Patent ID: 7311618

Claim:
A system for mounting a training apparatus to a basketball goal, comprising: (a) a rim mount structure for supporting a training apparatus including, (i) a peripheral ledge portion presenting surfaces for resting upon and fitting inside a rim of a basketball goal, (ii) a rim catch portion interrupting said peripheral ledge portion having a rim catch tab for fitting under said basketball goal rim, and, (iii) a latch mechanism also interrupting said peripheral ledge portion disposed generally opposite said rim catch portion, said latch mechanism including a latch member having a generally C shaped jaw portion and a lever portion extending from said jaw portion, said latch member pivotably mounted within said latch mechanism for pivoting between an open position for receiving said basketball rim and a closed position for capturing said basketball rim, said latch member biased in said closed position, (b) an installation tool for lifting and placing said rim mount structure for installation on a basketball goal rim, said installation tool including a support fitting adapted for supporting said rim mount structure and urging said latch member in said open position when supporting said rim mount structure, whereby said installation tool may be used to lift said rim mount structure for engagement of said rim catch portion with said basketball goal rim and engagement of said latch member with said basketball goal rim, such that said latch member closes to capture said basketball goal rim as said installation tool is withdrawn from said rim mount structure.