EQUIPMENT CONCEALMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD

Abstract

A basketball goal lift system described. The basketball goal lift system includes a basketball backboard and a basketball rim coupled to the basketball backboard by a hinge and allowing the rim to move between a stowable position and a useable position. The basketball goal lift system also includes a telescoping pole driven by a hydraulic or electric motor. A concealment container houses the basketball backboard, the basketball rim, the telescoping pole and the hydraulic or electric motor when not in use. The concealment container has a lid which is closed during concealment and open during use.

Claims

1. A basketball goal lift system comprising: a basketball backboard, the basketball backboard supporting a basketball rim; a telescoping pole driven by a hydraulic or electric motor; two rotating and telescoping arms coupled between the telescoping pole and the basketball backboard, the two rotating and telescoping arms configured to move the basketball backboard from a raised position to a lowered position; and a concealment container housing the basketball backboard, the basketball rim, and two rotating telescoping arms in the lowered position and also the telescoping pole and the hydraulic or electric motor when not in use, the concealment container having a lid which is closed during concealment and open during use.

2. The basket goal lift system of claim 1, wherein the basketball backboard is affixed to the rotating telescoping arms by at least two hinges.

3. The basket goal lift system of claim 2, wherein at least one of the hinges includes a stop or latch for securing the backboard in a useable position.

4. The basket goal lift system of claim 1, wherein the telescoping pole comprises at least three extendable portions.

5. The basket goal lift system of claim 1, wherein the concealment container is placed substantially below ground level.

6. The basket goal lift system of claim 1, wherein movement, is caused by a combination of hydraulic and electric actuation.

7. An equipment concealment system comprising: an actuated lifting system; a concealment container housing the actuated lifting system; a platform for supporting the equipment thereon and coupled to the actuated lifting system; a means of activating the lifting system.

8. The equipment concealment system of claim 7, wherein the actuated lifting system comprises an accordion lifting mechanism.

9. The equipment concealment system of claim 7, wherein the actuated lifting system comprises a hydraulic lifting mechanism with a hydraulic actuation.

10. The equipment concealment system of claim 7, wherein the actuated lifting system comprises an accordion lifting mechanism with an electric motor actuation.

11. The equipment concealment system of claim 7, wherein the concealment container is placed substantially below a ground level.

12. The equipment concealment system of claim 7, wherein the concealment container is placed substantially below a countertop level.

13. The equipment concealment system of claim 7, wherein the platform for supporting the equipment supports a fire pit.

14. The equipment concealment system of claim 7, wherein the platform for supporting the equipment supports a soccer goal.

15. The equipment concealment system of claim 7, wherein the platform for supporting the equipment supports a jewelry display.

16. The equipment concealment system of claim 7, wherein the platform for supporting the equipment supports kitchen equipment.

17. The equipment concealment system of claim 7, wherein the platform for supporting the equipment supports outdoor furniture.

18. The equipment concealment system of claim 7, wherein the platform for supporting the equipment supports outdoor cooking equipment.

19. A method of moving equipment from a stowed position to a useable position, comprising: providing a lifting mechanism providing a supporting structure coupled to the lifting mechanism; commanding an electronic system to move the lifting system from the stowed position to a useable position, by causing movement in the lifting system; lifting the supporting structure to a position where the equipment ray be used and stopping motion of the lifting system.

20. The method of claim 19, further co sing opening a door to reveal the equipment as it is being raised into a use position.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The novel features believed characteristic of the embodiments of the present application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the embodiments themselves, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0010] FIG. 1 is a basketball on a pole in accordance with the prior art.

[0011] FIG. 2A is an exemplary embodiment of a basketball hoop in a concealed state.

[0012] FIG. 2B is an exemplary embodiment of a basketball hoop being deployed from a concealed state.

[0013] FIG. 2C is an exemplary embodiment of a basketball hoop in its deployed state.

[0014] FIG. 3 is an exemplary embodiment of an equipment concealment system in its useable state.

[0015] FIG. 4 is an exemplary embodiment of a fire pit in its useable state.

[0016] FIG. 5 is an alternative embodiment of a basketball hoop concealment system in a deployed state.

[0017] FIG. 6 is an alternative embodiment of a display case concealment system in a display state.

[0018] The use of the same symbols in different drawings typically indicates similar or identical items unless context dictates otherwise.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Illustrative embodiments of the system and method of use of the present application are provided below. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0020] The system and method of use will be understood, both as to its structure and operation, from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description. Several embodiments of the system are presented herein. It should be understood that various components, parts, and features of the different embodiments may be combined together and/or interchanged with one another, all of which are within the scope of the present application, even though not all variations and particular embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the mixing and matching of features, elements, and/or functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that the features, elements, and/or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as appropriate, unless described otherwise.

[0021] The preferred embodiment herein described is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It is chosen and described to explain the principles of the invention and its application and practical use to enable others skilled in the art to follow its teachings.

[0022] Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters identify corresponding or similar elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 3 and 4 depict various embodiments of system and method of use in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the embodiments discussed herein are substantially similar in form and function and share one or more of the features discussed in each embodiment although the features may not be shown specifically with reference to the particular embodiment.

[0023] The present invention is directed to a basketball hoop concealment system and a firepit concealment system as shown in the various views of both FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 3 and 4. In the preferred embodiment, the concealment system discussed herein could be utilized with a basketball goal or firepit; however, it should be appreciated that the concealment system could be utilized with other display sporting equipment such as volleyball poles, soccer nets, football goals and other such devices and the like and should not be narrowly tailored in scope and protection to merely basketball goals. Also, the devices may be utilized with gas tanks, hose reels, outdoor furniture, display cases, jewelry cases, safes, etc.

[0024] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the concealment system provides one or more of the following features: (1) allows for the concealment of a basketball goal to conform with Home Owners Association (HOA) requirements, safety or use needs of an area, (2) efficient transition from the elevated position to storage, and (3) simplicity of deployment so that a child may transition the goal from the used position to storage, (4) concealment of other outdoor features such as fireplaces, mailboxes and the like.

[0025] Referring now to FIG. 1, a basketball goal 101 is depicted as being on a pole or other fixed structure. This pole may be in a driveway, alcove, street side, or mounted on a building. The disadvantage of such conventional basketball goals is that they are within view at all times, are subjected to weather conditions year-round, and are too cumbersome, large, and heavy to be put away after use, by hand. Thus, the need for a basketball goal that is able to be put away after use is apparent.

[0026] Referring now to FIGS. 2A-2C, a basketball goal 201 that is able to be concealed when not being used is depicted in a concealed state. Basketball goal concealment system 201 includes a well or concealment container 203, a lid 205 which covers concealment container 203. In some exemplary embodiments, concealment container 203 may be concealed from view by being placed below a ground level 207. A fixed pole portion 209 is fixed to the bottom of container 203 and is the fixed portion of a telescoping pole 211 which terminates at a top 213. A basketball backboard 215 rides up and down along with top 213 of pole 211. A basketball rim 217 is coupled to basketball backboard 215 by a hinge 219. Two brackets 221 and 223 couple basketball backboard 215 to pole 211.

[0027] In operation if a user wishes to use the basketball goal, a hydraulic or electric system is activated which begins to extend pole 211 from fixed portion 209. Door 205 opens in a direction A (FIG. 2A) as pole 211 extends in the direction B. When pole 211 is fully extended, basketball rim 217 rotates in a direction A (FIG. 2B) to reach a useable horizontal orientation as depicted in FIG. 2C. If a user is finished using the basketball goal, the steps are reversed and the backboard and telescoping pole are concealed once again back into container 203.

[0028] Referring now to FIG. 5, an alternative basketball hoop concealment system is depicted. The system of FIG. 5 includes an alternative folding system for the basketball backboard and rim which includes two telescoping rotating arms coupled to the backboard and to the telescoping pole as depicted. Many other mechanical configurations may be derived without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0029] In one preferred embodiment, the motion of the concealment system could be accomplished by a telescoping pole; however, it is contemplated having different types of lift devices would also enable the intent of thereof. It will be appreciated that the motion could be manual, hydraulic, mechanical, electric or any other method, or combination thereof.

[0030] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, exemplary systems 301 and 401 for lifting a variety of equipment in and out of a concealment in a container 203, that is above and below a surface level 207. In FIG. 3, a generic system is depicted which may be used for any variety of equipment, by using an accordion type lift 303 to raise a platform 305 to at or above surface 207. This may be used for any of a variety of applications including for any of a variety of outdoor equipment. In an exemplary embodiment lift system 301 may be used to provide a jewelry display to a user and then be able to conceal the jewelry display by lowering platform 305 below surface 207 for safety and security. In an exemplary embodiment accordion lift 303 may be replaced by other types of lifting mechanisms without departing from the scope of the invention. As well, the accordion or other lift may be driven hydraulically, mechanically, or electrically. Similarly, with respect to FIG. 4, a firepit 405 is depicted, on a lifting platform 405 which may be concealed from view when not in use by activating accordion lift 403. The lifting system may be activated by an electrical switch, a mechanical switch, a mechanical lever, a hydraulic lever or other device.

[0031] Referring now to FIG. 6, an alternative display case concealment system is depicted. The concealment system of FIG. 6 includes a shelved display case that is lifted from concealment during use and concealed during nonuse. Any of a variety of display cases or shelving may be used in various alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0032] The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the embodiments may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. Although the present embodiments are shown above, they are not limited to just these embodiments, but are amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.

[0033] In some instances, one or more components may be referred to herein as configured to, configured by, configurable to, operable/operative to, adapted/adaptable, able to, conformable/conformed to, etc. Those skilled in the art will recognize that such terms (e.g. configured to) generally encompass active-state components and/or inactive-state components and/or standby-state components, unless context requires otherwise.

[0034] While particular aspects of the present subject matter described herein have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications may be made without departing from the subject matter described herein and its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as are within the true spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as open terms (e.g., the term including should be interpreted as including but not limited to, the term having should be interpreted as having at least, the term includes should be interpreted as includes but is not limited to, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases at least one and one or more to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles a or an limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to claims containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases one or more or at least one and indefinite articles such as a or an (e.g., a and/or an should typically be interpreted to mean at least one or one or more); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of two recitations, without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to at least one of A, B, and C, etc. is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., a system having at least one of A, B, and C would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to at least one of A, B, or C, etc. is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., a system having at least one of A, B, or C would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that typically a disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms unless context dictates otherwise. For example, the phrase A or B will be typically understood to include the possibilities of A or B or A and B.

[0035] With respect to the appended claims, those skilled in the art will appreciate that recited operations therein may generally be performed in any order. Also, although various operational flows are presented in a sequence(s), it should be understood that the various operations may be performed in other orders than those which are illustrated or may be performed concurrently. Examples of such alternate orderings may include overlapping, interleaved, interrupted, reordered, incremental, preparatory, supplemental, simultaneous, reverse, or other variant orderings, unless context dictates otherwise. Furthermore, terms like responsive to, related to, or other past-tense adjectives are generally not intended to exclude such variants, unless context dictates otherwise.