Foldable Indoor Ceiling Mounted Mini Basketball Hoop Assembly

The present invention generally relates to indoor sports equipment, and more particularly to a collapsible ceiling-mounted basketball apparatus designed for compact storage and versatile use.

Previous approaches to basketball devices have not provided a comprehensive solution that combines the features described in this disclosure, specifically a hoop that is attached to the backboard via a hoop bracket configured to allow rotation away or towards the backboard. The present disclosure aims to overcome these limitations and provide an improved basketball device that offers enhanced flexibility and safety during gameplay.

As such, there is thus a need for addressing these and/or other issues associated with the prior art.

In some aspects, the techniques described here relate to a basketball apparatus comprises a backboard structure and a pair of ceiling mounted brackets, where the ceiling mounted brackets are attached to the back of the backboard structure. Additionally, the ceiling mounted brackets are configured to rotate the backboard structure from a first ceiling mounted bracket position at or near parallel to the ceiling to a second ceiling mounted bracket position at or near orthogonal to the ceiling. Further, a hoop is attached to a front of the backboard structure via a hoop bracket, where the hoop bracket is configured to rotate the hoop from a first hoop bracket position at or near parallel to the backboard to a second hoop bracket position at or near orthogonal to the backboard.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a basketball apparatus, further including a net.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a basketball apparatus, where the net comprises a variety of woven or knitted materials to form the net.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a basketball apparatus, where the net additionally comprises an elastic element where the elastic element is configured increase the plasticity and durability of the net.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a basketball apparatus, where each of the ceiling mounted bracket comprises a magnet within a housing on the ceiling mounted bracket.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a basketball apparatus, where the magnet maintains the backboard in a first position allowing it to rest parallel to a ceiling.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a basketball apparatus, where the hoop bracket is further comprised of a two-part stop on the hoop bracket allowing for it to be positioned in a first hoop bracket position and a second hoop bracket position.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a basketball apparatus, where the two-part stop of the hoop bracket maintains the hoop in either; the first hoop bracket position allowing for it to rest securely parallel to the backboard structure, or the second hoop bracket position allowing for it rest securely at a 90 degree to the backboard structure.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a basketball apparatus, where the backboard structure is comprising a frame, where the frame covers any specified edges of the backboard structure for protection.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a basketball apparatus, where the frame is configured to decrease impact forces

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a basketball apparatus, where the backboard structure is comprised of an alternative material with shock-absorbing elements, such that the alternative material is integrated into the backboard structure to lessen impact forces.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a basketball apparatus, where the backboard structure is comprised of a plurality of markers.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a basketball apparatus, where a diameter of the hoop is of a standard basketball hoop of 18 inches.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a basketball apparatus, where a diameter of the hoop includes more than one diameter size.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a basketball apparatus, where the ceiling mounted bracket includes a magnet within a housing of the ceiling mounted bracket.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a basketball apparatus, where the magnet keeps the backboard in a first position resting parallel to a ceiling.

According to other aspects of the present disclosure, the basketball apparatus may include a net, wherein the net is attached to the hoop. The net may comprise a variety of woven or knitted materials. The net may additionally comprise an elastic element wherein the elastic element is configured to increase the plasticity and durability of the net.

According to further aspects of the present disclosure, each of the ceiling mounted brackets may comprise a magnet within a housing on the ceiling mounted bracket. The magnet may maintain the backboard in a first position allowing it to rest parallel to a ceiling.

According to yet other aspects of the present disclosure, the hoop bracket may be further comprised of a two-part stop on the hoop bracket allowing for it to be positioned in a first hoop bracket position and a second hoop bracket position. The two-part stop of the hoop bracket may maintain the hoop in either the first hoop bracket position allowing for it to rest securely parallel to the backboard structure, or the second hoop bracket position allowing for it to rest securely at a 90-degree angle to the backboard structure.

According to additional aspects of the present disclosure, the backboard structure may comprise a frame, wherein the frame covers any specified edges of the backboard structure for protection. The frame may be configured to decrease impact forces. The backboard structure may be comprised of an alternative material with shock-absorbing elements, such that the alternative material is integrated into the backboard structure to lessen impact forces.

According to other aspects of the present disclosure, a diameter of the hoop may be of a standard basketball hoop of 18 inches. Alternatively, the diameter of the hoop may include more than one diameter size.

The following description sets forth standard aspects of the present specification, nevertheless, such description is not intended as a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. Basketball is a popular sport played by individuals of all ages, both recreationally and competitively. Throughout time, there have been numerous approaches for basketball devices, which have classically entailed immovable hoops that are strictly attached to the backboard in one position. These fixed placements of the hoop limit the option of storability, or giving the user space-saving options when it is not in use. Typical basketball devices typically can only be found for use in homes, gyms, and recreational facilities with enough space, as they are typically fixed in place and do not offer flexibility in terms of storage or space utilization.

In addition to the physical structure of the basketball hoop assembly, the game of basketball also involves specific equipment, such as the basketball itself to address these limitations. Some existing basketball devices have attempted to address this limitation by incorporating breakaway rims. These breakaway rims are designed to flex or release under excessive force, reducing the risk of injury. However, these breakaway rims still do not provide the ability for the hoop to rotate away from the backboard to allow for storability and space-saving when not in use or in play. As a result, the overall flexibility and safety of these basketball devices continues to be restricted.

Other approaches have utilized adjustable height mechanisms through levers or pully systems to allow players to store the hoop and basketball device when not in use. While these mechanisms enhance the versatility of the basketball device to permit storability, they do not address the need for a hoop that can rotate at or near parallel to the backboard. Therefore, these adjustable height mechanisms do not provide a complete solution to the limitations of fixed hoops.

Other approaches have utilized designing a basketball device to be more like an individual ball and net type games made of lighter weight materials and a smaller size to allow for storability and space-saving. While these do increase the storage and portability options over traditional basketball devices, are only intended to simulate the basic basketball function of throwing a ball into a net. Therefore, these ball and net type games do not provide a complete solution to the limitations of creating a device designed that is intended for indoor basketball activities.

Thus, the previous approaches to basketball devices have not provided a comprehensive solution that combines the features described in this disclosure, specifically a hoop that is attached to the backboard via a hoop bracket configured to allow rotation away or towards the backboard. The present disclosure aims to overcome these limitations and provide an improved basketball device that offers enhanced flexibility and safety during gameplay.

In summary, the techniques described here relate to a basketball apparatus comprising a backboard structure and a pair of ceiling mounted brackets, where the ceiling mounted brackets are attached to the back of the backboard structure. Additionally, the ceiling mounted brackets are configured to rotate the backboard structure from a first ceiling mounted bracket position at or near parallel to the ceiling to a second ceiling mounted bracket position at or near orthogonal to the ceiling. Further, a hoop is attached to a front of the backboard structure via a hoop bracket, where the hoop bracket is configured to rotate the hoop from a first hoop bracket position at or near parallel to the backboard to a second hoop bracket position at or near orthogonal to the backboard.

In some cases, the present disclosure may relate to the field of indoor sports equipment, and more specifically, to a basketball apparatus that is designed for adjustable positioning and space-efficient storage. In some aspects, the basketball apparatus comprises a backboard structure and a pair of ceiling mounted brackets. The ceiling mounted brackets are attached to the back of the backboard structure and are configured to rotate the backboard structure from a first position at or near parallel to the ceiling to a second position at or near orthogonal to the ceiling.

In some cases, the basketball apparatus also includes a hoop attached to a front of the backboard structure via a hoop bracket. The hoop bracket is configured to rotate the hoop from a first position at or near parallel to the backboard to a second position at or near orthogonal to the backboard. This configuration allows for the basketball apparatus to be easily stored when not in use, providing a space-efficient solution for indoor spaces where space may be at a premium.

In some embodiments, the basketball apparatus may further include a net, wherein the net is attached to the hoop. The net may comprise a variety of woven or knitted materials to form the net. In some cases, the net may additionally comprise an elastic element, which is configured to increase the plasticity and durability of the net.

In other embodiments, each of the ceiling mounted brackets may comprise a magnet within a housing on the ceiling mounted bracket. The magnet may maintain the backboard in a first position allowing it to rest parallel to a ceiling. This magnetic feature provides an additional level of stability and security to the basketball apparatus, ensuring that the backboard remains in the desired position when not in use.

In yet other embodiments, the hoop bracket may be further comprised of a two-part stop on the hoop bracket allowing for it to be positioned in a first hoop bracket position and a second hoop bracket position. This two-part stop feature provides additional flexibility and adaptability to the basketball apparatus, allowing for the hoop to be securely positioned in either a parallel or orthogonal position relative to the backboard.

In summary, the basketball apparatus of the present disclosure provides a versatile and space-efficient solution for indoor basketball play. Its adjustable positioning and collapsible design allow for easy storage when not in use, while its robust construction and innovative features ensure a satisfying and enjoyable basketball experience.

Some of the terms used in this description are defined below for easy reference. The presented terms and their respective definitions are not rigidly restricted to these definitions—a term may be further defined by the term's use within this disclosure. The term “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application and the appended claims, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or”. That is, unless specified otherwise, or is clear from the context, “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A, X employs B, or X employs both A and B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. As used herein, at least one of A or B means at least one of A, or at least one of B, or at least one of both A and B. In other words, this phrase is disjunctive. The articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or is clear from the context to be directed to a singular form.

Various embodiments are described herein with reference to the figures. It should be noted that the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and that elements of similar structures or functions are sometimes represented by like reference characters throughout the figures. It should also be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of the disclosed embodiments—they are not representative of an exhaustive treatment of all possible embodiments, and they are not intended to impute any limitation as to the scope of the claims. In addition, an illustrated embodiment need not portray all aspects or advantages of usage in any particular environment.

An aspect or an advantage described in conjunction with a particular embodiment is not necessarily limited to that embodiment and can be practiced in any other embodiments even if not so illustrated. References throughout this specification to “some embodiments” or “other embodiments” refer to a particular feature, structure, material or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments as being included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearance of the phrases “in some embodiments” or “in other embodiments” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment or embodiments. The disclosed embodiments are not intended to be limiting of the claims.

illustrates a front face perspectivefor the Foldable Indoor Ceiling Mounted Basketball Hoop Assembly, in accordance with one embodiment.

As shown, the basketball apparatus itself, which is comprised of a backboard structure, a pair of ceiling mounted brackets attached to the back of the backboard structure, and a hoopattached to a front of the backboard structure via a hoop bracket.

Additionally, representing backboard structureof the Foldable Indoor Ceiling Mounted Basketball Hoop Assembly. The backboard structureis constructed in a fan-shape. The backboard structurehas a current dimension of 18″ inches wide and 16.25″ inches tall and is constructed out of a polycarbonate material. Polycarbonate is a strong, durable, and impact-resistant material, making it suitable for use in the backboard structure, as it may be subjected to the impact of a basketball. In some cases, the polycarbonate material may be transparent or translucent, allowing for visibility through the backboard structurer, or allowing it to be colored or decorated with various designs or logos.

In addition, representing the hoopof the Foldable Indoor Ceiling Mounted Basketball Hoop Assembly. The hoopis formed in a circular shape, wherein the diameter of the hoopis that of a standard basketball hoop of 18 inches, but may be of various sizes. The hoopis currently constructed out of ⅜″ OD steel tubing, and can be further constructed to comprise a net, wherein the net is attached to the hoop. The hoopmay include features, such as hooks or clamps, for engaging with the net or other corresponding features.

Further, representing the hoop bracketof the Foldable Indoor Ceiling Mounted Basketball Hoop Assembly. The hoop bracketis configured to rotate the hoopfrom a first position point that is at or near parallel to the backboard structureto a second hoop position point at or near orthogonal to the backboard structure, which allows for the basketball apparatus to be folded or collapsed when not in use, thereby providing a space-efficient solution for storage. The hoop bracketmay be constructed out of various materials, including but not limited to steel, aluminum, or other suitable metals or alloys.

The device assembly may include various attachment points to be used for securing the device assembly to another structure or surface, such as a ceiling or wall. In some cases, the attachment points may be configured to receive fasteners, such as screws or bolts, for securing the device assembly. In other cases, the attachment points may include features, such as hooks or clamps, for engaging with corresponding features on the structure or surface to which the device assembly is to be attached.

A hinged section may be positioned at the lower part of the device assembly. The hinged section may facilitate movement or adjustment of the device assembly relative to the surface it is attached to. In some aspects, the hinged section may be capable of pivoting at the point where it connects to the central area, allowing for a change in orientation or position of the device assembly. For example, the hinged section may be configured to pivot from a position where it is aligned with the central area to a position where it is orthogonal to the central area. This pivotable configuration of the hinged section may allow for the device assembly to be folded or collapsed when not in use, thereby providing a space-efficient solution for storage.

The backboard structuremay be constructed out of a polycarbonate material. Polycarbonate is a strong, durable, and impact-resistant material, making it suitable for use in a basketball apparatus where it may be subjected to the impact of a basketball. In some cases, the polycarbonate material may be transparent or translucent, allowing for visibility through the backboard structure. In other cases, the polycarbonate material may be opaque or may be colored or decorated with various designs or logos.

In some aspects, the techniques described here relate to a basketball apparatus comprises a backboard structure and a pair of ceiling mounted brackets, where the ceiling mounted brackets are attached to the back of the backboard structure. Additionally, the ceiling mounted brackets are configured to rotate the backboard structure from a first ceiling mounted bracket position at or near parallel to the ceiling to a second ceiling mounted bracket position at or near orthogonal to the ceiling. Further, a hoop is attached to a front of the backboard structure via a hoop bracket, where the hoop bracket is configured to rotate the hoop from a first hoop bracket position at or near parallel to the backboard to a second hoop bracket position at or near orthogonal to the backboard.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a basketball apparatus, further including a net.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a basketball apparatus, where the net comprises a variety of woven or knitted materials to form the net.