Abstract:
A basketball backboard and hoop apparatus including a basketball backboard and hoop assembly, wherein the basketball backboard and hoop assembly, further includes a backboard, and a hoop, a support arm for supporting the basketball backboard and hoop assembly, and a guiding device. The support arm is moveable along the guiding device. At least one of the support arm and the guiding device is curved in shape. The basketball backboard and hoop assembly is moved from a first position inside the structure to a second position outside the structure.

Description:
[0001]     This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/504,150, filed Sep. 19, 2003, and entitled “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR A RETRACTABLE BASKETBALL BACKBOARD AND HOOP ASSEMBLY”, the subject matter of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention pertains to an apparatus and a method for a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly and, in particular, to an apparatus for a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly which can be deployed from a stored position or non-use position to an in-use position and which can also be retractable from an in-use position to a stored position or non-use position and a method of using same.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     The game of basketball is a very popular game which is traditionally played with a backboard and hoop which can typically be mounted on a rigid structure, a building, and/or a pole, or other structure. Basketball is a game which is traditionally enjoyed during good weather. However, during snow, rain, ice, extreme hot and/or humid weather, and/or other inclement weather conditions, basketball playing can be curtailed due to the adverse effects these weather and/or environmental conditions may have on individuals. In these situations, the individuals desiring to play basketball must typically seek an alternate venue for playing the game.  
         [0004]     Sports or athletic facilities have been known to install a fixed basketball backboard and hoop assembly or assemblies in walled courts or facilities, such as, for example, handball courts, racquetball courts, or other courts or facilities. Once installed, however, the basketball backboard and hoop assembly or assemblies can interfere with other uses of the court or facility, thereby rendering the court or facility unsuitable for use as a handball court, a racquetball court, or other court or facility which requires freedom from obstructions.  
         [0005]     The need for providing a safe structure for deploying the basketball backboard and hoop assembly is yet another problem which can constrain the play of basketball. Currently, portable basketball backboard and hoop assemblies are available which can be transported from outdoor locations to indoor locations in order to allow for play during inclement weather. These portable units, however, can be awkward to move or transport and/or may not be easily maneuvered by younger individuals. Portable backboard and hoop assemblies can also present a danger of tipping over, consume limited garage storage space, and/or can be hit by automobiles.  
         [0006]     Another concern lies in the fact that certain municipalities have ordinances and/or other local laws which prohibit the installation of backboard and hoop assemblies on the exterior of garages, homes, and/or other structures.  
         [0007]     In one prior art basketball backboard and hoop arrangement, U.S. Pat. No. 4,934,696 discloses a backboard and hoop assembly which is attached to a moveable garage door. This prior art assembly has several disadvantages associated therewith. For example, the assembly can only be utilized outdoors, its installation on the garage door can violate most manufacturer use and maintenance guidelines because of weight imbalances caused thereby, the garage door may require a prop or other device to hold it open, the basketball assembly can pose a risk of hitting a car when the garage door is opened or closed, the basketball assembly can take up or reduce available parking space, and/or the basketball assembly can pose a safety risk to individuals during garage door opening and/or closing.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     The present invention pertains to an apparatus and a method for a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly and, in particular, to an apparatus for a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly which can be deployed from a stored position or non-use position to an in-use position and which can also be retractable from an in-use position to a stored position or non-use position and a method of using same. The retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly apparatus can be mounted inside a structure or outside a structure and can be deployed from a stored position or non-use position to an in-use position. When mounted inside a structure, the retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly can be deployed to a position outside the structure for use. When storage is desired, the retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly can be retracted back to the stored position or non-use position and/or can be retracted back inside the structure to the stored position or non-use position, whichever the case may be.  
         [0009]     The retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly apparatus can be mounted at any location inside or outside any structure and the retractable feature of the apparatus can be used in any desired manner. The apparatus of the present invention can be used for outdoor play and/or indoor play depending on the desired application.  
         [0010]     The apparatus of the present invention can include an activation device or motor which can be utilized to actuate and drive a drive mechanism. The activation device or motor can be an electric motor, a garage door opener motor, a hydraulic motor or device, a pneumatic device, a vacuum device, or any mechanically actuated device, and/or any combination of the above-described devices.  
         [0011]     The activation device or motor can also be capable of being activated and operated manually in the event of a power failure or device failure so as to deploy or retract the basketball backboard and hoop assembly apparatus of the present invention. Any appropriate mechanical assemblies and/or devices can be used in connection with the apparatus of the preset invention.  
         [0012]     The drive mechanism can be connected to, or be mechanically linked to or with, the activation device or motor so as to be directly driven by the activation device or motor.  
         [0013]     The apparatus can also include a guiding device which is used to support a support arm which is connected to and supports the basketball backboard and hoop assembly of the apparatus. The support arm is slideably moveable along and/or within the guiding device. The support arm can have longitudinal slots located along and through the sides thereof. The support arm can be slideably situated within the guiding device by using a support arm alignment bolt or other hardware, which can facilitate the slideable movement of the support arm along and/or within the guiding device. The hardware can also serve to secure the support arm to the guiding device.  
         [0014]     The support arm can slide in both directions along and/or within the guiding device by sliding along the longitudinal slots along mounting hardware of the guiding device.  
         [0015]     The support arm can also be designed and can be built or constructed in sections which can allow for the support arm to be deployed and/or retracted telescopically.  
         [0016]     The drive mechanism can be mechanically connected to, or coupled to or with, the support arm and can serve to cause the support arm to be longitudinally moveable along and/or within the guiding device in both directions of movement. The activation device/drive mechanism can be utilized in order to move the support arm and the basketball backboard and hoop assembly connected thereto from a stored position to an in-use position and to move the support arm and the basketball backboard and hoop assembly from the in-use position to the stored position. The activation device can be located and/or can be mounted adjacent to the guiding device such as by using any appropriate mounting or support element.  
         [0017]     The basketball backboard and hoop assembly typically includes a backboard and a basketball hoop. The basketball hoop has attached thereto a basketball net which can be manufactured from any suitable material. The basketball hoop can be attached to the backboard or to the support arm via a hoop support hinge or other suitable mounting element or hardware. The hoop support hinge or other suitable mounting element or hardware can be capable of providing both horizontal and vertical movement of the basketball hoop relative to the backboard. The hoop support hinge or other suitable mounting element or hardware can also facilitate respective horizontal and/or vertical rotation needed in order to deploy the hoop from the stored position to the in-use position and from the in-use position to the stored position.  
         [0018]     In another embodiment, the hoop can be fixedly mounted to or on, attached to, or directly connected with, the support arm thereby dispensing with the use of, and need for, a hoop support hinge. In such an embodiment, the hoop can be mounted to or on, attached to, or connected to, the end of the support arm, and/or at any other suitable location on the support arm.  
         [0019]     The basketball backboard and hoop assembly can be attached to the support arm via a backboard pivot hinge or other suitable mounting element or hardware.  
         [0020]     A coupling device which is attached to the drive mechanism can also be connected to or with, or coupled with, the backboard support arm to facilitate movement in the support arm and/or movement of the support arm. The coupling device can also be attached to a backboard support bracket which can also be attached to the backside or non-playing side of the backboard. The coupling device can also be attached to a hoop deployment push arm which is also attached to the hoop.  
         [0021]     The guiding device can be mounted to the inside of the wall of the structure within which it is housed. The apparatus can be mounted within a building, a residential building, a commercial building, a gymnasium, a garage, an attic of a building, a wall of a building, and/or within any other suitable structure. The guiding device can be mounted to the inside of a wall or other structure via a mounting support arm or mounting support arms which can be attached to the guiding device. The mounting support arm or mounting support arms can be connected to the guiding device by using any suitable hardware. The mounting support arm or mounting support arms can also be attached to wall mounting brackets which wall mounting brackets can be attached to the inside of the wall or other structure by using any suitable hardware.  
         [0022]     The mounting support arm or mounting support arms can be of a fixed length or can be adjustable in length and/or in angle of inclination via a mounting support arm(s) activation device or motor so as to adjust the angle of inclination of the guiding device and the support arm in order to be able to adjust the height of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly. The mounting support arm or mounting support arms can also be adjustable in length and/or in angle of inclination via a mounting support arm or mounting support arms manual adjustment device, or motorized adjustment device, so as to adjust the angle of inclination of the guiding device and the support arm so as to be able to manually adjust the height of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly. This adjustment can take place during deployment of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly to the playing position or after deployment so as to change the elevation of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly from one playing elevation to another.  
         [0023]     The apparatus of the present invention can be positioned inside a structure and/or behind a wall or roof. The wall or roof can contain an aperture through which the basketball backboard and hoop assembly and at least a portion of the support arm can pass. The basketball backboard and hoop assembly can be foldable in order to allow its passage through the aperture. The basketball backboard and hoop assembly can be folded in any appropriate or suitable manner.  
         [0024]     Although described as being stored within a structure when not in use, the apparatus of the present invention can also be located or positioned on an exterior of a structure or wall.  
         [0025]     The aperture can have associated therewith a hinged cover which covers the aperture when the apparatus is not in use and stored within the structure. The cover can be spring biased by a closing device so as to cause the cover to return to the closed position upon the return of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly to the stored position. The cover can be located at any suitable location at, about, or adjacent to, the aperture.  
         [0026]     The aperture should be large enough to facilitate the passing therethrough, in both directions, of the folded basketball backboard and hoop assembly and the pertinent portion of the support arm.  
         [0027]     The guiding device and the support arm can be positioned horizontally, essentially horizontally, and/or at any angle of inclination. The support arm and the basketball backboard and hoop assembly can be deployed horizontally, essentially horizontally, and/or at or along any angle of inclination.  
         [0028]     The apparatus can be utilized in the following manner. When in the stored position, the apparatus can be deployed for use in the following manner. The activation device can be activated by a switch or by a wireless remote control device in order to actuate and drive the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism can be moved along with the coupling device so as to move the support arm and the basketball backboard and hoop assembly in the direction of deployment and through the aperture to the exterior of the structure or towards the in-use position.  
         [0029]     Once the basketball backboard and hoop assembly is deployed to the in-use position, the continued action of the activation device and the movement of the drive mechanism and coupling device will unfold the basketball backboard and hoop assembly to the in-use and upright position, such as by moving the backboard support bracket to the in-use position thereby causing the backboard to be moved to the upright and in-use position, and by moving the hoop deployment push arm to the in-use position which deploys the hoop to the in-use position.  
         [0030]     The drive mechanism, the coupling device, the support arm, the backboard support bracket, and the hoop deployment push arm, can be designed to be activated or actuated sequentially in any appropriate order or sequence consistent with the design and use of the apparatus.  
         [0031]     The drive mechanism can drive or actuate each of the coupling device and, in turn, the support arm thereby driving the basketball backboard and hoop assembly and the pertinent portion of the support arm through the aperture, moving the cover of the aperture to the open position, and towards the in-use position until the basketball backboard and hoop assembly reaches and is deployed to the in-use position. The continued operation of the drive mechanism drives or moves the backboard support bracket, so as to deploy the backboard to the upright position, thereby unfolding the basketball backboard and hoop assembly, and drives or moves the hoop deployment push arm to drive or move the hoop to the in-use position.  
         [0032]     In this regard, the above-described deployment sequence can first move the support arm and the basketball backboard and hoop assembly out through the aperture, opening the cover of the aperture in the process, deploy the backboard to the upright and in-use position and rotate the hoop horizontally, essentially horizontally, or near horizontally, to the in-use position.  
         [0033]     When it is desired to retract the basketball backboard and hoop assembly to the stored position, the above operation can be performed in reverse.  
         [0034]     The activation device can be used to perform the full deployment and retraction of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly by controlling and effectuating the driving or movement of the coupling device, the support arm, the backboard support bracket, and the hoop deployment push arm. In another embodiment, a separate activation device or motor can be utilized in order to control and effectuate the driving or movement of any one or more of the coupling device, the support arm, the backboard support bracket, and the hoop deployment push arm.  
         [0035]     Separate activation devices or motors can be utilized to control and effectuate the movement of one or more of the coupling device, the support arm, the backboard support bracket, and the hoop deployment push arm. A separate activation device or motor can be utilized to control and effectuate the movement of each of the coupling device, the support arm, the backboard support bracket, and the hoop deployment push arm. In embodiments where multiple activation devices or motors are utilized, a central control device can be used to control and effectuate the sequential activation of the respective activation devices or motors.  
         [0036]     In another embodiment, the apparatus and method of the present invention can be utilized in conjunction with a curved guiding device and a curved support arm. In this embodiment, the manner in which the curved support arm deploys through the structure can allow for an adjustable backboard height.  
         [0037]     The guiding device can be curved and/or shaped in any degree of curvature consistent with its use. The support arm can also be curved or shaped so as to be capable of being utilized with the curved guiding device.  
         [0038]     The curved or shaped support arm can also be designed and can be built in sections which can allow for the support arm to be deployed and/or retracted telescopically.  
         [0039]     In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the operation of the respective apparatuses or embodiments can be activated automatically so that the basketball backboard and hoop assembly can be deployed to an in-use position automatically and/or so that the basketball backboard and hoop assembly can be retracted to a stored position or non-use position automatically. In such an embodiment, the respective activation device can be activated by a switching device which can include or utilize a sensor or respective sensors for sensing any one or more of darkness, daylight, noise, infrared heat from a player, an impact such as from a basketball hitting against the basketball backboard or the apparatus, a breaking of a light beam such as by a movement of a basketball, motion in the vicinity of the structure in which the apparatus is mounted or to which the apparatus is mounted, rainfall, snowfall, and/or any other activity, occurrence, environmental condition, etc., which might lead one to desire to deploy and/or to retract the basketball backboard and hoop assembly.  
         [0040]     In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the operation of the activation device to either deploy or retract the basketball backboard and hoop assembly can also be activated or controlled by or with an automatic timer device.  
         [0041]     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly.  
         [0042]     It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly which can be retractable to a location within an interior of a structure.  
         [0043]     It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly which can utilized for outdoor play, indoor play, or both outdoor and indoor play.  
         [0044]     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly which can be deployed through an aperture of a structure.  
         [0045]     It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly wherein the assembly is moveable longitudinally during the deployment of same and/or during the retraction and/or storing of same.  
         [0046]     It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly which can be deployed for use and/or retracted to a stored position by using an activation device.  
         [0047]     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly which can be deployed for use and/or retracted to a stored position by movement in a longitudinal direction.  
         [0048]     It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly which can be deployed for use and/or retracted to a stored position by movement in a longitudinal direction and/or along and/or within a guiding device.  
         [0049]     It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly which can be deployed for use and/or retracted to a stored position by movement along a curved guiding device.  
         [0050]     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly wherein the assembly is installed and/or supported by an interior wall and/or other interior structure or device of a building or structure.  
         [0051]     It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly wherein the assembly can be deployed through an aperture dedicated for utilization in conjunction with the present invention.  
         [0052]     It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly wherein the assembly can include a foldable backboard and/or a solid and/or non-foldable backboard.  
         [0053]     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly wherein the assembly can contain motorized components.  
         [0054]     It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly wherein the assembly can facilitate an automated deployment of same.  
         [0055]     It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly wherein the apparatus includes a control device for controlling the operation thereof.  
         [0056]     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly which can also be utilized with a garage door opener motor as an activation device or mechanism.  
         [0057]     It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly which can also be utilized with a garage door opener device or mechanism which can, in addition to and/or instead of being utilized to open and/or close a garage door, can also be utilized to deploy the basketball backboard and hoop assembly to an in-use position and/or to retract the basketball backboard and hoop assembly to a stored position or non-use position.  
         [0058]     It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly which can also be utilized with a computer or computer system which can be utilized in order to perform an automated and/or a remote controlled deployment and/or storage of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly and/or the apparatus of the present invention.  
         [0059]     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly which can also be utilized with a sensor or sensors for sensing at least one of, or any one or more of, darkness, daylight, noise, infrared heat from a player, an impact against the basketball backboard or the apparatus, a breaking of a light beam, motion in the vicinity of the structure in which the apparatus is mounted or to which the apparatus is mounted, rainfall, snowfall, motion in the vicinity of the apparatus, rainfall, snowfall, and/or an environmental condition.  
         [0060]     It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly which can also be utilized with a control device which, upon automatically ascertaining or determining a non-use of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly, can automatically return the basketball backboard and hoop assembly and/or any other components of the apparatus to a stored position or a non-use position.  
         [0061]     It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly the operation of which can be activated or controlled by or with an automatic timer device.  
         [0062]     Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those individuals skilled in the art upon a review of the Description Of The Preferred Embodiments taken in conjunction with the Drawings which follow.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0063]     In the Drawings:  
         [0064]      FIG. 1  illustrates a three-dimensional perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;  
         [0065]      FIG. 2  illustrates the basketball backboard and hoop assembly of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  in a preferred embodiment folded state;  
         [0066]      FIG. 3  illustrates the apparatus of  FIG. 1  in a preferred embodiment stored state;  
         [0067]      FIG. 4  illustrates a three-dimensional perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;  
         [0068]      FIG. 5  illustrates the basketball backboard and hoop assembly of the apparatus of  FIG. 4  in a preferred embodiment folded state; and  
         [0069]      FIG. 6  illustrates the apparatus of  FIG. 4  in a preferred embodiment stored state;  
         [0070]      FIG. 7  illustrates another preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention wherein the drive mechanism is positioned above the support arm as shown;  
         [0071]      FIG. 8  illustrates another preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention wherein the drive mechanism is positioned below the support arm as shown; and  
         [0072]      FIG. 9  illustrates another preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention wherein the activation device is a garage door opener motor or device. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0073]     The present invention pertains to an apparatus and a method for a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly and, in particular, to an apparatus for a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly which can be deployed from a stored position or non-use position to an in-use position and which can also be retractable from an in-use position to a stored position or non-use position and a method of using same. In a preferred embodiment, the retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly apparatus is mounted inside a structure and can be deployed to a position outside the structure for use. When storage is desired, the retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly apparatus can be retracted back inside the structure to a stored position or non-use position. In another preferred embodiment, the retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly can be mounted at any location inside or outside any structure and the retractable feature of the apparatus can be used in any desired manner to retract the basketball backboard and hoop assembly to a stored position or non-use position. In this manner, the apparatus of the present invention can be used for outdoor play and/or for indoor play depending upon the desired application.  
         [0074]     As used herein, the term “horizontally” means horizontally as well as essentially horizontally.  
         [0075]     As used herein, the term “vertically” means vertically as well as essentially vertically.  
         [0076]     Applicant hereby incorporates by reference herein the subject matter and teachings of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/504,150 which teaches and discloses an apparatus and method for a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly.  
         [0077]      FIG. 1  illustrates a preferred embodiment of the retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly apparatus which is the subject of the present invention and which is designated by the reference numeral  100 . In  FIG. 1 , the apparatus  100  is shown in the in-use position. With reference to  FIG. 1 , the retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly apparatus  100  includes an activation device  1  which is utilized to actuate and drive the drive mechanism  2 . In the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the activation device  1  can be an electric motor, a garage door opener motor, a hydraulic motor or device, a pneumatic device, a vacuum device, or any electrically or mechanically actuated device, and/or any combination of the above-described devices.  
         [0078]     The activation device  1 , in the preferred embodiment, can also be capable of being activated and operated manually in the event of a power failure or device failure so as to deploy or retract the basketball backboard and hoop assembly apparatus of the present invention. In this regard, any appropriate mechanical assemblies and/or devices (not shown) can be used in connection with the apparatus  100 .  
         [0079]     In the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the drive mechanism  2  is connected to or with, or mechanically linked to, the activation device or motor  1  so as to be directly driven by the activation device or motor  1 .  
         [0080]     The apparatus  100  also includes a guiding device  3  which is supported by a pivot device  54 . Guiding device  3  is used to support the support arm  4 . The support arm  4  is connected to and supports the basketball backboard and hoop assembly  25 .  
         [0081]     The support arm  4  is slideably moveable along and/or within the guiding device  3 . The support arm  4  has longitudinal slots  5  located along and through the sides thereof as shown. The support arm  4  is slideably situated within the guiding device  3  by using support arm alignment bolt  6 , which is passed through the respective alignment bolt holes  7  located on both sides of the guiding device  3  and through the longitudinal slots  5  of the support arm so as to provide for and/or facilitate the slideable movement of the support arm  4  along and/or within the guiding device  3 . The alignment bolt  6  also serves to secure the support arm  4  to the guiding device  3 .  
         [0082]     The support arm  4  can slide in both directions along and/or within the guiding device  3  by sliding along the longitudinal slots  5  along the alignment bolt  6  of the guiding device  3 .  
         [0083]     In another preferred embodiment, the support arm  4  can be designed and can be built in sections which can allow for the support arm  4  to be deployed and/or retracted telescopically.  
         [0084]     The drive mechanism  2  is mechanically connected to or with, or coupled to, the support arm  4  via the coupling device  16  and serves to cause the support arm  4  to be longitudinally moveable along and/or within the guiding device  3  in both directions of movement.  
         [0085]     The activation device  1 /drive mechanism  2  is utilized, in the preferred embodiment, in order to drive or move the support arm  4  and the basketball backboard and hoop assembly  25  from a stored position or non-use position to an in-use position and to drive or move the support arm  4  and the basketball backboard and hoop assembly  25  from the in-use position to a stored position or non-use position. In the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the activation device  1  is located and/or mounted adjacent to the guiding device  3  as shown, such as be using the activation device support element  8 .  
         [0086]     With reference once again to  FIG. 1 , the basketball backboard and hoop assembly  25  is connected to the end of the support arm  4  which is opposite the end of the support arm  4  which is connected to the drive mechanism  2 .  
         [0087]     In the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the basketball backboard and hoop assembly  25  includes a backboard  10  and a basketball hoop  11 . The basketball hoop  11  has attached thereto a basketball net  12  which can be manufactured from any suitable material. The basketball hoop  11  is attached to the backboard  10  and/or is attached to the support arm  4  via a hoop support hinge  13 . In the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the hoop support hinge  13  is capable of providing both horizontal and vertical movement of the basketball hoop  11  relative to the backboard  10 . The hoop support hinge  13  can also facilitate any respective horizontal and/or vertical rotation needed in order to deploy the hoop  11  from the stored position or non-use position to the in-use position and to retract the hoop  11  from the in-use position to the stored position or non-use position.  
         [0088]     In another preferred embodiment, the hoop  11  can be fixedly attached to, or directly connected with, the support arm  4  thereby dispensing with the use of, and the need for, a hoop support hinge  13 . In a preferred embodiment, the hoop  11  can be attached to the end of the support arm  4  and/or at any other suitable location on the support arm  4 .  
         [0089]     In the preferred embodiment, the basketball backboard and hoop assembly  25  is attached to the support arm  4  via the backboard pivot hinge  14 .  
         [0090]     With reference once again to  FIG. 1 , the top side of the support arm  4  has a slotted elongate hole  15  therethrough for passage of coupling device  16  which is attached to the drive mechanism  2 . The coupling device  16  is also attached to the backboard support bracket  17  which backboard support bracket  17  is also attached to the backside or non-playing side of the backboard  10 . The coupling device  16  is also attached to hoop deployment push arm  18  which hoop deployment push arm  18  is also attached to the hoop  11 . The hoop deployment push arm  18  can be a telescopic device or can be telescoping in order to compensate for any as needed length changes during activation or deployment of the hoop  11 .  
         [0091]     With reference once again to  FIG. 1 , the guiding device  3  is mounted to the inside of the wall or roof  50  of the structure within which it is housed. The apparatus  100  can be mounted within a building, a residential building, a commercial building, a gymnasium, a garage, an attic of a building, a wall of a building, and/or within any other suitable structure. The guiding device  3  is mounted to the inside of the wall or roof  50  via mounting support arm  20  which, in the preferred embodiment, is attached to either side of the guiding device  3  as shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0092]     With reference once again to  FIG. 1 , the mounting support arm  20  is connected to the guiding device  3  by using any suitable hardware. The mounting support arm  20  is attached to the wall mounting bracket(s)  21  which mounting bracket(s)  21  are attached to the inside of the wall or roof  50  by using any suitable hardware.  
         [0093]     In another preferred embodiment, the guiding device  3  can be mounted to the inside of the wall or roof  50  via any number of, or multiple, mounting support arms  20 .  
         [0094]     The mounting support arm  20 , in the preferred embodiment, can be of a fixed length. In another preferred embodiment, the mounting support arm  20  can be adjustable in length and/or in angle of inclination by using a mounting support arm activation device or motor (not shown) so as to adjust the angle of inclination of the guiding device  3  and the support arm  4 , so as to be able to adjust the height of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly  25 . In another preferred embodiment, the mounting support arm  20  can be adjustable in length and/or in angle of inclination by using a mounting support arm manual adjustment device (not shown) so as to adjust the angle of inclination of the guiding device  3  and the support arm  4 , so as to be able to manually adjust the height of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly  25 .  
         [0095]     In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus  100  can be positioned inside a structure and behind a wall or roof such as wall or roof  50 . With reference once again to  FIG. 1 , the wall or roof  50  contains an aperture  51  through which the basketball backboard and hoop assembly and a portion of the support arm  4  can pass. The basketball backboard and hoop assembly  25  can be foldable in order to allow its passage through the aperture  51 .  
         [0096]      FIG. 2  illustrates the basketball backboard and hoop assembly  25  in a preferred embodiment folded state. It is to be understood, however, that the basketball backboard and hoop assembly  25  can be folded in any other appropriate or suitable manner.  
         [0097]     It is to be understood that, although described as being stored within a structure when not in use, the apparatus  100  can also, in another preferred embodiment, be located or positioned on an exterior of a structure or wall when not in use.  
         [0098]     With reference once again to  FIG. 1 , the aperture  51  has associated therewith a hinged cover  52  which covers the aperture  51  when the apparatus  100  is not in use and/or is stored within the structure. In the preferred embodiment, the cover  52  can be spring biased by closing device  53  so as to cause the cover  52  to return to the closed position upon the retraction of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly  25  to the stored position or non-use position. In the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the cover  52  is shown as being located at the underside of the aperture  51  and opens downwardly. In another preferred embodiment, the cover  52  can be located at the upper side of the aperture  51  and can open upwardly. In still another preferred embodiment, the cover  52  can be located at either side of the aperture  51  and can open outwardly from the side of the aperture  51 .  
         [0099]     The aperture  51 , in the preferred embodiment, is large enough to facilitate the passing therethrough in both directions of the folded basketball backboard and hoop assembly  25  and the pertinent portion of the support arm  4 .  
         [0100]     With reference once again to  FIG. 1 , the guiding device  3 , in the preferred embodiment, is positioned horizontally or essentially horizontally. In the preferred embodiment, the support arm  4  is also positioned horizontally or essentially horizontally. In this manner, in the preferred embodiment, the support arm  4  and the basketball backboard and hoop assembly  25  are deployed horizontally or essentially horizontally. In another preferred embodiment, the support arm  4  and the basketball backboard and hoop assembly  25  can be deployed at or along any angle or angle of inclination. In another preferred embodiment, any one or more of the guiding device  3  and/or the support arm  4  can be positioned or mounted at or about any angle or any angle of inclination.  
         [0101]      FIG. 3  illustrates the apparatus  100  in its stored position or non-use position inside the wall  50  of the structure. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the backboard and hoop assembly  25  is folded when in the stored position or non-use position.  
         [0102]     The apparatus  100  can be utilized in the following manner. The apparatus  100 , when in the stored position or non-use position, as shown in  FIG. 3 , can be deployed to the in-use position of  FIG. 1  in the following manner. The activation device  1  which, in the preferred embodiment is an electric motor, can be activated by a switch or by a wireless remote control device in order to actuate and drive the drive mechanism  2 .  
         [0103]     The activation device  1  and the drive mechanism  2  are utilized to deploy the basketball backboard and hoop assembly  25  to the in-use position in the following manner. The drive mechanism  2 , driven by the activation device  1 , is driven or moved longitudinally in the direction away from the activation device  1  and thereby drives or moves the coupling device  16  and, in turn, the backboard support bracket  17  in the same direction away from the activation device  1 .  
         [0104]     The above-described movement of the backboard support bracket  17  drives or moves the backboard  10 . The above-described movement of the backboard  10  exerts a force upon the pivot hinge  14  which, in turn, drives or moves the support arm  4  along and/or within the guiding device  3 , thereby driving or moving the basketball backboard and hoop assembly  25  in the longitudinal direction towards the in-use position. The above-described movement of the support arm  4  drives or moves the folded basketball backboard and hoop assembly  25  and the pertinent portion of the support arm  4  through the aperture  51  and to the exterior of the structure. The support arm  4  slides along the guiding device  3  via the longitudinal slots  5  passing along the alignment bolt  6  of the guiding device  3 .  
         [0105]     Once the folded basketball backboard and hoop assembly  25  is deployed to the in-use position, the continued operation of the activation device  1  and the corresponding continued driving or movement of the drive mechanism  2  and the coupling device  16  will drive or move the backboard support bracket  17 , which continued driving or movement of the backboard support bracket  17  will cause the backboard  10  to unfold to the upright and in-use position, and will drive or move the hoop deployment push arm  18 , which continued driving or movement of the hoop deployment push arm  18  will drive or move the hoop  11  so as to deploy the hoop  11  to the in-use position as shown. The hoop  11  can be deployed either horizontally or vertically, or in any combination of horizontal or vertical movement, as dictated by the type of hoop support hinge  13  which is selected for use in the apparatus  100 .  
         [0106]     In the preferred embodiment wherein the hoop  11  is fixedly attached to, or connected with, the support arm  4 , the use of, or need for, the hoop support hinge  13 , and any need to perform any rotation of the hoop  11  in the deployment or retraction operation or process, can be dispensed with entirely.  
         [0107]     In the preferred embodiment, the drive mechanism  2 , the coupling device  16 , the support arm  4 , the backboard support bracket  17 , and the hoop deployment push arm  18 , are designed to be activated or actuated sequentially, from the activation and movement of the drive mechanism  2 , in the above-described order or sequence and/or in any other suitable or appropriate order or sequence.  
         [0108]     The drive mechanism  2 , in the preferred embodiment, drives or actuates each of the coupling device  16 , the support bracket  17 , the backboard  10  and the pivot hinge  14  and, in turn, the support arm  4  drives or moves the basketball backboard and hoop assembly  25  and the pertinent portion of the support arm  4  through the aperture  51 , moving the cover  52  to the open position in the process, and towards the in-use position until the basketball backboard and hoop assembly  25  reaches and is deployed to the in-use position. The continued operation of the drive mechanism  2  then drives or moves the backboard support bracket  17  so as to move the backboard  10  to the upright and in-use position, thereby unfolding the basketball backboard and hoop assembly  25 , and drives or moves the hoop deployment push arm  18  so as to move the hoop  11  to the in-use position.  
         [0109]     When it is desired to retract the basketball backboard and hoop assembly  25  to the stored position or non-use position, the above operation can be performed in reverse. When retracting the basketball backboard and hoop assembly  25  to the stored position or non-use position, the activation device  1  can be operated in reverse so as to drive or move the drive mechanism  2 , the coupling device  16  and, in turn, the backboard support bracket  17 , in the direction towards the activation device  1 .  
         [0110]     The movement of the coupling device  16  and the backboard support bracket  17  will drive or move the hoop deployment push arm  18  in the direction towards the activation device  1  thereby retracting or moving the hoop  11  to the stored position or non-use position and will also cause the backboard  10  to fold thereby returning the backboard and hoop assembly  25  to the folded and/or stored position. Thereafter, the continued movement of the drive mechanism  2  and the coupling device  16  will retract the support arm  4  and the folded basketball backboard and hoop assembly  25  along the guiding device  3 , through the aperture  51 , and into the interior of the structure until the support arm  4  and the folded basketball backboard and hoop assembly  25  reaches the stored position or non-use position.  
         [0111]     As the support arm  4  and the folded basketball backboard and hoop assembly  25  passes into the interior of the structure, the closing device  53  of the cover  52  will cause the cover to close thereby covering the aperture  51 .  
         [0112]     In the preferred embodiment, the activation device  1  is used to perform and/or control the deployment and retraction of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly by controlling and effectuating the movement of the coupling device  16 , the support arm  4 , the backboard support bracket  17 , the backboard  10 , the pivot hinge  14 , and the hoop deployment push arm  18 . In another preferred embodiment, a separate activation device or motor can be utilized in order to control and effectuate the movement of any one or more of each of the coupling device  16 , the support arm  4 , the backboard support bracket  17 , and the hoop deployment push arm  18 .  
         [0113]     In another preferred embodiment, separate activation devices or motors can be utilized in order to control and/or effectuate the movement of any one or more of the coupling device  16 , the support arm  4 , the backboard support bracket  17 , the pivot hinge  14 , and/or the hoop deployment push arm  18 . In another preferred embodiment, separate activation devices or motors can be utilized to control and effectuate the movement of each of the coupling device  16 , the support arm  4 , the backboard support bracket  17 , the pivot hinge  14 , and/or the hoop deployment push arm  18 . In embodiments where multiple activation devices or motors are utilized, a central control device can be used to control and effectuate the sequential activation and operation of each of the respective activation devices or motors.  
         [0114]     In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus and method of the present invention can be utilized in conjunction with a curved guiding device and a curved support arm. In this preferred embodiment, the manner in which the curved support arm deploys through the structure can allow for an adjustable backboard height.  FIG. 4  illustrates another preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention. The apparatus of  FIG. 4  is designated by the reference numeral  300 .  
         [0115]     In  FIG. 4 , the apparatus  300  is shown in the in-use position. With reference to  FIG. 4 , the retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly apparatus  300  includes an activation device  301  which is utilized to actuate and drive the drive mechanism  302 . In the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 4 , the actuating device  301  can be an electric motor, a garage door opener motor, a hydraulic motor or device, a pneumatic device, a vacuum device, or any mechanically actuated device, and/or any combination of the above-described devices. The activation device  301 , in the preferred embodiment, can also be capable of being activated and operated manually in the event of a power failure or device failure so as to deploy or retract the basketball backboard and hoop assembly apparatus of the present invention. In this regard, any appropriate mechanical assemblies and/or devices (not shown) can be used in connection with the apparatus  300 .  
         [0116]     In the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 4 , the drive mechanism  302  is connected to or with, or mechanically linked to, the activation device or motor  301  so as to be directly driven by the activation device or motor  301 .  
         [0117]     The apparatus  300  also includes a guiding device  303  which is supported by a pivot device  354 . Guiding device  303  is used to support the support arm  304 . In the apparatus  300  of  FIG. 4 , the guiding device  303  is curved in shape as shown. It is important to note that the guiding device  303  can be shaped in any degree of curvature which is consistent with its use in the apparatus  300  of the present invention. The support arm  304  is connected to and supports the basketball backboard and hoop assembly  325 .  
         [0118]     The support arm  304  is slideably moveable along and/or within the guiding device  303 . The support arm  304  is also curved in shape and has a degree of curvature consistent with its use in conjunction with, or in combination with, the guiding device  303 . The support arm  304  has curve slots  305  located along and through the sides thereof as shown. The support arm  304  is slideably situated within the guiding device  303  by using support arm alignment bolt  306 , which is passed through the respective alignment bolt holes  307  located on both sides of the guiding device  303  and through the curved slots  305  of the support arm  304  so as to provide for and/or facilitate the slideable movement of the support arm  304  along and/or within the guiding device  303 . The alignment bolt  306  also serves to secure the support arm  304  to the guiding device  303 .  
         [0119]     The support arm  304  can slide in both directions along and/or within the guiding device  303  by sliding along the curved slots  305  along the alignment bolt  306  of the guiding device  303 .  
         [0120]     In another preferred embodiment, the support arm  304  can be designed and can be built in sections which can allow for the support arm  304  to be deployed and/or retracted telescopically.  
         [0121]     The drive mechanism  302  is mechanically connected to or with, or coupled to, the support arm  304  via the coupling device  316  and serves to cause the support arm  304  to be moveable along and/or within the guiding device  303  in both directions of movement. The activation device  301 /drive mechanism  302  is utilized, in the preferred embodiment, in order to move the support arm  304  and the basketball backboard and hoop assembly  325  from a stored position or non-use position to an in-use position and to drive or move the support arm  304  and the basketball backboard and hoop assembly  325  from the in-use position to the stored position or non-use position. In the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 4 , the activation device  301  is located and/or mounted adjacent to the guiding device  303  as shown, such as be using the activation device support element  308 .  
         [0122]     With reference once again to  FIG. 4 , the basketball backboard and hoop assembly  325  is connected to the end of the support arm  304  which is opposite the end of the support arm  304  which is connected to the drive mechanism  302 .  
         [0123]     In the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 4 , the basketball backboard and hoop assembly  325  includes a backboard  310  and a basketball hoop  311 . The basketball hoop  311  has attached thereto a basketball net  312  which can be manufactured from any suitable material. The basketball hoop  311  is attached to the backboard  310  or is attached to the support arm  304  via a hoop support hinge  313 . In the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 4 , the hoop support hinge  313  is capable of providing both horizontal and vertical movement of the basketball hoop  311  relative to the backboard  310 . The hoop support hinge  313  can also facilitate any respective horizontal and/or vertical rotation needed in order to deploy the hoop  311  from the stored position or non-use position to the in-use position and from the in-use position to the stored position or non-use position.  
         [0124]     In another preferred embodiment, the hoop  311  can be fixedly attached to, or directly connected with, the support arm  304  thereby dispensing with the use of, and the need for, a hoop support hinge  313 . In a preferred embodiment, the hoop  311  can be attached to the end of the support arm  304  and/or at any other suitable location on the support arm  304 .  
         [0125]     In the preferred embodiment, the basketball backboard and hoop assembly  325  is attached to the support arm  304  via the backboard pivot hinge  314 .  
         [0126]     With reference once again to  FIG. 4 , the top side of the support arm  304  has a slotted elongated hole  315  therethrough for passage of coupling device  316  which is attached to the drive mechanism  302 . The coupling device  316  is also attached to the backboard support bracket  317  which backboard support bracket  317  is also attached to the backside or non-playing side of the backboard  310 . The coupling device  316  is also attached to the hoop deployment push arm  318  which hoop deployment push arm  318  is also attached to the hoop  311 . The hoop deployment push arm  318  can be a telescopic device or can be telescoping in order to compensate for any as needed length changes during activation or deployment of the hoop  311 .  
         [0127]     With reference once again to  FIG. 4 , the guiding device  303  is mounted to the inside of the wall or roof  350  of the structure within which it is housed. The apparatus  300  can be mounted within a building, a residential building, a commercial building, a gymnasium, a garage, an attic of a building, a wall of a building, and/or within any other suitable structure. The guiding device  303  is mounted to the inside of the wall or roof  350  via mounting support arm  320  which, in the preferred embodiment, is attached to either side of the guiding device  303  as shown in  FIG. 4 . With reference to  FIG. 4 , the mounting support arm  320  is connected to the guiding device  303  by using any suitable hardware. In another preferred embodiment, the guiding device  303  can be mounted to the inside of the wall or roof  350  via any number of, or multiple, mounting support arms  320 .  
         [0128]     With reference once again to  FIG. 4 , the mounting support arm  320  is connected to the guiding device  303  by using any suitable hardware. The mounting support arm  320  is attached to the wall mounting bracket(s)  321  which mounting bracket(s)  321  are attached to the inside of the wall or roof  350  by using any suitable hardware.  
         [0129]     The mounting support arm  320 , in the preferred embodiment, can be of a fixed length. In another preferred embodiment, the mounting support arm  320  can be adjustable in length and/or in angle of inclination by using a mounting support arm activation device or motor (not shown) so as to adjust the angle of inclination of the guiding device  303  and the support arm  304 , so as to be able to adjust the height of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly  325 . In another preferred embodiment, the mounting support arm  320  can be adjustable in length and/or in angle of inclination by using a mounting support arm manual adjustment device (not shown) so as to adjust the angle of inclination of the guiding device  303  and the support arm  304 , so as to be able to manually adjust the height of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly  325 .  
         [0130]     In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus  300  can be positioned inside a structure and behind a wall or roof such as wall or roof  350 . With reference once again to  FIG. 4 , the wall or roof  350  contains an aperture  351  through which the basketball backboard and hoop assembly  325  and a portion of the support arm  304  can pass. The basketball backboard and hoop assembly  325  can be foldable in order to allow its passage through the aperture  351 .  
         [0131]      FIG. 5  illustrates the basketball backboard and hoop assembly  325  in a preferred embodiment folded state. It is to be understood, however, that the basketball backboard and hoop assembly  325  can be folded in any other appropriate or suitable manner.  
         [0132]     It is to be understood that, although described as being stored within a structure when not in use, the apparatus  300  can also, in another preferred embodiment, be located or positioned on an exterior of a structure or wall when not in use.  
         [0133]     With reference once again to  FIG. 4 , the aperture  351  has associated therewith a hinged cover  352  which covers the aperture  351  when the apparatus  300  is not in use and/or stored within the structure. In the preferred embodiment, the cover  352  can be spring biased by closing device  353  so as to cause the cover  352  to return to the closed position upon the retraction of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly  325  to the stored position or non-use position. In the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 4 , the cover  352  is shown as being located at the underside of the aperture  351  and opens downwardly. In another preferred embodiment, the cover  352  can be located at the upper side of the aperture  351  and can open upwardly. In still another preferred embodiment, the cover  352  can be located at either side of the aperture  351  and can open outwardly from the side of the aperture  351 .  
         [0134]     The aperture  351 , in the preferred embodiment, is large enough to facilitate the passing therethrough in both directions of the folded basketball backboard and hoop assembly  325  and the pertinent portion of the support arm  304 .  
         [0135]     With reference once again to  FIG. 4 , the guiding device  303  and the support arm  304  are positioned as shown. In this manner, in the preferred embodiment, the support arm  304  and the basketball backboard and hoop assembly  325  can be deployed in any appropriate manner and/or can be deployed horizontally, essentially horizontally, or at or along any desired angle, or at or along any angle of inclination. In another preferred embodiment, the support arm  304  and the basketball backboard and hoop assembly  325  can be deployed at or along any angle or any angle of inclination. In another preferred embodiment, any one or more of the guiding device  303  and/or the support arm  304  can be positioned or mounted at or about any angle or any angle of inclination.  
         [0136]      FIG. 6  illustrates the apparatus  300  in its stored position inside the wall  350  of the structure. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the backboard and hoop assembly  325  is folded, as shown, when in the stored position or non-use position.  
         [0137]     The apparatus  300  can be utilized in the following manner. The apparatus  300 , when in the stored position or non-use position, as shown in  FIG. 6 , can be deployed to the in-use of  FIG. 4  in the following manner. The activation device  301  which, in the preferred embodiment, is an electric motor, can be activated by a switch or by a wireless remote control device in order to actuate and drive the drive mechanism  302 .  
         [0138]     The activation device  301  and the drive mechanism  302  are utilized to deploy the basketball backboard and hoop assembly  325  to the in-use position in the following manner. The drive mechanism  302 , driven by the activation device  301 , is driven or moved in the direction away from the activation device  301  and thereby drives or moves the coupling device  316  and, in turn, the backboard support bracket  317  in the same direction away from the activation device  301 .  
         [0139]     The above-described movement of the backboard support bracket  317  drives or moves the backboard  310 . The above-described movement of the backboard  310  exerts a force upon the pivot hinge  314  which, in turn, drives or moves the support arm  304  along and/or within the guiding device  303 , thereby driving or moving the basketball backboard and hoop assembly  325  in the direction towards the in-use position. The above-described movement of the support arm  304  drives or moves the folded basketball backboard and hoop assembly  325  and the pertinent portion of the support arm  304  through the aperture  351  and to the exterior of the structure. The support arm  304  slides along the guiding device  303  via the curved slots  305  passing along the alignment bolt  306  of the guiding device  303 .  
         [0140]     Once the folded basketball backboard and hoop assembly  325  is deployed to the in-use position, the continued operation of the activation device  301  and the corresponding continued driving or movement of the drive mechanism  302  and the coupling device  316  will drive or move the backboard support bracket  317 , which continued driving or movement of the backboard support bracket  317  will cause the backboard  310  to unfold to an upright and in-use position, and drive or move the hoop deployment push arm  318 , which continued driving or movement of the hoop deployment push arm  318  will drive or move the hoop  311  so as to deploy the hoop  311  to the in-use position as shown. The hoop  311  can be deployed either horizontally or vertically, or in any combination of horizontal or vertical movement, as dictated by the type of hoop support hinge  313  which is selected for use in the apparatus  300 .  
         [0141]     In the preferred embodiment wherein the hoop  311  is fixedly attached to, or connected with, the support arm  304 , the use of, or need for, the hoop support hinge  313 , and any need to perform any rotation of the hoop  311  in the deployment or retraction operation or process, can be dispensed with entirely.  
         [0142]     In the preferred embodiment, the drive mechanism  302 , the coupling device  316 , the support arm  304 , the backboard support bracket  317 , and the hoop deployment push arm  318 , are designed to be activated or actuated sequentially, from the activation and movement of the drive mechanism  302 , in the above-described order or sequence and/or in any other suitable or appropriate order or sequence.  
         [0143]     The drive mechanism  302 , in the preferred embodiment, drives or actuates each of the coupling device  316 , the support bracket  317 , the backboard  310  and the pivot hinge  314  and, in turn, the support arm  304  drives or moves the basketball backboard and hoop assembly  325  and the pertinent portion of the support arm  304  through the aperture  351 , moving the cover  352  to the open position in the process, and towards the in-use position until the basketball backboard and hoop assembly  325  reaches and is deployed to the in-use position. The continued operation of the drive mechanism  302  then drives or moves the backboard support bracket  317  so as to move the backboard  310  to the upright and in-use position, thereby unfolding the basketball backboard and hoop assembly  325 , and drives or moves the hoop deployment push arm  318  so as to move the hoop to the in-use position.  
         [0144]     When it is desired to retract the basketball backboard and hoop assembly  325  to the stored position or non-use position, the above operation can be performed in reverse. When retracting the basketball backboard and hoop assembly  325  to the stored position or non-use position, the activation device  301  can be operated in reverse so as to drive or move the drive mechanism  302 , the coupling device  316  and, in turn, the backboard support bracket  317 , in the direction towards the activation device  301 . The driving or movement of the coupling device  316  and the backboard support bracket  317  will drive or move the hoop deployment push arm  318  in the direction towards the activation device  301  thereby retracting or moving the hoop  311  to the stored position or non-use position and will also cause the backboard  310  to fold thereby returning the backboard and hoop assembly  325  to the folded and/or stored position. Thereafter, the continued movement of the drive mechanism  302  and the coupling device  316  will retract the support arm  304  and the folded basketball backboard and hoop assembly  325  along the guiding device  303 , through the aperture  351 , and into the interior of the structure until the support arm  304  and the folded basketball backboard and hoop assembly  325  reaches the stored position or non-use position. As the support arm  304  and the folded basketball backboard and hoop assembly  325  passes into the interior of the structure, the closing device  353  of the cover  352  will cause the cover to close thereby covering the aperture  351 .  
         [0145]     In the preferred embodiment, the activation device  301  is used to perform and/or control the deployment and retraction of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly by controlling and effectuating the movement of the coupling device  316 , the support arm  304 , the backboard support bracket  317 , the backboard  310 , the pivot hinge  314 , and the hoop deployment push arm  318 .  
         [0146]     In another preferred embodiment, separate activation devices or motors can be utilized in order to control and effectuate the movement of any one or more of the coupling device  316 , the support arm  304 , the backboard support bracket  317 , the pivot hinge  314 , and/or the hoop deployment push arm  318 . In another preferred embodiment, separate activation devices or motors can be utilized to control and effectuate the movement of each of the coupling device  316 , the support arm  304 , the backboard support bracket  317 , the backboard  310 , the pivot hinge  314 , and/or the hoop deployment push arm  318 . In embodiments where multiple activation devices or motors are utilized, a central control device can be used to control and effectuate the sequential activation and/or operation of each of the respective activation devices or motors.  
         [0147]     In the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , the height of the deployed basketball backboard and hoop assembly  325  can be adjustable depending upon the amount by which the support arm  304  is moved along the guiding device  303  and or by adjustment of the mounting support arm  320  or mounting support arms  320 .  
         [0148]     In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the operation of the respective apparatuses described herein can be activated automatically so that the basketball backboard and hoop assembly can be deployed to the in-use position automatically and/or so that the basketball backboard and hoop assembly can be retracted to the stored position or non-use position automatically. In such an embodiment, the respective activation device can be activated by a switching device which can include or utilize a sensor for sensing any one or more of darkness, daylight, noise, infrared heat from a player, an impact such as from a basketball hitting against the basketball backboard or the apparatus, a breaking of a light beam such as by a movement of a basketball, motion in the vicinity of the structure in which the apparatus is mounted or to which the apparatus is mounted, rainfall, snowfall, and/or any other activity, occurrence, environmental condition, etc., which might lead one to desire to deploy and/or to retract the basketball backboard and hoop assembly.  
         [0149]     In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the operation of the activation device to either deploy and/or retract the basketball backboard and hoop assembly can be activated or controlled by or with an automatic timer device.  
         [0150]     In another preferred embodiment, the drive mechanism  2  of  FIG. 1  can be positioned or located above the support arm  4 .  FIG. 7  illustrates another preferred embodiment of the apparatus  100  of the present invention wherein the drive mechanism  2  is positioned above the support arm  4  as shown.  
         [0151]     In another preferred embodiment, the drive mechanism  2  of  FIG. 1  can be positioned or located below the support arm  4 .  FIG. 8  illustrates another preferred embodiment of the apparatus  100  of the present invention wherein the drive mechanism  2  is positioned below the support arm  4  as shown.  
         [0152]     In another preferred embodiment, the drive mechanism  1  of  FIG. 1  can also be utilized to activate and drive a garage door or other suitable door. In this preferred embodiment, the drive mechanism  1  can be a garage door opener motor which can be adapted for the dual purpose use of controlling and/or operating a garage door or other suitable door, associated with the structure, as well as controlling and/or operating the retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly apparatus of the present invention.  FIG. 9  illustrates another preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention wherein the activation device is a garage door opener motor or device adapted for the dual purpose use of controlling and/or operating a garage door or other suitable door, as well as controlling and/or operating the retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly apparatus of the present invention.  
         [0153]     While the apparatus and method of the present invention has been described and illustrated in various preferred embodiments, such are only illustrative of the present invention and are not to be construed to be limitations thereof. Accordingly, the present invention encompasses any and all alternate embodiments, modifications, and/or variations, with the scope of the present invention being limited only by the claims which follow.