US3788642A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Basketball backboard and goal structure
Assignee: FRABILL Manufacturing CO
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Filing: 1972-05-18
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Granted: 1974-01-29
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Expires: 1992-05-18
Abstract
Abstract A pre-mounted fold-up basketball backboard and goal structure includes a molded fiber glass backboard with a network of reinforcing ribs on the rear surface of the backboard to strengthen the backboard and eliminate dead spots. The goal structure includes a hoop or rim with a support frame fixedly connected to the hoop and hinged to a base plate assembly which is secured to the backboard. The hinged connection of the hoop with the base plate assembly enables the hoop to be folded parallel to the backboard for shipment of the assembled hoop and backboard in a thin container. When erected for use, reinforcing rods extending from the hoop are secured to the base plate assembly by a clamping plate.
Inventors
- 👤 E Matras
- 👤 F Matras
- 👤 D Herad
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 04:58
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63B; A63B63/00; A63B63/08; A63B63/083
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
203 words
A basketball goal structure comprising a hoop, a support bracket having legs fixedly connected to said hoop, a base plate assembly including a rear plate engagable with the front surface of a backboard and a hinge plate superposed on said rear plate, said hinge plate having a transverse channel enclosed by said rear plate, said hinge plate having an outwardly extending lip at the lower end thereof, a movable hinge member fixed to said hoop and having an end pivotally confined in said channel, said support bracket including a bight portion interconnecting said legs, a detachable clamping plate having a channel for capturing the bight of said support bracket, said clamping plate including a lower flange, said lower flange defining in part said channel, apertures in said clamping plate registerable with apertures in said base plate assembly with said lower flange projecting beneath said lip to completely encircle said bight of said support bracket and clamp said bight securely against said hinge plate, and rigidify said lip, and bolts extending through said apertures for clamping said clamping plate to said base plate assembly to secure said bight of said support bracket against movement and for securing said base plate assembly to a backboard.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
203 words
A basketball goal structure comprising a hoop, a support bracket having legs fixedly connected to said hoop, a base plate assembly including a rear plate engagable with the front surface of a backboard and a hinge plate superposed on said rear plate, said hinge plate having a transverse channel enclosed by said rear plate, said hinge plate having an outwardly extending lip at the lower end thereof, a movable hinge member fixed to said hoop and having an end pivotally confined in said channel, said support bracket including a bight portion interconnecting said legs, a detachable clamping plate having a channel for capturing the bight of said support bracket, said clamping plate including a lower flange, said lower flange defining in part said channel, apertures in said clamping plate registerable with apertures in said base plate assembly with said lower flange projecting beneath said lip to completely encircle said bight of said support bracket and clamp said bight securely against said hinge plate, and rigidify said lip, and bolts extending through said apertures for clamping said clamping plate to said base plate assembly to secure said bight of said support bracket against movement and for securing said base plate assembly to a backboard.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
A basketball goal structure in accordance with claim 1 wherein said channel of said hinge plate has a width less than said base plate and wherein said channel of said clamping plate has a width less than said hinge plate.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
A basketball goal structure in accordance with claim 1 wherein said hinge member has a curved portion complementary to said hoop with said curved portion welded to said hoop.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
A basketball goal structure in accordance with claim 1 wherein said hinge member is a length of rod and said end of said hinge member in said channel comprises the ends of said rod.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
40 words
The basketball goal structure of claim 1 in combination with a fiber glass backboard, said backboard having reinforced apertures registerable with apertures in said base plate assembly, bolts extending through said apertures for securing said goal structure to said backboard.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
40 words
The combination of claim 5 including an anchor plate abutting said reinforced apertures on the side of said backboard opposite the side engaged by said base plate assembly, and bolts and nuts for clamping said anchor plate against said backboard.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
The combination of claim 5 wherein the rear surface of said backboard has a plurality of integrally molded reinforcing ribs to eliminate dead spots.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-01-28 | 1977-07-30 | 1978-01-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-01-28 | 1981-07-30 | 1982-01-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-01-28 | 1985-07-30 | 1986-01-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |