Draper EZ-Fold Backstop

To Next Page

EZ-Fold

Backstops by Draper

Operation and Maintenance

Operation

 Make sure folding backstops can be seen from winch location or, if

using electric winches, from key switch location.

 Only qualiﬁed personnel should operate folding backstops.

 If using manual Height Adjusters, DO NOT use portable electric

winch operator or electric drill to operate.

 Keep objects that may interfere with backstop operation out of the

way.

 Do not operate folding backstops while maintenance or repair work

is being done.

 Keep keys for key switches in a safe place. If one of the keys is lost,

contact Draper, Inc. for a replacement.

 Backstops do not have to be fully raised or lowered before changing

direction of fold.

 Use winches only for their original purpose; if equipment changes

are necessary, contact Draper, Inc.

 If you encounter a problem during installation or operation of your

backstop, contract Draper, Inc. immediately.

Maintenance/Inspection

NOTE: EZ-Fold

backstops by Draper, Inc., are designed to operate

for many years with a minimum of maintenance. However, you should

periodically inspect your ceiling-suspended backstops to ensure they

are in good repair and operating properly. Check backstops at least

twice a year, depending on amount of use.

You will ﬁnd on page 2 a maintenance checklist. Detach, make

copies and hang this list in a convenient location to help keep track of

inspections and repairs.

If you encounter problems, or need to replace any parts, contact

your dealer or Draper, Inc.

Cable Run

 Check cable sheaves for excessive wear or looseness. Make sure

cable is still passing properly through the sheave.

 Inspect cable clamps for tightness; Make sure there is no slippage.

 Check aircraft cable for fraying. (Hint: One way to do this is by run-

ning an oily rag along the aircraft cable. The rag will snag on frays;

it will also lubricate the cable). If fraying is encountered, contact

your dealer or Draper, Inc. for replacement. Caution: Wear gloves

when checking for frays!

Winches

 Examine cable drum on winch for excessive wear or looseness.

Ensure cable is wrapping correctly, and that “stacking” (cable wrap-

ping unevenly in layers) does not occur.

 Check key switch operation. Make sure keys work properly, and that

winches respond correctly.

Safety Belt

 Check safety belt for tears or fraying.

 Make sure connection to backstop is secure, and that clamps are

tight and in their original position.

 Inspect safety belt structure attachment. Make sure bolts and

clamps are still tight, and that the unit has not slipped.

Backstop/Accessories

 Inspect backstop attachment and superstructure. Make sure all

bolts and clamps are tight and have not shifted.

 Work your way down the backstop, making sure all clamps are tight

and in their original positions. Check for cracks, corrosion, or other

signs of damage or excessive wear.

 Make sure back, front and side Braces are still at proper length,

and that jackknifes are folding correctly.

 Check height adjuster for loose clamps and binding that keeps it

from operating correctly (if applicable).

 Lubricate inner tubes of height adjusters with petroleum jelly.

 Inspect bank and goal for cracks or bending. Also make sure top of

rim is still 10' above the ﬂoor, and level.

 Check padding for tears, missing pieces, or loose sections. Re-glue

if necessary.

 Use carpenter’s level to make sure backstop is still vertically plumb,

and that bank is horizontally level.

Replacement/Repairs

It is highly recommended that repairs or replacement of defective/

worn parts be carried out by a qualiﬁed installer. Contact your dealer

or Draper, Inc. to order replacement parts or obtain information on

installers in your area.

 Make sure winch is still properly anchored. Make sure anti-rotation

bolts are installed. If winch has slipped slightly, correct and tighten

bolts using an impact wrench.

Please Note: Draper EZ-Fold

winches are self-lubricating. No peri-

odic application of grease or oil is required.

Caution

 Never work alone when inspecting superstructure or high wall

attachments.

 Consult installation instructions and project drawings for infor-

mation on part numbers and placement.

 When calling Draper, Inc., with questions, please have your

order number, and, if possible, project drawing that was

provided with your backstop.

Page 1

Need help?

Do you have a question about the Draper EZ-Fold Backstop and is the answer not in the manual?

Summary

EZ-Fold Backstop Operation

Safe Operation Practices

Follow safety precautions like not working alone and consulting project drawings for installation.

Backstop Maintenance and Inspection

Winches Inspection

Examine winch cable drum, cable wrapping, and key switch operation for proper function.

Cable Run Checks

Inspect cable sheaves, clamps, and aircraft cable for wear, slippage, or fraying.

Safety Belt Inspection

Check safety belt for tears, secure connections, and tight clamps on attachment points.

Backstop and Accessory Checks

Inspect backstop attachments, clamps, braces, and height adjusters for tightness and wear.

Replacement and Repair Recommendations

Repairs or replacement of defective parts should be handled by qualified installers.

EZ Fold Basketball Backstop Limited Warranty

Warranty Coverage and Exclusions

Covers structure defects for 25 years; excludes height adjusters, winches, cables, backboards, goals, safety belts.

Conditions That Void Warranty

Improper installation, misuse, unauthorized alterations, or disasters will void the warranty.

Liability and Remedy Limitations

Company liability limited to repair/replacement; excludes incidental or consequential damages.

Summary

EZ-Fold Backstop Operation

Safe Operation Practices

Follow safety precautions like not working alone and consulting project drawings for installation.

Backstop Maintenance and Inspection

Winches Inspection

Examine winch cable drum, cable wrapping, and key switch operation for proper function.

Cable Run Checks

Inspect cable sheaves, clamps, and aircraft cable for wear, slippage, or fraying.

Safety Belt Inspection

Check safety belt for tears, secure connections, and tight clamps on attachment points.

Backstop and Accessory Checks

Inspect backstop attachments, clamps, braces, and height adjusters for tightness and wear.

Replacement and Repair Recommendations

Repairs or replacement of defective parts should be handled by qualified installers.

EZ Fold Basketball Backstop Limited Warranty

Warranty Coverage and Exclusions

Covers structure defects for 25 years; excludes height adjusters, winches, cables, backboards, goals, safety belts.

Conditions That Void Warranty

Improper installation, misuse, unauthorized alterations, or disasters will void the warranty.

Liability and Remedy Limitations

Company liability limited to repair/replacement; excludes incidental or consequential damages.

The EZ-Fold® Backstops by Draper are a type of ceiling-suspended basketball backstop designed for gymnasiums and other indoor sports facilities. These backstops are engineered to be folded up and out of the way when not in use, providing flexibility for multi-purpose spaces. The system includes a main backstop framework, a jackknife folding mechanism, and various ceiling superstructure clamps, hangers, and braces, all designed for robust and reliable operation.

Function Description

The primary function of the EZ-Fold® Backstops is to provide a sturdy and adjustable basketball goal system that can be easily deployed for play and then retracted to clear the space. This folding capability is crucial for facilities that host a variety of activities beyond basketball, allowing for efficient space management. The backstops are typically operated via winches, which can be either electric or manual, to raise and lower the unit. The design ensures that the backstop can be securely locked into both its playing and stored positions. When in the playing position, the backstop provides a regulation-height goal, and many models include height adjustment units to accommodate different age groups or types of play. The system is designed to maintain structural integrity and stability during active use, ensuring player safety and consistent performance.

Usage Features

The EZ-Fold® Backstops are designed with several usage features to ensure safe and efficient operation:

Visibility during Operation: It is crucial that the folding backstops are visible from the winch location, especially when using electric winches, which typically have a key switch for operation. This ensures the operator can monitor the backstop's movement and prevent accidents.
Qualified Personnel: Only qualified personnel should operate the folding backstops. This emphasizes the importance of proper training to prevent misuse and potential damage or injury.
Height Adjusters: If manual height adjusters are part of the system, it is explicitly stated that portable electric winch operators or electric drills should NOT be used. This prevents over-stressing or damaging the manual adjustment mechanism.
Clearance: Operators must ensure that all objects that might interfere with the backstop's operation are cleared from its path before folding or unfolding. This prevents collisions and potential damage to the backstop or other equipment.
Maintenance Safety: The backstops should never be operated while maintenance or repair work is being performed on them. This is a critical safety measure to protect personnel working on the equipment.
Key Management: Keys for key switches, if applicable, should be kept in a safe and designated place. In case of a lost key, replacements can be ordered from Draper, Inc.
Direction Change: The backstops do not need to be fully raised or lowered before changing the direction of the fold. This allows for more flexible operation and quicker adjustments.
Winch Purpose: Winches should only be used for their original purpose. Any equipment changes or modifications to the winch system should be handled by contacting Draper, Inc.
Problem Reporting: If any problems are encountered during installation or operation, users are advised to contact Draper, Inc. immediately for assistance.
Safety Belts: Many backstops incorporate safety belts, which are critical for preventing uncontrolled descent. These belts have secure connections to the backstop, with clamps that must remain tight and in their original position. The structural attachment of the safety belt, including bolts and clamps, must also be tight to ensure the unit has not slipped.

Maintenance Features

The EZ-Fold® Backstops are designed for many years of operation with minimal maintenance, but periodic inspections are essential to ensure continued safe and proper functioning. A comprehensive inspection checklist is provided to guide users through the maintenance process. Inspections should ideally be conducted at least twice a year, with frequency adjusted based on the amount of use.

Winches:

Cable Drum Inspection: The cable drum on the winch should be examined for excessive wear or looseness. It's crucial to ensure that the cable is wrapping correctly, without "stacking" (uneven layering), which can lead to cable damage or operational issues.
Key Switch Operation: If equipped with key switches, their operation should be checked to ensure keys work properly and winches respond as expected.
Anchoring and Anti-Rotation: The winch's anchoring must be secure, and anti-rotation bolts should be installed. If the winch has slipped, bolts need to be corrected and tightened, potentially using an impact wrench.
Self-Lubricating Design: Draper EZ-Fold® winches are self-lubricating, eliminating the need for periodic application of grease or oil, which simplifies maintenance.

Cable Run:

Sheave Inspection: Cable sheaves should be checked for excessive wear or looseness, and it must be confirmed that the cable is passing properly through them.
Cable Clamp Tightness: Cable clamps need to be inspected for tightness to ensure there is no slippage, which could compromise the cable's integrity.
Aircraft Cable Fraying: The aircraft cable should be checked for fraying. A useful tip for this is to run an oily rag along the cable; the rag will snag on frays and also lubricate the cable. If fraying is found, the cable must be replaced by contacting the dealer or Draper, Inc. Caution: Gloves must be worn when checking for frays.

Backstop/Accessories:

Attachment and Superstructure: The backstop's attachment points and superstructure must be inspected to ensure all bolts and clamps are tight and have not shifted.
General Condition: A thorough check of the entire backstop, working downwards, is required to ensure all clamps are tight and in their original positions. Look for cracks, corrosion, or other signs of damage or excessive wear.
Braces and Jackknifes: Back, front, and side braces should be at their proper length, and the jackknife mechanisms should be folding correctly.
Height Adjuster: If applicable, the height adjuster should be checked for loose clamps and any binding that prevents it from operating correctly. Inner tubes of height adjusters should be lubricated with petroleum jelly.
Bank and Goal: Inspect the bank and goal for cracks or bending. Verify that the top of the rim is still 10 feet above the floor and level.
Padding: Check the backboard padding for tears, missing pieces, or loose sections. Re-gluing may be necessary for loose sections.
Plumb and Level: Use a carpenter's level to ensure the backstop is vertically plumb and the bank is horizontally level.

Replacement/Repairs:

It is strongly recommended that repairs or replacement of defective or worn parts be performed by a qualified installer. Users should contact their dealer or Draper, Inc. to order replacement parts or to find information on qualified installers in their area.

This comprehensive approach to usage and maintenance ensures the longevity, safety, and optimal performance of the EZ-Fold® Backstops, making them a reliable solution for dynamic sports facilities.