Basketball hoop rim cover

• US 20040152543A1
• Filed: 01/30/2003
• Published: 08/05/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 01/30/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Thomas R. Kershaw
• Original Assignee: Thomas R. Kershaw
• Inventors: Kershaw, Thomas R.
• Granted Patent: US 6,935,966 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 473/485
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2210/50 Size reducing arrangements for stowing or transport
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 63/083 for basketball
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/0071 for basketball

Abstract

A basketball hoop cover that is somewhat tubular and circular in shape with a slit along its length to allow a fitting over an existing basketball rim to provide a player protection and increased hoop visibility. The device also provides a way of reducing the ball entry area and includes particular targeting features that may assist in improving the skill level and enjoyment for the basketball shooter. The single piece tubular cover is contoured similar to an existing rim diameter and installs, without any tools or additional fasteners to a variety of existing rims and permits an easy way of custom fitting and trimming to satisfy unforeseen or unusual applications.

Claims

1. A basketball hoop rim cover having the shape of a circular and tubular hose-like sheath and having a continuous slit at its underside to be slipped over an existing hoop rim, said cover having markings provided at locations at an outer circumference, and further having inwardly protruding nubs extending inwardly to reduce overall interior diameter comprising the ball entry area, and said cover further having an interruption in its circumference to accommodate a bracket that mounts said basketball rim to a backboard.

2. The basketball hoop rim cover of claim 1 including highly visible colors for said cover.

3. The basketball hoop rim cover of claim 1, wherein said nubs have the shape of ribs.

4. The basketball hoop rim cover of claim 1, wherein said nubs have the shape of an elongated triangle.

5. The basketball hoop rim cover of claim 1, wherein said markings are openings in said cover.