Quick-release self-adjusting latch for adjustable basketball goal assembly

An apparatus comprising an adjustable basketball goal assembly, the apparatus comprising:

• a support member;
• a goal support structure disposed in relation to said support member, said goal support structure being deformable into a plurality of configurations wherein at each configuration said basketball goal is disposed at a different height above said playing surface;
• an extension arm having a first end and a second opposing end, said first end attached to said goal support structure and said second end engageably disposed in relation to said support member, wherein movement of said extension arm selectively deforms the goal support structure;
• a locking mechanism operably disposed relative to said extension arm, said locking mechanism having an engaged position wherein restricting said goal support structure from deforming and a disengaged position wherein the goal support structure is deformable;
• a track rigidly attached to said support member and comprising a plurality of engaging slots;
• and
• wherein said locking mechanism comprises a key selectively disposable in relation to said plurality of slots formed in said track.

A method for adjusting the height of a basketball goal assembly at any one of a plurality of configurations such that the basketball goal is suspended above a playing surface, the basketball goal assembly comprising a basketball goal attached to a goal support structure secured to a support member, an extension arm having a first end connected to said goal support structure and a second opposing end operably connected to the support member, and an adjustment mechanism comprising a key selectively disposable in relation to a plurality of slots formed in relation to the support member, the method comprising the steps of:

• disposing said adjustment mechanism in a disengaged position wherein said goal support structure is deformable;
• deforming said goal support structure while maintaining said adjustment mechanism in said disengaged position;
• and
• disposing said adjustment mechanism in an engaged position wherein restricting said goal support from deforming.