Storage cart for backboard replacement system

Storage cart for dashboard replacement system.

Background

Technical field The present invention relates to basketball baskets that generally consist of a board set, a basketball basket support set, and a storage cart used to facilitate replacement of the board set. More particularly, the present invention is about a system for replacing the dashboard assembly using the storage cart.

Background information. The sport of basketball is popular all over the world. Part of its popularity can be derived from the simplicity of the equipment used, that is, at least one elevated basket and one ball. More commonly, the team is at least one basketball basket, which includes a board, a hoop set, a basketball basket holder, and a basketball. In addition, its popularity can be derived from the fact that basketball can be played both outside and inside, which lends itself to being practiced throughout the year.

However, basketball baskets are known to deteriorate, break, or even become outdated. For example, a basketball player can exert enough force and torque on a basketball basket to permanently deform the hoop assembly, tear the board apart, or even break the support mechanism of the basketball basket. When this occurs, especially the board and / or the hoop set, the game, training, or basketball hobby must be stopped to allow facility personnel to replace the old basketball basket with a new basketball basket. For removable basketball basket systems, regardless of what needs to be repaired, in general, the broken basketball basket on its wheels is removed and replaced with a new basketball basket that is introduced and fixed to the ground. However, the cost and expense of having one or more replacement basketball baskets can be large in terms of equipment and inventory space.

Alternatively, if only the board and / or the hoop assembly need to be repaired, it would be advantageous to just replace what is necessary without moving the entire basketball basket and do it quickly. Depending on the number of fixings and couplings that attach the basketball basket to the support of the basketball basket, the time to replace the basketball basket can last between approximately twenty minutes and approximately one hour

or more. During this interruption, players can cool down, spectators can lose interest, and the total time of the match can be extended for an excessive period of time.

Various basketball baskets have been conceived for faster replacement. Many involve only the ring set, and many of these only involve outer ring assemblies. Here, the hoop assemblies generally include a hoop and a mounting plate. Then, the mounting plate would be fixed by means of a fixing or a rod to a receiving plate that is fixed to the board. Normally, the outer ring assemblies are cheaper and of lower quality than the inner ring assemblies. Indoor hoop assemblies, including gyms and stadiums, are normally of "commercial quality" due to the construction and materials used to justify the frequency of use and mobility of basketball baskets. Due to this higher quality, the inner basketball baskets are more typically replaced with a new complete basketball basket system, instead of replacing the piece in situ.

Consequently, there is still a need for a basketball basket that can be quickly replaced. In particular, there is still a need to replace the board and the hoop assembly in situ during a downtime (a few minutes) or during a break (approximately twenty minutes). In addition, there is still a need to replace the board and the hoop assembly on site without having to replace the entire basketball basket. There is also the need for a car that facilitates both storage and replacement of a board and hoop assembly.

Document US 3 540 753 A discloses a cart that includes a horizontal base assembly and on wheels, a structure assembly fixed to the base assembly and extending upwardly therefrom, a generally vertical receiving chassis that It has a support tip positioned adjacent its lower end portion, and a connecting member having front and rear end portions. The front end portion of the connecting member is pivotally fixed to the chassis adjacent to the lower end portion, the general plane of said chassis extending laterally with respect to the normal rolling movement of the base assembly and the rear end portion is fixed of pivoting shape to the base assembly. The carriage also includes a lifting means that extends between the whole of the structure, and fixed thereto, and the front end portion of the connecting member so that the chassis can be raised and lowered. The chassis moves with the whole structure to a forward loading and unloading position in which the flange is generally parallel and closely adjacent to the ground.

Short summary

The present invention is defined by the storage cart comprising the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments of this storage cart are represented in the dependent claims.

The prior art deficiencies are addressed, in general, with a basketball basket that may include one or more couplings that allow for quick replacement and change with another board set. The coupling (s) may also allow, during normal use and impact, that the ring be maintained in its conventional position and have an effective stiffness. In particular, the basketball basket may include a quick change board fixing support system. The quick change board fixing support system may include a board, a first fork member, a hoop assembly, a second fork member, an anchoring means for attaching the board to a basketball basket holder, or any combination. The board can have a peripheral frame with a fixing bracket. The first fork member may include a center plate coupled to the board and a left body and a right body attached to the center plate. The left and right bodies can extend backwards and each body can have a groove, a gap, or both. The ring assembly may be coupled to the center plate of the first fork member through the board. The second fork member may include an intermediate plate coupled to a basketball basket holder, a left arm and a right arm attached to the intermediate plate, a coupling rod, and a connecting pin. The left and right arms can extend forward and each arm can have a first opening and a second opening. The coupling rod may be sized to fit within each first opening, and placed therethrough. In addition, the coupling rod may be sized to engage the groove of the first fork member. The connecting pin may be sized to engage each hole of the first fork member and each second opening of the second fork member. An anchoring means may attach the board to the support of the basketball basket and may have coupled a hoop assembly to the center plate of the first fork member through the board.

The quick change board fixing support system described above can be used with a storage cart, which can support the board and hoop assembly when it is (disengaged) from / to the basketball basket support. Alternatively, the storage cart can be used with other basketball basket systems, in which the board and ring assembly is removed for storage and / or maintenance. The storage cart may include a frame that has a base, an upper part, and a plurality of vertical support members that interconnect the base and the upper part. The frame may also include a means for moving the frame, such as a plurality of wheels. The means for moving the frame allows the storage cart to move from a storage location to the basketball basket assembly, and return to the storage location. The frame can also be easily rotated to allow each side of the frame to be used to store the board and ring assembly. The base may have a depth greater than a depth of the upper part to form a taper. The taper is sized to allow the board to rest firmly against the frame. The storage cart can also include a carrier unit and a lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism, fixed to the frame and to the carrier unit, is configured to adjust the vertical position of a shelf.

The carrier unit, which is fixed to the frame, can include the shelf sized to support the board. The storage cart also includes a second shelf placed on the opposite side of the frame as the shelf. The second shelf can be adjusted vertically, and a hole pin coupling can be used to couple the second shelf to the frame. Alternatively, the storage carriage may be configured to include one or more carrier units on more than one side of the storage carriage, or one or more second shelf configurations on more than one side.

In one example, the carrier unit may include at least one pair of crossbars placed on the side sides of the frame, each cross member having a first end pivotally connected to the frame and a second end fixed to the shelf. The pair of crossbars can be an upper pair and a lower pair. In one aspect, the carrier unit may further include at least one side member that connects at least one pair of crossbars placed on opposite side sides of the frame. In another aspect, the carrier unit may include a pair of vertical members and an upper member. Each vertical member can be fixed to the second end of the crossbars of the upper and lower pairs to define a side edge of the carrier unit to allow each crossbar to pivot about the respective second end. The upper member, fixed to an upper portion of each vertical member, can extend laterally beyond the lateral sides of the frame. The upper member may include arms at the ends that may be configured to prevent lateral movements of the board when placed on the shelf. The shelf may be fixed to a lower portion of each vertical member of the carrier unit. The lifting mechanism is configured to force each crossbar to pivot around the first end to adjust the vertical position of the second end and the shelf. The lifting mechanism may include a lifting jack and a hand crank connected to the lifting jack, in which the hand crank of the lifting jack can be rotated.

In another example, the carrier unit may include at least one pair of collar members placed on side sides of the frame. Each collar member may have an outer portion connected to the lifting mechanism and coupled with the shelf. Each collar can also have an internal portion slidably coupled with the frame. The lifting mechanism can force each collar member to slide against the frame to adjust the vertical position of each collar member and the shelf. In one aspect, the lifting mechanism may include a threaded rod having an end fixed to the carrier unit and a free end, and a hand crank connected to the lifting mechanism that has a portion configured to rotate the threaded rod. The hand crank can be turned to adjust the vertical position of the threaded rod.

In order to foster an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe them. However, it should be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thus intended, such alterations and additional modifications being contemplated in the device illustrated, and such additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein as it would normally occur to a person skilled in the art with which the invention is related.

Brief description of the drawings

FIG. 1 is a side view of a basketball basket.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the basketball basket.

FIG. 3a is a rear perspective view of a board assembly that includes a hoop assembly and a first fork member and a second fork member.

FIG. 3b is a rear perspective view of a hoop assembly and a first fork member.

FIG. 3c is a detailed perspective rear view of a corner of the board showing a coupling between a fixing square and an anchoring member.

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the first decoupled fork member of a second fork member.

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the first fork member coupled to a second fork member of the example of FIG. Four.

FIG. 6a is a front perspective view of a first uncoupled fork member of a second fork member of an alternative example.

FIG. 6b is a front perspective view of a first uncoupled fork member of a second fork member of an alternative example.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a storage cart of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a frame of the storage cart of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9a is a perspective view of a carrier unit of the storage cart of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9b is a side view of the carrier unit of FIG. 9a showing the pivotable movement of the carrier unit.

FIG. 9c is a perspective view of another carrier unit coupled to the storage cart frame.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second shelf coupled to the storage cart frame.

FIG. 11a is a side view of the storage cart in the vicinity of the basketball basket assembly showing the use of the storage cart.

FIG. 11b is a side view of the storage cart in the vicinity of the basketball basket assembly showing the use of the storage cart.

Detailed description of the drawings and preferred embodiments at present

FIGURES 1 and 2 show a side view and a front view of a basketball basket system 8 that includes a quick-change board fixing support system 10 having a board assembly 14 coupled to a support support assembly 16 The basketball basket. The board assembly 14 may include a board 20, a ring assembly 40, and a first fork member 30, as shown in FIG. 3rd. The basketball basket support assembly 16 may include a second fork member 60, an anchoring means 12 coupled to the upper portion 9 of the board 20 to support the basketball basket support assembly 16, and a support 50 of the basketball basket. The basketball basket system 8 can be stationary or it can be a mobile system. An illustrative basketball basket system 8 is a portable GARED Pro 5017 basketball basket system shown in FIGURES 1 and 2. The portable basketball basket system GARED Pro 5017 includes a hydraulic portable rear bumper 2 for lowering and raising the system, an increasing trapezoidal arm 4 of extension to give stability to the board 20 and the hoop assembly 40, a competition board 20 of regulatory glass, the ring assembly 40 having a detachable basket, a base 5, and a plurality of wheels 6 for rolling and maneuvering the system. For example, a regulatory glass competition board 20 of a tempered glass is manufactured entirely with an aluminum frame surrounding the glass, the board 20 having a general dimension of approximately 1.2 mx 1.8 m and with a weight of approximately 100 kg

The quick change board fixing support system 10 can allow quick and easy disassembly and replacement of the board assembly 14. The various components of the quick change board fixing support system 10 are sized to have tolerances to ensure that the basketball basket system as assembled has the desired stability in the case of a mate or that a player hangs from the ring. In addition, it is desired that no special tools be required to replace the board assembly 14.

The board 20 of the board assembly 14 has a peripheral frame 22 as shown in FIG. 2. Preferably, the board 20 is rectangular; however, the board 20 can have any shape known to a person with a normal level of mastery of the technique. The board 20 may be made of glass or other transparent composite materials or materials, while the peripheral frame 22 may be made of any metal known in the art, such as steel, aluminum or the like. The board 20 can also have openings, not shown, that allow the fasteners 46 to pass through it.

The board 20 may further include at least one fixing angle 23 that can be coupled to an anchoring member 52. In FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the board 20 and the fixing angle 23. Here, the fixing angles 23 are fixing brackets 24; that is, four fixing squares, a fixing square 24a being found in the upper right portion of the board 20, a fixing square 24b being found in the lower right portion of the board 20, a fixing square 24c being found in the lower left portion of the board 20, a fixing square 24d being found in the upper left portion of the board 20. The fixing brackets 24 can be an assembly bracket that can have a groove or recess 19 to engage the anchor member 52.

The anchoring means 12 may have a single anchoring member 52. Other embodiments of the anchoring means 12 may have two or more anchoring members 52. The anchoring member 52 may have a support coupling 54 of the basketball basket in a connecting arm portion 17 of the support assembly of the basketball basket. The support basket 54 of the basketball basket can be used to couple the board 20 to the support 50 of the basketball basket. In addition, the anchoring means 12 may comprise at least one or more support members 55, preferably two support members 55, 56. An embodiment of the anchoring means 12 is two support members 55, 56, shown in FIG. two. Here, the two support members 55, 56 extend vertically and forward towards the board 20 to engage the two mounting brackets 24a, 24d of the upper portion 9 of the board 20 with a pin retaining device 75 and fork clip.

In FIG. 3c, the pin retaining device and fork clip 75 preferably includes a support plate 81 fixed to each fixing bracket 24. The support plate 81 has two members 82, 84 oriented vertically extending away from the board 20. The vertically oriented members 82, 84 are preferably separated by a distance substantially identical or slightly greater than the lateral distance of an adjacent member 86 from the support members 55, 56 of the anchoring member 12. The two vertically oriented members 82, 84 also have a recess 87a, 87b that are axially aligned with a similar recess 88 in the adjacent member 86. Through these holes 87a, 87b, 88, when the adjacent member 86 is positioned between the support members 55, 56, a pin 76 is inserted therethrough. After the pin 76 is inserted, the fork clip 77 is fixed to the pin 767 to fix that portion of the board 20.

With reference to FIGURES 3-5, the first fork member 30 may include a center plate 32. In FIG. 3a shows an embodiment of the first fork member 30 and in more detail in FIG. 3b Here, the central plate 32 may have openings 28. The openings 28 may be for receiving fasteners 46, which pass through the mounting plate 42, the board 20, and the central plate 32. The first fork member 30 may also include a left body 31 and a right body 33 fixed to the center plate 32. The left and right bodies 31, 33 may extend backward away from the board 20 in the vertical position, perpendicular to the board 20 .

Each body 31, 33 may have a groove 34a, 34b, at least one recess 36a, 36b, or both. Each slot 34a, 34b may have an address or may be multidirectional. Preferably, each slot 34a, 34b in FIG. 3b is bidirectional, with a portion 48 of the slot having a direction that is forward and diagonally upward and another portion 49 of the slot 34a, 34b having a direction that is up or vertical and parallel to the board 20. In another example, as shown in FIG. 6a, the open end slot 134 'is bidirectional, with a portion 148 of the slot having a direction that is backward and / or diagonal downward and another portion 149 of the slot 134' having a direction that is downward or vertical and parallel to the board Alternatively, each slot 34a, 34b may have only one direction that is ascending, only one direction that is forward or horizontal, or any other direction. In addition, each slot 34a, 34b can be created from the upper side, from the lower side, from the front side, or from the rear side of each body 31, 33. Preferably, each slot 34a, 34b is created in the upper portion 35 and from the rear side 37 of each body 31, 33 as shown in FIG. 3b Alternatively, in FIG. 6a each slot 134 'is created in the lower portion 135 and from the front side 137 of each body 131 a, 131 b, 133a, 133b. Each slot 34a, 34b may be sized to receive a coupling rod 64, as shown in FIG. 4. In addition, each slot 34a, 34b may be axially aligned or may be positioned on each body 31, 33 so that each slot 34a, 34b has specular symmetry. Similarly, each gap 36a, 36b may be sized to receive a connecting pin 70, shown in FIG. 5. Each hole 36a, 36b may be axially aligned, may be placed in each body 31, 33, so that each slot 34a, 34b has specular symmetry, or both.

With reference to FIG. 3b, the ring assembly 40 may include the mounting plate 42. The mounting plate 42 may have openings 44 to receive the fixation 46. For example, in FIG. 3b four openings 44 with four fixings 46 are shown. It is desired that the openings 44 of the mounting plate 42, the openings (not shown) of the board 20, and the openings 28 of the central plate 32 have a common longitudinal axis and are aligned. Fixings 46 can be used to pass through all these openings to secure the mounting plate 42 to the back surface of the board 20, the board 20, and the center plate 32 to the front surface of the board 20. Any fixing can be used suitable known in the art, such as screws, bolts, or rivets. Preferably, the number of fixings 46 should be the same as the number of openings 46. The ring 41 is mounted so that the ring is in the conventional horizontal position. A network 43, as shown in FIGURES 1 and 2, can be suspended from the ring 41 in the usual manner.

The quick-change dash fixing support system 10 may also include the second fork member 60, an embodiment being shown in FIG. 4. The second fork member 60 may include an intermediate plate 62. As shown in FIGURES 1 and 2, the intermediate plate 62 of the second fork member 60 may be coupled to the support 50 of the basketball basket, and may extend from it. The second fork member 60 and the support 50 of the basketball basket may be a unit. Alternatively, the second fork member 60 may be a single unit that can be attached to any support of the basketball basket.

The second fork member 60 may also include a left arm 61 and a right arm 63, which may be fixed to the intermediate plate 62. The left and right arms 61, 63 may extend forward towards the board 20 in the vertical position, perpendicular to the board 20. Each arm 61, 63 may have a first opening 66a, 66b and a second opening 68. Each first opening 66a, 66b may be sized to receive the coupling rod 64, as shown in FIG. 4. The coupling rod 64 may be sized to fit within each first opening 66a, 66b, and to be placed through each of them, of the second fork member 60 and to be coupled to each slot 34a, 34b of the first member 30 fork. A means for attaching the coupling rod 64 to each first opening 66a, 66b may comprise welding. In addition, other fixing means may include snapping the coupling rod 64 into each first opening 66a, 66b, which mechanically expands the coupling rod 64 with each first opening 66a, 66b, or any other means known in the art by A person with a normal level of mastery of the technique.

In addition, each second opening 68 may be sized to receive the connecting pin 70, as shown in FIG. 5. Although each second opening 68 may have a circular edge; preferably, each second opening 68 has an elliptical edge 80 that has a first distance 85 in cross-section in the horizontal direction greater than a second distance 83 in cross-section in the vertical direction, as shown in FIG. Four. Alternatively, the elliptical edge 80 may have the first distance 85 in cross section which is smaller than the second distance 83 in cross section. If each second opening 83 has a circular edge, the second opening should be slightly larger than the dimension of the gap 36a, 36b of the first fork member 30. The second opening of slightly larger dimensions or the second opening with elliptical edges would allow a small margin of error in manufacturing and assembly when the first fork member 30 is coupled to the second fork member 60. In addition, making one direction of each slot 34a, 34b perpendicular to the predominant direction 83 or 85 of the elliptical edge 80 of each second opening 68 may allow for easier assembly.

The connecting pin 70 is sized to engage each gap 36a, 36b of the first fork member 30. The means 71 for attaching the connecting pin 70 to each recess 36a, 36b and each second opening 68, and from each of them, can include a retaining pin 72, as shown in FIG. 5. Another means 71 for coupling the connecting pin 70 may be a bolt / nut fixation, a bolt and retaining pin fixation, or any other means known to a person with a normal level of mastery of the art. It is desirable that any means used to couple the connecting pin 70 can also be quickly decoupled. An example is the retention pin 72, which can be inserted through a recess 73 of the connecting pin 70, around the circumference of the connecting pin 70, or both.

The first fork member 30 and the second fork member 60 may be constructed of a metal channel, for example, a steel channel or an iron channel. Alternatively, the first fork member 30 and the second fork member 60 may be constructed of multiple metal parts welded or fixed together by any means known to those skilled in the art.

With reference to FIGURES 4 and 5, the arms 61, 63 of the second fork member 60 can be separated an outermost side distance 69 that is less than a more inner lateral distance 38 from the bodies 31, 33 of the first member 30 of fork. The coupling rod 64 may have projecting ends 65 to engage each groove 34a, 34b of the first fork member 30. The coupling rod 64 may also have a lateral dimension greater than an outermost lateral distance 39 of the bodies 31, 33 of the first fork member 30. In another embodiment, the bodies 31, 33 of the first fork member 30 may be separated by an outermost lateral distance 39 that is less than an innermost lateral distance 67 from the arms 61, 63 of the second fork member 60.

In another embodiment shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b, the quick-change dash fixing support system 110 may include a first fork member 130 and a second alternative fork member 160. The board quick-change fixing support system 110 may include all the limitations described above. For example, each fork member 130, 160 may include a center plate 132a, 132b. Each fork member 130, 160 may also include a left body 131 a, 131 b and a right body 133a, 133b fixed to the center plate 132a, 132b. The left bodies 131 a, 131 b, and the right bodies 133a, 133b may extend away from the center plate 132a, 132b. In addition, the left bodies 131 a, 131 b and the right bodies 133a, 133b may have a first hole 134a, 134b, a second hole 136a, 136b, or both. Here, the second recesses 136a or 136b in the bodies 131 a, 131 b, 133a, 133b of one of the first fork member 130 and the second fork member 160 may be a closed end groove 180. Optionally, the second recesses 136a or 136b in the bodies 131 a, 131 b, 133a, 133b of another of the first fork member 130 and of the second fork member 160 may be the open end slot 134 '.

The center plate 132a of the first fork member 130 may be coupled through the board to a ring assembly, similar to that shown in FIG. 3rd. With reference again to FIGURES 6a and 6b, the left body 131 a and the right body 133a of the first fork member 130 may be mounted in the vertical configuration and may extend away from the board. The center plate 132b of the second fork member 160 may be coupled to a support of the basketball basket. Each body 131b, 133b of the second fork member 160 may be mounted in the vertical configuration and may extend toward the board.

A coupling rod 164 may have been sized to fit within each first recess 134a or 134b, and be placed therethrough, one of the first fork member 130 and the second fork member 160. In addition, the coupling rod 164 may be sized to engage either with each second recess 136a or 136b of another of the first fork member 130 or of the second fork member 160, whichever is in front of the fork member having the first holes coupled to the coupling rod 164.

A connecting pin 170 may be sized to fit within each first recess 134a or 134b, and engage therewith, another one of the first fork member 130 and the second fork member 160, whatever the fork member that is in front of the one with the first holes coupled to the coupling rod 164. The connecting pin 170 may also be sized to fit within each second recess 136a or 136b, and engage therewith, of one of the first fork member 130 and the second fork member 160, whatever the fork member that is face the one with the second holes to be coupled with the coupling rod 164. This second gap 136a or 136b may have an elliptical edge.

To illustrate, the coupling rod 164 may be sized to fit within each recess 134a, and be placed therethrough the bodies 131a, 133a of the first fork member 130, as shown in FIG. 6a. In addition, the coupling rod 164 may be sized to engage each second recess 136b or open end slots 134 'of the bodies 131 b, 133b of the second fork member 160. Also, the connecting pin 170 may be sized to fit within each second recess 136a or closed end grooves 180, and engage therewith, of the bodies 131a, 133a of the first fork member 130 and each first recess 134b of the bodies 131 b, 133b of the second fork member 160.

In another embodiment, with reference to FIG. 6b, the coupling rod 164 may be sized to fit within each first recess 134b, and be placed therethrough the bodies 131b, 133b of the second fork member 160. In addition, the coupling rod 164 may be sized to engage each second recess 136a or open end slots 134 'of the bodies 131 a, 133a of the first fork member 130. Likewise, the connecting pin 170 may be sized to fit within each second recess 136b or closed end slot 180, or engage therewith, of the bodies 131 b, 133b of the second fork member 160 and each first recess 134a of the bodies 131a, 133a of the first fork member 130.

Another embodiment provides a method for replacing a board assembly 14 using the quick change board fixing system 10 or 110. The replacement procedure is best illustrated by the difference in the positions of the fork members between FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. The method may comprise the steps of providing a first board set 14, as described above, a second board set, not shown but substantially similar to the first board set 14, and a basketball basket support assembly 16 , as described above. The connecting pin 70 of each hole 36a, 36b of the first board assembly 14 and of each second opening 68 of the basketball basket support assembly 16 can be decoupled. If the connecting pin 70 includes a retention pin 72, the retention pin 72 is removed before the connecting pin 70 of each recess 36a, 36b and each second opening 68 is removed. The anchoring member 52 of the basketball basket support assembly 16 of each fixing angle 23 of the first board assembly 14 can be decoupled. It is also possible to decouple each slot 34a, 34b of the first board assembly 14 of the coupling rod 64 of the basketball basket support assembly 16.

Then, the first board assembly 14 can be removed and can be removed and replaced with the second board assembly. Each slot 34a, 34b of the second board assembly may be coupled to the coupling rod 64 of the basketball basket support assembly 16. The connecting pin 70 may be coupled to each hole 36a, 36b of the second board assembly and each second opening 68 of the basketball basket support assembly 16. The anchoring member 52 of the basketball basket support assembly 16 may be coupled to each fixing angle 23 of the second board. Preferably, these steps in combination with the quick change board fixing support system can be completed quickly. For example, the stages may be capable of being completed during a downtime or a rest.

FIG. 7 illustrates a storage cart 200 to support the first board assembly 14 and is used to facilitate the replacement of the first board assembly 14. With reference to FIG. 8, the storage carriage 200 may include a frame 210 having a base 212 and an upper part 214. The base 212 and the upper part 214 shown in the Figures include one or more first side members fixed to one or more first crossbars. For example, the upper part 214 in FIG. 8 includes first left and right crossbars 216A, 216B and a first lateral member 218 fixed approximately in the center of the first left and right crossbars 216A, 216B. In addition, in FIG. 8, the base 212 includes first left and right crossbars 220A, 220B and two first side members 222A, 222B fixed to the first left and right crossbars 220A, 220B.

The base 212 and the upper part 214 may be interconnected by one or more vertical members. For example, the base 212 and the upper part 214 are interconnected by four first vertical members 224A-D. A pair of the first vertical members 224A, 224B defines a lateral side 228A of the frame 210, while another pair of the first vertical members 224C, 224D defines another lateral side 228B of the frame 210. The ends of the first vertical members 224A-D are fixed to the respective ends of the first crossbars 216A, 216B, 220A, 220B of the upper part 214 and of the base to form the lateral sides 228A, 228B. A pair of the first vertical members 224A, 224C define a front side 232 of the frame 210, while another pair of the first vertical members 224B, 224D define a rear side 234 of the frame 210. The base 212 may have a depth that is greater than a depth of the upper part 214 to form a tapered taper to allow the board assembly 14 to rest firmly against the frame 210. The taper can be on at least one of the front side 232, from the rear side 234, and from the side sides 228A, 228B with an angle A of about 3 degrees to about 20 degrees, and preferably 5 degrees, from the vertical. As a result, the front side 232, the rear side 234, or both may be inclined toward the center of the frame 210.

Attached to the base 212 of the frame 210 there may be a means for moving the storage carriage 200 close to the support assembly 16 of the basketball basket. The means for moving can comprise a plurality of wheels 236. For example, a wheel 236 may have been fixed in the four discrete corners of the base 212 of the frame 210, as shown in FIG. 7. The first vertical members 224A-D may include a plurality of holes 238 incrementally separated. The separation of the holes 238 of a first vertical member 224B may correspond to the separation of the holes 238 of another first vertical member 224D so that a fixation is adjusted equally and level. Preferably, the holes of each of the first vertical members 224A-D are equally spaced and aligned. Preferably, the frame 210 is constructed of metal square tubes. However, the frame 210 may be constructed of other materials and in other forms such as a channel, a rectangle, an angle, a round body, a solid or hollow (tube) suitable for supporting the weight of one or more board assemblies. . The selected material can be painted and labeled. Each member of the frame 210 may be fixed by welding or the like and / or fasteners such as rivets or nuts / bolts. The storage cart 200 may be sized to fit in a standard door height of approximately 2.03 m and in a width of approximately 0.91 m or more. The size of the storage cart 200 may be modified for larger entries, for example, for a total standard double door width of approximately 1.5 m or more. The storage cart 200 can support one or more board assemblies weighing up to 100 kg. Therefore, to support two sets of board the storage cart 200 can support approximately 200 kg.

In FIG. 7, a carrier unit 250 can be provided to support the board assembly 14 and generally move in an upright position, relative to the stationary basketball basket assembly 16, to facilitate disassembly or replacement of the board assembly 14. The carrier unit 250 may include a shelf 252 that is configured to support the board assembly 14. A first portion 254 of the carrier unit 250 may be fixed to the frame 210, while a second portion 256 may be fixed to a lifting mechanism 257.

In FIG. 9a an embodiment of the carrier unit 250 is illustrated, showing the carrier unit 250A having an upper pair of second crossbars 260A, 260D and a lower pair of second crossbars 260B, 260C that may be placed adjacent to the side sides 228A, 228B of the frame 210. Each second cross member 260A-D includes a first end 262 pivotally connected to the inner sides of the first respective vertical members of the frame 210. Each second cross member 260A-D also has a second end 264 that can be fixed to the shelf 252. Optionally, the second end 264 of each second cross member 260A-D can be fixed to a pair of second vertical members 266A, 266B to define a front side 268 of the carrier unit 250A. The second end 264 interposed between the inner side of the first vertical member 224A and the outer side of the second vertical member 266A is shown, as shown in FIG. 7.

With reference to FIG. 9b, each second cross member 260A-D can pivot around the second respective end 262, as represented by the arrows, so that the carrier unit 250A oscillates with a large radius of curvature. The shelf 252 can be fixed to a lower portion 271 of the second vertical members 266A. Each second cross member can be raised and lowered between an upper and a lower end, as shown by the dashed lines in FIG. 9b In a non-limiting example, the total distance X of the vertical adjustment of the shelf 252 between the upper and lower ends is approximately 35.6 centimeters, as shown in FIG. 9b, although the distance X can vary appropriately up to a distance determined by a person with a normal level of mastery of the technique. Although there may be a space between the vertical members and the face of the storage cart, which allows the second crossbars to extend beyond the face of the storage cart as shown in FIG. 9b, preferably, the space does not exist and the vertical members align with the face of the storage cart as shown in FIG. 7. A physical stop 272 may have been attached to the inner side of the first vertical members 224A, 224C, as shown in FIG.

7. The physical stop 272 functions as a support for the shelf 252 and / or the carrier unit 250A when loaded with the board assembly 14.

An upper member 270 may be fixed to an upper portion 273 of each second vertical member 266A, 266B. The upper member 270 may extend laterally beyond the lateral sides 228A, 228B of the frame 210, and may include arms 274 at the end of the upper member 270 configured to prevent lateral movement of the board assembly 14. The arms 274 may be configured in an L-shape (FIG. 9a), extending a section outwards to avoid lateral movement and creating another section a separation between the board assembly 14 and the frame 210 to avoid scratching and / or breaking the board. Another configuration of the arms 274 may include a C-shape, with a section to prevent lateral movement, a section to prevent outward movement, and another section creating a separation between the board assembly 14 and the frame 210 to avoid scratching and / or breaking the board. A pad or soft material can be attached to the arms 274 to cushion the board assembly 14. The arms 274 can be permanently fixed to the upper member 270, can be removably fixed with an adjustment screw, or can be turned or pivoted to reorient the sections of the arms 274. Clamps, ropes, tape can also be used , cable, adjustable immobilization straps, or the like for additional security and stability of the board assembly 14 with respect to the frame 210.

The carrier unit 250a may also include one or more second side members connecting the second crossbars placed on opposite side sides of the frame. FIG. 7 illustrates the ends of two second lateral members 276A, 276B that are fixed to the inward-facing side of the second crossbars 260B, 260C. At least one of the second lateral members 276A, 276B can be fixed to a portion of the lifting mechanism 257.

According to FIG. 7, the lifting mechanism 257 can be used to force each second cross member 260A-D to pivot about the first end 262, thereby adjusting the vertical position of the second end 264 and / or the shelf 252. The mechanism 257 The lift can be configured to adjust the vertical position of the shelf 252 to couple or disengage the shelf 252 of the board assembly 14. In one embodiment, the lifting mechanism 257 may include a lifting jack 282. A hand crank 284 can be connected to the lift jack 282, and the hand crank 284 can be turned to adjust the vertical position of a removable member of the lift jack

282 Optionally, the jack 282 can be connected to electrical and / or hydraulic components that allow the jack to be operated with a controller. Alternatively, the shelf 252 can be used on at least one of the front side 232, the rear side 234, and the side sides 228A, 228B. It will be appreciated that a person with a normal level of mastery of the technique could include the carrier unit 250A with the lifting mechanism 257 on at least one of the front side 232, the rear side 234, and the side sides 228A, 228B.

In another embodiment of the carrier unit 250, shown in FIG. 9c, the carrier unit 250B includes at least one pair of collar members 290 placed on the first exemplary vertical members 224A of the frame 210. In addition, other embodiments may have the carrier unit 250B placed on the first vertical members 224B, 224D. The collar members 290 have an inner portion 292 slidably coupled with the first vertical member 224A of the frame 210. For example, when the frame 210 is constructed of square tubes, the collar member 290 may also be constructed of square tubes that have an internal cross-sectional area slightly larger than the external cross-sectional area of ​​the first vertical member 224A, so that collar member 290 fits around first vertical member 224A. One side 294 of collar member 290 includes shelf 252 'or a support member for shelf 252'. One side 269A, or two sides 296A, 296B arranged opposite, may include a hole 298 extending through the wall of the collar member 290. Through this or these holes 298, a pin (not shown) having a cross-sectional area slightly smaller than the hole (s) 298 is inserted therethrough so that the pin slides through the or of the holes 298 and into the aligned hole (s) 238 of the first vertical member 224A of the frame 210. The pin can lock the collar member 290 in place to prevent the collar member 290 from sliding. The collar member 290 may also have an outer portion 299 extending outwardly to be fixed to a portion of the lifting mechanism 257 '.

According to FIG. 9c, the lifting mechanism 257 'forces each collar member 290 to slide against the first vertical member 224A of the frame 210, adjusting the vertical position of each collar member 290 and / or the shelf 252'. The lifting mechanism 257 'may include a sliding base 298, which may be constructed similarly to the collar member 290. For example, one side 300A, or two opposite sides, of the sliding base 298 may include a hole 302 that extends through the wall of the sliding base 298. Through this or these holes 302, a pin 304 having a cross-sectional area slightly smaller than that of the hole (s) 302 is inserted therethrough so that the pin 304 slides through the or of the holes 302 and within the aligned hole (s) 238 of the first vertical member 224A of the frame 210. The pin 304 can lock the sliding base 298 in place to prevent the sliding base 298 from sliding.

The lifting mechanism 257 'may include a threaded rod 306 having an end 308 fixed to a portion 299 of the collar member 290 and a free end 310. The threaded rod 306 extends through a transmission 312 of rod and crank, in which a manual crank 314 is fixed. The hand crank 314 has a portion configured to rotate the threaded rod 306, which allows the hand crank 314 to be rotated to adjust the vertical position of the threaded rod 306. By rotating the hand crank 314, the vertical position of the rod can be adjusted threaded 306, thereby adjusting the vertical position of collar member 290. It will be appreciated that a person with a normal level of mastery of the technique could include the carrier unit 250B with the lifting mechanism 257 'on at least one of the front side 232, the back side 234, and the side sides 228A, 228B.

In FIGS. 7 and 10, the carriage 200 also includes a second shelf 320 placed on the opposite side of the frame 210. For example, an embodiment of the shelf 252 or 252 'may be placed along the front side of the frame while Another embodiment of the shelf 320 may be placed along the rear side of the frame. The second shelf 320 can be used to store an additional board assembly. The second shelf 320 can be adjusted vertically, similar to what has already been described, with the shelf 252. Optionally, the second shelf 320 can be adjusted vertically by means of a hole pin coupling 322. The second shelf 320 may include a base member 324 that is coupled to the first vertical member 224B. The base member 324 may have a tube sized to fit around the first vertical member 224B. Optionally, the base member 324 may be a channel surrounding the first vertical member 224B, as shown in FIG. 10. An opposite side 326A, or two sides 326A, 326B, of the base member 324 of the second shelf 320 may include a hole 328 extending through the wall of the base member 324. Through this or these holes 328, a pin 330 having a cross-sectional area slightly smaller than that of the hole (s) 328 is inserted therethrough so that the pin 330 slides through the or of the holes 328 within the aligned hole (s) 238 of the first vertical member 224B of the frame 210. The pin 330 can lock the base member 324 of the second shelf 320 in place to prevent it from sliding. It will be appreciated that a person with a normal level of mastery of the technique could include the second shelf 320 on at least one of the front side 232, the rear side 234, and the side sides 228A, 228B. Other embodiments may include at least one of the carrier unit 250A, the carrier unit 250B, and the second shelf 320 on at least one of the front side 232, the rear side 234, and the side sides 228A, 228B.

A method of using the storage car 200 and operating the storage car 200 during replacement of the board assembly 14 is also provided. With reference to all the Figures, the board assembly 14 coupled to the support assembly 16 of the basketball basket of the basketball basket system 8 is similarly lowered to a position shown in FIG. 1. Normally, this can be done by removing a locking pin connected to the hydraulic portable rear stopper 2 and by pulling back a support member 3, thereby rotating the support member 3 around a pivot point. Once the trapezoidal extension arm 4 is lowered, a safety mechanism, such as a pin, is used to block the position of the support assembly 16 of the basketball basket. Other procedures and systems can be used to lower the board assembly 14.

According to one embodiment, the storage cart 200 can be moved towards the basketball basket support assembly 16 and can be placed in a position adjacent to the basketball basket support assembly 16, as shown in FIG. 11a. Then, the shelf 320 can be moved to couple the board assembly 14, with the new position represented by the shelf in broken lines in FIG. 11a. The first board assembly 14 can be removed in a manner similar to that described with respect to the quick change board fixing support system 10, as described above. For example, the pin 76 of each fixing bracket of the board assembly 14 can be removed, allowing the anchoring means 12 to be removed from the board assembly 14. The anchoring means 12, represented by arrow 330, of the board assembly 14, as shown in FIG. 11b The connecting pin 70 can also be removed from each hole and from each second opening of the first and second fork members, respectively. Then, the board assembly 14 can be raised to force the grooves of the first fork member to separate from the coupling rod of the second fork member, or vice versa. Once the grooves of the coupling rod are disengaged, the board assembly 14 can be rotated around the contact point between the base of the board assembly 14 and the shelf 320 towards the storage carriage 200. Due to the tapered configuration of the storage carriage 200, the board assembly 14 is allowed to rest firmly against the frame 210, with the ring assembly disposed within the storage carriage. Normally, a board assembly with a shattered board can be lifted by one or more people and can be placed on the shelf 320. Then, the board assembly 14 can be examined and / or repaired while it is on the carriage 200 of storage. Alternatively, the board assembly 14 can be moved to a place where maintenance can be performed. During storage, shelf 252 may be positioned to accommodate two ring assemblies that are disposed into the storage cart.

In FIGURES 11a-11b, a new 14 'replacement board assembly is stored and / or placed on the shelf

252 The original board assembly 14 may remain on the second shelf 320 or be completely removed therefrom. FIG. 11b illustrates the board assembly 14 in a position in which the ring assembly extends outwardly away from the storage cart. This type of position may require additional fixed members such as clamps, ropes, tape, cable, adjustable immobilization straps, or the like. It may be desirable to place the ring assembly into the storage cart to move the center of gravity inward and to allow better maneuverability while moving, especially through doors. The storage carriage 200 is then rotated in any direction, represented by arrow 336, so that the new replacement board assembly 14 'is placed in a position to be coupled to the support basket 16 of the basketball basket. The shelf 252 can be raised by means of the lifting mechanism 257 to adjust the vertical position of the shelf 252, represented by arrow 332, so that the board assembly 14 'is positioned adjacent to a portion of the support system 10 of quick change board fixing.

The steps described above with respect to the disassembly of the board assembly 14, as described herein, can be reversed so that the new replacement board assembly 14 'is coupled to the support assembly 16 of the basketball basket. For example, the board assembly 14 'can be lowered to force the grooves of the first fork member to engage with the stem of the second fork member. Once the replacement board assembly is attached to the basketball basket, then the storage cart can be removed from the location and can be returned to the warehouse. Then, the basketball basket system can be returned to its operable position. Consequently, instead of replacing a basketball basket system with a new basketball basket system, the basketball basket of the present basketball basket system is quickly replaced. Various combinations described herein, and methods of use thereof, are within the scope of the present invention as a person with a normal level of mastery of the art will appreciate. For example, various embodiments of the storage cart may include one or several combinations of the carrier unit 250B with the lifting mechanism 257 'on either side and the carrier unit 250A with the lifting mechanism 257 on either side.

Therefore, it is intended that the above detailed description be considered illustrative rather than limiting, and that it should be understood that the claims, including all their equivalents, are intended to define the scope of the present invention.