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Title:
NET ASSEMBLY FOR AN ADJUSTABLE BASKETBALL GOAL
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2019/055063
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A net assembly for an adjustable basketball goal. The net assembly may include a net, a support frame, and a mounting assembly configured to mount the support frame to a main post of the adjustable basketball goal. The net may include a net frame having an upper portion including a plurality of net frame sleeves. The support frame may be configured to support the net, and may include at least one elongated member configured to extend through the plurality of net frame sleeves. The support frame may also include a plurality of support arms, each having a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion may be configured to couple to the at least one elongated member, and the second end portion may have a support arm sleeve. The support frame may further include a cross brace configured to couple the plurality of support arms.

Inventors:
GIVENS JON CASEY (US)
XIANGANG ZHANG (CN)
Application Number:
PCT/US2018/019635
Publication Date:
March 21, 2019
Filing Date:
February 26, 2018
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
MEGA SLAM HOOPS LLC (US)
International Classes:
A63B71/02; A63B63/08
Foreign References:
CN206167818U2017-05-17
US20060040769A12006-02-23
US5124899A1992-06-23
US20130331208A12013-12-12
US5785616A1998-07-28
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
NOLTE, N. Alexander et al. (US)
Download PDF:
Claims:
Claims

I claim:

1 . A net assembly for an adjustable basketball goal, comprising:

a net including a net frame, the net frame having an upper portion including a plurality of net frame sleeves;

a support frame configured to support the net, the support frame comprising

at least one elongated member configured to extend through the plurality of net frame sleeves;

a plurality of support arms, each support arm having a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion configured to couple to the at least one elongated member and the second end portion having a support arm sleeve; and a cross brace configured to couple the plurality of support arms; and a mounting assembly configured to mount the support frame to a main post of the adjustable basketball goal.

2. The net assembly of claim 1 , wherein the net further includes a plurality of stakes extending from a lower portion of the net frame, the plurality of stakes configured to anchor the net to the ground.

3. The net assembly of claim 1 , wherein the mounting assembly comprises:

an upper brace;

an upper bracket configured to couple the upper brace to the main post;

a lower brace; and

a lower bracket configured to couple the lower brace to the main post.

4. The net assembly of claim 3, wherein the cross brace is configured to detachably attach to the upper brace via a fastener.

5. The net assembly of claim 3, wherein the lower brace includes a lower brace sleeve configured to align with and be disposed between the support frame sleeves.

6. The net assembly of claim 5, wherein each support arm sleeve is configured to detachably attach to the lower brace via a fastener.

7. The net assembly of claim 6, wherein the fastener is a pin extending through each of the support frame sleeves and the lower brace sleeve.

8. The net assembly of claim 1 , wherein:

the net frame include a first side portion and a second side portion each extending between the upper portion and the lower portion;

the support frame includes a first elongated member, a second elongated member, and a third elongated member;

the second elongated member and the third elongated member are threadingly attached to the first elongated member; and

the first elongated member, the second elongated member, and the third elongated member are configured to extend within the net frame sleeves from the first side portion to the second side portion of the net frame.

9. The net assembly of claim 3, wherein the upper bracket and the lower bracket are each U-shaped.

1 0. A net assembly for an adjustable basketball goal, comprising:

a net including a net frame, the net frame having an upper portion including a plurality of net frame sleeves;

a support frame configured to support the net, the support frame comprising

a center rod having a first center rod end and a second center rod end; a first outer rod configured to couple with the first center rod end;

a second outer rod configured to couple with the second center rod end; a first support arm having a first end configured to couple to the center rod or the first outer rod;

a second support arm having a first end configured to couple to the center rod or the second outer rod; and a cross brace configured to couple to each of the first support arm and the second support arm;

a mounting assembly configured to couple the net and the support frame to a main post of the adjustable basketball goal, the mounting assembly comprising

an upper brace configured to couple the cross brace to the main post of the adjustable basketball goal; and

a lower brace configured to couple the first support arm and the second support arm to the main post of the adjustable basketball goal.

1 1 . The net assembly of claim 10, wherein:

the first support arm has a second end having a first support arm sleeve; and the second support arm has a second end having a second support arm sleeve.

1 2. The net assembly of claim 1 1 , wherein:

the lower brace includes a lower brace sleeve; and

the mounting assembly further includes a fastener configured to extend through each of the lower brace sleeve, the first support arm sleeve, and the second support arm sleeve to couple the first support arm and the second support arm to the main post of the adjustable basketball goal.

1 3. The net assembly of claim 12, wherein the fastener is a pin.

1 4. The net assembly of claim 10, wherein the mounting assembly further comprises: an upper bracket configured to couple with the upper brace to encompass the main post of the adjustable basketball goal;

a lower bracket configured to couple with the lower brace to encompass the main post of the adjustable basketball goal; and

a fastener configured to couple the cross brace to the upper brace.

1 5. The net assembly of claim 1 0, wherein the net further includes a plurality of stakes extending from a lower portion of the net frame, the plurality of stakes configured to anchor the net to the ground.

1 6. An adjustable basketball goal, comprising:

a backboard;

a rim assembly configured to couple to the backboard;

a plurality of support arms configured to couple to the backboard;

a main post configured to couple to the plurality of support arms; and

an actuator assembly configured to couple to the main post and the plurality of support arms, the actuator assembly comprising an actuator configured to adjust a height of the adjustable basketball goal; and

a net assembly configured to couple to the main post and comprising a net configured to anchor to the ground.

1 7. The adjustable basketball goal of claim 16, wherein:

the net further includes a net frame, the net frame having an upper portion including a plurality of net frame sleeves; and

the net assembly further comprises:

a support frame configured to support the net, the support frame comprising at least one elongated member configured to extend through the plurality of net frame sleeves;

a plurality of support arms, each support arm of the net assembly having a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion configured to couple to the at least one elongated member and the second end portion having a support arm sleeve; and

a cross brace configured to couple the plurality of support arms of the net assembly; and

a mounting assembly configured to mount the support frame to the main post of the adjustable basketball goal.

1 8. The adjustable basketball goal of claim 1 7, wherein the net further includes a plurality of stakes extending from a lower portion of the net frame, the plurality of stakes configured to anchor the net to the ground.

1 9. The adjustable basketball goal of claim 1 8, wherein:

the mounting assembly comprises an upper bracket, a lower bracket, an upper brace coupled to the upper bracket to encompass the main post, and a lower brace coupled to the lower bracket to encompass the main post;

the cross brace is configured to detachably attach to the upper brace via a first fastener;

the lower brace includes a lower brace sleeve configured to align with and be disposed between the support arm sleeves; and

each support arm sleeve is configured to detachably attach to the lower brace via a second fastener inserted through the support arm sleeves and the lower brace sleeve.

20. The adjustable basketball goal of claim 19, wherein the second fastener is a pin configured to extend through each of the support frame sleeves and the lower brace sleeve.

21 . The adjustable basketball goal of claim 16, further comprising a light assembly configured to couple to the main post, the light assembly comprising a light source configured to illuminate an area adjacent the adjustable basketball goal.

22. The adjustable basketball goal of claim 21 , wherein the light assembly further comprises a light post having a top portion coupled to the light source and a bottom portion coupled to the main post.

23. The adjustable basketball goal of claim 1 7 or 18, further comprising a light assembly comprising:

a light post extending from the main post and having a top portion and a bottom portion, the bottom portion coupled to the main post via the mounting assembly; and a light source coupled to the top portion of the light post and configured to illuminate an area adjacent the adjustable basketball goal.

24. The adjustable basketball goal of claim 23, wherein the light post further comprises: a plurality of light post tubular members coupled to or integral with the bottom portion of the light post, the plurality of light post tubular members including an upper light post tubular member and a lower light post tubular member spaced from the upper light post tubular member; and

a light post bracket coupled to or integral with the bottom portion of the light post and positioned adjacent the lower light post tubular member.

25. The adjustable basketball goal of claim 24, wherein:

the mounting assembly comprises an upper bracket, a lower bracket, an upper brace coupled to the upper bracket to encompass the main post, and a lower brace coupled to the lower bracket to encompass the main post;

the cross brace is configured to detachably attach to the light post bracket via a first fastener;

the lower brace includes a lower brace sleeve configured to align with and be disposed between the support arm sleeves; and

each support arm sleeve is configured to detachably attach to the lower brace via a second fastener inserted through the support arm sleeves and the lower brace sleeve.

26. The adjustable basketball goal of claim 25, wherein:

the upper brace further includes a pair of upper brace sleeves configured to align with and receive therebetween the lower light post tubular member to pivotably attach the bottom portion of the light post with the main post via a third fastener;

the lower brace sleeve is further configured to couple the bottom portion of the light post with the main post.

27. The adjustable basketball goal of claim 26, wherein the light assembly further comprises an elongated bar configured to position the light post, the elongated bar having a first end portion coupled to the upper light post tubular member and a second end portion coupled to a cross member extending between two arms of the plurality of support arms.

28. The adjustable basketball goal of claim 22 or 23, wherein the light source comprises: a housing; and

a housing bracket coupling the housing with the light post and configured to permit adjustment of an orientation of the light source as coupled to the light post.

29. The adjustable basketball goal of claim 28, wherein the light source is coupled to an electrical wire extending through the light post and configured to couple with an external power source to power the light source.

30. The adjustable basketball goal of claim 22 or 23, wherein the light post is formed from a plurality of light post segments coupled with one another.

Description:
Net Assembly for an Adjustable Basketball Goal

[0001] This application claims the priority of U.S. Utility Patent Application having Serial No, 15/701 ,620, which was filed September 12, 2017. The aforementioned patent application is hereby incorporated, by reference in its entirety info the present application to the extent consistent with the present application.

[0002] Basketball goals are frequently used in areas outside of professional basketball arenas. These basketball goals are typically mounted to a pole or wall, and may include a mechanism to adjust the height of the goal. In many instances, when a pole is provided as the means for mounting the basketball goal at a residential location, the area behind the basketball goal may include objects (e.g., motor vehicles) susceptible to damage from a basketball as a result of an errant pass or shot by a player. In other instances in which the area behind the basketball goal may be free from any obstructions, an errant pass or shot by a player may result in the travel of the basketball a great distance from the basketball goal.

[0003] What is needed, therefore, is a barrier to prevent a basketball from damaging any objects located behind the basketball goal and/or to prevent the basketball from traveling past a set distance from a basketball goal.

[0004] Embodiments of the disclosure may provide a net assembly for an adjustable basketball goal. The net assembly may include a net, a support frame, and a mounting assembly. The net may include a net frame, the net frame having an upper portion including a plurality of net frame sleeves. The support frame may be configured to support the net. The support frame may include at least one elongated member configured to extend through the plurality of net frame sleeves. The support frame may also include a plurality of support arms. Each support arm may have a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion may be configured to couple to the at least one elongated member, and the second end portion may have a support arm sleeve. The support frame may further include a cross brace configured to couple the plurality of support arms. The mounting assembly may be configured to mount the support frame to a main post of the adjustable basketball goal.

[0005] Embodiments of the disclosure may further provide a net assembly for an adjustable basketball goal. The net assembly may include a net, a support frame, and a mounting assembly. The net may include a net frame, the net frame having an upper portion including a plurality of net frame sleeves. The support frame may be configured to support the net. The support frame may include a center rod having a first center rod end and a second center rod end. The support frame may also include a first outer rod configured to couple with the first center rod end, and a second outer rod configured to couple with the second center rod end. The support frame may further include a first support arm having a first end configured to couple to the center rod or the first outer rod, and a second support arm having a first end configured to couple to the center rod or the second outer rod. The support frame may also include a cross brace configured to couple to each of the first support arm and the second support arm. The mounting assembly may be configured to couple the net and the support frame to a main post of the adjustable basketball goal. The mounting assembly may include an upper brace configured to couple the cross brace to the main post of the adjustable basketball goal, and a lower brace configured to couple the first support arm and the second support arm to the main post of the adjustable basketball goal.

[0006] Embodiments of the disclosure may further provide an adjustable basketball goal. The adjustable basketball goal may include a backboard, a rim assembly configured to couple to the backboard, a plurality of support arms configured to couple to the backboard, and a main post configured to couple to the plurality of support arms. The adjustable basketball goal may also include an actuator assembly and a net assembly. The actuator assembly may be configured to couple to the main post and the plurality of support arms. The actuator assembly may include an actuator configured to adjust a height of the adjustable basketball goal. The net assembly may be configured to couple to the main post and may include a net configured to anchor to the ground.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] The present disclosure is best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying Figures. It is emphasized that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion.

[0008] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an adjustable basketball goal including a net assembly, according to one or more embodiments.

[0009] Figure 2 illustrates a rear view of the adjustable basketball goal of Figure 1 . [0010] Figure 3 illustrates a front view of a net of the net assembly, according to one or more embodiments.

[0011] Figure 4 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of a mounting assembly of the net assembly installed on a main post of the adjustable basketball goal, according to one or more embodiments.

[0012] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of a support frame of the net assembly, according to one or more embodiments.

[0013] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of the net assembly installed on the main post, according to one or more embodiments.

[0014] Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of the adjustable basketball goal of Figures 1 and 2 further including a light assembly, according to one or more embodiments.

[0015] Figure 8 illustrates a side view of the adjustable basketball goal of Figure 7.

[0016] Figure 9 illustrates an exploded view of a portion of the light assembly including a light source and a light source mounting bracket coupling the light source with a top portion of a light post, according to one or more embodiments.

[0017] Figure 1 0 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of a bottom portion of the light post pivotably installed on the main post of the adjustable basketball goal prior to the installation of the net assembly, according to one or more embodiments.

[0018] Figure 1 1 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of the bottom portion of the light assembly fixedly installed on the main post of the adjustable basketball goal prior to the installation of the net assembly, according to one or more embodiments.

[0019] Figure 1 2 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of the bottom portion of the light assembly fixedly installed on the main post of the adjustable basketball goal along with the net assembly, according to one or more embodiments.

Detailed Description

[0020] It is to be understood that the following disclosure describes several exemplary embodiments for implementing different features, structures, or functions of the invention. Exemplary embodiments of components, arrangements, and configurations are described below to simplify the present disclosure; however, these exem plary embodiments are provided merely as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various exemplary embodiments and across the Figures provided herein. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various exemplary embodiments and/or configurations discussed in the various Figures. Moreover, the formation of a first feature over or on a second feature in the description that follows may include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in which additional features may be formed interposing the first and second features, such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact. Finally, the exemplary embodiments presented below may be combined in any combination of ways, i.e., any element from one exemplary embodiment may be used in any other exemplary embodiment, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0021] Additionally, certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, various entities may refer to the same component by different names, and as such, the naming convention for the elements described herein is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, unless otherwise specifically defined herein. Further, the naming convention used herein is not intended to distinguish between components that differ in name but not function. Additionally, in the following discussion and in the claims, the terms "including" and "comprising" are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean "including, but not limited to." All numerical values in this disclosure may be exact or approximate values unless otherwise specifically stated. Accordingly, various embodiments of the disclosure may deviate from the numbers, values, and ranges disclosed herein without departing from the intended scope. Furthermore, as it is used in the claims or specification, the term "or" is intended to encompass both exclusive and inclusive cases, i.e. , "A or B" is intended to be synonymous with "at least one of A and B," unless otherwise expressly specified herein.

[0022] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate respective perspective and rear views of an adjustable basketball goal 100, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As will be discussed in further detail below and shown most clearly in Figure 1 , the adjustable basketball goal 100 may be anchored to the ground 102 and configured to position a rim 1 04 thereof at a plurality of heights (one shown 1 06) ranging from about five feet above the ground 1 02 to about ten feet above the ground 1 02. [0023] As the adjustable basketball goal 1 00 may be more susceptible to "dunking" or "slamming" of the basketball (not shown) through the rim 104 at a lowered position, a backboard 108 of the adjustable basketball goal 1 00 may include a backboard support frame 1 10 surrounding a panel 1 1 2. In one or more embodiments, the panel 1 12 may be constructed from a clear material, such as glass, tempered glass, plexiglass, or polycarbonate. This may allow a clear view through the panel 1 1 2.

[0024] As shown most clearly in Figure 1 , a rim assembly 1 1 4 including the rim 104 and a mounting plate 1 16 may be coupled to the backboard 1 08. In particular, in one or more embodiments, the mounting plate 1 16 may be coupled to the backboard support frame 1 10 using bolts, adhesives, welds, or other similar means. In other embodiments, the mounting plate 1 16 may also be coupled to the panel 1 12 using bolts or adhesives. In some embodiments, a cloth or chain net 1 1 8 may be attached to the rim 1 04.

[0025] The rim assembly 1 1 4 may be a fixed type rim assembly with the mounting plate 1 16 and the rim 1 04 rigidly coupled together. In other embodiments, the rim assembly 1 14 may be a collapsible style rim assembly. A collapsible style rim assembly may allow the rim 1 04 to flex independently of the mounting plate 1 1 6, allowing the rim assembly 1 14 to absorb some of the force when the rim 1 04 is pulled during or after "dunking" or "slamming" the basketball therethrough.

[0026] The adjustable basketball goal 100 may further include a main post 120, a plurality of support arms 122, 124 coupling the main post 120 to the backboard 108, an actuator mounting bracket 126, and an actuator assembly 1 28. The main post 120 may be anchored to the ground 1 02 and extend substantially vertically therefrom. In one or more embodiments, the main post 1 20 may be anchored to the ground 102 via concrete and a plurality of fasteners such as screws or bolts (not shown). In at least one embodiment, the main post 120 may be rectangular in cross section; however, in other embodiments, the main post 1 20 may be square, circular, or oval in cross section. The main post 1 20 may be at least partially covered in padding 1 21 constructed from foam or other like material.

[0027] The backboard 1 08 may be coupled to the main post 120 via the plurality of support arms 122, 1 24. The plurality of support arms 122, 124 may include a pair of upper support arms 1 22 pivotably attached to the main post 1 20 and a pair of lower support arms 1 24 pivotably attached to the main post 120 and vertically spaced from the pair of upper support arms 1 22. Each of the upper support arms 122 and the lower support arms 1 24 may be pivotably attached to the main post 120 using one or more bolts or pins 1 30. In one or more embodiments, each of the pair of upper support arms 1 22 and the pair of lower support arms 124 may include one or more cross members 132 extending therebetween to provide structural support thereto.

[0028] Respective end portions 134 of the pair of lower support arms 124 may be coupled to the actuator assembly 128. More particularly, in one or more embodiments, the respective end portions 1 34 of the pair of lower support arms 1 24 may be coupled to an extendable or retractable shaft 1 36 of an actuator 138 of the actuator assembly 128. The actuator 138 may be further coupled to the main post 1 20 via the actuator mounting bracket 1 26, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. A crankshaft 1 40 may be detachably attached to the actuator 138 and configured to rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to increase or decrease the height 102 of the rim 104 of the adjustable basketball goal 100.

[0029] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the adjustable basketball goal 100 may further include a net assembly 1 42 installable on the main post 120 and configured to prevent damage to surrounding objects (e.g. , motor vehicles) and/or to prevent travel of the basketball past a set distance from the adjustable basketball goal 1 00. Referring now to Figures 3-6 with continued reference to Figures 1 and 2, the net assembly 142 may include a net 300, a mounting assembly 400, and a support frame 500. Figure 3 illustrates a front view of the net 300, according to one or more embodiments.

[0030] The net 300 may include a net frame 302 forming a perimeter of the net 300 and forming in part a cut-out 304 through which the main post 1 20 may be accessible for adjustment of the adjustable basketball goal 100. In addition, the cut-out 304 may provide access to the mounting assembly 400 (Figure 4), which is discussed in greater detail below. An upper portion 306 of the net frame 302 may include a plurality of net frame sleeves (four shown 308) extending substantially parallel with the ground 102 (Figures 1 and 2). Each of the net frame sleeves 308 may define a bore (not shown) being coaxial with the bores of the other net frame sleeves 308. The upper portion 306 may be coupled to a lower portion 310 of the net frame 302 via opposing side portions 312a and 312b of the net frame 302.

[0031] The lower portion 310 of the net frame 302 may include a plurality of stakes 314 extending substantially vertically therefrom, where each of the stakes 31 4 may be configured to extend into the ground 102, thereby anchoring the lower portion 310 of the net 300 to the ground 102. A netting 316 in the form of a grid may extend between the upper portion 306, side portions 31 2a, 312b , and lower portion 310 and may be constructed from any material known in the art including, but not limited to, nylon, woven rope, and steel. As constructed, the net 300 may be configured to prevent a basketball from traveling therethrough.

[0032] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the mounting assembly 400 installed on the main post 120, according to one or more embodiments. The mounting assembly 400 may be configured to support the net 300. To that end, the mounting assembly 400 may include an upper bracket 402 and a lower bracket 404 vertically spaced from the upper bracket 402 as installed on the main post 1 20. In at least one embodiment, each of the upper bracket 402 and the lower bracket 404 may be U-shaped. The mounting assembly 400 may further include an upper brace 406 and a lower brace 408 respectively coupled to the upper bracket 402 and the lower bracket 404 via fasteners, such as bolts, screws, or the like, as installed on the main post 120.

[0033] As installed on the main post 120, the upper bracket 402 and the upper brace 406 may encompass the main post 120, and the lower bracket 404 and the lower brace 408 may likewise encompass the main post 1 20. The upper brace 406 may define an aperture 410 through which a fastener 41 2 (Figures 5 and 6) may extend to couple the support frame 500 (Figures 5 and 6) thereto. The lower brace 408 may further include a lower brace sleeve 41 4 integral therewith or attached thereto via fasteners, such as bolts, screws, or the like (as shown in Figure 4), and defining a bore 41 6 extending therethrough.

[0034] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of the support frame 500 of the net assembly 1 42, according to one or more embodiments. Figure 6 illustrates the support frame 500 supporting the net 300 and coupled to the main post 120 via the mounting assembly 400, according to one or more embodiments. The support frame 500 may include one or more elongated members, illustrated as rods (three shown 502a-c), sized and configured to extend through the bores defined by the net frame sleeves 308 in the upper portion 306 of the net frame 302. In embodiments including a plurality of elongated members 502a-c, the plurality of elongated members 502a-c may include a center elongated member 502a having ends threadingly coupled to a first outer elongated member 502b and a second outer elongated member 502c, thereby forming a single elongated member extending through the bores defined by the net frame sleeves 308. The elongated members 502a-c may extend along the upper portion 306 from one side portion 31 2a to the other side portion 312b.

[0035] The support frame 500 may further include a plurality of support arms (two shown 504) and a cross brace 506 configured to couple the elongated members 502a-c to the main post 1 20. More particularly, in at least one embodiment, the plurality of support arms 504 may couple the elongated members 502a-c to the lower brace 408, and the cross brace 506 may be configured to couple the elongated members 502a-c to the upper brace 406 via the plurality of support arms 504. As shown in Figure 5, each of the support arms 504 includes an end portion 508 coupled to an elongated member 502a-c utilizing fasteners, such as bolts, screws, or the like. In one embodiment, a first end portion 508 of one support arm 504 may be coupled to the first outer elongated member 502b and a first end portion 508 of the other support arm 504 may be coupled to the second outer elongated member502c. In another embodiment, the first end portions 508 of each support arm 504 may be coupled to the center elongated member 502a.

[0036] An opposing second end portion 51 0 of each support arm 504 may form or have a support arm sleeve 512 defining a bore 514 extending therethrough. A fastening member 516, such as a pin, may extend though the bores 514, 416 of the support arms 504 and the lower brace sleeve 41 4 as coaxially aligned, thereby coupling the support arms 504 to the main post 120. The cross brace 506 may have end portions 518 coupled to respective support arms 504 utilizing fasteners, such as bolts, screws, or the like, and may further define a center aperture 520 through which the fastener 41 2, e.g., knob, may extend therethrough and into the aperture 410 defined in the upper brace 408, thereby coupling the support arms 504 to the main post 120.

[0037] Turning now to Figures 7 and 8, Figures 7 and 8 illustrate respective perspective and side views of the adjustable basketball goal 100 of Figures 1 and 2 further including a light assembly 700, according to one or more embodiments. The light assembly 700 may be configured to illuminate an area adjacent the adjustable basketball goal 100 to allow players to utilize the adjustable basketball goal 1 00 at dawn, dusk, night, or at any other time when additional light is desirable for optimizing use of the adjustable basketball goal 100. The light assembly 700 may be removably mounted to the adjustable basketball goal 100 via common household hand tools (e.g., ratchet and sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers), and therefore may be mounted to or removed from the adjustable basketball goal 1 00 without undue labor or time consumption.

[0038] The light assembly 700 may include a plurality of light post segments (four shown 702, 703, 704, 705) coupled with one another to form a collective light post 706 extending from and above the adjustable basketball goal 1 00. As provided in segmented form, the light post 706 may be easily stored when removed from the adjustable basketball goal 1 00. Although described herein as being formed from a plurality of light post segments 702, 703, 704, 705, in one or more embodiments, the light post 706 may be a single, monolithic piece. The light post 706 may have a square or rectangular cross section and may be hollow, such that the light post 706 defines a channel 708 (most clearly seen in Figure 10) extending therethrough.

[0039] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the light post 706 may include a top portion 710 coupled to a light source 712, and a bottom portion 714 coupled to the main post 1 20 of the adjustable basketball goal 1 00. At least one light post segment 704 may have a bent portion 707 or may be bent or otherwise contoured to position the light source 71 2 above the adjustable basketball goal 100, such that the area adjacent the adjustable basketball goal is sufficiently illuminated to allow players to utilize the adjustable basketball goal 1 00 at dawn, dusk, night, or at any other time when additional light is desirable for optimizing use of the adjustable basketball goal 1 00. One or more light post support bars (one shown 716) may be coupled to the light post 706 and configured to provide structural support to the light post 706. For example, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the light post support bar 71 6 may be positioned adjacent opposing ends of the bent portion 707 of the light post 706 to provide support to the bent portion of the light post 706 deviating from a vertical or substantially vertical orientation.

[0040] Referring now to Figure 9 with continued reference to Figures 7 and 8, Figure 9 illustrates an exploded view of a portion of the light assembly 700 including the light source 712 and a light source mounting bracket 71 8 coupling the light source 71 2 with the top portion 71 0 of the light post 706, according to one or more embodiments. The light source 712 may be one or more light bulbs (not shown). The light bulb(s) may be any light bulb or combination thereof known in the art including, but not limited to , LED, incandescent, fluorescent, and halogen. The light bulb(s) may be mounted in a housing 722 and electrically coupled to a light source plug 724 or other male connector. The housing 722 may further include a housing bracket 726 to allow for adjustment of the orientation of the light source 712 as coupled to the adjustable basketball goal 100 to illuminate the desired area adjacent the adjustable basketball goal 1 00.

[0041] As disclosed above, the light source mounting bracket 718 may be configured to couple the light source 71 2 with the top potion 710 of the light post 706. In at least one embodiment, the light post bracket 71 8 may be coupled to the light source 712 via the housing bracket 726. As illustrated in Figure 9, one or more fasteners, illustrated as a combination of nuts, washers, and bolts, may couple the housing bracket 726 and a first end portion 728 of the light source mounting bracket 71 8. A second end portion 730 of the light source mounting bracket 71 8 may be coupled to the top portion 71 0 of the light post 706.

[0042] As illustrated in Figure 9, the top portion 71 0 of the light post 706 may be inserted into and coupled to the second end portion 730 of the light source mounting bracket 71 8 via one or more fasteners (one shown 732). The fastener(s) may be, for example, bolts, screws, or the like. The top portion 710 of the light post 706 may further include a light post socket 734 or other female connector coupled to an electrical wire 736 (most clearly seen in Figure 1 0) run through the channel 708 of the light post 706 and coupled to a power source (not shown) configured to power the light assembly 700. Once the light source 71 2 is coupled to the light post 706, the light source plug 724 may be inserted into and coupled to the light post socket 734 to electrically couple the light source 71 2 and the power source.

[0043] Looking now at Figure 10 with continued reference to Figures 7 and 8, Figure 1 0 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of the bottom portion 71 4 of the light post 706 pivotably installed on the main post 120 of the adjustable basketball goal 1 00 prior to the installation of the net assembly 300, according to one or more embodiments. In one or more embodiments, the bottom portion 714 of the light post 706 may be pivotably installed on the main post 120 via the upper brace 406 of the mounting assembly 400.

[0044] To that end, the bottom portion 714 of the light post 706 may include a plurality of light post tubular members 738, 740 integral with or coupled to (e.g., welded to) the bottom portion 714 of the light post 706. The plurality of light post tubular members 738, 740 may include an upper light post tubular member 738 and a lower light post tubular member 740 (most clearly seen in Figure 1 1 ). The lower light post tubular member 740 may be configured to be aligned with and positioned between a plurality of upper brace sleeves (two shown 742 most clearly in Figure 4) of the upper brace 406, such that a fastener 744 (e.g. , pin, bolt, or the like) may be inserted through the upper brace sleeves 742 and the lower light post tubular member 740 to pivotably couple the bottom portion 71 4 of the light post 706 to the main post 1 20. The upper light post tubular member 738 may be configured to be positioned within and coupled to an end portion 746 of an elongated bar 748 via a fastener 750 (e.g., pin, bolt, or the like). The elongated bar 748 may have an opposing end portion 752 coupled to one cross member 1 32 extending between the pair of lower support arms 124 via a base member 754 and a fastener 756 (e.g., pin, bolt, or the like).

[0045] The elongated bar 748 may be utilized to provide assistance in lifting the light post 706 to a vertical or substantially vertical orientation (as shown in Figures 7 and 8) during the adjustment of the height 1 06 of the adjustable basketball goal 100 via the actuator 138. After the light post 706 is oriented as illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, the elongated bar 748 may be removed from the adjustable basketball goal 1 00. To remove the elongated bar 748, each of the fasteners 750 and 756 may be removed from the end portions of the elongated bar 748 to decouple the elongated bar 748 from the cross member 1 32 and the light post 706.

[0046] Referring now to Figure 1 1 with continued reference to Figures 7, 8, and 10, Figure 1 1 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of the bottom portion 714 of the light post 706 fixedly installed on the main post 120 of the adjustable basketball goal 1 00 prior to the installation of the net assembly 300, according to one or more embodiments. As shown, the bottom portion 714 of the light post has been pivotably rotated via the raising of the height 1 06 of the adjustable basketball goal 1 00 via the actuator 138 until the bottom portion 714 of the light post 706 contacts the lower brace 408 of the mounting assembly 400. The bottom portion 71 4 of the light post 706 may include a light post bracket 758 integral with or coupled to (e.g., welded to) the bottom portion 714 of the light post 706 adjacent the lower light post tubular member 740 and positioned to align with the upper brace 406 as fixedly installed on the main post 1 20.

[0047] The light post bracket 758 may define a plurality of apertures 760, 762. The plurality of apertures 760, 762 may include a pair of apertures 760 (only one shown) defined by the light post bracket 758 and positioned on opposing sides of the light post 706. Respective fasteners 766, 768 may be inserted through the pair of apertures 760 to couple the light post bracket 758 to the upper brace 406 and to secure the light post 706 to the main post 1 20. The plurality of apertures 760, 762 may further include a center aperture 762, which will be discussed in greater detail below. As discussed above, the lower brace sleeve 41 4 may be coupled to the lower brace 408 via fasteners (two shown 770, 772) (e.g. , bolts, screws, or the like). As shown in Figure 1 1 , coupling the lower brace sleeve 414 to the lower brace 408 may further secure the bottom portion 714 of the light post 706 to the main post 1 20.

[0048] Turning now to Figure 1 2 with continued reference to Figures 4, 5, and 7-1 1 , Figure 1 2 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of the bottom portion 714 of the light post 706 fixedly installed on the main post 120 of the adjustable basketball goal 1 00 along with the net assembly 300, according to one or more embodiments. To couple the net assembly 300 to the adjustable basketball goal 100 with the light assembly 700 installed, the fastener 412 may be inserted (e.g., threaded) through the center aperture 520 of the cross brace 506 and the central aperture 762 defined in the light post bracket 758, thereby coupling the support arms 504 of the net assembly to the main post 120. As provided above, each end portion 51 0 of each support arm 504 of the net assembly may form or have a support arm sleeve 51 2 defining a bore 514 extending therethrough. The fastening member 51 6 may be inserted though the bores 514, 41 6 of the support arms 504 and the lower brace sleeve 414 as coaxially aligned, thereby further coupling the support arms 504 to the main post 1 20.

[0049] The description herein uses terms such as 'lower', 'upper', etc., that are relative in nature. Those skilled in the art and having the benefit of this disclosure will appreciate that these terms are used relative to the orientation of the adjustable basketball goal 100 and components thereof with respect to the ground 1 02, as in, for example, Figures 1 and 2.

[0050] The foregoing has outlined features of several embodiments so that those skilled in the art may better understand the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/or achieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions and alterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.