US4781375A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for adjusting a basketball goal
Assignee: Lifetime Products Inc
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Filing: 1986-10-21
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Granted: 1988-11-01
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Expires: 2006-10-21
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for adjusting the height of a basketball goal comprising a telescoping support pivotally mounted to form a diagonal within a deformable parallelogrammatic structure. The telescoping support has an outer cylinder slidably connected over a concentric inner cylinder. The inner cylinder has a slot with a plurality of notches on its underside and the outer cylinder has a post disposed inside the outer cylinder and in sliding engagement with the slot. The inner cylinder is pivotally mounted such that it may be rotated about its longitudinal axis enough to align the post with either a notch or the slot. The notches are configured such that when a notch engages the post, the telescoping support is held and restricted from extending. A release mechanism is provided to rotate the inner cylinder causing the notch to disengage the post and to align with the slot for sliding engagement with the post. So aligned, the telescoping support may be altered in length thereby changing the shape of the deformable parallelogrammatic structure and raising or lowering the basketball goal. The method of the present invention allows a user equipped with a pole and standing on the basketball playing surface to rotate the inner cylinder using the pole. The user may then raise or lower the basketball goal to the desired height using the pole. Upon removal of the pole, the telescoping support locks into position.
Inventors
- 👤 Stephen F. Nye
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 23:58
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63B; A63B63/00; A63B63/08; A63B63/083; A63B2208/00; A63B2208/12; A63B2225/00; A63B2225/09; A63B2225/093
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 71
Claim 1
Independent Claim
374 words
An adjustable basketball goal system for adjustment of the height of a basketball goal above a playing surface, comprising: a deformable parallelogrammatic structure; means for securing the basketball goal to said parallelogrammatic structure; means for securing said parallelogrammatic structure to a rigid vertical support such that said parallelogrammatic structure is suspended above the playing surface; and a telescoping support, said telescoping support being slidable a maximum distance between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration and disposed substantially as a diagonal for said parallelogrammatic structure wherein said telescoping support has two ends, each of which is pivotally connected to said parallelogrammatic structure, comprising: a first cylindrical member having a longitudinal slot with a plurality of notches, said first cylindrical member having one end pivotally connected to a pivot pin connected to said parallelogrammatic structure such that said first cylindrical member is capable of angular movement about said pivot pin within the plane of said parallelogrammatic structure, and said first cylindrical member also having two elongated bores through which said pivot pin is disposed such that said first cylindrical member is capable of limited rotational movement about its longitudinal axis; a second cylindrical member slidably connected to said first cylindrical member and having a post disposed within said slot, wherein said post slides along the length of said slot as said first cylindrical member slides with respect to said second cylindrical member and said post may engage one of said notches to restrict further movement of said first and second cylindrical members with respect to each other, and wherein said first and second cylindrical members are concentric and said first cylindrical member is disposed, at least partially, within said second cylindrical member; a rotator means for rotating one of said cylindrical members about its longitudinal axis whereby said post is disengaged from one of said notches and is disposed for slidable movement along the length of said slot thereby allowing said telescoping support to extend and contract its length; and means for restricting the sliding movement of said first and second cylindrical members when one of the cylindrical members is rotated and released such that the inadvertent momentary actuation of said rotator means results in the cylindrical members sliding substantially less than said maximum distance.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
374 words
An adjustable basketball goal system for adjustment of the height of a basketball goal above a playing surface, comprising: a deformable parallelogrammatic structure; means for securing the basketball goal to said parallelogrammatic structure; means for securing said parallelogrammatic structure to a rigid vertical support such that said parallelogrammatic structure is suspended above the playing surface; and a telescoping support, said telescoping support being slidable a maximum distance between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration and disposed substantially as a diagonal for said parallelogrammatic structure wherein said telescoping support has two ends, each of which is pivotally connected to said parallelogrammatic structure, comprising: a first cylindrical member having a longitudinal slot with a plurality of notches, said first cylindrical member having one end pivotally connected to a pivot pin connected to said parallelogrammatic structure such that said first cylindrical member is capable of angular movement about said pivot pin within the plane of said parallelogrammatic structure, and said first cylindrical member also having two elongated bores through which said pivot pin is disposed such that said first cylindrical member is capable of limited rotational movement about its longitudinal axis; a second cylindrical member slidably connected to said first cylindrical member and having a post disposed within said slot, wherein said post slides along the length of said slot as said first cylindrical member slides with respect to said second cylindrical member and said post may engage one of said notches to restrict further movement of said first and second cylindrical members with respect to each other, and wherein said first and second cylindrical members are concentric and said first cylindrical member is disposed, at least partially, within said second cylindrical member; a rotator means for rotating one of said cylindrical members about its longitudinal axis whereby said post is disengaged from one of said notches and is disposed for slidable movement along the length of said slot thereby allowing said telescoping support to extend and contract its length; and means for restricting the sliding movement of said first and second cylindrical members when one of the cylindrical members is rotated and released such that the inadvertent momentary actuation of said rotator means results in the cylindrical members sliding substantially less than said maximum distance.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
79 words
An adjustable support system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first cylindrical member is connected to a biasing means which biases said first cylindrical member against rotation and holds said first cylindrical member in a first position, such that when said first cylindrical member is in said first position said post is in engagement with one of said notches and the sliding movement of said first cylindrical member with respect to said second cylindrical member is restricted.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
75 words
An adjustable support system as set forth in claim 2 wherein said rotator means is connected to said first cylindrical member and said rotator means, when actuated, acts against said biasing means to rotate said first cylindrical member to a second position, such that when said first cylindrical member is in said second position said post is disengaged from any of said notches and is disposed for slidable movement along the length of said slot.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
54 words
An adjustable support system as defined in claim 3 wherein each of said notches has a bevelled side such that when a force which tends to contract said telescoping support is applied to the parallelogrammatic structure, said post will move from said first position to said second position without actuation of said rotator means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
57 words
An adjustable support system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said rotator means is connected to said first cylindrical member such that actuation of said rotator means causes said first cylindrical member to rotate whereby said post is disengaged from one of said notches and is disposed for slidable movement along the length of said slot.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
An adjustable support system as defined in claim 1 wherein said notches are spaced along said slot at predetermined intervals which correspond to predetermined desired shapes for the parallelogrammatic structure.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
An adjustable support system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said second cylindrical member is pivotally connected to the parallelogrammatic structure at a location spaced from the vertexes of the parallelogrammatic structure.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
An adjustable support system as set forth in claim 7 wherein said first cylindrical member is pivotally connected to one of the vertexes of the parallelogrammatic structure.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
32 words
An adjustable support system as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a counterbalance means connected to the parallelogrammatic structure such that it biases said telescoping support against extension of its length.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
40 words
An adjustable support system as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a centering means in communication with and disposed within said first cylindrical member, said centering means positioning said first cylindrical member to permit rotation about its longitudinal axis.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
394 words
An adjustable structure for raising and lowering the height of a basketball goal having a backboard and a basketball hoop, comprising: a basketball backboard; a deformable parallelogrammatic structure comprising: a rigid vertical support, an upper support member pivotally connected to said rigid vertical support and to said backboard, a lower support member pivotally connected to said rigid vertical support and to said backboard, said lower support member being substantially parallel to, of equal length to, and spaced from said upper support member; means for securing said deformable parallelogrammatic structure to a stationary object; a telescoping support disposed substantially as a diagonal for said parallelogrammatic structure wherein said telescoping support has two ends, each of which is pivotally connected to said parallelogrammatic structure, said telescoping support comprising: a first cylindrical member having a longitudinal slot with a plurality of notches; and a second cylindrical member, slidably connected to said first cylindrical member, having a post disposed within said slot, wherein said post slides along the length of said slot as said first cylindrical member slides with respect to said second cylindrical member and said post may engage one of said notches to restrict further movement of said first and second cylindrical members with respect to each other; rotator means for rotating one of said cylindrical members about its longitudinal axis wherein said post is disengaged from one of said notches and is disposed for slidable movement along the length of said slot thereby allowing said telescoping support to extend and contract its length, said rotator means including a lever plate which is in communication with said telescoping support and which is connected to said parallelogrammatic structure at a fulcrum pivot point, said lever plate being capable of movement about said fulcrum pivot point and communicating a force applied to an end of said lever plate to said telescoping support for rotating one of said cylindrical members about its longitudinal axis, said lever plate including a release cup disposed at one end for receiving the tip of a force applying implement and for restraining the tip of the implement from inadvertent slippage from said release plate; and means for biasing said rotator means such that said post is normally engaged in one of said notches such that the inadvertent actuation of the rotator means causes said telescoping support to extend only a portion of its length.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
394 words
An adjustable structure for raising and lowering the height of a basketball goal having a backboard and a basketball hoop, comprising: a basketball backboard; a deformable parallelogrammatic structure comprising: a rigid vertical support, an upper support member pivotally connected to said rigid vertical support and to said backboard, a lower support member pivotally connected to said rigid vertical support and to said backboard, said lower support member being substantially parallel to, of equal length to, and spaced from said upper support member; means for securing said deformable parallelogrammatic structure to a stationary object; a telescoping support disposed substantially as a diagonal for said parallelogrammatic structure wherein said telescoping support has two ends, each of which is pivotally connected to said parallelogrammatic structure, said telescoping support comprising: a first cylindrical member having a longitudinal slot with a plurality of notches; and a second cylindrical member, slidably connected to said first cylindrical member, having a post disposed within said slot, wherein said post slides along the length of said slot as said first cylindrical member slides with respect to said second cylindrical member and said post may engage one of said notches to restrict further movement of said first and second cylindrical members with respect to each other; rotator means for rotating one of said cylindrical members about its longitudinal axis wherein said post is disengaged from one of said notches and is disposed for slidable movement along the length of said slot thereby allowing said telescoping support to extend and contract its length, said rotator means including a lever plate which is in communication with said telescoping support and which is connected to said parallelogrammatic structure at a fulcrum pivot point, said lever plate being capable of movement about said fulcrum pivot point and communicating a force applied to an end of said lever plate to said telescoping support for rotating one of said cylindrical members about its longitudinal axis, said lever plate including a release cup disposed at one end for receiving the tip of a force applying implement and for restraining the tip of the implement from inadvertent slippage from said release plate; and means for biasing said rotator means such that said post is normally engaged in one of said notches such that the inadvertent actuation of the rotator means causes said telescoping support to extend only a portion of its length.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
33 words
An adjustable structure as set forth in claim 11 wherein said first and second cylindrical members are concentric and said first cylindrical member is disposed, at least partially, within said second cylindrical member.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
82 words
An adjustable structure as set forth in claim 12 wherein said first cylindrical member has one end pivotally connected to a pivot pin connected to said parallelogrammatic structure such that said first cylindrical member is capable of angular movement about said pivot pin within the plane of said parallelogrammatic structure, and said first cylindrical member has two elongated bores through which said pivot pin is disposed such that said first cylindrical member is capable of limited rotational movement about its longitudinal axis.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
88 words
An adjustable structure as set forth in claim 13 wherein said means for biasing comprises a spring device and wherein the first cylindrical member is connected to the spring device which biases said first cylindrical member against rotation and holds said first cylindrical member in a first position, such that when said first cylindrical member is in said first position said post is in engagement with one of said notches and the sliding movement of said first cylindrical member with respect to said second cylindrical member is restricted.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
74 words
An adjustable structure as set forth in claim 14 wherein said rotator means is connected to said first cylindrical member and said rotator means, when actuated, acts against said spring device to rotate said first cylindrical member to a second position, such that when said first cylindrical member is in said second position said post is disengaged from any of said notches and is disposed for slidable movement along the length of said slot.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
53 words
An adjustable structure as defined in claim 15 wherein each of said notches has a bevelled side such that when a force which tends to contract said telescoping support is applied to said parallelogrammatic structure, said post will move from said first position to said second position without actuation of said rotator means.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
39 words
An adjustable structure as set forth in claim 13 further comprising a centering means in communication with said disposed within said first cylindrical member, said centering means positioning said first cylindrical member to permit rotation about its longitudinal axis.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
56 words
An adjustable structure as set forth in claim 11 wherein said rotator means is connected to said first cylindrical member such that actuation of said rotator means causes said first cylindrical member to rotate whereby said post is disengaged from one of said notches and is disposed for slidable movement along the length of said slot.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
40 words
An adjustable structure as defined in claim 11 wherein said notches are spaced along said slot at predetermined intervals which correspond to predetermined desired shapes for said parallelogrammatic structure and predetermined heights at which the basketball goal may be positioned.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
32 words
An adjustable structure as set forth in claim 11 wherein said second cylindrical member is pivotally connected to said parallelogrammatic structure at a location spaced from a vertex of said parallelogrammatic structure.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
26 words
An adjustable structure as set forth in claim 20 wherein said first cylindrical member is pivotally connected to one of the vertexes of said parallelogrammatic structure.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
38 words
An adjustable structure as set forth in claim 20 wherein said second cylindrical member is pivotally connected to said upper support member to permit angular movement of said second cylindrical member within the plane of said parallelogrammatic structure.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
24 words
An adjustable structure as set forth in claim 11 wherein said rigid vertical support comprises a rigid support plate affixed to a rigid pole.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
19 words
An adjustable structure as set forth in claim 11 wherein said rigid vertical support comprises a rigid support plate.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
24 words
An adjustable structure as defined in claim 11 wherein said slot and said post are disposed on the underneath side of said telescoping support.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
37 words
An adjustable structure as set forth in claim 11 wherein said parallelogrammatic structure further comprises a mounting plate rigidly connected to the backboard, said mounting plate being pivotally connected to said upper and said lower support members.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
29 words
An adjustable structure as set forth in claim 26 wherein said mounting plate extends below the backboard thereby serving as a shield against inadvertent actuation of said rotator means.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
31 words
An adjustable structure as set forth in claim 11 further comprising a counterbalance means connected to said parallelogrammatic structure such that it biases said telescoping support against extension of its length.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
19 words
An adjustable structure as set forth in claim 28 wherein said counterbalance means is disposed within said telescoping support.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
38 words
An adjustable structure as set forth in claim 11 wherein said means for biasing comprises a spring device connected to said telescoping support which biases the one of said cylindrical members rotatable by said rotator means against rotation.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
17 words
An adjustable structure as set forth in claim 30 wherein said spring device comprises a coiled spring.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
45 words
An adjustable structure as set forth in claim 31 further comprising means for anchoring said spring at one of a plurality of locations remote from said telescoping support such that the tension of said spring may be adjusted by adjusting the length of said spring.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
62 words
An adjustable structure as set forth in claim 11 further comprising a guide loop connected to the basketball goal remote from said rigid vertical support, said guide loop being configured to receive the tip of a rod used to apply a force to said parallelogrammatic structure, said guide loop prevents the tip of the rod from slipping when the force is applied.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
58 words
An adjustable support system as set forth in claim 11 wherein said lever plate is connected to a biasing means which holds said lever plate in an undepressed position and biases said lever plate against movement about its fulcrum pivot point unless a predetermined amount of force is applied at the release cup end of said lever plate.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
92 words
An adjustable support system as set forth in claim 34 wherein said telescoping support has a rocker arm rigidly secured to said telescoping support and in communication with said lever plate, said rocker arm being disposed on said telescoping support such that when a sufficient force is applied to said lever plate at the release cup end said lever plate moves about the fulcrum pivot point to a depressed position and such movement is communicated to said rocker arm thereby causing one of said cylindrical members to rotate about its longitudinal axis.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
383 words
A method for raising the height of a basketball goal from a first, lower predetermined height to a second, higher predetermined height by altering the shape of a deformable parallelogrammatic structure, the parallelogrammatic structure having vertically disposed opposite sides, one side connected to the basketball goal and the opposite side being a rigid vertical support, a guide loop connected to the basketball goal, and a telescoping support with two ends, each of which is pivotally connected to the parallelogrammatic structure, a first cylindrical member having a slot with a plurality of notches wherein each notch has a bevelled side, and a second cylindricl member slidably connected to the first cylindrical member and having a post disposed within the slot wherein the post may slide along the length of the slot as the first cylindrical member slides with respect to the second cylindrical member and wherein the post may engage one of the notches to restrict further movement of the first and second cylindrical member with respect to each other, one of the cylindrical members being rotatable about is longitudinal axis, comprising the steps of: engaging the guide loop with the tip of an implement used for applying a force at a desired point; applying force to the basketball goal at the guide loop thereby resulting in a force being applied to the parallelogrammatic structure such that the resultant force on the parallelogrammatic structure tends to contract the length of the telescoping support thereby pressing the bevelled side of one of the notches against the post and causing the rotatable cylindrical member to rotate from a first position wherein the post is positioned within one of the notches to a second position whereby the post is disengaged from the notches and is disposed for slidable movement along the length of the slot thereby permitting the telescoping support to extend and contract its length; raising the basketball goal to the second predetermined height by continuing to apply a force to the parallelogrammatic structure such that the post slidably travels the slot to a position wherein the post aligns with a notch corresponding to the second predetermined height; rotating the rotatable cylindrical member so that the post engages the notch corresponding to the second predetermined height; and releasing the force being applied to the parallelogrammatic structure.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
383 words
A method for raising the height of a basketball goal from a first, lower predetermined height to a second, higher predetermined height by altering the shape of a deformable parallelogrammatic structure, the parallelogrammatic structure having vertically disposed opposite sides, one side connected to the basketball goal and the opposite side being a rigid vertical support, a guide loop connected to the basketball goal, and a telescoping support with two ends, each of which is pivotally connected to the parallelogrammatic structure, a first cylindrical member having a slot with a plurality of notches wherein each notch has a bevelled side, and a second cylindricl member slidably connected to the first cylindrical member and having a post disposed within the slot wherein the post may slide along the length of the slot as the first cylindrical member slides with respect to the second cylindrical member and wherein the post may engage one of the notches to restrict further movement of the first and second cylindrical member with respect to each other, one of the cylindrical members being rotatable about is longitudinal axis, comprising the steps of: engaging the guide loop with the tip of an implement used for applying a force at a desired point; applying force to the basketball goal at the guide loop thereby resulting in a force being applied to the parallelogrammatic structure such that the resultant force on the parallelogrammatic structure tends to contract the length of the telescoping support thereby pressing the bevelled side of one of the notches against the post and causing the rotatable cylindrical member to rotate from a first position wherein the post is positioned within one of the notches to a second position whereby the post is disengaged from the notches and is disposed for slidable movement along the length of the slot thereby permitting the telescoping support to extend and contract its length; raising the basketball goal to the second predetermined height by continuing to apply a force to the parallelogrammatic structure such that the post slidably travels the slot to a position wherein the post aligns with a notch corresponding to the second predetermined height; rotating the rotatable cylindrical member so that the post engages the notch corresponding to the second predetermined height; and releasing the force being applied to the parallelogrammatic structure.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
48 words
A method for raising the height of a basketball goal as set forth in claim 36 wherein the rotatable cylindrical member is biased against rotation and the step of rotating the rotatable cylindrical member to return the post to engagement with a notch is caused by such biasing.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
466 words
A method for lowering the height of a basketball goal connected to a deformable parallelogrammatic structure from one predetermined height to a second lower predetermined height wherein a guide loop is connected to the basketball goal, the parallelogrammatic structure having a rigid vertical side and a substantially diagonally disposed telescoping support with two ends, each of which is pivotally connected to the parallelogrammatic structure, a first cylindrical member having a slot with a plurality of notches wherein each notch has a bevelled side, and a second cylindrical member slidably connected to the first cylindrical member and having a post disposed within the slot wherein the post may slide along the length of the slot as the first cylindrical member slides with respect to the second cylindrical member and wherein the post may engage one of the notches to restrict further movement of the first and second cylindrical members with respect to each other, one of the cylindrical members being rotatable about its longitudinal axis, comprising the steps of: rotating the rotatable cylindrical member about its longitudinal axis from a first position wherein the post is positioned within one of the notches to a second position whereby the post is disengaged from the notches and is disposed for slidable movement along the length of the slot thereby permitting the telescoping support to extend its length; extending the length of the telescoping support by lowering the basketball goal to its lowest position thereby causing the post to slide along the slot to its full length to align with and engage the notch corresponding to the lowest predetermined height for the basketball goal; engaging the guide loop with the tip of an implement used for applying a force at a desired point and applying force to the basketball goal at the guide loop thereby resulting in a force being applied to the parallelogrammatic structure such that the resultant force on the parallelogrammatic structure tends to contract the length of the telescoping support thereby pressing the bevelled side of the notch against the post and causing the rotatable cylindrical member to rotate from the first position wherein the post is positioned within one of the notches to a second position whereby the post is disengaged from the notches and is disposed for slidable movement along the length of the slot thereby permitting the telescoping support to contract its length; moving the basketball goal to the second predetermined height by continuing to apply a force to the parallelogrammatic structure such that the post slidably travels the slot to a position wherein the post aligns with a notch corresponding to the second predetermined height; rotating the rotatable cylindrical member so that the post engages the notch corresponding to the second predetermined height; and releasing the force being applied to the parallelogrammatic structure.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
466 words
A method for lowering the height of a basketball goal connected to a deformable parallelogrammatic structure from one predetermined height to a second lower predetermined height wherein a guide loop is connected to the basketball goal, the parallelogrammatic structure having a rigid vertical side and a substantially diagonally disposed telescoping support with two ends, each of which is pivotally connected to the parallelogrammatic structure, a first cylindrical member having a slot with a plurality of notches wherein each notch has a bevelled side, and a second cylindrical member slidably connected to the first cylindrical member and having a post disposed within the slot wherein the post may slide along the length of the slot as the first cylindrical member slides with respect to the second cylindrical member and wherein the post may engage one of the notches to restrict further movement of the first and second cylindrical members with respect to each other, one of the cylindrical members being rotatable about its longitudinal axis, comprising the steps of: rotating the rotatable cylindrical member about its longitudinal axis from a first position wherein the post is positioned within one of the notches to a second position whereby the post is disengaged from the notches and is disposed for slidable movement along the length of the slot thereby permitting the telescoping support to extend its length; extending the length of the telescoping support by lowering the basketball goal to its lowest position thereby causing the post to slide along the slot to its full length to align with and engage the notch corresponding to the lowest predetermined height for the basketball goal; engaging the guide loop with the tip of an implement used for applying a force at a desired point and applying force to the basketball goal at the guide loop thereby resulting in a force being applied to the parallelogrammatic structure such that the resultant force on the parallelogrammatic structure tends to contract the length of the telescoping support thereby pressing the bevelled side of the notch against the post and causing the rotatable cylindrical member to rotate from the first position wherein the post is positioned within one of the notches to a second position whereby the post is disengaged from the notches and is disposed for slidable movement along the length of the slot thereby permitting the telescoping support to contract its length; moving the basketball goal to the second predetermined height by continuing to apply a force to the parallelogrammatic structure such that the post slidably travels the slot to a position wherein the post aligns with a notch corresponding to the second predetermined height; rotating the rotatable cylindrical member so that the post engages the notch corresponding to the second predetermined height; and releasing the force being applied to the parallelogrammatic structure.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
63 words
A method for lowering the height of a basketball goal as set forth in claim 38 wherein the parallelogrammatic structure has a rotator means and the step of rotating one of the cylindrical members about its longitudinal axis from said first position to said second position comprises the step of actuating the rotator means connected to the cylindrical member which is being rotated.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
137 words
A method for lowering the height of a basketball goal as set forth in claim 39 wherein the rotator means comprises a lever plate in communication with the telescoping support and connected to the parallelogrammatic structure at a fulcrum pivot point and the step of actuating the rotator means comprises the steps of: engaging the end of the lever plate distant from communication with the telescoping support with the tip of an implement used for applying a force at a desired point; and depressing the end of the lever plate from an undepressed position to a depressed position by applying a force via the implement to the lever plate, thereby transferring the force about the fulcrum pivot point through the lever plate to the telescoping support and causing the cylindrical member which is being rotated to rotate.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method for lowering the height of a basketball goal as set forth in claim 38 wherein the cylindrical member which is rotated about its longitudinal axis from said first position to said second position is the first cylindrical member.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
48 words
A method for lowering the height of a basketball goaal as set forth in claim 38 wherein the rotatable cylindrical member is biased against rotation and the step of rotating the rotatable cylindrical member to return the post to engagement with a notch is caused by such biasing.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
394 words
An adjustable basketball goal system allowing for adjustment of the height of the basketball goal above a playing surface, comprising: a deformable parallelogrammatic structure; means for securing said deformable parallelogrammatic structure to a rigid object such that the parallelogrammatic structure is suspended above the playing surface; means for attaching the basketball goal to said parallelogrammatic structure; and a telescoping support, said telescoping support being slidable a maximum distance between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration and disposed substantially as a diagonal for the parallelogrammatic structure, said telescoping support comprising: a first cylindrical member pivotally connected to the parallelogrammatic structure, said first cylindrical member having one end pivotally connected to a pivot pin connected to said parallelogrammatic structure such that said first cylindrical member is capable of angular movement about said pivot pin within the plane of said parallelogrammatic structure, said first cylindrical member also having two elongated bores through which said pivot pin is disposed such that said first cylindrical member is capable of limited rotational movement about its longitudinal axis; a second cylindrical member slidably connected to said first cylindrical member and pivotally connected to said parallelogrammatic structure, said first and second cylindrical members being configured such that they are concentric and said first cylindrical member is disposed, at least partially, within said second cylindrical member, said first cylindrical member having a longitudinal slot with a plurality of notches and said second cylindrical member having a post disposed within said slot, wherein said post slides along the length of said slot as said first cylindrical member slides with respect to said second cylindrical member and said post may engage one of said notches to restrict further movement of said first and second cylindrical members with respect to each other; locking means for restricting the sliding movement of said second cylindrical member relative to said first cylindrical member, in at least a first direction, said locking means having both an engaged and a disengaged position, said locking means being disengaged by the rotation of one cylindrical member relative to the other cylindrical member; and means for urging said locking means into the engaged position such that inadvertent rotation of one of said cylindrical members results in the cylindrical members sliding less than said maximum distance and such that a user may disengage the locking means and adjust the height of the basketball goal.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
394 words
An adjustable basketball goal system allowing for adjustment of the height of the basketball goal above a playing surface, comprising: a deformable parallelogrammatic structure; means for securing said deformable parallelogrammatic structure to a rigid object such that the parallelogrammatic structure is suspended above the playing surface; means for attaching the basketball goal to said parallelogrammatic structure; and a telescoping support, said telescoping support being slidable a maximum distance between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration and disposed substantially as a diagonal for the parallelogrammatic structure, said telescoping support comprising: a first cylindrical member pivotally connected to the parallelogrammatic structure, said first cylindrical member having one end pivotally connected to a pivot pin connected to said parallelogrammatic structure such that said first cylindrical member is capable of angular movement about said pivot pin within the plane of said parallelogrammatic structure, said first cylindrical member also having two elongated bores through which said pivot pin is disposed such that said first cylindrical member is capable of limited rotational movement about its longitudinal axis; a second cylindrical member slidably connected to said first cylindrical member and pivotally connected to said parallelogrammatic structure, said first and second cylindrical members being configured such that they are concentric and said first cylindrical member is disposed, at least partially, within said second cylindrical member, said first cylindrical member having a longitudinal slot with a plurality of notches and said second cylindrical member having a post disposed within said slot, wherein said post slides along the length of said slot as said first cylindrical member slides with respect to said second cylindrical member and said post may engage one of said notches to restrict further movement of said first and second cylindrical members with respect to each other; locking means for restricting the sliding movement of said second cylindrical member relative to said first cylindrical member, in at least a first direction, said locking means having both an engaged and a disengaged position, said locking means being disengaged by the rotation of one cylindrical member relative to the other cylindrical member; and means for urging said locking means into the engaged position such that inadvertent rotation of one of said cylindrical members results in the cylindrical members sliding less than said maximum distance and such that a user may disengage the locking means and adjust the height of the basketball goal.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
32 words
An adjustable support system as described in claim 43 further comprising a rotator means for rotating one of said cylindrical members about its longitudinal axis whereby said locking means may be actuated.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
90 words
An adjustable basketball goal system as set forth in claim 43 wherein said means for urging comprises a biasing means and wherein said first cylindrical member is connected to said biasing means which biases said first cylindrical member against rotation and holds said first cylindrical member in a first position, such that when said first cylindrical member is in said first position said post is in engagement with one of said notches and the sliding movement of said first cylindrical member with respect to said second cylindrical member is restricted.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
33 words
An adjustable basketball goal system as set forth in claim 43 further comprising a counterbalance means connected to said parallelogrammatic structure such that it biases said telescoping support against extension of its length.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
35 words
An adjustable basketball goal system as set forth in claim 43 wherein the means for urging comprises a spring device connected to said telescoping support which biases the one of said cylindrical members against rotation.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
19 words
An adjustable basketball goal system as set forth in claim 47 wherein said spring device comprises a coiled spring.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
413 words
An adjustable basketball goal apparatus which may be adjusted to a plurality of heights above a playing surface comprising: a basketball goal comprising a basketball backboard and a basketball rim; a deformable parallelogrammatic structure; means for securing said basketball goal to said deformable parallelogrammatic structure; means for securing said deformable parallelogrammatic structure to a rigid object such that said basketball goal is suspended above the playing surface; a first cylindrical member pivotally connected to said parallelogrammatic structure, said first cylindrical member having one end pivotally connected to a pivot pin connected to said parallelogrammatic structure such that said first cylindrical member is capable of angular movement about said pivot pin within the plane of said parallelogrammatic structure, said first cylindrical member also having two elongated bores through which said pivot pin is disposed such that said first cylindrical member is capable of limited rotational movement about its longitudinal axis; a second cylindrical member slidably connected to said first cylindrical member and pivotally connected to said parallelogrammatic structure, said first and second cylindrical members together comprising a telescoping support, said telescoping support being slidable a maximum distance between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration; restricting means for restricting the sliding movement of said second cylindrical member, relative to said first cylindrical member, in at least a first direction, said restricting means having an engaged and a disengaged position, said first and second cylindrical members being configured such that they are concentric and said first cylindrical member is disposed, at least partially, within said second cylindrical member, said restricting means including a longitudinal slot and a plurality of notches formed on said first cylindrical member and a post formed on said second cylindrical member disposed within said slot, wherein said post slides along the length of said slot as said first cylindrical member slides with respect to said second cylindrical member and said post may engage one of said notches of restrict further movement of said first and second cylindrical members with respect to each other; rotator means for rotating one of said cylindrical members relative to the other to engage and disengage said restricting means; and means for biasing the rotator means so as to urge the restricting means into said engaged position such that the inadvertent rotation of one of said cylindrical members results in said telescoping support sliding less than said maximum distance and such that a user may disengage said restricting means and adjust the height of the basketball goal.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
413 words
An adjustable basketball goal apparatus which may be adjusted to a plurality of heights above a playing surface comprising: a basketball goal comprising a basketball backboard and a basketball rim; a deformable parallelogrammatic structure; means for securing said basketball goal to said deformable parallelogrammatic structure; means for securing said deformable parallelogrammatic structure to a rigid object such that said basketball goal is suspended above the playing surface; a first cylindrical member pivotally connected to said parallelogrammatic structure, said first cylindrical member having one end pivotally connected to a pivot pin connected to said parallelogrammatic structure such that said first cylindrical member is capable of angular movement about said pivot pin within the plane of said parallelogrammatic structure, said first cylindrical member also having two elongated bores through which said pivot pin is disposed such that said first cylindrical member is capable of limited rotational movement about its longitudinal axis; a second cylindrical member slidably connected to said first cylindrical member and pivotally connected to said parallelogrammatic structure, said first and second cylindrical members together comprising a telescoping support, said telescoping support being slidable a maximum distance between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration; restricting means for restricting the sliding movement of said second cylindrical member, relative to said first cylindrical member, in at least a first direction, said restricting means having an engaged and a disengaged position, said first and second cylindrical members being configured such that they are concentric and said first cylindrical member is disposed, at least partially, within said second cylindrical member, said restricting means including a longitudinal slot and a plurality of notches formed on said first cylindrical member and a post formed on said second cylindrical member disposed within said slot, wherein said post slides along the length of said slot as said first cylindrical member slides with respect to said second cylindrical member and said post may engage one of said notches of restrict further movement of said first and second cylindrical members with respect to each other; rotator means for rotating one of said cylindrical members relative to the other to engage and disengage said restricting means; and means for biasing the rotator means so as to urge the restricting means into said engaged position such that the inadvertent rotation of one of said cylindrical members results in said telescoping support sliding less than said maximum distance and such that a user may disengage said restricting means and adjust the height of the basketball goal.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
79 words
An adjustable support system as set forth in claim 49 wherein said first cylindrical member is connected to a biasing means which biases said first cylindrical member against rotation and holds said first cylindrical member in a first position, such that when said first cylindrical member is in said first position said post is in engagement with one of said notches and the sliding movement of said first cylindrical member with respect to said second cylindrical member is restricted.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
35 words
An adjustable support system as set forth in claim 49 further comprising a counterbalance means connected to said parallelogrammatic structure such that said counterbalance means biases said telescoping support against the extension of its length.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
36 words
An adjustable support system as set forth in claim 49 wherein said means for biasing the rotator means comprises a biasing means connected to said telescoping support which biases one of said cylindrical members against rotation.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
17 words
An adjustable support system as set forth in claim 51 wherein said biasing means comprises a spring.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
334 words
An adjustable basketball goal system for adjustment of the height of a basketball goal above a playing surface, comprising: a deformable parallelogrammatic structure; means for securing the basketball goal to said parallelogrammatic structure; means for securing said parallelogrammatic structure to a rigid vertical support such that said parallelogrammatic structure is suspended above the playing surface; a telescoping support, said telescoping support being slidable a maximum distance between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration and disposed substantially as a diagonal for said parallelogrammatic structure wherein said telescoping support has two ends, each of which is pivotally connected to said parallelogrammatic structure, said telescoping support comprising: a first cylindrical member having a longitudinal slot with a plurality of notches; a second cylindrical member slidably connected to said first cylindrical member and having a post disposed within said slot, wherein said post slides along the length of said slot as said first cylindrical member slides with respect to said second cylindrical member and said post may engage one of said notches to restrict further movement of said first and second cylindrical members with respect to each other; rotator means for rotating one of said cylindrical members about its longitudinal axis whereby said post is disengaged from one of said notches and is disposed for slidable movement along the length of said slot thereby allowing said telescoping support to extend and contract its length; and means for restricting the sliding movement of said first and second cylindrical members when one of the cylindrical members is rotated and released such that the inadvertent momentary actuation of said rotator means results in the cylindrical members sliding substantially less than said maximum distance; a spring connected to said telescoping support which biases the one of said cylindrical members rotatable by said rotator means against rotation; and means for anchoring said spring at one of a plurality of locations remote from said telescoping support such that the tension of said spring may be adjusted by adjusting the length of said spring.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
334 words
An adjustable basketball goal system for adjustment of the height of a basketball goal above a playing surface, comprising: a deformable parallelogrammatic structure; means for securing the basketball goal to said parallelogrammatic structure; means for securing said parallelogrammatic structure to a rigid vertical support such that said parallelogrammatic structure is suspended above the playing surface; a telescoping support, said telescoping support being slidable a maximum distance between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration and disposed substantially as a diagonal for said parallelogrammatic structure wherein said telescoping support has two ends, each of which is pivotally connected to said parallelogrammatic structure, said telescoping support comprising: a first cylindrical member having a longitudinal slot with a plurality of notches; a second cylindrical member slidably connected to said first cylindrical member and having a post disposed within said slot, wherein said post slides along the length of said slot as said first cylindrical member slides with respect to said second cylindrical member and said post may engage one of said notches to restrict further movement of said first and second cylindrical members with respect to each other; rotator means for rotating one of said cylindrical members about its longitudinal axis whereby said post is disengaged from one of said notches and is disposed for slidable movement along the length of said slot thereby allowing said telescoping support to extend and contract its length; and means for restricting the sliding movement of said first and second cylindrical members when one of the cylindrical members is rotated and released such that the inadvertent momentary actuation of said rotator means results in the cylindrical members sliding substantially less than said maximum distance; a spring connected to said telescoping support which biases the one of said cylindrical members rotatable by said rotator means against rotation; and means for anchoring said spring at one of a plurality of locations remote from said telescoping support such that the tension of said spring may be adjusted by adjusting the length of said spring.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
57 words
An adjustable support system as set forth in claim 54 wherein said rotator means is connected to said first cylindrical member such that actuation of said rotator means causes said first cylindrical member to rotate whereby said post is disengaged from one of said notches and is disposed for slidable movement along the length of said slot.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
32 words
An adjustable support system as set forth in claim 54 further comprising a counterbalance means connected to the parallelogrammatic structure such that it biases said telescoping support against extension of its length.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
377 words
An adjustable basketball goal system for adjustment of the height of a basketball goal above a playing surface, comprising: a deformable parallelogrammatic structure; means for securing the basketball goal to said parallelogrammatic structure; means for securing said parallelogrammatic structure to a rigid vertical support such that said parallelogrammatic structure is suspended above the playing surface; and a telescoping support, said telescoping support being slidable a maximum distance between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration and disposed substantially as a diagonal for said parallelogrammatic structure wherein said telescoping support has two ends, each of which is pivotally connected to said parallelogrammatic structure, comprising: a first cylindrical member having a longitudinal slot with a plurality of notches; a second cylindrical member slidably connected to said first cylindrical member and having a post disposed within said slot, wherein said post slides along the length of said slot as said first cylindrical member slides with respect to said second cylindrical member and said post may engage one of said notches to restrict further movement of said first and second cylindrical members with respect to each other; rotator means for rotating one of said cylindrical members about its longitudinal axis whereby said post is disengaged from one of said notches and is disposed for slidable movement along the length of said slot thereby allowing said telescoping support to extend and contract its length, said rotator means including a lever plate which is in communication with said telescoping support and which is connected to the parallelogrammatic structure at a fulcrum pivot point, said lever plate being capable of movement about said fulcrum pivot point and communicating a force applied to an end of said lever plate to said telescoping support for rotating one of said cylindrical members about its longitudinal axis, said lever plate including a release cup disposed at one end for receiving the tip of a force applying implement and for restraining the tip of the implement from inadvertent slippage from said release plate; and means for restricting the sliding movement of said first and second cylindrical members when one of the cylindrical members is rotated and released such that the inadvertent momentary actuation of said rotator means results in the cylindrical members sliding substantially less than said maximum distance.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
377 words
An adjustable basketball goal system for adjustment of the height of a basketball goal above a playing surface, comprising: a deformable parallelogrammatic structure; means for securing the basketball goal to said parallelogrammatic structure; means for securing said parallelogrammatic structure to a rigid vertical support such that said parallelogrammatic structure is suspended above the playing surface; and a telescoping support, said telescoping support being slidable a maximum distance between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration and disposed substantially as a diagonal for said parallelogrammatic structure wherein said telescoping support has two ends, each of which is pivotally connected to said parallelogrammatic structure, comprising: a first cylindrical member having a longitudinal slot with a plurality of notches; a second cylindrical member slidably connected to said first cylindrical member and having a post disposed within said slot, wherein said post slides along the length of said slot as said first cylindrical member slides with respect to said second cylindrical member and said post may engage one of said notches to restrict further movement of said first and second cylindrical members with respect to each other; rotator means for rotating one of said cylindrical members about its longitudinal axis whereby said post is disengaged from one of said notches and is disposed for slidable movement along the length of said slot thereby allowing said telescoping support to extend and contract its length, said rotator means including a lever plate which is in communication with said telescoping support and which is connected to the parallelogrammatic structure at a fulcrum pivot point, said lever plate being capable of movement about said fulcrum pivot point and communicating a force applied to an end of said lever plate to said telescoping support for rotating one of said cylindrical members about its longitudinal axis, said lever plate including a release cup disposed at one end for receiving the tip of a force applying implement and for restraining the tip of the implement from inadvertent slippage from said release plate; and means for restricting the sliding movement of said first and second cylindrical members when one of the cylindrical members is rotated and released such that the inadvertent momentary actuation of said rotator means results in the cylindrical members sliding substantially less than said maximum distance.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
58 words
An adjustable support system as set forth in claim 57 wherein said lever plate is connected to a biasing means which holds said lever plate in an undepressed position and biases said lever plate against movement about its fulcrum pivot point unless a predetermined amount of force is applied at the release cup end of said lever plate.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
92 words
An adjustable support system as set forth in claim 58 wherein said telescoping support has a rocker arm rigidly secured to said telescoping support and in communication with said lever plate, said rocker arm being disposed on said telescoping support such that when a sufficient force is applied to said lever plate at the release cup end said lever plate moves about the fulcrum pivot point to a depressed position and such movement is communicated to said rocker arm thereby causing one of said cylindrical members to rotate about its longitudinal axis.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
57 words
An adjustable support system as set forth in claim 57 wherein said rotator means is connected to said first cylindrical member such that actuation of said rotator means causes said first cylindrical member to rotate whereby said post is disengaged from one of said notches and is disposed for slidable movement along the length of said slot.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
30 words
An adjustable support system as defined in claim 57 wherein said notches are spaced along said slot at predetermined intervals which correspond to predetermined desired shapes for the parallelogrammatic structure.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
32 words
An adjustable support system as set forth in claim 57 further comprising a counterbalance means connected to the parallelogrammatic structure such that it biases said telescoping support against extension of its length.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
20 words
An adjustable support system as set forth in claim 9 wherein said counterbalance means is disposed within said telescoping support.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-11-01 | 1992-05-02 | 1992-11-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-11-01 | 1996-05-02 | 1996-11-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-11-01 | 2000-05-02 | 2000-11-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |