Retractable structure for mounting a device

Abstract

The invention concerns a structure for holding a device such as a basketball goal or flag which can be lowered into a well cavity in the ground. The structure includes a pipe assembly located in a casing inside the well cavity that is raised by filling the casing with fluid, such as water from a household water source. To lower the structure, the fluid is removed from the casing.

1 . In combination with a well cavity in the ground, a retractable structure comprising: 
 a casing in said well cavity,    a pipe assembly located within said casing movable between a lower retracted position in said well cavity and an extended position above said ground, and    means for raising and lowering said pipe assembly between said retracted position and extended position.    
   
   
       2 . In the combination set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said means for raising and lowering said pipe assembly includes a conduit connected to the lower end of said casing for filling said conduit with fluid, a first valve to open said conduit for filling said casing, and a second valve to allow fluid to exit said casing to lower said pipe assembly.  
   
   
       3 . In the combination set forth in  claim 2 , wherein said fluid is gas.  
   
   
       4 . In the combination set forth in  claim 2 , wherein said fluid is water.  
   
   
       5 . In the combination set forth in  claim 2 , where said fluid is compressed air.  
   
   
       6 . In the combination set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said pipe assembly comprises: 
 a pipe,    a first seal located at the lower end of said pipe to form a seal between said casing and said pipe, and    a third seal at the lower end of said pipe.    
   
   
       7 . In the combination set forth in  claim 6 , wherein said pipe assembly includes a second seal below said first seal.  
   
   
       8 . In the combination set forth in  claim 6 , wherein said third seal is a cap.  
   
   
       9 . In the combination set forth in  claim 6 , wherein said pipe assembly includes a coupling positioned about mid-length of said pipe to control the height of said pipe when extended.  
   
   
       10 . In the combination set forth in  claim 6 , wherein said pipe assembly includes a coupling positioned about mid-length of said pipe to control the height of said pipe when extended and an adapter located below said coupling and above said first seal.  
   
   
       11 . In combination with a well cavity in the ground, a retractable basketball structure comprising: 
 a casing in said well cavity,    a pipe assembly located within said casing movable between a lower retracted position in said well cavity and an extended position above said ground,    means for raising and lowering said pipe assembly between said retracted position and extended positions, and    an arm cantilevered from the top of said pipe assembly to hold a backboard and net and rim assembly to said pipe assembly.    
   
   
       12 . In the combination set forth in  claim 11 , wherein said pipe assembly includes a second clamp to secure said arm to said pipe assembly.  
   
   
       13 . In the combination set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said structure includes a first clamp means to secure said pipe assembly to said casing when said pipe assembly is in an extended position.  
   
   
       14 . In the combination set forth in  claim 11 , a first clamp means to secure said pipe assembly to said casing when said pipe assembly is in an extended position.  
   
   
       15 . In combination with a well cavity in the ground, a retractable basketball structure comprising: 
 a casing in said well cavity,    a pipe assembly located within said casing movable between a lower retracted position in said well cavity and an extended position above said ground, wherein said pipe assembly includes a pipe, a first seal located at the lower end of said pipe to form a seal between said casing and said pipe, and a third seal at the lower end of said pipe,    means for raising and lowering said pipe assembly between said retracted position and extended position, wherein said means for raising and lowering said pipe assembly includes a conduit connected to the lower end of said casing for filling said conduit with fluid, a first valve to open said conduit for filling said casing, and a second valve to allow fluid to exit said casing to lower said pipe assembly,    a first clamp means to secure said pipe assembly to said casing when said pipe assembly is in an extended position, and    an arm cantilevered from the top of said pipe assembly to hold a backboard and net and rim assembly to said pipe assembly.    
   
   
       16 . In the combination set forth in  claim 15 , wherein said fluid is gas.  
   
   
       17 . In the combination set forth in  claim 15 , wherein said fluid is water.  
   
   
       18 . In the combination set forth in  claim 15 , wherein said pipe assembly includes a second seal below said first seal.  
   
   
       19 . In the combination set forth in  claim 15 , wherein said third seal is a cap.  
   
   
       20 . In the combination set forth in  claim 15 , wherein said pipe assembly includes a coupling positioned about mid-length of said pipe to control the height of said pipe when extended and an adapter located below said coupling and above said first seal.