Goal Hoop Support Assembly

Abstract

A goal hoop that attaches to a trampoline frame structure having upright poles. The goal hoop can be used with a shade cover supported by the upright poles. The goal hoop has a backboard supporting the goal hoop and is connected to one of the uprights pole by a support arm.

Claims

1. A goal hoop support assembly for a trampoline having a shade cover, the assembly comprising: a backboard; and a goal hoop supported on the front surface of the backboard; and support arm(s) for connecting the goal hoop to the trampoline; wherein the goal hoop is supported by the support arm(s) under the cover provided by the shade cover.

2. The goal hoop support assembly of claim 1, wherein the backboard is formed by the surface of a safety net of the trampoline.

3. A goal hoop support assembly for a trampoline having a shade cover, the assembly comprising: a backboard having a top, a bottom, a front surface and an opposing rear surface; and a goal hoop supported at or near the bottom of the front surface of the backboard; a support arm for supporting the backboard, the support arm having at least one substantially horizontal portion terminating at a first end positioned proximal the rear surface of the backboard and an opposing second end distal the backboard which connects the support arm to an upright pole of the trampoline, the support arm and backboard together configured to have: (i) a first mounting position in which the support arm is arranged towards the top of the backboard; and (ii) a second mounting position in which the support arm is arranged towards the bottom of the backboard; wherein, when in the first mounting position, the support arm is configured such that the top of the backboard is at approximately the same height or is lower than at least one of the substantially horizontal portion of the support arm so that the backboard and goal hoop are supported by the support arm under the cover provided by the shade cover.

4. The goal hoop assembly of claim 3, wherein in the first mounting position the first end of the support arm is towards the top of the backboard; and in the second mounting position the first end of the support arm is towards the bottom of the backboard.

5. The goal hoop assembly of claim 3, wherein the support arms comprise bracing arms which engage with the rear face of the backboard.

6. The goal hoop assembly of claim 3, wherein the goal hoop assembly is configured to move from the first mounting assembly to the second mounting assembly without disengaging the bracing arms from the rear surface of the backboard.

7. The goal hoop assembly of claim 5, wherein the goal hoop assembly is configured to move from the first mounting assembly to the second mounting assembly by disengaging the bracing arms from the rear surface of the backboard and repositioning the bracing arms.

8. The goal hoop assembly of claim 3, wherein the backboard has a first socket for receiving a proximal end of the support arm in the first mounting position; and a second socked for receiving a proximal end of the support arm in the second mounting position.

9. The goal hoop assembly of claim 3, wherein the backboard is formed from a mesh material.

10. The goal hoop assembly of claim 3, wherein the rear face of the backboard has a support structure for coupling with the support arms and or bracing arms if present.

11. The goal hoop support assembly according to claim 3, wherein there is one substantially horizontal portion of the support arm and the top of the backboard is at approximately the same height or is lower than said substantially horizontal portion of the support arm.

12. A trampoline comprising a frame including a plurality of upright poles, the trampoline comprising: a shade cover, a goal hoop support assembly comprising: a backboard having a top, a bottom, a front surface and an opposing rear surface; and a goal hoop supported at or near the bottom of the front surface of the backboard; a support arm for supporting the backboard, the support arm having at least one substantially horizontal portion terminating at a first end positioned proximal the rear surface of the backboard and an opposing second end distal the backboard which connects the support arm to one of the upright poles of the trampoline, the support arm and backboard together configured to have: (i) a first mounting position in which the support arm is arranged towards the top of the backboard; and (ii) a second mounting position in which the support arm is arranged towards the bottom of the backboard; wherein, when in the first mounting position, the support arm is configured such that the top of the backboard is at approximately the same height or is lower than at least one of the substantially horizontal portion of the support arm so that the backboard and goal hoop are supported by the support arm under the cover provided by the shade cover.

13. The trampoline of claim 12, wherein in the first mounting position the first end of the support arm is towards the top of the backboard; and in the second mounting position the first end of the support arm is towards the bottom of the backboard.

14. A trampoline, the trampoline comprising: a shade cover, a goal hoop support assembly comprising: a backboard; and a goal hoop supported on the front surface of the backboard; and support arm(s) for connecting the goal hoop to the trampoline; wherein the goal hoop is supported by the support arm(s) under the cover provided by the shade cover.

15. A kit comprising the component of claim 12 along with instructions for assembly.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0042] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings may not be drawn to scale. Similar components may be represented by only one reference numeral. The drawings are exemplary only:

[0043] FIG. 1 is a rear isometric view of a goal hoop support assembly.

[0044] FIG. 2 is a side view of the goal hoop support assembly illustrated in FIG. 1 in a first configuration.

[0045] FIG. 3 is a side view of the goal hoop support assembly illustrated in FIG. 1 in a second configuration.

[0046] FIG. 4 is a front view of a backboard for a goal hoop support assembly.

[0047] FIG. 5 is a side view of a goal hoop support assembly in a first configuration.

[0048] FIG. 6 is a side view of the goal hoop support assembly illustrated in FIG. 5 in a second configuration.

[0049] FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 show an alternative embodiment of the goal hoop support assembly.

[0050] FIG. 9 shows goal hoop support assemblies in which the backboard is a mesh.

[0051] FIG. 10 is an embodiment in which there is no backboard.

[0052] FIG. 11 is an embodiment in which the backboard is injection moulded.

[0053] FIG. 12 is an alternative embodiment of the goal hoop support assembly.

[0054] FIG. 13 is the second mounting position of the goal hoop support assembly.

[0055] FIG. 14 is the first mounting position of the goal hoop support assembly showing its use under the shade cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0056] FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate a first embodiment of a goal hoop support assembly. The goal hoop assembly 100 comprises a backboard 10. The backboard having a front surface 12, an opposing rear surface 14 and a plurality of perforations 24 therein. One or more of the plurality of perforations 24 is configured to receive a fastener 22.

[0057] The goal hoop support assembly 100 comprises a support arm 30. The support arm 30 is adapted to support the backboard 10 so that, in use, a goal hoop 54 extending from the front surface 12 of the backboard 10 is suspended above a mat of a trampoline. The support arm 30 has a first end 32 positioned proximal the rear surface 14 of the backboard 10, and an opposing second end 34 distal the backboard 10 configured to connect the support arm 30 to a pole of a trampoline.

[0058] The plurality of perforations 24 in the backboard 10 includes at least one set of perforations configured to receive a fastener 22 therein. The perforations 24 are arranged in a line extending between an upper end 18 of the backboard and a lower end 16 of the backboard. Each set of perforations can comprise 2, 3, 4, or more perforations.

[0059] In FIG. 4, a backboard having two sets 24a, 24b of perforations each configured to receive a fastener therein is illustrated. Each set of perforations 24a, 24b extends between the upper end 18 and the lower end 16 of the backboard and is spaced apart and substantially parallel with the other set. Each set of perforations has four perforations configured to receive a fastener therein. The symmetrical design of the perforations configured to receive a fastener 22 allows for rotation and height adjustment of the backboard 10.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, support arm 30 is an arcuate elongate structure having a channel or central opening 38 extending along the longitudinal axis of the support arm 30. The central opening may be provided with ribs or gussets.

[0061] The support arm 30 abuts the rear surface 14 of the backboard 10 and is indirectly connected to the backboard 10 via brace members 42. Connecting the support arm 30 indirectly to the backboard 10 may enable the individual components to move separately in response to an impact on the backboard 10 and/or goal hoop 54 or movement of the poles due to the user bouncing on the trampoline reducing the risk of damage from the backboard and support arm coming into contact with one another other.

[0062] The first end 32 of the support arm 30 can be tapered. In use, impact on the goal hoop 54 is likely to cause the lower end 16 of the backboard to move towards the support arm 30 (the upper end 18 would move in the opposite direction). Tapering the first end 32 of the support arm 30 and positioning the first end in proximity to the rear surface 14 of the backboard 10, but not contacting the backboard, may provide space for the backboard to move in response to the impact, reducing the risk of damage

[0063] The second end 34 of the support arm 30 has a connection portion 36 to connect the support arm 30 to the pole. The connection portion 36 may be an end connector having a substantially C-shape in cross-section. The end connector may be configured to at least partially encircle a pole and a fastening device (such as a clamp) used to close the end connector about the pole.

[0064] A height of the goal hoop 54 above the mat of the trampoline can be increased or decreased by adjusting a position of the support arm 30 relative to the backboard 10.

[0065] In FIG. 2, a first configuration of the goal hoop support assembly 100 is illustrated. In the first configuration the first end 32 of the support arm 30 can be positioned towards a lower end 16 of the backboard 10 to increase the height of the goal hoop 54 above the mat. Providing the upper end 18 of the backboard 10 is below the level of the roof shade, this configuration can be used with the roof shade in place, however in this configuration the support arm 30 may need to be connected lower down the pole of the trampoline (i.e. closer to the mat) such that the upper end 18 of the backboard 10 is below the roof shade.

[0066] In FIG. 3, a second configuration of the goal hoop support assembly 100 is illustrated. In the second configuration, the first end 32 of the support arm 30 can be positioned towards an upper end 18 of the backboard 10 which decreases the height of the goal hoop 54 above the mat. As the upper end 18 of the backboard 10 is below the level of the roof shade, this configuration can be used with the roof shade in place.

[0067] Two or more brace members 42 extend between the first end 32 of the support arm 30 and the rear surface 14 of the backboard 10. The brace members 42 can be connected to the backboard 10 via the plurality of perforations 20 configured to receive a fastener 22.

[0068] The brace members 42 can be connected to any suitable perforation located between the lower end 16 and the upper end 18 of the backboard 10. Adjusting the connection point of the bracing arms or brace members 42 on the backboard 10 enables the height of the goal hoop relative to the mat to be increased or decreased.

[0069] The brace members 42 may be pivotally connected to the first end 32 of the support arm 30 and/or to the rear surface 14 of the backboard 10. Advantageously, this provides the components of the goal hoop support assembly with the ability to flex and move separately in response to a user bouncing on the trampoline and/or an impact on the backboard or goal hoop.

[0070] The goal hoop 54 can be mounted to the front surface 12 of the backboard 10 by an impact damping hinge 52. An impact damping hinge 52 can improve safety and prevents breaking of the goal hoop support assembly 100.

[0071] FIG. 3 shows the backboard 10 and goal hoop in the first mounting position in which the first end 32 of the support arm 30 is towards the top 18 of the backboard 10. FIG. 2 shows the backboard 10 and goal hoop 54 in the second mounting position in which the first end 32 of the support arm 30 is towards the bottom 16 of the backboard 10.

[0072] The orientation of the backboard 10 between the first mounting position and second mounting position can be adjusted by moving the backboard 10 and repositioning the support arm 30 and the bracing arms 42 relative to the new orientation of the backboard. In an embodiment, the bracing arms 42 are not uncoupled during movement.

[0073] Advantageously, providing a plurality of perforations in the backboard 10 comprises providing at least one set of substantially parallel spaced apart perforations configured to receive a fastener or the ends of the bracing arms 42 therein in the first mounting position, and a second set of perforations configured to receive a fastener or the ends of the bracing arms 42 therein in the second mounting position.

[0074] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a second embodiment of a goal hoop support assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The goal hoop assembly 200 comprises a backboard 110. The backboard having a front surface 112, an opposing rear surface 114 and a plurality of perforations 120 therein. One or more of the plurality of perforations 120 is configured to receive a fastener 122 therein. The goal hoop support assembly 200 comprises a support arm 130. The support arm 130 is adapted to support the backboard 110 so that in use a goal hoop 54 extending from the front surface 112 of the backboard 110 is suspended above a mat of a trampoline. The support arm 130 has a first end 132 positioned proximal the rear surface 114 of the backboard 110, and an opposing second end 134 distal the backboard 110 and configured to connect the support arm 130 to a pole of a trampoline.

[0075] The plurality of perforations 120 includes at least one set of perforations configured to receive a fastener 122 therein. The perforations are arranged in a line extending between an upper end 118 of the backboard and a lower end 116 of the backboard. Each set of perforations can comprise 2, 3, 4, or more perforations.

[0076] The support arm 130 of this embodiment has a substantially Z-shape with two substantially horizontal portions. The support arm 130 comprising a first horizontal part 132 is positioned proximal the rear surface 114 of the backboard 110, a second horizontal part 134 is distal the backboard 110 and configured at its end to connect the support arm 130 to the pole of the trampoline. The first part 132 and the second part 134 are substantially parallel to one another and connected to one another by a third part 140.

[0077] The first end of the first part 132 of the support arm 130 is connected to the rear surface 114 of the backboard 110 via the plurality of perforations 120 configured to receive a fastener 122. Adjusting the connection point of the first end of the first part 132 on the backboard 110 enables the height of the goal hoop relative to the mat to be increased or decreased. In FIG. 5, the assembly is shown in the first mounting position. In FIG. 6, the assembly is shown in the second mounting position. When in the first mounting position (FIG. 5), the support arm 130 is configured such that the top 118 of the backboard is at approximately the same height as the substantially horizontal portion 134 of the support arm 130 so that the backboard 110 and goal hoop 154 can be supported by the support arm 130 under the cover provided by the shade cover (refer FIG. 14). In FIG. 6, it should be understood that the backboard 110 is not at its lowest possible profile.

[0078] A rib or gusset 150 can extend between the first part 132/second part 134 and the third part 140. The ribs or gussets 150 may improve the strength of the bends in the support arm 130 between the first and second parts and the second and third parts in response to an impact on the backboard and/or goal hoop or movement of the poles due to the user bouncing on the trampoline.

[0079] In FIG. 5, a first mounting position of the goal hoop support assembly 200 is illustrated. In the first configuration, the first part 132 of the support arm 130 is lower than the second part 134 of the support arm (i.e. the first part 132 is closer to the mat). The first part 132 of the support arm 130 is connected to the lower end 116 of the backboard 110 decreasing the height of the goal hoop 154 above the mat. As the upper end 118 of the backboard 10 is below the level of the roof shade, this configuration can be used with the roof shade in place.

[0080] In FIG. 6, a second mounting position of the goal hoop support assembly 200 is illustrated. In the second configuration, the support arm 130 is rotated about 180 degrees about the horizontal axis such that the second part 134 of the support arm 130 is lower than the first part 132 of the support arm (i.e. the second part 134 is closer to the mat). The first part 132 of the support arm 130 is connected to the lower end 116 of the backboard 110 increasing the height of the goal hoop 154 above the mat.

[0081] Providing the upper end 118 of the backboard 110 is below the level of the roof shade, this configuration could be used with the roof shade in place, however in this configuration the support arm 130 may need to be connected lower down the pole of the trampoline (i.e. closer to the mat) such that the upper end 118 of the backboard 10 remains below the roof shade.

[0082] The goal hoop 154 can be mounted to the front surface 112 of the backboard 110 by an impact damping hinge 146. An impact damping hinge 146 can improve safety and prevents breaking of the goal hoop support assembly 200.

[0083] The orientation of the backboard 110 can be adjusted by rotating the backboard 110 and repositioning the support arm 130 relative to the new orientation of the backboard 110. Advantageously, providing a plurality of perforations comprises at least one set of substantially parallel spaced apart perforations configured to receive a fastener therein enables the backboard to be rotated between a horizontal and a vertical configuration.

[0084] The goal hoop assembly can be used with any trampoline that has a frame including upright poles 13 for supporting a shade cover. Some trampolines comprise a safety net around their side walls as shown in FIG. 7. In the closer view of the embodiment of FIG. 7 (i.e. FIG. 8), the assembly is shown in the first mounting position with the support arm 32 configured such that the top 16 of the backboard 10 is at approximately the same height as substantially horizontal portion A and is lower than substantially horizontal portion B of the support arm 32 so that the backboard 10 and goal hoop 54 can be supported by the support arm 32 under the cover provided by the shade cover (not shown).

[0085] FIG. 9 shows a goal hoop support assembly 400 for a trampoline having a shade cover. The assembly 400 comprises a backboard 410 having a top 418, a bottom 416, a front surface 412 and an opposing rear surface 414.

[0086] There is a goal hoop 454 supported at or near the bottom 416 of the front surface 412 of the backboard 410. There are a pair of support arms 432 (only one labelled in some images for clarity) for supporting the backboard 410. Bracing arms 442 are associated with each support arm 432. The support arm 432 has at least one substantially horizontal portion terminating at a first end at the rear surface 414 of the backboard 410. The other end 436 of the support arm connects the assembly to the upright pole of the trampoline.

[0087] The support arm 432 and backboard 410 in this embodiment together are configured to have: [0088] (i) a first mounting position in which the first end of the support arm 432 is towards the top 418 of the backboard 410; and [0089] (ii) a second mounting position in which the first end of the support arm 432 is towards the bottom 416 of the backboard 410.

[0090] As can be seen in FIG. 9, in the first mounting position, the support arm 432 is configured such that the top 418 of the backboard 410 is at approximately the same height as the substantially horizontal portions of the support arms 432 so that the backboard 410 and goal hoop 454 can be supported by the support arm 432 under the cover provided by the shade cover (not shown).

[0091] The goal hoop support 454 assembly therefore allows for two positions of the backboard 410. In a first position, the assembly 400 can be used under a shade cover as described above. In a second position, the assembly 400 can be used without the shade cover.

[0092] In an embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the backboard 410 is formed from a lightweight material. The lightweight material can be a mesh material. The mesh material can be supported by fibreglass poles around the outside edges to provide some structural integrity.

[0093] FIG. 10 is an alternative embodiment in which goal hoop support assembly 300 comprises a backboard 310. There is a goal hoop 354 supported on the front surface of the backboard 310. The backboard 310 can be the safety net of the trampoline. There is a support arm in the form of a strap 332 for supporting the goal hoop 354 threaded through mount 336. There is a strap 354 at each side of the mount 336 (only one is shown for clarity).

[0094] In an embodiment shown in FIG. 11, at the rear 515 of the backboard 510, there can be sockets into which the support arm can be located. There can be a first socket 511 for the first position. There can be a second socket 511 to assemble the goal hoop assembly 500 into the second position. The sockets 511, 511 can allow a snap fit of a correspondingly shaped end of the support arm 532 into the socket as shown in FIG. 10. The support arm can be removed from the socket either by pulling to remove it, or by depressing a spring biased locking pin to allow removal of the support arm 532 from the socket 511.

[0095] FIG. 12 shows an alternative embodiment in which the support arm 630 is connected to the backboard 610 which support goal hoop 654. The assembly is shown in the first mounting position with the support arm 630 attached by a bracket to the topmost perforations in the backboard. If the first arm is moved in the direction of the arrow shown, and the support arm 630 is attached to the bottommost perforations in the backboard, then the assembly can be used in the second mounting position. FIG. 13 shows the second mounting position with no shade cover. FIG. 14 shows the first mounting position with shade cover 50 in place.

[0096] It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

[0097] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word comprise or variations such as comprises or comprising is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

[0098] Any promises made in the present description should be understood to relate to some embodiments of the invention, and are not intended to be promises made about the invention. Where there are promises that are deemed to apply to all embodiments of the invention, the right is reserved to later delete those promises from the description since there is no intention to rely on those promises for the acceptance or subsequent grant of a patent unless the context makes clear otherwise.