Patent Publication Number: US-10328322-B1

Title: Portable basketball hoop

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates, generally, to the field of portable basketball hoops. More particularly, the present invention relates to basketball hoops which assemble and disassemble easily for quick portability. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Basketball is a popular sport, especially for young children, teens and young adults. Typically, basketball must be played on a court, such as in a gym or at a park. Other basketball hoops may be attached to a structure such as a garage or otherwise assembled on a person&#39;s property to move basketball play to more convenient locations or for playing at any time of day. 
     Generally, current portable basketball hoops are cumbersome and difficult to transport and/or assemble. For example, some known portable basketball stands disassemble into components of somewhat manageable size, but the pieces are not easily stored. Other portable basketball hoops collapse and/or disassemble into organized pieces which facilitate storage, but the size and weight of system make them inconvenient to transport. 
     Furthermore, most portable basketball systems require a means for weighing down the post to which the hoop is attached to prevent the basketball hoop from tipping over. Known weight systems require water or sand to fill a base. This is inconvenient because a player must then either transport an amount of water or sand to fill the base or rely on water or sand being available at the final destination. Other portable basketball systems use weights which sit on or around the post, or otherwise fit in a base component, but the size and weight of such weight systems render them inconvenient to store and transport. 
     For at least these reasons, therefore, it would be advantageous if a new or improved portable basketball hoop could be developed that addressed one or more of the above-described concerns, and/or other concerns. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with one embodiment, disclosed herein is a portable basketball hoop. 
     In accordance with a further embodiment, disclosed herein is a portable basketball hoop comprising: a base having a bottom surface with a perimeter, a plurality of openings circumferentially positioned around at least a portion of the perimeter, and an upper surface with an opening; a post comprising a bottom segment having a bottom portion which engages the base at the opening of the upper surface, and a body portion comprising a plurality of locking structure-engaging areas arranged in at least two rows, wherein each of the rows includes the same number of locking structure-engaging areas and each locking structure-engaging area in one of the at least two rows has a corresponding locking structure-engaging area the second of the at least two rows, thereby forming a plurality of pairs of locking structure-engaging areas wherein the locking structure-engaging areas of a given pair are at the same height, at least one middle segment having a body portion comprising a plurality of locking structure-engaging areas arranged in at least two rows, wherein each of the rows includes the same number of locking structure-engaging areas and each locking structure-engaging area in one of the at least two rows has a corresponding locking structure-engaging area of the second of the at least two rows, thereby forming a plurality of pairs of locking structure-engaging areas wherein the locking structure-engaging areas of a given pair are at the same height, an upper segment having an upper portion having a back plate, wherein the back plate includes at least one securing structure, and at least two locking structures, each locking structure corresponding to one of the pairs of locking structure-engaging areas of the bottom segment and the at least one middle segment; a backboard comprising two outer sections hingedly connected to a middle section, wherein the middle section includes at least one attachment point corresponding to the at least one securing structure of the back plate; and a rim comprising at least one attachment point corresponding at least one of (i) the at least one attachment point of the middle section of the backboard, and (ii) the at least one securing structure of the back plate. 
     In accordance with a further embodiment, disclosed herein is a portable basketball hoop system comprising: a portable basketball hoop comprising a post comprising at least three releasably connected segments, a base configured to receive at least one weight and secure the post; a backboard having a front surface and a back surface, the backboard comprising a first outer section, a second outer section and a middle section, wherein the first outer section is connected to the middle section at a first hinged seam and the second outer section is connected to the middle section at a second hinged seam, wherein the first and second outer sections are configured to hingedly pivot from an open position to a folded position, wherein the front surface of each of the first outer section, second outer section and middle section is approximately coplanar when in the open position, wherein the front surface of the first outer section faces the front surface of the middle section and the back surface of the second outer section faces the back surface of the middle section when in the folded position, wherein the middle section is configured to secure to the post, and a rim configured to secure to the backboard; at least one weight; wherein the portable basketball hoop is configured to be stored in a travel case. 
     In accordance with a further embodiment, disclosed herein is a method of assembling a portable basketball hoop comprising: providing a base, at least three post segments, a backboard and a rim, wherein a first and second of the at least three post segments each comprise a body portion with a plurality of openings arranged in at least two rows, wherein each row has the same number of openings and the openings in a first row each have a corresponding opening in the second row such that the corresponding openings are at the same height, and wherein the second and a third of the at least three post segments each comprise at least two opening-engaging structures, each opening-engaging structure corresponding to one of the rows of openings in the first and second post segments, respectively; and securing (i) the first of the at least three post segments to the base, (ii) the second of the at least three post segments to the first post segment by engaging the opening-engaging structures of the second post segment with a pair of corresponding openings in the first post segment, (iii) the third of the at least three post segments to the second post segment by engaging the opening-engaging structures of the third post segment with a pair of corresponding openings in the second post segment, (iv) the backboard to the third post segment, and (v) the rim to the backboard. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Features of the present disclosure which are believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. Embodiments of the disclosure are disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings and are for illustrative purposes only. The disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction or the arrangement of the components illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure encompasses other embodiments and is capable of being practiced or carried out in other various ways. The drawings illustrate a best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the invention. Like reference numerals are used to indicate like components. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a portable basketball hoop in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 1B  is a front view of a portable basketball hoop in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 1C  is a side view of a portable basketball hoop in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 1D  is a back view of a portable basketball hoop in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2A  is an exploded view of a portable basketball hoop in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2B  is an assembled view of a portable basketball hoop in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of a base for a portable basketball hoop in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3B  is a top view of a base for a portable basketball hoop in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3C  is a side view of a base for a portable basketball hoop in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate an alternative embodiment of a base for a portable basketball hoop in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5A  illustrates an exemplary first post section of a portable basketball hoop in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5B  illustrates an exemplary middle post section of a portable basketball hoop in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5C  is a front view an exemplary top post section of a portable basketball hoop in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5D  is a side view of an exemplary top post section of a portable basketball hoop in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5E  is a back view of an exemplary top post section of a portable basketball hoop in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5F  illustrates the connection between two post sections of a portable basketball hoop in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 5G and 5H  illustrate the height-adjustability of an exemplary post of a portable basketball hoop in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates four post sections which form a post of a portable basketball hoop in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7A  illustrates an alternative embodiment of post sections of a portable basketball hoop which permit height adjustment in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7B  illustrates a further alternative embodiment of post sections of a portable basketball hoop which permit height adjustment in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of an assembled post for a portable basketball hoop in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8B  is a side view of an assembled post for a portable basketball hoop in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8C  is a back view of an assembled post for a portable basketball hoop in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9A  is a perspective view of a backboard for a portable basketball hoop in the open position in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9B  is a front view of a backboard for a portable basketball hoop in the open position in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9C  is a back view of a backboard for a portable basketball hoop in the open position in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10A  is a perspective view of a backboard for a portable basketball hoop in a partially folded position in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10B  is a perspective view of a backboard for a portable basketball hoop in a folded position in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10C  is a back view of a backboard for a portable basketball hoop in folded position in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 11A  shows the rim of a portable basketball hoop in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 11B  shows the rim of a portable basketball hoop attached to the backboard in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 12A  illustrates an exemplary padding section which may be placed around a portion of a post of a portable basketball hoop in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 12B  illustrates an exemplary portable basketball hoop with padding on a portion of the post in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 13A  is a perspective view of an exemplary travel bag for storing and transporting a portable basketball hoop in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 13B  is a side view of an exemplary travel bag for storing and transporting a portable basketball hoop in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 14  shows an exemplary travel bag for storing and transporting a portable basketball hoop with the disassembled portable basketball hoop shown in phantom in the travel bag in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 15  is an exemplary flowchart outlining a method of erecting a portable basketball hoop in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In accordance with one embodiment, with reference to  FIGS. 1A-1D , disclosed herein is a portable basketball hoop  100  including a base  10 , pole or post  40 , backboard  50 , and rim  70 . The base  10  secures a bottom segment  30  of the post  40 , and the backboard  50  attaches to a top segment  36  of the post  40 . The rim  70  attaches to the backboard  50 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 3A-3C , the base  10  has a flat bottom surface  11  and an upper surface  12  with an opening  13  configured to engage the bottom segment  30  of the post  40 . In the embodiment shown, the base  10  is approximately hemispherical, or hemispherical. In still further embodiments, the base  10  may have an approximately hemispherical shape with a flattened upper surface  12 , particularly in the area with the opening  13 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment shown, the opening  13  includes an internal structure  14 , which in the exemplary embodiment shown is internal threads, which match the corresponding external structure  34  of the bottom segment  30  so that the post  40  may be secured in the base  10  by the interlocking threads  14 ,  34  (see  FIGS. 2A-2B ). 
     While in the embodiments shown, the internal and external structures  14 ,  34 ) are threads, as shown clearly in  FIGS. 3A and 5A , the internal and external structures  14 ,  34  may be other structures which secure the bottom segment  30  of the post  40  to the base  10 , such as, for example, other interlocking structures. 
     The base  10  also includes a plurality of openings  16  around the perimeter near the bottom surface  11 . These openings  16  may contain weights  20  (see  FIGS. 2A-2B ) to stabilize the base  10  and, ultimately, portable basketball hoop  100 . In the embodiment shown, the base  10  includes approximately 20 openings  16 , although any number of openings  16  may be provided to receive weights. 
     In the embodiment shown, the openings  16  occur circumferentially around the perimeter of the entire base  10  and are equally spaced around the perimeter of the base  10 . The individual openings  16  are arranged such that they project radially from the center of the base  10 . With this arrangement, a given amount of weight determined to be necessary to stabilize the portable basketball hoop  100  may be equally positioned around the base  10 . In alternative embodiment, the base  10  may have openings  16  along only a portion of its perimeter. For example, by providing openings  16  around only a rear two-thirds or three-quarters of the base  10 , it may be possible to provide a base  10  having a truncated front side such that the base  10  does not project as far under the net  70  to reduce obstacles which may hinder game play. 
     In the embodiments shown, such as, for example, in  FIGS. 1A-2B , openings  16  are approximately tubular hollow recess in the base  10 . In other words, the interior sides of the openings  16  are arcuate such that a cross-section of the openings  16  is approximately circular, or circular, as shown in  FIG. 1A . In further embodiments, such as, for example, shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the openings  16  may have different geometries in order to accommodate different weight systems and/or base  10  designs. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2A-2B , the weights  20  are each approximately 5-20 pounds. The total amount of weight used to stabilize the base  10  depends at least in part on the age and/or size and/or weight of the players and the playing style of those players. For example, when children are playing and not likely to exert significant force on the basketball hoop  100 , less weight needs to be used than when, for example, young adults are playing a competitive game of basketball. The total amount of weight used will therefore, at least in part, determine the specific weight of each individual weight  20  and the number of weights  20  to be used. When possible, it is preferred to distribute the total weight as evenly as possible around the base  10 . 
     While the weights  20  shown are approximately 5-35 pounds, it is understood that different weights may be used, including for example weights of less than 5 pounds and weights over 35 pounds. It was found, however, that weights under 5 pounds provided little benefit and weights over 35 pounds were cumbersome to transport and difficult to place in the base  10 . In an embodiment, weights  20  of approximately 10-20 pounds are preferred. 
     In the embodiments shown, particularly with respect to  FIG. 2A , the weights  20  are shown as approximately cylindrical and having a geometry corresponding to that of the openings  16 . However, in further embodiments, the weights  20  may have any shape or geometry which is capable of being inserted completely into the openings  16 . In still further embodiments, the weights  20  may be conformable to different geometries, such as, for example, in the case of “beanbags” or other similar configurations including a weight-filled flexible pouch. 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate an alternative embodiment of a base  10 ′ for a portable basketball hoop. In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the base  10 ′ is approximately hemispherical, or hemispherical, and includes a plurality of openings  16 ′ around the bottom perimeter of the base  10 ′. However, in the embodiment shown, the openings  16 ′ are squared/rectangular instead of cylindrical/rounded.  FIGS. 4A and 4B  show further embodiments of the weights  20 ′/ 20 ″. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4A , weights  20 ′ are shown as rectangular brick-like structures. These weights  20 ′, like weights  20 , are approximately 5-35 pounds. By using a squared/rectangular shape for the weights  20 ′, the weights  20 ′ have a slightly greater weight than cylindrical/rounded weights  20  of equivalent size because the corners of weights  20 ′ are not rounded off. 
       FIG. 4B  also shows weights  20 ″ are soft-sided pouches which are fillable with any material having a desired weight. For example, in some embodiments, the soft-sided pouches of weights  20 ″ are transported unfilled and later filled by material/items found at the location at which the basketball hoop  100  is being assembled (e.g., sand, water, rocks, etc.). In other words, the weights  20 ″ are similar to “bean-bags”. The weights  20 ″ may be conformable to accommodate different sizes/shapes of openings. Using weights  20 ″ also allows a user to choose how much weight is in a weight pouch to better distribute weight around the base  10 ″. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 3A-3C , the bottom surface  11  of the base  10  is approximately circular and the base  10  has an overall approximately domed shaped. In other embodiments, the bottom surface  11  of the base  10  may have different shapes and/or geometries (e.g., square, oval, rectangular, polygon) and the base  10  may have a corresponding overall three-dimensional shape (e.g., pyramidal, cylindrical, etc.). The overall shape and geometry of the base  10  may, in some embodiments, be determined by the dimensions of any travel bag  80  (such as, for example, shown in  FIGS. 13A-14 ) which may be used to store and transport the basketball hoop  100 . 
     As shown perhaps most clearly in  FIGS. 2A-2B , the post  40  is composed of a number of post sections or segments, including a bottom (first) post section  30 , at least one middle post section  35  and a top (final) post section  36 . In the embodiment shown, the post  40  includes two middle post sections  35   a ,  35   b  for a total of four post sections which for the post  40 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . However, in further exemplary embodiments, the number of middle post sections  35  may vary to convenience. 
     In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , each of the post sections  30 ,  35   a ,  35   b  and  36  includes a bottom portion  33   a ,  38   a ,  38   a ,  39   a , respectively, a body portion  33   b ,  38   b ,  38   b ,  39   b , respectively, and a top portion  33   c ,  38   c ,  38   c ,  39   c , respectively. The bottom portions  33   a ,  38   a ,  38   a ,  39   a  each include a structure used to secure the respective portion to the one directly below. For example, as shown in  FIG. 5A , the bottom portion  33   a  of the first section  30  contains external structures  34  which in the embodiment shown are threads which correspond to, so as to threadingly engage, the internal threads  14  of the opening  13  of the base  10 . Similarly, as shown in  FIGS. 5B, 5E, 5F and 5G , the bottom portions  38   a ,  38   a ,  39   a  of the middle and top sections  35   a ,  35   b ,  36  each include a plurality of structures  49  (e.g., locking structures) which engage locking structure-engaging areas  48  in the post section immediately below the respective post sections (see  FIG. 5B ). 
     As described with further detail below, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the locking structures  49  are pins which are secured directly to the respective post segments and configured to engage the locking structure-engaging areas of a post section immediately below the respective post section. However, the locking structures  49  can take the form of a variety of opening-engaging structures, including, for example, a further opening in combination with a physically separate locking hardware structure, such as a lock pin. In still further embodiments, the opening-engaging structures  49  may include spring-activated pins, other friction-connect structures, and combinations of these structures. However, for clarity, in the embodiments described below, reference will be made to locking structures  49  which are pins and locking structure-engaging areas  48  which are openings. 
     Further, and with reference to  FIGS. 5A-5E , the body portions  33   b ,  38   b ,  38   b ,  39   b  of the sections  30 ,  35   a ,  35   b ,  36  are substantially tubular with a length of approximately from 22 inches, or from 23 inches, or from 24 inches, or from 25 inches, or from 26 inches, or from 27 inches, or from 28 inches to 36 inches, or to 35 inches, or to 34 inches, or to 33 inches, or to 32 inches, or to 31 inches, or to 30 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the body portions  33   b ,  38   b ,  38   b ,  39   b  of the sections  30 ,  35   a ,  35   b ,  36  have a length of approximately from 24 inches, or from 25 inches, or from 26 inches, or from 27 inches, or from 28 inches to 30 inches, or to 31 inches, or to 32 inches, or to 33 inches, or to 34 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the body portions  33   b ,  38   b ,  38   b ,  39   b  of the sections  30 ,  35   a ,  35   b ,  36  have a length of approximately from 28 inches to 30 inches. In still a further preferred embodiment, the body portions  33   b ,  38   b ,  38   b ,  39   b  of the sections  30 ,  35   a ,  35   b ,  36  have a length of approximately 29 inches or 32 inches. In still further embodiments, post sections  30 ,  35   a ,  35   b ,  36  may be provided with body portions  33   b ,  38   b ,  38   b ,  39   b  of varying lengths to permit the height of the basketball hoop  100  to be adjusted to a desired height (e.g., where the rim is 10 feet above the ground). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the body portions  33   b ,  38   b ,  38   b  of the bottom and middle sections  30 ,  35   a ,  35   b  of the post  40  include a plurality of rows  32  of openings  48 . As shown with reference to  FIGS. 5F-5H , described in further detail below, the openings  48  are configured to engage a pin  49  on another post section. In the embodiment shown, the body portions  33   b ,  38   b ,  38   b  include four rows  32   a ,  32   b ,  32   c ,  32   d  of openings  48 , meaning the next post section includes four pins  49   a ,  49   b ,  49   c ,  49   d  (see  FIGS. 5F-5H ). 
     With reference to  FIGS. 5F-5H , it should be understood that the respective openings  48  in each of the rows  32   a ,  32   b ,  32   c ,  32   d  are in the same plane to form sets of openings. In the exemplary embodiment shown, each row  32   a ,  32   b ,  32   c ,  32   d  includes 6 openings, thereby forming six “sets” of openings. Furthermore, the first opening in each of the rows is at the same height so as to be in the same plane, the second opening in each of the rows is at the same height, and so on. In other words, each of the openings of a set of openings is at the same height. 
     In some embodiments, particularly as shown in  FIGS. 5F-5H  in which the body portions  33   b ,  38   b ,  38   b  each include four rows of openings as described above so as to be arranged in sets of openings, each set including four openings at the same height, a first of the openings in each set of four openings has a corresponding second opening which is coaxial with the first opening. Similarly, the third opening in the sets of four openings has a corresponding fourth opening which is coaxial with the third opening. Thus, sets of four openings having pairs of coaxial openings are formed. 
     In embodiments in which the body portions  33   b ,  38   b ,  38   b  each include two rows of openings, the corresponding openings are coaxial with one another. 
     Each “set” of openings corresponds to a desired height placement level for a subsequent post section. For example, when post section  35   a  is connected with section  35   b , as shown in  FIG. 5F , the pins  49  on section  35   b  each engage an opening  48  at the same height in each of the rows row  32   a ,  32   b ,  32   c ,  32   d , or a given “set” of openings  48 . In other words, each “set” of openings  48  corresponds to a given height at which a post section is secured. 
     For example, as shown in  FIG. 5G , a shorter post  40  may be provided by engaging lower openings  48  in the rows of openings. In the embodiment, shown in  FIG. 5G , the top post section  36  is engaging the 5 th  set of openings of the middle section  35   b  as counted from the top portion  38   c  of the middle section  35   b . The middle section  35   b  is engaging the 4 th  set of openings of the middle section  35   a  as counted from the top portion  38   c  of the middle section  35   a . The middle section  35   a  is engaging the 5 th  set of openings of the bottom section  30  as counted from the top portion  33   c  of the bottom section  30 . The height of the post  40  may be further decrease by engaging subsequent sets of openings with each post section. The height of the post  40  may also be increased, as shown in  FIG. 5H , by engaging higher sets of openings. For example, in  FIG. 5H , the post segments  36 ,  35   b ,  35   a  each engage the first set of openings of post segments  35   b ,  35   a , and  30 , respectfully, to achieve a post  40  which is as fully extended (e.g., high) as permitted by that embodiment. In view of the above, and with reference to  FIGS. 5G and 5H , it is understood that the post  40  has an amount of height adjustability. 
     It is further understood that more or fewer openings  48  may be provided in the rows  32   a ,  32   b ,  32   c ,  32   d  to permit more or less adjustability. Similarly, more or fewer rows of openings may be provided. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, a larger diameter post  40  may benefit from additional rows of openings and corresponding pins to provide additional stabilization. Likewise, fewer rows of openings and corresponding pins may be used when the structure and configuration of the post  40  is such that fewer securing structures may be used. 
     In the exemplary embodiment shown, the openings  48  are positioned on the post segments  30 ,  35   a ,  35   b  such that the highest openings  48  occur at the top of the body portions  33   b ,  38   b ,  38   b . In an embodiment, each lower opening  48  is separated from the one above by a distance of up to approximately 4 inches, or 3 inches, or 2 inches, or 1 inch. In a further embodiment, the openings  48  may be equally spaced along the height of the body portions  33   b ,  38   b ,  38   b.    
     In an embodiment, the total height of the post  40  is adjustable such that the distance from the bottom surface of the base  10  to the top edge of the rim  70  is from approximately 5 feet, or 5.5 feet, or 6 feet, or 6.5 feet, or 7 feet to 10 feet, or 10.5 feet, or 11 feet, or 11.5 feet, or 12 feet. In an embodiment, the maximum height of the basketball hoop  100  as measured from the bottom surface  11  of the base  10  to the top edge of the rim  70  is 10 feet. In an embodiment, the minimum height of the basketball hoop  100  as measured from the bottom surface  11  of the base  10  to the top edge of the rim  70  is 5 feet. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the base  10  has a total height (e.g., from the bottom surface to the top of the upper surface) of approximately 12 inches (1 foot), the top edge of the rim  70  is approximately 3 inches upward from the lower edge  51  of the backboard  50 , and the upper post segment  36  raises the bottom edge  51  of the backboard  50  9 inches from the opening-engaging structures  49  of the upper post segment  36 . In such embodiments, in order to reach a regulation height of 10 feet, in embodiments in which four total post segments are used, the remaining three post segments  30 ,  35   a ,  35   b  may each have body portions  33   b ,  38   b ,  38   b  which, when the first opening  48  in each post segment, are 32 inches long. 
     While 10 feet, as measured from the ground (bottom surface of the base  10 ) to the top edge of the rim  70 , is the standard regulation height for basketball hoops, it may in some instances be desirable to have a basketball hoop  100  having a different height. For example, a shorter height may be desired when children are playing. In other embodiments, a taller height may be desired when players are looking for a challenge or attempting trick shots. 
     In still a further embodiment, the openings  48  may be specifically arranged such that connecting the post sections  30 ,  35   a ,  35   b  and  36  is a predetermined and identified selection of openings  48  results in a specific overall post height. For example, such as with respect to  FIG. 4F , markings  47  next to specific openings  48  may indicate a resulting post or rim height. In some embodiments, the openings  48  may be configured such that assembling the basketball hoop  100  using every provided post segment portion, and securing each post segment portion in a respective “tallest” opening  48 , results in a basketball hoop  100  having a total height, as measured from the bottom surface of the base  10  to the top edge of the rim  70 , is 10 feet, as indicated by a  10 ′ marking at the respective opening  48  on each segment. Similarly, using each post segment and the next opening  48  down may result in a total basketball hoop  100  height of 9 feet. In further embodiments, the openings  48  may each have a color around the opening  48  and/or inside the opening  48  and an assembly book, instruction book or other material provided with the basketball hoop  100  may provide as a quick reference to achieve a desired height by referencing a sequence of openings  48  by color. 
     By using pin/opening securing structures, the post  40  may be quickly and easily assembled/disassembled by depressing the pins  49  and sliding the post segment. For example, to assemble two sections, as shown, for example, in  FIG. 5F , the pins  49  of the upper segment (segment  35   b  in  FIG. 5F ) and depressed and post section  35   b  is slid into post section  35   a  until the pins  49  engage the desired set of openings  48 . 
     In further embodiments, the bottom portions  38   a ,  38   a ,  39   a  may include openings in place of the pins  49  and the pins  49  may be provided as separate hardware components. In such embodiments, the openings on the bottom portions  38   a ,  38   a ,  39   a  are aligned with corresponding openings  48  on the body portions  33   b ,  38   b ,  38   b  and the pins  49  are slide through the coaxial openings to releasably secure the post segments  30 ,  35   a ,  35   b ,  36  together. 
     In view of the above, it is understood that each post section  30 ,  35   a ,  35   b ,  36  is a hollow structure having a consistent internal diameter along the length of the body portions  33   b ,  38   b ,  38   b ,  39   b . Specifically, in a preferred embodiment as shown, the body portions  33   b ,  38   b ,  38   b ,  39   b  are hollow, cylindrical, tubular structures having a consistent internal and external diameter over the length of the body portions  33   b ,  38   b ,  38   b ,  39   b . In further embodiments, the body portions  33   b ,  38   b ,  38   b ,  39   b  may have alternative geometries, provided the body portions  33   b ,  38   b ,  38   b ,  39   b  remain hollow and with consistent internal dimensions (e.g., hollow squared tube, etc.). 
     In view of the above, it will be further understood that the inner dimensions (e.g., diameter) of the body portion of a first post section is slightly greater than the external dimensions (e.g., diameter) of the body portion of the subsequent post section (e.g., the post section that is slid into the first post section). In the exemplary embodiment shown, therefore, the body portion  33   b  of the first post section  30  has the largest inner dimensions (e.g., diameter), while the body portion  39   b  of the second middle portion  35   b  has the smallest inner dimensions (e.g., diameter). Similarly, the body portion  38   b  of the first middle post section  35   a  will have the largest outer dimensions (e.g., diameter) while the body portion  39   b  of the final post section  36  will have the smallest outer dimensions (e.g., diameter). 
     The post sections  30 ,  35   a ,  35   b ,  36  each further include an upper end portion  33   c ,  38   c ,  38   c ,  39   c . As shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the first and middle post sections  30 ,  35   a ,  35   b  each have upper end portions  33   c ,  38   c ,  38   c  which include a terminating flange  44 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 5C-5E , the final (top) post section  36  has an upper end portion  39   c  which transitions from the post  40  to the backboard  50 . Upper end portion  39   c  is angled away from the post  40  to extend the backboard  50  away from the post  40  as shown with reference to  FIGS. 8A-8B . In the embodiment shown, the upper end portion  39   c  is at an angle A of approximately at least 20 degrees, or at least 25 degrees, or at least 30 degrees, or at least 35 degrees, or at least 40 degrees, or at least 45 degrees, or at least 50 degrees, or at least 55 degrees relative to the axis P of the post  40 . In another embodiment, the upper end portion  39   c  is at an angle of approximately at most 90 degrees, or 85 degrees, or 80 degrees, or 75 degrees, or 70 degrees, or 65 degrees, or 60 degrees relative to the post  40 . 
     In a further embodiment, the angle of the upper end portion  39   c  relative to the post  40  is approximately from 20 degrees, or 25 degrees, or 30 degrees, or 35 degrees, or 40 degrees to 80 degrees, or 75 degrees, or 70 degrees, or 65 degrees, or 60 degrees, or 55 degrees. 
     In an embodiment, the angle of the upper end portion  39   c  may be adjustable. For example, in an embodiment, the upper post section  36  may include a lever, rod, dial or pivot joint which permits a user to change the angle of the upper post section  36  relative to the post  40 . In a further embodiment, the upper end portion  39   c  may be detachable from the upper post section  36  to form two separate upper post sections—a body section  36   a  and a back plate section  36   b . In such an embodiment, the two upper post sections  36   a ,  36   b  may releasably secure to one another using pins and apertures such as described with reference to  FIGS. 5F-5H , for example. In further embodiments, the two upper post sections  36   a ,  36   b  may releasably secure to one another using other means, including, but not limited, threaded connections, clips, locking components, bolts, and combinations of these and other structures. 
     With reference again to  FIGS. 5C-5E , as well as  FIG. 8C , the upper end portion  39   c  further includes a back plate  42 . The back plate  42  includes at least one structure  43  used to secure the backboard  50  to the post  40  and, in some embodiments, the rim  70  to the backboard  50 /post  40 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, the securing structures  43  include a plurality of apertures configured to receive bolts which are secured in position using a washer and nut combination. In further embodiments, the securing structures  43  may be cage nuts contained in the back plate  42 . Using cage nuts may in some embodiments reduce the hardware needed to assemble the basketball hoop  100  because the nuts are already provided and washers do not need to be used. 
     As shown with reference to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , a plurality of bolts with nuts and washers  91  (collectively, hardware) is used to secure the backboard  50  and rim  70  to the back plate  42 . In further embodiments, different hardware or securing structures may be used to releasably secure the backboard  50  and/or rim  70  to the back plate  42 . 
     Now with reference to  FIG. 7A , an alternative embodiment of the post sections  30 ′,  35   a ′,  35   b ′,  36 ′ is shown. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 7A , each post sections  35   a ′,  35   b ′ and  36 ′ include longitudinally spaced locking structures  49 ′ which are male interrupted threads, which in the embodiment shown are illustrated as raised, partially cylindrical shaped portions. In some embodiments, however, the male interrupted threads may be squared. The male threads create an external diameter that fits within corresponding openings of the respective post sections  30 ′,  35   a ′ and  35   b ′. Furthermore, post sections  30 ′,  35   a ′, and  35   b ′ include locking structure-engaging areas  48 ′ which are internal female interrupted threads which engage the male interrupt threads to provide for height adjustment. In the embodiment shown, the female interrupted threads are illustrated as recessed partially cylindrical shaped portions/openings. However, as with the male interrupted threads, in further embodiments, the female interrupted threads may be squared. 
       FIG. 7B  shows a further alternative embodiment of the post sections  30 ″,  35   a ″,  35   b ″,  36 ″ in which the bottom portions of  38   a ″,  38   a ″, and  39   a ″ each include a locking structure-engaging area  48 ″ (or opening) which is configured to align with a pair of coaxial openings  48 ″ of the post sections  30 ″,  35   a ″, and  35   b ″, respectively. In the embodiment shown, sets of coaxial openings  48 ″ are engaged by a removable pin or pin-like structure  49 ″. As shown, in such embodiments, the post sections  30 ″,  35   a ″,  35   b ″,  36 ″ may include only two rows  32   a ″,  32   b ″ of coaxial openings  48 ″. In the embodiment shown, the pins or pin-like structures  49 ″ may have a threaded portion to be secured in a respective pair of openings using a bolt with an optional washer. In further embodiments, the pin or pin-like structures  49 ″ may have a curved or bent end such that the pin or pin-like structures  49 ″ must be twisted to pass through a respective pair of openings  48 ″ and is twisted again to be secured in place. In still further embodiments, the pins or pin-like structures  49 ″ may have alternative configurations and/or structures such as is known in the art to provide a secure and releasable connection between post segments  30 ″,  35   a ″,  35   b ″,  36 ″. 
       FIGS. 9A-9C  show a backboard  50  for a portable basketball hoop  100  in the open position, while  FIGS. 10A-10C  show the backboard  50  in a partially folded or folded position. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9A-9C , the backboard  50  is composed of three panel portions—two side portions  51   a ,  51   c  and a middle portion  51   b . The panels  51   a ,  51   b ,  51   c  are connected by hinged seams  52   a ,  52   b  which permit the side panels  51   a ,  51   c  to pivot relative to the middle portion  51   b . In the exemplary embodiment shown, the hinged seams  52   a ,  52   b  each include at least one, preferably two, hardware components  53  which permit the pivoting of the side panels  51   a ,  51   c  in a range of 180 degrees. For example, in the embodiment shown, some of the hardware components  53   a  are barrel hinges, while same hardware components  53   b  are cup hinges. However, in further exemplary embodiments, the hardware components  53  may be any hinge structure permitting the pivoting of side panels  51   a ,  51   c  in the necessary 180 degree range, including, but not limited to, a barrel hinge, a pivot hinge, a butt/mortise hinge, a case hinge, a continuous hinge, a piano hinge, a concealed hinge, a butterfly hinge, a flag hinge, an H hinge, an HL hinge, a flush hinge, a coach hinge, a counterflap hinge, a rising butt hinge, a tee hinge, a friction hinge, a security hinge, a self-closing hinge, and combinations thereof. 
     In an embodiment, the hinged seams  52   a ,  52   b  are approximately parallel, or parallel, to one another. In a further embodiment, the hinged seams  52   a ,  52   b  are perpendicular to an edge of the backboard  50 . 
     In still a further embodiment, in addition to the hardware components  53  which form the hinges of the hinged seams  52   a ,  52   b , the backboard  50  may include additional locking components to secure the panels  51   a ,  51   c  in their open position. 
     In the embodiment shown, the hardware components  53  are provided on the back  54  of the backboard  50 . Similarly, in embodiments employing locking components to secure the panels  51   a ,  51   c  in the open position, the locking components are preferably provided no the back  54  of the backboard  50 . By providing the hardware components  53  on the back  54  of the backboard  50 , the front  55 , or playing surface, of the backboard  50  is flat and free from protruding structures which could alter the direction of a basketball on a rebound. However, in further exemplary embodiments, one or more hardware structures  53 , or, in some embodiments, locking structures, may be provided on the front  55  of the backboard  50 . In such embodiments, the hardware components  53  and/or locking components are positioned toward the top  56   a  and/or bottom  56   b  of the backboard  50  in order to prevent as little play interference as possible. 
     In the exemplary embodiment shown, and with particular reference to  FIGS. 10A-10C , one side panel  51   a  is configured to fold to the front  55  of the backboard  50 , while the other side panel  51   c  is configured to fold to the back  54  of the backboard  50 . This folding arrangement is typically referred to as a Z-fold. Because the backboard  50  has a thickness  57 , using a Z-fold is preferably over other folds, such as, for example, a C-fold or other folding style which would require the panels  51   a ,  51   c  to overlap. It will be understood that when the backboard  50  is folded such that panels  51   a ,  51   c  would overlap, whichever panel would be on top would either not lay flat due to the backboard&#39;s thickness  57  or need to separate from the middle panel  51   b  by a distance equivalent to the thickness  57  of the backboard  50 . The Z-fold is therefore the preferred folding arrangement. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 9A-10C , the backboard  50  has an open position (see  FIGS. 9A-9C ) and a closed position (see  FIGS. 10A-10C ). In the open position, the front surfaces  55   a ,  55   b ,  55   c  of the panels  51   a ,  51   b ,  51   c  are coplanar, or substantially coplanar. In the closed position, the front surface  55   a  of the first outer panel  51   a  faces the front surface  55   b  of the middle panel  51   b  and the back surface  54   c  of the second outer panel  51   c  faces the back surface  54   b  of the middle panel  51   b . In some embodiments, the front surfaces  55   a ,  55   b  may be in physical contact while in the folded position. Similarly, in some embodiments, the back surfaces  54   b ,  54   c  may be in physical contact while in the folded position. However, in some embodiments, the front surfaces  55   a ,  55   b  and/or back surfaces  54   b ,  54   c  may not be in physical contact in the folded position. For example, in some embodiments, depending on the hardware hinges used, it may not be possible for the front surfaces  55   a ,  55   b  and/or back surfaces  54   b ,  54   c  to be in physical contact in the folded position. 
     Again with reference to  FIGS. 9A-9C , the middle panel  51   b  includes traditional basketball backboard markings  58 , such as the rectangle behind the rim  70 . In one embodiment, the marking  58  is a rectangle which complies with regulation guidelines. For example, the rectangle may have outer dimensions of 18 inches vertically and 24 inches horizontally. The rectangle may be created with a 2-inch wide marking. The rectangle may be level with the rim  70  such that the top edge of the bottom of the marking is on an even plane with the top of the rim  70  and the bottom edge of the bottom of the marking is 6 inches from the bottom  56   b  of the backboard  50 . 
     In a further embodiment, such as that shown in  FIGS. 9A-9C , the marking  58  may be a smaller rectangle or square which provides a more defined shooting target. 
     In further exemplary embodiments, the backboard  50  may include alternative or additional markings  58 , including brand indicia, colors, patterns, and designs which are desirable by the players. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9B and 9C , and with further reference to  FIGS. 5C-5E , the center panel  51   b  also includes a plurality of attachment points  59  which align with securing structures  43  of the back plate  42  of the post  40  and/or attachment points which align with securing structures  72  of the rim  70 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, the attachment points  59  are a plurality of openings configured to receive bolts. When aligned with the back plate  42  of the post  40 , the openings  59  of the backboard  50  align with the securing structures  43  (e.g., openings or cage nuts) in the back plate  42  to form sets of coaxial openings configured to receive a bolt. 
     In further embodiments, the backboard  50  may attach to the post  40  using other structures or components capable of providing a secure and stable releasable attachment. For example, clips, clamps, braces, brackets, and/or locking hardware may be used to releasably secure the backboard  50  and post  40 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment shown, the backboard  50  is generally rectangular with each of the panels  51   a ,  51   b ,  51   c  being approximately equal in dimension. In further embodiments, panels  51   a ,  51   c  are smaller in width than the center panel  51   b  against which the outer panels  51   a ,  51   c  are folded. 
     In an embodiment, the backboard  50  meets with regulation guidelines. For example, in an embodiment, the backboard  50  is 72 inches wide and 42 inches tall. However, in further embodiments, the backboard  50  may be smaller to improve the portability of the basketball hoop  100 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 11A-11B , a rim  70  of a portable basketball hoop  100  is shown. The rim  70  is a standard rim  70  having a diameter  71  which is approximately 18 inches to meet standard basketball regulations; however, rims  70  having different diameters are within the scope of this disclosure. The rim  70  has a base portion  72  including a plurality of attachment points  73  which correspond to attachment points  59  on the backboard and/or securing structures  43  of the post  40 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment shown, the attachment points  73  are openings in the base portion  72  which correspond to openings  59  on the backboard  50  (and, in some embodiments, corresponding securing structures  43  on the post  40 ). In embodiments, the openings  59  on the backboard  50  which correspond with openings  73  in the rim  70  are configured to receive a bolt which is secured in place with a nut and, optionally, washer. In further embodiments, the attachment points  59  on the backboard  50  which correspond to the openings  73  on the rim  70  include cage nuts which are configured to secure a bolt which is passed through the openings  73  in the rim  70 . 
     As described with reference to  FIGS. 5C-5E , in some embodiments, the openings  73  in the rim  70  align with openings  59  in the backboard and securing structures  43  on the post  40 . In such embodiments, the respective openings  73 ,  59  and securing structures  43  are coaxial. A bolt passed through the openings  73 ,  59  and securing structures  43  may be secured in position by a bolt and, optionally, washer, or other similar structure to releasably secure the rim  70 , backboard  50  and post  40  together. Similarly, in embodiments in which the post securing structures  43  are cage nuts in the post  40 , a bolt passed through the openings  73 ,  59  engages the securing structures  43  of the post  40  to releasably secure the rim  70 , backboard  50  and post  40  together. 
     Although the attachment of the post  40 , backboard  50  and rim  70  are described with reference to bolt/nut attachment hardware, it will be understood that alternative means of releasably securing the post  40 , backboard  50  and rim  70  may be useful in the portable basketball hoop  100 . For example, means of releasably securing the post  40 , backboard  50  and/or rim  70  which do not require additional hardware (e.g., friction fits or other structures provided on the elements of the portable basketball hoop  100  such as clamps, clips, and/or locking structures) may be used to reduce the number of pieces which need to be assembled/disassembled and stored. 
     In some embodiments, the basketball hoop  100  may include additional components, or accessories, including, but not limited, padding sections  81  (see  FIGS. 12A-12B ), a net  78  for the rim  70  (see  FIGS. 1A-1D ), weights  20  (see  FIGS. 2A-2B ), additional/replacement hardware components (e.g., bolts, nuts, hinges, locks, etc.), assembly tools, and carrying packs  85  (see  FIGS. 13A-14 ). 
       FIGS. 12A-12B  show exemplary padding  81  for a portable basketball hoop  100 . One exemplary padding section  81  is shown in  FIG. 12A  as being a foam structure lined with a water-resistant material. However, in further embodiments, the padding section  81  may be any material known in the art to provide some form of cushioning effect around the post  40 . Preferably, the material used to form padding sections  81  has an outer surface which is water resistant and easy to clean and maintain. 
     The padding section  81  may be rolled into a tube-like structure and secured around at least a portion of the post  40  using attachment structure  82 , such as shown in  FIG. 12B . In the embodiment shown, the attachment structure  82  is a hook-and-loop fastener running the length of the padding section  81 . However, in further embodiments, the padding sections  81  may include snaps, hooks, hook-and-eye structures, buttons or any combination of such structures to releasably secure around a portion of a post  40 . In further embodiments, a padding section  81  may be a tubular structure which is slid on the post  40  or at least a section of the post  40  prior to assembling the post  40 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 12B , three padding sections  81  are provided—one section  81  corresponding to each of the post segments  31 ,  35   a ,  35   b . However, in further embodiments, including, for example, when the post  40  is provided at heights different than that shown, any number of padding sections  81  may be used. It is further understood that padding sections  81  of different lengths may be used depending on the overall length of the post  40  after it is fully assembled and secured at a given height. 
       FIGS. 13A-13B  show an exemplary travel bag  85  which is customized to store and provide transport for a portable basketball hoop  100 . In the embodiment shown, the travel bag  85  has a top  98   a , bottom  98   b , front  98   c , and back  98   d , with wheels  97  at the bottom  98   b  of the bag  85  and a retractable handle  96  at the top of the bag  85 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, the bag  85  includes three main compartments. A first hard-bottom compartment  86  is provided at the bottom of the bag  85 . A middle or second compartment  87  is generally disposed at the middle in the front  98   c  portion of the bag  85 . A third compartment is provided at the back  98   d  of the bag  85 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment shown, the bag  85  includes two wheels  97 , with the bag  85  intended to be tipped towards the individual pulling the bag  85  when it is rolling. However, in further embodiments, the bag  85  may be configured with additional wheels  97  (e.g., four wheels) so that the bag  85  may remain upright when being rolled. In some embodiments, the wheels  97  may be provided as casters. The casters may be rigid casters and/or swivel casters, depending on the configuration of the travel bag  85 . For example, in some embodiments, the travel bag  85  may be configured similar to a traditional two-wheeled suitcase which is tipped to roll. In such embodiments, rigid casters may be used. In other embodiments, however, including, for example, those in which a travel bag  85  includes four wheels so as to be rolled in an upright position on all four wheels, swivel casters may be used. 
     In the embodiment shown, and with reference now to  FIG. 14 , the first compartment  86  is specifically designed to secure weights  20  which may be used with the portable basketball hoop  100 . Other hardware components such as bolts, screws, nuts, washers, pins, etc. may be stored in the first compartment  86 . 
     As shown, the first compartment  86  has a hard bottom  88   a  and a hard top divider portion  88   b  which separates the first compartment  86  from the second compartment  87 . The hard bottom and top surfaces  88   a ,  88   b  add strength to the compartment  86  which may hold a significant amount of weight. In some embodiments, the sides of the first compartment  86  may also be hard. 
     A second compartment  87  is disposed generally about the middle front section of the bag  85  and specifically designed to carry the post segments  31 ,  35   a ,  35   b ,  36  and padding sections  81  if used. For example, the second compartment  87  may include partitions to keep the post segments  31 ,  35   a ,  35   b ,  36  separated and prevent them from rolling in the bag  85 . In some embodiments, the padding sections  81  may be stored around the respective post sections  31 ,  35   a ,  35   b ,  36  to use the interior space of the bag  85  efficiently. 
     In an embodiment, a third compartment  90  is provided which extends from the top  98   a  of the bag  85  along the back  98   d  of the bag  85 . In one embodiment, the third compartment  90  extends from the top  98   a  of the bag  85  to the start of the first compartment  86 . In another embodiment, the third compartment  90  extends from the top  98   a  of the bag  85  along the entire back  98   d  of the bag  85 . The third compartment  90  is specifically designed to carry the folded backboard  50  and base  10 . The third compartment  90  therefore has dimensions sufficient to fit both the folded backboard  50  and base  10 . 
     The rim  70  may be stored in any section in which it fits, along with any remaining components, such as a net  78 . 
     Although the bag  85  is described with reference to  FIGS. 13A-14  as having three compartments, each of which is specifically configured to secure and transport specific components of the basketball hoop  100 , it is understood that the bag may take different shapes, sized or configurations while retaining the ability to secure a portable basketball hoop  100  for transport. For example, in one embodiment, the entire bag  85  may be hard-walled. In further embodiments, the bag  85  may be entirely soft-walled and more similar to a duffle bag. Moreover, in the embodiment shown, the bag  85  has a generally vertical arrangement, meaning the bag  85  is taller than it is wide when being rolled along on its wheels  97 . In further embodiments, the bag  85  may have a generally horizontal arrangement similar to a “rolling duffle,” such that the bag  85  is longer than it is tall when being rolled along on its wheels  97 . 
     In further embodiments, the bag  85  may include additional compartments which facilitate or enhance the ability of a single, or few, individual to transport the bag  85  and portable basketball hoop  100 . For example, in an embodiment, the bag  85  may include an additional compartment which, when fully unzipped, provides a protective surface over a portion of the bag. For example, a small pocket at the front or back of the bag  85  may fully unzip, expand, and, in some embodiments, secure between or over the wheels  97  of the bag  85  to provide a smooth and protective barrier over a surface of the bag  85  so that the bag  85  may be more easily pulled up and/or down stairs. In some embodiments, such a smooth and protective barrier may also prevent damage to the bag  85  and/or other items, such as cars, when the bag  85  is being transported (e.g., put into/taken out of a car trunk). 
     It will be understood that the design of the portable basketball hoop  100  and the ability to disassemble the basketball hoop  100  into portions capable of fitting in the travel bag  85  for transport makes the portable basketball hoop  100  easy to move and assemble in different locations. 
     In keeping with at least some of the advantages of the present portable basketball hoop  100  as described herein, it is desirable to form each of the components of the basketball hoop  100  out of a lightweight material which is still strong enough to provide a stable system. For example, in an embodiment, the base  10  may be formed from lightweight and durable plastic or composite material. Similarly, in an embodiment, the post segments may be formed from a lightweight and durable plastic or composite material. In further embodiments, such as, for example, to provide additional strength, the post segments may be made from metal. Because the post segments are hollow, using metal for the post segments does not impose a significant increase in weight of the overall system. 
     In an embodiment, the backboard  50  may be formed from a lightweight and durable plastic like the base  10 . In still further embodiments, the backboard  50  may be clear (transparent), translucent, or opaque. In still further embodiments, the backboard  50  may be solid or hollow. 
     In an embodiment, the rim  70  may be made from a lightweight durable plastic or composite material. In a further embodiment, the rim  70  may be made from metal. Because the rim  70  is but a small portion of the portable basketball hoop  100 , suing metal for the rim  70  does not result in a significant weight increase. 
     In an embodiment, the hardware components used to join the various components of the basketball hoop  100  are primarily metal. Metal hardware is more durable than hardware made from other materials (e.g., plastic) and lasts longer with repeated use (e.g., assembly/disassembly of the basketball hoop  100 ). 
     Further disclosed herein is a method  200  for assembling a portable basketball hoop. In one embodiment, the method first includes providing a base, at least three post segments, a backboard and a rim (step  205 ). 
     In an embodiment, the base may be a base  10  according to any one or more of the embodiments described herein. For example, in an embodiment, the base  10  includes a flat bottom surface and an upper surface with an opening including an internal structure, such as internal threads. 
     In an embodiment, the at least three post segments includes a bottom post segment, at least one middle post segment, and a top post segment. 
     In an embodiment, the bottom post segment may be a bottom post segment  31  according to any one or more of the embodiments described herein. For example, in an embodiment, the bottom post segment comprises a body portion with a plurality of openings arranged in at least two rows and a bottom section including an external structure, such as external threads. In the embodiment, each row has the same number of openings and the openings in the first row each have a corresponding opening in the second row such that the corresponding openings are in the same plane. In a further embodiment, the corresponding openings are coaxial. 
     In an embodiment in which more than two rows of openings are provided on the first post segment, the further rows of openings also include the same number of openings as the first and second rows, and corresponding openings occur in the same plane. 
     In an embodiment, the at least one middle post segment is such as described with reference to middle post segments  35   a ,  35   b , above. For example, in an embodiment, the second post segment comprises a bottom portion with at least two opening-engaging structures and a body portion. Each opening-engaging structure corresponds to one of the rows of openings of the first post segment. In an embodiment, the opening-engaging structures are pins, such as described with reference to  FIGS. 5A-5H , above. 
     The body portion includes a plurality of openings arranged in at least two rows. In an embodiment, the rows have the same number of openings and the openings in the first row have a corresponding opening in the second row such that the corresponding openings are in the same plane. In a further embodiment, the corresponding openings are coaxial. 
     In an embodiment in which more than two rows of openings are provided on the second post segment, the further rows of openings also include the same number of openings as the first and second rows, and corresponding openings occur in the same plane. 
     In an embodiment, two or more middle post segments are provided. In an embodiment, the two middle post segments are such as described with reference to post segments  35   a ,  35   b , above. 
     In an embodiment, the top post segment  36  is such as described with reference to  FIGS. 5A-5H . For example, in an embodiment, the third or top post segment comprises a bottom portion with at least two opening-engaging structures and a top portion. The opening-engaging structures each correspond to one of the rows of openings in the second post segment. In an embodiment, the opening-engaging structures are pins, such as described with reference to  FIGS. 4A-4H , above. 
     In an embodiment, the method further includes providing a backboard. In an embodiment, the backboard is a backboard  50  according to any one or more of the embodiments described herein. 
     In an embodiment, the method further includes providing a rim. In an embodiment, the rim is a rim  70  according to any one or more of the embodiments described herein. 
     In an embodiment, the method further includes a next step  210  of securing (i) a first of the at least three post segments (e.g., bottom post segment) to the base, (ii) a second of the at least three post segments (e.g., a middle post segment) to the first post segment (e.g., bottom post segment), (iii) a third of the at least three post segments (e.g., top post segment) to the second post segment (e.g., middle post segment), (iv) the backboard to the third post segment (e.g., top post segment), and (v) the rim to the backboard. In an embodiment in which more than one middle post segment is provided, the substep (ii) of securing the second post segment to the first post segment comprises (ii.a) securing a first middle post segment to the first (e.g., bottom) post segment, (ii.b) securing a second middle post segment to the first middle post segment, and so on until each of the middle post segments are secured to one another. 
     It will be understood that the step of securing the post segments, backboard and rim to one another (e.g., substeps (i)-(v), above) may occur in any order. For example, in an embodiment, the order of securing the components to one another may be influenced by the total height of the post, the size and/or strength of the person assembling the portable basketball hoop, and/or the availability of a ladder or other similar structure. 
     For example, in an embodiment, the components may be secured to one another in a “bottom-up” fashion. That is, in an embodiment, the first (e.g., bottom) post segment is first secured to the base, the second (e.g., middle) post segment is then secured to the first post segment, the third (e.g., top) post segment is then secured to the second post segment, the backboard is secured to the third post segment, and the rim is then secured to the backboard. Similarly, when two (or more) second (e.g., middle) post segments are provided, after the first (e.g., bottom) post segment is secured to the base, the first middle post segment is secured to the first post segment, the second middle post segment is then secured to the first middle post segment and so on until each of the middle post segments are secured to their respective previous middle post segment, and the third (e.g., top) post segment is then secured to the last of the middle post segments. The backboard and rim are then secured as described above. It will be understood that the rim may be connected to the backboard before or after the backboard is connected to the third (e.g., top) post segment. 
     However, in further embodiments, it may be desirable to assemble the portable basketball hoop in sections. That is, in an embodiment, for example, the first (e.g., bottom) post segment may be secured to the base. Separately, the rim may be secured to the backboard. The backboard with rim may then be secured to the third (e.g., top) post segment. The third post segment may then be secured to the second (e.g., middle) post segment and the second post segment (with the third post segment, backboard and rim attached) then secured to the first post segment. Alternatively, the second (e.g., middle) post segment may be secured to the first post segment and the third post segment (with the backboard and rim attached) then secured to the second post segment. 
     When more than one second (e.g., middle) post segment is provided, the middle post segments may be connected to each other separately and then connected to the first (e.g., bottom) post segment and third (e.g., top) post segment in either order. For example, when two middle post segments are provided, the first (e.g., bottom) post segment may be secured to the base. Separately, the rim may be secured to the backboard. The backboard with rim may then be secured to the third (e.g., top) post segment. The two middle post segments may then be separately secured to one another. The third post segment may then be secured to the middle post section (comprising two middle post segments) and the middle post section (with the third post segment, backboard and rim attached) then secured to the first post segment. Alternatively, the middle post section (comprising two middle post segments) may be secured to the first post segment and the third post segment (with the backboard and rim attached) then secured to the middle post section. Further still, the two middle post segments may be secured to the first (e.g., bottom) and/or third (e.g., top) post segments (before or after the first post segment is secured to the base and/or the backboard is secured to the third post segment), and the two middle post segments then secured to one another. 
     In still further embodiments, the at least three post segments may be secured to each other (before or after the first post segment is secured to the base) such that the second (e.g., middle) post segment engages the lowest openings of the first (e.g., bottom) post segment and the third (e.g., top) post segment engages the lowest openings of their respective corresponding post segment. In that way, the post is in the shortest position permitted by the arrangement of the openings on the body portions of the respective post segments. When in this shortest position, the backboard (with or without the rim attached) may be attached to the third (e.g., top) post segment. When more than one second (e.g., middle) post segments is provided, the middle post segments may be similarly secured with the first post segment, third post segment and each other so as to be in the shortest position permitted. 
     The backboard and rim may then be secured to the third post segment and the individual post segments adjusted (e.g., by raising one or more post segments to a higher set of openings) to achieve a desired post height. 
     In an embodiment, the step of securing the first (e.g., bottom) post segment to the base comprises engaging corresponding threads such as described, for example, with reference to  FIGS. 3A-3C , above. 
     In an embodiment, the step of securing the second (e.g., middle) post segment to the first post segment comprises engaging the opening-engaging structures of the second post segment with a pair of corresponding openings in the first post segment. 
     In an embodiment, such as, for example, when more than one second (e.g., middle) post segment is provided, the step of securing a first middle post segment to a second middle post segment comprises engaging the opening-engaging structures of a second middle post segment with a pair of corresponding openings in a first middle post segment. 
     In an embodiment, the step of securing the third (e.g., top) post segment to the second post segment (or middle post section) comprises engaging the opening-engaging structures of the third post segment with a pair of corresponding openings in the second post segment (or middle post section). In an embodiment, the step of securing the third post segment to the second post segment (or middle post section) uses the same structures and substeps as the step of securing the second post segment to the first post segment. 
     In an embodiment, the step of securing a backboard to the third post segment comprises securing the backboard to a top portion of the third post segment. 
     In an embodiment, the method further includes the steps of placing at least one weight in the base ( 215 ) and/or adjusting the height of the post ( 220 ). 
     In one embodiment, the step of adjusting the height of the post includes selecting a corresponding pair of openings one post segment (e.g., the first post segment or second post segment) and securing another post segment (e.g., the second post segment or third post segment) at the selected pair of openings. In an embodiment, the step of adjusting the height of the post includes selecting a corresponding pair of openings of the first (e.g., bottom) post segment and securing the second (e.g., middle) post segment at the selected pair of openings and/or selecting a corresponding pair of openings in the second (e.g., middle) post segment and securing the third (e.g., top) post segment at the selected pair of openings. In an embodiment, such as, for example, when more than one second (e.g., middle) segment is provided, the stop of adjusting the height of the post may include selecting a corresponding pair of openings in a first middle segment and securing a second middle segment at the selected pair of openings. 
     In another embodiment, the step of adjusting the height of the post includes selecting a corresponding pair of openings in the first post segment and a corresponding pair of openings in the second post segment, securing the second post segment in the first post segment at the corresponding selected pair of openings and securing the third post segment in the second post segment at the corresponding selected pair of openings. In embodiments in which more than one second (e.g., middle) post segment are provided, the step of adjusting the height of the post includes selecting a corresponding pair of openings in each of the middle post segments, securing a second middle post segment in the first middle post segment at the corresponding pair of openings in the first middle post section and securing the third post segment in the second middle post segment at the pair of corresponding openings in the second middle post segment. 
     In an embodiment, the method further includes providing a folded backboard, unfolding the backboard to expose at least one attachment point and securing the backboard to the top portion of the third post segment at the at least one attachment point. In an embodiment, the backboard may be a backboard  50  according to any one or more embodiments described herein. 
     In an embodiment, the method further includes providing a base comprising a bottom surface having a perimeter and a plurality of openings positioned around the perimeter. In an embodiment, the method further includes placing at least one weight in at least one of the plurality of openings positioned around the perimeter of the base. 
     Any statements provided regarding improvements or other features which may provide improved safety are not intended to guarantee, warrant or represent the safety of the portable basketball hoop disclosed herein. 
     The numerical ranges disclosed herein include all values from, and including, the lower value and the upper value. For ranges containing explicit values (e.g., 1 or 2, or 3 to 5, or 6, or 7) any subrange between any two explicit values is included (e.g., 1 to 2; 2 to 6; 5 to 7; 3 to 7; 5 to 6; etc.). 
     Among other things, it should be appreciated that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the number of constituting components, the materials thereof, the shapes thereof, the relative arrangement thereof, etc., as described above, but rather the above disclosures are simply provided as example embodiments. 
     Thus, it is specifically intended that the present invention not be limited to the embodiments and illustrations contained herein, but include modified forms of those embodiments including portions of the embodiments and combinations of elements of different embodiments as come within the scope of the following claims.