Basketball system

Abstract

In one example, a basketball system includes a base, a post connected at least indirectly to the base, a backboard, a backboard support structure connected at least indirectly to the backboard, a biasing mechanism connected at least indirectly to the backboard support structure, and an adjustment mechanism connected at least indirectly to the backboard support structure, the post, and the biasing mechanism, wherein the biasing mechanism is configured to bias the adjustment mechanism toward a fully extended state.

1 . A basketball system, comprising:
 a base;   a post connected at least indirectly to the base;   a backboard;   a backboard support structure connected at least indirectly to the backboard;   a biasing mechanism connected at least indirectly to the backboard support structure; and   an adjustment mechanism connected at least indirectly to the backboard support structure, the post, and the biasing mechanism, wherein the biasing mechanism is configured to bias the adjustment mechanism toward a fully extended state.   
     
     
         2 . The basketball system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the biasing mechanism is configured to be locked and unlocked. 
     
     
         3 . The basketball system as recited in  claim 2 , wherein when the adjustment mechanism is in other than the fully extended state, and in the absence of a force to counteract the bias, unlocking of the biasing mechanism results in automatic movement of the adjustment mechanism toward the fully extended state. 
     
     
         4 . The basketball system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein:
 when the adjustment mechanism is in the fully extended state, the height of the backboard is at a maximum; and   when the adjustment mechanism is in a fully retracted state, the height of the backboard is at a minimum.   
     
     
         5 . The basketball system of  claim 1 , wherein exertion of a force on the adjustment mechanism is required to overcome the bias imposed by the biasing mechanism and move the adjustment mechanism toward a fully retracted state. 
     
     
         6 . The basketball system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the adjustment mechanism is a triggerless adjustment mechanism. 
     
     
         7 . The basketball system as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a handle operably disposed with respect to the biasing mechanism, wherein various movements of the handle enable a user to: lock the biasing mechanism; unlock the biasing mechanism; and, lower the backboard. 
     
     
         8 . The basketball system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises first and second pairs of arms which collectively define a parallelogram configuration and which are configured to move in unison with each other. 
     
     
         9 . The basketball system as recited in  claim 8 , wherein:
 the first pair of arms is connected, at least indirectly, at an upper end to the backboard support structure, and the first pair of arms is connected, at least indirectly, at a lower end to the post; and   the second pair of arms is connected, at least indirectly, at an upper end to the backboard support structure, and the second pair of arms is connected, at least indirectly, at a lower end to the post.   
     
     
         10 . The basketball system as recited in  claim 9 , further comprising first and second connecting brackets, wherein an upper end of each connecting bracket is connected to a pin that passes through the upper ends of the first pair of arms, the upper ends of the connecting brackets, and a portion of the backboard support structure, and wherein a lower end of each connecting bracket is connected to a pin that passes through the upper ends of the second pair of arms and the lower ends of the connecting brackets. 
     
     
         11 . The basketball system as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 an axle and a pair of wheels, the axle passing through the post and a portion of the base, and a wheel being attached at either end of the axle; and   a pin passing through the post and connected to the base.   
     
     
         12 . A basketball system, comprising:
 a base;   a post connected at least indirectly to the base;   a backboard;   a backboard support structure connected at least indirectly to the backboard;   a biasing mechanism that is configured to be locked and unlocked;   a handle operably disposed with respect to the biasing mechanism such that rotation of the handle to a first position locks the biasing mechanism and rotation of the handle to a second position unlocks the biasing mechanism; and   an adjustment mechanism connected at least indirectly to the backboard support structure, the post, and the biasing mechanism, wherein:
 the biasing mechanism is configured to bias the adjustment mechanism toward a fully extended state; 
 when the adjustment mechanism is in other than the fully extended state, and in the absence of a force to counteract the bias, rotation of the handle to the second position results in automatic movement of the adjustment mechanism toward the fully extended state; and 
 a rotation of the handle to the second position, followed by exertion of a downward force on the handle, causes the backboard to be lowered and moved toward the post. 
   
     
     
         13 . The basketball system as recited in  claim 12 , wherein the adjustment mechanism is a triggerless adjustment mechanism. 
     
     
         14 . The basketball system as recited in  claim 12 , wherein the base is configured to be partially filled with a ballast material. 
     
     
         15 . The basketball system as recited in  claim 12 , wherein when the biasing mechanism is locked, movement of the backboard is substantially prevented. 
     
     
         16 . The basketball system as recited in  claim 12 , wherein the biasing mechanism comprises one or more of: a shock; and, a spring. 
     
     
         17 . The basketball system as recited in  claim 16 , wherein rotation of the handle from the first position to the second position comprises a downward motion of the handle, and rotation of the handle from the second position to the first position comprises an upward motion of the handle. 
     
     
         18 . A basketball system, comprising:
 a base;   a post connected at least indirectly to the base;   a backboard;   a backboard support structure including a center support member and two fixed backboard support arms connected at least indirectly to the center support member and to the backboard, the backboard support arms each comprising a unitary, single piece structure of blow-molded plastic;   a biasing mechanism configured to be locked and unlocked; and   an adjustment mechanism having a handle operably disposed with respect to the biasing mechanism, the adjustment mechanism being connected at least indirectly to the backboard support structure and the post, wherein:
 the biasing mechanism is configured to bias the adjustment mechanism toward a fully extended state where a height of the backboard is at a maximum; 
 when the adjustment mechanism is in other than the fully extended state, and in the absence of a force to counteract the bias, unlocking of the biasing mechanism results in automatic movement of the adjustment mechanism toward the fully extended state; 
 a downward rotation of the handle, followed by exertion of a downward force on the handle, causes the backboard to be lowered; and 
 when the biasing mechanism is locked, movement of the backboard, adjustment mechanism, and biasing mechanism is substantially prevented. 
   
     
     
         19 . The basketball system as recited in  claim 18 , further comprising a frame at least indirectly connected to the backboard support structure, and wherein the backboard is implemented as a single piece of formed polycarbonate that is connected to the frame without the use of adhesive. 
     
     
         20 . The basketball system as recited in  claim 18 , further comprising a rim connected at least indirectly to the backboard by one or more substantially rigid connections and one or more resilient connections.