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

Abstract

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

Description

• This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/504,150, filed Sep. 19, 2003, and entitled “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR A RETRACTABLE BASKETBALL BACKBOARD AND HOOP ASSEMBLY”, the subject matter of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention pertains to an apparatus and a method for a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly and, in particular, to an apparatus for a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly which can be deployed from a stored position or non-use position to an in-use position and which can also be retractable from an in-use position to a stored position or non-use position and a method of using same.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• The game of basketball is a very popular game which is traditionally played with a backboard and hoop which can typically be mounted on a rigid structure, a building, and/or a pole, or other structure. Basketball is a game which is traditionally enjoyed during good weather. However, during snow, rain, ice, extreme hot and/or humid weather, and/or other inclement weather conditions, basketball playing can be curtailed due to the adverse effects these weather and/or environmental conditions may have on individuals. In these situations, the individuals desiring to play basketball must typically seek an alternate venue for playing the game.
• Sports or athletic facilities have been known to install a fixed basketball backboard and hoop assembly or assemblies in walled courts or facilities, such as, for example, handball courts, racquetball courts, or other courts or facilities. Once installed, however, the basketball backboard and hoop assembly or assemblies can interfere with other uses of the court or facility, thereby rendering the court or facility unsuitable for use as a handball court, a racquetball court, or other court or facility which requires freedom from obstructions.
• The need for providing a safe structure for deploying the basketball backboard and hoop assembly is yet another problem which can constrain the play of basketball. Currently, portable basketball backboard and hoop assemblies are available which can be transported from outdoor locations to indoor locations in order to allow for play during inclement weather. These portable units, however, can be awkward to move or transport and/or may not be easily maneuvered by younger individuals. Portable backboard and hoop assemblies can also present a danger of tipping over, consume limited garage storage space, and/or can be hit by automobiles.
• Another concern lies in the fact that certain municipalities have ordinances and/or other local laws which prohibit the installation of backboard and hoop assemblies on the exterior of garages, homes, and/or other structures.
• In one prior art basketball backboard and hoop arrangement, U.S. Pat. No. 4,934,696 discloses a backboard and hoop assembly which is attached to a moveable garage door. This prior art assembly has several disadvantages associated therewith. For example, the assembly can only be utilized outdoors, its installation on the garage door can violate most manufacturer use and maintenance guidelines because of weight imbalances caused thereby, the garage door may require a prop or other device to hold it open, the basketball assembly can pose a risk of hitting a car when the garage door is opened or closed, the basketball assembly can take up or reduce available parking space, and/or the basketball assembly can pose a safety risk to individuals during garage door opening and/or closing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention pertains to an apparatus and a method for a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly and, in particular, to an apparatus for a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly which can be deployed from a stored position or non-use position to an in-use position and which can also be retractable from an in-use position to a stored position or non-use position and a method of using same. The retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly apparatus can be mounted inside a structure or outside a structure and can be deployed from a stored position or non-use position to an in-use position. When mounted inside a structure, the retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly can be deployed to a position outside the structure for use. When storage is desired, the retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly can be retracted back to the stored position or non-use position and/or can be retracted back inside the structure to the stored position or non-use position, whichever the case may be.
• The retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly apparatus can be mounted at any location inside or outside any structure and the retractable feature of the apparatus can be used in any desired manner. The apparatus of the present invention can be used for outdoor play and/or indoor play depending on the desired application.
• The apparatus of the present invention can include an activation device or motor which can be utilized to actuate and drive a drive mechanism. The activation device or motor can be an electric motor, a garage door opener motor, a hydraulic motor or device, a pneumatic device, a vacuum device, or any mechanically actuated device, and/or any combination of the above-described devices.
• The activation device or motor can also be capable of being activated and operated manually in the event of a power failure or device failure so as to deploy or retract the basketball backboard and hoop assembly apparatus of the present invention. Any appropriate mechanical assemblies and/or devices can be used in connection with the apparatus of the preset invention.
• The drive mechanism can be connected to, or be mechanically linked to or with, the activation device or motor so as to be directly driven by the activation device or motor.
• The apparatus can also include a guiding device which is used to support a support arm which is connected to and supports the basketball backboard and hoop assembly of the apparatus. The support arm is slideably moveable along and/or within the guiding device. The support arm can have longitudinal slots located along and through the sides thereof. The support arm can be slideably situated within the guiding device by using a support arm alignment bolt or other hardware, which can facilitate the slideable movement of the support arm along and/or within the guiding device. The hardware can also serve to secure the support arm to the guiding device.
• The support arm can slide in both directions along and/or within the guiding device by sliding along the longitudinal slots along mounting hardware of the guiding device.
• The support arm can also be designed and can be built or constructed in sections which can allow for the support arm to be deployed and/or retracted telescopically.
• The drive mechanism can be mechanically connected to, or coupled to or with, the support arm and can serve to cause the support arm to be longitudinally moveable along and/or within the guiding device in both directions of movement. The activation device/drive mechanism can be utilized in order to move the support arm and the basketball backboard and hoop assembly connected thereto from a stored position to an in-use position and to move the support arm and the basketball backboard and hoop assembly from the in-use position to the stored position. The activation device can be located and/or can be mounted adjacent to the guiding device such as by using any appropriate mounting or support element.
• The basketball backboard and hoop assembly typically includes a backboard and a basketball hoop. The basketball hoop has attached thereto a basketball net which can be manufactured from any suitable material. The basketball hoop can be attached to the backboard or to the support arm via a hoop support hinge or other suitable mounting element or hardware. The hoop support hinge or other suitable mounting element or hardware can be capable of providing both horizontal and vertical movement of the basketball hoop relative to the backboard. The hoop support hinge or other suitable mounting element or hardware can also facilitate respective horizontal and/or vertical rotation needed in order to deploy the hoop from the stored position to the in-use position and from the in-use position to the stored position.
• In another embodiment, the hoop can be fixedly mounted to or on, attached to, or directly connected with, the support arm thereby dispensing with the use of, and need for, a hoop support hinge. In such an embodiment, the hoop can be mounted to or on, attached to, or connected to, the end of the support arm, and/or at any other suitable location on the support arm.
• The basketball backboard and hoop assembly can be attached to the support arm via a backboard pivot hinge or other suitable mounting element or hardware.
• A coupling device which is attached to the drive mechanism can also be connected to or with, or coupled with, the backboard support arm to facilitate movement in the support arm and/or movement of the support arm. The coupling device can also be attached to a backboard support bracket which can also be attached to the backside or non-playing side of the backboard. The coupling device can also be attached to a hoop deployment push arm which is also attached to the hoop.
• The guiding device can be mounted to the inside of the wall of the structure within which it is housed. The apparatus can be mounted within a building, a residential building, a commercial building, a gymnasium, a garage, an attic of a building, a wall of a building, and/or within any other suitable structure. The guiding device can be mounted to the inside of a wall or other structure via a mounting support arm or mounting support arms which can be attached to the guiding device. The mounting support arm or mounting support arms can be connected to the guiding device by using any suitable hardware. The mounting support arm or mounting support arms can also be attached to wall mounting brackets which wall mounting brackets can be attached to the inside of the wall or other structure by using any suitable hardware.
• The mounting support arm or mounting support arms can be of a fixed length or can be adjustable in length and/or in angle of inclination via a mounting support arm(s) activation device or motor so as to adjust the angle of inclination of the guiding device and the support arm in order to be able to adjust the height of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly. The mounting support arm or mounting support arms can also be adjustable in length and/or in angle of inclination via a mounting support arm or mounting support arms manual adjustment device, or motorized adjustment device, so as to adjust the angle of inclination of the guiding device and the support arm so as to be able to manually adjust the height of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly. This adjustment can take place during deployment of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly to the playing position or after deployment so as to change the elevation of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly from one playing elevation to another.
• The apparatus of the present invention can be positioned inside a structure and/or behind a wall or roof. The wall or roof can contain an aperture through which the basketball backboard and hoop assembly and at least a portion of the support arm can pass. The basketball backboard and hoop assembly can be foldable in order to allow its passage through the aperture. The basketball backboard and hoop assembly can be folded in any appropriate or suitable manner.
• Although described as being stored within a structure when not in use, the apparatus of the present invention can also be located or positioned on an exterior of a structure or wall.
• The aperture can have associated therewith a hinged cover which covers the aperture when the apparatus is not in use and stored within the structure. The cover can be spring biased by a closing device so as to cause the cover to return to the closed position upon the return of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly to the stored position. The cover can be located at any suitable location at, about, or adjacent to, the aperture.
• The aperture should be large enough to facilitate the passing therethrough, in both directions, of the folded basketball backboard and hoop assembly and the pertinent portion of the support arm.
• The guiding device and the support arm can be positioned horizontally, essentially horizontally, and/or at any angle of inclination. The support arm and the basketball backboard and hoop assembly can be deployed horizontally, essentially horizontally, and/or at or along any angle of inclination.
• The apparatus can be utilized in the following manner. When in the stored position, the apparatus can be deployed for use in the following manner. The activation device can be activated by a switch or by a wireless remote control device in order to actuate and drive the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism can be moved along with the coupling device so as to move the support arm and the basketball backboard and hoop assembly in the direction of deployment and through the aperture to the exterior of the structure or towards the in-use position.
• Once the basketball backboard and hoop assembly is deployed to the in-use position, the continued action of the activation device and the movement of the drive mechanism and coupling device will unfold the basketball backboard and hoop assembly to the in-use and upright position, such as by moving the backboard support bracket to the in-use position thereby causing the backboard to be moved to the upright and in-use position, and by moving the hoop deployment push arm to the in-use position which deploys the hoop to the in-use position.
• The drive mechanism, the coupling device, the support arm, the backboard support bracket, and the hoop deployment push arm, can be designed to be activated or actuated sequentially in any appropriate order or sequence consistent with the design and use of the apparatus.
• The drive mechanism can drive or actuate each of the coupling device and, in turn, the support arm thereby driving the basketball backboard and hoop assembly and the pertinent portion of the support arm through the aperture, moving the cover of the aperture to the open position, and towards the in-use position until the basketball backboard and hoop assembly reaches and is deployed to the in-use position. The continued operation of the drive mechanism drives or moves the backboard support bracket, so as to deploy the backboard to the upright position, thereby unfolding the basketball backboard and hoop assembly, and drives or moves the hoop deployment push arm to drive or move the hoop to the in-use position.
• In this regard, the above-described deployment sequence can first move the support arm and the basketball backboard and hoop assembly out through the aperture, opening the cover of the aperture in the process, deploy the backboard to the upright and in-use position and rotate the hoop horizontally, essentially horizontally, or near horizontally, to the in-use position.
• When it is desired to retract the basketball backboard and hoop assembly to the stored position, the above operation can be performed in reverse.
• The activation device can be used to perform the full deployment and retraction of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly by controlling and effectuating the driving or movement of the coupling device, the support arm, the backboard support bracket, and the hoop deployment push arm. In another embodiment, a separate activation device or motor can be utilized in order to control and effectuate the driving or movement of any one or more of the coupling device, the support arm, the backboard support bracket, and the hoop deployment push arm.
• Separate activation devices or motors can be utilized to control and effectuate the movement of one or more of the coupling device, the support arm, the backboard support bracket, and the hoop deployment push arm. A separate activation device or motor can be utilized to control and effectuate the movement of each of the coupling device, the support arm, the backboard support bracket, and the hoop deployment push arm. In embodiments where multiple activation devices or motors are utilized, a central control device can be used to control and effectuate the sequential activation of the respective activation devices or motors.
• In another embodiment, the apparatus and method of the present invention can be utilized in conjunction with a curved guiding device and a curved support arm. In this embodiment, the manner in which the curved support arm deploys through the structure can allow for an adjustable backboard height.
• The guiding device can be curved and/or shaped in any degree of curvature consistent with its use. The support arm can also be curved or shaped so as to be capable of being utilized with the curved guiding device.
• The curved or shaped support arm can also be designed and can be built in sections which can allow for the support arm to be deployed and/or retracted telescopically.
• In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the operation of the respective apparatuses or embodiments can be activated automatically so that the basketball backboard and hoop assembly can be deployed to an in-use position automatically and/or so that the basketball backboard and hoop assembly can be retracted to a stored position or non-use position automatically. In such an embodiment, the respective activation device can be activated by a switching device which can include or utilize a sensor or respective sensors for sensing any one or more of darkness, daylight, noise, infrared heat from a player, an impact such as from a basketball hitting against the basketball backboard or the apparatus, a breaking of a light beam such as by a movement of a basketball, motion in the vicinity of the structure in which the apparatus is mounted or to which the apparatus is mounted, rainfall, snowfall, and/or any other activity, occurrence, environmental condition, etc., which might lead one to desire to deploy and/or to retract the basketball backboard and hoop assembly.
• In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the operation of the activation device to either deploy or retract the basketball backboard and hoop assembly can also be activated or controlled by or with an automatic timer device.
• Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly.
• It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly which can be retractable to a location within an interior of a structure.
• It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly which can utilized for outdoor play, indoor play, or both outdoor and indoor play.
• It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly which can be deployed through an aperture of a structure.
• It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly wherein the assembly is moveable longitudinally during the deployment of same and/or during the retraction and/or storing of same.
• It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly which can be deployed for use and/or retracted to a stored position by using an activation device.
• It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly which can be deployed for use and/or retracted to a stored position by movement in a longitudinal direction.
• It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly which can be deployed for use and/or retracted to a stored position by movement in a longitudinal direction and/or along and/or within a guiding device.
• It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly which can be deployed for use and/or retracted to a stored position by movement along a curved guiding device.
• It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly wherein the assembly is installed and/or supported by an interior wall and/or other interior structure or device of a building or structure.
• It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly wherein the assembly can be deployed through an aperture dedicated for utilization in conjunction with the present invention.
• It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly wherein the assembly can include a foldable backboard and/or a solid and/or non-foldable backboard.
• It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly wherein the assembly can contain motorized components.
• It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly wherein the assembly can facilitate an automated deployment of same.
• It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly wherein the apparatus includes a control device for controlling the operation thereof.
• It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly which can also be utilized with a garage door opener motor as an activation device or mechanism.
• It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly which can also be utilized with a garage door opener device or mechanism which can, in addition to and/or instead of being utilized to open and/or close a garage door, can also be utilized to deploy the basketball backboard and hoop assembly to an in-use position and/or to retract the basketball backboard and hoop assembly to a stored position or non-use position.
• It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly which can also be utilized with a computer or computer system which can be utilized in order to perform an automated and/or a remote controlled deployment and/or storage of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly and/or the apparatus of the present invention.
• It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly which can also be utilized with a sensor or sensors for sensing at least one of, or any one or more of, darkness, daylight, noise, infrared heat from a player, an impact against the basketball backboard or the apparatus, a breaking of a light beam, motion in the vicinity of the structure in which the apparatus is mounted or to which the apparatus is mounted, rainfall, snowfall, motion in the vicinity of the apparatus, rainfall, snowfall, and/or an environmental condition.
• It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly which can also be utilized with a control device which, upon automatically ascertaining or determining a non-use of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly, can automatically return the basketball backboard and hoop assembly and/or any other components of the apparatus to a stored position or a non-use position.
• It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly the operation of which can be activated or controlled by or with an automatic timer device.
• Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those individuals skilled in the art upon a review of the Description Of The Preferred Embodiments taken in conjunction with the Drawings which follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• In the Drawings:
• FIG. 1 illustrates a three-dimensional perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;
• FIG. 2 illustrates the basketball backboard and hoop assembly of the apparatus ofFIG. 1 in a preferred embodiment folded state;
• FIG. 3 illustrates the apparatus ofFIG. 1 in a preferred embodiment stored state;
• FIG. 4 illustrates a three-dimensional perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;
• FIG. 5 illustrates the basketball backboard and hoop assembly of the apparatus ofFIG. 4 in a preferred embodiment folded state; and
• FIG. 6 illustrates the apparatus ofFIG. 4 in a preferred embodiment stored state;
• FIG. 7 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention wherein the drive mechanism is positioned above the support arm as shown;
• FIG. 8 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention wherein the drive mechanism is positioned below the support arm as shown; and
• FIG. 9 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention wherein the activation device is a garage door opener motor or device.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• The present invention pertains to an apparatus and a method for a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly and, in particular, to an apparatus for a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly which can be deployed from a stored position or non-use position to an in-use position and which can also be retractable from an in-use position to a stored position or non-use position and a method of using same. In a preferred embodiment, the retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly apparatus is mounted inside a structure and can be deployed to a position outside the structure for use. When storage is desired, the retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly apparatus can be retracted back inside the structure to a stored position or non-use position. In another preferred embodiment, the retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly can be mounted at any location inside or outside any structure and the retractable feature of the apparatus can be used in any desired manner to retract the basketball backboard and hoop assembly to a stored position or non-use position. In this manner, the apparatus of the present invention can be used for outdoor play and/or for indoor play depending upon the desired application.
• As used herein, the term “horizontally” means horizontally as well as essentially horizontally.
• As used herein, the term “vertically” means vertically as well as essentially vertically.
• Applicant hereby incorporates by reference herein the subject matter and teachings of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/504,150 which teaches and discloses an apparatus and method for a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly.
• FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly apparatus which is the subject of the present invention and which is designated by thereference numeral100. InFIG. 1, theapparatus100 is shown in the in-use position. With reference toFIG. 1, the retractable basketball backboard andhoop assembly apparatus100 includes anactivation device1 which is utilized to actuate and drive thedrive mechanism2. In the preferred embodiment ofFIG. 1, theactivation device1 can be an electric motor, a garage door opener motor, a hydraulic motor or device, a pneumatic device, a vacuum device, or any electrically or mechanically actuated device, and/or any combination of the above-described devices.
• Theactivation device1, in the preferred embodiment, can also be capable of being activated and operated manually in the event of a power failure or device failure so as to deploy or retract the basketball backboard and hoop assembly apparatus of the present invention. In this regard, any appropriate mechanical assemblies and/or devices (not shown) can be used in connection with theapparatus100.
• In the preferred embodiment ofFIG. 1, thedrive mechanism2 is connected to or with, or mechanically linked to, the activation device ormotor1 so as to be directly driven by the activation device ormotor1.
• Theapparatus100 also includes a guidingdevice3 which is supported by apivot device54. Guidingdevice3 is used to support thesupport arm4. Thesupport arm4 is connected to and supports the basketball backboard andhoop assembly25.
• Thesupport arm4 is slideably moveable along and/or within the guidingdevice3. Thesupport arm4 haslongitudinal slots5 located along and through the sides thereof as shown. Thesupport arm4 is slideably situated within the guidingdevice3 by using supportarm alignment bolt6, which is passed through the respective alignment bolt holes7 located on both sides of the guidingdevice3 and through thelongitudinal slots5 of the support arm so as to provide for and/or facilitate the slideable movement of thesupport arm4 along and/or within the guidingdevice3. Thealignment bolt6 also serves to secure thesupport arm4 to theguiding device3.
• Thesupport arm4 can slide in both directions along and/or within the guidingdevice3 by sliding along thelongitudinal slots5 along thealignment bolt6 of the guidingdevice3.
• In another preferred embodiment, thesupport arm4 can be designed and can be built in sections which can allow for thesupport arm4 to be deployed and/or retracted telescopically.
• Thedrive mechanism2 is mechanically connected to or with, or coupled to, thesupport arm4 via thecoupling device16 and serves to cause thesupport arm4 to be longitudinally moveable along and/or within the guidingdevice3 in both directions of movement.
• Theactivation device1/drive mechanism2 is utilized, in the preferred embodiment, in order to drive or move thesupport arm4 and the basketball backboard andhoop assembly25 from a stored position or non-use position to an in-use position and to drive or move thesupport arm4 and the basketball backboard andhoop assembly25 from the in-use position to a stored position or non-use position. In the preferred embodiment ofFIG. 1, theactivation device1 is located and/or mounted adjacent to theguiding device3 as shown, such as be using the activationdevice support element8.
• With reference once again toFIG. 1, the basketball backboard andhoop assembly25 is connected to the end of thesupport arm4 which is opposite the end of thesupport arm4 which is connected to thedrive mechanism2.
• In the preferred embodiment ofFIG. 1, the basketball backboard andhoop assembly25 includes a backboard10 and a basketball hoop11. The basketball hoop11 has attached thereto abasketball net12 which can be manufactured from any suitable material. The basketball hoop11 is attached to the backboard10 and/or is attached to thesupport arm4 via ahoop support hinge13. In the preferred embodiment ofFIG. 1, thehoop support hinge13 is capable of providing both horizontal and vertical movement of the basketball hoop11 relative to thebackboard10. Thehoop support hinge13 can also facilitate any respective horizontal and/or vertical rotation needed in order to deploy the hoop11 from the stored position or non-use position to the in-use position and to retract the hoop11 from the in-use position to the stored position or non-use position.
• In another preferred embodiment, the hoop11 can be fixedly attached to, or directly connected with, thesupport arm4 thereby dispensing with the use of, and the need for, ahoop support hinge13. In a preferred embodiment, the hoop11 can be attached to the end of thesupport arm4 and/or at any other suitable location on thesupport arm4.
• In the preferred embodiment, the basketball backboard andhoop assembly25 is attached to thesupport arm4 via thebackboard pivot hinge14.
• With reference once again toFIG. 1, the top side of thesupport arm4 has a slottedelongate hole15 therethrough for passage ofcoupling device16 which is attached to thedrive mechanism2. Thecoupling device16 is also attached to thebackboard support bracket17 whichbackboard support bracket17 is also attached to the backside or non-playing side of thebackboard10. Thecoupling device16 is also attached to hoopdeployment push arm18 which hoopdeployment push arm18 is also attached to the hoop11. The hoopdeployment push arm18 can be a telescopic device or can be telescoping in order to compensate for any as needed length changes during activation or deployment of the hoop11.
• With reference once again toFIG. 1, the guidingdevice3 is mounted to the inside of the wall orroof50 of the structure within which it is housed. Theapparatus100 can be mounted within a building, a residential building, a commercial building, a gymnasium, a garage, an attic of a building, a wall of a building, and/or within any other suitable structure. The guidingdevice3 is mounted to the inside of the wall orroof50 via mountingsupport arm20 which, in the preferred embodiment, is attached to either side of the guidingdevice3 as shown inFIG. 1.
• With reference once again toFIG. 1, the mountingsupport arm20 is connected to theguiding device3 by using any suitable hardware. The mountingsupport arm20 is attached to the wall mounting bracket(s)21 which mounting bracket(s)21 are attached to the inside of the wall orroof50 by using any suitable hardware.
• In another preferred embodiment, the guidingdevice3 can be mounted to the inside of the wall orroof50 via any number of, or multiple, mountingsupport arms20.
• The mountingsupport arm20, in the preferred embodiment, can be of a fixed length. In another preferred embodiment, the mountingsupport arm20 can be adjustable in length and/or in angle of inclination by using a mounting support arm activation device or motor (not shown) so as to adjust the angle of inclination of the guidingdevice3 and thesupport arm4, so as to be able to adjust the height of the basketball backboard andhoop assembly25. In another preferred embodiment, the mountingsupport arm20 can be adjustable in length and/or in angle of inclination by using a mounting support arm manual adjustment device (not shown) so as to adjust the angle of inclination of the guidingdevice3 and thesupport arm4, so as to be able to manually adjust the height of the basketball backboard andhoop assembly25.
• In the preferred embodiment, theapparatus100 can be positioned inside a structure and behind a wall or roof such as wall orroof50. With reference once again toFIG. 1, the wall orroof50 contains anaperture51 through which the basketball backboard and hoop assembly and a portion of thesupport arm4 can pass. The basketball backboard andhoop assembly25 can be foldable in order to allow its passage through theaperture51.
• FIG. 2 illustrates the basketball backboard andhoop assembly25 in a preferred embodiment folded state. It is to be understood, however, that the basketball backboard andhoop assembly25 can be folded in any other appropriate or suitable manner.
• It is to be understood that, although described as being stored within a structure when not in use, theapparatus100 can also, in another preferred embodiment, be located or positioned on an exterior of a structure or wall when not in use.
• With reference once again toFIG. 1, theaperture51 has associated therewith a hingedcover52 which covers theaperture51 when theapparatus100 is not in use and/or is stored within the structure. In the preferred embodiment, thecover52 can be spring biased by closingdevice53 so as to cause thecover52 to return to the closed position upon the retraction of the basketball backboard andhoop assembly25 to the stored position or non-use position. In the preferred embodiment ofFIG. 1, thecover52 is shown as being located at the underside of theaperture51 and opens downwardly. In another preferred embodiment, thecover52 can be located at the upper side of theaperture51 and can open upwardly. In still another preferred embodiment, thecover52 can be located at either side of theaperture51 and can open outwardly from the side of theaperture51.
• Theaperture51, in the preferred embodiment, is large enough to facilitate the passing therethrough in both directions of the folded basketball backboard andhoop assembly25 and the pertinent portion of thesupport arm4.
• With reference once again toFIG. 1, the guidingdevice3, in the preferred embodiment, is positioned horizontally or essentially horizontally. In the preferred embodiment, thesupport arm4 is also positioned horizontally or essentially horizontally. In this manner, in the preferred embodiment, thesupport arm4 and the basketball backboard andhoop assembly25 are deployed horizontally or essentially horizontally. In another preferred embodiment, thesupport arm4 and the basketball backboard andhoop assembly25 can be deployed at or along any angle or angle of inclination. In another preferred embodiment, any one or more of the guidingdevice3 and/or thesupport arm4 can be positioned or mounted at or about any angle or any angle of inclination.
• FIG. 3 illustrates theapparatus100 in its stored position or non-use position inside thewall50 of the structure. As shown inFIG. 3, the backboard andhoop assembly25 is folded when in the stored position or non-use position.
• Theapparatus100 can be utilized in the following manner. Theapparatus100, when in the stored position or non-use position, as shown inFIG. 3, can be deployed to the in-use position ofFIG. 1 in the following manner. Theactivation device1 which, in the preferred embodiment is an electric motor, can be activated by a switch or by a wireless remote control device in order to actuate and drive thedrive mechanism2.
• Theactivation device1 and thedrive mechanism2 are utilized to deploy the basketball backboard andhoop assembly25 to the in-use position in the following manner. Thedrive mechanism2, driven by theactivation device1, is driven or moved longitudinally in the direction away from theactivation device1 and thereby drives or moves thecoupling device16 and, in turn, thebackboard support bracket17 in the same direction away from theactivation device1.
• The above-described movement of thebackboard support bracket17 drives or moves thebackboard10. The above-described movement of the backboard10 exerts a force upon thepivot hinge14 which, in turn, drives or moves thesupport arm4 along and/or within the guidingdevice3, thereby driving or moving the basketball backboard andhoop assembly25 in the longitudinal direction towards the in-use position. The above-described movement of thesupport arm4 drives or moves the folded basketball backboard andhoop assembly25 and the pertinent portion of thesupport arm4 through theaperture51 and to the exterior of the structure. Thesupport arm4 slides along the guidingdevice3 via thelongitudinal slots5 passing along thealignment bolt6 of the guidingdevice3.
• Once the folded basketball backboard andhoop assembly25 is deployed to the in-use position, the continued operation of theactivation device1 and the corresponding continued driving or movement of thedrive mechanism2 and thecoupling device16 will drive or move thebackboard support bracket17, which continued driving or movement of thebackboard support bracket17 will cause the backboard10 to unfold to the upright and in-use position, and will drive or move the hoopdeployment push arm18, which continued driving or movement of the hoopdeployment push arm18 will drive or move the hoop11 so as to deploy the hoop11 to the in-use position as shown. The hoop11 can be deployed either horizontally or vertically, or in any combination of horizontal or vertical movement, as dictated by the type ofhoop support hinge13 which is selected for use in theapparatus100.
• In the preferred embodiment wherein the hoop11 is fixedly attached to, or connected with, thesupport arm4, the use of, or need for, thehoop support hinge13, and any need to perform any rotation of the hoop11 in the deployment or retraction operation or process, can be dispensed with entirely.
• In the preferred embodiment, thedrive mechanism2, thecoupling device16, thesupport arm4, thebackboard support bracket17, and the hoopdeployment push arm18, are designed to be activated or actuated sequentially, from the activation and movement of thedrive mechanism2, in the above-described order or sequence and/or in any other suitable or appropriate order or sequence.
• Thedrive mechanism2, in the preferred embodiment, drives or actuates each of thecoupling device16, thesupport bracket17, thebackboard10 and thepivot hinge14 and, in turn, thesupport arm4 drives or moves the basketball backboard andhoop assembly25 and the pertinent portion of thesupport arm4 through theaperture51, moving thecover52 to the open position in the process, and towards the in-use position until the basketball backboard andhoop assembly25 reaches and is deployed to the in-use position. The continued operation of thedrive mechanism2 then drives or moves thebackboard support bracket17 so as to move the backboard10 to the upright and in-use position, thereby unfolding the basketball backboard andhoop assembly25, and drives or moves the hoopdeployment push arm18 so as to move the hoop11 to the in-use position.
• When it is desired to retract the basketball backboard andhoop assembly25 to the stored position or non-use position, the above operation can be performed in reverse. When retracting the basketball backboard andhoop assembly25 to the stored position or non-use position, theactivation device1 can be operated in reverse so as to drive or move thedrive mechanism2, thecoupling device16 and, in turn, thebackboard support bracket17, in the direction towards theactivation device1.
• The movement of thecoupling device16 and thebackboard support bracket17 will drive or move the hoopdeployment push arm18 in the direction towards theactivation device1 thereby retracting or moving the hoop11 to the stored position or non-use position and will also cause the backboard10 to fold thereby returning the backboard andhoop assembly25 to the folded and/or stored position. Thereafter, the continued movement of thedrive mechanism2 and thecoupling device16 will retract thesupport arm4 and the folded basketball backboard andhoop assembly25 along the guidingdevice3, through theaperture51, and into the interior of the structure until thesupport arm4 and the folded basketball backboard andhoop assembly25 reaches the stored position or non-use position.
• As thesupport arm4 and the folded basketball backboard andhoop assembly25 passes into the interior of the structure, the closingdevice53 of thecover52 will cause the cover to close thereby covering theaperture51.
• In the preferred embodiment, theactivation device1 is used to perform and/or control the deployment and retraction of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly by controlling and effectuating the movement of thecoupling device16, thesupport arm4, thebackboard support bracket17, the backboard10, thepivot hinge14, and the hoopdeployment push arm18. In another preferred embodiment, a separate activation device or motor can be utilized in order to control and effectuate the movement of any one or more of each of thecoupling device16, thesupport arm4, thebackboard support bracket17, and the hoopdeployment push arm18.
• In another preferred embodiment, separate activation devices or motors can be utilized in order to control and/or effectuate the movement of any one or more of thecoupling device16, thesupport arm4, thebackboard support bracket17, thepivot hinge14, and/or the hoopdeployment push arm18. In another preferred embodiment, separate activation devices or motors can be utilized to control and effectuate the movement of each of thecoupling device16, thesupport arm4, thebackboard support bracket17, thepivot hinge14, and/or the hoopdeployment push arm18. In embodiments where multiple activation devices or motors are utilized, a central control device can be used to control and effectuate the sequential activation and operation of each of the respective activation devices or motors.
• In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus and method of the present invention can be utilized in conjunction with a curved guiding device and a curved support arm. In this preferred embodiment, the manner in which the curved support arm deploys through the structure can allow for an adjustable backboard height.FIG. 4 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention. The apparatus ofFIG. 4 is designated by thereference numeral300.
• InFIG. 4, theapparatus300 is shown in the in-use position. With reference toFIG. 4, the retractable basketball backboard andhoop assembly apparatus300 includes anactivation device301 which is utilized to actuate and drive thedrive mechanism302. In the preferred embodiment ofFIG. 4, theactuating device301 can be an electric motor, a garage door opener motor, a hydraulic motor or device, a pneumatic device, a vacuum device, or any mechanically actuated device, and/or any combination of the above-described devices. Theactivation device301, in the preferred embodiment, can also be capable of being activated and operated manually in the event of a power failure or device failure so as to deploy or retract the basketball backboard and hoop assembly apparatus of the present invention. In this regard, any appropriate mechanical assemblies and/or devices (not shown) can be used in connection with theapparatus300.
• In the preferred embodiment ofFIG. 4, thedrive mechanism302 is connected to or with, or mechanically linked to, the activation device ormotor301 so as to be directly driven by the activation device ormotor301.
• Theapparatus300 also includes aguiding device303 which is supported by apivot device354. Guidingdevice303 is used to support thesupport arm304. In theapparatus300 ofFIG. 4, the guidingdevice303 is curved in shape as shown. It is important to note that the guidingdevice303 can be shaped in any degree of curvature which is consistent with its use in theapparatus300 of the present invention. Thesupport arm304 is connected to and supports the basketball backboard andhoop assembly325.
• Thesupport arm304 is slideably moveable along and/or within the guidingdevice303. Thesupport arm304 is also curved in shape and has a degree of curvature consistent with its use in conjunction with, or in combination with, the guidingdevice303. Thesupport arm304 hascurve slots305 located along and through the sides thereof as shown. Thesupport arm304 is slideably situated within the guidingdevice303 by using supportarm alignment bolt306, which is passed through the respective alignment bolt holes307 located on both sides of the guidingdevice303 and through thecurved slots305 of thesupport arm304 so as to provide for and/or facilitate the slideable movement of thesupport arm304 along and/or within the guidingdevice303. Thealignment bolt306 also serves to secure thesupport arm304 to theguiding device303.
• Thesupport arm304 can slide in both directions along and/or within the guidingdevice303 by sliding along thecurved slots305 along thealignment bolt306 of the guidingdevice303.
• In another preferred embodiment, thesupport arm304 can be designed and can be built in sections which can allow for thesupport arm304 to be deployed and/or retracted telescopically.
• Thedrive mechanism302 is mechanically connected to or with, or coupled to, thesupport arm304 via thecoupling device316 and serves to cause thesupport arm304 to be moveable along and/or within the guidingdevice303 in both directions of movement. Theactivation device301/drive mechanism302 is utilized, in the preferred embodiment, in order to move thesupport arm304 and the basketball backboard andhoop assembly325 from a stored position or non-use position to an in-use position and to drive or move thesupport arm304 and the basketball backboard andhoop assembly325 from the in-use position to the stored position or non-use position. In the preferred embodiment ofFIG. 4, theactivation device301 is located and/or mounted adjacent to theguiding device303 as shown, such as be using the activationdevice support element308.
• With reference once again toFIG. 4, the basketball backboard andhoop assembly325 is connected to the end of thesupport arm304 which is opposite the end of thesupport arm304 which is connected to thedrive mechanism302.
• In the preferred embodiment ofFIG. 4, the basketball backboard andhoop assembly325 includes abackboard310 and abasketball hoop311. Thebasketball hoop311 has attached thereto abasketball net312 which can be manufactured from any suitable material. Thebasketball hoop311 is attached to thebackboard310 or is attached to thesupport arm304 via ahoop support hinge313. In the preferred embodiment ofFIG. 4, thehoop support hinge313 is capable of providing both horizontal and vertical movement of thebasketball hoop311 relative to thebackboard310. Thehoop support hinge313 can also facilitate any respective horizontal and/or vertical rotation needed in order to deploy thehoop311 from the stored position or non-use position to the in-use position and from the in-use position to the stored position or non-use position.
• In another preferred embodiment, thehoop311 can be fixedly attached to, or directly connected with, thesupport arm304 thereby dispensing with the use of, and the need for, ahoop support hinge313. In a preferred embodiment, thehoop311 can be attached to the end of thesupport arm304 and/or at any other suitable location on thesupport arm304.
• In the preferred embodiment, the basketball backboard andhoop assembly325 is attached to thesupport arm304 via thebackboard pivot hinge314.
• With reference once again toFIG. 4, the top side of thesupport arm304 has a slottedelongated hole315 therethrough for passage ofcoupling device316 which is attached to thedrive mechanism302. Thecoupling device316 is also attached to thebackboard support bracket317 whichbackboard support bracket317 is also attached to the backside or non-playing side of thebackboard310. Thecoupling device316 is also attached to the hoopdeployment push arm318 which hoopdeployment push arm318 is also attached to thehoop311. The hoopdeployment push arm318 can be a telescopic device or can be telescoping in order to compensate for any as needed length changes during activation or deployment of thehoop311.
• With reference once again toFIG. 4, the guidingdevice303 is mounted to the inside of the wall orroof350 of the structure within which it is housed. Theapparatus300 can be mounted within a building, a residential building, a commercial building, a gymnasium, a garage, an attic of a building, a wall of a building, and/or within any other suitable structure. The guidingdevice303 is mounted to the inside of the wall orroof350 via mountingsupport arm320 which, in the preferred embodiment, is attached to either side of the guidingdevice303 as shown inFIG. 4. With reference toFIG. 4, the mountingsupport arm320 is connected to theguiding device303 by using any suitable hardware. In another preferred embodiment, the guidingdevice303 can be mounted to the inside of the wall orroof350 via any number of, or multiple, mountingsupport arms320.
• With reference once again toFIG. 4, the mountingsupport arm320 is connected to theguiding device303 by using any suitable hardware. The mountingsupport arm320 is attached to the wall mounting bracket(s)321 which mounting bracket(s)321 are attached to the inside of the wall orroof350 by using any suitable hardware.
• The mountingsupport arm320, in the preferred embodiment, can be of a fixed length. In another preferred embodiment, the mountingsupport arm320 can be adjustable in length and/or in angle of inclination by using a mounting support arm activation device or motor (not shown) so as to adjust the angle of inclination of the guidingdevice303 and thesupport arm304, so as to be able to adjust the height of the basketball backboard andhoop assembly325. In another preferred embodiment, the mountingsupport arm320 can be adjustable in length and/or in angle of inclination by using a mounting support arm manual adjustment device (not shown) so as to adjust the angle of inclination of the guidingdevice303 and thesupport arm304, so as to be able to manually adjust the height of the basketball backboard andhoop assembly325.
• In the preferred embodiment, theapparatus300 can be positioned inside a structure and behind a wall or roof such as wall orroof350. With reference once again toFIG. 4, the wall orroof350 contains anaperture351 through which the basketball backboard andhoop assembly325 and a portion of thesupport arm304 can pass. The basketball backboard andhoop assembly325 can be foldable in order to allow its passage through theaperture351.
• FIG. 5 illustrates the basketball backboard andhoop assembly325 in a preferred embodiment folded state. It is to be understood, however, that the basketball backboard andhoop assembly325 can be folded in any other appropriate or suitable manner.
• It is to be understood that, although described as being stored within a structure when not in use, theapparatus300 can also, in another preferred embodiment, be located or positioned on an exterior of a structure or wall when not in use.
• With reference once again toFIG. 4, theaperture351 has associated therewith a hingedcover352 which covers theaperture351 when theapparatus300 is not in use and/or stored within the structure. In the preferred embodiment, thecover352 can be spring biased by closingdevice353 so as to cause thecover352 to return to the closed position upon the retraction of the basketball backboard andhoop assembly325 to the stored position or non-use position. In the preferred embodiment ofFIG. 4, thecover352 is shown as being located at the underside of theaperture351 and opens downwardly. In another preferred embodiment, thecover352 can be located at the upper side of theaperture351 and can open upwardly. In still another preferred embodiment, thecover352 can be located at either side of theaperture351 and can open outwardly from the side of theaperture351.
• Theaperture351, in the preferred embodiment, is large enough to facilitate the passing therethrough in both directions of the folded basketball backboard andhoop assembly325 and the pertinent portion of thesupport arm304.
• With reference once again toFIG. 4, the guidingdevice303 and thesupport arm304 are positioned as shown. In this manner, in the preferred embodiment, thesupport arm304 and the basketball backboard andhoop assembly325 can be deployed in any appropriate manner and/or can be deployed horizontally, essentially horizontally, or at or along any desired angle, or at or along any angle of inclination. In another preferred embodiment, thesupport arm304 and the basketball backboard andhoop assembly325 can be deployed at or along any angle or any angle of inclination. In another preferred embodiment, any one or more of the guidingdevice303 and/or thesupport arm304 can be positioned or mounted at or about any angle or any angle of inclination.
• FIG. 6 illustrates theapparatus300 in its stored position inside thewall350 of the structure. As shown inFIG. 6, the backboard andhoop assembly325 is folded, as shown, when in the stored position or non-use position.
• Theapparatus300 can be utilized in the following manner. Theapparatus300, when in the stored position or non-use position, as shown inFIG. 6, can be deployed to the in-use ofFIG. 4 in the following manner. Theactivation device301 which, in the preferred embodiment, is an electric motor, can be activated by a switch or by a wireless remote control device in order to actuate and drive thedrive mechanism302.
• Theactivation device301 and thedrive mechanism302 are utilized to deploy the basketball backboard andhoop assembly325 to the in-use position in the following manner. Thedrive mechanism302, driven by theactivation device301, is driven or moved in the direction away from theactivation device301 and thereby drives or moves thecoupling device316 and, in turn, thebackboard support bracket317 in the same direction away from theactivation device301.
• The above-described movement of thebackboard support bracket317 drives or moves thebackboard310. The above-described movement of thebackboard310 exerts a force upon thepivot hinge314 which, in turn, drives or moves thesupport arm304 along and/or within the guidingdevice303, thereby driving or moving the basketball backboard andhoop assembly325 in the direction towards the in-use position. The above-described movement of thesupport arm304 drives or moves the folded basketball backboard andhoop assembly325 and the pertinent portion of thesupport arm304 through theaperture351 and to the exterior of the structure. Thesupport arm304 slides along the guidingdevice303 via thecurved slots305 passing along thealignment bolt306 of the guidingdevice303.
• Once the folded basketball backboard andhoop assembly325 is deployed to the in-use position, the continued operation of theactivation device301 and the corresponding continued driving or movement of thedrive mechanism302 and thecoupling device316 will drive or move thebackboard support bracket317, which continued driving or movement of thebackboard support bracket317 will cause thebackboard310 to unfold to an upright and in-use position, and drive or move the hoopdeployment push arm318, which continued driving or movement of the hoopdeployment push arm318 will drive or move thehoop311 so as to deploy thehoop311 to the in-use position as shown. Thehoop311 can be deployed either horizontally or vertically, or in any combination of horizontal or vertical movement, as dictated by the type ofhoop support hinge313 which is selected for use in theapparatus300.
• In the preferred embodiment wherein thehoop311 is fixedly attached to, or connected with, thesupport arm304, the use of, or need for, thehoop support hinge313, and any need to perform any rotation of thehoop311 in the deployment or retraction operation or process, can be dispensed with entirely.
• In the preferred embodiment, thedrive mechanism302, thecoupling device316, thesupport arm304, thebackboard support bracket317, and the hoopdeployment push arm318, are designed to be activated or actuated sequentially, from the activation and movement of thedrive mechanism302, in the above-described order or sequence and/or in any other suitable or appropriate order or sequence.
• Thedrive mechanism302, in the preferred embodiment, drives or actuates each of thecoupling device316, thesupport bracket317, thebackboard310 and thepivot hinge314 and, in turn, thesupport arm304 drives or moves the basketball backboard andhoop assembly325 and the pertinent portion of thesupport arm304 through theaperture351, moving thecover352 to the open position in the process, and towards the in-use position until the basketball backboard andhoop assembly325 reaches and is deployed to the in-use position. The continued operation of thedrive mechanism302 then drives or moves thebackboard support bracket317 so as to move thebackboard310 to the upright and in-use position, thereby unfolding the basketball backboard andhoop assembly325, and drives or moves the hoopdeployment push arm318 so as to move the hoop to the in-use position.
• When it is desired to retract the basketball backboard andhoop assembly325 to the stored position or non-use position, the above operation can be performed in reverse. When retracting the basketball backboard andhoop assembly325 to the stored position or non-use position, theactivation device301 can be operated in reverse so as to drive or move thedrive mechanism302, thecoupling device316 and, in turn, thebackboard support bracket317, in the direction towards theactivation device301. The driving or movement of thecoupling device316 and thebackboard support bracket317 will drive or move the hoopdeployment push arm318 in the direction towards theactivation device301 thereby retracting or moving thehoop311 to the stored position or non-use position and will also cause thebackboard310 to fold thereby returning the backboard andhoop assembly325 to the folded and/or stored position. Thereafter, the continued movement of thedrive mechanism302 and thecoupling device316 will retract thesupport arm304 and the folded basketball backboard andhoop assembly325 along the guidingdevice303, through theaperture351, and into the interior of the structure until thesupport arm304 and the folded basketball backboard andhoop assembly325 reaches the stored position or non-use position. As thesupport arm304 and the folded basketball backboard andhoop assembly325 passes into the interior of the structure, theclosing device353 of thecover352 will cause the cover to close thereby covering theaperture351.
• In the preferred embodiment, theactivation device301 is used to perform and/or control the deployment and retraction of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly by controlling and effectuating the movement of thecoupling device316, thesupport arm304, thebackboard support bracket317, thebackboard310, thepivot hinge314, and the hoopdeployment push arm318.
• In another preferred embodiment, separate activation devices or motors can be utilized in order to control and effectuate the movement of any one or more of thecoupling device316, thesupport arm304, thebackboard support bracket317, thepivot hinge314, and/or the hoopdeployment push arm318. In another preferred embodiment, separate activation devices or motors can be utilized to control and effectuate the movement of each of thecoupling device316, thesupport arm304, thebackboard support bracket317, thebackboard310, thepivot hinge314, and/or the hoopdeployment push arm318. In embodiments where multiple activation devices or motors are utilized, a central control device can be used to control and effectuate the sequential activation and/or operation of each of the respective activation devices or motors.
• In the embodiment ofFIG. 4, the height of the deployed basketball backboard andhoop assembly325 can be adjustable depending upon the amount by which thesupport arm304 is moved along the guidingdevice303 and or by adjustment of the mountingsupport arm320 or mountingsupport arms320.
• In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the operation of the respective apparatuses described herein can be activated automatically so that the basketball backboard and hoop assembly can be deployed to the in-use position automatically and/or so that the basketball backboard and hoop assembly can be retracted to the stored position or non-use position automatically. In such an embodiment, the respective activation device can be activated by a switching device which can include or utilize a sensor for sensing any one or more of darkness, daylight, noise, infrared heat from a player, an impact such as from a basketball hitting against the basketball backboard or the apparatus, a breaking of a light beam such as by a movement of a basketball, motion in the vicinity of the structure in which the apparatus is mounted or to which the apparatus is mounted, rainfall, snowfall, and/or any other activity, occurrence, environmental condition, etc., which might lead one to desire to deploy and/or to retract the basketball backboard and hoop assembly.
• In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the operation of the activation device to either deploy and/or retract the basketball backboard and hoop assembly can be activated or controlled by or with an automatic timer device.
• In another preferred embodiment, thedrive mechanism2 ofFIG. 1 can be positioned or located above thesupport arm4.FIG. 7 illustrates another preferred embodiment of theapparatus100 of the present invention wherein thedrive mechanism2 is positioned above thesupport arm4 as shown.
• In another preferred embodiment, thedrive mechanism2 ofFIG. 1 can be positioned or located below thesupport arm4.FIG. 8 illustrates another preferred embodiment of theapparatus100 of the present invention wherein thedrive mechanism2 is positioned below thesupport arm4 as shown.
• In another preferred embodiment, thedrive mechanism1 ofFIG. 1 can also be utilized to activate and drive a garage door or other suitable door. In this preferred embodiment, thedrive mechanism1 can be a garage door opener motor which can be adapted for the dual purpose use of controlling and/or operating a garage door or other suitable door, associated with the structure, as well as controlling and/or operating the retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly apparatus of the present invention.FIG. 9 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention wherein the activation device is a garage door opener motor or device adapted for the dual purpose use of controlling and/or operating a garage door or other suitable door, as well as controlling and/or operating the retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly apparatus of the present invention.
• While the apparatus and method of the present invention has been described and illustrated in various preferred embodiments, such are only illustrative of the present invention and are not to be construed to be limitations thereof. Accordingly, the present invention encompasses any and all alternate embodiments, modifications, and/or variations, with the scope of the present invention being limited only by the claims which follow.

Claims (29)

1. A basketball backboard and hoop apparatus, comprising:

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

a backboard; and

a hoop;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising:

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

10. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising:

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

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

12. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising:

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

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

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

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

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

17. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising:

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

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

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

20. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising:

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

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

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

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

24. The apparatus ofclaim 23, further comprising:

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

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

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

27. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising:

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

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

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

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

28. A basketball backboard and hoop apparatus, comprising:

a basketball backboard and hoop assembly;

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

wherein the basketball backboard and hoop assembly, further comprises:

a backboard; and

a hoop;

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

an activation device for moving the support arm,

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

29. A basketball backboard and hoop apparatus, comprising:

a basketball backboard and hoop assembly;

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

wherein the basketball backboard and hoop assembly, further comprises:

a backboard; and

a hoop;

wherein the apparatus further comprises:

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

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

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