Portable basketball hoop assembly

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a basketball backboard system and an assembly method thereof. The backboard system reduces and simplifies the number of steps a user takes to assemble the system for play. The basketball system includes a base, a vertical support assembly including a pole, a backboard extension arm, a backboard, and a rim. In one embodiment, a user can fully assemble the system by completing only five installations, including fixing the vertical support assembly to the base, fixing the backboard extension arm to the pole, attaching the backboard to the extension arm, and attaching the rim to the backboard. The vertical support assembly can be designed to be fully nested within the base to reduce the volume of the product, so the system is further believed to be convenient to pack.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a basketball backboard system and an assembly method. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a basketball backboard system that can be assembled in a quick and easy manner and can be packaged in a convenient compact volume for transportation.

Background Art

[0002] Basketball is generally enjoyed as a recreational sport, an amateur sport, and a professional sport. In many cases, a portable basketball backboard system is used for recreational or consumer-oriented basketball play. A portable backboard system typically includes a movable base, a vertical support or pole assembly disposed on and attached to the base, and a basketball backboard and rim assembly attached to the top of the pole assembly that can be moved by the user to a desired position. This system is designed to be portable, and the user can move the backboard system to a desired location for playing basketball. When not in use, the portability of the system allows the user to move the system to a convenient storage location.

[0003] One common drawback of portable basketball backboard systems is the considerable time and difficulty involved in their assembly. Typical portable systems often take 3 to 5 hours to assemble due to the large number of individual parts that make up the system's subassemblies and final assemblies. If these parts are shipped disassembled, users must first spend considerable time locating the parts in the carton, sorting and identifying them, identifying the hardware, carefully reading the instructions, and then assembling the system for play. Such assemblies require longer and more complex instructions, texts, and images, increasing the likelihood of miscommunication or confusion with the user. Furthermore, some products require specialized tools such as deep-well sockets and socket extensions.

[0004] On the other hand, providing consumers with a more fully assembled system is disadvantageous for delivery purposes due to the shape of the system components. For example, the system base is wide, the vertical support or pole assembly is tall and narrow, and the backboard is large and rectangular; all of these shapes and sizes make direct delivery to consumers difficult. Therefore, delivering partially or mostly assembled portable backboard systems is difficult and costly. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] Therefore, what is needed is a portable basketball backboard system that can be assembled easily and quickly, delivered partially or fully assembled, and that can maintain a compact volume during delivery. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In some cases, the present invention relates to an assembly backboard system, the system comprising a base having a top surface and at least one recess in the top surface, and a vertical support assembly including a pole, extension arms, a backboard, and a rim. The vertical support assembly may comprise a hinge assembly, two front legs, each having an upper end fixed to the hinge assembly and a lower end that can be fixed to the base, two rear legs, each having an upper end fixed to the hinge assembly and a lower end fixed to the base, and a pole having a lower end and an upper end fixed to the hinge assembly. The system may be convenient for packaging because the vertical support assembly can be completely nested within the recess of the base, thereby reducing the volume for packaging.

[0007] This specification also describes a method for assembling a basketball backboard system. The method provides the backboard system described above and comprises: attaching the backboard to a pole; attaching a rim to the backboard; rotating the front legs until the lower end of each front leg can be fixed to the base and the upper ends of the front and rear legs and the hinge assembly are raised above the base; fixing the front legs to the base; rotating the hinge assembly until the pole is in a vertical position; and locking the pole in a vertical position. The assembly systems and methods disclosed herein are designed to reduce and simplify the number of steps required for a user to assemble the system for play.

[0008] The present invention is directed to other embodiments which may be determined from the following detailed description.

[0009] To aid in understanding the further advantages and features of this disclosure, a more specific description will be given with reference to the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood that these drawings should not be considered limiting. The disclosure herein is described and explained in more specific and detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the base and pole assembly of a basketball system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the basketball base and pole assembly in the first step of assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the basketball base and pole assembly in the second step of assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the basketball base and pole assembly in the third step of assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the basketball base and pole assembly in the fourth step of assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of the basketball base and pole assembly in the fifth step of assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] Another perspective view of the basketball base and pole assembly in the fifth step of assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a magnified view of a hinge assembly for vertical support according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9A] This shows the appearance of a pole-lifting sequence and hinge assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9B] An embodiment of the present invention shows another view of the pole-lifting sequence and hinge assembly. [Figure 9C] This shows yet another view of the pole-lifting sequence and hinge assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view of the base and pole assembly of a basketball system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] This detailed description is provided to elaborate on the invention and to aid in understanding the present disclosure, by reference to possible embodiments. The invention should not be construed as being limited to the specific embodiments illustrated, except as described in the claims.

[0012] This document provides instructions for designing and assembling a simplified portable basketball backboard system 10, reducing the number of steps required for users to prepare the assembly for play.

[0013] Figure 1 shows a basketball backboard system 10 as it is being delivered to a user and in the early stages of the assembly process. As seen in Figure 1, the basketball backboard system 10 comprises a vertical support assembly 13 (also called a pole assembly 13) positioned on a base 12. The base 12 has a substantially rectangular contour when viewed from the top, bottom, and four sides. Such a profile is particularly advantageous for fitting into shipping boxes and other containers. The base 12 has a top surface 14 having at least one recess 16. More specifically, the recess 16 comprises a recess in the top surface 14 that is dimensioned so that a portion of the pole assembly 13 can be at least partially nested within the recess 16. In one embodiment, when the pole assembly is positioned within the recess 16 of the top surface 14 of the base 12, the pole assembly is fully positioned within the recess 16. That is, when nested, the pole assembly does not rise above the top surface 14 of the base 12. Such nesting is particularly advantageous for shipping the basketball backboard system 10 to consumers. Since the pole assembly components may be nested within the base 12, the shipping profile of the basketball backboard system 10 is substantially that of the base 12, i.e., roughly rectangular in shape.

[0014] The base 12 may be made of any rigid material such as metal, wood, or plastic. In one embodiment, the base 12 may be made of molded polyethylene plastic. The base 12 may be hollow inside so that the user can place ballast such as sand or liquid inside the base 12. The ballast serves to make the base 12 heavier and improve its stability. In one embodiment, the base 12 may have various internal compartments divided by hollow ribs. The presence of ribs on the base 12 may provide the base 12 with additional structural support and rigidity.

[0015] The base 12 may further include casters 54 or wheels 54 to assist the user in moving the basketball system 10 to a desired location, thereby making the system 10 portable. The base 12 may have any number of casters 54 or wheels 54. In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, two wheels 54 are attached to two opposing corners of the base 12. The opposing corners may be corners that make up the width (i.e., one short side) of a substantially rectangular base 12. In such an embodiment, the user may move the basketball system 10 by lifting the base 12 so that only the wheels 54 remain in contact with the ground. The user can then use the wheels 54 to guide the basketball system 10 to the desired position.

[0016] The vertical support assembly 13 has one or more components which, once assembled, extend upwardly from the base 12 to support the backboard 38 of the basketball. To facilitate shipping, the vertical support assembly 13 may have a number of components such that the length of each component is less than or equal to the longest dimension of the base 12 so that the components fit within the same shipping box as the base 12. Further, to reduce the end-user assembly steps, the system 10 may be shipped or purchased with the vertical support assembly 13 partially or fully pre-assembled. That is, the various components of the vertical support assembly 13 may be connected to each other and / or to the base 12 before the customer receives them. Further, as will be described in more detail below, the system 10 may be shipped with the vertical support or pole assembly 13 nested within the recess 16 of the upper surface 14 of the base 12.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the vertical support assembly 13 may include two front legs 20, two rear legs 28, a hinge assembly 26, and a pole 30, each of which will be further described herein. Starting with the front legs 20, each front leg 20 in the embodiment of FIG. 1 has a first end 22 that can be fixed to the upper surface 14 of the base 12 and a second end 23 that can be fixed to the hinge assembly 26. Each second end 23 may be rotatably fixed to the hinge assembly 26 such that the front leg 20 can rotate relative to the hinge assembly 26. Each first end 22 can be fixed to the upper surface 14 of the base 12 by a platform 18 located on the base 12 above the caster 54 (see the connection in FIG. 5). In this embodiment, the customer connects the first end 22 of each front leg to one of the platforms 18, as will be further described herein. In some embodiments, the front legs 20 may be connected via braces 24 so as to provide additional structural stability. As shown in FIG. 1, the braces 24 may be disposed on or near the second ends 23 of the front legs 20 and the hinge assembly 26.

[0018] The basketball system 10 may be designed such that the first end 22 and / or the second end 23 of the front leg 20 are fixed to the base 12 before delivery to the customer. And the customer is responsible for fixing the unfixed end during the assembly of the basketball system 10 as needed. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the front leg 20 is stored within the concave recess 16 of the base 12, and the second end 23 of the front leg 20 is fixed to the hinge assembly 26 before delivery. Next, to assemble the system 10, the customer lifts the front leg 20 (thereby removing the leg 20 from the recess 16) as shown in the assembly step shown in FIG. 5, and then connects the first end 22 of the front leg 20 to the platform 18. Further, in embodiments having the brace 24, the brace 24 may also be fixed to the front leg 20 before delivery.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the vertical support assembly 13 may also have a pair of rear legs 28. Each of the rear legs 28 has a first end 27 that can be rotatably fixed to the upper surface 14 of the base 12 and a second end 29 that is rotatably fixed to the hinge assembly 26. As shown in FIG. 1, the system 10 may be delivered with the rear legs 28 nested within the recess 16. Further, the system 10 may be delivered with the rear legs 28 already fixed to both the base upper surface 14 and the hinge assembly 26 (see, e.g., FIG. 1). In other embodiments, the rear legs 28 may be delivered with the first end 27 and / or the second end 29 not respectively fixed to the base 12 and the hinge 26, and it is the customer's responsibility to make these connections during the assembly of the system 10. For example, if the system 10 is delivered together with the front leg 20 attached to the base 12, the system 10 may be designed such that the rear legs 28 are not attached to the base 12 and / or the hinge assembly 26 during delivery.

[0020] The basketball system 10 shown in Figure 1 has a vertical support assembly 13 having a total of four legs: two front legs 20 and two rear legs 28. As previously detailed herein, each leg has a first end that is fixed to or can be fixed to the base 12 and a second end that is fixed to or can be fixed to the hinge assembly 26. In other embodiments, the vertical support assembly 13 may have more or fewer legs. For example, the vertical support assembly 13 may have more than four legs, such as in an embodiment having two front legs, two rear legs, and a centrally located leg. In other embodiments, the vertical support assembly 13 may have fewer than four legs. For example, the vertical support assembly 13 may have three legs in the form of a tripod (e.g., one front leg located in the center and two rear legs, or two front legs and one rear leg located in the center). Two-legged and one-legged embodiments are also possible. For example, a one-legged embodiment may have a potentially telescopic pole to provide appropriate height. In two-legged or one-legged embodiments, it may be necessary to further stabilize or support the base 12 by additional means.

[0021] As detailed above, the legs 20, 28 of the vertical support assembly 13 are connected to a hinge assembly 26 located on the upper surface 14 of the base 12. As shown in Figure 1, the second end of each leg 20, 28 may be rotatably fixed to a hinge bracket 44 that forms the outermost part of the hinge assembly 26. The first end 31 of the pole 30 (see Figure 2) is also fixed to the hinge bracket 44. Similar to the legs 20, 28, the pole 30 may be nested in a recess 16 on the upper surface 14 of the base 12. As shown in Figure 1, when nested, the pole 30 may be positioned between the two rear legs 28. The upper end 33 of the pole 30 has a mounting plate 32 for fixing an extension arm 34.

[0022] The embodiment shown in Figure 1 illustrates how a user might receive the base 12 and vertical support assembly 13 "out of the box," i.e., during delivery or pickup from a store. As previously mentioned, the vertical support assembly 13 (e.g., front legs 20, rear legs 28, hinge assembly 26, and pole 30) may be nested within recesses 16 on the top surface 14 of the base 12. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the vertical support assembly 13 is fully nested within at least one recessed recess 16 on the top surface 14 of the base 12.

[0023] "Fully" nested within the base 12 means that the entire element is coplanar with or below the top surface 14 of the base 12. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, while nested, the rear legs 28 and hinge assembly 26 are positioned such that the hinge assembly 26 folds completely within and between the rear legs 28. The pole 30 may also be nested between the rear legs 28. In other embodiments, a single rear leg 28 may be used, provided that the rear leg 28 and hinge assembly 26 remain fully nested within at least one recess 16 when preparing for delivery or purchase.

[0024] In one embodiment, the front legs 20 may be fully nested in the same or different recesses 16 as the rear legs 28. For example, in Figures 1 to 3, the rear legs 28, hinge assembly 26, and pole 38 are nested in a central recess 16, while the front legs 20 are separately nested in angled, inclined recesses 16 on either side of the central recess 16. Specifically, the second ends 23 of the two front legs 20 are connected to both sides of the hinge assembly 26 located in the central recess 16. The two front legs 20 are positioned in lateral recesses 16 that slope upward away from the central recess 16, with the hinge assembly 26 roughly at its position, flanking the central recess 16 (one leg 20 per lateral recess 16). Thus, in the above embodiment, the components of the vertical support assembly 13 are fully nested within the base 12 in multiple recesses 16.

[0025] For nesting purposes, the base 12 and vertical support assembly 13 may be shipped together to the end user in a single roughly rectangular shipping box or container, which is convenient, efficient, and minimizes waste. Other components of the basketball system 10, such as the extension arms 34, backboard 38, and rim 40, may be shipped separately, either as separate parts in the same box or as separate parts in different boxes or shipping containers.

[0026] To minimize the number of assembly steps required by the customer after receipt, the base 12 and vertical support assembly 13 may be shipped or packaged partially or fully pre-assembled. For example, the first end 27 of the rear leg 28 may be rotatably secured to the top surface 14 of the base by bolts, and / or the second end 29 of the rear leg 28 may be rotatably secured to the hinge assembly 26. Alternatively or additionally, the front leg 20 may be rotatably secured to the hinge assembly 26. The pole 30 may also be secured to the hinge assembly 26. If partially or fully pre-assembled, one or more components of the vertical support assembly 13 may be designed to eliminate "pinch points" when rotating or folding, in accordance with current playground safety standards incorporated herein by reference.

[0027] Upon receiving the system, the user may then begin assembling the unassembled parts to assemble the basketball backboard system 10 for playing. For example, Figures 1 to 6 illustrate potential steps in the assembly process of the system 10. In the embodiments shown in the aforementioned figures, the user receives a partially pre-assembled system 10. Specifically, the user first receives the parts necessary to build the system 10, which include a base 12 containing a nested vertical assembly 13, as shown in Figure 1 (other parts of the system 10 are not shown in Figure 1). The vertical assembly 13 is already partially assembled and connected to the base 12. That is, the second ends of both the front and rear legs 20, 28 are already rotatably fixed to the hinge assembly 26. Furthermore, the front end 27 of the rear leg 28 is also rotatably fixed to the top surface 14 of the base 12. Finally, the first end 31 of the pole 30 is already fixed to the hinge assembly 26, and the mounting plate 32 is attached to the upper end 33 of the pole 30 (i.e., the other end of the pole).

[0028] Upon receiving the above, the customer is responsible for further assembling the system 10. For example, Figure 2 shows a potential next step in the user assembly process. In the step shown in Figure 2, the user attaches backboard supports, such as extension arms 34, to the pole 30, while the pole 30 remains nested within the base 12. The extension arms 34 extend between the pole and the basketball backboard 38, connecting them. To attach the extension arms 34 to the pole 30, the user secures the proximal end 35 of the extension arms 34 to the mounting plate 32 on the pole 30 by means of a screw or bolt that passes through the plate 32. As shown in Figure 2, once secured in place, the extension arms 34 extend almost vertically away from the base 12. The distal end 37 (i.e., the opposite end) of the extension arms 34 has a backboard mounting plate 36 for supporting the backboard 38 and rim 40. When the system 10 is assembled, the extension arms 34 cantilever support the backboard 38 away from the pole 30 and base 12. This cantilevered design reduces the risk of players tripping over the base 12, while allowing them to play in the area directly beneath the backboard 38 and rim 40.

[0029] Other designs are possible for the backboard support. For example, the backboard support may have two or more arms extending from the top of the pole 30 to the backboard 38 (not shown). Such a design can be used in conjunction with a specific lift mechanism that allows the user to adjust the height of the rim 40 in relation to a non-adjustable or non-extendable pole 30. Such lift mechanisms are usually more complex and require additional assembly time on the user's side. These lift mechanisms are designed for a quick-assembly system 10 (a mechanism not shown in the figures) as shown in Figures 1 to 8 and may be included in the quick-assembly system. Instead of the extension arms 34, the backboard 38 can also be directly attached to the pole 30.

[0030] Figure 3 shows a potential next step in the user assembly process. In this step, the user may fasten the backboard 38 to the backboard mounting plate 36 on the extension arm 34. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the backboard 38 is directly attached to the backboard mounting plate 36 with bolts or screws. In some embodiments, the backboard 38 may be connected to the backboard mounting plate 36 without being directly attached. For example, the backboard mounting plate 36 may have fasteners such as pins or bolts that allow the backboard 38 to slide without being directly attached. In such embodiments, the rim 40 may also be attached to either the backboard 38 or the backboard mounting plate 36 via the same or similar fasteners, and both the rim 40 and the backboard 38 may be fastened simultaneously.

[0031] In the next potential assembly step, the user attaches the rim 40 to the backboard 38. As shown in Figure 3, the backboard 38 has a rim mounting plate 41 with fasteners such as pins or bolts to which the rim 40 can be attached. The rim 40 may be attached to the fasteners using springs and nuts for use in detachable rim designs, such as the embodiment shown in Figure 4. Other rims, including non-detachable rims, may be used in a similar manner.

[0032] In a potential subsequent step of assembly, the user lifts the vertical support assembly 13, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. In the embodiments shown herein, as viewed from the perspective views shown in Figures 1 to 5, when the user lifts the front legs 20 (thereby disengaging the legs 20 from the recesses 16 in the base 12), the second ends 23 of the front legs 20, connected to the hinge assembly 26, are lifted above the first ends 22 of the front legs. That is, when the user lifts the front legs 20, the front legs 20 rotate counterclockwise around the hinge assembly 26, causing the first ends 22 of each front leg 20 to move forward and the second ends 23 of each front leg 20 to lift upward together with the hinge assembly 26. The counterclockwise rotation of the front legs 29 causes the rear legs 28 to rotate clockwise, so that the second ends 29 of the rear legs 28, connected to the hinge assembly 26, are lifted above the first ends 29 of the rear legs 28. Overall, these actions position the front legs 20 such that the first end 22 of each front leg 20 is positioned on the base 12 and / or the platform 18 on the base 12 and can be secured by pins or bolts. This secures the front legs 20 and stably lifts the hinge assembly 26 above the base 12. That is, once the front legs 20 are secured to the base 12, the front legs 20, rear legs 28, and base 12 form a nearly acute triangle when viewed from the side profile, as can be seen in Figure 5. The base 12 forms the base of the triangle, the front legs 20 and rear legs 28 extend upward from the base 12 to form the other two sides of the triangle, and the hinge assembly 26 is located at the apex of the triangle, positioned between the front legs 20 and rear legs 28.

[0033] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, at least one brace 24 may connect the front legs 20 laterally. The brace 24 connects the front legs 20 so that they rotate together rearward or forward. This can assist the user in the above step of lifting and securing the vertical assembly 13. That is, as the user lifts the front legs 20, the brace 24 moves the legs 20 together stably, making the assembly of the system 10 easier. Furthermore, the brace 24 provides additional rigidity and support to the overall structure of the system 10. In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, multiple braces 24 may connect to the front legs 20.

[0034] Next, Figure 6 shows a potential subsequent step in the user assembly process. In this step, the user can lift the pole 30 upward. In the embodiments shown in Figures 5 and 6, the pole 30 is positioned between the rear legs 28 and is rotatably fixed at one end to the hinge assembly 26. By lifting the pole 30, it can be rotated counterclockwise around the hinge assembly 26 until the pole 30 is vertical (i.e., approximately perpendicular to both the base 12 and the play surface). As shown in Figure 6, when the pole 30 is lifted to the vertical position, the rim 40 is approximately parallel to the ground or play surface. Once lifted, the pole 30 may be fixed in place by pins or bolts to prevent it from easily falling backward (i.e., from rotating clockwise and returning to its starting position). Locking the pole in place will be described in more detail below.

[0035] In Figure 7, the backboard system 10 is ready for play. As shown in Figure 7, if the pole 30 is a telescopic pole, the pole 30 may have an internal telescopic pole 50 that can be raised upward to increase the height of the pole 30, and therefore the height of the rim 40. In such embodiments, the backboard mounting plate 36 (and thus the rim 40 and backboard 38) may be attached to the internal telescopic pole 50. The internal telescopic pole 50 may be lowered (or raised) according to the desired playing height of the rim 40. For example, the height of the rim may be adjusted to 10 feet, the standard height required for basketball play, or it may be adjusted to more or less than 10 feet depending on the player's height and / or age. In other embodiments, a lift mechanism or lift system may be used to adjust the height of the rim 40.

[0036] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the bounce plate or bounce surface 42 may be positioned between and / or across the front legs 20. When the basketball makes contact with the bounce plate 42, it can bounce back in the general direction of the player. This eliminates the need for the player to run to system 10 to pick up the basketball in order to restart play, thus improving the ease and speed of gameplay.

[0037] Figure 8 provides further detail to one embodiment of the hinge assembly 26 illustrated and described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. In one embodiment, the hinge assembly 26 comprises a hinge bracket 44 rotatably mounted on leg bolts 46. In such an embodiment, the hinge bracket 44 may be U-shaped, having one apex and two sides defining an opening extending front and rear of the hinge bracket 44. The front leg 20 and rear leg 28 can be fixed to the outside of both sides of the U-shaped hinge bracket 44 by leg bolts 46. Specifically, the leg bolts 46 are longer than the width of the hinge bracket 44, and the leg bolts 46 extend laterally through the left and right sides of the hinge bracket 44, so that a portion of the leg bolts 46 extends beyond the hinge bracket 44 at both positions. As shown in Figure 8, one front leg 20 and one rear leg 28 are fixed to the left side of the hinge bracket 44 via one side of the leg bolt 46, and the other front leg 20 and rear leg 28 are fixed to the right side of the hinge bracket 44 via the other side of the leg bolt 46. The legs 20, 28 and the bracket 44 may be fixed in place on the leg bolt 46 by nuts and washers.

[0038] In one embodiment, the hinge bracket 44 includes a fastener for locking the pole 30 in a vertical position. For example, as shown in Figures 8 and 9A to 9C, the hinge bracket 44 has a limiting pin 52 that engages with two arc-shaped slots 53 located on the side of the U-shaped hinge bracket 44. The limiting pin 52 may be wider than the U-shaped hinge bracket 44 so as to extend through the arc-shaped slots 53. In such an embodiment, the ends of the limiting pin 52 pass through the slots 53 and are fixed to each rear leg 28, as shown in Figure 8. The limiting pin 52 can move along the arc-shaped slots 53 as the hinge bracket 44 rotates relative to the rear legs 28. That is, the hinge bracket 44 is rotatable by an angle defined by the arc length of the arc-shaped slots 53.

[0039] When assembling system 10, the pole 30 is rotated to a vertical position as described above and with reference to Figure 6. In one embodiment, where the hinge bracket 44 is U-shaped, the pole 30 is fixed to the top of the hinge bracket 44. In such an embodiment, the pole 30 can be rotated upward until the limiting pin 52 engages with the end of the arc-shaped slot 53, thereby rotating the hinge bracket 44. The arc-shaped slot 53 is designed so that its end is visible when the pole 30 is in a vertical position (i.e., about 90 degrees from the ground or perpendicular to the ground). That is, the engagement of the limiting pin 52 with the end of the arc-shaped slot 53 establishes a stopping position that prevents further rotation of the pole 30.

[0040] When the limiting pin 52 engages with the end of the slot 53, the user can fix the bracket hinge 44 in place (therefore, fix the pole 30 in a vertical position). For example, the first spacer 48 may be welded to the hinge bracket 44 and / or the rear leg 28, or otherwise attached. To fix the bracket 44 in place, a spring-loaded ball retaining pin can be inserted through the first spacer 48. The spacer 48 may be made of steel or other common metal. The spacer 48 provides strength and support to the hinge bracket 44 by acting as a brace for the legs 20, 28 of the bracket 44. Furthermore, the spacer 48 can provide a fully or partially sealed “sleeve” that allows the user to easily slide the retaining pin into the spacer 48 to maintain proper axial alignment. The retaining pin may be set to be sufficiently thick and supportive. When the user assembling system 10 inserts the retaining pin, the pole 30 is fixed in an upright position, and the user can move away from the pole 30 without worrying about it falling over.

[0041] Additionally or alternatively, a second spacer may be welded or otherwise attached to the hinge bracket 44. For example, as shown in Figure 7, the second spacer may be welded or otherwise attached to the rear side of the hinge bracket 44 (i.e., the side facing away from the backboard 38 and rim 40). The second spacer can receive a hex bolt that is secured to the hinge bracket 44 with a nut. In such an embodiment, the retaining pin functions only as a temporary stabilization mechanism during assembly or disassembly, while the hex bolt and nut provide a more robust support and securely lock the pole 30 in place. The process of locking the pole 30 upright is completed when the bolt is secured with the nut. This provides a tighter clearance than the retaining pin described above to provide a robust upright lock.

[0042] Figures 9A, 9B, and 9C show the hinge assembly 26 at three different stages as the pole 30 rotates to the upright position. In Figure 9A, the pole 38 is in its pre-rotation position (i.e., positioned between the rear legs 28), and the limiting pin 52 is at the rear end of the arc-shaped slot 53. Figure 9B shows the hinge assembly 26 at an intermediate point as the pole 30 rotates to the upright position. As can be seen from the figure, the rotation of the pole 30 causes the arc-shaped slot 52 to rotate around the limiting pin 52. In Figure 9C, the pole 30 is perfectly vertical, and the rotation limiting pin 52 is at the front end of the arc-shaped slot 53 (i.e., the end of the slot 53).

[0043] The described design and method have the advantage of reducing the number of parts required for the user to assemble the portable system 10. In particular, in the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 7, the user only needs to perform five attachments to fully assemble the system 10. These attachments are: (1) fixing the extension arm 34 to the pole 30, (2) attaching the backboard 38 to the extension arm 34, (4) attaching the rim 40 to the backboard 38, and (5) fixing each front leg 20 to the base 12.

[0044] It should be understood that any given element of the disclosed embodiments of the present invention may be embodied in a single structure, a single step, a single substance, etc. Similarly, a given element of the disclosed embodiments may be embodied in multiple structures, steps, substances, etc.

[0045] The foregoing description exemplifies and illustrates the processes, machines, products, compositions, and other teachings of this disclosure. Furthermore, while this disclosure shows and describes only specific embodiments of the disclosed processes, machines, products, compositions, and other teachings, it should be understood that, as stated above, the teachings of this disclosure can be used in a variety of other combinations, modifications, and environments, and can be changed or modified within the scope of the teachings expressed herein to suit the art and / or knowledge of a person of ordinary skill in the relevant art. The embodiments described herein describe specific known best modes for carrying out the processes, machines, products, compositions, and other teachings of this disclosure, and are further intended to enable a person skilled in the art to utilize the teachings of this disclosure in such or other embodiments, and with various modifications required by a particular use or application. Accordingly, the processes, machines, products, compositions, and other teachings of this disclosure are not intended to limit the exact embodiments and examples disclosed herein. The section headings in this specification are provided solely for consistency with the proposals of 37C.FR §1.77 or solely to indicate the constituent order. These headings are not intended to limit or characterize the inventions described herein.

Claims

1. A backboard system for assembly, A base having an upper surface and at least one recess on the upper surface, A vertical support assembly nested within at least one recess, Hinge assembly and, Two front legs, each having an upper end fixed to a hinge assembly and a lower end that can be fixed to a base, Two rear legs, each having an upper end fixed to a hinge assembly and a lower end fixed to a base. A pole having a lower end and an upper end fixed to a hinge assembly, A vertical support assembly comprising, An extension arm that can be fixed to the top end of the pole, A backboard that can be fixed to an extension arm, A rim that can be fixed to the backboard, A backboard system for assembly, equipped with the necessary components.

2. The assembly backboard system according to claim 1, further comprising a support column having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is fixed to a first front leg of two front legs, and the second end is fixed to a second front leg of two front legs.

3. The assembly backboard system according to claim 1, wherein the base includes at least two wheels.

4. The assembly backboard system according to claim 1, wherein the pole is telescopic.

5. The assembly backboard system according to claim 1, wherein the vertical assembly is fully nested within at least one recess.

6. The assembly backboard system according to claim 1, wherein the pole is positioned between the rear legs in at least one recess.

7. The assembly backboard system according to claim 1, wherein at least one recess comprises a centrally located recess and two centrally located side recesses flanking the recess, the rear legs and poles are nested in the centrally located recess and the front legs are nested separately in the two side recesses.

8. The assembly backboard system according to claim 1, wherein the upper end of the pole includes a mounting plate, and the extension arm can be fixed to the mounting plate.

9. The assembly backboard system according to claim 1, wherein the extension arm comprises a first and a second end, the first end being fixable to a pole, and the second end including a backboard mounting plate for fixing a backboard.

10. The hinge assembly is A U-shaped hinge bracket having an upper part and two sides defining front and rear openings, each side having an arc-shaped slot, A rotation limiting pin is fixed to the upper end of each rear leg and passes through an arc-shaped slot, and the hinge bracket is rotatable by an angle defined by the arc length of the arc-shaped slot, A first spacer, which is fixed between the two sides of the bracket and can receive a retaining pin that can be inserted through the upper end of each rear leg when the top of the hinge bracket is oriented horizontally, The assembly backboard system according to claim 1, further comprising the following:

11. The assembly backboard system according to claim 9, further comprising a second spacer fixed between two sides of the bracket and capable of receiving a lock bolt that can be inserted through the upper end of each rear leg when the top of the hinge bracket is oriented horizontally.

12. The assembly backboard system according to claim 9, wherein the upper end of the pole is fixed to the upper surface of a U-shaped hinge bracket.

13. A method for assembling a basketball backboard system, A step of providing a base having a top surface and at least one recess on the top surface, wherein a vertical support assembly is nested within at least one recess, and the vertical support assembly comprises a hinge assembly, two front legs, each having an upper end rotatably fixed to the hinge assembly and a lower end fixed to the base, two rear legs, each having an upper end rotatably fixed to the hinge assembly and a lower end fixed to the base, and a pole having a lower end and an upper end fixed to the hinge assembly. Steps for attaching the backboard to the top of the pole, Steps for attaching the rim to the backboard, The lower end base of each front leg can be fixed to the base, and the front leg is rotated to a position where the upper ends of the front and rear legs and the hinge assembly are raised above the base. A step that secures the front legs to the base, The steps include rotating the hinge assembly until the pole is in a vertical position, Steps to lock the pole in a vertical position and Methods that include...

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the pole is telescopic, and the method further comprises the step of extending the telescopic pole to a desired rim height.

15. The hinge assembly is A U-shaped hinge bracket having two sides defining an opening facing upward and forward / backward, each side having an arc-shaped slot, A rotation limiting pin is fixed to the upper end of each rear leg and passes through an arc-shaped slot, and the hinge bracket is rotatable up to an angle defined by the arc length of the arc-shaped slot. A first sleeve, which is fixed between the two sides of the bracket and can receive a retaining pin that can be inserted through the upper end of each rear leg when the top of the hinge bracket is oriented horizontally, The system according to claim 13, further comprising the above.

16. The system according to claim 15, further comprising a second sleeve fixed between two sides of the bracket and capable of receiving a lock bolt that can be inserted through the upper end of each rear leg when the top of the hinge bracket is oriented horizontally.

17. The system according to claim 15, wherein the upper end of the pole is fixed to the upper surface of a U-shaped hinge bracket.

18. The method according to claim 15, wherein the step of rotating the hinge assembly comprises moving a rotation limiting pin through an arc-shaped slot on the hinge assembly.

19. The method according to claim 15, wherein the step of locking the pole in a vertical position comprises inserting a retaining pin into a first sleeve on the hinge assembly.

20. The method according to claim 16, wherein the step of locking the pole in a vertical position comprises inserting a locking bolt into a second sleeve on the hinge assembly.

Images