Poolside goal system

Abstract

A poolside goal system may allow various games or sports, such as basketball or volleyball, to be played in a swimming pool. For example, the poolside goal system may include a base, a goal support, a basketball goal assembly and volleyball net assembly. The basketball goal assembly is preferably movable between a first position in which basketball can be played and a second position which allows volleyball to be played. Advantageously, the basketball goal assembly may be configured to counterbalance forces applied to the volleyball net assembly. The poolside goal system may also include a wheel assembly to allow the system to be readily moved, or the goal system may be permanently secured in a fixed position. The poolside goal system, however, does not have to be used in connection with a swimming pool and it could be used in other environments or situations.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60 / 501,510, entitled POOLSIDE GOAL SUPPORT, which was filed on Sep. 9, 2003, and this application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60 / 515,764, entitled POOLSIDE GOAL SUPPORT, which was filed on Oct. 30, 2003, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention generally relates to a goal system and, in particular, to a poolside goal system. [0004] 2. Description of Related Art [0005] Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the United States and throughout the world. The popularity of basketball is so widespread that it is even played in swimming pools. The popularity of playing basketball in a swimming pool has given rise to the development of poolside basketball syst...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] A need therefore exists for a poolside goal system that eliminates the above-described disadvantages and problems.

[0008] One aspect of an exemplary embodiment is a poolside goal system that may be used to play basketball in a swimming pool. For example, the poolside goal system may include a basketball rim, net and backboard to facilitate shooting a basketball and playing basketball in a swimming pool. Of course, because the game is being played in a swimming pool, a conventional basketball may not be used and other suitable type of balls may be used. In addition, because the game is being played in a swimming pool, the poolside goal system may have different sizes, characteristics and the like than a conventional basketball system. In particular, the poolside goal system may have different heights and dimensions to allow, for example, a ball to be more easily shot at the basketball while in a swimming pool.

Problems solved by technology

Disadvantageously, conventional poolside basketball systems may require installation of obstructive, permanent facilities or structures, and conventional poolside basketball systems may require substantial modifications to existing facilities or structures.

Disadvantageously, conventional poolside volleyball systems may require installation of obstructive, permanent facilities or structures, and conventional poolside volleyball systems may require substantial modifications to existing facilities or structures.

Unfortunately, many conventional poolside volleyball systems do not securely support the volleyball net and if an excessive force is applied to the net, the net may collapsed and / or portions of the volleyball system may be pulled into the pool.

In addition, many conventional poolside volleyball systems may allow the net to break or otherwise be damaged if excessive force is applied to the net.

Of course, because the game is being played in a swimming pool, a conventional basketball may not be used and other suitable type of balls may be used.

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