US20170128804A1

US20170128804A1 - Portable basketball goal

Info

Publication number: US20170128804A1
Application number: US15/323,406
Authority: US
Inventors: Craig Stephen George BRUCE; Glen Daniel KAVANAGH; Alexander Donovan PURI TEPA; Shirley Evelyn WORTHINGTON
Original assignee: Gymleader New Zealand Ltd
Current assignee: Gymleader New Zealand Ltd
Priority date: 2014-07-04
Filing date: 2015-06-26
Publication date: 2017-05-11
Also published as: WO2016001806A1

Abstract

A road trailer carrying a basketball goal assembly that includes a basketball backboard and hoop assembly supported by the trailer in a manner to allow it to be stowed inside an enclosure of the trailer and presented for use from the trailer where the basketball backboard and hoop assembly are located outside the footprint of the trailer when viewed in plan view.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a portable basketball goal.

BACKGROUND

Portable basketball goals are known. They come in the form as shown in US20030040483. They are portable for the purposes of storage at a gym or sports complex and are able to be moved from a storage room onto the basketball court for use. They do not readily lend themselves to being moved to locations outside the sports complex and certainly not for convenient relocation via road for quick set up at other indoor or outdoor locations.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a portable basketball goal that addresses such limitations and/or to provide the public with a useful choice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly the present invention may broadly be said to be a portable basketball goal comprising:
a road trailer providing at least one support platform,
a basketball goal assembly comprising

- i. a support base vertically supported by said support platform,
- ii. an arm mounted to said support base at a proximal end or said arm,
- iii. a basketball hoop and backboard assembly mounted at the distal end of the arm,

the goal assembly adapted and configured to be moved relative the trailer between:
a) a use condition where the basketball hoop and backboard assembly are (i) elevated above the surrounding ground that the trailers sits on and (ii) positioned outside the footprint of the trailer, when viewed in plan view, and
b) a contracted condition where the basketball hoop and backboard assembly is more proximate the road trailer than in the use condition.
Preferably in the contracted condition the basketball hoop and backboard assembly is less elevated and more proximate the road trailer than in the use condition.
Preferably in the contracted condition the basketball hoop and backboard assembly is less elevated and more proximate the support base.
Preferably in the contracted condition the basketball hoop and backboard assembly is positioned, when viewed in plan view, within the footprint of the trailer.
Preferably in the contracted condition the basketball hoop and backboard assembly is positioned, no more than 3 m above the surrounding ground.
Preferably when in the use condition, the basketball hoop is positioned between 2.9 and 3.1 m above the surrounding ground.
Preferably the arm is able to move relative the trailer to position the basketball hoop and backboard assembly.
Preferably the arm is an articulated arm.
Preferably the arm is mounted to the support base.
Preferably the arm is mounted at the support base.
Preferably the arm is fully supported by the support base.
Preferably the arm is an assembly of arm sections.
Preferably the arm is able to in part telescope.
Preferably the arm is pivotally mounted to said support base.
Preferably the arm is able to be moved between an extended position corresponding to the use condition and a more collapsed condition corresponding to the contracted condition.
Preferably the trailer carries an enclosure that at least partially encloses the basketball goal assembly when in the contracted condition.
Preferably the trailer carries an enclosure that fully encloses the basketball goal assembly when in the contracted condition.
Preferably the enclosure includes a closeable opening that is closeable by at least one door.
Preferably the opening is provided at a location allow the basketball goal assembly to be moved to the use condition.
Preferably the opening is provided at a location to not restrict the basketball goal assembly to be moved to the use condition.
Preferably the footprint of the enclosure is substantially the same as the chassis of the trailer, save for the draw bar of the trailer.
Preferably the opening is provided at a location allow the basketball goal assembly to be moved between the contracted and the use conditions.
Preferably the opening is provided at a location to not restrict the basketball goal assembly to be moved between the contracted and the use condition.
Preferably the door(s) are able to be opened to allow movement between the contracted and use conditions.
Preferably the opening is provided at the rear of the trailer.
Preferably the trailer has a draw bar and hitch to allow it to be towed by a tow vehicle.
Preferably the opening is provided at the opposite end of the trailer to the draw bar.
Preferably the opening is provided at at least one of a lateral side of the trailer, the rear of the trailer, the front of the trailer.
Preferably the enclosure is at least 1.5 m high above the support platform.
Preferably the enclosure is at least 2 m high above the support platform.
Preferably the enclosure is at least 2.5 m high above the support platform.
Preferably the enclosure is no more than 3.5 m high above the support platform.
Preferably the enclosure is no more than 3 m high above the support platform.
Preferably the enclosure is no more than 2.5 m high above the support platform.
Preferably the enclosure is no more than 2 m high above the support platform.
Preferably the enclosure provides a roof.
Preferably the opening extends between the support platform and the roof.
Preferably the opening extends from the support platform.
Preferably the opening extends from the support platform to the roof.
Preferably the basketball hoop and backboard assembly is positioned, when in the use condition, behind the trailer.
Preferably the basketball hoop and backboard assembly is positioned, when in the use condition, at least partially above the enclosure.
Preferably the basketball hoop and backboard assembly is positioned, when in the use condition, entirely above the roof.
Preferably the basketball hoop and backboard assembly is positioned, when in the use condition, at least partially above the opening.
Preferably the basketball hoop and backboard assembly is positioned, when in the use condition, entirely above the opening.
The goal assembly is able to move preferably linearly between a stored position and an operative position.
Preferably in the stored position the support base is distal from the opening and in the operative position is more proximate the opening.
Preferably the goal assembly is adapted and configured to be able to move relative the trailer between the stored and operative positions.
Preferably the goal assembly includes rollers (preferably wheels) to facilitate such movement.
Preferably the support base presents said rollers.
Preferably the goal assembly is vertically supported on said at least one support platform.
Preferably the at least one of said support base and support platform includes rollers to facilitate said movement.
Preferably a rack and pinion arrangement is provided to facilitate movement between the stored and operative positions.
Preferably the trailer and/or goal assembly is adapted to prevent the support base from moving out of the opening.
Preferably the trailer and/or goal assembly is adapted to prevent the support base from moving completely out of the opening.
Preferably said trailer provides a limit stop that prevents the basketball goal assembly moving completely out of the trailer.
Preferably a chock is provided by at least one of the trailer and goal assembly to prevent the support base from moving completely out of the opening and/or off the support platform.
Preferably the trailer includes at least one guide to guide movement of the goal assembly between the stored and operative positions.
Preferably the support platform(s) includes at least one guide to guide movement of the goal assembly between the stored and operative positions.
Preferably the guide constrains movement between the stored and operative positions to a linear movement.
Preferably two guides are provided.
Preferably the guide or guides are rails.
Preferably the rail or rails are secured to said at least one support platform.
Preferably the guide captures the support base in a manner to allow it to move only between the stored and operative positions.
Preferably guide captures the support base to prevent it from moving vertically relative said trailer.
Preferably the support base slides on and is supported by said guide(s).
Preferably the support base is supported by said support platform and said guide(s) merely guide said support base for movement.
Preferably said basketball support assembly can be selectively secured to said trailer to prevent it from moving from at least one of said stored and operative positions.
Preferably a lock or brake or pin or latch or strop or cable or rope is provided so that said basketball support assembly can be selectively secured.
Preferably said support base can be so secured.
Preferably said support base can be so secured to said guide.
Preferably said arm can be secured to prevent movement from at least one of the contracted and in use conditions.
Preferably said basketball hoop and backboard assembly moves through said opening when moving between the contracted and use conditions.
Preferably the support base does not move through said opening in moving between said contracted and use conditions.
Preferably in moving between the contracted and use conditions, the support base does not pass through the opening.
Preferably in moving between the stored and operative positions the support base does not pass through the opening.
Preferably the support base is vertically supported on said support platform.
Preferably the support platform is a deck or decks.
Preferably the support platform is provided above the axle of the trailer.
Preferably the support base is supported on the deck.
Preferably the trailer includes stabilisers that provide stability to the trailer when parked.
Preferably the stabilisers are feet that can be located onto the surrounding ground.
Preferably the stabilisers can be contracted.
Preferably at least one of the trailer and basketball goal assembly includes a camera.
Preferably the camera is connected to a display to show the imagery captured by the camera.
Preferably the display projects said captured imagery from said trailer.
Preferably the display includes a screen secured to said trailer.
Preferably the display is flat panel TV or monitor.
Preferably the display also projects On Screen Display indicia such as a game score, time clock, names.
Preferably the trailer includes a power source.
Preferably the power source is at least one battery or generator.
Preferably the display uses power from said power source.
Preferably the sound system is provided and uses power from said power source.
Preferably the sound system includes at least one speaker.
Preferably the sound system includes at least one microphone.
Preferably the sound system is provided (preferably a Public Address system).
Preferably the trailer may include a solar panel for solar based replenishing of power source power.
Preferably a hydraulic system is provided to assist or cause said movement between the contracted condition and use condition.
Preferably said hydraulic system is human powered.
Preferably the hydraulic system is powered from a or said power source.
Preferably said basketball goal assembly is manually moveable between said stored and operative positions.
Preferably said basketball goal assembly is moveable between said stored and operative positions by non-human power.
Preferably said basketball goal assembly is able to be triggered for automatic movement from the contracted condition to the use condition.
Preferably said basketball goal assembly is able to be triggered for automatic movement from the use condition to the contracted condition.
Preferably said basketball goal assembly is able to be triggered for automatic movement from the contracted condition and stored position to the use condition and operative position.
Preferably said basketball goal assembly is able to be triggered for automatic movement from the use condition and operative position to the contracted condition and stored position.
Preferably the trailer includes at least one score board.
Preferably the score board is secured to the enclosure.
Preferably the score board is secured to said door.
Preferably where two or more doors are provided, said score board is secured to at least two doors.
Preferably the score board is visible from the side of the trailer.
Preferably the score board is visible from the rear of the trailer.
Preferably a timer is likewise the score board provided.
Preferably the timer and/or score board are powered from said power source.
Preferably a power source is provided from the tow vehicle.
Preferably the trailer includes a barrier that prevents a basketball from moving beyond the support base from said backboard side of said goal assembly.
Preferably the trailer includes a barrier that prevents a basketball from moving beyond the backboard proximate most region of the support base.
Preferably the trailer includes a barrier that prevents a basketball from passing through said opening.
Preferably the barrier is a net.
Preferably padding is provided to said trailer and/or goal assembly.
Preferably said padding is provided at the opening of the trailer.
Preferably said padding is provided to said support base.
Preferably said padding is provided to said arm.
Preferably the goal assembly cannot be moved to the use condition until it is in the operative position.
Preferably the goal assembly cannot be moved to the use condition until it is in the operative position and the support base is secured so said trailer.
In a second aspect the present invention may be said to be a road trailer carrying a basketball goal assembly that includes a basketball backboard and hoop assembly supported by said trailer in a manner to allow it to be stowed inside an enclosure of said trailer and presented for use from said trailer where said basketball backboard and hoop assembly are located outside the footprint of said trailer when viewed in plan view.
Preferably the basketball goal assembly is movable relative to said trailer.
Preferably said basketball goal assembly can be moved between a use condition and a more contracted condition for storage inside said enclosure.
Preferably the enclosure has an opening through which said backboard and hoop assembly can move in moving between the stowed condition and the use condition.
In a further aspect the present invention may be said to be a portable basketball goal comprising:
a container providing an cavity and at least one support platform,
a basketball goal assembly comprising

the goal assembly adapted and configured to be moved relative the container between:

- a) a use condition where the basketball hoop and backboard assembly are
  - 1. elevated above the surrounding ground that the container sits on, and
  - 2. positioned outside the footprint of the container, when viewed in plan view, and
- b) a contracted condition where the basketball hoop and backboard assembly is more proximate the container than in the use condition.

Preferably in the contracted condition the basketball hoop and backboard assembly is less elevated and more proximate the container than in the use condition.
Preferably in the contracted condition the basketball hoop and backboard assembly is less elevated and more proximate the support base.
Preferably in the contracted condition the basketball hoop and backboard assembly is positioned, when viewed in plan view, within the footprint of the container.
Preferably the arm is able to be moved between an extended position corresponding to the use condition and a more collapsed condition corresponding to the contracted condition.
Preferably the container includes an enclosure that at least partially encloses the basketball goal assembly in the cavity when in the contracted condition.
Preferably the container includes an enclosure that fully encloses the basketball goal assembly when in the contracted condition.
Preferably the enclosure includes a closeable opening that is closeable by at least one door.
Preferably the opening is provided at a location allow the basketball goal assembly to be moved to the use condition.
Preferably the opening is provided at a location to not restrict the basketball goal assembly to be moved to the use condition.
Preferably the opening is provided at a location allow the basketball goal assembly to be moved between the contracted and the use conditions.
Preferably the opening is provided at a location to not restrict the basketball goal assembly to be moved between the contracted and the use condition.
Preferably the door(s) are able to be opened to allow movement between the contracted and use conditions.
This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred form of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the portable basketball goal of the present invention including the trailer within which the goal assembly can be stored,

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the goal assembly in a use condition supported by the trailer,

FIG. 3 is a view from a side of the trailer showing the basketball goal assembly in the use condition,

FIG. 4 is a view of a side of a trailer showing the basketball goal assembly in a contracted condition and stored within the enclosure of the trailer,

FIG. 5 is a side cutaway view of part of the trailer showing the basketball goal assembly in its contracted condition and stored entirely within the enclosure,

FIG. 6 is a cutaway view of part of the trailer and showing the goal assembly in the use condition,

FIG. 7 shows a winch mechanism for moving the support base between the stored and deployed positions,

FIG. 8 is a rare view of part of the portable basketball goal showing an example of the guide rails that might be used,

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of part of the portable basketball goal showing that cameras and/or lighting may be provided,

FIG. 10 illustrates the basketball goal wherein the goal assembly is in the use condition and showing a display screen that may be visible from the outside of the trailer for spectators to watch the game that may be captured via the camera as shown in FIG. 9,

FIG. 11 is a partial view of the present invention showing various other aspects that may be included,

FIG. 12 is a partial view of a support base on the support platform of the trailer,

FIGS. 13A-D shows a variation of the invention where two goal assemblies are provided and showing different configurations of storage, and

FIGS. 14 A-B shows a variation of the invention where three goal assemblies are provided.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In FIG. 1 there is shown a portable basketball goal 1. The portable basketball goal preferably includes a means for transport which is preferably in the form of a trailer 2. The trailer is preferably a road trailer that may include a chassis, including a draw bar 3 and trailer hitch 4. At the trailer hitch 4 the trailer can be hitched to a towed vehicle (not shown). The trailer may be of a single or multi-axle configuration.
In the preferred form the trailer includes or supports, in a separable manner, an enclosure 5. The enclosure may include a door or doors 6 that allow for access to the interior of the enclosure. The trailer may include jacks or supports or stands 7 that can be deployed when the trailer is stationary. This can provide the trailer with additional stability that may be desirable.
The portable basketball goal of the present invention includes a goal assembly 8. The goal assembly 8 is preferably able to be moved between a use condition as shown in FIG. 2, to a stowed condition as shown in FIG. 4. In the stowed condition the goal assembly 8 is preferably fully retracted or stored or positioned inside the enclosure 5. In the use condition as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 6 the goal assembly preferably presents its backboard and hoop assembly 9 outside of the trailer enclosure 5. In the preferred form when viewed in plan, the backboard and hoop assembly 9 is presented outside of the footprint of the trailer. In the preferred form the backboard and hoop assembly 9 are at least half a metre and preferably more than 1.5 metres away from the perimeter of the footprint when seen in plan view. This provides some distance beneath the backboard and hoop assembly 9 away from the trailer 2.
The basketball goal assembly 8 is able to move between a contracted condition as shown in FIG. 4 to a use condition as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. In the use condition the backboard and hoop assembly 9 are preferably provided at least partially above the enclosure.
The backboard and hoop assembly 9 are preferably presented at least in part above the roof 10 of the trailer enclosure 5 when in the use condition. The hoop itself is preferably presented when in the use condition at a height above the supporting ground 13 that is appropriate for the game of basketball that is to be played using the basketball goal assembly of the present invention. The rim of the hoop is preferably at a height of about 3 m above the supporting ground. In the contracted condition the backboard and hoop assembly 9 are more proximate to the ground 13 and also preferably more proximate to the trailer. In the preferred form the entire basketball goal assembly is able to be enclosed in its contracted condition within the enclosure 5 as shown in FIG. 5. In the in use condition, the goal assembly may be of a configuration that does not lend itself for stowage inside the enclosure.
The basketball goal assembly preferably includes a support base 14, an arm or arm mechanism 15 and the backboard and hoop assembly 9. The arm is supported by the support base 14. The arm is preferably connected to the support base 14 at a proximal end of the arm. At the distal end of the arm the backboard and hoop assembly 9 is connected. The arm 15 is preferably an articulating arm and may include a four-bar chain mechanism as seen in FIGS. 5 and 6. Alternative mechanisms may also be provided. Such may include where the arm is at least in part of a telescopic arrangement or other mechanisms are used to allow for the basketball goal assembly to move between its use condition and contracted condition. The enclosure 5 includes an opening 16 via which the backboard and hoop assembly 9 can travel and moving between the use condition and a condition where it is stored inside of the enclosure. It is envisaged however that in some embodiments of the present invention not all of the basketball goal assembly may be enclosed inside of the enclosure 5. Some parts may still project from the enclosure.
A door or doors may be provided to allow for the opening to be closed. The closed condition is for example shown in FIG. 1. Prior to moving to a use condition the basketball goal assembly may also be moved from a stored position as shown in FIG. 5 to an operative position as shown in FIG. 6 whereby for example the support base 14 is moved relative to the trailer. Doors are opened at that stage.
In the preferred form the trailer includes a support platform 18 such as a deck by which the support base 14 of the basketball goal assembly is supported.
The basketball goal assembly may include rollers 19 that can facilitate the movement of the basketball goal assembly relative to the trailer. Alternatively the rollers may be provided by the trailer instead of by the basketball goal assembly. In the preferred form it is the support base 14 that provides the rollers to allow for the basketball goal assembly to move between a stored position as shown in FIG. 5 and an operative position as shown in FIG. 6. To assist in guided movement of the basketball goal assembly in moving between the stored position as shown in FIG. 5 and the operative position as shown in FIG. 6, a guide 20 may be provided by the trailer. In the preferred form two guides are provided as shown in FIG. 4. Preferably the guide 20 is a rail or rails. In the preferred form two rails are provided that run parallel to each other and in the fore and aft direction of the trailer. The guides 20 are spaced from each other sufficiently to both provide vertical support to the support base 14 of the goal assembly 8. The rails confine the movement of the support base to a linear movement. The linear movement is preferably in the fore and aft direction. This ensures that the basketball goal assembly, which can be significantly heavy, remains relatively centrally placed along the midline of the trailer. This encourages even load distribution on the wheels and or support stands of the trailer. In alternative forms a single guide rail or multiple guide rails may be provided. As shown in FIG. 8 there are shown three guide rails namely peripheral guide rails 21 and a central guide rail 22. The central guide rail 22 may support the goal assembly 8 reliant on a centrally positioned roller or rollers 23.
As seen in FIG. 4, the guide rails 20 may be in the form of a U-shaped channel. Alternatively the guide rails may be a look or flange or trough or made from angle iron shaped material or other. The guide rails may include end stops 26 that cannot prevent the support base 19 from moving to far from its stored position. The end stops 26 may help locate the goal assembly when in its operative position and/or in its stored position. Such end stops 26 may be provided at each end of the guide rails. Alternative stops may be provided in other locations that can interact between the trailer and the basketball goal assembly.
The support base and/or guide rails may also be configured in a manner to prevent any vertical or significantly vertical uplifting of the basketball goal assembly from the rails. Such a captive arrangement between the guide 20 and the support base 14 is for example shown in FIG. 12.
Provision is preferably made to ensure that the basketball goal assembly 8 can be secured to the trailer in at least one and preferably both of its stored and operative positions. A pin 29 may be provided for these purposes. The pin 29 may extend through a mount or other component of the trailer and into an aperture or hole or rebate or end or surface of the basketball goal assembly 8 to thereby lock it in position. In the preferred form one lock pin or preferably one on each side of the goal assembly may be provided. The lock pin may be positioned to lock the goal assembly 8 in both its operative position and stored position. Alternatively separate locking pins may be provided or may be provided at different locations one each for a locking of the goal assembly 8 in its stored position and in its operative position. In the preferred form such locking of the goal assembly occurs of the support base near proximate more the front end of the trailer. This is to ensure that the basketball goal assembly when being used cannot topple from the trailer. Latches, strops, tie-downs, cables or rope may be used in addition or instead.
Whilst in the most preferred form and as herein described the basketball goal assembly is provided in a condition to present the backboard and hoop assembly 9 at the rear of the trailer, it is envisaged that it may alternatively be presented from a side of the trailer.
In the preferred form a barrier such as a net 33 is provided to arrest any stray shots or passes of the basketball that is used. The barrier is preferably a net or netting that can be erected or may self erect as the goal assembly is moved to the use position. The netting is provided in a location to prevent the stray basketball from going behind the goal assembly and further inside of the enclosure. The netting may preferably be provided near the front end of the support base or in a location proximate thereto.
The trailer may also be provided with a display 36. This can for example be seen in FIG. 10 where the display is provided at a side wall of the enclosure and through an opening or window 42 can become seen to viewers from outside of the trailer. The screen may alternatively be provided in other parts or additional screens may be provided in other parts of the trailer for example at a door 16. There may also be provision for a sound system that may include a public address system whereby speakers 37 are provided such as at the doors or another part of the trailer and a microphone 38 may be used via an amplifier (not shown) to broadcast commentary or music or the like to the players and/or audience adjacent the trailer. A scoreboard 39 may also be provided and this may for example be suspended from the roof of the enclosure or may be provided behind the backboard or the doors or other locations. Cameras and/or lighting may also be provided.
In the preferred form a trailer includes a source of power such as a battery or bank of batteries. These are not shown but may be stored inside of the enclosure in an appropriate location. These batteries may be charged by a plug-in facility so that from time to time they can be recharged and/or by a solar panel 40 that may be located on the top of the trailer.
A means of remote communication technology such as a dish 41 may also be provided to allow for video and/or audio that is captured at the scene to be transmitted to a remote location. Such communications may be via satellite and/or landline or WIFI or other methods for broadcasting over television or transmission over the internet.
The electrical or electronic components of the present invention may be powered by the power source. Alternatively an external power source may be provided. It is also envisaged that a liquid fuel powered generator may be provided for the provision of such power.
It is also envisaged that the movement of the basketball goal assembly may be facilitated by powered means such as a hydraulic system. The hydraulic system may be manually powered by a person or may also be powered by a non-human power source. This may include relying on the battery power and/or generator power for the purposes of moving the basketball goal assembly. Such movement may be to cause the basketball goal assembly to move from its stored position to its operative position and/or return, and/or between its use condition and its contracted condition and/or return. It is envisaged that a trigger mechanism may be provided to cause any such movement. A push button may be provided that may automatically deploy the backboard and hoop assembly from being in its stored position to its use condition.
Padding 50 may be provided to parts of the basketball goal assembly and/or to the trailer.
The enclosure herein described is preferably part of the trailer. In an alternative form, the enclosure is provided as a container, and may be loaded on and off a trailer for transport.
The enclosure may also provide a plurality of goal assemblies 8 as seen in FIGS. 13A through 13D and 14A and 14B. In FIG. 13A there is shown the enclosure but with a goal assembly also extended from the other end. The base support of each goal assembly may be of a size to move in the enclosure without clashing with the other. The enclosure may be long enough to achieve this. Alternatively the base assemblies may of a shape to nest when each goal is in the stored condition. A nested condition of two opposed support bases is as shown in FIG. 13D. The draw bar in the example shown in FIG. 13D is removed or removable or contractible toward the enclosure and is hence not shown.
An alternative to the nesting is an overlapping of the two support bases. Where more than one goal assembly is provided, the enclosure may provide two separate openable closures, one for each goal assembly. Each goal assembly may also have its own associated screen. There may be a screen on each side of the enclosure where there are two goals provided, one associated with each goal. Likewise a scoreboard for each of the goal assemblies may be provided. The enclosure housing at least two goal assemblies is preferably part of a trailer assembly but may alternatively be an enclosure able to be loaded and unloaded from a transport vehicle. FIG. 14B shows 3 sided version where the two opposed goal assemblies nest and the lateral goal assembly overlaps the two opposed.

Claims

1. A portable basketball goal comprising:

a road trailer providing at least one support platform, a basketball goal assembly comprising

i. a support base vertically supported by said support platform,

ii. an arm mounted to said support base at a proximal end or said arm,

iii. a basketball hoop and backboard assembly mounted at the distal end of the arm, the goal assembly adapted and configured to be moved relative the trailer between:

a) a use condition where the basketball hoop and backboard assembly are (i) elevated above the surrounding ground that the trailers sits on and (ii) positioned outside the footprint of the trailer, when viewed in plan view, and

b) a contracted condition where the basketball hoop and backboard assembly is more proximate the road trailer than in the use condition.

2. A portable basketball goal as claimed in claim 1 wherein in the contracted condition the basketball hoop and backboard assembly is less elevated and more proximate the road trailer than in the use condition.

3. A portable basketball goal as claimed in claim 1 wherein in the contracted condition the basketball hoop and backboard assembly is less elevated and more proximate the support base.

4. A portable basketball goal as claimed in claim 1 wherein in the contracted condition the basketball hoop and backboard assembly is positioned, when viewed in plan view, within the footprint of the trailer.

5. A portable basketball goal as claimed in claim 1 wherein in the contracted condition the basketball hoop and backboard assembly is positioned, no more than 3 m above the surrounding ground.

6. A portable basketball goal as claimed in claim 1 wherein when in the use condition, the basketball hoop is positioned between 2.9 and 3.1 m above the surrounding ground.

7. A portable basketball goal as claimed in claim 1 wherein the arm is fully supported by the support base.

8. A portable basketball goal as claimed in claim 1 wherein the arm is pivotally mounted to said support base.

9. A portable basketball goal as claimed in claim 1 wherein the trailer carries an enclosure that fully encloses the basketball goal assembly when in the contracted condition.

10. A portable basketball goal as claimed in claim 9 wherein the enclosure includes a closeable opening that is closeable by at least one door.

11. A portable basketball goal as claimed in claim 10 wherein the opening is provided at a location allow the basketball goal assembly to be moved to the use condition.

12. A portable basketball goal as claimed in claim 10 wherein the opening is provided at a location to not restrict the basketball goal assembly to be moved between the contracted and the use condition.

13. A portable basketball goal as claimed in claim 10 wherein the opening is provided at the rear of the trailer.

14. A portable basketball goal as claimed in claim 10 wherein the opening is provided at at least one of a lateral side of the trailer, the rear of the trailer, the front of the trailer.

15. A portable basketball goal as claimed in claim 1 wherein the basketball hoop and backboard assembly is positioned, when in the use condition, at least partially above the enclosure.

16. A portable basketball goal as claimed in claim 1 wherein the goal assembly is able to move preferably linearly between a stored position and an operative position.

17-39. (canceled)

40. A road trailer carrying a basketball goal assembly that includes a basketball backboard and hoop assembly supported by said trailer in a manner to allow it to be stowed inside an enclosure of said trailer and presented for use from said trailer where said basketball backboard and hoop assembly are located outside the footprint of said trailer when viewed in plan view.

41. A road trailer carrying a basketball goal assembly as claimed in claim 40 wherein the basketball goal assembly is movable relative to said trailer.

42. A road trailer carrying a basketball goal assembly as claimed in claim 40 wherein said basketball goal assembly can be moved between a use condition and a more contracted condition for storage inside said enclosure.

43. (canceled)

44. A portable basketball goal comprising:

a container providing a cavity and at least one support platform, a basketball goal assembly comprising

i. a support base vertically supported by said support platform,

ii. an arm mounted to said support base at a proximal end or said arm,

iii. a basketball hoop and backboard assembly mounted at the distal end of the arm, the goal assembly adapted and configured to be moved relative the container between:

a) a use condition where the basketball hoop and backboard assembly are

1. elevated above the surrounding ground that the container sits on, and

2. positioned outside the footprint of the container, when viewed in plan view, and

b) a contracted condition where the basketball hoop and backboard assembly is more proximate the container than in the use condition.