US20050064962A1

US20050064962A1 - Apparatus and method for a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly

Info

Publication number: US20050064962A1
Application number: US10/901,724
Authority: US
Inventors: Delbert Pile
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-09-19
Filing date: 2004-07-29
Publication date: 2005-03-24

Abstract

A basketball backboard and hoop apparatus including a basketball backboard and hoop assembly, wherein the basketball backboard and hoop assembly, further includes a backboard, and a hoop, a support arm for supporting the basketball backboard and hoop assembly, and a guiding device. The support arm is moveable along the guiding device. At least one of the support arm and the guiding device is curved in shape. The basketball backboard and hoop assembly is moved from a first position inside the structure to a second position outside the structure.

Description

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/504,150, filed Sep. 19, 2003, and entitled “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR A RETRACTABLE BASKETBALL BACKBOARD AND HOOP ASSEMBLY”, the subject matter of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to an apparatus and a method for a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly and, in particular, to an apparatus for a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly which can be deployed from a stored position or non-use position to an in-use position and which can also be retractable from an in-use position to a stored position or non-use position and a method of using same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The game of basketball is a very popular game which is traditionally played with a backboard and hoop which can typically be mounted on a rigid structure, a building, and/or a pole, or other structure. Basketball is a game which is traditionally enjoyed during good weather. However, during snow, rain, ice, extreme hot and/or humid weather, and/or other inclement weather conditions, basketball playing can be curtailed due to the adverse effects these weather and/or environmental conditions may have on individuals. In these situations, the individuals desiring to play basketball must typically seek an alternate venue for playing the game.
Sports or athletic facilities have been known to install a fixed basketball backboard and hoop assembly or assemblies in walled courts or facilities, such as, for example, handball courts, racquetball courts, or other courts or facilities. Once installed, however, the basketball backboard and hoop assembly or assemblies can interfere with other uses of the court or facility, thereby rendering the court or facility unsuitable for use as a handball court, a racquetball court, or other court or facility which requires freedom from obstructions.
The need for providing a safe structure for deploying the basketball backboard and hoop assembly is yet another problem which can constrain the play of basketball. Currently, portable basketball backboard and hoop assemblies are available which can be transported from outdoor locations to indoor locations in order to allow for play during inclement weather. These portable units, however, can be awkward to move or transport and/or may not be easily maneuvered by younger individuals. Portable backboard and hoop assemblies can also present a danger of tipping over, consume limited garage storage space, and/or can be hit by automobiles.
Another concern lies in the fact that certain municipalities have ordinances and/or other local laws which prohibit the installation of backboard and hoop assemblies on the exterior of garages, homes, and/or other structures.
In one prior art basketball backboard and hoop arrangement, U.S. Pat. No. 4,934,696 discloses a backboard and hoop assembly which is attached to a moveable garage door. This prior art assembly has several disadvantages associated therewith. For example, the assembly can only be utilized outdoors, its installation on the garage door can violate most manufacturer use and maintenance guidelines because of weight imbalances caused thereby, the garage door may require a prop or other device to hold it open, the basketball assembly can pose a risk of hitting a car when the garage door is opened or closed, the basketball assembly can take up or reduce available parking space, and/or the basketball assembly can pose a safety risk to individuals during garage door opening and/or closing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to an apparatus and a method for a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly and, in particular, to an apparatus for a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly which can be deployed from a stored position or non-use position to an in-use position and which can also be retractable from an in-use position to a stored position or non-use position and a method of using same. The retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly apparatus can be mounted inside a structure or outside a structure and can be deployed from a stored position or non-use position to an in-use position. When mounted inside a structure, the retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly can be deployed to a position outside the structure for use. When storage is desired, the retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly can be retracted back to the stored position or non-use position and/or can be retracted back inside the structure to the stored position or non-use position, whichever the case may be.
The retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly apparatus can be mounted at any location inside or outside any structure and the retractable feature of the apparatus can be used in any desired manner. The apparatus of the present invention can be used for outdoor play and/or indoor play depending on the desired application.
The apparatus of the present invention can include an activation device or motor which can be utilized to actuate and drive a drive mechanism. The activation device or motor can be an electric motor, a garage door opener motor, a hydraulic motor or device, a pneumatic device, a vacuum device, or any mechanically actuated device, and/or any combination of the above-described devices.
The activation device or motor can also be capable of being activated and operated manually in the event of a power failure or device failure so as to deploy or retract the basketball backboard and hoop assembly apparatus of the present invention. Any appropriate mechanical assemblies and/or devices can be used in connection with the apparatus of the preset invention.
The drive mechanism can be connected to, or be mechanically linked to or with, the activation device or motor so as to be directly driven by the activation device or motor.
The apparatus can also include a guiding device which is used to support a support arm which is connected to and supports the basketball backboard and hoop assembly of the apparatus. The support arm is slideably moveable along and/or within the guiding device. The support arm can have longitudinal slots located along and through the sides thereof. The support arm can be slideably situated within the guiding device by using a support arm alignment bolt or other hardware, which can facilitate the slideable movement of the support arm along and/or within the guiding device. The hardware can also serve to secure the support arm to the guiding device.
The support arm can slide in both directions along and/or within the guiding device by sliding along the longitudinal slots along mounting hardware of the guiding device.
The support arm can also be designed and can be built or constructed in sections which can allow for the support arm to be deployed and/or retracted telescopically.
The drive mechanism can be mechanically connected to, or coupled to or with, the support arm and can serve to cause the support arm to be longitudinally moveable along and/or within the guiding device in both directions of movement. The activation device/drive mechanism can be utilized in order to move the support arm and the basketball backboard and hoop assembly connected thereto from a stored position to an in-use position and to move the support arm and the basketball backboard and hoop assembly from the in-use position to the stored position. The activation device can be located and/or can be mounted adjacent to the guiding device such as by using any appropriate mounting or support element.
The basketball backboard and hoop assembly typically includes a backboard and a basketball hoop. The basketball hoop has attached thereto a basketball net which can be manufactured from any suitable material. The basketball hoop can be attached to the backboard or to the support arm via a hoop support hinge or other suitable mounting element or hardware. The hoop support hinge or other suitable mounting element or hardware can be capable of providing both horizontal and vertical movement of the basketball hoop relative to the backboard. The hoop support hinge or other suitable mounting element or hardware can also facilitate respective horizontal and/or vertical rotation needed in order to deploy the hoop from the stored position to the in-use position and from the in-use position to the stored position.
In another embodiment, the hoop can be fixedly mounted to or on, attached to, or directly connected with, the support arm thereby dispensing with the use of, and need for, a hoop support hinge. In such an embodiment, the hoop can be mounted to or on, attached to, or connected to, the end of the support arm, and/or at any other suitable location on the support arm.
The basketball backboard and hoop assembly can be attached to the support arm via a backboard pivot hinge or other suitable mounting element or hardware.
A coupling device which is attached to the drive mechanism can also be connected to or with, or coupled with, the backboard support arm to facilitate movement in the support arm and/or movement of the support arm. The coupling device can also be attached to a backboard support bracket which can also be attached to the backside or non-playing side of the backboard. The coupling device can also be attached to a hoop deployment push arm which is also attached to the hoop.
The guiding device can be mounted to the inside of the wall of the structure within which it is housed. The apparatus can be mounted within a building, a residential building, a commercial building, a gymnasium, a garage, an attic of a building, a wall of a building, and/or within any other suitable structure. The guiding device can be mounted to the inside of a wall or other structure via a mounting support arm or mounting support arms which can be attached to the guiding device. The mounting support arm or mounting support arms can be connected to the guiding device by using any suitable hardware. The mounting support arm or mounting support arms can also be attached to wall mounting brackets which wall mounting brackets can be attached to the inside of the wall or other structure by using any suitable hardware.
The mounting support arm or mounting support arms can be of a fixed length or can be adjustable in length and/or in angle of inclination via a mounting support arm(s) activation device or motor so as to adjust the angle of inclination of the guiding device and the support arm in order to be able to adjust the height of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly. The mounting support arm or mounting support arms can also be adjustable in length and/or in angle of inclination via a mounting support arm or mounting support arms manual adjustment device, or motorized adjustment device, so as to adjust the angle of inclination of the guiding device and the support arm so as to be able to manually adjust the height of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly. This adjustment can take place during deployment of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly to the playing position or after deployment so as to change the elevation of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly from one playing elevation to another.
The apparatus of the present invention can be positioned inside a structure and/or behind a wall or roof. The wall or roof can contain an aperture through which the basketball backboard and hoop assembly and at least a portion of the support arm can pass. The basketball backboard and hoop assembly can be foldable in order to allow its passage through the aperture. The basketball backboard and hoop assembly can be folded in any appropriate or suitable manner.
Although described as being stored within a structure when not in use, the apparatus of the present invention can also be located or positioned on an exterior of a structure or wall.
The aperture can have associated therewith a hinged cover which covers the aperture when the apparatus is not in use and stored within the structure. The cover can be spring biased by a closing device so as to cause the cover to return to the closed position upon the return of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly to the stored position. The cover can be located at any suitable location at, about, or adjacent to, the aperture.
The aperture should be large enough to facilitate the passing therethrough, in both directions, of the folded basketball backboard and hoop assembly and the pertinent portion of the support arm.
The guiding device and the support arm can be positioned horizontally, essentially horizontally, and/or at any angle of inclination. The support arm and the basketball backboard and hoop assembly can be deployed horizontally, essentially horizontally, and/or at or along any angle of inclination.
The apparatus can be utilized in the following manner. When in the stored position, the apparatus can be deployed for use in the following manner. The activation device can be activated by a switch or by a wireless remote control device in order to actuate and drive the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism can be moved along with the coupling device so as to move the support arm and the basketball backboard and hoop assembly in the direction of deployment and through the aperture to the exterior of the structure or towards the in-use position.
Once the basketball backboard and hoop assembly is deployed to the in-use position, the continued action of the activation device and the movement of the drive mechanism and coupling device will unfold the basketball backboard and hoop assembly to the in-use and upright position, such as by moving the backboard support bracket to the in-use position thereby causing the backboard to be moved to the upright and in-use position, and by moving the hoop deployment push arm to the in-use position which deploys the hoop to the in-use position.
The drive mechanism, the coupling device, the support arm, the backboard support bracket, and the hoop deployment push arm, can be designed to be activated or actuated sequentially in any appropriate order or sequence consistent with the design and use of the apparatus.
The drive mechanism can drive or actuate each of the coupling device and, in turn, the support arm thereby driving the basketball backboard and hoop assembly and the pertinent portion of the support arm through the aperture, moving the cover of the aperture to the open position, and towards the in-use position until the basketball backboard and hoop assembly reaches and is deployed to the in-use position. The continued operation of the drive mechanism drives or moves the backboard support bracket, so as to deploy the backboard to the upright position, thereby unfolding the basketball backboard and hoop assembly, and drives or moves the hoop deployment push arm to drive or move the hoop to the in-use position.
In this regard, the above-described deployment sequence can first move the support arm and the basketball backboard and hoop assembly out through the aperture, opening the cover of the aperture in the process, deploy the backboard to the upright and in-use position and rotate the hoop horizontally, essentially horizontally, or near horizontally, to the in-use position.
When it is desired to retract the basketball backboard and hoop assembly to the stored position, the above operation can be performed in reverse.
The activation device can be used to perform the full deployment and retraction of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly by controlling and effectuating the driving or movement of the coupling device, the support arm, the backboard support bracket, and the hoop deployment push arm. In another embodiment, a separate activation device or motor can be utilized in order to control and effectuate the driving or movement of any one or more of the coupling device, the support arm, the backboard support bracket, and the hoop deployment push arm.
Separate activation devices or motors can be utilized to control and effectuate the movement of one or more of the coupling device, the support arm, the backboard support bracket, and the hoop deployment push arm. A separate activation device or motor can be utilized to control and effectuate the movement of each of the coupling device, the support arm, the backboard support bracket, and the hoop deployment push arm. In embodiments where multiple activation devices or motors are utilized, a central control device can be used to control and effectuate the sequential activation of the respective activation devices or motors.
In another embodiment, the apparatus and method of the present invention can be utilized in conjunction with a curved guiding device and a curved support arm. In this embodiment, the manner in which the curved support arm deploys through the structure can allow for an adjustable backboard height.
The guiding device can be curved and/or shaped in any degree of curvature consistent with its use. The support arm can also be curved or shaped so as to be capable of being utilized with the curved guiding device.
The curved or shaped support arm can also be designed and can be built in sections which can allow for the support arm to be deployed and/or retracted telescopically.
In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the operation of the respective apparatuses or embodiments can be activated automatically so that the basketball backboard and hoop assembly can be deployed to an in-use position automatically and/or so that the basketball backboard and hoop assembly can be retracted to a stored position or non-use position automatically. In such an embodiment, the respective activation device can be activated by a switching device which can include or utilize a sensor or respective sensors for sensing any one or more of darkness, daylight, noise, infrared heat from a player, an impact such as from a basketball hitting against the basketball backboard or the apparatus, a breaking of a light beam such as by a movement of a basketball, motion in the vicinity of the structure in which the apparatus is mounted or to which the apparatus is mounted, rainfall, snowfall, and/or any other activity, occurrence, environmental condition, etc., which might lead one to desire to deploy and/or to retract the basketball backboard and hoop assembly.
In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the operation of the activation device to either deploy or retract the basketball backboard and hoop assembly can also be activated or controlled by or with an automatic timer device.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly which can be retractable to a location within an interior of a structure.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly which can utilized for outdoor play, indoor play, or both outdoor and indoor play.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly which can be deployed through an aperture of a structure.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly wherein the assembly is moveable longitudinally during the deployment of same and/or during the retraction and/or storing of same.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly which can be deployed for use and/or retracted to a stored position by using an activation device.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly which can be deployed for use and/or retracted to a stored position by movement in a longitudinal direction.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly which can be deployed for use and/or retracted to a stored position by movement in a longitudinal direction and/or along and/or within a guiding device.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly which can be deployed for use and/or retracted to a stored position by movement along a curved guiding device.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly wherein the assembly is installed and/or supported by an interior wall and/or other interior structure or device of a building or structure.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly wherein the assembly can be deployed through an aperture dedicated for utilization in conjunction with the present invention.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly wherein the assembly can include a foldable backboard and/or a solid and/or non-foldable backboard.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly wherein the assembly can contain motorized components.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly wherein the assembly can facilitate an automated deployment of same.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly wherein the apparatus includes a control device for controlling the operation thereof.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly which can also be utilized with a garage door opener motor as an activation device or mechanism.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly which can also be utilized with a garage door opener device or mechanism which can, in addition to and/or instead of being utilized to open and/or close a garage door, can also be utilized to deploy the basketball backboard and hoop assembly to an in-use position and/or to retract the basketball backboard and hoop assembly to a stored position or non-use position.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly which can also be utilized with a computer or computer system which can be utilized in order to perform an automated and/or a remote controlled deployment and/or storage of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly and/or the apparatus of the present invention.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly which can also be utilized with a sensor or sensors for sensing at least one of, or any one or more of, darkness, daylight, noise, infrared heat from a player, an impact against the basketball backboard or the apparatus, a breaking of a light beam, motion in the vicinity of the structure in which the apparatus is mounted or to which the apparatus is mounted, rainfall, snowfall, motion in the vicinity of the apparatus, rainfall, snowfall, and/or an environmental condition.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly which can also be utilized with a control device which, upon automatically ascertaining or determining a non-use of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly, can automatically return the basketball backboard and hoop assembly and/or any other components of the apparatus to a stored position or a non-use position.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly the operation of which can be activated or controlled by or with an automatic timer device.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those individuals skilled in the art upon a review of the Description Of The Preferred Embodiments taken in conjunction with the Drawings which follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the Drawings:
FIG. 1 illustrates a three-dimensional perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;
FIG. 2 illustrates the basketball backboard and hoop assembly of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in a preferred embodiment folded state;
FIG. 3 illustrates the apparatus of FIG. 1 in a preferred embodiment stored state;
FIG. 4 illustrates a three-dimensional perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;
FIG. 5 illustrates the basketball backboard and hoop assembly of the apparatus of FIG. 4 in a preferred embodiment folded state; and
FIG. 6 illustrates the apparatus of FIG. 4 in a preferred embodiment stored state;
FIG. 7 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention wherein the drive mechanism is positioned above the support arm as shown;
FIG. 8 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention wherein the drive mechanism is positioned below the support arm as shown; and
FIG. 9 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention wherein the activation device is a garage door opener motor or device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention pertains to an apparatus and a method for a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly and, in particular, to an apparatus for a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly which can be deployed from a stored position or non-use position to an in-use position and which can also be retractable from an in-use position to a stored position or non-use position and a method of using same. In a preferred embodiment, the retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly apparatus is mounted inside a structure and can be deployed to a position outside the structure for use. When storage is desired, the retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly apparatus can be retracted back inside the structure to a stored position or non-use position. In another preferred embodiment, the retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly can be mounted at any location inside or outside any structure and the retractable feature of the apparatus can be used in any desired manner to retract the basketball backboard and hoop assembly to a stored position or non-use position. In this manner, the apparatus of the present invention can be used for outdoor play and/or for indoor play depending upon the desired application.
As used herein, the term “horizontally” means horizontally as well as essentially horizontally.
As used herein, the term “vertically” means vertically as well as essentially vertically.
Applicant hereby incorporates by reference herein the subject matter and teachings of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/504,150 which teaches and discloses an apparatus and method for a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly.
FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly apparatus which is the subject of the present invention and which is designated by the reference numeral 100. In FIG. 1, the apparatus 100 is shown in the in-use position. With reference to FIG. 1, the retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly apparatus 100 includes an activation device 1 which is utilized to actuate and drive the drive mechanism 2. In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, the activation device 1 can be an electric motor, a garage door opener motor, a hydraulic motor or device, a pneumatic device, a vacuum device, or any electrically or mechanically actuated device, and/or any combination of the above-described devices.
The activation device 1, in the preferred embodiment, can also be capable of being activated and operated manually in the event of a power failure or device failure so as to deploy or retract the basketball backboard and hoop assembly apparatus of the present invention. In this regard, any appropriate mechanical assemblies and/or devices (not shown) can be used in connection with the apparatus 100.
In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, the drive mechanism 2 is connected to or with, or mechanically linked to, the activation device or motor 1 so as to be directly driven by the activation device or motor 1.
The apparatus 100 also includes a guiding device 3 which is supported by a pivot device 54. Guiding device 3 is used to support the support arm 4. The support arm 4 is connected to and supports the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 25.
The support arm 4 is slideably moveable along and/or within the guiding device 3. The support arm 4 has longitudinal slots 5 located along and through the sides thereof as shown. The support arm 4 is slideably situated within the guiding device 3 by using support arm alignment bolt 6, which is passed through the respective alignment bolt holes 7 located on both sides of the guiding device 3 and through the longitudinal slots 5 of the support arm so as to provide for and/or facilitate the slideable movement of the support arm 4 along and/or within the guiding device 3. The alignment bolt 6 also serves to secure the support arm 4 to the guiding device 3.
The support arm 4 can slide in both directions along and/or within the guiding device 3 by sliding along the longitudinal slots 5 along the alignment bolt 6 of the guiding device 3.
In another preferred embodiment, the support arm 4 can be designed and can be built in sections which can allow for the support arm 4 to be deployed and/or retracted telescopically.
The drive mechanism 2 is mechanically connected to or with, or coupled to, the support arm 4 via the coupling device 16 and serves to cause the support arm 4 to be longitudinally moveable along and/or within the guiding device 3 in both directions of movement.
The activation device 1/drive mechanism 2 is utilized, in the preferred embodiment, in order to drive or move the support arm 4 and the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 25 from a stored position or non-use position to an in-use position and to drive or move the support arm 4 and the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 25 from the in-use position to a stored position or non-use position. In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, the activation device 1 is located and/or mounted adjacent to the guiding device 3 as shown, such as be using the activation device support element 8.
With reference once again to FIG. 1, the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 25 is connected to the end of the support arm 4 which is opposite the end of the support arm 4 which is connected to the drive mechanism 2.
In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 25 includes a backboard 10 and a basketball hoop 11. The basketball hoop 11 has attached thereto a basketball net 12 which can be manufactured from any suitable material. The basketball hoop 11 is attached to the backboard 10 and/or is attached to the support arm 4 via a hoop support hinge 13. In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, the hoop support hinge 13 is capable of providing both horizontal and vertical movement of the basketball hoop 11 relative to the backboard 10. The hoop support hinge 13 can also facilitate any respective horizontal and/or vertical rotation needed in order to deploy the hoop 11 from the stored position or non-use position to the in-use position and to retract the hoop 11 from the in-use position to the stored position or non-use position.
In another preferred embodiment, the hoop 11 can be fixedly attached to, or directly connected with, the support arm 4 thereby dispensing with the use of, and the need for, a hoop support hinge 13. In a preferred embodiment, the hoop 11 can be attached to the end of the support arm 4 and/or at any other suitable location on the support arm 4.
In the preferred embodiment, the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 25 is attached to the support arm 4 via the backboard pivot hinge 14.
With reference once again to FIG. 1, the top side of the support arm 4 has a slotted elongate hole 15 therethrough for passage of coupling device 16 which is attached to the drive mechanism 2. The coupling device 16 is also attached to the backboard support bracket 17 which backboard support bracket 17 is also attached to the backside or non-playing side of the backboard 10. The coupling device 16 is also attached to hoop deployment push arm 18 which hoop deployment push arm 18 is also attached to the hoop 11. The hoop deployment push arm 18 can be a telescopic device or can be telescoping in order to compensate for any as needed length changes during activation or deployment of the hoop 11.
With reference once again to FIG. 1, the guiding device 3 is mounted to the inside of the wall or roof 50 of the structure within which it is housed. The apparatus 100 can be mounted within a building, a residential building, a commercial building, a gymnasium, a garage, an attic of a building, a wall of a building, and/or within any other suitable structure. The guiding device 3 is mounted to the inside of the wall or roof 50 via mounting support arm 20 which, in the preferred embodiment, is attached to either side of the guiding device 3 as shown in FIG. 1.
With reference once again to FIG. 1, the mounting support arm 20 is connected to the guiding device 3 by using any suitable hardware. The mounting support arm 20 is attached to the wall mounting bracket(s) 21 which mounting bracket(s) 21 are attached to the inside of the wall or roof 50 by using any suitable hardware.
In another preferred embodiment, the guiding device 3 can be mounted to the inside of the wall or roof 50 via any number of, or multiple, mounting support arms 20.
The mounting support arm 20, in the preferred embodiment, can be of a fixed length. In another preferred embodiment, the mounting support arm 20 can be adjustable in length and/or in angle of inclination by using a mounting support arm activation device or motor (not shown) so as to adjust the angle of inclination of the guiding device 3 and the support arm 4, so as to be able to adjust the height of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 25. In another preferred embodiment, the mounting support arm 20 can be adjustable in length and/or in angle of inclination by using a mounting support arm manual adjustment device (not shown) so as to adjust the angle of inclination of the guiding device 3 and the support arm 4, so as to be able to manually adjust the height of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 25.
In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus 100 can be positioned inside a structure and behind a wall or roof such as wall or roof 50. With reference once again to FIG. 1, the wall or roof 50 contains an aperture 51 through which the basketball backboard and hoop assembly and a portion of the support arm 4 can pass. The basketball backboard and hoop assembly 25 can be foldable in order to allow its passage through the aperture 51.
FIG. 2 illustrates the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 25 in a preferred embodiment folded state. It is to be understood, however, that the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 25 can be folded in any other appropriate or suitable manner.
It is to be understood that, although described as being stored within a structure when not in use, the apparatus 100 can also, in another preferred embodiment, be located or positioned on an exterior of a structure or wall when not in use.
With reference once again to FIG. 1, the aperture 51 has associated therewith a hinged cover 52 which covers the aperture 51 when the apparatus 100 is not in use and/or is stored within the structure. In the preferred embodiment, the cover 52 can be spring biased by closing device 53 so as to cause the cover 52 to return to the closed position upon the retraction of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 25 to the stored position or non-use position. In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, the cover 52 is shown as being located at the underside of the aperture 51 and opens downwardly. In another preferred embodiment, the cover 52 can be located at the upper side of the aperture 51 and can open upwardly. In still another preferred embodiment, the cover 52 can be located at either side of the aperture 51 and can open outwardly from the side of the aperture 51.
The aperture 51, in the preferred embodiment, is large enough to facilitate the passing therethrough in both directions of the folded basketball backboard and hoop assembly 25 and the pertinent portion of the support arm 4.
With reference once again to FIG. 1, the guiding device 3, in the preferred embodiment, is positioned horizontally or essentially horizontally. In the preferred embodiment, the support arm 4 is also positioned horizontally or essentially horizontally. In this manner, in the preferred embodiment, the support arm 4 and the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 25 are deployed horizontally or essentially horizontally. In another preferred embodiment, the support arm 4 and the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 25 can be deployed at or along any angle or angle of inclination. In another preferred embodiment, any one or more of the guiding device 3 and/or the support arm 4 can be positioned or mounted at or about any angle or any angle of inclination.
FIG. 3 illustrates the apparatus 100 in its stored position or non-use position inside the wall 50 of the structure. As shown in FIG. 3, the backboard and hoop assembly 25 is folded when in the stored position or non-use position.
The apparatus 100 can be utilized in the following manner. The apparatus 100, when in the stored position or non-use position, as shown in FIG. 3, can be deployed to the in-use position of FIG. 1 in the following manner. The activation device 1 which, in the preferred embodiment is an electric motor, can be activated by a switch or by a wireless remote control device in order to actuate and drive the drive mechanism 2.
The activation device 1 and the drive mechanism 2 are utilized to deploy the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 25 to the in-use position in the following manner. The drive mechanism 2, driven by the activation device 1, is driven or moved longitudinally in the direction away from the activation device 1 and thereby drives or moves the coupling device 16 and, in turn, the backboard support bracket 17 in the same direction away from the activation device 1.
The above-described movement of the backboard support bracket 17 drives or moves the backboard 10. The above-described movement of the backboard 10 exerts a force upon the pivot hinge 14 which, in turn, drives or moves the support arm 4 along and/or within the guiding device 3, thereby driving or moving the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 25 in the longitudinal direction towards the in-use position. The above-described movement of the support arm 4 drives or moves the folded basketball backboard and hoop assembly 25 and the pertinent portion of the support arm 4 through the aperture 51 and to the exterior of the structure. The support arm 4 slides along the guiding device 3 via the longitudinal slots 5 passing along the alignment bolt 6 of the guiding device 3.
Once the folded basketball backboard and hoop assembly 25 is deployed to the in-use position, the continued operation of the activation device 1 and the corresponding continued driving or movement of the drive mechanism 2 and the coupling device 16 will drive or move the backboard support bracket 17, which continued driving or movement of the backboard support bracket 17 will cause the backboard 10 to unfold to the upright and in-use position, and will drive or move the hoop deployment push arm 18, which continued driving or movement of the hoop deployment push arm 18 will drive or move the hoop 11 so as to deploy the hoop 11 to the in-use position as shown. The hoop 11 can be deployed either horizontally or vertically, or in any combination of horizontal or vertical movement, as dictated by the type of hoop support hinge 13 which is selected for use in the apparatus 100.
In the preferred embodiment wherein the hoop 11 is fixedly attached to, or connected with, the support arm 4, the use of, or need for, the hoop support hinge 13, and any need to perform any rotation of the hoop 11 in the deployment or retraction operation or process, can be dispensed with entirely.
In the preferred embodiment, the drive mechanism 2, the coupling device 16, the support arm 4, the backboard support bracket 17, and the hoop deployment push arm 18, are designed to be activated or actuated sequentially, from the activation and movement of the drive mechanism 2, in the above-described order or sequence and/or in any other suitable or appropriate order or sequence.
The drive mechanism 2, in the preferred embodiment, drives or actuates each of the coupling device 16, the support bracket 17, the backboard 10 and the pivot hinge 14 and, in turn, the support arm 4 drives or moves the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 25 and the pertinent portion of the support arm 4 through the aperture 51, moving the cover 52 to the open position in the process, and towards the in-use position until the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 25 reaches and is deployed to the in-use position. The continued operation of the drive mechanism 2 then drives or moves the backboard support bracket 17 so as to move the backboard 10 to the upright and in-use position, thereby unfolding the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 25, and drives or moves the hoop deployment push arm 18 so as to move the hoop 11 to the in-use position.
When it is desired to retract the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 25 to the stored position or non-use position, the above operation can be performed in reverse. When retracting the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 25 to the stored position or non-use position, the activation device 1 can be operated in reverse so as to drive or move the drive mechanism 2, the coupling device 16 and, in turn, the backboard support bracket 17, in the direction towards the activation device 1.
The movement of the coupling device 16 and the backboard support bracket 17 will drive or move the hoop deployment push arm 18 in the direction towards the activation device 1 thereby retracting or moving the hoop 11 to the stored position or non-use position and will also cause the backboard 10 to fold thereby returning the backboard and hoop assembly 25 to the folded and/or stored position. Thereafter, the continued movement of the drive mechanism 2 and the coupling device 16 will retract the support arm 4 and the folded basketball backboard and hoop assembly 25 along the guiding device 3, through the aperture 51, and into the interior of the structure until the support arm 4 and the folded basketball backboard and hoop assembly 25 reaches the stored position or non-use position.
As the support arm 4 and the folded basketball backboard and hoop assembly 25 passes into the interior of the structure, the closing device 53 of the cover 52 will cause the cover to close thereby covering the aperture 51.
In the preferred embodiment, the activation device 1 is used to perform and/or control the deployment and retraction of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly by controlling and effectuating the movement of the coupling device 16, the support arm 4, the backboard support bracket 17, the backboard 10, the pivot hinge 14, and the hoop deployment push arm 18. In another preferred embodiment, a separate activation device or motor can be utilized in order to control and effectuate the movement of any one or more of each of the coupling device 16, the support arm 4, the backboard support bracket 17, and the hoop deployment push arm 18.
In another preferred embodiment, separate activation devices or motors can be utilized in order to control and/or effectuate the movement of any one or more of the coupling device 16, the support arm 4, the backboard support bracket 17, the pivot hinge 14, and/or the hoop deployment push arm 18. In another preferred embodiment, separate activation devices or motors can be utilized to control and effectuate the movement of each of the coupling device 16, the support arm 4, the backboard support bracket 17, the pivot hinge 14, and/or the hoop deployment push arm 18. In embodiments where multiple activation devices or motors are utilized, a central control device can be used to control and effectuate the sequential activation and operation of each of the respective activation devices or motors.
In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus and method of the present invention can be utilized in conjunction with a curved guiding device and a curved support arm. In this preferred embodiment, the manner in which the curved support arm deploys through the structure can allow for an adjustable backboard height. FIG. 4 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention. The apparatus of FIG. 4 is designated by the reference numeral 300.
In FIG. 4, the apparatus 300 is shown in the in-use position. With reference to FIG. 4, the retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly apparatus 300 includes an activation device 301 which is utilized to actuate and drive the drive mechanism 302. In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 4, the actuating device 301 can be an electric motor, a garage door opener motor, a hydraulic motor or device, a pneumatic device, a vacuum device, or any mechanically actuated device, and/or any combination of the above-described devices. The activation device 301, in the preferred embodiment, can also be capable of being activated and operated manually in the event of a power failure or device failure so as to deploy or retract the basketball backboard and hoop assembly apparatus of the present invention. In this regard, any appropriate mechanical assemblies and/or devices (not shown) can be used in connection with the apparatus 300.
In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 4, the drive mechanism 302 is connected to or with, or mechanically linked to, the activation device or motor 301 so as to be directly driven by the activation device or motor 301.
The apparatus 300 also includes a guiding device 303 which is supported by a pivot device 354. Guiding device 303 is used to support the support arm 304. In the apparatus 300 of FIG. 4, the guiding device 303 is curved in shape as shown. It is important to note that the guiding device 303 can be shaped in any degree of curvature which is consistent with its use in the apparatus 300 of the present invention. The support arm 304 is connected to and supports the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 325.
The support arm 304 is slideably moveable along and/or within the guiding device 303. The support arm 304 is also curved in shape and has a degree of curvature consistent with its use in conjunction with, or in combination with, the guiding device 303. The support arm 304 has curve slots 305 located along and through the sides thereof as shown. The support arm 304 is slideably situated within the guiding device 303 by using support arm alignment bolt 306, which is passed through the respective alignment bolt holes 307 located on both sides of the guiding device 303 and through the curved slots 305 of the support arm 304 so as to provide for and/or facilitate the slideable movement of the support arm 304 along and/or within the guiding device 303. The alignment bolt 306 also serves to secure the support arm 304 to the guiding device 303.
The support arm 304 can slide in both directions along and/or within the guiding device 303 by sliding along the curved slots 305 along the alignment bolt 306 of the guiding device 303.
In another preferred embodiment, the support arm 304 can be designed and can be built in sections which can allow for the support arm 304 to be deployed and/or retracted telescopically.
The drive mechanism 302 is mechanically connected to or with, or coupled to, the support arm 304 via the coupling device 316 and serves to cause the support arm 304 to be moveable along and/or within the guiding device 303 in both directions of movement. The activation device 301/drive mechanism 302 is utilized, in the preferred embodiment, in order to move the support arm 304 and the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 325 from a stored position or non-use position to an in-use position and to drive or move the support arm 304 and the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 325 from the in-use position to the stored position or non-use position. In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 4, the activation device 301 is located and/or mounted adjacent to the guiding device 303 as shown, such as be using the activation device support element 308.
With reference once again to FIG. 4, the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 325 is connected to the end of the support arm 304 which is opposite the end of the support arm 304 which is connected to the drive mechanism 302.
In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 4, the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 325 includes a backboard 310 and a basketball hoop 311. The basketball hoop 311 has attached thereto a basketball net 312 which can be manufactured from any suitable material. The basketball hoop 311 is attached to the backboard 310 or is attached to the support arm 304 via a hoop support hinge 313. In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 4, the hoop support hinge 313 is capable of providing both horizontal and vertical movement of the basketball hoop 311 relative to the backboard 310. The hoop support hinge 313 can also facilitate any respective horizontal and/or vertical rotation needed in order to deploy the hoop 311 from the stored position or non-use position to the in-use position and from the in-use position to the stored position or non-use position.
In another preferred embodiment, the hoop 311 can be fixedly attached to, or directly connected with, the support arm 304 thereby dispensing with the use of, and the need for, a hoop support hinge 313. In a preferred embodiment, the hoop 311 can be attached to the end of the support arm 304 and/or at any other suitable location on the support arm 304.
In the preferred embodiment, the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 325 is attached to the support arm 304 via the backboard pivot hinge 314.
With reference once again to FIG. 4, the top side of the support arm 304 has a slotted elongated hole 315 therethrough for passage of coupling device 316 which is attached to the drive mechanism 302. The coupling device 316 is also attached to the backboard support bracket 317 which backboard support bracket 317 is also attached to the backside or non-playing side of the backboard 310. The coupling device 316 is also attached to the hoop deployment push arm 318 which hoop deployment push arm 318 is also attached to the hoop 311. The hoop deployment push arm 318 can be a telescopic device or can be telescoping in order to compensate for any as needed length changes during activation or deployment of the hoop 311.
With reference once again to FIG. 4, the guiding device 303 is mounted to the inside of the wall or roof 350 of the structure within which it is housed. The apparatus 300 can be mounted within a building, a residential building, a commercial building, a gymnasium, a garage, an attic of a building, a wall of a building, and/or within any other suitable structure. The guiding device 303 is mounted to the inside of the wall or roof 350 via mounting support arm 320 which, in the preferred embodiment, is attached to either side of the guiding device 303 as shown in FIG. 4. With reference to FIG. 4, the mounting support arm 320 is connected to the guiding device 303 by using any suitable hardware. In another preferred embodiment, the guiding device 303 can be mounted to the inside of the wall or roof 350 via any number of, or multiple, mounting support arms 320.
With reference once again to FIG. 4, the mounting support arm 320 is connected to the guiding device 303 by using any suitable hardware. The mounting support arm 320 is attached to the wall mounting bracket(s) 321 which mounting bracket(s) 321 are attached to the inside of the wall or roof 350 by using any suitable hardware.
The mounting support arm 320, in the preferred embodiment, can be of a fixed length. In another preferred embodiment, the mounting support arm 320 can be adjustable in length and/or in angle of inclination by using a mounting support arm activation device or motor (not shown) so as to adjust the angle of inclination of the guiding device 303 and the support arm 304, so as to be able to adjust the height of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 325. In another preferred embodiment, the mounting support arm 320 can be adjustable in length and/or in angle of inclination by using a mounting support arm manual adjustment device (not shown) so as to adjust the angle of inclination of the guiding device 303 and the support arm 304, so as to be able to manually adjust the height of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 325.
In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus 300 can be positioned inside a structure and behind a wall or roof such as wall or roof 350. With reference once again to FIG. 4, the wall or roof 350 contains an aperture 351 through which the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 325 and a portion of the support arm 304 can pass. The basketball backboard and hoop assembly 325 can be foldable in order to allow its passage through the aperture 351.
FIG. 5 illustrates the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 325 in a preferred embodiment folded state. It is to be understood, however, that the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 325 can be folded in any other appropriate or suitable manner.
It is to be understood that, although described as being stored within a structure when not in use, the apparatus 300 can also, in another preferred embodiment, be located or positioned on an exterior of a structure or wall when not in use.
With reference once again to FIG. 4, the aperture 351 has associated therewith a hinged cover 352 which covers the aperture 351 when the apparatus 300 is not in use and/or stored within the structure. In the preferred embodiment, the cover 352 can be spring biased by closing device 353 so as to cause the cover 352 to return to the closed position upon the retraction of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 325 to the stored position or non-use position. In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 4, the cover 352 is shown as being located at the underside of the aperture 351 and opens downwardly. In another preferred embodiment, the cover 352 can be located at the upper side of the aperture 351 and can open upwardly. In still another preferred embodiment, the cover 352 can be located at either side of the aperture 351 and can open outwardly from the side of the aperture 351.
The aperture 351, in the preferred embodiment, is large enough to facilitate the passing therethrough in both directions of the folded basketball backboard and hoop assembly 325 and the pertinent portion of the support arm 304.
With reference once again to FIG. 4, the guiding device 303 and the support arm 304 are positioned as shown. In this manner, in the preferred embodiment, the support arm 304 and the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 325 can be deployed in any appropriate manner and/or can be deployed horizontally, essentially horizontally, or at or along any desired angle, or at or along any angle of inclination. In another preferred embodiment, the support arm 304 and the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 325 can be deployed at or along any angle or any angle of inclination. In another preferred embodiment, any one or more of the guiding device 303 and/or the support arm 304 can be positioned or mounted at or about any angle or any angle of inclination.
FIG. 6 illustrates the apparatus 300 in its stored position inside the wall 350 of the structure. As shown in FIG. 6, the backboard and hoop assembly 325 is folded, as shown, when in the stored position or non-use position.
The apparatus 300 can be utilized in the following manner. The apparatus 300, when in the stored position or non-use position, as shown in FIG. 6, can be deployed to the in-use of FIG. 4 in the following manner. The activation device 301 which, in the preferred embodiment, is an electric motor, can be activated by a switch or by a wireless remote control device in order to actuate and drive the drive mechanism 302.
The activation device 301 and the drive mechanism 302 are utilized to deploy the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 325 to the in-use position in the following manner. The drive mechanism 302, driven by the activation device 301, is driven or moved in the direction away from the activation device 301 and thereby drives or moves the coupling device 316 and, in turn, the backboard support bracket 317 in the same direction away from the activation device 301.
The above-described movement of the backboard support bracket 317 drives or moves the backboard 310. The above-described movement of the backboard 310 exerts a force upon the pivot hinge 314 which, in turn, drives or moves the support arm 304 along and/or within the guiding device 303, thereby driving or moving the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 325 in the direction towards the in-use position. The above-described movement of the support arm 304 drives or moves the folded basketball backboard and hoop assembly 325 and the pertinent portion of the support arm 304 through the aperture 351 and to the exterior of the structure. The support arm 304 slides along the guiding device 303 via the curved slots 305 passing along the alignment bolt 306 of the guiding device 303.
Once the folded basketball backboard and hoop assembly 325 is deployed to the in-use position, the continued operation of the activation device 301 and the corresponding continued driving or movement of the drive mechanism 302 and the coupling device 316 will drive or move the backboard support bracket 317, which continued driving or movement of the backboard support bracket 317 will cause the backboard 310 to unfold to an upright and in-use position, and drive or move the hoop deployment push arm 318, which continued driving or movement of the hoop deployment push arm 318 will drive or move the hoop 311 so as to deploy the hoop 311 to the in-use position as shown. The hoop 311 can be deployed either horizontally or vertically, or in any combination of horizontal or vertical movement, as dictated by the type of hoop support hinge 313 which is selected for use in the apparatus 300.
In the preferred embodiment wherein the hoop 311 is fixedly attached to, or connected with, the support arm 304, the use of, or need for, the hoop support hinge 313, and any need to perform any rotation of the hoop 311 in the deployment or retraction operation or process, can be dispensed with entirely.
In the preferred embodiment, the drive mechanism 302, the coupling device 316, the support arm 304, the backboard support bracket 317, and the hoop deployment push arm 318, are designed to be activated or actuated sequentially, from the activation and movement of the drive mechanism 302, in the above-described order or sequence and/or in any other suitable or appropriate order or sequence.
The drive mechanism 302, in the preferred embodiment, drives or actuates each of the coupling device 316, the support bracket 317, the backboard 310 and the pivot hinge 314 and, in turn, the support arm 304 drives or moves the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 325 and the pertinent portion of the support arm 304 through the aperture 351, moving the cover 352 to the open position in the process, and towards the in-use position until the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 325 reaches and is deployed to the in-use position. The continued operation of the drive mechanism 302 then drives or moves the backboard support bracket 317 so as to move the backboard 310 to the upright and in-use position, thereby unfolding the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 325, and drives or moves the hoop deployment push arm 318 so as to move the hoop to the in-use position.
When it is desired to retract the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 325 to the stored position or non-use position, the above operation can be performed in reverse. When retracting the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 325 to the stored position or non-use position, the activation device 301 can be operated in reverse so as to drive or move the drive mechanism 302, the coupling device 316 and, in turn, the backboard support bracket 317, in the direction towards the activation device 301. The driving or movement of the coupling device 316 and the backboard support bracket 317 will drive or move the hoop deployment push arm 318 in the direction towards the activation device 301 thereby retracting or moving the hoop 311 to the stored position or non-use position and will also cause the backboard 310 to fold thereby returning the backboard and hoop assembly 325 to the folded and/or stored position. Thereafter, the continued movement of the drive mechanism 302 and the coupling device 316 will retract the support arm 304 and the folded basketball backboard and hoop assembly 325 along the guiding device 303, through the aperture 351, and into the interior of the structure until the support arm 304 and the folded basketball backboard and hoop assembly 325 reaches the stored position or non-use position. As the support arm 304 and the folded basketball backboard and hoop assembly 325 passes into the interior of the structure, the closing device 353 of the cover 352 will cause the cover to close thereby covering the aperture 351.
In the preferred embodiment, the activation device 301 is used to perform and/or control the deployment and retraction of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly by controlling and effectuating the movement of the coupling device 316, the support arm 304, the backboard support bracket 317, the backboard 310, the pivot hinge 314, and the hoop deployment push arm 318.
In another preferred embodiment, separate activation devices or motors can be utilized in order to control and effectuate the movement of any one or more of the coupling device 316, the support arm 304, the backboard support bracket 317, the pivot hinge 314, and/or the hoop deployment push arm 318. In another preferred embodiment, separate activation devices or motors can be utilized to control and effectuate the movement of each of the coupling device 316, the support arm 304, the backboard support bracket 317, the backboard 310, the pivot hinge 314, and/or the hoop deployment push arm 318. In embodiments where multiple activation devices or motors are utilized, a central control device can be used to control and effectuate the sequential activation and/or operation of each of the respective activation devices or motors.
In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the height of the deployed basketball backboard and hoop assembly 325 can be adjustable depending upon the amount by which the support arm 304 is moved along the guiding device 303 and or by adjustment of the mounting support arm 320 or mounting support arms 320.
In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the operation of the respective apparatuses described herein can be activated automatically so that the basketball backboard and hoop assembly can be deployed to the in-use position automatically and/or so that the basketball backboard and hoop assembly can be retracted to the stored position or non-use position automatically. In such an embodiment, the respective activation device can be activated by a switching device which can include or utilize a sensor for sensing any one or more of darkness, daylight, noise, infrared heat from a player, an impact such as from a basketball hitting against the basketball backboard or the apparatus, a breaking of a light beam such as by a movement of a basketball, motion in the vicinity of the structure in which the apparatus is mounted or to which the apparatus is mounted, rainfall, snowfall, and/or any other activity, occurrence, environmental condition, etc., which might lead one to desire to deploy and/or to retract the basketball backboard and hoop assembly.
In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the operation of the activation device to either deploy and/or retract the basketball backboard and hoop assembly can be activated or controlled by or with an automatic timer device.
In another preferred embodiment, the drive mechanism 2 of FIG. 1 can be positioned or located above the support arm 4. FIG. 7 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the apparatus 100 of the present invention wherein the drive mechanism 2 is positioned above the support arm 4 as shown.
In another preferred embodiment, the drive mechanism 2 of FIG. 1 can be positioned or located below the support arm 4. FIG. 8 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the apparatus 100 of the present invention wherein the drive mechanism 2 is positioned below the support arm 4 as shown.
In another preferred embodiment, the drive mechanism 1 of FIG. 1 can also be utilized to activate and drive a garage door or other suitable door. In this preferred embodiment, the drive mechanism 1 can be a garage door opener motor which can be adapted for the dual purpose use of controlling and/or operating a garage door or other suitable door, associated with the structure, as well as controlling and/or operating the retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 9 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention wherein the activation device is a garage door opener motor or device adapted for the dual purpose use of controlling and/or operating a garage door or other suitable door, as well as controlling and/or operating the retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly apparatus of the present invention.
While the apparatus and method of the present invention has been described and illustrated in various preferred embodiments, such are only illustrative of the present invention and are not to be construed to be limitations thereof. Accordingly, the present invention encompasses any and all alternate embodiments, modifications, and/or variations, with the scope of the present invention being limited only by the claims which follow.

Claims

1. A basketball backboard and hoop apparatus, comprising:

a basketball backboard and hoop assembly, wherein the basketball backboard and hoop assembly, further comprises:

a backboard; and

a hoop;

a support arm for supporting the basketball backboard and hoop assembly; and

a guiding device, wherein the support arm is moveable along the guiding device;

wherein at least one of the support arm and the guiding device is curved in shape, wherein the basketball backboard and hoop assembly is moved from a first position inside the structure to a second position outside the structure.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the height of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly is adjustable depending upon the amount of the support arm from the first position.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support arm is moved along the guiding device in an opposite direction, and further wherein the basketball backboard and hoop assembly is moved from the second position to a stored position.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the basketball backboard and hoop assembly is deployed for outside use.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support structure further comprises:

at least one mounting element for mounting the guiding device to a structure.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the basketball backboard and hoop assembly is moved through a dedicated aperture.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the basketball backboard and hoop assembly is deployed for indoor use.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the backboard is a foldable backboard.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a backboard support member, wherein the backboard support member deploys the backboard to an in-use position.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a hoop deployment member, wherein the hoop deployment member deploys the hoop to an in-use position.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the backboard support member facilitates the folding of the backboard prior to storage.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one activation device for facilitating at least one of an automated deployment of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly to the second position and an automated retraction of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly to the first position.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the at least one activation device is at least one of a motor, an electric motor, a garage door opener, a hydraulic device, a vacuum device, and a pneumatic device.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the at least one activation device is activated by at least one of a switch, a remote control device, and a wireless device.

15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the at least one activation device is activated by an automatic timer.

16. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the at least one activation device is activated by a sensor for sensing at least one of darkness, daylight, noise, infrared heat from a player, an impact against the basketball backboard or the apparatus, a breaking of a light beam, motion in the vicinity of the structure in which the apparatus is mounted or to which the apparatus is mounted, rainfall, snowfall, motion in the vicinity of the apparatus, rainfall, snowfall, and an environmental condition.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one mechanical device for facilitating at least one of a deployment of the backboard and hoop assembly to the second position and a retraction of the backboard and hoop assembly to the first position.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the apparatus, the basketball backboard and hoop assembly, and the support structure, is manufactured from at least one of metal, steel, wood, plastic, plastic composite material, metal alloy material, metal alloy composite material, and fiberglass.

19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the backboard is an unfoldable backboard.

20. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one mounting support element for mounting the guiding device to a structure, wherein the at least one mounting support element adjusts an incline of at least one the guiding device and the support arm.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the at least one mounting support element facilitates adjusting the height of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly.

22. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the at least one mounting support element is adjustable during deployment of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly.

23. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the hoop is rotatably connected to the backboard and further wherein the hoop is automatically rotated to an in-use position.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, further comprising:

a hinge device capable of rotating vertically and horizontally, wherein the hinge device connects the hoop to the backboard or to the support arm.

25. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the at least one mounting support element is at least one of adjusted and activated by at least one of the activation device and a second activation device.

26. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the at least one mounting support element is at least one of adjusted and activated using a manual device.

27. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a coupling device for coupling the at least one activation device to the support arm;

a backboard support member for deploying the backboard to an in-use position; and

a hoop deployment member for deploying the hoop to an in-use position,

wherein the coupling device, the support arm, the backboard support member, and the hoop deployment member, are activated by the at least one activation device.

28. A basketball backboard and hoop apparatus, comprising:

a basketball backboard and hoop assembly;

a support arm for supporting the basketball backboard and hoop assembly;

wherein the basketball backboard and hoop assembly, further comprises:

a backboard; and

a hoop;

a guiding device, wherein the support arm is moveable along the guiding device; and

an activation device for moving the support arm,

29. A basketball backboard and hoop apparatus, comprising:

a basketball backboard and hoop assembly;

a support arm for supporting the basketball backboard and hoop assembly;

wherein the basketball backboard and hoop assembly, further comprises:

a backboard; and

a hoop;

wherein the apparatus further comprises:

a guiding device, wherein the support arm is moveable along the guiding device;