Basketball backboard

Abstract

A basketball goal system includes a basketball backboard and support frame. The backboard is preferably constructed from polycarbonate to create a generally unbreakable backboard. The backboard desirably includes one or more protective layers that prevents or reduces degradation of the polycarbonate when exposed to environmental conditions such as ultraviolet (UV) light, temperature fluctuations and moisture. The backboard may be attached to the frame by an adhesive and the frame may be constructed from blow-molded plastic to create a lightweight and durable frame.

1 . A basketball goal system comprising: 
 a basketball backboard frame;    a basketball backboard attached to the basketball backboard frame, the basketball backboard comprising: 
 a polycarbonate sheet including a front surface and a rear surface; and  
 at least one protective layer covering at least a portion of the polycarbonate sheet, the protective layer providing protection to the polycarbonate sheet from environmental conditions such as ultraviolet light.  
   
   
   
       2 . The basketball goal system as in  claim 1 , further comprising at least one protective layer on the front surface of the polycarbonate sheet and at least one protective layer on the rear surface of the polycarbonate sheet.  
   
   
       3 . The basketball goal system as in  claim 1 , wherein the at least one protective layer covers substantially all of the exposed portions of the polycarbonate sheet.  
   
   
       4 . The basketball goal system as in  claim 1 , wherein the at least one protective layer substantially prevents degradation of the polycarbonate when exposed to environmental conditions.  
   
   
       5 . The basketball goal system as in  claim 1 , wherein the at least one protective layer substantially prevents the polycarbonate sheet from becoming brittle over a period of at least five years.  
   
   
       6 . The basketball goal system as in  claim 1 , wherein the at least one protective layer substantially prevents the polycarbonate sheet from discoloring over a period of at least five years.  
   
   
       7 . The basketball goal system as in  claim 1 , wherein the basketball backboard has a thickness of between about 2 millimeters and about 4 millimeters.  
   
   
       8 . The basketball goal system as in  claim 1 , wherein the basketball backboard frame comprises a one-piece, unitary backboard frame constructed of blow-molded plastic.  
   
   
       9 . The basketball goal system as in  claim 1 , wherein the basketball backboard frame is constructed from blow-molded plastic and includes a front surface that is spaced apart from a rear surface; and wherein the basketball backboard is attached to the front surface of the basketball backboard frame by an adhesive.  
   
   
       10 . The basketball goal system as in  claim 1 , wherein the basketball backboard includes a protective layer that covers the front surface of the polycarbonate sheet and a protective layer that cover the rear surface of the polycarbonate sheet.  
   
   
       11 . A basketball goal system comprising: 
 a basketball backboard frame; and    a polycarbonate basketball backboard attached to the basketball backboard frame, the polycarbonate basketball backboard including one or more protective layers on a front portion of the backboard and one or more protective layers on a rear portion of the backboard, the protective layers on the front portion and the rear portion of the backboard providing protection to the polycarbonate from ultraviolet light, temperature and moisture.    
   
   
       12 . The basketball goal system as in  claim 11 , wherein the one or more protective layers cover substantially all the front portion of the backboard and the one or more protective layers cover substantially all of the rear portion of the backboard.  
   
   
       13 . The basketball goal system as in  claim 11 , wherein the one or more protective layers cover substantially all of the exposed surfaces of the front portion of the backboard and the one or more protective layers cover substantially all of the exposed surfaces of the rear portion of the backboard.  
   
   
       14 . The basketball goal system as in  claim 11 , wherein the one or more protective layers on the front portion of the backboard and the one or more protective layers on the rear portion of the backboard substantially prevent degradation of the polycarbonate when exposed to environmental conditions.  
   
   
       15 . The basketball goal system as in  claim 11 , wherein the one or more protective layers on the front portion of the backboard and the one or more protective layers on the rear portion of the backboard substantially prevent the polycarbonate sheet from becoming brittle over a period of at least five years.  
   
   
       16 . The basketball goal system as in  claim 11 , wherein the one or more protective layers on the front portion of the backboard and the one or more protective layers on the rear portion of the backboard substantially prevent the polycarbonate sheet from discoloring over a period of at least five years.  
   
   
       17 . The basketball goal system as in  claim 11 , wherein the basketball backboard has a thickness of between about 2 millimeters and about 4 millimeters.  
   
   
       18 . The basketball goal system as in  claim 11 , wherein the basketball backboard frame comprises a one-piece, unitary backboard frame constructed of blow-molded plastic.  
   
   
       19 . The basketball goal system as in  claim 11 , wherein the basketball backboard frame is constructed from blow-molded plastic and includes a front surface that is spaced apart from a rear surface; and wherein the basketball backboard is attached to the front surface of the basketball backboard frame by an adhesive.  
   
   
       20 . The basketball goal system as in  claim 11 , wherein the polycarbonate basketball backboard is substantially unbreakable and does not substantially degrade when continually exposed to outdoor environmental conditions over a period of at least five years.