Patent Document

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application 60/530,401 filed Dec. 17, 2003. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   This invention relates generally to an apparatus and method for a portable basketball goal and the attachment and removal of such a goal. More particularly, but without limitation, the invention is directed in one of its embodiments toward a latch system for repositionably attaching a portable basketball goal to a chain-link fence. Additionally, the invention relates to a method for teaching children and persons of short stature basketball techniques and skills. 
   2. Description of Related Art 
   In the art it is known that portable basketball goals are useful to allow the creation of a basketball court on an ad hoc basis. Heretofore, solutions aimed at providing a portable basketball goal assembly have been relatively large, being constructed complete with base, support pole, backboard, and hoop. These prior art solutions are rarely portable in the full sense of the term, being cumbersome and bulky to move. Accordingly, in practice, such devices are rarely and only inconveniently transported from one location to another, except perhaps from a storage room or closely adjacent locations on a single lot. None of these prior art solutions allow for a system that is easily transported by a single individual, or that can be readily transported in the trunk of a compact automobile. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention is limited only by the scope of the claims as ultimately allowed in this application, and in no way limited by the prior versions of the claims inserted into this provisional application which are inserted only for purposes of priority and satisfaction of potential foreign filing requirements. This specification discloses an apparatus and method for a portable and repositionable basketball goal. The apparatus is rendered imminently transportable in that it is attachable to any standard chain link fence. The need for a dedicated pole and support base, constructed specifically for the goal, is avoided. The device may be removed, folded down, and transported by a person on foot with little effort. Similarly, its compact design renders the device capable of being carried in sets of multiple goals by a single coach. Thus, an entire training camp can be transported and erected by a single individual with little inconvenience. This will have obvious advantages in locations where security, storage, theft, or space allocations are issues. 
   The invention further discloses a latch system for repositionably securing the goal against a fence. The latch system renders a secure attachment to the fence that will resist accidental dislodge or loosening of the connection. 
   OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
   The following stated objects of the invention are alternative and exemplary objects only, and no one or any should be read as required for the practice of the invention, or as an exhaustive listing of objects accomplished. 
   As suggested by the foregoing discussion, an exemplary and non-exclusive alternative object of this invention is to provide a portable and repositionable basketball goal. 
   A further exemplary and non-exclusive alternative object of the invention is to provide a basketball goal that can be stored or transported in a trunk or similar sized area. 
   A further exemplary and non-exclusive alternative object of the invention is to provide a basketball goal that uses a chain link fence as its support structure. 
   A further exemplary and non-exclusive alternative object of the invention is to provide a latch system for a basketball goal that resists disengagement or loosening. 
   A further exemplary and non-exclusive alternative object of the invention is to provide a tool for such a referenced latch system to ease attachment and reduce the potential for injury. 
   The above objects and advantages are neither exhaustive nor individual critical to the spirit and practice of the invention, except as stated in the claims as issued. Other alternative objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of the invention. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  shows a rear view of a basketball goal attached to a fence in accordance with the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  shows an exemplary embodiment of the latch system of the present invention in which the locking bar is shown the closed position (locking the latch). 
       FIG. 3  shows a side view of a latch, in which the locking bar is show in an open position, wherein it can swing down and into locking position. 
       FIG. 4  shows the locking gate in two side-by-side positions for comparison, one in which the locking gate is open, showing the magnet and the relationship that allows for insertion of the locking arm, and the other in which the locking gate is closed. 
       FIG. 5  shows a diagram of a lower attachment for further securing the backboard to a fence. 
       FIG. 6  shows an embodiment of a tool for locking the latch system and overall assembly of screws and bolts. 
       FIG. 7  shows the tool in place in a holding area in the front of the backboard (shown with the holding area in the bottom of the front of the backboard). 
       FIG. 8  shows an embodiment of the hoop (with the net tied up in the middle for easy visibility, it being understood that the net would swing free during play). 
       FIG. 9(A  and B) shows the backboard and hoop from a side view, to show the movement of the hoop for transport and the ability to lock it in place for play. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   The following is a detailed exemplary description of an embodiment of the invention, in a number of its various aspects. Those skilled in the art will understand that the specificity provided herein is intended for illustrative purposes with respect to an exemplary embodiment, only, and is not to be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention or claims. 
   Turning, now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  shows the rear side of a backboard in an embodiment of the present invention, attached to a chain link fence as a support. As will be appreciated in the industry, the chain link fence is not a portion of the invention, but is a readily accessible support that may be found at virtually any location such as school public lots, training grounds, etc., where the invention may be set up for use. Use of such a ready support eliminates the need for users to carry a bulk pole and base. 
   On the rear of backboard  1  at the upper corners are latches  10 . As may be seen from the figure, latches  10  hook over the connection point among  4  diamonds in the chain link fence. The backboard  1  is further secured to the fence against undesired movement by means of lower racks  30 , shown here attached in the lower half of the backboard  1 , and adjacent to the sides thereof. Strap  62 , which will be described in greater detail further below, appears in this figure as it would in a complete unlocked assembly, depending from the approximate location of the goal. 
   Latches  10  can be seen with greater detail in  FIG. 2 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , latch  10  includes a latch body  11  shaped in a generally hook fashion. As shown in the figure, the hook is large enough to accommodate the connection point of the diamonds of a chain link fence within the crook of the hook, shown in the figure at the top of the drawing. To one side of the crook is a latch side having a mounting plate  14 , with mounting holes  19  bored therethrough for attachment to the rear of the backboard  1 . In the figure, mounting plate  14  is shown to the right of the drawing. Above mounting plate  14  in assembly, and between mounting point  14  and the crook of the latch, is a lock groove  16 , sized to allow the passage of a lock head  17  therethrough. The opposite side of latch  10  is characterized in the shown embodiment by an arm having a hinge groove  15  therethrough. Lock arm hinge  13  is attached to either side of the hinge groove and operates as an axle or pivot hinge for locking arm  12 . 
   Locking arm  12  is a bar of sufficient length to pass through both hinge groove  15  and lock groove  16  on the opposite side of latch  10 . The end of locking arm  12  opposite the lock arm hinge  13  is characterized by a lock head  17  which possesses an “H” cross-sectional view. In operation, locking arm  12  pivots about lock arm hinge  13  with a freedom of movement allowed by its passage through portions of hinge groove  15  and lock grove  16 . In assembly, the arm of latch  10  having lock arm hinge  13  is place through the diamond of a chain link fence until the connection point of the diamonds rests adjacent the crook at the top of latch  10 . It will be apparent to those in the art that to complete this insertion, locking arm  12  must be pivoted out of the way of the connection point to allow its movement into the upper portion of latch  10 . In order to prevent dislodgment of latch  10  from the chain link fence, locking arm  12  is subsequently swung downward towards a position in which it will cross both arms of the latch. Lock head  17  possesses a width smaller than the widest passage in lock groove  16 . Accordingly, lock head  17  may be inserted in line with lock groove  16  and slid downward until the crossbars of the H configuration settle on either side of the metal that borders lock groove  16 . The operation of locking arm  12  and its H configuration of lock head  17  can be more clearly seen in  FIG. 3 . 
   In order to prevent lock head  17  from disengaging the locking portion of latch  10 , the latch is provided with a gate  20 , hinged above the location at which lock head  17  optimally rests. Looking to  FIG. 3 , gate  20  comprises a gate bar  21  with a lower configuration capable of mating securely with lock head  17 . Gate  20  further includes a magnet  22  which ensures that  20  will not freely swing open and release lock head  17  without intentional exertion of force. As will be understood in operation, the swinging of lock arm  12  from the position shown in  FIG. 3  down toward locking engagement with the mounting-side arm of latch  10  will prevent lock arm  12  from moving right or left as shown in the figures by virtue of the H configuration of lock head  17 . Vertical movement of lock head  17  is prohibited by the closing of gate  20  and is secured in place by the magnetic connection between gate  20 &#39;s magnet  22  and the body of latch  10 . 
   It should be noted at this point that lock arm  12  and hinge  13  need not be secured in rigid arrangement. In fact, the inventor prefers in some embodiments that locking arm  12  be configured with respect hinge  13  such that locking arm  12  can slide up and down its length against lock arm hinge  13 . This may be accomplished by constructing the axle of lock arm hinge  13  with a passage therethrough of complimentary configuration to the cross-section of locking arm  12 . In such configuration, locking arm  12  could be slid in and out of lock arm hinge  13  between its terminus at lock head  17 , and a protrusion, such as a cotter pin, on the opposite end of locking arm  12  that would prevent in total disengagement of lock arm  12  from the hinge  13 . 
   Turning to  FIG. 4 , gate  20  is shown in greater detail, as is the lower portion of lock groove  16 .  FIG. 4  shows both latches  10  adjacent one another for ready comparison for the gates in open and closed position. As seen from  FIG. 4 , lock groove  16  narrows at its lower end into a lock neck  18 . At its narrowest point in lock neck  18 , the lock groove  16  possesses a width at least as great as the “cross-bar” of the H configuration of lock head  17 , but less than the width of the widest point of remaining portions of lock head  17 . As seen from comparison of the latches  10  in the open and closed state shown in  FIG. 4 , in the open state of gate  20 , lock head  17  would be free to slide into and out of and along the length of lock groove  16 , except at the position of lock neck  18 . When in the position of lock neck  18 , lock arm  12  would be unable to move other than along the length of the groove. To complete the securement of lock head  17 , and therefore locking arm  12 , gate  20  is lowered into the locked position, which ultimately prevents movement along the line of lock groove  16 . By this mechanism, lock arm  12  and the lock head  17  are secured against all but intentional movement. When so fashioned onto a chain link fence, the top of backboard  1  is thus secured against the rigors of play. 
   Turning now to  FIG. 5 , once the upper latches of backboard  1  are secured to the chain link fence, the bottom of the backboard is secured against movement by means of lower racks  30 . Lower racks  30  are in the shown embodiment resiliently extendible members in which the hook bends  38  at the lower terminus are capable of being pulled down without tools and by only finger and/or thumb force. In construction, lower rack  30  includes a band anchor  31 , secured to backboard  1  by anchor bolts  32 . Band anchor  31  possesses a crossbar for attachment to a resilient member, shown here as a strong band  33 . The inventor notes that band  33  exhibits excellent results when constructed of the same material as inner tube size  12 . Hook bend  38  is attached to band  33  by a set of hook rails  35  connected at one end by a solid stabilizer bar in the area of  101  (and underneath the band as shown) that both spans the gap between hook rails  35  and provides support for the band  33  and rigidly (as shown) connects the hook rails  35 . At the opposite end the hook rails are connected rigidly by hook bend  38 . Above the stabilizer bar (as shown), and separated therefrom by a gap sufficient for a portion of the band to fit through, is a loading bar (see the area of  102 , the loading bar being hidden from view by the fact that the band  33  overlaps it) that extends into the area between hook rails  35  and has along its length a gap through which the bad  33  can pass for purposes of assembling the device. In assembly, the band  33  is slipped through the gap in the loading bar (typically, by twisting it sideways) and positioned so that it laps over both sides of the loading bar and the gap therein between the band  33  is then brought down past the stabilizer bar from behind and then folded up and over the stabilizer bar (thus substantially hiding it from sight in the figures). It is pulled up past the loading bar (thereby overlapping itself) and up toward the position for band anchor  31 . Band anchor  31  is passed through band  33  and then affixed to backboard  1 . Thus the band  33  is fixed at its top by having band anchor  31  pass through it. The band  33  then is a resiliently extendible and tensionable member that allows hook bend  38  to be pulled downward and hooked under a link of fence, whereupon when the downward pulling force is released, the band  33  draws hook bend  38  upward and into secure engagement with the link of fence. Because the upper hooks are oppositely facing of hook bend  38 , and are positioned to rest over a link of fence with the hook facing down, the entire structure “squeezes” together on the fence, ensuring that the backboard  1  does not jostle free. As will be understood from this  FIG. 5 , due to the resilient nature of band  33 , and the static connection of band anchor  31  to backboard  1  by means of anchor bolts  32 , pulling downward on hook bend  38  will stretch band  33  while causing increasing return pressure tending to draw the hook bend  38  back upwards. To ensure consistent connection and firm securement of hook bend  38  into the diamond connections of a chain link fence, hook bend  38  is prohibited from rising off of backboard  1  by means of a hook track  36 . Hook track  36  is bolted onto backboard  1  by hook track bolts  37 . As will be understood from its connectivity to hook rails  35 , hook track  36  is raised off of backboard  1  by a distance sufficient to allow clearance of the hook rails  35  thereunder. The width of hook track  36  is such that the sides of hook track  36  overlap the hook rails  35 . Accordingly, hook rails  35  and consequently hook bend  38 , may slide along the length of the gap between hook rails  35  but not away from backboard  1 . Thus, to complete assembly, hook bends  38  are pulled downward by hand pressure until they reach within the diamond of a chain link fence with sufficient upward force of band  33  to secure the hook bends  38  from unintentional dislodgment. 
   In a further embodiment and aspect of the invention, the lock head  17  of locking arm  12  may be constructed of a material attractive to a magnet. For ease of assembly and safety reasons, particularly where locking arm  12  is allowed to slide against locking arm hinge  13 , the inventor contemplates a specialty tool with a magnetic retriever head  44 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . Tool  40  as shown in this figure possesses an extendable arm with a magnet  44  at one end for passage through the lock groove  16  of latch  10  to grab lock head  17  and pull it through to the desired locking location in the groove. Along shaft  41 , tool  40  optionally may also include tool bits such as screw head  42  and bolt grip  43 . In this manner, tool  40  may be simply provided with all of the tools necessary to completely assemble or disassemble a backboard of the present invention and secure the same to a fence. It will be understood by those in the art that the tools are not limited to screw  42  and bolt  43  but that also could be provided hex keys and other tool embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 7 , backboard  1  may be provided with an inset  45  configured to allow stowage of the tool  40 , rendering the embodiment completely self-enclosed. 
   Turning to the front of the portable goal assembly,  FIGS. 8 ,  9 A, and  9 B show an embodiment for a hoop  63  for the present invention, with locking strap  62 . To allow for easy portability of backboard  1  with hoop  63  in place, while reducing the stored profile of the embodiment of the whole, hoop  63  is connected to backboard  1  by means of hoop hinge  65 . One half of hoop hinge  65  (the hinge plate  202 ) is secured to backboard  1  by conventional means, such as nuts and bolts  201 . The other swingable end of hoop hinge  65  (the hoop plate  203 ) is configured to swing with respect to hinge plate  202  such that it can range from a flat relation to hinge plate  202  all the way through a perpendicular position relative thereto. The hoop  63  is positioned perpendicular to hoop plate  203  (thus it will be seen that when hinge plate  202  and hoop plate  203  are in flat abutment, hoop  63  will be perpendicular to hinge plate  202 ; likewise, since hinge plate  202  is flat to backboard  1 , in such position hoop  63  will be perpendicular to backboard  1  and ready for play. As will be understood, hoop hinge  65  allows hoop  63  to fold upward and flat against backboard  1  (which will render hoop plate perpendicular to backboard  1 ). A locking strap  62  is secured between the hoop  63  and backboard  1  in such a manner as to create tension urging the hinge and lock mechanism into a locking position for transportation. To secure the assembly in this position for transport, the hoop hinge  65  may have a swingable and tightenable extender knob  14 . When hoop  63  is extended perpendicular to backboard  1  (e.g., in game play position), as shown in  FIG. 9A  this places extender knob  14  adjacent to hinge plate  202 , but connected to hoop plate  203 . When so positioned, extender knob  14  can be swung about know hinge  204  so that it extends beyond the back of the hinge plate  202  and overlaps a portion thereof. Extender knob  14  can then be tightened or fixed so that it cannot swing free, meaning that the hoop  63  cannot swing away from perpendicular relative to the backboard  1 . See  FIG. 9A .  FIG. 9B  shows the hoop  63  in transition toward storing/transport position (hook  63  against backboard  1 ). When in play, extender knob  14  is obviously in fixed position. When in transport position, however, the extender knob  14  may be free swinging on knob hinge  204 . To secure the extender knob  14  for safety or other reasons, strap  62  may be provided. Strap  62  is fixed between hinge plate  202  and backboard  1 , and may be passed over extender knob  14 , to press it toward backboard  1 . The opposite end of strap  62  has a strap keyhole  66  that can fit over the knob hinge  204 , thereby creating a ‘casing’ or securement area for extender knob  14  to keep it from freely swinging. The tension imparted by strap  62  does not force hoop  63  back into playing position Hoop  63  is secured at its other side to the backboard  1 , such as by strap or clasp running through hoop  63  and into or about handle  61 . 
   Alternatively, for ease of disassembly and stowage, locking strap  62  may be provided with mechanisms to increase or decrease the tension, in one embodiment, with decreased tension being desirable for storage. In one embodiment, locking strap  62  is secured between hoop  63  and backboard  1  with sufficient play to allow full folding of hoop  63  flat against backboard  1 . When play of game is desired, the tension is increased by inserting an extender knob  64  or other material in between the locking strap  62  and backboard  1 , thus increasing the tension and locking the strap in a hoop-down position. In an alternate embodiment, locking strap  62  is sandwiched between the front of backboard and bottom of the bolted rim plate (see  FIG. 1 ) and have a mechanism for attachment or disattachment from a portion of the hoop  63  at the end, such as strap keyhole  66 , which would mate with a protrusion on hoop  63 . By means of attaching such strap keyhole  66  over the protrusion, the resilient locking strap  62  would be brought into a tensioned state so that the hinge know can no longer swing freely (for example, to prevent injury). 
   Variance to the tensionable member in locking embodiments will be apparent to those in the industry, and may be substituted for locking and disengaging locking of hoop  63  into playing and non-playing storage positions. In one embodiment of this invention, the entirety of backboard and hoop may be stowed flat in such space that multiple items could be carried by a single person and stored in a single trunk. Further, portability may be rendered more ready by the addition of such features as a handle  61  in a location on the backboard. 
   Particular embodiments of the invention may include additional features as may be driven by advantage and specific application. By way of example, the inventor has in several embodiments included hook-and-loop fastening material as a finisher in various manners. Among the applications for such material, the inventor has used the material to round out and enhance the safety features and safe transportation of the device. The rim in its transport position may be configured to rest upon a hook-and-loop (such as Velcro™) plate that serves as a cushion between metal rim and wooden backboard surface. The cushion may have sufficient length to wrap around the rim and a portion of the back board  1  by going through the hand groove and completing the securing of top portion of the rim. Additionally, such material can include an extending flap that wraps around the rim and fastens to the hand groove  61  so the rim may be further secured against free fall, unintended opening, and looseness. In yet another application of hook-and-loop or similar reattachable material, material is added in the area of the upper hooks. Two patches of the material may be fixed to the front part of the backboard as fasten points for tightly fitting cotton pouches that serve as protectors and mechanisms to lock-in the otherwise free moving locking arm  12 . The tool, likewise, may be made to take advantage of reattachable material or configurations, by placing the same in a close fitting groove in the front of board, smoothed over and enclosed in a rectangular shape hook-and-loop casing. Likewise as shown in  FIG. 6 , the tool may have a hook-and-loop dangle attached as shown by dangle  103 . Accessories may be attached to the backside of the board with an optional pouch. Such accessories may include extra bands, rim fasteners, adhesive protective patches, and net fasteners. 
   A cotton-padded shoulder bag may be provided for storage and transportation. Such a bag would give added protection during storage and transport, which may assist avoiding damage to the slightly protruding hooks and rim parts. Due to the size and configuration of the goal and backboard, the bag may obtain advantage by possessing both a shoulder strap and a separate hand grip for convenient handling. The bag may also include a compartment where accessories and replacement parts can be placed. 
   In one embodiment, the net is fastened to the rim by 12 tightly fitting plastic handcuffs. Over these a cover comprising relatively thick adhesive cotton patches, which are long enough to provide additional support for the net, may be placed for additional securing. The two may be wrapped in adhesive tape which makes for a smooth finish. 
   The ready portability of the device of the present invention, together with its repositionable securement, makes the invention ideal for all manner of teaching and development of basketball skills. The device of the present invention may be placed in a location on a chain-link fence remote from posts, which would allow for a “softer” response of the backboard. An advantage of such a soft mounting, or a “giving” mounting is that shots rebounding from the backboard are much more likely to sink into the goal, meaning that confidence and skill may be developed gradually, in tandem. 
   In a developmental and teaching aspect, the device is geared to assist every beginner to the sport of basketball. The basket allows those who are trying to develop or master the necessary skills of shooting to do so with proper body posture and technique. The device is adjustable from hour to hour to fit the needs of the smallest participant, and the largest participant, alike. When two baskets are placed close together in the corner angles of a fencing area, the running distance can be reduced to the point, where passing and shooting are the focus points of development. 
   In an aspect focused on use in competition, the device may make large scale competitions easy and possible. Numerous baskets can be placed along a fence, with 10-15 players to a basket. A variety of shooting contests can take place without the young participants putting unhealthy stress on ankles, knees and backs in their developing years. A proper set-up of one basket can easily keep 15-20 children busy and having fun all the while. Any coach, PE teacher, or scout master may paint in a shooting gallery, remembering the range of our targeted age groups (6-10 yr.), and may create a ½ point shooting range and then 1,2, and 3, point ranges 
   In a Professional aspect of the device, camps may be arranged to use the invention in an integrated program approach, provided that sufficient staff is called to provide an exhaustive program of Basketball. With relatively little investment of space and funds, six baskets on the inside surface of a fence may be arranged to support play of three simultaneous games, six sessions of shooting, one-on-one, two-on-two, three-on-three, etc. At the same time, baskets can be put on the outside fence surface for free-throw shooting or other warm up exercises. In the context of a multi-basket configuration, all participants will have a higher rate of ball contact, which adds to an intensity that is also a product of the multi-basket program. 
   In a Recreational aspect, because the basket may be freely movable among parks and playground sites, a player, coach, or family always is able to readily find a game or practice area, ensuring greater ball-time and thus greater skill development. Intramural programs could also profit from the multi basket set up. 
   In advantageous consideration of the invention, the device is particularly useful for training the 6 to 10 year-old age group. Firstly, the basket&#39;s adaptability which enables the basket to be adjusted in the shortest amount of time to suit the variety of age groups and levels of development it will face. One of the original intentions of the basket was to put the basket at a range where proper shooting posture could be maintained. With the invention, this is possible and any elevation is done when the strength of the pupils dictate it is safe to do so. Secondly, the variety of shooting games may be geared at keeping a high number of children busy and enthusiastic. These shooting games have the under developed body of children at heart. The games may require that the children take the “both feet parallel stance”, whereby the back has an upright posture and allows the quadriceps muscle to do the minimal work required to get the close range shot off. Presently, No official provision has been made for the lay-up in the 6-10 yr. olds development. The invention may be used to provide one great advantage, wherein the mechanics of a lay-up could be carried out without the pupil leaving the ground. 
   Concluding Remarks 
   The foregoing represents certain exemplary embodiments of the invention selected to teach the principles and practice of the invention generally to those in the art so that they may use their standard skill in the art to make these embodiments or other and variable embodiments of the claimed invention, based on industry skill, while remaining within the scope and practice of the invention, as well as the inventive teaching of this disclosure. The inventor stresses that the invention has numerous particular embodiments, the scope of which shall not be restricted further than the claims as issued. Unless otherwise specifically stated, applicant does not by consistent use of any term in the detailed description in connection with an illustrative embodiment intend to limit the meaning of that term to a particular meaning more narrow than that understood for the term generally.

Technology Category: 1