US 2006/0148598 A1 · Basketball breakaway goal release apparatus

Abstract

A basketball breakaway goal release apparatus attached to a basketball backboard member so that a basketball rim assembly is automatically pivoted downwardly when an excessive pressure is applied to a hoop ring member and, after breakaway, resets itself to a normal horizontal playing position. The basketball breakaway goal release apparatus includes 1) a main support base assembly; 2) a basketball goal support assembly pivotally connected along an upper rear edge to the main support base assembly; and 3) a positive release actuator mechanism operably mounted to the main support base assembly and the basketball goal support assembly. The positive release actuator mechanism includes a rocker arm assembly pivotally connected at one end to the main support base assembly and engageable with a roller track assembly under adjustable force of a compression spring member. After the excess pressure is applied, the rocker arm assembly pivots relative to the roller track assembly to allow the downward pivotal movement of the basketball rim assembly. The positive release actuator mechanism is pivotal downwardly on raising the basketball goal support assembly to a vertical postion for lubrication and other maintenance functions.

Claims21

Dependent claims

1-2. (canceled)

A basketball breakaway goal release apparatus secured to a basketball:

backboard member to prevent damage thereto when excessive pressure is applied to a basketball rim member, comprising:
a) a main support base assembly connected to the basketball backboard member;
b) a basketball goal support assembly including a basketball rim assembly pivotally connected to said main support base assembly;
c) a positive release actuator assembly having 1) a rocker arm assembly pivotally connected to said main support base assembly;
and 2) a roller track assembly connected to said basketball goal support assembly;
d) said rocker arm assembly engages said roller track assembly under spring pressure to hold said basketball rim assembly in a horizontal basketball game playing condition;
e) said positive release actuator mechanism includes an adjustable bias release assembly mounted between said rocker arm assembly and said main support base assembly to hold said basketball rim assembly in a horizontal basketball playing condition;
and
f) said positive release actuator mechanism operates on receiving a predetermined downward pressure on the basketball rim assembly to cause a goal released condition and said basketball rim assembly pivots downwardly.

6 more elements

A basketball breakaway goal release apparatus secured to a basketball backboard member to prevent damage thereto when excessive downward pressure is applied to a basketball rim member, comprising:

a) a main support base assembly connected to the basketball backboard member;
b) a basketball goal support assembly including a basketball rim assembly pivotally connected to said main support base assembly;
c) a positive release actuator mechanism connected to and mounted between said basketball rim assembly and said main support base assembly;
d) said positive release actuator mechanism includes an adjustable bias release assembly to hold said basketball rim assembly in a horizontal basketball playing condition;
and
e) said positive release actuator mechanism operates on receiving a predetermined downward pressure on said basketball rim assembly when in a horizontal position to cause a released condition and said basketball rim assembly pivots downwardly.

3 more elements

A basketball breakaway goal release apparatus secured to a basketball backboard member to prevent damage thereto when excessive downward pressure is applied to a basketball rim member, comprising:

a) a main support base assembly connected to the basketball backboard member;
b) a basketball goal support assembly including a basketball rim assembly pivotally connected to said main support base assembly;
c) a positive release actuator mechanism connected to and mounted between said basketball rim assembly and said main support base assembly;
d) said positive release actuator mechanism includes a rocker arm assembly connected to said main support base assembly and engagable with a roller track assembly an adjustable bias release assembly to hold said basketball rim assembly in a horizontal basketball playing condition;
and
e) said positive release actuator mechanism operates on receiving a predetermined downward pressure on said basketball rim assembly when in a horizontal position to cause a released condition and said basketball rim assembly pivots downwardly.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Basketball breakaway goal release apparatus

Life of this patent

Basketball breakaway goal release apparatus

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims21