FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a net device for ball sports and more particularly, to a device and method for mounting a net in a hoop for ball sports.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] There are well-known sports of basketball and netball. While reference is more frequently made herein to basketball, it is to be understood that the invention relates equally to basketball, netball and the like sports that employ a net device including a tubular net configured for installation on a hoop.

[0003] Basketball and netball are sports played with a ball on a court. A hoop for receiving the ball is mounted at an end of the court, and the hoop is configured for supporting a generally tubular netting through which the basketball or netball can pass. Each hoop is mounted rigidly utilizing one or more support arms. The basketball hoop, typically a metal ring, has an inside diameter of between sixteen and twenty inches, is installed in front of a backboard and is normally positioned ten feet above the court playing surface. In netball, the hoop is also positioned at a height of ten feet and is typically a metal ring, but has a smaller inside diameter, typically of about fifteen inches and there is no backboard.

[0004] Because of the height of the hoops, it can be difficult under some circumstances to install a new or replacement net on the hoop. Typically, a ladder or suitable platform is required to reach the hoop and install the new net.

[0005] There are many outdoor courts and outdoor areas where basketball and the like sports can be played. Although many of these courts have suitable basketball hoops installed at their ends, often these hoops do not have any nets attached. The lack of a net may be due to several possible reasons including the height of the hoops from the court or playing surface, which heights make it difficult for maintenance personnel to replace the nets. Also, the heavy use of public courts may make the life expectancy of the nets quite short, and it may be too expensive for the owner to replace the nets frequently. The nets may also be stolen in such areas or simply destroyed because of improper use. Despite these problems with nets or the lack thereof, most players prefer to play basketball with nets installed on the metal hoops. When a net is mounted on a hoop, there can be little dispute as to whether the ball has or has not passed through the hoop when a shot is made. When a net is missing from the basketball hoop, the ball can pass so quickly through the hoop that disputes may arise as to whether or not the shot was actually made.

[0006] US Patents No. 5,584,479 and 9,468,826 describe novel net devices for mounting on a hoop for ball sports, and each further configured for easily removing the ball net device from an elevated hoop without the use of a ladder or a pole.

[0007] The present invention is directed to a novel net device for ball sports and improvements therein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention is directed to a ball sport net device and methods.

[0009] In a first aspect, the present invention comprises a ball sports net device for mounting on a hoop ring, the ball sports net device comprising: a tubular net configured to receive a ball and to permit passage of the ball through the tubular net, the tubular net including upper net cord; and a flexible annular member comprising a generally circular circumference and including (i) a hoop engaging section comprising an upperside and an underside defining a channel extending around a substantial portion of the flexible annular member and configured for receiving the hoop ring, (ii) an annular skirt section attached along an inner circumferential edge of the hoop engaging section and configured to extend frustoconically radially inwardly and tapering downwardly away from the upperside, the annular skirt having a lower edge and a lower frustoconical wall surface extending between the lower edge and the hoop engaging section; and (iii) a plurality of net attachment clasps, each of the net attachment clasps being integral with the annular skirt section and including a base protruding from the lower frustoconical wall surface, a mast extending up from the base alongside but spaced from the lower frustoconical wall surface, to thereby define a slot between the mast and the lower frustoconical wall surface, the slot terminating at the base and the mast and the slot being configured to receive and to releasably seat one of the upper net cords against the base.

[00010] In another aspect, the present invention comprises a method for installing a net device on an elevated hoop for ball sports, the method comprising: releasably connecting a tubular net to a flexible annular member, the tubular net comprising: a lower end defined within at least a first lower net cord and a second lower net cord; and an open upper end defined within a plurality of upper net cords, the tubular net configured to receive a ball and to permit passage of the ball through the tubular net from the open upper end out through the lower end; and the flexible annular member comprising: a generally circular circumference and including (i) a hoop engaging section comprising an upperside and an bottom defining a channel extending around a substantial portion of the flexible annular member and configured for receiving the hoop ring, (ii) an annular skirt section attached along an inner circumferential edge of the hoop engaging section and configured to extend frustoconically radially inwardly and tapering downwardly away from the upperside, the annular skirt having a lower edge and a lower frustoconical wall surface extending between the lower edge and the hoop engaging section; and (iii) a plurality of net attachment clasps, each of the net attachment clasps being integral with the annular skirt section and including a base protruding from the lower frustoconical wall surface, a mast extending up from the base alongside but spaced from the lower frustoconical wall surface, to thereby define a slot between the mast and the lower frustoconical wall surface, the slot terminating at the base; and installing the tubular net onto the flexible annular member including: looping each of the upper net cords onto one of the plurality of net attachment clasps including: moving the upper net cord over the mast and seating the upper net cord against the base with the upper net cord hanging alongside the lower frustoconical wall surface; inserting a ball into the net and against the lower end; releasably securing the lower end of the net into a closed position across the ball; and shooting the ball and the net device carried lower end first by the ball through the elevated hoop, to thereby catch the flexible annular member on the elevated hoop and push the net through the hoop to hang below the flexible annular member.

[00011] Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00012] Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which show, by way of example, embodiments of the present invention, and in which:

[00013] Fig. 1 is a perspective front view of a basketball net device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00014] Fig. 2 is a perspective top view of the basketball net device of Fig. 1;

[00015] Fig. 3 is a perspective side view of the basketball net device of Fig. 1;

[00016] Fig. 4 is a perspective bottom view of the basketball net device of Fig. 1;

[00017] Fig. 5 A is a front view of a hoop ring for the basketball net device of Fig. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00018] Fig. 5B is a rear perspective view of the hoop ring of Fig. 5 A;

[00019] Fig. 5C is a partial bottom perspective view of the hoop ring of Fig. 5B; [00020] Fig. 5D is a top perspective view of the hoop ring of Fig. 5A with the hoop ring flipped over;

[00021] Fig. 5E is partial bottom perspective view of the hoop ring of Fig. 5D;

[00022] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the hoop ring of Fig. 5 A taken along A- A;

[00023] Fig. 7A is a perspective view of a hoop ring clasp according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00024] Fig. 7B is a side view of the hoop ring clasp of Fig. 7A in a closed or engaged position;

[00025] Fig. 8A is a side view of a net pin in an open position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00026] Fig. 8B shows a hoop ring configured with a pin clasp according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00027] Fig. 9A shows in diagrammatic form a method for mounting the basketball net device of Fig. 1 on an elevated basketball hoop using a basketball;

[00028] Fig. 9B shows in diagrammatic form a method for dismounting or removing the basketball net device of Fig. 1 from an elevated basketball hoop;

[00029] Figs. 10A to 10D show a method comprising a sequence of steps for dismounting or removing the basketball net device of Fig. 1 from a basketball hoop according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00030] Fig. 11 shows a basketball net device according to another embodiment of the present invention with an integrated clasp for holding and securing a basketball net;

[00031] Fig. 12 is a bottom view of the basketball net device of Fig. 11; [00032] Fig. 13 is a perspective bottom view of an annular member or hoop ring for the basketball net device of Fig. 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00033] Fig. 14 is a sectional view of the annular member of Fig. 13 taken along line AA;

[00034] Fig. 15 shows an enlarged view of an integrated clasp according to an embodiment of the invention;

[00035] Fig. 16 shows the integrated clasp of the Fig. 15 with a net cord held or supported in position;

[00036] Fig. 17A is a top view of a net pin according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[00037] Fig. 17B is a bottom view of the net pin of Fig. 17A; [00038] Fig. 17C is a side view of the net pin of Fig. 17A;

[00039] Fig. 18A shows a basketball net with a basketball held engaged in a closed position by the net pin of Fig. 17;

[00040] Fig. 18B shows a close up side view of the basketball net and net pin of Fig. 18 A;

[00041] Fig. 18C shows a close up bottom view of the basketball net and net pin of Fig. 18 A;

[00042] Figs. 19 to 19C show in diagrammatic form a sequence of steps for installing a net on a collar, for using the net pin to secure a basketball in a basketball net device and for mounting the net device on a basketball hoop ring for game play;

[00043] Fig. 19D shows a method for dismounting or removing the basketball net device of Fig. 11 from a basketball hoop according to an embodiment of the present invention; and [00044] Fig. 20A shows enlarged views of other integrated clasps according to embodiments of the invention; and

[00045] Figs. 20B and 20C are perspective sectional views of a clasp of Fig. 20A taken along line I-I.

[00046] Like reference numerals indicate like or corresponding elements or components in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[00047] Reference is first made to Figs. 1 to 4, which show a basketball net device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and indicated generally by reference 100.

[00048] The basketball net device 100 is mounted temporarily on a permanently installed basketball net indicated generally by reference 10. As shown in Fig. 3, the basketball net 10 comprises a basketball hoop or ring 20 and a backboard 30. The basketball hoop 20 is typically formed from a metal ring and mounted at ten feet above the basketball court or playing surface. The basketball hoop 20 is generally mounted in front of the backboard 30, which may be made of wood or plexi-glass. The basketball net 10 typically includes a support bracket 40, which connects the back-end of the hoop 20 to the backboard 30. Often there are respective brace members 42A and 42B that extend down from each side of the hoop 20 either to the bottom of the bracket 40 or to a suitable location on the backboard 30. The inside diameter of the basketball hoop 20 is normally eighteen inches, or about 45.7 cm.

[00049] While the description refers mainly to basketball, it is to be understood that the invention described herein also is suitable for application to netball or other basketball-like sports. [00050] As shown in Fig. 1, the basketball net device 100 comprises a hoop ring or annular ring member 120 and a net indicated generally by reference 130. The net 130 comprises upper net cords 132 and lower net cords at 134 spaced from the upper net cords 132. The net 130 is constructed according to a specific embodiment as will be described in more detail below. The net 130 is sized to receive a standard basketball and to permit passage of the basketball there through. It is normally open at both a top end 131 and at a bottom end 133. It will be appreciated that in many basketball courts the netting is directly connected to the basketball hoop 20 by suitable means (for example, using net attachment coils 21 as shown in Fig. 4) but the netting can become damaged and torn away from the hoop so that the hoop is left with no net, a generally undesirable state of affairs for a proper game of basketball.

[00051] As shown in Fig. 3 and in Figs. 5A and 5B, the hoop ring or annular member 120 includes a hoop engaging section indicated generally by reference 122. According to an exemplary implementation, the annular member or hoop ring 120 is formed or made from a flexible and strong material, for example, ABS plastic, or other suitable material, as described in more detail below.

[00052] For a substantial portion of the circumference of the annular member 120, the hoop engaging section 122 is generally channel-shaped in cross-section as shown in Fig. 6. The hoop engaging section 122 includes a radially inward section 124 that extends the entire circumference of the annular member and a radially outward section 126 that extends more than half way around, but not entirely around, the circumference of the annular member 120. In use of the basketball net device 100, the radially outward section 126 extends along a radially outer half of the top half of the basketball hoop 20. The hoop engaging section 122 forms a channel 123 having a substantially open bottom and a semicircular cross-section. As also shown in Fig. 6, the annular member 120 has an outwardly extending flange 128, which is connected to the outer edge of the hoop engaging section 122 and extends along more than one-half the circumference of the annular member 120. The outwardly extending flange 128 is helpful in the installation of the net device 100 onto an elevated basketball hoop, for example, as described in more detail below. The outwardly extending flange 128 also helps to stiffen the annular member 120 and helps this member to retain a round shape. According to an exemplary implementation, the total width of the flange member 128 is approximately 2 cm.

[00053] As shown in Figs. 5C and 6, the hoop engaging section 122 includes a bulge or a positively displaced groove on the interior or net side indicated generally by reference 130. The bulge 130 extends substantially around the circumference of the hoop engaging section 122 that contacts the hoop ring 20 as shown in Fig. 5D. The annular member 120 also includes a corresponding bulge or positively displaced groove on the exterior side of the hoop engaging section 122 as shown in Fig. 6 and indicated generally by reference 132. The bulge 132 extends from the front section of the annular member 120 and tapers down to a minimal protrusion at approximately the center of the annular member 120, for example, as depicted in Fig. 5D. This configuration provides the annular member or hoop ring 120 with purchase to grip the metal basketball ring 20, and also allows the hoop ring 120 to rotate or pivot upwards at the front end and squeeze through the basketball ring 20 in a rotating downward motion, for example, as illustrated in Fig. 9B, as described in more detail below. According to another aspect, the bulge or positively displaced groove 130 can be formed as an integral element, e.g. molded into the wall of the hoop engaging section 122, and further function as a reinforcement rib.

[00054] As shown in Figs. 2 and also in Figs. 5A and 5B, the hoop ring or annular member 120 includes an annular skirt section indicated generally by reference 140. The annular skirt section 140 is configured to be positioned inside of the basketball hoop 20, when the basketball net device 100 is in the mounted position. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the upper net cords 132 are connected or affixed to the annular skirt section 140 utilizing a plurality of fasteners indicated generally by reference 150. The annular skirt section 140 also includes a number of spaced apart holes or apertures 142 distributed evenly around the circumference of the skirt section 140 and near the bottom portion of the skirt 140 configured for receiving or attaching the fasteners 150.

[00055] According to an embodiment, the fasteners 150 comprise a hoop ring clasp as shown in Fig. 7A and indicated generally by reference 700. The hoop ring clasp 700 comprises a body member 710, a clasp 720 and a locking barrel 730. The body member 710 comprises a groove or channel 712 configured to receive and support a section of one of the upper net cords 132 (Fig. 1), for example, as illustrated in Fig. 7A, and is configured to close or lock in the manner of a "butterfly" mechanism as described in more detail below. The groove or channel 712 is configured to hold the section of the upper cord net 132 so as to minimize movement relative to the hoop ring clasp 700. The locking barrel 730 is configured to be inserted through the hole or aperture 142 in the annular skirt section 140 from one side, and the clasp 720 is configured to be inserted through the same hole 142 but from the other side of the annular skirt section 140 and engages the locking barrel 730 in a locking or closed arrangement thereby securing the hoop ring clasp 700 and the section of the upper net cord 132 to the annular skirt section 140 (and the annular or hoop ring member 120), for example, as illustrated in Figs. 2, 3 and 4. According to an embodiment, the clasp 720 comprises one or more deformable hooks or protrusions indicated generally by reference 722. The hooks 722 are inserted through a bore or opening 732 in the locking barrel 730 and engaged or held in place by shoulder 734 inside the bore 732 of the barrel 730, and the body member 710 closes around the upper net cord 132 (e.g. in a "butterfly" fashion) and the adjacent section of the annular skirt 140, as illustrated in Fig. 7B. It will be appreciated that the configuration of the hook ring clasp 700 comprises a mechanism for easily and securely connecting the basketball net 130 to the annular member 120 of the basketball net device 100, either during assembly at a manufacturer, or by a user replacing a net or assembling a device kit. According to another aspect, the hook ring clasp 700 is formed or fabricated from a material that is strong enough to withstand the usual wear and tear of aggressive basketball game play, but without adding undue weight. Suitable materials for the hook ring clasp 700 include Nylon, Nylon 6, Nylon 66 and polycarbonate. The particular manufacturing details for making the hook ring clasp 700 will be within the understanding of one skilled in the art.

[00056] According to another embodiment of the present invention, each of the hook ring clasps 700 are configured to rotate or pivot within the respective hole or aperture 142 in the annular skirt section 140 in order to emulate the game play characteristics as would be found in a conventional basketball metal ring/net setup. According to an exemplary implementation, the apertures or holes 142 have a diameter sufficient to receive the locking barrel 730 of the hoop ring clasp 700 and provide a secure connection, and also to provide enough clearance to allow the hoop ring clasp 700 to pivot or rotate together with the upper net cord 132 about the axis or center of the locking barrel 730. According to this embodiment, the hook ring clasp 700 is configured to hold the upper net cord 132 in the groove or channel 712 to minimize movement of the net cord 132 relative to the clasp 700 (as described above), while at the same time allowing for rotational movement at each individual attachment point of the hook ring clasp 700 and the net 130 relative to the annular skirt section 140 and therefore the metal hoop ring 20. It will be appreciated that this configuration will tend to minimize wear and tear on the net 130 itself.

[00057] According to another embodiment, the annular inner skirt 140 includes net attachment sections comprising reinforced or thicker sections adjacent each of the net mounting holes or apertures 142 as shown in Figs. 5C and 5D, and indicated generally by reference 143. The thicker sections 143 are provided to strengthen and reinforce the annular skirt 140 around the attachment points associated with hook ring clasps 700 and the upper net cords 132, and may be formed as an integral component of the annular inner skirt 140 using fabrication techniques as will be understood by those skilled in the art. This configuration allows the wall thickness of the annular inner skirt 140 between the holes 142/section 143 to be reduced, thereby providing an opportunity to optimize weight and strength characteristics of the annular member 120 according to embodiment. In an exemplary implementation, the annular skirt 140 comprises 12 equally spaced net mounting holes 142 and associated strength-reinforced sections 143. As described above, each the 12 respective hook ring clasps 700 can rotate or pivot independently thereby allowing rotational movement of the net 130 relative to the annular member or hoop ring 120. According to another embodiment, two or more of the net sections 143 can be formed as contiguous or continuous section in the wall of the annular inner skirt 140, as shown in Fig. 5B and indicated by reference 153. [00058] According to another embodiment, the annular inner skirt 140 comprises a rib 146 at or near the base or bottom edge of the annular skirt 140. The rib 146 extends around the circumference of the annular skirt 140, and is configured to strengthen increase the structural integrity of the skirt 140, and/or allow the wall thickness of the annular skirt 140 to be reduced based on the elastic strength and/or memory of the material or materials used in the fabrication of the annular member 120. According to an exemplary implementation, the annular member or hoop ring 120 is formed or fabricated as a unitary member using known molding techniques and the rib 146 is formed in the annular skirt 140 during the fabrication process. According to an exemplary implementation, the wall thickness of the annular inner skirt 140 can be approximately 2.0 mm, utilizing, for example, a polyurethane plastic material, as described in more detail below.

[00059] According to another aspect, the holes or apertures 142 in each of the sections 143 is configured at an angle as illustrated in Fig. 7B. As shown, the hole 142 has a base section or lower edge 145, which is configured to be approximately at an angle of 44 degrees relative to the annular or hoop ring member 120 as indicated by reference 147. According to one aspect, this configuration eliminates undercuts in the tooling for making the holes 142. According to another aspect, this elliptical configuration of the holes 142 provides additional clearance or relief between the hoop ring clasp 700, e.g. the locking barrel 730, and the annular skirt section 140 allowing the hoop ring clasp 700 and attached net cord 132 to rotate or pivot without interference, for example, during game play.

[00060] As shown in Fig. 6, the annular skirt section 140 extends both downwardly and radially inwardly from its upper end located at about 143. At its upper end 143, the skirt section 140 is integrally connected to the inner perimeter of the hoop engaging section 122. According to an exemplary implementation, the annular skirt section 140 has height of approximately 4.5 cm as indicated by reference H in Fig. 6. According to another aspect, the annular skirt section 140 is generally steeply sloped at an angle to the horizontal plane of about 70 degrees or more and substantially less than 90 degrees. The provision of the skirt portion is desirable not only to increase the rigidity and strength of the annular member but also in assisting the device to locate itself properly on the basketball hoop when the device is being installed thereon. As clearly shown in Fig. 6, the annular skirt section 140 is configured to fit inside the metal basketball hoop 20 and its inner diameter defined by a bottom edge 144 is less than the inside diameter of the basketball hoop 20, which diameter is set at eighteen inches for a regulation basketball game.

[00061] Reference is next made to Figs. 5A and 5B, which show that the hoop ring or annular member 120 have an outer portion of hoop engaging section 122 that is cut away or removed, leaving only a narrow inner portion indicated by reference 121 that engages the inner half 22 of an upper surface of the metal basketball hoop 20, as illustrated in Fig. 6. The cut-out or cut-away section 121 extends around the circumference about half-way from the front 125 of the annular member 120 to the rear or back portion of the annular member 120, As described in more detail below, the narrow cut-away inner portion 121 in the hoop engaging section 122 permits the basketball net device 100 to be readily removed from the metal basketball hoop 20 by pulling down on the device 100 as illustrated in Fig. 9B. By grabbing on to the bottom of the net 130, as shown, one can pull the device 100, i.e. the annular ring 120 and net 130 through the circular opening formed by the metal hoop 20. This is due to the fact that the annular member or hoop ring 120 is sufficiently flexible, particularly in the region where hoop engaging section 122 has been reduced, that it will bend and partially collapse to permit the reduced hoop engaging section 122 indicated at 920 in Fig. 9B to pass by the inside of the metal basketball hoop 20. At the same time, the basketball net device 100 commences a pivoting action so as to form an angle with the horizontal surface of the metal hoop 20 as shown in Fig. 9B. In order to assist in the removal of the device 100, the cut-away circumferential section 121 includes tapered end portions as indicated by reference 310 in Fig. 3 and also in Figs. 5B and 9B. The tapered end portions 310 regions provide a transition from the reduced hoop- engaging portion, the cross-section for which is shown in Fig. 6 to the remainder of the annular member 120, which has a full hoop engaging portion indicated by reference 610 (as also shown in Fig. 5D). The full hoop-engaging portion 610 extends for a substantial portion of the circumference of the annular member 120, and, in an exemplary implementation, extends through an angle of about 270 degrees in the horizontal plane as shown in Fig. 5D. This leaves a circumferential section 620 as illustrated in Fig. 5D corresponding to the cut-away section 121 of the outer portion of the hoop engaging portion section 122 extending an angle of about 90 degrees around the circumference.

[00062] According to another aspect, the cut-away section 121 includes a radius indicated by reference 127 along the lower edge of the hoop engaging section 122 as shown in Figs. 5D and 5E. The radius 127 reduces the otherwise sharp edge of the cutaway section 121 and lessens the possibility of injury.

[00063] Reference is next made to Fig. 8A, which show a net pin clasp according to an embodiment of the invention and indicated generally by reference 800. According to an embodiment, the net pin clasp 800 is configured to temporarily close off the opening 133 (Fig. 2) at the bottom of the net 130 (Fig. 2) so as to prevent a basketball from passing completely through the net 130 for the purpose of mounting the basketball net device 100 in the elevated metal basketball ring 10, for example, as illustrated in Fig. 9 A and described in more detail below. As shown in Fig. 8A, the net pin clasp 800 comprises a body member 810 and a hook section indicated generally by reference 820. The body member 810 includes a clasp 830, a locking barrel 840 and a channel or groove 850. The channel 850 is configured to receive or hold a portion of the netting 130, for example, a section 801 of the lower net 134. The clasp 830 is engaged with the locking barrel 840 to secure or lock the net pin clasp 800 onto a section 134a (as shown in Fig. 2) of the lower net 134. The hook section 820 of the net pin clasp 800 is configured to engage or hold another section 134b of the net 130 (as shown in Fig. 2) and temporarily close of the opening 133 of the net 130 as shown in Fig. 8B.

[00064] With the net opening 133 temporarily closed off using the net pin clasp 800, a standard basketball, indicated generally by reference 1, is inserted through the annular member 120 and placed fully into the closed-off net 130 as shown in Fig. 8B. It is then possible for a user of the basketball net device 100 to throw both the device 100 and the basketball 1 up and over the metal basketball hoop 20. Assuming that the user has thrown this combination with reasonable accuracy, the basketball 1 due to its weight will tend to pass first through the metal basketball hoop 20 and the annular member 120 will follow behind it. However, because the outer circumference of the annular member 120 is substantially greater than the interior diameter of the hoop 20, the annular member 120 will engage the top of the metal hoop 20. Then the weight and momentum of the basketball 1 and the fact that the basketball 1 will tend to center itself relative to the metal hoop 20 as it passes there through, will cause the hoop engaging section 122 (as shown in Fig. 6) to be pulled around and into full engagement with the hoop 20. The cut-away section 121 of the annular member 120 will tend to engage the adjacent section of the hoop in the manner shown in Fig. 3. Furthermore, the downward force and momentum of the basketball 1 once the annular member 120 has become engaged with the hoop 20, will generally force the net section 134b to disengage or separate from the hook section 820 of the net pin clasp 800 (Figs. 8A and 8B), thereby opening the lower end of the net 130 and allowing the basketball 1 to fall through the net 130 so that it can be readily retrieved by the user.

[00065] It will be appreciated that the outwardly extending flange 128 (Fig. 6) that extends a substantial distance around the circumference of the annular member 120 (as shown in Fig. 5A) helps in the installation process in that the flange 128 will tend to slip over the rounded top of the metal basketball hoop 20 and down the outside of the hoop 20. Further, the engagement of the metal basketball hoop 20 with the bottom of the outwardly extending flange 128 will tend to pry open or open up the rounded channel (Fig. 6) formed by the hoop engaging portion 30. For this reason, the flange 128 extends both outwardly and downwardly from the outer edge of the hoop engaging section 122. According to an exemplary implementation, the flange 128 extends at an angle to the horizontal that is greater than 30 degrees, but which is less than 60 degrees, and is, for example, typically about 45 degrees to the horizontal.

[00066] Reference is next made to Figs. 10A to 10D, which comprise a sequence of screen shots illustrating another method for removing the basketball net device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to this embodiment, the basketball net device 100 is pushed up and away from the metal hoop ring 20 to disengage the device 100. The first step as shown in Fig. 10A and indicated by reference 1010 comprises throwing or tossing a ball, e.g. a basketball, up through the base of the basketball net device 100. If the ball is thrown at a moderate velocity, for example, equivalent to the speed of a basketball shot, then the ball will catch the outside of the net 130 and continue to catch or engage the inside of the net 130 thereby applying a torque like force on the attached hoop ring 120 as indicated by reference 1020 in Fig. 10B, and detaching or disengaging the hoop ring 120 from the metal basketball ring 20 in the upward direction as indicated by reference 1030 in Fig. IOC. The disengaged basketball net device 100 and the basketball 1 can then be caught as indicated by reference 1040 in Fig. 10D. It will be appreciated that the method outlined above and illustrated in Figs. 10A to 10D can be used to remove the basketball net device 100 without requiring the aid of a pole, ladder or the like.

[00067] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the net 130 comprises net cords that are substantially stiffer than the net cords found in conventional basketball netting or nets. A stiffer net configuration can be achieved by utilizing net cords having a tight weave, or a stiffer, less flexible, material resulting in stiffer net cords and an overall stiffer net 130. By utilizing a stiffer net 130, the net cords 132, 134 remain rigid and are less likely to catch on the attachment coils 21 on the metal basketball ring 20, for example, as illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4. According to another aspect, a stiffer cord configuration for the net 130 facilitates engagement of the moving basketball 1 (i.e. increased torque and/or friction with the ball contact and/or less deformation from contact with the ball) for removing the basketball net device 100 from the metal basketball ring 20, as described above with reference to Fig. 10.

[00068] Reference is next made to Fig. 11, which shows a basketball net device 1200 with integrated net clasps 1300 according to another embodiment of the present invention. As described above, the basketball net device 1200 is mounted temporarily on a net 10 comprising the basketball hoop or ring 20 (Fig. 12) and possibly a backboard 30. [00069] As shown in Fig. 11, the basketball net device 1200 comprise an annular hoop ring member 1220 and a basketball net indicated generally by reference 1130. The net 1130 comprises upper net cords 1132 and lower net cords 1134 spaced from the upper net cords 1132. The net 1130 has an open upper end 1131 and an open lower end 1133. According to an embodiment, the basketball net 1130 comprises stiff net cords, as described above.

[00070] As shown in Fig. 12 and similar to the basketball net device 100 described above, the annular ring member 1220 comprises a hoop engaging section indicated generally by reference 1222. For a substantial portion of the circumference of the annular member 1220, the hoop engaging section 1222 is generally channel-shaped in cross- section as depicted in Fig. 14. The hoop engaging section 1222 includes a radially inward section 1224 that extends the entire circumference of the annular member and a radially outward section 1226 that extends more than half way around, but not entirely around, the circumference of the annular member 1220, for example as described above. In use of the basketball net device 1200, the radially outward section 1226 extends along a radially outer half 22 of the top half of the basketball hoop 20. The hoop engaging section 1222 forms a channel 1223 having a substantially open bottom and a semi-circular cross- section. As also shown in Fig. 14, the annular member 1220 has an outwardly extending flange 1228, which is connected to the outer edge of the hoop engaging section 1222 and extends along more than one-half the circumference of the annular member 1220. The outwardly extending flange 1228 is helpful in the installation of the net device 100 onto an elevated basketball hoop, for example, as described in detail above. In one embodiment, the flange may include an arrow indication 1221, which assists in the installation.

[00071] The outwardly extending flange 1228 also helps to stiffen the annular member 1220 and helps retain the circular shape thereof.

[00072] As shown in Fig. 14, the hoop engaging section 1222 includes a bulge or a positively displaced groove on the interior or net side, the bulge indicated generally by reference 1230. The bulge 1230 extends substantially around the circumference of the hoop engaging section 1222 that when installed contacts the hoop ring 20, for example, as described above for Fig. 5D. The annular member 1220 also includes a corresponding bulge or positively displaced groove 1232 on the exterior side of the hoop engaging section 1222 as shown in Fig. 14. According to an embodiment, the bulge 1232 extends from the front section of the annular member 1220 and tapers down to a minimal protrusion at approximately the center of the annular member 1220, for example, as described above for Fig. 5D. This configuration provides the annular member or hoop ring 1220 with purchase to grip the metal basketball ring 20, and also allows the hoop ring 1220 to rotate or pivot upwards at the front end and squeeze through the basketball ring 20 in a rotating downward motion, as also described above. As also described above, the bulge or positively displaced groove 1230 can be formed as an integral element, e.g. molded into the wall of the hoop engaging section 1222, and further function as a reinforcement rib.

[00073] As shown in Figs. 11 and also in Fig. 14, the hoop ring or annular member 1220 includes an annular skirt section indicated generally by reference 1240. Annular skirt section 1240 is frustoconically shaped and attached to the radially inward section 1224. The annular skirt section has a lower facing frustoconical surface 1240" extending away from channel 1223 below bulge 1230 and an upper facing frustoconical surface 1240"' that defines thereacross an inner diameter. The annular skirt being frustoconical, the inner diameter tapers as it extends away from the hoop engaging section 1222. Annular skirt section 1240 is configured to be positioned inside the diameter of the basketball hoop 20, when the basketball net device 1200 is in the mounted position.

[00074] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the annular skirt section 1240 is configured with a plurality of net clasps 1300, which are integrated (i.e. molded, rigidly coupled, etc.) net attachment clips, as shown in Figs. 12 and 13. The net clasps 1300 are evenly spaced apart around the circumference of the skirt section 1240 near the bottom edge 1240' of the skirt 1240. As illustrated in Fig. 12, the upper net cords 1132 are securely but releasably coupled to the annular skirt section 1240 by the net clasps 1300. [00075] Reference is next made to Figs. 15 and 16, which shows the net clasp 1300 according to an embodiment of the invention. The net clasp 1300 according to the embodiment provides a mechanism for releasably, but securely, attaching the basketball net 1130 to the annular ring member 1200 without the need or use of a separate clip. According to an embodiment, the net clasp 1300 comprises an integral component of the annular skirt section 1240 of the annular ring member 1200, as depicted in Figs. 15 and 16.

[00076] As shown in Fig. 15, the net clasp 1300 comprises a base 1320 and a mast 1310, which is an upward extension from the base toward the hoop engaging section 1222. According to an embodiment, mast 1310 and base 1320 are formed as an integral components of the annular skirt section 1240. Mast 1310 extends alongside but is spaced from the lower facing surface 1240" of the annular skirt 1240. The space between the mast and the lower facing surface defines a slot 1330 that is open at the upper end of the mast and terminates at base 1320. The slot 1330 is configured to receive an upper net cord 1132. The cord may be inserted over the top of the mast into the upper entrance opening of the slot and then slid down to be supported against the base, for example, as depicted in Fig. 16.

[00077] Relative to its upper entrance end, the slot may be enlarged at its lower terminal end, adjacent base 1320. The lower end may be defined by a curved, for example, concave lower surface 1330'. The net clasp 1300 may also include a retainer catch 1340 on the mast 1310. The retainer catch 1340 is a protrusion from the mast that extends towards the annular skirt into the slot. The retainer catch functions to narrow the passageway of the slot, relative to the enlarged lower end to further secure the upper net cord 1132 in the slot 1330 as shown in Fig. 16. In particular, a net cord cannot readily ride up the slot away from the base since the retainer catch 1340 occludes and narrows the slot. Retainer catch 1340 may have an abruptly angled lower end relative to mast 1310 and a more gradually angled surface at the upper end of the mast. Thus, a net cord can readily be inserted along the slot past retainer catch 1340 toward lower surface 1330' but that net cord is stopped by the angled lower end of the retainer catch from riding on its own up out of the slot.

[00078] The vertical mast 1310 may be configured to resiliently flex thereby allowing the upper net cord 1132 to slide down the slot 1330. Pulling down on the net cord 1132 seats a section of the net cord into the slot 1330 against lower surface 1330'. The catch 1340 helps keep the net cord 1132 seated in the slot 1330.

[00079] According to another aspect, base 1320 protrudes from the lower facing surface 1240". For example, the base 1320 may be formed as a protruding mass that protrudes radially outwardly from lower facing surface 1240".

[00080] As well, mast 1310 may extend upwardly from base 1320 in an orientation generally no more than flush with and generally recessed radially outwardly from at least upper facing surface 1240"' and possibly also from lower facing surface 1240" of the annular skirt, as shown in Fig. 14. As such, instead of mast 1310 originating from and extending only within the frustoconical plane of skirt 1240, mast 1310 at least at its connection to base 1320 is spaced radially outwardly of (i.e. recessed back from) the frustoconical plane of upper facing surface 1240"' and possibly also spaced from the lower facing surface 1240". As such, at least lower surface 1330' of the slot, where the net cord becomes seated, is spaced away and recessed back from upper facing frustoconical surface 1240"', and thereby out of contact with a ball passing through the net. In one embodiment, lower surface 1330' of the slot is spaced radially outwardly of lower facing frustoconical surface 1240" such that a net cord seated on the lower surface can hang straight down along or adjacent the lower facing surface of the skirt. The net cord need not change direction and rub against the skirt as it hangs down beside the lower edge of the skirt. Also, this configuration tends to position net cords 1132 more in line below hoop, which tends to minimize inward rotation of the annular member 1220 each time a ball passes down through the net.

[00081] Mast 1310 and slot 1330 may follow or substantially match the frustoconical angle of the annular skirt section 1240. Alternately, as shown, mast 1310 may have its upper end closer to the annular skirt than the lower end and as such, it may be described that the mast is more vertically oriented relative to the center axis of the hoop engaging section. Thus, while the end of the mast that is connected to base 1320 protrudes outwardly from the skirt, the upper end of the mast is angled toward the skirt and may overlap the frustoconical thickness of the skirt.

[00082] According to another embodiment, a cut-out 1309 is formed in the annular skirt section 1240 for the associated net clasp 1300 as shown in Fig. 11. The cut-out provides an access point from the upper facing surface to the lower facing surface for manipulating, e.g. deflecting, the net clasp 1300 to facilitate insertion (and/or removal) of a net cord loop. In one embodiment, base 1320 and end 1330' of slot are spaced from (i.e. below) a lower end of the cut-out. In particular, there is a portion of skirt 1240 positioned, protruding up in between surface 1330' and cut-out 1309, so that the net cord when seated against end 1330' is protected from wear and catching on things passing through the hoop and against the upper facing surface.

[00083] Further embodiments of net clasps 2300 are shown in Figs. 20A-20C. Those net clasps 2300 are very similar to net clasp 1300, each including a base 2320 and a mast 2310, which is an upward extension from the base toward the hoop engaging section 1222. According to an embodiment, mast 2310 and base 2320 are formed as integral components (i.e. molded as part of) of the annular skirt section 1240.

[00084] Mast 2310 extends alongside but is spaced from annular skirt 1240 such that a space remains between the mast and skirt 1240, which defines a slot 2330 that is open at the upper end of the mast and terminates at base 2320. The slot 2330 is configured to receive an upper net cord 1132 that seats against a concavely curved surface 2330' on the base that defines the terminal, lower end of the slot. These embodiments include a hole 2334 that extends from surface 2330' and opens at the bottom end of base 2320.

[00085] As in Figs. 14-16, the terminal end of the slot, as defined by surface 2330', is recessed from the upper facing surface 1240"' of the net device's skirt. In particular, both base 2320 and a lower end of mast 2310 protrude radially outwardly from a lower facing surface 1240" of the skirt. In one embodiment, base 2320 and end 2330' of the slot are spaced from (i.e. below) a lower end of a cut-out 2309 in upper facing surface 1240"' and there is a portion 2248 of skirt 1240 positioned, protruding up in between surface 2330' and cut-out 2309, so that the net cord when seated against end 2330' is protected from wear and catching on ball passing through the hoop and against the upper facing surface.

[00086] Mast 2310 is more axially parallel (relative to a center axis of the annular skirt) while the lower facing surface tapers inwardly toward the axis such that the upper end of the mast angles toward skirt 1240 from a protruding position near base 2320.

[00087] In this embodiment, portions of the mast's upper end, for example retainer catch 2340, may be close to being in line with the frustoconical plane P of upper facing surface 1240"' but the mast does not protrude radially inwardly of surface 1240"' .

[00088] In this embodiment, the upper end of mast 2310 is angled to protrude into the cut-out 2309. This orientation deters a net cord hooked properly over the mast and seated in surface 2330', from riding up off the mast but may allow a net cord improperly inserted through cut-out 2309 and over the backside of the mast to more easily pull away from the mast. Likewise, base 2320 may have a shape that tapers toward the lower edge 1240' of the skirt along upper facing surface 1240"', so that an incorrectly installed cord cannot catch on the base.

[00089] The net clasps of Figs. 20A-C each include guide grooves 2331 along each side of the base. Guide grooves 2331 are each formed as an indentation in the lower facing surface 1240" of the skirt beside the base and/or as a space between the base and a rail 2333 raised on the skirt. Guide grooves 2331 extend along each side of base 2320 from a position adjacent surface 2330' to the skirt's lower edge 1240' . Guide grooves 2331 accommodate, provide space for and protect the net cord 1132 hooked over the mast. [00090] It is incorrect to install the net cords extending down along the upper facing surface 1240"', as this limits the life of the net due to wear by balls passing thereagainst and creates more inward torque on the hoop engaging section 1220. As such, the location of guide grooves 2331 on surface 1240" also provides a visual reminder that the cords are to be installed to hang down along the lower facing side, rather than incorrectly along upper facing side 1240"' of the skirt.

[00091] Reference is next made to Figs. 17A to 17C, which show a net pin according to an embodiment of the present invention and indicated generally by reference 1400. As was described above with respect to net pin 800, net pin 1400 is configured to temporarily close the open end 1133 of the basketball net 1130 with a basketball 1 (Fig. 18A) being held in the net 1130 for mounting the basketball net device 1200 on a basketball hoop ring 20 as described in more detail below with reference to Figs. 19 to 19B.

[00092] As shown in Figs. 17A to 17C, the net pin 1400 comprises a net loop end 1410, a body member 1420 and a tab end 1430. The net loop end 1410 is configured to attach or affix the net pin 1400 to a net cord 1136 on the lower section 1134 of the basketball net 1130 for example as shown in Figs. 18A and 18B. According to an exemplary implementation, the net loop end 1410 is formed from a strip 1412 that is wrapped around the net cord 1136 and inserted into a locking recess 1414 (e.g. a zip tie type mechanism) formed in the body member 1420. The tab end 1430 may be a free end of the net loop end passed through recess 1414 and out through hole 1434. Alternately, tab end 1430 may be apart from the net loop end that is secured to, formed from or inserted and locked, or otherwise affixed, to body member 1420. The tab end 1430 is formed from a semi-flexible material and configured to be deformable, i.e. bendable, or biased to engage an opposing net cord 1138 on the lower section 1134 of the basketball net 1130. According to an embodiment, the tab end 1430 has a rounded or curved shape to facilitate disengagement or separation from a net cord in the basketball net 1130.

[00093] As shown in Fig. 18B, the net pin 1400 is attached to the net cord 1136 by the net loop end 1410, which is affixed to the body member 1420. The tab end 1430 of the net pin 1400 is passed through the opposing net cord 1138 and engages the net cord 1138 to close off the open end 1133 of the basketball net 1130, as shown in Fig. 18C, and hold a basketball 1 placed inside the net 1130 as shown in Fig. 18 A.

[00094] In another embodiment, net loop end 1410, body 1420 and tab end 1430 are all substantially rigidly connected and substantially stiff, such that they move together and maintain their relative orientation and shape. For example, tab end 1430 is formed from a stiff but resilient material. In addition, net loop end 1410 is configured to attach tightly and rigidly the net pin 1400 to the lower section net cord 1136. This rigid connection eliminates any rotation of the engaged net cord 1136 relative to net loop end 1410 so that if the net cord twists, the net loop end and the remainder of the net pin twists with the cord and vice versa.

[00095] The tab end 1430 may have a rounded or curved shape to facilitate disengagement or separation from a net cord in the basketball net 1130.

[00096] In this embodiment, body member 1420 may also include a setting corner 1420' . Setting corner 1420' protrudes out from the body at an angle such as an acute angle between two sides. Body member 1420 may also include a side surface 1420" adjacent to and terminating at corner 1420', which side surface is flattened in at least one direction extending from the corner and may, for example, be planar. Tab end 1430 may extend diametrically opposite from flattened side surface 1420". This body shape permits net pin 1400 to be set on the flattened side surface of body 1420 against a ball and held in a position by corner 1420' against rolling.

[00097] Reference is next made to Figs. 19 to 19C, which show in diagrammatic form a method comprising a sequence of steps for installing the basketball net device 1200 on a basketball hoop or ring 20 utilizing the net pin 1400 and a basketball 1 held in the net 1130.

[00098] If not already assembled or if the net is to be replaced, the net 1130 may be installed on an annular hoop ring 1220. Each upper net cord 1132 may be engaged on a net clasp 1300. To do so, the upper net cord is hooked over mast 1310 and seated at surface 1330'. In particular, the upper net cord is moved, arrows M, towards lower facing side 1240" of the skirt and then inserted over the upper end of mast 1310 into slot 1330. The mast may be flexed radially inwardly to permit the cord to pass through the slot 1330 between the mast and the cut-out. The upper net cord is then pulled down past retainer catch 1340 toward surface 1330' and is finally seated on the surface, as shown in solid lines. The net cords 1132 extend from surface 1330' down along the lower facing side and then hang below lower edge 1240' of the skirt.

[00099] After the net is installed on the annular hoop, the first step indicated by reference 1510 on Fig. 19A comprises supporting the basketball net device 1200 in upside down orientation. The next step 1520 involves holding the net cord 1136 with the net pin 1400 in one hand, and the opposing net cord 1138 in the other hand. As noted in step 1525, it may be helpful to hold the basketball close by and, for example, tuck it under an arm while manipulating the net and net pin. Then in step 1530, the net pin 1400 is rotated backwards, away from the open end of the net and towards the inside, for example, one rotation, which also rotates the net cord 1136. This energizes the net cord and net pin 1400 with torque such that the net cord and pin 1400 are biased, arrow B, to unwind by twisting back towards the inside and the open end of the net.

[000100] Then, as shown in Fig. 19B, step 1550, while the twist is maintained in the net cord 1136 and pin 1400, the basketball 1 is inserted into the end of the net 1130 adjacent cords 1136, 1138. Before or after, the opposing net cord 1138 is engaged by, for example, hooked over the tab end 1430 of the net pin 1400. In particular, body 1420 is set against the ball 1 such that tab end 1430 points out from the ball and opposing net cord is looped over the tab end. The twist previously imparted on net cord 1136 and pin 1400 creates a bias, arrow B, that drives the pin to torque away from the opposing net cord. Also, the corner 1420' and flat side 1420" creates a stable contact surface for the body against the ball. In particular, body 1420 may be positioned with the flattened side against the ball 1 such that tab end 1430 points out from the ball and the corner on the body, in addition to the biasing force, prevents the body from rolling over and releasing the opposing net cord. As such, the pin tends to maintain the cords engaged together to close the end of the net.

[000101] As shown at step 1570, with the net upside down, open end 1133 of the net 1130 closed by pin 1400 and the basketball 1 inserted inside and up against the pin 1400, the player holds the basketball 1 inside the basketball net device 1200 and prepares to shoot the basketball 1 together with the net device 1200 at the basketball hoop ring 20. In one embodiment, the annular hoop ring member 1220 has an arrow indication 1221 on a front thereof, for example, on the flange 1228. The player may point that arrow indication towards the front of the hoop ring 20. The player may be about 3 feet away from the front of the rim and aligned with it, for example directly in front of the rim.

[000102] The player then shoots the basketball 1 together with the net device 1200 at the basketball hoop ring 20 as in a regular shot as shown in Fig. 19C and indicated generally by reference 1580.

[000103] The basketball 1 passes through the basketball hoop 20 and pulls the basketball net device 1200 with it, as shown in Fig. 19C. The ball pulls the net through the hoop 20 and hoop ring member 1220 is stopped on hoop 20. The force of gravity on the basketball 1 is typically sufficient to disengage the net pin 1400 allowing the net 1130 to open and the basketball 1 to be released. In particular, any reasonable force to push ball 1 through the end of the net can overcome the biasing force in net cord 1136 and pin 1400 and pull cords 1136, 1138 apart to open the end. Utilizing a net pin 1400 having a tab end 1430 with a rounded end 1432 further facilitates disengagement and the opening of the basketball net 1130, as depicted in Fig. 19C.

[000104] The player can grab and tug down on the basketball net 1130 or make downward contact to ensure that the net device 1200 is properly engaged on the basketball hoop 20, for example, as shown in Figs. 11 and 12. The basketball net device 1200 is now ready and available for game play. [000105] Since the net pin 1400 is small and tab end 1420 is straight without any physical returns, the net pin can remain on the net and does not affect play or operation of the net in any way.

[000106] Once play has concluded, the basketball net device 1200 is disengaged or removed from the basketball hoop 20 using the technique as described above and illustrated in Fig. 9B, or using the technique as illustrated in Fig. 19D. As shown in Fig. 19D, the player stands behind and to a side of the hoop 20 (In one embodiment, about 3 feet behind and 3 feet to the outside of the basketball hoop or rim 20). The player then aims at the basketball net 1130 and shoots the basketball 1 through the hoop 20 as shown in Fig. 19D. The force of the basketball 1 pushes the net 1130 up through the hoop 20 and disengages the basketball net device 1200 from the hoop 20 as shown. The player catches the basketball net device 1200 (and basketball 1). The player leaves the court with their basketball 1 and basketball net 1200 in hand.

[000107] The operational features of the embodiments of the hoop rings 120 and 1200 as described herein require a material that exhibits durability and stiffness for game play, and particularly aggressive game play, while at the same time exhibits sufficient flexibility to allow removal according to one or both of the methods as also described herein. Suitable materials for fabricating (e.g. forming) the hoop ring 120 include the polyurethane family of plastic materials. Polyurethanes exhibit good durometer characteristics, a balance between stiffness and elasticity, which will benefit the long term performance of the hoop ring 120 which is subjected to repeated mounting and removal actions, and/or sustained aggressive game play. Other possible materials providing a general level of performance include polyethylenes, PVC, and the general family of synthetic elastomers, as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art.

[000108] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Certain adaptations and modifications of the invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the presently discussed embodiments are considered to be illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.