CN219941735U

CN219941735U - Damper and sleeve for basketball goal assembly

Info

Publication number: CN219941735U
Application number: CN202320707448.1U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 克莱·塞茨; 罗伯特·康奈尔
Original assignee: Indian Industries Inc
Current assignee: Indian Industries Inc
Priority date: 2022-04-04
Filing date: 2023-04-03
Publication date: 2023-11-03
Anticipated expiration: 2033-04-03
Also published as: CN116549943A

Abstract

The present utility model relates to a damper and kit for a basketball goal assembly for assisting in returning the basketball goal assembly to a resting state after the basketball goal assembly is impacted by a basketball or a player. The damper includes a base attachable to the top end of the post of the basketball goal assembly, a flexible rod of rubber/polyurethane, and a weighted mass coupled to the top of the flexible rod. The damper is configured to allow the mass to oscillate in the plane of the impact. At the same time, the rubber/polyurethane flexible rod absorbs the vibrational energy of the impact. The combination of the mass and the flexible rod assists in returning the basketball goal assembly to a rest position more quickly. The kit comprises a flexible rod, a mass which can be assembled.

Description

Damper and sleeve for basketball goal assembly

Technical Field

Aspects of the present utility model relate to accessories for basketball goal assemblies (i.e., basketball goals and poles). More particularly, the present utility model relates to a damper and kit for a basketball goal assembly.

Background

In popular basketball practice, the normal play involves an impact on the basketball goal assembly, and in particular the backboard assembly. A basketball may strike the backboard or rim assembly or contact by a player (such as hanging on the rim assembly). Accordingly, the impact may cause vibration of the basketball goal structure. Such vibrations can interfere with subsequent shots to the hoop and can cause wear to the goal assembly. Accordingly, it is desirable for the basketball goal assembly to return to a stationary, non-vibrating condition as soon as possible after an impact. For example, the NCAA regulations require that the official game backboard return to a resting state within four seconds after an impact.

The time required for the basketball goal system to return or decay naturally to a resting state is a function of its mass and stiffness variables. In general, a method of reducing vibration is to use heavier masses and more rigid mounts and materials. However, such methods add weight and cost to the basketball goal assembly.

The problem with pole mounted basketball goal assemblies is particularly significant because in pole-based arrangements, the basketball backboard assembly acts like a weight mounted on the end of a cantilever lever arm that extends from the base to leverage the base. Correspondingly, conventional pole-mounted systems have to balance between a long natural damping time before the system returns to a rest state, and the use of heavy materials and safe or heavy foundations to minimize the natural damping time of the goal.

An arrangement for accelerating the damping of basketball goal assemblies and minimizing the damping time is desired.

Disclosure of Invention

Some disclosed embodiments include a basketball goal assembly that includes a basketball rim assembly that is attached to a backboard. The backboard is attached to the basketball goal post. The damper reduces the intensity and duration of vibrations transmitted to the basketball goal assembly during use. During play, vibrations are transmitted to the basketball goal assembly via the impact of the basketball or player. The damper is configured to reduce the time it takes for the basketball goal to return to a resting state so that the oscillations of the basketball goal assembly do not interfere with the game being played.

In some embodiments, the damper is mounted to a goal post of the basketball goal assembly. This may be achieved, for example, by mounting the damper on the top surface of the goal post or by fixing the damper to the top of the goal post. In other embodiments, such as using a hollow goal post, a damper may be mounted inside the upper end of the goal post.

Exemplary embodiments of the damper include a counterweight (e.g., a mass) coupled to an end of a resiliently flexible rod (i.e., rubber or polyurethane). When a basketball or player impacts the basketball goal assembly, vibration energy is transferred to the assembly. Energy is then transferred from the assembly to the damper. In addition, the impact and deflection of the flexible rod causes the counterweight to oscillate against the goal system. Importantly, the counterweight can move radially in any direction (i.e., 360 °). Thus, the weight may oscillate in a plane aligned with the impact force from the basketball and/or the player, which more efficiently dissipates the vibrational energy transferred to the basketball goal assembly.

Other forms, objects, features, aspects, benefits, advantages, and embodiments of the present utility model will become apparent from the detailed description and drawings provided hereinafter.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a representative basketball goal assembly and damper.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a damper of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a weight rod assembly of a damper.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a basketball goal assembly and damper illustrating a radial plane of impact and damper deflection.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a weight rod assembly of a damper.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the damper with the top cover removed.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the damper with the top and bottom covers removed.

Figure 8 is a top perspective view of a damper base mounted on top of a basketball goal post.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the basketball goal assembly with the goal post top plate removed.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a damper according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a damper securely mounted to the top of a basketball goal assembly.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a damper attached to a basketball goal assembly.

Detailed Description

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the utility model, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the utility model is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications in the described embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the utility model as described herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the utility model relates. One embodiment of the utility model is shown in great detail, although it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that some features that are not relevant to the utility model may not be shown for the sake of clarity.

In connection with the specification, it should be noted that the singular forms "a", "an", "the" and the like include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. References to "a device" or "the device" include, by way of illustration, one or more such devices and equivalents thereto. It should also be noted that directional terms, such as "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "front," "rear," and the like, are used herein for convenience only to assist the reader in understanding the illustrated embodiments, and that the use of such directional terms is not intended to limit the described, illustrated, and/or claimed features to a particular direction and/or orientation in any way.

In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a damper that is operably attached to or for attachment to a basketball goal assembly.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the representative basketball goal assembly 100 shown in fig. 1. In particular, aspects of the disclosed embodiments will be discussed with reference to basketball goal assembly 100 having a support (such as a pole or post 102 having a top end 104 and a bottom end 106). A backboard assembly with a backboard 110 and a rim assembly 112 attached thereto is coupled to the top end 104 of the pole or post 102. Generally, the backboard 110 and rim assembly 112 are attached near the top end 104 of the pole 102 via a set of support arms. The height of the backboard 110 and rim assembly 112 may be adjustable with respect to the pole 102. The post 102 is generally perpendicular to a support surface that supports the basketball goal assembly 100. The backboard 110, support arm, and goal post 102 are considered to be adjustable parallelograms. Some basketball goal assemblies have a post 102 that enters a hole in the ground or is bolted to a base on or in the ground. The posts 102 of other basketball goal assemblies are supported by a weighted base, such as a container filled with sand or water. Sometimes, the base is portable and may have wheels attached thereto. Example backboard dimensions may be 54", 60", or 72 "and they may be adjusted in height as desired to place the hoop, for example, in the range between 7.5 'and 10' above the playing surface.

Embodiments of the present disclosure also include basketball goal assemblies that have sloped, segmented, and/or curved posts and basketball goal assemblies that are not mounted on the posts. For example, some basketball goal assemblies are mounted on a wall and/or suspended from a ceiling. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the inventor(s) of the present disclosure have contemplated and that the embodiments described and illustrated in the present disclosure may be modified for different basketball goal assembly arrangements.

FIG. 1 illustrates a representative basketball goal assembly 100 with an exemplary embodiment of a damper 10. Damper 10 is mounted adjacent upper end 104 of rod 102. Upon application of an external force to the basketball goal assembly 100, the dampers accelerate the dissipation of vibrational energy as the basketball goal assembly returns to a stationary state, as will be described in greater detail below. This energy dissipation helps to minimize wear, damage, and/or structural failure. In this context, the damper 10 is attached to the basketball goal assembly 100 to dissipate energy that is transferred from external forces to the system. External forces are considered instantaneous inputs in this context, including the impact of a basketball on the backboard 110 (including the front surface, top surface, bottom surface, rear surface, and side surfaces), the rim 112, or the pole 102, or the force from a player grasping and/or hanging on the rim and then releasing the rim, or other force striking the basketball goal assembly 100. Basically, the basketball goal assembly 100 includes a backboard assembly that is mounted on the upper end of a vertical cantilever. Thus, the external force causes the basketball goal assembly 100 to vibrate/rock for a period of time after the impact before the assembly 100 returns to a normal resting state. The damper 10 may greatly accelerate the damping and effectively reduce the time it takes for the basketball goal assembly to return to a normal resting state.

The damper 10 includes a flexible vertical rod 30 and a weighted mass 35 (discussed in detail below) that are configured to oscillate upon external impact in opposition to the vibration of the basketball goal assembly 100. When an impact occurs, the basketball goal assembly begins to move before being weighted due to inertia, slightly flexing the pole. When force is transferred from the assembly 100 to the damper 10, the rod pushes the mass in the same direction, while the assembly then rebounds and oscillates. In effect, rebound of the assembly 100 is opposite to the rebound movement of the mass. By oscillating opposite (i.e., out of phase with) the movement of the assembly 100, the rod 30 and mass 35 dampen the vibrations/jolts felt by the assembly 100. In particular, when an external force impacts the assembly 100, the inertia of the weight 35 causes a slight time delay in the movement of the weight 35 relative to the movement of the assembly 100. This time delay causes counterweight 35 to move opposite assembly 100. At the same time, the resiliency of the rod 30 provides a restoring force that attempts to return the rod 30 and counterweight 35 to equilibrium. However, the inertia of the counterweight 35 also causes the damper 10 to exceed the equilibrium position and thus oscillate. Thus, the rod 30 and counterweight 35 oscillate inversely with respect to the movement of the assembly 100.

The flexible rod 30 can flex forward, backward, sideways or at any angle, which allows the mass 35 to move in any radial direction within 360 ° relative to its central axis to counteract external forces applied from any direction. The flexible rod 30 is configured to allow the mass 35 to oscillate in the plane of impact.

Fig. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the damper 10. In this embodiment, the damper 10 includes a top cover 15 and a bottom cover 20. Although the top 15 and bottom 20 covers are optional, these covers close the ends of the damper 10 and goal posts 102, which protects them from factors such as weather, dust, exposure to ultraviolet light, and the like. The top and bottom covers 15, 20 are coupled via fasteners (e.g., screws and/or clips) and are configured to receive the flexible rod 30 and the weight 35 of the damper 10 and provide sufficient interior space such that movement of the rod 30 and the weight 35 is not inhibited and/or limited by the top or bottom covers 15, 20. Further, the damper 10 includes a base 25. The base 25 is configured to secure the rod 30 and weight 35 to the top end 104 of the goal post 102. When the base 25 is installed in the top end 104 of the hollow goal post 102, the damper 10 may protrude from the end of the goal post 102, which allows the bottom and top covers 20, 15 to be attached to the base 25 (see fig. 6-7). As shown in fig. 2, the damper 10 may be sold in combination with the basketball goal assembly 100, as an accessory, or separately to retrofit to the top end of a goal post of an existing basketball goal assembly.

Fig. 3 is a view for convenience in illustrating the damper 10 without the top cover 15 or the bottom cover 20. As shown, the lower end of the flexible rod 30 is coupled to the base 25, while the upper end is coupled to the weight 35. The base 25 is securely coupled to the top end 104 of the goal post 102. Accordingly, this configuration is configured to couple the damper 10 to the basketball goal assembly 100. The weight 35 may be any suitable material that is heavy enough to effectively dampen the forces transmitted to the basketball goal assembly 100. The flexible rod 30 is preferably made of rubber or polyurethane. However, the pole 30 may be made from any resilient and/or flexible material suitable for allowing the weight 35 to oscillate upon impact against movement of the basketball goal assembly 100. Importantly, as shown in fig. 3, the flexible rod 30 is configured to allow the weight 35 to move in any radial direction (i.e., 360 °) as indicated by arrow a in a plane perpendicular to the vertical axis of the flexible rod 30. This allows the damper 10 to effectively shorten the play/shake of the basketball goal assembly 100 regardless of the direction of impact. If the impact hits any portion of the backboard 110, rim 112, or goal post 102, the weight 35 is configured to move in any direction opposite the incoming force.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the basketball goal assembly 100 and the damper 10 shown in FIG. 1. As shown, the damper 10 includes a top cover 15 and a bottom cover 20 and is fully assembled on top of 104 of the post 102. When the flexible rod 30 and the counterweight 35 are configured to flex in any radial direction (i.e., 360 °), arrow a depicted in fig. 3 is reproduced. FIG. 4 also includes an x-y plane, a representative x-z plane, and an impact force F aligned with the x-z plane _I . As shown in the figures, the x-y plane is perpendicular to the central axis of the flexible rod 30. The x-z plane is perpendicular to the x-y plane. Impact force F shown in the figure _I Is one example of an impact force applied to basketball goal assembly 100. Impact forces may be applied to the assembly 100 from respective directions, and the respective x-z planes are then defined by the impact directions and the vertical central axis of the flexible rod.

As shown in this example, the impact force F _I The horizontal component of (a) impacts the assembly 100 vertically with respect to the vertical axis of the flexible rod 30. The horizontal component of the impact force and the vertical axis of the flexible rod define an x-z plane aligned with the impact direction. As the impact force is surmounted by the assembly 100, the upper end of the flexible rod 30 and the counterweight 35 oscillate inversely with respect to the vibration/movement of the assembly 100. In particular, upon impact, the flexible rod 30 and counterweight 35 begin to oscillate in alignment with a particular x-z plane defined by the direction of impact. For clarity, the flexible rod 30 and the counterweight 35 are capable of flexing radially in any direction consistent with arrow a in the x-y plane in view of the impacts in various directions, however for a particular impact the flexible rod 30 and the counterweight 35 will be under a force F caused by a particular impact _I Deflection and oscillation in a defined particular x-z plane. The oscillation of the upper end of the flexible rod 30 and the counterweight 35 dissipates the vibrational energy felt by the entire assembly 100. Thus, the first and second substrates are bonded together,the damper 10 reduces the amount of time it takes for the assembly 100 to return to a stationary state.

Fig. 5 depicts how the base 25, rod 30, and counterweight 35 are configured to be coupled together in one particular embodiment. The flexible rod 30 is mounted into a molded cavity on top of the base 25. The flexible rod 30 and the base 25 are coupled together by any suitable means. For example, an adhesive (e.g., loctite) may be applied to the cavities of the stem 30 and the base 25 prior to inserting the stem 30 into the base 25. Alternatively, the bottom of the rod 30 may include a threaded bore configured to receive a bolt or other fastener. In a threaded bore configuration, a bolt/fastener may be inserted through the bottom of the base 25 and screwed into the threaded bore of the rod 30. Similarly, the weight 35 and the rod 30 are configured to be securely attached together. In a third embodiment, the flexible rod 30 includes a friction fit with the weight 35 to secure the rod 30 and weight 35 together. In yet another embodiment, the rod 30 and the counterweight 35 include threaded bores aligned in a horizontal plane such that insertion of a screw or bolt secures the rod 30 to the counterweight 35. It should be appreciated that the weight 35 and the rod 30 may be attached in a variety of suitable ways. For example, the weight 35 includes a bore configured to receive the top of the rod 30. An adhesive may be applied to the bore of the weight 35 and the top of the rod 30 to firmly connect the two together. Alternatively, the top end of the rod 30 may have a threaded bore configured to receive a bolt/fastener. In addition, the top end of the weight 35 may also include a bore such that a bolt/fastener may be inserted into the top end of the weight 35 to securely attach the weight 35 to the rod 30. It should be appreciated that any of these attachment methods, combinations of these methods, or other alternative methods may be used to attach the base 25 to the rod 30 and the rod 30 to the counterweight 35. The stem 30, the molded cavity in the base 25 and the bore of the weight 35 may be cylindrical or any other suitable shape.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of damper 10 mounted on assembly 100 with top cover 15 removed. The housing provided by the top 15 and bottom 20 covers of the damper 10 is configured to have sufficient interior space to allow sufficient oscillatory movement of the rod 30/counterweight 35 so that the damper 10 can effectively reduce the sloshing experienced by the assembly 100 after impact. Similarly, fig. 7 illustrates the damper 10 with both the top 15 and bottom 20 covers removed. Fig. 8 depicts the base 25 inserted into and attached to the top end 104 of the goal post 102. The base 25 includes a cavity 40 configured to receive the flexible rod 30. The base 25 may be securely attached to the goal post 102 via any suitable means. For example, the base 25 may be attached by internal fasteners or fasteners extending through the side walls of the goal posts 102. As shown in fig. 8, the base 25 may include a J-bolt 45 configured to attach the base 25 to a top end 104 of a goal post 102 (discussed in more detail below).

Fig. 9 depicts the top end 104 of the goal post 102 prior to attachment of the damper 10. As shown, some basketball goal assemblies 100 may include a cross-arm bolt 60 for securing the arms of the basketball goal assembly 100 together. In some embodiments, the damper 10 is securely mounted to the top end 104 of the goal post 102 by placing the base 25 and the J-bolt 45 around the cross-arm bolt 60.

Fig. 10 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a damper 10 according to the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the bottom cover 20 is attached to the base 25 and/or the top end 104 of the post 102 via screws. Similarly, the top cover 15 is attached to the bottom cover 20 via screws. However, any suitable fastener may be used. Fig. 10 also depicts two aspects of a method of securing the base 25 to the goal post 102. First, the J-bolt 45 passes through a bore in the base 25 and is secured to the nut. Then, the J-bolt 45 is positioned and tensioned so that the cross arm bolt 60 is placed and held between the J-bolt 45 and the base 25. This ensures that the damper 10 does not move vertically within the goal post 102 (discussed in more detail with reference to fig. 11). Second, the wedge 55 is secured to the base 25 via nuts and bolts. The wedge 55 has an angled/sloped underside that engages a complementary angled/sloped surface on the base 25. The wedge 55 is made of a suitable material such that when the bolt is tightened, the wedge 55 slides downwardly and outwardly relative to the base 25, which expands the effective width of the base 25. This clamps the base 25 between the inner surfaces of the goal posts 102 and secures the base 25 thereto. Other suitable attachment means, such as fasteners, may be employed alone or in combination with the method depicted in fig. 10.

Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of fig. 10 mounted on a cut-away surface of post 102. When the top 15 and bottom 20 covers are properly in place, there is enough room for the flexible rod 30 and counterweight 35 to move in any direction. In fig. 11, the wedge 55 is fixed in place and effectively expands the width of the base 25 such that the base 25 is fixed between the inner surfaces of the goal posts 102. As shown in the figures, the base 25 may include a flange 50 configured to properly locate the J-bolt 45. During installation of the embodiment shown in fig. 10-11, the lower lateral leg of J-bolt 45 is positioned parallel to cross-arm bolt 60 to be inserted through bolt 60. Once the base 25 is inserted into the top of the goal post 102, the J-bolt 45 is rotated so that the lower lateral leg is perpendicular to the cross arm bolt 60 and then tensioned. In this way, the cross arm bolt 60 is now positioned and held between the vertical J-bolt 45 and the base 25, thereby ensuring that the base 25 does not move vertically relative to the post 102. The flange 50 acts as a stop to ensure that the lower lateral leg is perpendicular to the cross arm bolt 60 when the J-bolt 45 is rotated. Without the flange 50, the J-bolt 45 may rotate so much that the lower lateral leg of the J-bolt 45 may not be oriented perpendicular to the cross arm bolt 60.

Fig. 12 illustrates another embodiment of a damper 10 according to the present disclosure. Similar to the previous embodiment, this embodiment includes a resiliently flexible rod 30 and a counterweight 35. The rod 30 and counterweight 35 may be attached together by the methods described above. The flexible rod 30 can flex forward, backward, sideways or at any angle, which allows the mass 35 to move in any radial direction within 360 ° relative to its central axis to counteract external forces applied from any direction. The flexible rod 30 is configured to allow the mass 35 to oscillate in the plane of impact.

The damper 10 includes a base plate 70 that is securely attached to the top end 104 of a goal post 102. Goal posts 102 may have a solid or hollow tip 104. Damper 10 includes a clamp 65. The clamp 65 includes one or more side walls defining a cavity configured to match the shape of the rod 30. For example, the clamp 65 may have a semicircular shape to correspond to the shape of the rod 30. The clamp 65 may be of any shape suitable for surrounding and retaining the rod 30, which may also take any shape. In some embodiments, the clamp 65 may include a bottom plate (not shown) configured to support and retain the distal end of the rod 30 (relative to the counterweight 35). Alternatively, the bottom plate may extend outwardly from the base plate 70 perpendicular to the rods 30. The clamp 65 includes fasteners 75 to attach the clamp 65 to the base plate 70 with the rod 30 placed therebetween. When the fastener 75 is engaged, the rod 30 is supported and held along the vertical axis of the goal post 102. As shown, the fastener 75 may include a bolt configured to attach the clamp 65 to the base plate 70. However, other attachment mechanisms are also contemplated. For example, the fastener 75 may include a bolt, nut, screw, nail, clamp, clasp, adhesive, or any other suitable attachment means known to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, alternative embodiments of the top 15 and bottom 20 covers are contemplated along with the embodiment of the damper 10 shown in fig. 12.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure include methods for mounting the damper 10 to a basketball goal assembly. Generally, these steps include providing a basketball backboard and rim assembly and optionally a support pole to which the backboard and rim assembly may be mounted. The steps also include mounting the base 25 and/or the baseplate 70 near the top end 104 of the goal post 102 of the basketball goal assembly 100. The lower end of the flexible rod 30 is attached to the base 25 or the base plate 70. A weight 35 is attached to the upper end of the flexible rod 30. Optionally, at least the weight 35 and the flexible rod 30 are covered by the top cover 15 and the bottom cover 20 having sufficient inner space so that movement of the weight 35 and the rod 30 is not inhibited. One particular method is described above with reference to fig. 10-11.

Fig. 12 presents an alternative method of attaching the damper 10, including the rod 30 and weight 35, to the basketball goal assembly 100. In this embodiment, the damper 10 includes a flexible rod 30, a counterweight 35, a clamp 65, a base plate 70, and an optional cover. The attachment method is as follows: the base plate 70 is attached to the outside of the top ends 104 of the posts 102, for example, via fasteners; the upper end of the flexible rod 30 is firmly attached to the counterweight 35; the clamp 65 is firmly fastened to the base plate 70 with the lower end of the flexible rod 30 positioned and fixed therebetween; optionally, a cover is attached to the damper 10 to house and protect at least the flexible rod 30 and the counterweight 35. The cover provides sufficient interior space to allow complete movement of the flexible rod 30 and counterweight 35. This method of attaching the damper 10 to the goal post 102 also allows for efficient dissipation of vibrational energy experienced by the assembly 100 after an external impact.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other alternative methods of attaching the damper 10 to the basketball goal assembly 102 may be used. For example, the top of the basketball goal post 102 may be removed to allow the damper 10 to be secured within the hollow end of the goal post 102. In addition, the methods described herein are not intended to refer to any particular order of operation, but rather are discussed without reference to an order.

It should further be appreciated that the damper 10 may be used in conjunction with basketball goal posts 102 of various shapes and sizes.

While the utility model has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes, equivalents and modifications that come within the spirit of the utility model as defined by the following claims are desired to be protected. All publications, patents, and patent applications cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference and set forth in its entirety herein.

Claims

1. A damper for a basketball goal assembly, comprising:

a base attachable to a top end of a post of a basketball goal assembly;

a flexible rod extending vertically from the base, wherein an upper end of the flexible rod is configured to flex radially at any angle within 360 degrees in an x-y plane perpendicular to a central vertical axis of the flexible rod; and

a weighted mass coupled to the upper end of the flexible rod;

wherein when an impact force is applied to the basketball goal assembly, the weighted mass and the upper end of the flexible rod oscillate opposite the basketball goal assembly in an x-z plane defined by the direction of impact and the central vertical axis of the flexible rod to dampen vibration of the basketball goal assembly.

2. The damper of claim 1, wherein the post has a hollow top end and the base is mounted in the top end of the post.

3. The damper according to claim 1, wherein the flexible rod is made of rubber or polyurethane.

4. The damper of claim 1, wherein the damper comprises a cover secured to the post of the basketball goal assembly and configured to at least enclose and protect the flexible rod and the weighted mass of the damper without inhibiting radial movement of the flexible rod and the weighted mass.

5. The damper of claim 4, wherein the cover comprises a top cover and a bottom cover;

wherein the top cover is operably coupled to the bottom cover; and

wherein the bottom cover is operably coupled to the top end of the post of the basketball goal assembly and/or the base of the damper.

6. The damper of claim 1, wherein the base is attachable to the top end of the post by a J-bolt configured to clamp to a cross arm bolt of the basketball goal assembly by rotating about its central axis such that a lateral arm of the J-bolt is positioned vertically with respect to the cross arm bolt.

7. The damper of claim 6, wherein the base includes a flange that acts as a stop to ensure that the lateral arm of the J-bolt rotates to a vertical position relative to the cross arm bolt.

8. The damper of claim 6, wherein the base is further attachable to the top end of the basketball goal assembly by one or more wedges configured to slide outwardly as it is tensioned to the base, effectively increasing the width of the base to clamp the base within the top end of the post.

9. The damper of claim 1, wherein the flexible rod is attached to the base via an adhesive and/or a fastener.

10. The damper of claim 9, wherein the base includes a cavity configured to support and receive a lower end of the flexible rod.

11. The damper of claim 1, wherein the weighted mass is attached to the flexible rod via an adhesive and/or a fastener.

12. The damper of claim 11, wherein the weighted mass includes an aperture configured to receive the upper end of the flexible rod.

13. A damper for a basketball goal assembly, comprising:

a base plate attachable to an outer surface of a top end of a post of a basketball goal assembly;

a flexible rod extending from the base plate parallel to a vertical axis of the basketball goal assembly, wherein the flexible rod defines a central vertical axis;

a weighted mass coupled to the flexible rod;

wherein the upper end of the flexible rod and the weighted mass are configured to radially flex at any angle within 360 degrees in an x-y plane perpendicular relative to the central vertical axis of the flexible rod;

a clamp configured to receive and hold the flexible rod, wherein the clamp is capable of being securely attached to the substrate such that the flexible rod is secured between the clamp and the substrate;

14. The damper according to claim 13, wherein the flexible rod is made of rubber or polyurethane.

15. The damper of claim 13, wherein the damper comprises a cover configured to at least enclose and protect the flexible rod and the weighted mass of the damper without inhibiting the radial movement of the flexible rod and the weighted mass.

16. A kit for damping movement of a basketball goal assembly after the basketball goal assembly is impacted, the kit comprising:

a flexible rod attachable to a top end of a post of a basketball goal assembly, wherein the flexible rod defines a central vertical axis; and

a weighted mass securable to an upper end of the flexible rod;

wherein, upon assembly, the upper end of the flexible rod and the weighted mass are configured to radially flex at any angle within 360 degrees in an x-y plane perpendicular to the central vertical axis of the flexible rod;

17. The kit of claim 16, comprising a base mountable in a hollow top end of the post, and wherein a lower end of the flexible rod is attachable to the base to secure the flexible rod to the post.

18. The kit of claim 17, wherein the base comprises: a J-bolt configured to vertically secure the base to a cross arm bolt of the basketball goal assembly; and one or more wedges configured to slide outward to secure the base horizontally within the top end of the column when it is tensioned to the base.

19. The kit of claim 16, comprising a clamp assembly mountable adjacent a top end of the post and configured to secure a lower end of the flexible rod to the post.

20. The kit of claim 16, wherein the kit comprises a cover connectable to the top end of the post, the cover configured to at least enclose and protect the flexible rod and the weighted mass without inhibiting movement of the flexible rod and the weighted mass.