Collapsible basketball goal apparatus
US5071120A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 20, 1990 |
| Grant date | Dec 10, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 20, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA63B2063/086
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A collapsible basketball apparatus which includes a backboard and a basketball hoop mounted to the backboard. The hoop is mounted to the backboard to be pivotable, via a release mechanism, about a horizontal axis parallel with the backboard between a first, horizontal position and a second, downwardly displaced position. In a first embodiment, a plurality of curved springs are positioned in the release mechanism and mounted in a manner such that when a predetermined force is applied to the hoop, the compressive (restraining) force of the springs is exceeded and the hoop moves to the second position. When the force is released, the spring moves back to its original or horizontal position. In a second embodiment, a pin inclined slot and spring arrangement is utilized as the release mechanism to move the hoop to the second position when the predetermined force is applied to the hoop and to return the hoop to the horizontal position when the force is removed. In a third embodiment, a pressure loaded clamp joins the hoop to the backboard, application of a downward force of a predetermined amount to the hoop releasing the clamp and urging the hoop to the second position. The clamp is res…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.