Basketball goal return net and mounting system

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention includes a basketball goal return net and a mounting system for mounting the basketball return net to a basketball goal assembly. The mounting system may be used with various styles and sizes of basketball goal assemblies. The mounting system secures a net to a basketball goal assembly. The system suspends the net and may also inhibit side-to-side or lateral movement. In certain embodiments, an elongate member passes through a sleeve of the return net, the sleeve being formed at the top of the return net. The mounting system includes one or more straps extending from the net and attachable to a hoop mount. The straps can be attached adjacent ends of the elongate member to the outer surface of the sleeve or directly to the elongate member. The straps are preferably attached at a middle portion or opposing end to the hoop mount. The net serves to capture and/or return a basketball to a thrower.

1 . A mounting system for mounting a basketball return net to a basketball goal assembly, comprising: an elongate member with opposing end portions; a net have opposing side edges wherein said net is suspendable from said elongate member; and, a pair of mounting straps, each strap having an outward end engagable adjacent an end of the elongate member, and each strap having an inward end securable to a hoop mount of a backboard assembly of a basketball goal.  
   
   
       2 . The mounting system of  claim 1 , wherein said outward ends of said mounting straps are engagable to said opposing end portions of said elongate member.  
   
   
       3 . The mounting system of  claim 1 , wherein said outward ends of said mounting straps are engagable to said net substantially adjacent said opposing edge portions.  
   
   
       4 . The mounting system of  claim 1 , wherein said inward ends are releaseably securable to the hoop mount.  
   
   
       5 . The mounting system of  claim 4 , wherein said inward ends are securable to the hoop mount with hook and loop fasteners.  
   
   
       6 . A basketball goal assembly, comprising: 
 a. a backboard defining a front face;    b. a basketball hoop bracket mounted to said front face;    c. an elongate member having opposing end portions;    d. a net suspended from said elongate member;    e. at least one strap extending from at least one of said opposing end portions to over said basketball hoop bracket; and,    f. means for securing said at least one strap to said basketball hoop bracket.    
   
   
       7 . The assembly of  claim 6 , comprising a pair of straps, wherein each said strap has an outward end secured substantially adjacent one of said elongate member end portions.  
   
   
       8 . The assembly of  claim 6 , wherein said outward ends are secured to said net.  
   
   
       9 . The assembly of  claim 6 , wherein each said strap has an inward end secured to said basketball hoop bracket.  
   
   
       10 . The assembly of  claim 6 , wherein said means for securing comprises hook and loop fasteners.  
   
   
       11 . The assembly of  claim 10 , wherein said means for securing inhibits said strap from moving laterally with respect to said basketball hoop.  
   
   
       12 . The assembly of  claim 6 , wherein said means for securing includes a selectively releaseable portion located at least at one location along the length of said at least one strap.  
   
   
       13 . A basketball goal assembly, comprising: 
 a. a backboard defining a front face;    b. a basketball hoop mounted to said front face;    c. an elongate member having opposing end portions;    d. a net suspended from said elongate member;    e. at least one strap extending from adjacent to at least one of said opposing end portions to over said basketball hoop; and,    f. wherein said at least one strap is releaseably secured to said basketball hoop.    
   
   
       14 . The assembly of  claim 13 , wherein said at least one strap is releaseably secured to said basketball hoop with hook and loop fasteners.  
   
   
       15 . The assembly of  claim 14 , wherein said hook and loop fasteners include one portion mounted to said basketball hoop and a mating portion mounted to one face of said at least one strap.  
   
   
       16 . The assembly of  claim 14 , comprising a second strap extending from adjacent to the second opposing end portion of said elongate member and selectively mounted to said basketball hoop.  
   
   
       17 . The assembly of  claim 16 , wherein said second strap is selectively mounted to said basketball hoop with hook and loop fasteners.  
   
   
       18 . The assembly of  claim 17 , wherein said hook and loop fasteners include one portion mounted to said basketball hoop and a mating portion mounted to one face of said second strap.  
   
   
       19 . The assembly of  claim 17 , wherein said hook and loop fasteners include one portion mounted to said at least one strap and a mating portion mounted to said second strap.