Lifetime Products, Inc.

Charles Monsen

Gary Bruce Phillips

Wendell B Peery

Frank M Clegg

Kevin Boydston

Samuel S Robbins

Dennis Jay Norman

Scott Jones

Carl R Stanford

David C Winter

Brandon Smith

In one example, a method includes positioning a tool in a mold, forming a parison of melted plastic, closing the mold around the parison and tool such that part of the tool is positioned between a portion of the mold and the parison, creating a blow molded structure by inflating the parison so that the melted plastic comes into contact with an interior portion of the mold and into contact with the tool, and after the mold is closed, operating the tool to form an integral compression molded element within the mold, and a parting line formed by the mold in the blow molded structure forms no part of the integral compression molded element.

Blow molded part including compression molded element

In one example, a structure is provided that includes a plastic body having a unitary, single-piece construction. The plastic body further includes a substantially hollow interior, and a parting line that extends around a portion of the perimeter of the structure. The structure also includes a solid compression molded element that is integral with the plastic body. The solid compression molded element is configured and arranged such that the parting line is not connected to the solid compression molded element.

A blow-molded plastic structure, such as a tabletop, may include an undercut. For example, the tabletop may include a frame receiving portion and a frame connecting structure with an undercut may be disposed in the frame receiving portion. A portion of the frame may contact or engage the frame connecting structure, such as the undercut, when the frame is connected to the tabletop. In an exemplary embodiment, a first side of the frame receiving portion may include a first frame connecting portion with an undercut and a second side of the frame receiving portion may include a second frame connecting portion with an undercut. The first frame connecting portion with an undercut may be disposed on an opposing surface from the second frame connecting portion with an undercut.

Connection of a support to a molded plastic structure

A blow-molded plastic structure, such as a table top, may include an undercut. For example, the table top may include a frame receiving portion and a frame connecting structure with an undercut may be disposed in the frame receiving portion. A first portion of the frame may contact or engage the frame connecting structure when the frame is connected to the table top. In an exemplary embodiment, a first side of the frame receiving portion may include a first frame connecting portion with an undercut and a second side of the frame receiving portion may include a second frame connecting portion with an undercut. The first frame connecting portion with an undercut may be disposed on an opposing surface from the second frame connecting portion with an undercut.

A deformable basketball goal support structure configured to selectively engage a rigid upright member and allow for adjustment of the height of a basketball goal above a playing surface. The basketball goal support structure has a backboard and an attachment member configured to selectively connect the goal support structure to the upright member. At least one support arm pivotally attaches between the attachment member and the backboard. Preferably, a pair of first support arms and a pair of second support arms pivotally attach between the attachment member and the backboard. The backboard includes a support frame having an internal periphery sufficient for receiving at least a portion of the attachment member and the support arms. The attachment member and the support arms, in combination, form a deformable parallelogrammic structure positionable between an extended position for game play and a collapsed position wherein at least a portion of the attachment member and the support arms are positioned within the internal periphery of the backboard and lie substantially flat against the backboard. The attachment member and the support arms may be generally disposed in the same plane as the backboard thereby forming a compact system when packaging or storing the basketball goal support structure.

Collapsible backboard support assembly for a basketball goal system

A mounting assembly for permanently mounting a basketball goal assembly is provided. The mounting assembly may include a base plate with holes configured to fit over retaining members, which may take the form of J-bolts. The mounting assembly preferably has a shorter span of base plate material located between holes on the front side of the base plate, so that bending of the base plate is reduced and vibration of the backboard is not sufficient to disturb game play. The span may be shortened by providing an intermediate support member underneath the base plate, positioned between the front holes, by making the front holes closer together, by affixing the pole toward the front end of the base plate, or any combination thereof. Preferably, the front holes are elongated to form slots so that the front end of the base plate can rest on the ground while the basketball goal assembly is pivoted into position over the retaining members.

Flexure resistant base plate for a basketball goal assembly

A novel constant force adjustment assembly for a basketball goal assembly is disclosed. The basketball goal assembly includes a deformable goal support structure attached at a first end to a support pole. A basketball goal is preferably attached at a second end of the goal support structure. An extension arm is operably connected between the goal support structure and a handle member operable by a user to adjust the height of the basketball goal. The constant force adjustment assembly includes one or more resilient members attached to the deformable goal support structure to counterbalance the weight of the basketball goal. The resilient members maybe attached to a cam fixture rigidly mounted, pivotally attached, or otherwise connected to the deformable goal support structure. The cam fixture varies the moment arm of the restorative force of each resilient member so that as the restorative force of the resilient member increases, the length of the moment arm of that force decreases. In one presently preferred embodiment, two resilient members are provided: a gas spring, and a spring member containing a coil spring. In one alternative embodiment of the invention, the cam fixture is pivotally attached to the deformable goal support structure, and operates as part of a linkage to control the orientation of the cam fixture.

Growing community of inventors

Clearfield, UT, United States of America

Charles Monsen