fit within most vehicles. Further, neck16preferably has length within a range of 5 to 15 feet to accommodate different types of basketball goal systems having different amounts of height adjustability; although, the length of neck16may be within different ranges.

To mount basketball goal system10to an upright support26, the user places base12against the upright support26at a desired height and secures base12using attachment strap14. Attachment strap14is preferably, but need not be a ratcheting type tie-down strap, which permits the user to tightly cinch the base12against upright support26using ratcheting mechanism99. Attachment strap14may include a variety of different attachment devices, such as a non-ratcheting tie-down strap, a steel cable, or a chain with a binding system. In this embodiment, only one attachment strap14is shown connecting base12to upright support26; however, a plurality of attachment straps may be used to provide further support. This may be desirable if base12is attached to a substantially planar upright support, such as a support column of a two-car garage. In such a scenario, the inner tips36of standoffs30,32make contact with the substantially planar upright support. Alternatively, pads (not shown) may be provided with an attachment mechanism, such as bolts, for attaching to a planar upright support. When attached to a planar upright support, angular regions38between standoffs30,32are not able to provide lateral support as in the case of a curved upright support (e.g. tree or pole). As such, multiple attachment straps may be desirable. In the case of a curved upright support, the upright support26is received into the angular region38between each pair of standoffs30,32. Attachment strap14may be attached just below the upper standoff30to circumscribe the combination.

After securing the base12to upright support26, the user may attached levelling bracket22to the backboard end48of neck16. The user may then orient backboard20and rim24to ensure backboard20is substantially vertical, and that rim24is substantially horizontal. This may be done by rotating levelling bracket22about neck axis23to a desired orientation, and rotating backboard bracket60about hinge64to a desired tilt orientation. The orientation of backboard20and rim24may be set by securing lock studs56,58and74. The user may then rotate neck16upward to place rim24at a desired height above playing surface28. The desired height may be secured by placing bolt54through an appropriate set of adjustment holes42and locking it down using handle56attached to a corresponding nut. If necessary, the user may make further adjustments by rotating neck16downward, adjusting levelling bracket22as desired, and rotating neck16upward to desired position. The user may use a measuring tape attached to rim24to fine-tune the rim height.

If the user desires to semi-permanently install the basketball goal system10on an upright structure, and desires to place neck16out of the way of players, he may install it in an inverted configuration, as shown in FIG.5. This may also be desirable for setting up basketball goal system10at a low height for children to use. As such, backboard20may be kept closer to base12, rather than far from base12as in the non-inverted configuration.

To install basketball goal system10in an inverted configuration, the user may use a ladder to assist in attaching base12to an upright support in a manner inverted from the previously discussed installation. Thus, neck16will rotate upward away from the upright support. Once the base12is mounted, the user may install the backboard20, rim24and levelling bracket22as previously discussed. The backboard20and backboard bracket60may be rotated about 180 degrees about neck axis23, depending on the lean upright support26, to account for inversion of the base. Alternatively, backboard20may be attached to backboard bracket60in a position 180 degrees from the non-inverted configuration, to account for inversion of the base. In any event, backboard bracket60and attached backboard20can be oriented into a vertical position. In the inverted configuration, neck16is above the height of rim24, and is thus out of the way of players. This may be handy in a driveway environment or similar location where it is undesirable to have portions of basketball goal structure10below the height of backboard20.

Referring now toFIGS. 6-8, a basketball goal system110according to another embodiment of the invention is generally shown. Basketball goal system110includes a base112, an attachment strap114, four neck supports116,117,119and121, a backboard120, a leveling bracket122, and a rim124attached to backboard120. As shown inFIG. 6, basketball goal system110may be attached to an upright support126, such as a pole, tree or column. Leveling bracket122rotatably connects backboard120to neck supports116,117,119and121. Leveling bracket122also allows the orientation of a backboard bracket160, and thereby backboard120and rim124, to be adjusted to place rim124in a vertical position regardless of the lean of upright support126. Further, leveling bracket122allows the tilt of backboard bracket160, and thereby backboard120, to be adjusted for orienting backboard120to a substantially vertical position.

Base112may be formed from a first pair of angularly opposed standoffs130aligned with a second pair of angularly opposed standoffs132that are connected via bridge134. As with basketball goal system10, the two pairs of angularly opposed standoffs130and132are spaced a vertical distance137by bridge134to provide leverage support, which may be within the range of 2 to 4 feet. The angularly opposed standoffs130,132define a gap for receiving a curved upright support, such as tree126. The angle138between opposed standoffs may be, for example, around 100 degrees to receive moderate size trees or poles, or within various ranges as discussed with backboard goal system10. The inner tips136of standoffs130,132are substantially aligned in the same plane for abutting against a flat surface, such as an outer wall of a building. Accordingly, base112is adapted to connect to various types of upright structures, which may include both curved and planar surfaces. To improve contact against a flat surface, a pad (not shown) such as a metal flange may be attached to the distal end of each standoff130,132. As with basketball goal system10, base112and other components of basketball goal system10may be formed using a variety of metals, plastics, or other common materials that can be assembled using known methods.

Neck supports116,117,119and121generally include elongated tubes that each have a base end146and an opposing backboard end148. Each base end146is welded to a corresponding one of standoffs130,132, and each backboard end148is welded to a rear plate123of levelling bracket122.

As shown inFIGS. 6-8, levelling bracket122generally includes a backboard bracket160, a backboard connector162, a hinge164, a rear plate123, and a tilt adjustment165. Backboard bracket160includes a plurality of holes171formed therethrough for attaching backboard120and rim124to bracket160. Hinge164pivotally connects rear plate123to backboard connector162. Backboard connector162includes a round tube168extending rearward from backboard bracket160, a square tube162, and a lock stud158. Round tube168slides into square tube162and is locked into place by turning lock stud158to engage round tube168. Lock stud158is a threaded stud that is threaded through the wall of square tube162via a lock nut159welded to an outer wall of square tube162.

Because round tube168fits within square tube162, backboard bracket160may be rotated in relation to base112. For example, backboard bracket160may be rotated in the direction61shown inFIG. 6about a longitudinal axis of square tube162approximately 360 degrees. As such, backboard120and rim124attached to backboard bracket160may be completely rotated as desired about the longitudinal axis123of square tube162. Thus, angular rotation161about longitudinal axis123is about 360 degrees; although, a smaller angular rotation may be provided. Typically, a user will use such angular rotatability to ensure that rim124is oriented substantially horizontal.

Tilt adjustment165works in concert with hinge164to adjust the angular relation between rear plate123and backboard connector162. Tilt adjustment165includes a nut167welded to rear plate123through which a tilt stud169is threaded. Tilt stud169extends from nut167through rear plate123until it makes contact with a rear portion of backboard connector162. Rear plate123rests against tilt stud169and is not attached to tilt stud169, which allows rear plate123to bounce in response to shocks. Such a design provides additional resiliency to basketball goal system110for absorbing shocks. Tilt adjustment165permits the angular relation of backboard connector162to be adjusted by turning tilt stud169into or out of nut167. Backboard connector162thus rotates about hinge164, which permits attached backboard120to have an angular range of motion163about hinge164. As an example, angular range of motion163may be about 65 degrees; although, other ranges may provide sufficient flexibility for adjusting the tilt of backboard connector162. Accordingly, the tilt of backboard120may be adjusted as desired.

As shown inFIGS. 6-8, basketball goal system110may be mounted to an upright support126. The design of basketball goal system110allows the process of mounting it to an upright support126to be relatively quick and easy. A user may store basketball goal system110in a semi-assembled state in which backboard bracket160is detached from backboard connector162. Accordingly, backboard120and rim124are attached to backboard bracket160as a first unit, and base112, neck supports116,117,119and121, and levelling bracket122are attached as a second unit. The attachment strap114could be wrapped around either unit or stored separately. A user may thus transport basketball goal system110as two or more units using minivan, pickup truck, or other vehicle.

To mount basketball goal system110to an upright support26, the user places base112against the upright support126at a desired height and secures base112using attachment strap114. After securing the base112to upright support126, the user may attach backboard bracket160to backboard connector162. The orientation of backboard120and rim124may be set by rotating backboard120to a desired orientation and securing lock stud158. The user may then adjust the tilt of backboard120by rotating tilt stud169inward or outward.

Referring now toFIGS. 9-11, a basketball goal system210is generally shown according to a further embodiment of the invention. Basketball goal system210generally includes a base212, an attachment strap214, a neck216, a neck interface218pivotally connecting base212to neck216, a lift213, a shock-absorbing mechanism215, a backboard220attached to a backboard bracket260, a hinge264connecting backboard bracket260to neck216, a leveling adjuster290, and a rim224. As with the previously discussed embodiments, basketball goal system210may be attached to an upright support. Lift213assists the user in selectively rotating neck216to place rim224at a desired height in relation to a playing surface. Leveling adjuster290allows the tilt of backboard220and rim224to be adjusted to orient backboard220to a substantially vertical position. A portion of neck216is rotatable along its longitudinal axis to allow rim224to be oriented to a substantially horizontal position. Shock-absorbing mechanism215allows neck216to move downward in response to a severe shock, and preferably returns neck216to its original pre-shock position.

As with systems10and110, basketball goal system210can provide a properly oriented backboard220and rim224when connected to a variety of different upright supports. The upright support to which it is attached, however, does not need to be plumb for rim224of system210to be oriented in a substantially horizontal position, or for backboard220to be oriented in a substantially vertical position. As such, users can attach basketball goal system210to a variety of different upright structures, which may or may not be plumb, and can end up with a properly oriented basketball backboard220and rim224in relation to the desired playing surface.

As discussed with previously described embodiments, base212may be formed from a first pair of angularly opposed standoffs230aligned with a second pair of angularly opposed standoffs232that are connected via bridge234. The two pairs of angularly opposed standoffs230and232are spaced a vertical distance237by bridge234to provide leverage support. For example, the vertical distance237between standoffs230and232is preferably within the range of two to four feet. More preferably, vertical distance237is within the range of 24 to 28 inches. However, other ranges may provide sufficient leverage support.

The angularly opposed standoffs230,232define a gap for receiving a curved upright support. The angle238between opposed standoffs is preferably within the range of 80 to 120 degrees. More preferably, angle238is within the range of 95 to 105 degrees, and even more preferably is about 100 degrees. At such an angle, the gap between opposed standoffs230,232is typically sufficient to receive a tree up to about two feet in diameter without the inner tips236of the standoffs biting into an upright support, such as a tree; It is also typically sufficient to provide four points of contact along the inside of the standoffs30,32against smaller poles, such as telephone poles.

The inner tips236are substantially aligned in the same plane for abutting against a flat surface, such as an outer wall of a building. Accordingly, base212is adapted to connect to various types of upright structures, which may include both curved and planar surfaces. To improve contact against a flat surface, a pad (not shown) such as a metal flange may be attached to the distal end of each standoff230,232. The pads (not shown) may be substantially arranged in the same plane and may include a mounted mechanism for attaching to the flat surface. For example, each pad may be mounted using conventional hardware, such as bolts through the pad to permit bolted attachment to the flat support surface. In another example, the distal end of each standoff may be cut within the same plane (not shown) to facilitate mating to a flat surface. Thus, base212may attach to curved or flat upright supports.

Base212also includes a pair of lateral supports208and209for providing lateral support to system210. The upper lateral support208is attached to upper standoff230at a distal region236and to neck interface218on the other end. Lower lateral support209likewise connects a distal region236of lower standoff232to neck interface218. Base212and other components of basketball goal system210may be formed using a variety of metals, plastics, or other common materials that can be assembled using known methods.

As shown inFIGS. 9-11, neck interface218includes a pair of opposing brackets239and241welded to bridge234and spaced apart to form a neck-receiving channel235. A lower portion of interface218includes a pair of pivot holes240formed through interface218. Pivot holes240permit neck216to be pivotally connected to base212via interface218.

Neck216generally includes an elongated rectangular tube having a base end246and a backboard end248. Base end246is received in neck receiving area235of interface218and is pivotally attached to interface218via bolt250. Bolt250is installed through holes240of interface218and corresponding holes (not shown) formed through neck216at base end246. A handle252is attached to a nut on one end of bolt250to facilitate assembly of neck216to interface218.

The pivotal connection between base212and neck216allows neck216to have an angular range of motion243, which is within a range of 45 to 160 degrees. Preferably, angular range of motion243is within a range of 60 to 120 degrees. More preferably, angular range of motion243is about 65 degrees. However, angular range of motion243may include various other ranges that may be oriented differently with respect to base12. As an example, at the lowest setting, neck216may be angled about 85 degrees from base212, and at the highest setting, neck16may be angled about 20 degrees from base212. The angular range of motion243may be almost any range; however, a range of about 65 degrees will accommodate the lean of most upright structures226. Further, removal of lift213may permit increased ranges of motion.

Lift213is disposed between base end246of neck216and a lower portion of base212and assists users in raising and lowering neck216as desired to adjust the height of rim224above the playing surface. Lift213may include a variety of assists, such as a hydraulic jack or a screw jack. As shown, lift213is preferably removably connected to neck216via a removable pin206attached through a hole (not shown) formed in a bracket207on the lower side of neck216.

As also shown inFIGS. 9-11, a shock-absorbing mechanism215is disposed on base212. Shock-absorbing mechanism215avoids failure of the system or components, such as a bent rim, by absorbing shocks that may occur during extreme play. Further, shock-absorbing mechanism215may be adapted to dampen shocks to the system and to return the system to the pre-shock orientation. For example, with lift213detached, shock-absorbing mechanism215may permit neck216to rotate downward when rim224receives a severe shock. For instance, a 200-pound player may slam a ball through rim224and hang onto rim224afterward. When the shock is received, neck216can rotate downward in a controlled arc according to shock-absorbing mechanism215. When the shock is removed (e.g., the player releases rim224), shock-absorbing mechanism215may be designed to reverse the rotation of neck216and return it to its pre-shock orientation.

In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 9-11, shock-absorbing mechanism215includes a gas cylinder201, a cable202connected to a chain203, a pulley204, and a clevis205. Gas cylinder201is disposed within bridge234and is pinned at an upper end to bridge234. The opposing longitudinal lower end of gas cylinder201is attached to cable202, which may include a steel cable. Cable202is partially oriented around a pulley204, which is attached to an upper portion of bridge234. The cable202attaches to a chain203, which extends to a clevis205welded on an upper side of neck216.

By connecting chain203to neck216via clevis205, the length of chain203may be adjusted in accordance with the angular orientation of neck216. For example, when neck216is placed in a desired orientation, chain203may be connected to clevis205in a taut arrangement. As such, when lift213is disconnected from neck216, shock-absorbing mechanism215maintains the desired angular orientation of neck216, and thus the desired height of rim224. When a downward shock is received, gas shock201dampens the shock as it is contracted while neck216moves downward. When the shock is removed, gas shock201extends and thereby returns neck216to the pre-shock orientation. Thus, rim224, backboard220and neck216move downward as a unit to accommodate the shock, and move upward to their pre-shock location after the shock load is removed.

As with the previously described embodiments, basketball goal system210allows rim224to be moved as desired to place it in a substantially horizontal orientation. To facilitate such adjustability, backboard end248is rotatable about the longitudinal axis of neck216in relation to base end246. A user may rotate backboard end248in relation to base end246using axis rotation handle280, which is foldably attached to the side of neck246. Neck216is rotatable via a pair of opposing neck rotation plates282and284.

Neck rotation plates282and284are disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of neck216. They are rotatably attached via a bolt (not shown) that pins neck rotation plates282and284to each other along the longitudinal axis of neck216. Preferably, as shown inFIG. 11, a slip disk285is installed between neck rotation plates282and284to reduce friction and thereby improve rotation between the plates. To lock-in a desired neck rotation, an angle clip286is welded to one of the neck rotation plates282. A jam nut287is welded to angle clip286for receiving a set screw288. Setscrew288can be threaded through jam nut287and angle clip286to interfere with neck rotation plate284in a locked configuration. As shown inFIGS. 9 and 10, a level289may be attached to the underside of neck216to assist a user in placing rim224in a horizontal orientation.

In addition to neck adjustability, basketball goal system210further allows backboard220to be moved as desired to place it in a vertical orientation. Accordingly, the tilt of backboard220is adjustable. Backboard220is attached to backboard bracket260via bolts (bolts) installed through mounting holes271. Backboard bracket260may also include an upper support269for attaching to an upper portion of backboard220to provide additional support. As shown inFIGS. 9-11, backboard bracket260is connected to neck216via hinge264, which allows backboard220to be tilted. To control and adjust the tilt, a levelling adjuster290is attached to neck216that connects to a bottom portion of backboard220.

Levelling adjuster290includes a clevis291attached to backboard end248of neck216, a universal joint292, an tilt adjustment stud293, an tilt adjustment nut294, a channel member295, a tilt adjustment handle296, and a tilt handle bracket297. To facilitate placing backboard220in a substantially vertical orientation, tilt adjustment handle296is located on the underside of neck216at a lower portion of neck216. Tilt adjustment handle296is connected to neck216via tilt handle bracket297, which is welded to the underside of neck216. Tilt adjustment handle296extends to backboard end248of neck216, and attaches to universal joint292. Universal joint292is connected to neck216via clevis291, which is welded to the underside of backboard end248of neck216. Universal joint292is connected to tilt adjustment stud293, which is threaded through tilt adjustment nut294. Tilt adjustment nut294is connected to channel member295, which is pinned to a lower portion of backboard bracket260.

Turning tilt adjustment handle296threads tilt adjustment stud293into or out of tilt adjustment nut294. Consequently, the bottom portion of backboard220is correspondingly moved toward or away from clevis291, which adjusts the tilt of backboard220. As such, backboard bracket260and backboard220have an angular range of motion263. Preferably, angular range of motion263is within the range of 55 to 125 degrees, and more preferably is about 70 degrees. Although angular range of motion263may include other ranges, it is preferably larger than neck angular range of motion243, thereby allowing the tilt of backboard bracket to adjust to the height adjustment of neck216. For instance, neck angular range of motion243may be about 65 degrees, and backboard interface range of motion263may be about 70 degrees. As such, backboard220and rim224, which are attached to backboard bracket260, may be tilted as desired by the user with respect to neck216. A level298may be attached to an edge of backboard bracket260, which assists the user in orienting backboard220in a vertical position.

Basketball goal system210is designed to be quickly and easily installed by the user, and to be easily adjusted as needed. A user may store basketball goal system210in a semi-assembled state in which backboard220is detached from backboard bracket20and neck216and base212are stored as separate units. Accordingly, backboard220and rim224may be transported as a first unit, and neck216and base212may be transported as separate units. The attachment strap214could be wrapped around any of the units or stored separately. A user may thus transport basketball goal system210as three or more units using a minivan, pickup truck, or other vehicle. Basketball goal system210may also be transported as an assembled unit, or in other combinations of units. In one embodiment, neck216is around 6 feet in length, which allows it to fit within many vehicles in a semi-assembled state. Further, neck216preferably has length within a range of 5 to 15 feet to accommodate different types of basketball goal systems having different amounts of height adjustability; although, the length of neck216may be within different ranges.

To mount basketball goal system210to an upright support, the user places base212against the upright support at a desired height and secures base212using attachment strap214. After securing base212to an upright support, the user may attach backboard220to backboard bracket260. The user may then rotate neck216upward sufficiently to install lift213. Once lift213is installed, the user can raise or lower neck216to a desired height using lift213. The user may then adjust the orientation of backboard220and rim224. Rim224may be adjusted to a horizontal orientation, or another desired orientation, by longitudinally rotating neck216. This may be done via movement of axis rotation handle280, and locked-in via jam nut287. The user may adjust the tilt of backboard220to place it in a vertical orientation, or another desired orientation, via adjustment of levelling adjuster290. To use the shock-absorbing feature of system210, the user may connect chain203to clevis205, and disconnect lift213from neck216. Lift213should be compressed, rotated downward, or removed from system210to avoid interference with neck216during shock absorption.

Referring now toFIGS. 12-14, a vehicle-mounted support310for a basketball goal system according to an embodiment of the invention is shown. Vehicle-mounted support310can provide a sturdy support for a basketball goal system at almost any location reachable by a vehicle. For example, using vehicle-mounted support310attached to a vehicle300, a user could set up a basketball goal system in an open field, in the middle of street, or other location that lacks a suitable upright support. Vehicle-mounted support310generally includes a base312, a ram314attached to a rear portion of base312, a spreader bar316attached to ram314, swing lock stabilization arms318,320, and an upright support322attached to base312. As shown, vehicle300may include a pickup truck type vehicle. When installed into a pickup truck type vehicle, vehicle-mounted support310is mounted in the truck bed302of vehicle300.

Base312rests in the truck bed302of vehicle300in a sliding arrangement, although other arrangements are possible, such as a bolted arrangement or a rolling arrangement. As with the basketball goal systems discussed previously, base312and other components of vehicle-mounted support310may be made from common materials, such as metal bars and/or tubing, plastic components, etc. For instance, base312may be made from a combination of steel and/or aluminium bars welded and/or bolted together. As shown, base312includes a hinge324attached to an adjustment bar325at its rear portion that connects to ram314. Ram314is adapted to extend along its longitudinal axis to provide linear force. Ram314may include an adjustable ram, such as a screw jack or a hydraulic jack. It may further include an extensibly biased ram, such as a spring-loaded ram or a gas shock.

Pivotally attached to ram314at an opposite end from base312is spreader bar316. Spreader bar316includes a pair of pivotally attached spreader arms326,328connected at their distal regions by a spread limiter330. Spread limiter330includes a turnbuckle mechanism that allows a user to adjust the spread of spreader arms326,328relative to each other. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), spread limiter may include a pair of chains that are each attached to a respective one of spreader arms326,328, and which are adjustably connected via a hook at the end of one of the chains. Spread limiter330permits spreader arms326and328to be extended to substantially match the width of truck bed302and to engage the upper forward corners of the truck bed located behind the cab of truck300. Spread limiter330also acts to prevent excessive spreading of spreader arms326and328, and to thereby avoid damage to the walls of the truck bed.

Located along opposing lateral regions of base312are swing lock stabilization arms318and320. Arms318and320are attached via hinges to their respective lateral regions of base312, which allows them to swing outward at an angle toward the rear of vehicle300. As such, arms318and320may engage the lower rear corners of truck bed302. Turnbuckles332and334may be used to limit the outward rotation of arms318and320to reduce the risk of excessive shock to the walls of truck bed302.

Upright support322is attached to base312at a rear portion of base312, and includes a pair of posts336and338. Posts336and338are oriented substantially perpendicular to base312, which places them in a substantially vertical position when vehicle-mounted support310is installed on a vehicle300. The face of posts226and338are preferably angled about 100 degrees from each other to match a preferable angle between standoffs30,32of basketball goal systems10,110and210. The face of posts226may also have other angles to match other basketball goal mount systems. Further, the face of posts336and338may be substantially aligned in the same plane to provide a substantially planar attachment region.

The height of posts336and338may be about two to four feet to provide a large amount of contact and leverage support to an attached basketball goal system. Posts336and338are spaced apart within a range of twelve to eighteen inches to provide lateral support for oblique shocks to the attached basketball goal system. Preferably, posts336and338are spaced apart about 14 inches. Upright support322is preferably pivotally attached to base312to permit upright support322to pivot into a storage position substantially parallel with base312.

Vehicle-mounted support310may be stored in a compact folded position when not in use. For example, swing lock stabilization arms318and320can be folded against the lateral sides of base312. Also, spreader bar316may be collapsed such that spreader arms326and328are substantially parallel with each other. Further, collapsed spreader bar316and ram314may be rotated closer to base312. Optionally, spreader bar316and ram314may be removed and stored separately. In addition, upright support322may be rotated into a position substantially parallel with base312. In a folded position, support310does not require a large amount of storage space. Additionally, the folded support310may be easily installed by one or more users.

To install vehicle-mounted support310in truck300, a user may slide support310into truck bed302such that spreader bar316is oriented toward the cab of truck300. The user may then position the tips of each swing lock stabilization arm318and320to engage a respective bottom rear corner of truck bed302. This may require adjusting the location of base312. Turnbuckles332and334can be adjusted to set the swing angles of arms318and320. Ram314may then be positioned along with spreader bar316. Spreader bar316should be spread such that it engages the upper forward corners of truck bed302. Consequently, ram314is angled downward from spreader bar316to base312. Ram314may then be engaged to force base312rearward in an installed configuration. The angle of ram314allows ram314to provide both downward force and rearward force to the rear portion of base312.

The downward force applied by ram314acts to counteract shocks encountered when playing basketball using an attached basketball goal system. A basketball goal system, such as system110discussed previously, may be attached to upright support322. Because upright support322is located at the opposite end of base312, the downward force provided by ram314counteracts downward shocks to attached goal system110. The rearward force of ram314also maintains a sturdy mount to truck300.

Upright support322may then be rotated into a substantially vertical position. To secure upright support322in a vertical position, bolts340can be used to secure posts336and338to a forward portion of base322. A basketball goal system, such as system10, may then be attached to upright support322. For example, base12of system10may be secured against the faces of posts336and338using strap14. After configuring basketball goal system10as discussed previously, the user has a sturdy, adjustable basketball goal system set up at the user's desired location.

While the present invention has been described in connection with the illustrated embodiments, it will appreciated and understood that modifications may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In particular, the invention applies to any basketball goal system or portion of a basketball goal system that provides adjustability in two or more directions to an attached backboard and/or rim.