Brent D Allen

US Patent:

59478470, Sep 7, 1999

Filed:

Jul 10, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/114025

Inventors:

Edward G. van Nimwegen - North Ogden UT
Brent R. Allen - Ogden UT
Richard C. Nordgran - Roy UT

Assignee:

Lifetime Products, Inc. - Clearfield UT

International Classification:

A63B 6308

US Classification:

473481

Abstract:

A portable, folding basketball system employing a unique design to allow manual manipulation of the system from an extended position suitable for game play and a retracted position for compacted storage of the system. The system comprises a plurality of pole sections which form a pole of variable height, a base pivotally connected to the pole and having a recess for receiving the pole, a support arm pivotally connected to the base, a collar pivotally connected to the support arm and slidably engaging the pole, a bracket assembly pivotally connected to the pole, a backboard connected to the bracket assembly, and a rim assembly pivotally connected to the backboard. In the extended position the pole is generally directed upward at a playable height, the rim is in the horizontal position, and the backboard is in a playable position. In the retracted position, the pole is reduced in height and is nested within the recess of the base, the rim is disposed generally parallel to the backboard, and the backboard and bracket assembly are pivoted so that the majority of the backboard is disposed below the upper pole end.

US Patent:

60274182, Feb 22, 2000

Filed:

Sep 25, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/161330

Inventors:

Edward G. van Nimwegen - North Ogden UT
Brent R. Allen - Ogden UT
Richard C. Nordgran - Roy UT

Assignee:

Lifetime Products, Inc. - Clearfield UT

International Classification:

A63B 6308

US Classification:

473481

Abstract:

A portable, folding basketball system employing a unique design to allow manual manipulation of the system from an extended position suitable for game play and a retracted position for compacted storage of the system. The system comprises a plurality of pole sections which form a pole of variable height, a base pivotally connected to the pole and having a recess for receiving the pole, a support arm pivotally connected to the base, a collar pivotally connected to the support arm and slidably engaging the pole, a bracket assembly pivotally connected to the pole, a backboard connected to the bracket assembly, and a rim assembly pivotally connected to the backboard. In the extended position the pole is generally directed upward at a playable height, the rim is in the horizontal position, and the backboard is in a playable position. In the retracted position, the pole is reduced in height and is nested within the recess of the base, the rim is disposed generally parallel to the backboard, and the backboard and bracket assembly are pivoted so that the majority of the backboard is disposed below the upper pole end.