Support pole for a basketball system

Abstract

A support pole for a basketball system is preferably adjustable in height to allow a basketball goal to be located at various heights. The support pole may include a first section and a second section that are movable relative to each other. An adjustment assembly may hold the first and second support pole sections in a generally fixed position and allow the support pole sections to be moved, which may allow the height of the basketball goal to be adjusted. The adjustment assembly may include, for example, one or more surfaces that frictionally abut or contact one or more support pole sections. The adjustment assembly may also include one or more structures that are inserted into openings, apertures, detents or the like to secure the support pole at a desired length. In addition, the adjustment assembly may include a handle, trigger or the like to allow the length of the support pole to be adjusted.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 555,528, filed Mar. 22, 2004 and entitled ADJUSTABLE LENGTH BASKETBALL SUPPORT POLE, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention generally relates to a basketball system and, in particular, to a support pole that may adjust to support a basketball goal at various heights. [0004] 2. Description of Related Art [0005] The game of basketball is played by many people throughout the United States and the world. Briefly, the game of basketball typically includes a flat and level playing surface with a basketball goal at each end of the court. The basketball goal, which includes a backboard and a rim or hoop, is typically attached to the top of a support pole. The rim or hoop is normally located ten feet above the playing surface and the backboard ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013] Yet another aspect is a support pole for a basketball system that may includes a support pole with an inner section and an outer section. The inner section of the support pole may be telescopically connected to the outer section and an adjustment assembly may allow the length of the support pole to be adjusted. In particular, the adjustment assembly may be sized and configured to normally hold the inner and outer sections of the support pole in a fixed position so that basketball can be played. The adjustment assembly may also allow the inner section and outer sections to move relative to each other to allow the length of the support pole to be adjusted. This may allow the height of the basketball goal to be raised or lowered.

[0014] Still another aspect is a support pole for a basketball system that may include at least one support pole section which is adjustable length. The adjustable length support pole section may allow the height of the basketball goal to be raised or lowered to a desired height.

[0019] Advantageously, the support pole and the height adjustment assembly may have a pleasing appearance or design. In addition, the support pole and the height adjustment assembly may have few moving parts and these components may be easily manufactured. The support pole and the height adjustment assembly may also have a relatively straight-forward design and these components may be used in connection with any suitable type of basketball system. The support pole and the height adjustment assembly may also be cost effective because they may require few components that can be easily assembled. Further, the height adjustment assembly may securely and easily allows the length of the support pole to be adjusted, and the adjustment assembly may be relatively lightweight. Desirably, a single person may operate the height adjustment assembly and the user may use one or two hands to operate the assembly. It will be appreciated that more than one person may also operate the height adjustment assembly, if desired.

Problems solved by technology

For example, a conventional basketball goal is typically located ten feet above the playing surface, but that height may make it very difficult for children and others to play basketball.

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