Patent Publication Number: US-6699146-B1

Title: Parallelogrammic adjustment assembly for basketball goal systems

Description:
THE RELEVANT TECHNOLOGY 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/707,262 filed on Nov. 6, 2000 and entitled PARALLELOGRAMMIC ADJUSTMENT ASSEMBLY FOR BASKETBALL GOAL SYSTEMS, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,419,598, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/456,802 filed Dec. 8, 1999 and entitled ADJUSTABLE BASKETBALL GOAL SYSTEM, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,142,891 , which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/018,231, filed Feb. 3, 1998 and entitled ADJUSTABLE BASKETBALL GOAL SYSTEM, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,077,177, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/986,382, filed Dec. 8, 1997 and entitled POWER LIFT BASKETBALL ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 5,879,247, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/799,979, filed Feb. 12, 1997 and entitled POWER LIFT BASKETBALL ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 5,695,417, which are all hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. The Field of the Invention 
     The present invention is related to a system for adjusting the height of a basketball goal. More particularly, the present invention is related to a counterbalanced basketball adjustment system having an adjustment handle which permits the quick release and easy repositioning of the basketball goal using minimal effort. 
     2. Technical Background 
     Basketball is an increasingly popular sport in the United States and abroad. There are many cities, counties, and other associations that sponsor recreational and instruction leagues where people of all ages can participate in the sport of basketball. Today there are organized leagues for children as young as five and six years old. Accordingly, it is not surprising that more and more people have a basketball goal mounted on their property. 
     Some basketball goals are adjustable which allows people of all ages and sizes to enjoy the sport because the basketball goal can be positioned at a height lower than the standard height of ten feet. The adjustability of basketball goals has been especially beneficial to children. Many younger children simply do not have the strength to make a basket at the standard height of ten feet. Other children have had to heave the basketball at the higher goal in order to make a basket and in so doing develop improper shooting skills. Additionally, nonadjustable goals sometimes frustrate children and cause them to lose their confidence because the basketball goals are simply too high for children to consistently make a basket. This frustration sometimes causes children to ultimately give up the game. 
     Many attempts have been made to design a basketball goal which is adjustable to several different heights. Some of these designs employ pivotally mounted parallel bars which connect the basketball backboard to a rigid mounting device such as a pole. The parallel bars combine with the basketball backboard and the rigid mounting device to form a parallelogram. Since the bars are pivotally mounted, they allow the backboard of the basketball goal to move to several different heights while remaining vertically disposed. 
     In some basketball adjustment systems, once the basketball goal is at the desired height, it is secured in place by tightening one or more bolts which “lock” the parallelogram in place. One of the disadvantages of these devices is that whenever one desires to adjust the basketball goal, it requires the use of a ladder or similar device to enable one to reach the one or more bolts which must be loosened to “unlock” the basketball goal. This is complicated by the fact that when the bolt or bolts are loosened, the person adjusting the goal must support the entire weight of the goal until the goal has been set to the desired height and the bolt or bolts are tightened again. Still other systems are difficult to “unlock” and readjust without the use of both hands and often times coordinated efforts of more than one person. 
     Other adjustable basketball goals have adjustment systems that are only accessible with the use of a ladder or require the person adjusting the goal to use a long rod or pole to manipulate the adjustment system. Many of these systems also require the person adjusting the goal to support the entire weight of the goal while the height of the goal is being adjusted. 
     Other adjustable basketball goals are configured such that the weight of the basketball goal bears directly on the adjustment system. For example, one such device uses a crank system that can be turned to shorten or lengthen a post attached to a parallelogrammic structure to deform the parallelogrammic structure and change the height of a basketball goal attached to the structure. The weight of the goal bears directly on the post that is threaded through the crank system. 
     There are several disadvantages to this type of design. One disadvantage is that with the weight of the goal bearing on the crank system, the crank is relatively hard to turn. Another disadvantage is that it takes several turns of the crank to make an adjustment to the height of the goal of a few feet. Thus, for example, an adjustment from eight feet to ten feet may take a significant amount of time and effort. 
     These disadvantages are particularly troublesome for children who typically possess less strength and patience than adults. This is unfortunate because it is usually small children who have the greatest need for lowering the basketball goal. 
     A further disadvantage of some adjustable basketball systems is that once the height of the goal is changed from the standard height often feet, it is difficult to reposition the goal to that precise height without a measuring device. 
     From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that it would be an advancement in the art to provide a basketball adjustment system that can be adjusted without the use of a ladder or a pole. It would be a further advantage to provide such a basketball adjustment system that could be adjusted quickly and with minimal effort so that even a child could adjust it with minimal effort. It would be an additional advantage to provide a way to easily position the goal at a predetermined height above the playing surface. Such a basketball goal is disclosed and claimed herein. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     These and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. 
     The present invention is directed to a novel adjustable basketball goal system allowing for adjustment of the height of a basketball goal above a playing surface. The basketball goal system of the present invention includes a rigid support which extends in a substantially upward direction. The rigid support has a goal side and a back side opposite the goal side. 
     A first deformable parallelogrammic structure is pivotally attached to the goal side of the rigid support such that the first parallelogrammic structure is suspended above the playing surface. The first parallelogrammic structure includes an upper support and a lower support. In one embodiment, one of the supports has a tail section which extends beyond the back side of the rigid support. 
     A second deformable parallelogrammic structure is pivotally attached to the back side of the rigid support and is pivotally connected to the first deformable parallelogrammic structure such that deformation of the second deformable parallelogrammic structure selectively deforms the first deformable parallelogrammic structure. In one embodiment, the second deformable parallelogrammic structure is pivotally connected to the first deformable parallelogrammic structure by means of the tail section of one or more of the upper and/or lower supports. 
     A basketball goal may be attached to the first parallelogrammic structure. In one embodiment, the basketball goal consists of a rim and backboard. The first parallelogrammic structure is configured such that as the first parallelogrammic structure deforms, the height of the basketball goal above the playing surface changes, each height corresponding to a different deformation. Since the supports are pivotally mounted, they allow the backboard of the basketball goal to move to several different heights while remaining vertically disposed. 
     The second deformable parallelogrammic structure includes an adjustment lever pivotally mounted to the back side of the rigid support below the first parallelogrammic structure and an extension arm having a length positioned between the first parallelogrammic structure and the adjustment lever. Preferably, one end of the extension arm is pivotally attached to the tail section of the upper and lower supports and the other end of the extension arm is pivotally attached to the adjustment lever. This allows movement of the adjustment lever to deform both the second parallelogrammic structure and the first parallelogrammic structure and thereby adjust the height of the basketball goal above a playing surface. Thus, the height of the basketball goal can be adjusted without the use of a ladder or other adjustment implement. 
     In one embodiment, the adjustable basketball system of the present invention preferably includes a lockable piston assembly. The lockable piston assembly is attached to the rigid support and to the adjustment lever. The piston assembly includes a switch which is moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The switch is biased toward the locked position. In the locked position, the piston of the piston assembly is prevented from movement within the piston housing. In the unlocked position, the piston can move freely within the piston housing. 
     The piston assembly also acts as a counterbalance to offset the weight of the basketball goal during adjustment. The piston assembly is attached to the rigid support such that when the switch is in the unlocked position the piston assembly provides a force on the adjustment lever in the opposite direction of the force acting on the adjustment lever due to the weight of the basketball goal. The piston force is preferably substantially equal to the force exerted upon the adjustment lever by the weight of the basketball goal such that the forces substantially cancel each other. In this condition, the height of the basketball goal can be adjusted quickly and with minimal effort, even by a child. 
     An actuation trigger is preferably pivotally attached to the adjustment lever such that when one end of the actuation trigger is depressed, the other end engages the piston switch forcing the switch into the unlocked position. The actuation trigger is attached to the adjustment lever such that the trigger can be activated with the same hand that adjusts the adjustment lever. This configuration further adds to the ease with which the height of the basketball goal can be adjusted. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the basketball adjustment system includes an adjustment stop attached to the rigid support. The adjustment stop is positioned to engage the first parallelogrammic structure when the basketball goal reaches a predetermined height and prevent the basketball goal from being positioned lower than the predetermined position. In a preferred embodiment, adjustment stops are positioned to limit the range of heights at which the basketball goal can be positioned at both an upper and lower end. Thus, the present invention provides a measure of safety in that the basketball goal cannot collapse below a certain point. Additionally, a person can place an upper adjustment stop such that the first parallelogrammic structure will engage the stop when the basketball goal is at the standard height often feet. Thus, the present invention offers the advantage of being easily repositioned at the standard height after shooting baskets at a lower height. 
     In another preferred embodiment, a locking rod is pivotally attached at one end to the rigid support. The other end of the locking rod is positioned within, and slidably engages, a V-shaped housing. As the V-shaped housing slides along the length of the locking rod, the extension arm moves to selectively to correspondingly deform the second parallelogrammic structure and the first parallelogrammic structure. Thus, the basketball goal can be adjusted by sliding the housing along the locking rod. Movement of the housing is facilitated by means of an adjustment handle pivotally attached to the housing. 
     In one embodiment, the extension arm, and thus the basketball goal, is held in place through the use of locking plates positioned within the V-shaped housing. The locking plates are each configured with an opening through which the locking rod is positioned. These openings are larger than the diameter of the locking rod. Thus, the locking plates can be positioned in a non-perpendicular angle relative to the locking rod. In this configuration, the locking plates bind with the locking rod and prevent the housing from moving relative to the locking rod. 
     The plates are positioned between the opposing sides of the V-shaped housing and are thus prevented from moving laterally or pivoting about the locking rod. The housing is also configured with a pair of stops. Each stop is positioned to engage a first end of one of the locking plates. In one preferred embodiment, a biasing spring is positioned about the locking rod between the locking plates. As the biasing member engages each locking plate, the locking plates pivot about the respective stops into a non-perpendicular position relative to the locking rod. When the system is at rest, the biasing member biases the locking plates into a non-perpendicular angle relative to the locking rod substantially preventing the housing from moving relative to the locking rod. 
     The adjustment handle is configured with a pair of tabs, each of which engage a second end of a respective locking plate. The adjustment handle is configured to move between a rest position, wherein each locking plate is in a non-perpendicular position relative to the locking rod, and an engaged position, wherein each tab engages a respective locking plate, forcing it into a substantially perpendicular position relative to the locking rod. This allows the locking plate, and consequently the housing to move relative to the locking rod. Thus, it is an advantage of the present invention to be able to “unlock” the system and simultaneously adjust the height of the basketball goal with the use of the same hand. 
     The system is preferably counterbalanced with a counterbalancing spring attached within the first parallelogrammic structure. The counterbalance spring provides a force which substantially counterbalances the gravitational force acting on the adjustable basketball goal system due to the weight of the basketball goal. Thus, it is an advantage of the present invention that repositioning of the basketball goal only requires minimal force. 
     These and other advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent by examination of the following description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
     To better understand the invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to the appended drawings. These drawings only provide information concerning typical embodiments of the invention and are not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the adjustable basketball goal system of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a side partial cross sectional view of the adjustable basketball goal system of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a back plan view of a portion of the adjustable basketball goal system of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 4 is a side plan view of the adjustable basketball goal system of FIG. 1 showing an alternative position for the basketball goal in phantom lines; 
     FIG. 5 is a partially cut away, cross sectional view of the adjustment lever of the adjustable basketball goal system of FIG. 1 with the actuation trigger in the rest position; 
     FIG. 6 is a partially cut away, side cross sectional view of the adjustment lever of FIG. 5 with the actuation trigger in the actuated position. 
     FIG. 7 is a side plan view of one embodiment of the adjustable basketball goal system of the present invention; 
     FIG. 8 is a side plan view of the adjustable basketball goal system of FIG. 7 with the basketball goal positioned at a different height above the playing surface; 
     FIG. 9 is a partially cut away, side cross sectional view of the adjustment handle and housing of the adjustable basketball goal system of FIG. 7; 
     FIG. 10 is a back plan view of the adjustable basketball goal system of FIG. 7 without the adjustment handle; 
     FIG. 11 is a partially cut away, side cross sectional view of the adjustment handle and housing of the adjustable basketball goal system of FIG. 7 with the adjustment handle in the up position; and 
     FIG. 12 is a partially cut away, side cross sectional view of the adjustment handle and housing of the adjustable basketball goal system of FIG. 7 with the adjustment handle in the down position. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference is now made to the figures wherein like parts are referred to by like numerals throughout. With particular reference to FIG. 1, an adjustable basketball goal system according to the present invention is generally designated at  10 . 
     The goal system  10  includes a first deformable parallelogrammic structure  12 , which is deformable into a plurality of configurations. The first deformable parallelogrammic structure  12  has a first end  14  and a second end  16 . The first end  14  includes means for securing the first deformable parallelogrammic structure  12  to a basketball goal. 
     In one presently preferred embodiment, the means for securing the first deformable parallelogrammic structure  12  to the basketball goal comprises bolts  18  positioned through openings (not shown) disposed within the first end  14  of the first parallelogrammic structure  12  and within a corresponding hole (not shown) disposed within a frame  20  to which a backboard and rim may be attached. The second end  16  of the first deformable parallelogrammic structure  12  includes means for securing the first deformable parallelogrammic structure  12  to a rigid support  22  such that the first deformable parallelogrammic structure  12  is suspended above the playing surface. In a presently preferred embodiment, the means for securing the first deformable parallelogrammic structure  12  to the rigid support  22  consists of bolts  18  positioned with corresponding holes (not shown) within the second end  16  of the first deformable parallelogrammic structure  12  and within the rigid support  22 . It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that there are alternative ways to attach the first parallelogrammic structure  12  between a basketball goal and the rigid support  22 . These ways may include pins or pivotal brackets. 
     Similarly, the goal system  10  of the present invention includes a second deformable parallelogrammic structure  13 , which is deformable into a plurality of configurations. The second deformable parallelogrammic structure  13  has a first end  15  and a second opposing end  17 . Preferably, the first end  15  is adapted to pivotally attach the second deformable parallelogrammic structure  13  to the first deformable parallelogrammic structure  12  and the second opposing end  17  is adapted to be pivotally engage the rigid support  22 . 
     In one presently preferred embodiment, the means for securing the second deformable parallelogrammic structure  13  to the rigid support  22  and to the first deformable parallelogrammic structure  12  comprises bolts  18  positioned through openings (not shown) disposed at the first end  15  of the second parallelogrammic structure  13  and within corresponding holes (not shown) formed in the first parallelogrammic structure  12 . The second opposing end  17  of the second deformable parallelogrammic structure  13  is adapted to pivotally engage the rigid support  22 . In one presently preferred embodiment, the means for securing the second deformable parallelogrammic structure  13  to the rigid support  22  consists of bolts  18  positioned within corresponding holes (not shown) formed at the second end  17  of the second deformable parallelogrammic structure  13  which act as pivotal axis. As appreciated by those skilled in the art there are alternative ways to attach the second parallelogrammic structure  13  between the rigid support  22  and the first parallelogrammic structure. These ways may include pins or pivotal brackets. 
     As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the second deformable parallelogrammic structure may include an adjustment lever  24  pivotally mounted to the rigid support  22  and at least one extension arm  26  pivotally connected between the first parallelogrammic structure  12  and the adjustment lever  24  such that movement of the adjustment lever  24  causes deformation of both the second parallelogrammic structure  13  and the first parallelogrammic structure  12 . As will be discussed in greater detail below, the adjustment lever  24  can be manipulated by a user so as to result in the deformation of the second parallelogrammic structure  13  and, correspondingly, the first parallelogrammic structure  12  into a variety of configurations corresponding to various heights of the basketball goal above the playing surface. 
     The goal system  10  includes means  32  for restricting the deformation of the first parallelogrammic structure  12  at anyone of the plurality of configurations such that the basketball goal is suspended above the playing surface at one of a plurality of heights. The means  32  for restricting the deformation has an engaged position wherein the first parallelogrammic structure  12  is restricted from deforming and a disengaged position wherein the first parallelogrammic structure  12  may be freely deformed allowing the height of the basketball goal to be altered. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the means  32  for restricting the deformation of the first parallelogrammic structure  12  in the preferred embodiment comprises a lockable piston assembly  33 . 
     The goal system  10  also includes a biasing or counterbalance member  34  which includes a first end  36  and a second end  38 . In one embodiment, the first end  36  of the counterbalance member  34  is attached to the rigid support  22  and the second end  38  of the counterbalance member  34  is attached to the adjustment lever  24 . The counterbalance member of the preferred embodiment comprises the same lockable piston assembly  33  used to restrict the deformation of the first parallelogrammic structure  12 . The counterbalance member  34  is positioned such that when the restricting means  32  is in the disengaged position, the counterbalance member  34  provides a force on the adjustment lever  24  in the opposite direction of the force acting on the adjustment lever  24  due to the weight of the basketball goal. This configuration minimizes the force required to adjust the basketball goal. 
     It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that one or more counterbalance members  34  may be attached in a variety of ways to minimize the force required to adjust the basketball goal. These ways may include, but are not limited to attaching one end of the biasing member to the rigid support and the other end of the counterbalance member to the first deformable parallelogrammic structure  12  or to the extension arm  26 . 
     The goal system  10  also includes releasing means  40  for moving the restricting means  32  from the engaged position to the disengaged position. In one preferred embodiment, the releasing means comprises an actuation trigger  42 . As will be discussed in detail below, the actuation trigger  42  is positioned for engagement with the restricting means such that when the actuation trigger  42  is engaged, the restricting means moves from the engaged position to the disengaged position allowing the height of the basketball goal to be adjusted. 
     With reference now to FIG. 2, a cross-sectional view of the piston of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. The adjustable basketball goal system  10  includes a rigid support  22  extending in a substantially upward direction. The rigid support  22  has a goal side  46  adjacent a basketball goal  48  and a back side  50  opposite the goal side  46 . The rigid support comprises at least two pole sections  52  and  54  capable of being secured to each other. The embodiment of the rigid support  22  illustrated in FIG. 2 shows the rigid support  22  having an upper section  52  and a lower section  54  secured together with plates  56 . In one presently preferred embodiment, each section  52  and  54  includes an abutment plate  56  secured to one end of each support section  52  and  54  such that the abutment plates  56  can be positioned next to each other and such that the abutment plates  56  can be bolted together to secure the support sections  52  and  54  to each other. This configuration allows the support sections  52  and  54  of the rigid support  22  to be packaged in a much smaller container while still providing the desired rigidity when secured together to support the first parallelogrammic structure  12 . 
     In one presently preferred embodiment, the rigid support  22  has a square cross section which provides added strength to the rigid support  22  and also provides a flat surface to which the first deformable parallelogrammic structure  12  may be attached. 
     It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that there are many ways known in the art in which to configure a rigid support for suspending a basketball goal  48  above a playing surface. For example, a one-piece or multi-piece pole with a circular cross-section may be used. It will further be appreciated that there are multiple ways known in the art to secure rigid support sections together. 
     Referring still to FIG. 2, the first deformable parallelogrammic structure  12  of the adjustable basketball goal system  10  comprises an upper support  58  and a lower support  60 . The upper and lower supports,  58  and  60  each have a first end  62  and a second end  64 . In a presently preferred embodiment, the first end  62  of the upper and lower supports  58  and  60 , are pivotally attached to a basketball frame  20  by means of bolts  18  positioned through corresponding openings within the first end  62  of the upper and lower supports  58  and  60 , and openings within the frame  20 . The upper and lower supports  58  and  60 , are each pivotally attached to the rigid support  22  at a pivot point  66  adjacent the second ends  64  of the supports  58  and  60 . In one presently preferred embodiment, the upper and lower supports  58  and  60 , are pivotally attached to the rigid support  22  by positioning bolts  18  through corresponding openings within the second end  64  of the upper and lower supports  58  and  60  adjacent the pivot point  66  and within openings in the rigid support  22 . 
     The basketball goal  48  of the present invention comprises a backboard  68  and a rim  70 . The backboard  68  is attached to the frame  20 . It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that a variety of goals may be used which would provide an opening through which a basketball may pass. 
     The upper support  58 , lower support  60 , rigid support  22 , and frame  20  define the first deformable parallelogrammic structure  12 . In the presently preferred embodiment of FIG. 2, the rigid support  22  is substantially vertical to a playing surface and the backboard  68  is positioned substantially parallel to the rigid support  22 . The rim  70  is positioned to be substantially horizontal. Because the upper support  58  and the lower support  60  are pivotally mounted at each end  62  and  64 , the first parallelogrammic structure  12  can be deformed to reposition the height of the basketball goal  48  while allowing the backboard  68  and rim  70  to remain vertically and horizontally disposed, respectively. 
     With brief reference to FIG. 1, the upper and lower supports  58  and  60 , each comprise adjacent bars  72 . The bars  72  are bent such that the bars  72  converge from the first end  62  of the upper and lower supports  58  and  60 , where the bars  72  are attached to the frame  20  to the second end  64  of the upper and lower supports  58  and  60 , where the bars  72  are attached to opposite sides  73  of the rigid support  22 . It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the upper and lower supports,  58  and  60  may be configured in a variety of ways so long as the parallelogrammic configuration, which allows the height of the basketball goal  48  to be adjusted, is maintained. 
     Referring again to FIG. 2, in one preferred embodiment, at least one of the supports  58  and  60 , includes a tail section  74  which extends beyond the rigid support  22  at the back side  50  of the rigid support  22  adjacent the second end  64  of said support. In a preferred embodiment, both of the upper and lower supports  58  and  60  have a tail section  74  which extends beyond the back side  50  of the rigid support  22 . 
     The tail section  74 , the adjustment lever  24 , a portion of the length of the rigid support  22 , and the extension arm  26 , in combination, define the structural components of the second deformable parallelogrammic structure  13 . Structurally, the tail sections  74  of the upper and lower supports  58 ,  60  provide a point of pivotal contact to connect the first parallelogrammic structure  12  to the second deformable parallelogrammic structure  13  and for adjustable communication with the adjustment lever  24 . The adjustment lever  24  is preferably pivotally mounted adjacent the back side  50  of the rigid support  22 . Being located on the back side  50  of the rigid support  22 , the adjustment lever  24  is less likely to interfere with basketball play. 
     As illustrated in FIG. 2, one presently preferred embodiment of the adjustment lever  24  of the second parallelogrammic structure  13  is connected to the first parallelogrammic structure  12  by at least one extension arm  26 , which obviates the need for a ladder, pole, or separate adjustment tool. Preferably, two extension arms  26  are connected between the adjustment lever  24  and the first parallelogrammic structure  12 . Each of the extension arms  26  has a first end  28  and a second end  30 . In one embodiment, the first end  28  of the extension arm  26  is pivotally attached to the tail section  74  of one of the upper or lower supports,  58  and  60 . In a presently preferred embodiment, the first end  28  of the extension arm  26  is attached to tail section  74  of both the upper and lower supports,  58  and  60 . The second end  30  of the extension arm  26  is pivotally attached to the adjustment lever  24  such that the extension arm  26  is substantially parallel to the rigid support  22  adjacent the back side  50  of the rigid support  22 . 
     With reference now to FIG. 3, the extension arm  26  includes two substantially parallel bars  90 . The substantially parallel bars  90  are pivotally attached at the first end  28  of the extension arm  26  to the adjacent bars  72  of the upper and lower supports,  58  and  60 . The adjustment lever  24  includes a V-shaped member having side sections  92 . A first end  94  of the side sections  92  is attached to opposite sides  73  of the rigid support  22 . A curved section  98  of the V-shaped adjustment lever  24  connects the second ends  96  of the side sections  92 . The substantially parallel bars  90  are pivotally attached at the second end  30  of the extension arm  26  to an inside surface  100  of the side sections  92  of the V-shaped adjustment lever  24  adjacent the second end  96  of each side section  92 . The parallel bars  90  of the extension arm  26  are pivotally attached to the adjacent bars  72  of the upper and lower supports  58  and  60  adjacent the tail sections  74  and to the side sections  92  of the adjustment lever  24  by means of bolts  18  positioned through corresponding openings in the parallel bars  90  and the adjacent bars  72  and through corresponding openings in the parallel bars  90  and the side sections  92 . 
     It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the adjustment lever  24  of the present invention can be configured in a variety of ways to obtain the lever action utilized in the present invention. It will also be appreciated that the extension arm  26  can be configured in a variety of ways and still be able to link the first deformable parallelogrammic structure  12  to the adjustment lever  24  of the second deformable parallelogrammic structure  13  at a location accessible to basketball players of all ages. 
     With reference now to FIG. 4, the second deformable parallelogrammic structure  13  communicates with the first deformable parallelogrammic structure  12 . The extension arm  26  of the second deformable parallelogrammic structure  13  enables communication between the adjustment lever  24  and the first deformable parallelogrammic structure  12 . In operation, the second deformable parallelogrammic structure  13  is deformable through a range of configurations with each configuration of the second parallelogrammic structure  13  corresponding to one of a variety of configurations of the first parallelogrammic structure  12 . At each configuration, the basketball goal  48  is disposed at a different height above the playing surface. 
     It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that basketball goal  48  and the extension arm  26  are positioned at a distance from the rigid support  22  such that the point of attachment  88  between the extension arm  26  and the adjustment lever  24  and the pivot points  66  act as fulcrums and the adjustment lever  24  and the upper and lower supports  58  and  60  act as levers. This positioning provides the system with a mechanical advantage, in which a relatively small movement of the adjustment lever  24  causes a correspondingly larger movement of the basketball goal  48 . 
     The extension arm  26  is positioned to remain substantially parallel to the rigid support  22  as the height of the basketball goal  48  is adjusted. Thus, there is little danger of an arm or other limb becoming wedged or pinched between the extension arm  26  and the rigid support  22  because there is no scissor action between the extension arm  26  and the rigid support  22 . 
     It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, that the adjustment lever  24  may be positioned adjacent the goal side  46  of the rigid support  22 . In this embodiment, the upper support  58  and lower support  60  need not have a tail section  74  because the extension arm  26  could be attached to the supports  58  and  60  between the pivot points  66  and the first end  62  of each support,  58  and  60 . It will further be appreciated by those of skill in the art that positioning the adjustment lever  24  adjacent the goal side  46  of the rigid support  22  may interfere with basketball play. 
     With reference now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the adjustable basketball goal system  10  includes a lockable piston assembly  33  used to restrict the deformation of the first parallelogrammic structure  12  at anyone of a plurality of configurations. The lockable piston assembly  33  includes a piston housing  104 , a piston (not shown) slidably located within the piston housing  104 , and a rod  106  attached to the piston. As can best be seen by reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the lockable piston assembly  33  includes a switch  108  which is moveable between a locked position, in which the piston is prevented from movement within the piston housing  104 , and an unlocked position, in which the piston is movable within the piston housing  104 . The switch  108  is preferably biased toward the locked position. The lockable piston assembly  33  of the present invention uses a combination of gas and fluid for adjustment in both directions and may include any of those commercially available lockable piston assemblies known for such use. 
     Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3, the adjustable basketball goal system  10  of the present invention also includes a shroud  110 . The shroud  110  is in telescopic engagement with the piston housing  104 . A first end  112  of the shroud  110  is attached to the rod  106 . As the rod  106  moves within the piston housing  104 , a second end  114  of the shroud  110  movably engages an outside surface  116  of the piston housing  104 . In this configuration, the lockable piston assembly  33  is strengthened and prevented from buckling under the rigors of basketball play, which sometimes include people hanging from the rim. 
     The lockable piston assembly  33  includes a first end  118  adjacent the piston housing  104  and a second  120  end adjacent the rod  106 . The first end  118  of the lockable piston assembly  33  is attached to a bracket  122  which is affixed to the rigid support  22 . The second end  120  of the lockable piston assembly  33  is preferably configured with a V-shaped mounting piece  124  secured to the shroud  110  such that the switch  108  is exposed within the V-shaped mounting piece  124 . The V-shaped mounting piece  124  has openings through which the bolt  18  used to pivotally secure the extension arm  26  to the adjustment lever  24  passes. Thus, the rod  106  moves in association with the movement of the adjustment lever  24 . It will be appreciated that the second end  120  of the lockable piston assembly  33  could be attached to either the extension arm  26 , or the adjustment lever  24 , without being attached to both with one bolt  18 . 
     In one presently preferred embodiment, the lockable piston assembly  33  is positioned between parallel bars  90  of the extension arm  26 . This configuration provides the lockable piston assembly  33  with protection against being hit by the basketball or other object. 
     Referring now to FIG. 2, the lockable piston assembly  33  also serves as a counterbalance member which counterbalances the weight of the basketball goal  48 . It will be appreciated that the weight of the basketball goal  48  exerts a gravitational force on the adjustable basketball goal system  10 . For example, the gravitational force will pull basketball goal  48  toward the playing surface. Thus, because of the pivotal attachment of the first parallelogrammic structure  12  to the rigid support  22 , an upward force will be exerted on the extension arm  26 , and the adjustment lever  24 . When the switch  108  is in the unlocked position, the piston assembly provides a force A on the adjustment lever  24  in the opposite direction of the gravitational force B acting on the adjustment lever  24  through the extension arm  26  due to the weight of the basketball goal  48 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, the piston force A is substantially equal to the gravitational force B exerted upon the adjustment lever  24  by the weight of the basketball goal  48 . Thus, the forces substantially cancel each other allowing the height of the basketball goal  48  to be adjusted with minimal effort. 
     The lockable piston assembly  33  of the preferred embodiment loses approximately 2% of its biasing strength annually. However, the initial amount of force A exerted by the piston assembly can be preset at the time of assembly of the adjustable basketball goal system  10 . Thus, depending upon the anticipated life of the lockable piston assembly  33 , the force A can be set to be slightly greater than the gravitational force B exerted by the weight of the basketball goal  48 . As the piston force A gradually depreciates over the lifetime of the lockable piston assembly  33 , the piston force A will eventually become slightly less than the gravitational force B. Accordingly, with force A being greater than force B initially, the basketball goal  48  will tend to float upwardly when the switch  108  is in the unlocked position. Later in time, when force A is less than force B, the basketball goal  48  will tend to float downwardly when the switch  108  is in the unlocked position. It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the system can be set up such that the differences between the forces (A minus B) and (B minus A) will be minimal over a substantial period of time. Thus, during this time, the forces will substantially counterbalance each other and any resulting force in either direction can easily be overcome by the user moving the adjustment lever  24 , even if that user is a child. 
     It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the lockable piston assembly  33  can be positioned in a variety of places to accomplish the teachings of this invention. For example, if the adjustment lever  24  were positioned adjacent the goal side  46  of the rigid support  22  the lockable piston assembly  33  might be attached to the rigid support  22  below the adjustment lever  24 . Further, the lockable piston assembly  33  could be attached to the upper and lower supports  58  and  60  of the first deformable parallelogrammic structure  12  and still create a force A component which would counterbalance the gravitational force B indirectly exerted on the adjustment lever  24  by the weight of the basketball goal  48 . 
     It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the lockable piston assembly  33  may be oriented to push or pull against a desired piece to achieve the counterbalancing effect. In the preferred embodiment, the lockable piston assembly  33  is oriented with the piston housing  104  positioned above the rod  106 . It will be appreciated that in this configuration, gravity may direct fluids located within the piston housing  104  into engagement with a grommet (not shown) centering the rod  106  within the housing, thus making the piston self-lubricating. 
     It will also be appreciated that a combination of springs or pistons may be used which each have a force component in the opposite direction of the gravitational force B such that when the force components are combined, the sum is substantially equal to, and opposite, force B. For example, a biasing spring may be located within the first deformable parallelogrammic structure  12  creating a force component in the opposite direction to force B such that the lockable piston assembly  33  need not exert as much force in that same direction. It will further be appreciated that if the counterbalance member, whether a spring, piston assembly, or other member, is contained completely in the first deformable parallelogrammic structure  12 , the extension arm  26  would not be under constant tension as it is in the preferred embodiment, and could be constructed from lesser strength material. The embodiment illustrated in the drawings is preferred for its efficiency of design, its strength, and its aesthetic look. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the adjustable basketball goal system  10  includes releasing means  40  for moving the restricting means  32  from the engaged position to the disengaged position. In a presently preferred embodiment, the releasing means  40  includes an actuation trigger  42  pivotally attached to the adjustment lever  24 . The actuation trigger  42  includes a first end  44  and a second end  45 . The actuation trigger  42  is preferably pivotally attached to the adjustment lever  24  between the first end  44  and the second end  45 . The first end  44  of the actuation trigger  42  is preferably positioned adjacent a first end  25  of the adjustment lever  24  which in the preferred embodiment is the curved section  98 . This configuration allows a person to engage the actuation trigger  42  and the adjustment lever  24  with the same hand. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first end  44  of the actuation trigger  42  is preferably positioned above the first end  25  of the adjustment lever  24  such that the first end  44  of the actuation trigger  42  can not pivot below the first end  25  of the adjustment lever  24 . In this configuration, a person can not hang from the first end  44  of the actuation trigger  42  which may cause the actuation trigger  42  to bend or break. 
     The second end  45  of the actuation trigger  42  is positioned adjacent the switch  108  such that as the first end  44  is depressed, the second end  45  pivots into engagement with the switch  108  forcing the switch  108  into the unlocked position. In a presently preferred embodiment, the second end  45  is configured with a tube member  128 . The bolt  18  which pivotally attaches the extension arm  26  to the adjustment lever  24  passes through the tube member  128 . The tube member  128  has an inner diameter which is larger than the outer diameter of the bolt  18 , thus defining a range of pivotal motion for the actuation trigger  42 . 
     It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the difference between the inner diameter of the tube member  128  and the diameter of the bolt  18  allows for slight lateral movement of the tube member  128  with respect to the bolt  18 . This configuration allows the switch  108  to slide along an outer surface  129  of the tube member  128  while the adjustment lever  24 , thus allowing the actuation trigger to remain in an actuation position (FIG. 6) with the switch  108  in the locked position, through the full range of motion of the adjustment lever  24 . 
     As can be seen with reference to FIG. 3, the tube member  128  is preferably positioned within the V-shaped mounting piece  124 . As discussed above, the switch  108  is biased in the locked position in which the switch  108  projects outwardly. The outward bias of the switch  108  in turn keeps the actuation trigger  42  in a rest position (FIG. 5) until the first end  44  of the actuation trigger  42  is depressed forcing the actuation trigger  42  into an actuated position (FIG. 6) in which the tube member  128  engages the switch  108  and overcomes the outward bias of the switch  108  unlocking the piston assembly  33 . 
     It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the actuation trigger  42  may have independent biasing means to keep the actuation trigger  42  in the rest position. It will further be appreciated that the actuation trigger  42  can be configured in a variety of ways in order to release the restricting means  32 . For example, if the lockable piston assembly  33  is positioned away from the adjustment lever  24 , the actuation trigger  42  may include a cable or other mechanism to move the switch  108  from the locked position to the unlocked position. Further, if the adjustable basketball goal system  10  is counterbalanced using a spring instead of the lockable piston assembly  33 , the trigger may include a rod biased to engage a series of openings in the rigid support  22 , thus locking the adjustment lever  24  in place until the rod is removed from one of the openings. It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that it is preferable to configure the actuation trigger  42  such that the actuation trigger  42  can remain in the actuation trigger  42  throughout the desired range of motion of the adjustment lever  24 . 
     With reference now to FIGS. 2 and 4, the adjustable basketball goal system  10  includes at least one adjustment stop and preferably at least one upper adjustment stop  130  and at least one lower adjustment stop  132  attached to the rigid support  22 . The upper adjustment stop  132  is positioned on the rigid support  22  such that when the basketball goal  48  is at a predetermined highest position above the playing surface, the first parallelogrammic structure  12  engages the upper adjustment stop  132  thereby preventing the basketball goal  48  from being positioned higher than the predetermined highest position. The lower adjustment stop  130  is positioned on the rigid support  22  such that when the basketball goal  48  is at a predetermined lowest position above the playing surface, the first parallelogrammic structure  12  engages the lower adjustment stop  130  thereby preventing the basketball goal  48  from being positioned below the predetermined lowest position. 
     In a presently preferred embodiment, the upper adjustment stop  132  is positioned below the lower support  60  and the lower adjustment stop  130  is positioned above the lower support  60 . The lower and upper adjustment stops  130  and  132  define a range of heights in which the basketball goal  48  may be positioned. In one embodiment, the adjustment stops  130  and  132  are positioned on the rigid support  22  to define a range of heights between about 7 feet and about 10 feet. In a preferred embodiment, the adjustment stops  130  and  132  are positioned on the rigid support  22  to define a range of heights between 7½ feet and 10 feet. 
     It will be appreciated that one or more adjustment stops may be positioned to engage the upper and/or lower supports  58  and  60  and/or the adjustment lever  24  to practice the teachings of this invention. It will further be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the adjustment stops  130  and  132  provide a safety function by prohibiting the basketball goal  48  from crashing down upon a player. The adjustment stops can further be positioned to correspond to a predetermined height such as the standard height of 10 feet, thereby allowing the basketball goal  48  to be easily positioned at that height. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 4,  5 , and  6 , the adjustable basketball goal system  10  is utilized by grasping the adjustment lever  24  and simultaneously depressing the actuation trigger  42  with the same hand. This unlocks the lockable piston assembly  33 . The adjustment lever  24  can then be moved which deforms the first deformable parallelogrammic structure  12 , repositioning the height of the basketball goal  48  above the playing surface. Once the basketball goal  48  is at the desired height, the actuation trigger  42  is released, locking the lockable piston assembly  33  and preventing the basketball goal  48  from further movement. The same steps are followed to reposition the basketball goal  48 . 
     With reference now to FIG. 7, another embodiment of the adjustable basketball goal system according to the present invention is generally designated at  210 . 
     The goal system  210  includes a first deformable parallelogrammic structure  212  which can be deformed into a plurality of configurations such that at each configuration a basketball goal  214  is disposed at a different height above the playing surface. The goal system  210  includes means for securing the first deformable parallelogrammic structure  212  to a rigid support  216  such that the first parallelogrammic structure  212  is suspended above the playing surface, and means for attaching the basketball goal  214  to the first parallelogrammic structure  212 . The first parallelogrammic structure  212 , means for attaching the first parallelogrammic structure  212  to the rigid support  216 , and means for attaching the basketball goal  214  to the first parallelogrammic structure  212  are substantially the same as in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 6 and are described in detail above. 
     The goal system  210  also includes a second deformable parallelogrammic structure  213 , which can be deformed into a plurality of configurations such that at each configuration the first deformable parallelogrammic structure  212  is disposed at a different configuration and the basketball goal  214  is correspondingly disposed at a different height above the playing surface. The goal system  210  further includes a connecting assembly for securing the second deformable parallelogrammic structure  213  between a rigid support  216  and the first deformable parallelogrammic structure  212 . The second parallelogrammic structure  213  and connecting assembly are substantially the same as in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 6 and are described in detail above. 
     In the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the first parallelogrammic structure  212  includes an upper support  218  and a lower support  220 . At least one of the these supports  218  and  220 , includes a tail section  222  which extends beyond the rigid support  216  at the back side  224  of the rigid support  216 . The tail section  222  provides a place to link the first parallelogrammic structure  212  to an adjustment handle  226 , which is preferably pivotally mounted adjacent the back side  224  of the rigid support  216  below the first parallelogrammic structure  212  by means of a stabilizing arm  228 . Being located on the back side  224  of the rigid support  216 , the adjustment handle  226  is less likely to interfere with basketball play. The adjustment handle  226  is linked to the first parallelogrammic structure by an extension arm  230 , which is part of the second deformable parallelogrammic structure  213 . As shown, the tail section  222  of one or more of the supports  218 ,  220 , the stabilizing arm  228 , at least a portion of the length of the rigid support  216 , and the extension arm  230  preferably define the second deformable parallelogrammic structure  213  of one presently preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     The extension arm  230  of the embodiment of FIG. 7 is substantially similar to the extension arm illustrated in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 6 as described above. The positioning of the extension arm  230  relative to the first parallelogrammic structure  212  and the adjustment handle  226  (the adjustment lever in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 6) is more fully described above. 
     The adjustable basketball goal system  210  is counterbalanced with counterbalancing spring  223  disposed within the parallelogrammic  212  structure to thereby provide a force which substantially counterbalances the gravitational force acting on the adjustable basketball goal system due to the weight of the basketball goal. This allows for adjustment of the height of the basketball goal  214  above the playing surface with minimal effort. As discussed in detail above, there are various alternative ways to counterbalance the adjustable basketball goal system  210  of the present invention. 
     The basketball goal system  210  includes a locking rod  234 . The locking rod  234  is pivotally attached at a first end  236  to the rigid support  216 , by means of a bracket  232 . The locking rod  234  is positioned within an opening  248  configured in a V-shaped housing  238  adjacent a second end  237  of the locking rod  234 . The locking rod  234  slidably engages the V-shaped housing  238 . In the preferred embodiment, the first end  236  of the locking rod  234  is positioned above the second end  237  of the locking rod. In this configuration, the second end  237  of the locking rod  234  is pointing downward and is less likely to become entangled with users of the basketball goal system  210  or other bystanders. 
     In a preferred embodiment the extension arm  230  is pivotally attached to the housing  238  at a pivot point  260 . The stabilizing arm  228  and adjustment handle  226  are also pivotally attached to the housing  238  at the pivot point  260  (the housing  238  and adjustment handle  226  are more fully described below). As can best be seen by simultaneous reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, in this configuration, the adjustment handle  226  can be used to slide the housing  238  along the locking rod  234 . This action moves the extension arm  230  thereby deforming both the second parallelogrammic structure  213  and the first parallelogrammic structure  212 , and, accordingly, providing means for adjusting the height of the basketball goal 21.4 above the playing surface. 
     With reference now to FIG. 9, at least one locking plate  240 , and preferably two locking plates  240  are positioned within the housing  238 . The locking plates  240  of the preferred embodiment are flat rectangular pieces of substantially uniform thickness. The locking plates  240  are each configured with an opening (not shown) through which the locking rod  234  is positioned. These openings are larger than the diameter of the locking rod  234 . It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that this configuration allows the locking plates  240  to be positioned in a non-perpendicular angle relative to the locking rod  234 . It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that when the plates  240  are biased in a non-perpendicular angle relative to the locking rod  234 , the locking plates  240  will bind with the locking rod  234 , preventing the locking rod from moving, relative to the plates  240 . It will further be appreciated by those of skill in the art, that a variety of locking plate  240  and locking rod  234  configurations can be used to accomplish this binding effect. For example the locking plates  240  could be elliptical or of varying thickness. The opening could also be of varying configurations depending on the configuration of the locking rod  234 . Of importance is that edge or edges of the opening in locking plates  240  be such that the locking plates  240  can be angled for frictional engagement with the locking rod  234  to cause binding, while being capable of positioning for clearance of the locking rod  234  through the locking plates  240 . It will further be appreciated that one or more plates  240  may be used to accomplish the teachings of this invention. 
     The locking plates  240  are secured within the housing  238 . With brief reference to FIG. 10, the plates  240  are positioned between opposing sides  242  of the V-shaped housing  238 . In this configuration, the locking plates  240  are prevented from moving laterally or rotating about the locking rod  234 . Referring again to FIG. 9, the housing  238  includes at least one stop  244 , and preferably two stops  244 . The stops are each disposed between and attached to the opposing sides  242  of the V-shaped housing  238 . The stops  244  are positioned within the housing on the opposite side of the locking rod  234  from the adjustment handle  226 . Each stop  244  is preferably positioned to engage a first end  250  of one of the locking plates  240 . In one embodiment, the locking plates  240  are biased into a non-perpendicular or “binding” angle relative to the locking rod  234  by means of a biasing member  254 . In a preferred embodiment, the biasing member  254  is a spring. The spring  254  is positioned about the locking rod  234  between the locking plates  240 . As the spring  254  engages each locking plate  240 , the locking plates  240  pivot about respective stops  244  into a non-perpendicular binding position relative to the locking rod  234 . 
     As can be seen in FIG. 9, the locking plates  240  are preferably angled away from each other. One of skill in the art will appreciate that in this configuration, an upper locking plate  240 ,  256  will tend to bind with the locking rod  234  as the housing  238  is moved in the downward direction and a lower locking plate  240 ,  258  will tend to bind with the locking rod  234  as the housing  238  is moved in the upward direction. 
     It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that a variety of biasing members  254  may used in a variety of configurations to urge the locking plates  240  into non-perpendicular angles relative to the locking rod  234  thereby permitting the locking rod  234  to bind with the locking plates  240 . One such alternative embodiment includes pliable metal disposed between the locking plates  240 . In this configuration, the locking plates  240  and the pliable metal could be one unitary piece. The variety of biasing member  254  configurations depends in large part on the variety of housing  238  configurations that may be employed. For example, the stops  244  may be positioned in different locations requiring the biasing member to be positioned in different locations to cause the required “binding” angle of the locking plate  240  relative to the locking rod  234 . In one embodiment, the stops  244  could be positioned adjacent the adjustment handle. In order to have the biasing member  254  exert the same pivoting force on the locking plates  240 , a biasing member would necessarily need to be positioned on the other side of each locking plate  240 . 
     The combination of the locking rod  234  positioned through openings in the locking plates  240 , the stops  244 , and the spring  254  biasing the locking plates  240  against the stops  244 , secures the locking plates  240  within the housing  238 . Thus, the housing  238  is prevented from moving relative to the locking rod  234 . Consequently, the extension arm  230  remains stationary until the system  210  is unlocked and thus, the basketball goal  214  may be maintained at a predetermined height during basketball play. 
     Referring still to FIG. 9, adjustment of the basketball goal  214  is accomplished through the use of the adjustment handle  226 . The adjustment handle  226  is pivotally attached to the housing  238  at a pivot point  260 . The adjustment handle  226  is configured to move between a rest position, wherein each locking plate  240  is in a non-perpendicular position relative to the locking rod  234  and an engaged position, wherein a portion of the adjustment handle  226  engages at lease one locking plate  240  forcing it into a substantially perpendicular position relative to the locking rod  234 . In a presently preferred embodiment, the adjustment handle  226  is configured with at least one locking tab  262  and preferably a pair of tabs  262 . Each tab  262  is configured to engage a second end  264  of a respective locking plate  240  and move the locking plate  240  into a substantially perpendicular angle relative to the locking rod  234  when the adjustment handle  226  is rotated to an engaged position. 
     It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that when the locking plate  240 , angled to create a binding effect on the locking rod  234 , is moved into a substantially perpendicular position relative to the locking rod  234 , the locking rod  234  will be allowed to pass through the opening  248  in the locking plate  240  without binding. For example, with reference now to FIG. 11, as the adjustment handle  226  is pivoted upward in the direction of arrow A into a first engaged position, a lower tab  262 ,  266  engages the second end  264  of the lower locking plate  240 ,  258  moving the lower locking plate  240 ,  258  into a substantially perpendicular position relative to the locking rod  234 . Because the lower locking plate  240 ,  258  is the only locking plate  240  creating a binding effect on the locking rod  234  when the housing  238  is moved upward in the direction of arrow B, the housing is now permitted to slide upward along the locking rod  234 , thereby moving the extension arm  230  upward. This in turn deforms the second parallelogrammic structure  213  and, correspondingly, the first parallelogrammic structure  212  thereby repositioning the height of the basketball goal  214  above the playing surface. 
     Likewise, with reference now to FIG. 12, as the adjustment handle  226  is pivoted downward in the direction of arrow C into a second engaged position, an upper tab  262 ,  268  engages the second end  264  of the upper locking plate  240 ,  256  moving the upper locking plate  240 ,  256  into a substantially perpendicular position relative to the locking rod  234 . Because the upper locking plate  240 ,  256  is the only locking plate  240  creating a binding effect on the locking rod  234  when the housing is moved downward in the direction of arrow D, the housing  238  is permitted to slide downward along the locking rod  234 , thereby moving the extension arm  230  downward. This in turn deforms both the second parallelogrammic structure  213  and the first parallelogrammic structure  212 , thus repositioning the height of the basketball goal  214  above the playing surface. 
     It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the adjustment handle  226  can be configured in a variety of ways to release the binding effect of the locking plates  240  on the locking rod  234 . One such way is to secure a cross-member to the locking plates  240 . The cross-member could extend outwardly through openings in the handle  226  such that as the handle  226  is pivoted, the openings in the handle  226  would engage the cross-member which would in turn move the locking plate  240  into a substantially perpendicular position relative to the locking rod  234 . This would obviate the need for tabs  262 . 
     With reference again to FIG. 9, the adjustment handle  226  comprises a first abutment portion  268  configured to engage the housing  238  at the first engaged position and a second abutment portion  270  configured to engage the housing  238  at the second engaged position. In this configuration, the abutment portions  268  and  270  define a range of motion for the adjustment handle  226 . It will be appreciated that the adjustment handle  226  can be configured in a variety of ways to limit the pivotal range of motion of the handle  226 . 
     The adjustment handle  226  also includes side walls  272 . These side walls  272  are configured to snugly fit around the outside of the V-shaped housing  238 . In this configuration, the side walls  272  provide a surface for attaching the adjustment handle  226  to the housing  238  at the pivot point  260  without interfering with the interaction of the locking plates  240  with the biasing member  254 , or with the locking rod  234 . The side walls  272  also offer a measure of protection for this interaction. It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the teachings of this invention can be practiced using a variety of adjustment handle  226  configurations. 
     With reference now to FIG. 10, a back plan view of one preferred embodiment of the adjustable basketball goal system  210  is shown without the adjustment handle  226 . The locking rod  234  is positioned between parallel members  274  of the extension arm  230 . In one preferred embodiment, the extension arm  230  is pivotally attached to the housing  238 , the adjustment handle (not shown), and the stabilizing arm (not shown) at the pivot point  260  by means of a pivot rod  276 . The housing  238  is configured with at least one bushing  246  which serves to guide the movement of the housing  238  relative to the locking rod  234 . It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that a roller or other guide may be used instead of a bushing to aid in the slidable engagement of the housing  238  with the locking rod  234 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 11, when the system is in a “rest” position the locking plates  240  prevent the housing  238  from moving with respect to the locking rod  234 . Thus, the extension arm  230  remains still and consequently, the basketball goal  214  remains in a stationary position above the playing surface. To adjust the basketball goal downwardly, the adjustment handle  226  is pivoted in the direction of arrow A. This releases the binding effect of the lower locking plate  240 , 258  and the adjustment handle  226  can be moved upward in the direction of arrow A, bringing with it the extension arm  230 . This causes the basketball goal  214  to lower (See FIG.  7 ). Referring now to FIG. 12, to adjust the basketball goal upwardly, the adjustment handle  226  is pivoted in the direction of arrow C. This releases the binding effect of the upper locking plate  240 ,  256  and the adjustment handle  226  can be moved downward in the direction of arrow D, bringing with it the extension arm  230 . This causes the basketball goal  214  to raise (See FIG.  8 ). Thus, the adjustable basketball goal system of the preferred embodiment can be “unlocked” and adjusted easily with the use of the same hand. 
     It should be appreciated that the apparatus and methods of the present invention are capable of being incorporated in the form of a variety of embodiments, only a few of which have been illustrated and described above. The invention may be embodied in other forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive and the scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.