September 22 – This day in patent history (TDIPH) – Poolside basketball game patented

Problems before this invention

One of the most popular athletic sports in the United States is the game of basketball. This sport has heretofore been adapted for play in below-ground swimming pools with their surrounding ground level decks. The basketball hoop with its backboard can be permanently attached to a conventional post on the pool deck adjacent to the pool. However, such attachment to an above-ground portable type of swimming pool has not been found feasible in an above-ground pool.

How this invention solves the above problems

Accordingly, the invention provides a swimming pool basketball game which can be attached to the coping or top rail of an above-ground portable swimming pool with walls as high as four feet or more.

The invention comprises the assembly and support of the parts required for the game of poolside basketball, which can be assembled at, mounted on, and played in above-ground swimming pools. The equipment includes a rebound backboard assembled from plastic pipe, preferably P.V.C., and fittings forming rectangular framework whereon a nylon cord net and/or a hardboard panel is attached. A basketball hoop is affixed to said framework and the assembled backboard is secured to the top rail o the portable above-ground swimming pool by means of simple and versatile adjustable buckle straps and hooks This means of poolside assembly and attachment to the pool wall minimizes the use of hand tools and simplifies the assembly and installation of the need sports equipment.

us5149086