Basketball net device and improvements therein

Abstract

A basketball net device for mounting on a raised basketball hoop or ring from a position well below the basketball hoop. The basketball net device comprises an annular member or hoop ring having a hoop ring section for coupling to the basketball ring. The annular member includes an annular skirt section configured to extend and be positioned inside the basketball ring and support a net. According to an embodiment, the net is connected to the annular skirt section utilizing fasteners configured to secure the net and allow the net to pivot or rotate relative to the annular skirt section to emulate the game play of a conventional net mounted on the basketball hoop. According to another embodiment, the net comprises cords made from a tightly weaved material resulting in a net that is stiffer than a conventional net. According to a further aspect, the basketball net device is disengaged from the basketball hoop by shooting a ball into the lower section of the net and catching the basketball device as it falls to the ground.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 317,700 filed on Jun. 27, 2014, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to a basketball hoop more particularly, to a device and method for mounting a net in a basketball hoop.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]In the well-known sport of basketball, a basketball hoop for receiving a ball is mounted at each end of a basketball court, and the hoop is configured for supporting a generally tubular netting through which the basketball can pass. Each hoop is rigidly mounted utilizing one or more support arms and located in front of a backboard. The basketball hoop, typically a metal ring, has an inside diameter of eighteen inches and is normally positioned ten feet above the ground or court playing surface.[0004]Because of the height of the basketball hoops, it can be difficult under some circumstances to insta...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]In a first aspect, the present invention comprises a basketball net device for mounting on a basketball ring, said basketball net device comprises: a tubular net having upper net cords and configured to receive a basketball and permit passage of the basketball through said tubular net; a flexible annular member comprising a generally circular circumference and having a hoop engaging section comprising a channel extending around a substantial portion of the flexible annular member and configured for receiving the basketball ring, and the flexible annular member further comprising an annular skirt section configured to be positioned inside of the basketball ring; the annular skirt section including a plurality of net attachment sections, each of the net attachment sections including an aperture configured to receive a hook ring clasp for coupling a section of one of said upper net cords to the annular skirt section, and the aperture being further configured to allow the hook ring clasp to pivot and rotate together with the upper net cord relative to said flexible annular member; wherein a circumferential section of the annular member has an outer portion of the hoop engaging section cut away forming a narrow inner portion configured to engage an inner half of an upper surface on the basketball ring; and wherein, outside of the circumferential section, the flexible annular member includes an outwardly extending flange connected to the hoop engaging section, and the outwardly extending flange extending along the annular member for than one half of the circular circumference of the flexib

Problems solved by technology

Because of the height of the basketball hoops, it can be difficult under some circumstances to install a new or replacement net on the hoop.

Although many of these courts have suitable basketball hoops installed at the end of the courts, often these hoops do not have any nets attached.

The lack of a net may be due to several possible reasons including the height of the hoops from the court or playing surface, which heights make it difficult for maintenance personnel to replace the nets.

Also, the heavy use of public courts may make the life expectancy of the nets quite short, and it may be too expensive for the owner to replace the nets frequently.

The nets may also be stolen in such areas or simply destroyed because of improper use.

When a net is missing from the basketball hoop, the ball can pass so quickly through the hoop that disputes may arise as to whether or not the shot was actually made.

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