Basketball stopping wall

The present disclosure provides a basketball stopping apparatus arranged for attachment to a basketball goal assembly. In some embodiments, the basketball stopping apparatus is configurable between a first position and a second position, the first position being arranged for the deflection of errant basketball shots and the second position being arranged for storage of the basketball stopping apparatus before and/or after use. Additionally, some embodiments include a wall coupled to base arms that are pivotably mounted to a bottom end of the basketball goal assembly.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure pertains generally to accessories for use in combination with a basketball goal assembly. More particularly, the present invention pertains to devices capable of stopping errant basketball shots from traveling into an area behind and/or adjacent to a basketball goal assembly.

BACKGROUND

In the sport of basketball a player can shoot a basketball towards a basketball goal from an infinite number of possible locations. Each shot is typically aimed at either a horizontally-oriented rim of the basketball goal or a vertically-oriented backboard that is adjacent the rim and useful for banking shots into the rim.

A skilled player can shoot the basketball such that the basketball hits the targeted backboard and/or enters the rim at some point along its trajectory. However, during play a basketball player may shoot a basketball in such a manner that the ball misses its targeted rim or backboard and travels into the area behind and/or adjacent to the basketball goal. Basketball shots that continue past the backboard may become cumbersome and time-consuming to retrieve, thus interrupting play. Additionally, errant shots can cause damage to various valuables or surroundings and/or risk injury or harm to small children who pursue the errantly shot ball.

In light of the burdensome and harmful effects of errant basketball shots, a number of apparatuses have been developed in an effort to help stop errant basketball from traveling into the area behind the basketball goal. Unfortunately, many of the existing collection apparatuses interfere with one's ability to move around the basketball goal assembly during periods of non-use. Additionally, many of the existing collection apparatuses are unsightly, having large and/or protruding portions that substantially increase the space that the basketball goal assembly occupies. During windy conditions, increased forces may be exerted on these large and/or protruding portions and are transmitted to the basketball goal assembly, thus increasing the likelihood of damage to the collection apparatus and/or the basketball goal assembly. Additionally, many of the collection apparatuses may be difficult to set-up and/or take-down before and/or after periods of use.

Thus new devices for minimizing errant basketball shots are desired.

SUMMARY

In some aspects, the present disclosure provides an apparatus for stopping an errantly shot basketball, the apparatus comprising a flexible wall, a left base arm, and a right base arm. The flexible wall is attachable to a post of a basketball goal comprises left and right wall portions having upper edges securable to a top end region of the post. The left base arm is secured to a bottom edge of the left wall portion and arranged to pivotally connect to a bottom end region of the post. Similarly, the right base arm is secured to a bottom edge of the right wall portion and arranged to pivotally connect to a bottom end region of the post. When connected to the bottom end region of the post, the left and right base arms are pivotable between a vertical configuration and a horizontal configuration. In the vertical configuration the left and right base arms gather the bottom edges of the left and right wall portions of the flexible wall near the post; and in the horizontal configuration the left and right base arms spread the left and right wall portions of the flexible wall laterally away from the bottom end region of the post so as to spread the flexible wall portions into an open arrangement. In some instances, a length of the left base arm is arranged along a length of the bottom edge of the left wall portion, and a length of the right base arm is arranged along a length of the bottom edge of the right wall portion.

In certain aspects, the present disclosure provides an apparatus for stopping an errantly shot basketball, the apparatus comprising a flexible wall attachable to a basketball goal, the flexible wall comprising left and right wall portions each having a bottom portion that is securable to a base positioned on a support surface and an upper portion that is securable to an elevated portion of the basketball goal. A left base arm is secured to a bottom edge of the left wall portion and arranged to pivotally connect to the base, and a right base arm is secured to a bottom edge of the right wall portion and arranged to pivotally connect to the base. When connected to the base, the left and right base arms are pivotable between a vertical configuration and a horizontal configuration. In the vertical configuration the left and right base arms gather the bottom edges of the left and right wall portions of the flexible wall above the base, and in the horizontal configuration the left and right base arms spread the left and right wall portions of the flexible wall laterally away from the base so as to spread the flexible wall portions into an open arrangement behind a backboard of the basketball goal. In some instances, the apparatus also comprises a left intermediate arm secured to the left wall portion and a right intermediate arm secured to the right wall portion, wherein the left and right intermediate arms each have a length and spread the secured wall portion along the length.

In some instances, the present disclosure provides an apparatus for stopping an errantly shot basketball, comprising a flexible wall attachable to a basketball goal, the flexible wall comprising left and right wall portions each having a bottom portion that is securable to a base positioned on a support surface and an upper portion that is securable to an elevated portion of the basketball goal, left and right base arms and left and right intermediate arms. The left base arm is secured to a bottom edge of the left wall portion and arranged to pivotally connect to the base, and the right base arm is secured to a bottom edge of the right wall portion and arranged to pivotally connect to the base. The left intermediate arm is secured to the left wall portion and the right intermediate arm secured to the right wall portion, and the left and right intermediate arms each have a base end, an outer end, and a length and spread the secured wall portion along their length. The base ends of the left and right intermediate arms are adjacent to the base and the outer ends are adjacent a peripheral edge of the respective flexible wall. In some embodiments, it is preferred that the left and right base arms are rigid along their length and the left and right intermediate arms are flexibly resilient along their length.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

With respect to the specification and claims, it should be noted that the singular forms “a”, “an”, “the”, and the like include plural referents unless expressly discussed otherwise. As an illustration, references to “a device” or “the device” include one or more of such devices and equivalents thereof. It also should be noted that directional terms, such as “up”, “down”, “top”, “bottom”, and the like, are used herein solely for the convenience of the reader in order to aid in the reader's understanding of the illustrated embodiments, and it is not the intent that the use of these directional terms in any manner limit the described, illustrated, and/or claimed features to a specific direction and/or orientation.

In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a basketball stopping apparatus for attachment to a basketball goal assembly. The basketball stopping apparatus comprises a wall that is spread into an open configuration by one or more arms. In some embodiments, at least one of the arms is pivotably coupled to the base of the basketball goal assembly, and spreads the wall along a horizontal direction. Additionally, some embodiments have a perimeter member that extends along a periphery of the wall. The perimeter member may couple one or more arms of the basketball stopping apparatus. Some embodiments have the perimeter member coupled to a top portion of the post of a basketball goal assembly and extending in an outward and downward direction, towards an end of at least one of the arms.

In other aspects, the present disclosure provides a basketball stopping apparatus for attachment to a basketball goal assembly, comprising: a wall spread into an open configuration by a base arm and an intermediate arm. In some instances, the base arm is pivotably coupled to the base of the basketball goal assembly, such as the bottom of the post. In some embodiments, the intermediate arm has one or more free-floating ends. A perimeter member may extend along a periphery of the wall and couple one or more arms of the basketball stopping apparatus. In some embodiments, the base arms and the intermediate arms have different properties. For example, the base arms may be rigid and the intermediate arms may be flexible. Similarly, the base arms and the intermediate arms may be constructed from different materials.

In some instances, the present disclosure provides a basketball stopping apparatus for attachment to a basketball goal assembly, comprising a wall and one or more arms arranged to hold the wall into a spread configuration. In some embodiments, the basketball goal assembly is configurable between a spread, playing configuration and a collapsed, stored configuration.

The disclosed embodiments and variations thereof may be used to stop or block basketballs. In some instances, a basketball stopping wall may be used to divert an errantly shot basketball from entering into the area located behind the basketball goal assembly. For example, an errantly shot basketball following a trajectory into an area adjacent to and/or behind the basketball goal assembly may contact a wall of the basketball stopping apparatus, thus preventing the basketball from traveling into the area adjacent to and/or behind the basketball goal assembly. In some embodiments, an errantly shot basketball may contact a wall and be directed in a downward direction towards an area generally beneath the backboard. In other embodiments, the basketball may be deflected in a direction back onto the basketball court and/or towards a player.

An embodiment of the invention will be disclosed in detail below with reference to a basketball goal assembly1000. Specifically, various aspects of the disclosed embodiments will be discussed with reference to a basketball goal assembly1000having a support such as a post1002with a top end1004and a bottom end1006. In some cases, the backboard1008having a front surface1010and a rim assembly1012attached thereto is coupled to the top end1004of the post1002, the post1002is often perpendicular to the surface supporting the basketball goal assembly1000. For example, some basketball goal assemblies have the post1002entering a hole in the ground or being bolted to the ground. Other basketball goal assemblies have the post1002being supported by a weighted base, such as a sand or water filled container. Sometimes the weighted bases are portable and may have wheels attached thereto.

Many basketball goal assemblies have slanted and/or curvilinear posts and some basketball goal assemblies have no post at all. For example, some basketball goal assemblies are mounted on a wall and/or are suspended from a ceiling. As will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, different arrangements of basketball goal assemblies are contemplated by the inventor(s) of the present disclosure and the embodiments illustrated and described in the present disclosure may be modified for the various arrangements of basketball goal assemblies without departure from the invention.

FIG. 1illustrates one embodiment of a basketball stopping wall100suitable for stopping errant basketball shots. Generally, the basketball stopping wall100comprises a wall that is spread into an open configuration by one or more arms. In some instances, the basketball stopping wall100comprises two halves, each with one or more spreading arms and a wall portion. As will be appreciated, the wall may be made of a spreadable material suitable for preventing a basketball from passing therethrough, such as a net, screen, mesh, or sheet material. Alternatively or additionally, the wall may comprise a plurality of elongate elements, such as cables, or chains, that extend individually across the area of the wall and/or have portions that intersect with other elongate elements, such as in a woven or overlapping pattern, to name just a few non-limiting examples.

In some instances the wall is inelastic and is made from a material such as plastic. In other instances, the wall has elastic and/or flexible resilient portions so as to aid in stopping or blocking the errantly-shot ball. For example, portions of the wall may be made from an elastomer such as rubber and/or have elastic members such as springs, to name a few non-limiting examples.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, the wall portions of the basketball stopping wall100are spread open by a pair of base arms102and104that, when deployed, can lie on a support surface such as the ground or a floor and extend generally in a horizontal direction away from the bottom end1006of the post1002of the basketball goal assembly1000. In some embodiments, base arms102and104extend in directions that are substantially parallel to the surface each lies upon. However, in some instances, base arms102,104can be suspended above the ground or floor by portions of the wall, with the weight of base arms102and104pulling portions of the wall in a downward direction.

In some embodiments, the base arms102and104extend in directions substantially opposite of one another. For example, base arm102may extend to the left of the post1002and base arm104may extend to the right of the post1002from the illustrated perspective, with both base arm102and base arm104typically residing in the same plane. In some embodiments the base arms102and104extend in directions that are non-parallel to one another. Additionally or alternatively, base arms102and/or104may extend in directions that are substantially parallel to the supporting surface, e.g., the ground or floor.

In many instances, portions of the flexible wall are generally parallel with the backboard of the basketball goal. However, in some embodiments, the wall may be angled with respect to the backboard1008. For example, one or more of the base arms102and/or104may extend in a direction that is non-parallel to a plane defined by the front surface1010of the backboard1008and therefore spread the wall in that direction. Specifically, one or more of base arms102and/or104may be angled towards or away from the basketball court. For example, base arms102and104may extend away from the area located behind the basketball goal assembly1000, so as to form a V arrangement in a plane that generally is parallel to the ground or floor. In some instances, the one or more of base arms102and/or104extend in a direction that is perpendicular to the direction from which a player is practicing shooting a basketball. So, for example, if a player is shooting a basketball from a position to the right of the basketball goal1000, such as the perspective shown inFIG. 1, the base arm102may be angled towards the basketball court and/or the base arm104may be angled away from the basketball court and therefore present the wall in a similar fashion. Advantageously, this type of arrangement can position a wall portion of the basketball stopping wall100in an orientation that faces the shooting player, such that the wall will stop, redirect and/or guide an errantly shot ball. In some instances, the wall is arranged to guide an errantly shot ball back towards a player.

In some embodiments, base ends106and108of the base arms102and104are pivotably coupled to the bottom end1006of the post1002so as to allow the base arms102and104to be vertically pivoted. For example, the base arms102and104may be rotated from their generally horizontal position into an upright position where the base arms102and104are generally perpendicular to the support surface and parallel to the post1002of the basketball goal1000. Additionally, the wall portions may be collapsed and/or gathered at the same time. Such an arrangement decreases the amount of space the basketball stopping wall100occupies during periods of nonuse and thus allows for one to more easily maneuver around the basketball goal assembly1000. Alternatively, and/or additionally, the base arms102and104may be pivotably coupled in an arrangement capable of horizontal rotation. For example, the base arms102and104may be horizontally rotated into an orientation that is non-parallel to the plane defined by the front surface1010of the backboard1008. As discussed above, one or more of the base arms102and/or104may angle towards or away from the basketball court (i.e., the area in front of the basketball goal assembly1000) to present the wall in a desired orientation to stop or block errant shots. For basketball goals that do not have a post, the base arms102and104may be pivotably coupled to a base member positioned on a supporting surface, such as the ground or the floor.

In some embodiments the basketball stopping wall100has intermediate arms110and112that spread portions of the wall between the base arms102and104and the post1002. For example, intermediate arms110and112may be arranged in an angled relationship with respect to the post1002and/or the base arms102and104. The intermediate arms110and112may have base ends114and116positioned at and/or near the base1006of the basketball goal assembly1000and extend from the base ends114and116in an upward direction away from the post1002. For example, base end114may be positioned adjacent to but spaced apart from base1006with intermediate arm110extending away from base1006and having an outer end142positioned adjacent a periphery of a wall portion. Similar to the arrangement of the base arms102and104, the intermediate arms110and112may extend in directions that lie in the same plane or in different planes. In some instances, one or more of the intermediate arms110and/or112lie in the same plane as one or more of the base arms102and/or104. In many embodiments, the ends of the intermediate arms110and112are coupled to the wall so as to spread the wall along the length of the intermediate arm. In some embodiments, base ends114and116are free-floating and are not coupled to the post1002.

As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the base arms102and104and intermediate arms110and112may be various shapes and sizes, and each arm may be formed by one or more members. For example, base arms102,104and/or intermediate arms110,112can comprise telescoping members arranged to adjust the length of the arms. Additionally, fewer or more base arms102and104and/or intermediate arms110and112than those described above and illustrated with respect toFIG. 1may be used. For example, two intermediate arms may be used on each half of the ball stopping wall, so as to have a total of four intermediate arms. Alternatively an embodiment may include zero intermediate arms.

The base arms102and104and the intermediate arms110and112may be constructed from any suitable material(s) apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art and may have different properties and/or be made of the same or different materials. In some embodiments, the base arms102and104are made of a rigid material and the intermediate arms110and112are made from a resilient material or vice versa. For example, the base arms102and104may be made of a metal such as steel or aluminum while the intermediate arms110and112are made of plastic, fiberglass, or a composite, to name a few non-limiting examples.

The wall of the ball stopping wall100may have multiple portions and may be made of a single wall piece or of multiple wall pieces. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 1, the wall may have two wall portions, one for each half of the ball stopping wall100. As mentioned above, the base arms102and104and the intermediate arms110and112spread portions of the wall. For example, the base arms102and104and intermediate arms110and112may spread outer wall portions120and122horizontally and vertically. In some instances, portions of the wall may be coupled to portions of the basketball goal assembly1000, such as the post1002and/or the backboard1008.

In basketball goal arrangements that do not have a post1002supported by the ground (e.g., backboard assemblies mounted on a wall and/or from a ceiling), various modifications may be made to the embodiments described in the present disclosure. For example, the wall may be coupled to the backboard assembly, its supporting structure, a ceiling, and/or a wall adjacent the backboard assembly instead of the post1002described above. In some embodiments, the basketball stopping wall further comprises a vertical arm extending in a vertical direction generally towards the backboard assembly. The vertical arm may be supported on the bottom end by a stand, and portions of the wall may be attached to the top end of the vertical arm so as to spread the wall vertically towards the backboard assembly. In any of the embodiments, the arms of the basketball stopping wall may be pivotably coupled to a stand or base positioned on the ground or may be coupled to one another. For example, the base arms102and104can be pivotably coupled to a vertical arm.

A perimeter member130may extend along a perimeter of the wall portions120,122,124, and/or126. In some embodiments, the perimeter member130extends from the outer ends140,142,144, and/or146of the base arms102and/or104and/or the intermediate arms110and/or112. Additionally, the perimeter member130may be coupled to a portion of the basketball goal assembly1000, such as the post1002. The perimeter member130can be a rigid member, such as a bar or bar sections, and/or it may be a flexible resilient member, such as a cord and/or a chain or sections thereof, just to name a few examples. The perimeter member130may also have straight and/or curved sections.

In some instances, as illustrated inFIG. 1, the perimeter member and wall portions form a semi-octagonal shape, corresponding to the number of wall portions defined by the arms; however, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, a variety of shapes can be formed by the perimeter member and wall. Alternatively, the perimeter member130may have multiple sections extending along the periphery of the wall portions120,122,124, and/or126.

When in an expanded, ball-diverting configuration, such as the one illustrated inFIG. 1, the basketball stopping wall100may form a substantially planer arrangement adjacent to and often slightly behind the backboard1008. The base arms102and104spread the outer wall portions120and122and the perimeter member130horizontally away from the post1002and in a downward direction, such as by the weight of the base arms102and104pulling down on the outer wall portions120and122and the perimeter member130. Additionally, the intermediate arms110and112spread the wall portions120,122,124, and/or126along the length of the intermediate arms110and112. The arms preferably spread the wall to a configuration having a maximum wall area, thus increasing the likelihood that the wall will be positioned in the trajectory of an errantly shot basketball.

When in a compact, stored configuration, the base arms102and/or104and/or the intermediate arms110and/or112can be positioned vertically, for example alongside the post1002of the basketball goal assembly1000. Similarly, the wall portions120,122,124, and/or126are gathered or collapsed to be positioned adjacent to the base arms102and104and/or intermediate arms110and112. The base arms102and/or104, the intermediate arms110and/or112, and/or wall portions120,122,124, and/or126may be secured to one another and/or a portion of the basketball goal assembly1000, such as the post1002, by any appropriate fastener apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art by a such as a hook, a strap, a clamp, and/or an adhesive member, to name a few non-limiting examples. In embodiments without a post1002, the ball stopping wall may be collapsed into a vertical arrangement and coupled to a portion of the basketball goal assembly1000, such as the backboard1008, coupled to a wall or a ceiling, or coupled to a vertical arm of the ball stopping wall, such as one supported by a stand or base.

In some instances, the basketball stopping wall100may have a compact, stored configuration that is portable. A portable ball stopping wall may be desired so as to make the space below the backboard1008available for use and/or so as to allow the ball stopping wall to be taken with the player to another location for use and/or storage. Various arrangements of a portable ball stopping wall100are possible. For example, the ball stopping wall100may be collapsed into an arrangement with the arms substantially parallel to one another and with the wall portions120,122,124, and/or126gathered and secured to the arms. In some embodiments, the ball stopping wall is detachably coupled to the basketball goal. Additionally, portions of the ball stopping wall100may be compactable. For example, one or more of the arms may have telescoping segments that, when in a compact arrangement, decrease the overall length of the arm.

FIG. 2illustrates a partial view of one embodiment of the present disclosure and of a basketball goal assembly1000. In some instances, a fastening member150couples the upper portion of the wall and/or the perimeter member130to the basketball goal assembly1000. The fastening member150may be any member known to a person of reasonable skill in the art capable of fastening a portion of the basketball stopping wall100to the post1002. To name a few non-limiting examples, the fastening member150may be a bolt and nut, a tie strap, a hook and grommet, a hook and loop connector, and/or a detachable snap.

FIG. 3illustrates a partial view of one embodiment of the wall, such as inner wall portion124and outer wall portion120, from the backside of the basketball stopping wall100. In some instances, the intermediate arm110has an end, such as outer end142, coupled to the wall and arranged to spread the net into an open arrangement. In some arrangements, the ends of the intermediate arms are received in opposing end pockets that are secured to wall portions. For example, the outer end142of the intermediate arm110may be positioned within a pocket162that is coupled to an upper portion of the wall. Similarly, the base end114of the intermediate arm110may be in a pocket coupled to a lower portion of the wall so that the arm length pushes ends142and114to spread the wall.

In some instances, the intermediate arm110is at least partially covered along a portion that is intermediate the outer end142and the base end114. For example, the intermediate arm110may have a cover164and/or a sleeve that covers portions of the intermediate arm110. The sleeve and/or cover164can help provide protection to the intermediate arm110and/or aid in the alignment of the intermediate arm110with the wall and spreading of the wall. In some embodiments, the arm and/or sleeve may be coupled to the wall at one or more locations between the two ends142and114of the intermediate arm110.

Various arrangements for coupling the intermediate arm110to the wall are possible. For example, in ball stopping wall100arrangements that have a pocket162, the wall, such as wall portions120and124may be coupled to the pocket162by stitching along a seam166. Similarly, in the embodiments having a sleeve and/or cover164along a portion of the intermediate arm110, the wall may be coupled to the sleeve and/or cover164by stitching. Alternatively, or in addition, the intermediate arm110may be coupled to the wall by connecting members such as zip tie168(shown inFIG. 5) and/or the intermediate arm110may be threaded through openings in the wall, such as net and/or mesh-like portions of the wall. For example, the wall may be coupled to the intermediate arm110with a tie such as a zip tie, a cable tie, laces, or a strap, to name a few non-limiting examples. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the means for coupling the intermediate arm110to the wall as described above may also be used to couple any of the other arms to the wall.

FIG. 4illustrates a perspective view of the bottom end1006of the post1002of the basketball goal assembly1000. The wall portions and intermediate arms are not shown for ease of illustration. In the embodiments in which the base arms102and104are coupled to the post1002, the bottom end1006of post1002may have a lower bracket170comprising a front portion172and a back portion174so as to mount the base arms102and/or104to the post1002. The front portion172of the lower bracket170is coupled to the back portion174by a coupling member176. The coupling member176may be any device capable of coupling the front portion172to the back portion174as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, such as a screw, a bolt, and/or a clamp, to name a few non-limiting examples.

In some embodiments, the base arms102and/or104are pivotably coupled to the post1002via bracket170. For example, the coupling member176may extend through a portion of the base arm102and/or104and serve as an axle to allow the base arm102and/or104to vertically rotate. The coupling member176may be accompanied by the appropriate fasteners, such as washers, bushings, and/or bearings. Alternatively, the base arm102and/or104may be coupled to a portion of the lower bracket170and/or the post1002by an additional member, such as a hinge.

In some embodiments, the ball-diverting wall100does not have a lower bracket170. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, a number of different variations are capable of coupling the base arms102and/or104to the post1002. For example, the base arms102and/or104may be pivotably coupled to the post1002by a pin that passes through the base arm102and/or104and the post1002. Alternatively, the base arms102and/or104may have a flexible resilient member that passes through holes in the base arms102and/or104and wraps around the post1002, such as a cord, wire, or string, to name a few non-limiting examples.

FIG. 5illustrates a perspective view of the bottom end1006of the post1002. As can be seen, the base end116of the intermediate arm112extends into a pocket180. Pocket180is adjacent the pivot axle but is not attached. This enables the intermediate arm112to have a free or floating base end116. However, it is contemplated that the base end116of intermediate arm112can be pivotably coupled to the bottom end1006of the post1002. For example, the coupling member176illustrated and described with respect toFIG. 4may also pass through base end116of intermediate arm112.FIG. 5also illustrates an optional covers or sleeves182and/or184extending over the intermediate arm110and base arm102. In some instances, the outer wall120is coupled to the base arm104by capturing a portion of the outer wall120within the cover184and sewing the cover184together along seam186.

FIGS. 6 and 7illustrate one operation of the basketball stopping wall100.FIG. 6illustrates a spread-open, in-use configuration, whileFIG. 7illustrates the basketball stopping wall100in a gathered, stored configuration. Portions of the basketball stopping wall100are pivotably maneuverable around a point on or near the bottom end1006of the post1002so that when an operator desires to store the basketball stopping wall100for periods of nonuse, the operator may pivot the base arms102and104vertically into a position alongside the post1002. Similarly, in some embodiments, the intermediate arms110and112also are moved into position alongside the post1002. The basketball stopping wall100is collapsed and gathered around the base arms102and104and/or intermediate arms110and112for storage and may then be retained in its upright, stored position, for example by using a strap190positioned around the middle or adjacent to the outer/upper ends of the base arms102and104and/or the intermediate arms110and112.

Another exemplary embodiment of a basketball stopping wall is illustrated inFIG. 8. Similar to the embodiments described above, basketball stopping wall800has wall portions that are spread open by a pair of base arms802,804and intermediate arms810,812. Similar to the base arms102and104described above, base arms802and804can be arranged so that, when deployed, they extend and/or spread wall portions in any number of directions. Similarly, portions of the flexible wall can be spread and angled in a number of directions, such as those described in the previously discussed embodiments.

Base ends806and808of the base arms802and804are pivotably coupled to the bottom end1006of the post1002so as to allow the base arms802and804to be vertically pivoted and the wall portions to be collapsed and/or gathered adjacent the post1002at the same time. Such an arrangement decreases the amount of space the basketball stopping wall800occupies during periods of nonuse and thus allows for one to more easily maneuver around the basketball goal assembly1000. Base arms802and804may be pivotably coupled in an arrangement capable of rotation in other directions, and, in some instances, is pivotably coupled to a base member positioned on a supporting surface.

Similar to intermediate arms110and112described above, intermediate arms810and812spread portions of the wall between the base arms802and804and the post1002and may extend in any number of directions. In many instances, intermediate arms810and812have base ends814and816positioned at and/or near the base1006of the basketball goal assembly1000and extend from the base ends814and816in an upward direction away from the post1002. Preferably, the ends of the intermediate arms810and812are coupled to the wall so as to spread the wall along the length of the intermediate arm.

In comparison to the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1, intermediate arms810and812of the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 8are longer than base arms802and804whereas intermediate arms110and112ofFIG. 1are illustrated as having substantially the same length as base arms102and104. While it should be appreciated that the intermediate arms and base arms of any of the embodiments disclosed herein, such as those illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 8, can have any relative length, there may be instances in which certain lengths or relative lengths between the arms are desirable. For instance, it may be preferred that the intermediate arms are longer than the base arms so that the wall portions, when in an open configuration, form a generally rectangular shape. Additionally, longer intermediate arms may spread more portions of the wall vertically and laterally without increasing the footprint of the basketball stopping wall800, i.e., the area of the supporting surface that a vertical projection of the wall800occupies. Advantageously, having portions of the wall spread to a more elevated and/or lateral position can aid in stopping an overshot basketball from traveling behind the basketball goal. Similarly, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the base arms802and804and intermediate arms810and812may be various cross-sectional shapes and sizes and may be formed from different materials.

Like the embodiments illustrated and described above, the wall of the ball stopping wall800may have multiple portions and may be made of a single wall piece or of multiple wall pieces. For example, the base arms802and804and intermediate arms810and812may spread outer wall portions820and822horizontally and vertically. In some instances, portions of the wall may be coupled to portions of the basketball goal assembly1000, such as the post1002and/or the backboard1008, and/or a vertical arms supported by a stand or base member.

One or more perimeter members830may extend along a perimeter of the wall portions820,822,824, and/or826. In some embodiments, the perimeter member830extends between one or more outer ends of arms, such as outer end840of base arm802and outer end842of intermediate arm810and/or outer end844of intermediate arm812and outer end846of base arm804. Additionally, the one or more perimeter members830may be coupled to a portion of the basketball goal assembly1000, such as the post1002.

When in an open or spread, ball-diverting configuration, such as the one illustrated inFIG. 8, the basketball stopping wall800may form a substantially planer arrangement adjacent to and often slightly behind the backboard1008. The base arms802and804spread the outer wall portions820and822and the perimeter member830horizontally away from the post1002and in a downward direction, such as by the weight of the base arms802and804pulling down on the outer wall portions820and822and the perimeter members830. Additionally, the intermediate arms810and812spread the wall portions820,822,824, and/or826along the length of the intermediate arms810and812.

When in a compact, stored configuration, the base arms802and/or804and/or the intermediate arms810and/or812can be positioned vertically, for example alongside the post1002of the basketball goal assembly1000. Similarly, the wall portions820,822,824, and/or826are gathered or collapsed to be positioned adjacent to the base arms802and804and/or intermediate arms810and812. Like the embodiments described above, the base arms802and/or804, the intermediate arms810and/or812, and/or wall portions820,822,824, and/or826may be secured to one another and/or a portion of the basketball goal assembly1000by any appropriate fastener apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

FIG. 9illustrates an exemplary arrangement for attaching wall portions to a post1002. Similar to the embodiments discussed above, a fastening member850couples the upper portion of the wall and/or the perimeter member830to the basketball goal assembly1000, and the fastening member850may be any member known to a person of reasonable skill in the art capable of fastening a portion of the basketball stopping wall800to the post1002.

In some instances, an existing portion of the basketball goal assembly1000is used as the fastening member850to secure portion of the basketball stopping wall800to the basketball goal assembly1000. For example, some basketball goal assemblies1000that have an adjustable height backboard and rim may have one or more safety stops, such as a safety stop bolt, that limits the travel of the adjustable portion of the backboard and rim. In some aspects, the safety stops, such as the safety stop bolts, may be used to secure a portion of the basketball stopping wall800to the basketball goal assembly1000.

Returning toFIG. 8, the ends of the intermediate arm810, such as outer end842, are coupled to the wall and arranged to spread the wall into an open arrangement. For example, the outer end842of the intermediate arm810may be positioned within a pocket862that is coupled to an upper portion of the wall, such as wall portion824. Similarly, the base end814of the intermediate arm810may be received in a pocket coupled to a lower portion of the wall so that the arm length pushes ends842and814to spread the wall. Alternatively or additionally, intermediate arm810may have a cover864and/or a sleeve that covers portions of the intermediate arm810and, in some embodiments, is coupled to the wall at one or more locations between the two ends842and814of the intermediate arm810.

FIGS. 10 and 11illustrate a perspective view of the bottom end1006of the post1002of the basketball goal assembly1000. For ease of illustration, the intermediate arms are not shown, and the wall portion is not shown inFIG. 11. In the embodiments in which the base arms802and804are coupled to the post1002, a lower bracket870comprising a front portion872and a back portion874may be connected to the bottom end1006of post1002so as to mount the base arms802and/or804to the post1002. The front portion872of the lower bracket870is coupled to the back portion874by one or more coupling members876. The coupling member876may be any device capable of coupling the front portion872to the back portion874as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, such as a screw, a bolt, and/or a clamp, to name a few non-limiting examples.

The base arms802and/or804are pivotably coupled to the post1002via bracket870. For example, the coupling member876may extend through a portion of the base arm802and/or804and serve as an axle to allow the base arm802and/or804to vertically rotate. Alternatively, the base arm802and/or804may be coupled to a portion of the lower bracket870and/or the post1002by an additional member, such as a hinge.

In some instances, a base end of an intermediate arm is coupled to the post1002and/or a base arm. For example, as illustrated inFIGS. 10 and 11, a pivot tube880is pivotably coupled to bracket870and is arranged to be inserted into base end816of intermediate arm812or receive base end816into the pivot tube880so as to pivotably couple the intermediate arm812to the basketball goal assembly1000. Alternatively, intermediate arm812could be directly pivotably coupled to bracket870, such as by having coupling member876pass through an aperture in base end816of intermediate arm812. As illustrated, pivot tube880may share a common pivot axis with base arm804, such as coupling member876. Advantageously, the intermediate arms and base arms are arranged to pivot individually and separately from one another. This can allow an operator to configure individual wall portions between an open and a gathered configuration.FIG. 10also illustrates a sleeve884extending over the base arm804that can be used to couple outer wall822to the base arm804, such as by securing a portion of the outer wall822to sleeve884and sliding sleeve over base arm804.

FIGS. 12, 13, and 14illustrate one operation of the basketball stopping wall800.FIG. 12illustrates a spread-open, in-use configuration, whileFIG. 14illustrates the portions of the basketball stopping wall800in a gathered, stored configuration. As discussed above, portions of the basketball stopping wall800are pivotably maneuverable around a point on or near the bottom end1006of the post1002so that when an operator desires to store the basketball stopping wall800for periods of nonuse, the operator may pivot the base arms802and804vertically into a position alongside the post1002. Similarly, the intermediate arms810and812also are movable into a position alongside the post1002. Once the basketball stopping wall800is collapsed and gathered around post1002by the base arms802and804and/or intermediate arms810and812, the basketball stopping wall800may then be retained in its upright, stored position.

As illustrated inFIGS. 12-14, portions of the basketball stopping wall800, such as left and right sides, may be moved individually, or portions of the basketball stopping wall800may be collapsed simultaneously. In many instances, the basketball stopping wall800may be collapsed by lifting one of the base arms in an upward direction towards an adjacent intermediate arm, then rotating both the base and intermediate arm into position adjacent to the post1002of the basketball goal1000. Alternatively, one may begin collapsing the wall800by rotating an intermediate arm towards the post1002, causing a connected base arm to be lifted upwards, and then rotating the base arm towards the post1002. One may also collapse or gather the basketball stopping wall800by grasping and pulling on portions of the wall, so as to move one or more of the intermediate arms and/or base arms into a gathered configuration.

Another exemplary embodiment of a ball stopping wall is illustrated inFIG. 15. Similar to the embodiments described above, basketball stopping wall1500has wall portions that are spread open by a pair of base arms1502and1504and intermediate arms1510and1512. These base arms1502and1504and intermediate arms1510and1512may be constructed and/or arranged similar to those described in the embodiments above and may be configured to operate in a similar fashion. For example, the base arms1502and1504and intermediate arms1510and1512may base ends1506,1508,1514, and1516(corresponding with base ends806,808,814, and816described above) pivotably coupled to a bottom end region of the post1002and may be arranged to extend in any number of directions. Similarly, the flexible wall of basketball stopping wall1500can be similar to that described in any of the above embodiments.

In addition to any of the features or embodiments described above, basketball stopping wall1500has upper spreading arms1550and1552(illustrated inFIG. 16). Upper spreading arms1550and1552aid in spreading portions of the wall1500in an upward direction behind the backboard1008of the basketball goal assembly1000. In many instances, upper spreading arms1550and1552spread portions of the wall1500above the top end of the post1002. In some instances, upper spreading arms1550and1552are coupled to the top end1004of post1002and extend upwardly and laterally away from the post1002.

The wall of the ball stopping wall1500may have multiple portions and may be made of a single wall piece or of multiple wall pieces. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 15, the wall may have two wall portions, one for each half of the ball stopping wall1500. As mentioned above, the base arms1502and1504, intermediate arms1510and1512, and upper spreading arms1550and1552spread portions of the wall. For example, the base arms1502and1504and intermediate arms1510and1512may spread outer wall portions1520and1522horizontally and vertically. Additionally, intermediate arms1510and1512and upper spreading arms1550and1552can spread wall portions1524and1526horizontally and vertically. Additionally, similar to the embodiments described above, the basketball stopping wall may comprise one or more perimeter members1530that extend along a perimeter of the wall portions1520,1522,1524, and/or1526and aid in spreading one or more wall portions away from the basketball goal1000.

FIGS. 16 and 17illustrate one embodiment of the present disclosure and of a basketball goal assembly1000. Upper spreading arms1550and1552each have an upper portion1554or1556and a lower portion1558or1560. Upper portions1554and1556extend above the top end1004of post1002and are coupled to wall portions1524and1526, such as by sleeves1562and1564. In some instances, upper portions1554and1556are bent relative to their respective lower portions1558and1560. For example, upper portion1554of upper spreading arm1550may bend away from the longitudinal axis of post1002as it extends upwardly away from the top end1004of post1002.

Lower portions1558and1560can be coupled to the top end1004of post1002by any number of means, as will be apparent to one or ordinary skill in the art. As illustrated inFIGS. 15-17, lower portions1558and1560are coupled to post1002by an upper bracket assembly1600comprising an upper coupling member1602, a lower coupling member1604, an upper fastening plate1606, and a lower fastening plate1608. The upper and lower coupling members1602and/or1604can comprise a square U-bolt arranged to extend through the lower portions1558and1560and around a portion of the post1002. The ends of the U-bolt are threaded and arranged to receive a threaded fastener, such as a nut. Accordingly, the upper and lower fastening plates1606and/or1608may define one or more holes or slots arranged to receive ends of the coupling member1602and/or1604. When the ends of the coupling member are received in the holes or slots of the fastening plates1606,1608, one or more nuts may be threaded onto U-bolt so as to press the fastening plate1606or1608against the post1002and correspondingly squeeze a portion of the post1002between the fastening plate1606or1608, the coupling member1602or1604, and/or the lower portions1558or1560.

In some instances, the upper spreading arms1550and1552may have one or more aligning members arranged to align the upper spreading arm1550and1552with the post1002. For example, inFIG. 16, upper spreading arm1550comprises aligning member1570and upper spreading arm1552comprises aligning member1572. Aligning members1570and1572are arranged to contact the back surface of the post1002so as to keep the upper spreading arms1550and1552from sliding along a coupling member1602or1604and/or moving out of a desired alignment with the post1002. Aligning members1570and1572can comprise one or more plates or pieces of angle iron attached to the lower portions1558and1560of the upper spreading arms1550and1552and can be arranged to contact one or more surfaces of the post1002.

Returning again toFIG. 15, outer portions1540,1542,1544, and1546of the arms (corresponding to outer portions840,842,844, and846described above) may be coupled to wall portions. For example, outer end1542of intermediate arm1510can be coupled to the wall and arranged to spread the net into an open arrangement. Similar to the previously described embodiments, outer end1542may be coupled to the wall in a number of ways. For example, the outer end1542of the intermediate arm1510may be positioned within a pocket1580that is coupled to an upper portion of the wall, such as wall portion1524. Additionally, or alternatively, the intermediate arm1510may have a cover and/or a sleeve that covers portions of the intermediate arm1510so as to provide protection to the intermediate arm1510and/or aid in the alignment of the intermediate arm1510with the wall and spreading of the wall.

FIG. 18illustrates one embodiment for attaching portions of a basketball stopping wall to the bottom end1006of the post1002. The embodiment can comprise a lower bracket1870having a front portion1872and a back portion1874. Front and back portions1872and1874are coupled to one another by one or more coupling members such as a pin or bolt1876and are arranged to pivotably couple one or more arms, such as base arms1502,1504and/or intermediate arms1510,1512, to post1002. However, as will be apparent to those of skill in the art, the coupling members1876may be any device capable of coupling the front portion1872to the back portion1874as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, such as a screw, a bolt, and/or a clamp, to name a few non-limiting examples.

In some embodiments, lower bracket1870is adjustable to fit different sizes of posts. For example, back portion1874of lower bracket1870may define one or more openings1880through which a securing member, such as bolt1882, may extend. Advantageously, when attaching the basketball stopping wall to a post1002, an operator may choose the appropriate opening1880through which to extend the securing member, e.g., bolt1882, so as to secure the lower bracket1870firmly to the post1002.

In some embodiments, the base arms of the basketball stopping wall, such as base arms1502and/or1504, are pivotably coupled to the post1002via bracket1870. For example, the coupling member1876may extend through a portion of the base arm1502and/or1504and serve as an axis about which base arm1502and/or base arm1504can rotate. In some instances, both an intermediate arm and a base arm to the post1002share a pivot axis. For example, coupling member1876may extend through portions of base arms1502and intermediate arm1510. The coupling member1876may be accompanied by the appropriate fasteners, such as washers, bushings, and/or bearings. Alternatively, the base arm1502and/or1504may be coupled to a portion of the lower bracket1870and/or the post1002by an additional member, such as a hinge.

While at least one embodiment 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 the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes, equivalents, and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventions defined by following claims are desired to be protected. It will be evident from the specification that aspects or features discussed in one context or embodiment will be applicable in other contexts or embodiments. All publications, patents, and patent applications cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference and set forth in its entirety herein.