U.S. patent application number 11/529731 was filed with the patent office on 2008-04-03 for water level indicator for a fillable sports base.
This patent application is currently assigned to Russell Corporation. Invention is credited to Ronald White.
Application Number | 20080081712 11/529731 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39261758 |
Filed Date | 2008-04-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080081712 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
White; Ronald |
April 3, 2008 |
Water level indicator for a fillable sports base
Abstract
A water level indicator for use with a fillable base for
supporting a basketball goal is disclosed. The water level
indicator may be attached to the fillable base and may alert a user
when the level of water contained in the base drops below a
predetermined level. In one embodiment, a mechanical device having
a rotatable lever arm with a floating portion attached to one end
and a display attached to the other end may be utilized. The
floating portion may be configured to float on top of water
contained in the base and the display may be configured to indicate
to a user when the base should be refilled with water. In another
embodiment, an electrical device having two metal probes, an alert
and a power source may be utilized. When water in the base is in
contact with the metal probes, a circuit may be completed between
the metal probes, the alert and the power source. When water does
not contact the metal probes, the circuit may be broken and the
alert may be configured to indicate to a user when the base should
be refilled with water. In yet another embodiment, a combination of
mechanical and electrical devices may be used to indicate the level
of water in the base. This may include a lever arm attached to a
buoyant portion which is connected to a resistor. The movement of
the arm may cause the resistor to adjust the voltage passing
through a circuit to move an indicator which may indicate the level
of water in the base.
Inventors: |
White; Ronald; (North
Prairie, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HOWREY LLP
C/O IP DOCKETING DEPARTMENT, 2941 FAIRVIEW PARK DR, SUITE 200
FALLS CHURCH
VA
22042-2924
US
|
Assignee: |
Russell Corporation
Atlanta
GA
|
Family ID: |
39261758 |
Appl. No.: |
11/529731 |
Filed: |
September 29, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/481 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 63/083 20130101;
A63B 71/023 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/481 |
International
Class: |
A63B 63/08 20060101
A63B063/08 |
Claims
1. A base for attachment to a support pole for a basketball goal,
the basketball goal being attached to a first end of the support
pole and the base being attached to the second end of the support
pole, the base comprising: a ballast tank configured to hold water;
and a water level indicator attached to said ballast tank, said
water level indicator including a body, a lever arm having a first
end and a second end, a buoyant portion attached to the first end
of the lever arm and a display portion attached to the second end
of the lever arm; wherein the lever arm is pivotally attached to
the body and, when water is contained in said ballast tank, the
display portion is configured to indicate the level of the water in
said ballast tank.
2. The base according to claim 1, wherein said ballast tank
includes an opening for filling said ballast tank with water and
said water level indicator is configured to threadably engage with
the opening.
3. The base according to claim 1, wherein the buoyant portion is
configured to float on the surface of the water contained in said
ballast tank
4. The base according to claim 1, wherein the buoyant portion is
made of cork, rubber or foam.
5. The base according to claim 1, wherein the display portion
indicates when the level of the water contained in said ballast
tank drops below a predetermined level.
6. The base according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined level
is a level at which said ballast tank should be filled with water
before the basketball goal is used for game play.
7. A base for attachment to a support pole for a basketball goal,
the basketball goal being attached to a first end of the support
pole and the base being attached to the second end of the support
pole, the base comprising: a ballast tank configured to hold water;
and a water level indicator attached to said ballast tank, said
water level indicator including a first metal probe, a second metal
probe, an alerting device having a first state and a second state
and a power source, the first and second metal probes being
electrically coupled to the alerting device and the power source;
wherein, when the level of water contained in said ballast tank is
sufficient to contact the first metal probe and the second metal
probe, current flows between the first and second metal probes and
the alerting device is in the first state.
8. The base according to claim 7, wherein when water does not
contact the first metal probe and the second metal probe, current
is prohibited from flowing between the first and second metal
probes and the alerting device is in the second state.
9. The base according to claim 7, wherein the alerting device is an
LED.
10. The base according to claim 7, wherein the alerting device is
an audible alarm.
11. The base according to claim 7, wherein said ballast tank
includes an opening for filling said ballast tank with water and
said water level indicator is configured to threadably engage with
the opening.
12. The base according to claim 7, wherein the water level
indicator is configured to indicate when the level of the water
contained in said ballast tank drops below a predetermined
level.
13. The base according to claim 12, wherein the predetermined level
is a level at which said ballast tank should be filled with water
before the basketball goal is used for game play.
14. The base according to claim 7 wherein the power source is a
battery.
15. A base for attachment to a support pole for a basketball goal,
the basketball goal being attached to a first end of the support
pole and the base being attached to the second end of the support
pole, the base comprising: a ballast tank configured to hold water;
and a water level indicator attached to said ballast tank, said
water level indicator including a body, a lever arm having a first
end and a second end, a buoyant portion attached to the first end
of the lever arm, a resistor attached to the second end of the
lever arm and an indicator portion electrically connected to the
lever arm and the resistor; wherein the lever arm is pivotally
attached to the body and, when water is contained in said ballast
tank, the indicator portion is configured to indicate the level of
water in said ballast tank.
16. The base according to claim 15, wherein the buoyant portion is
configured to float on the surface of the water contained in said
ballast tank and, when the level of water contained in said ballast
tank changes, the buoyant portion causes the lever arm to pivot,
thereby changing the resistance provided by the resistor.
17. The base according to claim 16, wherein the indicator portion
includes: a heating coil electrically connected to the resistor; a
bimetallic strip; and a visual indicator connected to the
bimetallic strip; wherein when the resistance provided by the
resistor changes, the heating coil alters the shape of the
bimetallic strip, thereby causing the visual indicator to indicate
the change in the level of water in said ballast tank.
18. The base according to claim 16, wherein the indicator portion
includes: a microprocessor electrically connected to the resistor;
and a visual indicator connected to the microprocessor; wherein
when the resistance provided by the resistor changes, the
microprocessor causes the visual indicator to indicate the change
in the level of water in said ballast tank.
19. A base for attachment to a support pole for a basketball goal,
the basketball goal being attached to a first end of the support
pole and the base being attached to the second end of the support
pole, the base comprising: a ballast tank configured to hold water;
and a water level indicator attached to said ballast tank, said
water level indicator including a body, an arm having a first end
and a second end, a buoyant portion attached to the first end of
the arm and a display portion attached to the second end of the
arm; wherein the arm is movably attached to the body and, when
water is contained in said ballast tank, the display portion is
configured to indicate the level of the water in said ballast tank.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a water level indicator
and, more specifically, to an indicator for alerting a user of a
basketball goal having a fillable base that the water level in the
base has decreased.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] When traveling through most neighborhoods, one can typically
find a basketball goal assembly erected in a neighborhood
playground or adjacent to a residential driveway. Many of these
goals are mounted on, and supported by, a portable base which
allows users to move the goal to various locations for game
play.
[0003] To provide a sufficient anchor for the basketball goal
during play, the portable base is typically filled with a ballast
material. The base, when full, is generally heavy enough support
the goal during play. Thus, the goal may be prevented from tipping
and injuring users due to the weight provided by the ballast
material.
[0004] Many users fill their portable base with water, as it is
easier and more convenient to work with than other ballast
materials such as rocks or sand. Water is easy to obtain as it is
generally available at driveway or playground spigots while other
ballast material must be purchased at a store or carried from a
different location. Additionally, a hose or a bucket may be used to
easily fill the base with water, whereas filling the base with
other ballast material may prove to be much more difficult and time
consuming. Further, removal and disposal of used water from the
base is generally easier than the removal and disposal of other
ballast material such as rocks or sand.
[0005] A common problem associated with filling a portable base
with water is that the water level may decrease over time. A
reduction in the water level may be due to a leaky base or to
evaporation of the water inside the base. Regardless, a decrease in
the water level may pose a threat to users of the goal because the
weight of the base may decrease to the point that the goal may not
be stable enough for game play.
[0006] Because the base is typically made from an opaque material,
such as molded plastic, users have no way of immediately knowing
when the water level has dropped without opening the base and
checking the water level. However, users do not typically check the
water level before each use of the goal due to the inconvenience of
having to open the base and peer inside. Further, users may not
even remember to check the water level before each use of the goal.
Therefore, if the amount of water decreases before the user checks
the level, the base may become unsafe for game play without the
user knowing.
[0007] Thus, what is needed is a means for immediately alerting a
user of a portable basketball goal when the water level within the
fillable base has dropped to a level which may be insufficient for
game play.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention relates to a water level indicator
and, more specifically, to an indicator for alerting a user of a
basketball goal having a tillable base that the water level in the
base has decreased and must be refilled.
[0009] In one embodiment, the present invention may include a base
for attachment to a support pole for a basketball goal, the
basketball goal being attached to a first end of the support pole
and the base being attached to the second end of the support pole.
The base may comprise a ballast tank configured to hold water and a
water level indicator attached to the ballast tank. The water level
indicator may include a body, a lever arm having a first end and a
second end, a buoyant portion attached to the first end of the
lever arm and a display portion attached to the second end of the
lever arm. When the lever arm is pivotally attached to the body
and, when water is contained in said ballast tank, the display
portion may be configured to indicate the level of the water in
said ballast tank.
[0010] In another embodiment, the present invention may include a
base for attachment to a support pole for a basketball goal, the
basketball goal being attached to a first end of the support pole
and the base being attached to the second end of the support pole.
The base may comprise a ballast tank configured to hold water and a
water level indicator attached to the ballast tank. The water level
indicator may include a first metal probe, a second metal probe, an
alerting device having a first state and a second state and a power
source. The first and second metal probes may be electrically
coupled to the alerting device and the power source. When the level
of water contained in the ballast tank is sufficient to contact the
first metal probe and the second metal probe, current may flow
between the first and second metal probes and the alerting device
may be in the first state.
[0011] In yet another embodiment, the present invention may include
a base for attachment to a support pole for a basketball goal, the
basketball goal being attached to a first end of the support pole
and the base being attached to the second end of the support pole.
The base may comprise a ballast tank configured to hold water; and
a water level indicator attached to the ballast tank. The water
level indicator may include a body, a lever arm having a first end
and a second end, a buoyant portion attached to the first end of
the lever arm, a resistor attached to the second end of the lever
arm and an indicator portion electrically connected to the lever
arm and the resistor. The lever arm may be pivotally attached to
the body and, when water is contained in the ballast tank, the
indicator portion may be configured to indicate the level of water
in the ballast tank.
[0012] In another embodiment, the present invention may include a
base for attachment to a support pole for a basketball goal, the
basketball goal being attached to a first end of the support pole
and the base being attached to the second end of the support pole.
The base may comprise a ballast tank configured to hold water and a
water level indicator attached to the ballast tank. The water level
indicator may include a body, an arm having a first end and a
second end, a buoyant portion attached to the first end of the arm
and a display portion attached to the second end of the arm. The
arm may be movably attached to the body and, when water is
contained in the ballast tank, the display portion may be
configured to indicate the level of the water in the ballast
tank.
[0013] These and other objects and advantages of the invention will
be apparent from the following description, the accompanying
drawings and the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] While the specification concludes with claims particularly
pointing out and distinctly claiming the present invention, it is
believed the same will be better understood from the following
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
which illustrate, in a non-limiting fashion, the best mode
presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention, and
in which like reference numerals designate like parts throughout
the Figures, wherein:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable basketball goal
incorporating one embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 2A is an exploded view of a water level indicator
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 2B is a top view of a water level indicator according
to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 2C is a cross sectional view of a water level indicator
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a water level indicator
according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 3B is a circuit diagram of a water level indicator
according to the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in
FIG. 3A.
[0021] FIGS. 3C and 3D are cross sectional views of a water level
indicator according to the embodiment of the present invention
illustrated in FIG. 3A.
[0022] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate another embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] The present disclosure will now be described more fully with
reference to the Figures in which various embodiments of the
present invention are shown. The subject matter of this disclosure
may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein.
[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable basketball goal
incorporating one embodiment of the present invention. The
basketball goal 10 may include a backboard assembly 18 which may be
mounted to an upper portion of a support pole 20 by a plurality of
support struts 22 in a conventional manner. The backboard assembly
18 may include a basketball rim/net assembly 24 secured to, and
extending outwardly from, a backboard 26. The bottom portion of the
support pole 20 may be rigidly mounted to a fillable portable base
30 using any conventional means of attaching known to one of skill
in the art.
[0025] While base 30 is illustrated as having a rectangular shape
with a top, a bottom and four sides, it is contemplated that base
30 may also be formed to have any shape and size. Wheels 28 may be
attached to base 30 to assist a user in moving the goal 10 to
different locations, as discussed above. While two fixed wheels are
illustrated in FIG. 1, it is contemplated that any number of wheels
may also be utilized without deviating from the scope and spirit of
the present invention. Further, it is contemplated that one or more
of the wheels 28 may be retractable or detachable.
[0026] Base 30 may be configured to be at least partially hollow to
receive a ballast material. While the present disclosure refers to
water as the ballast material, it should be noted that base 30 may
also be filled with other ballast material such as sand or rocks or
may be filled with a combination of more than one ballast
materials. As discussed above, the ballast material provides
sufficient weight so as to anchor the basketball goal 10,
preventing the goal 10 from tipping or moving during game play.
[0027] In one embodiment of the present invention, base 30 may
include a cap 50 placed at any point on base 30. The cap 50 may be
used for filling base 30 with ballast material and for removing
ballast material from base 30. In one embodiment, cap 50 may
include a water level indicator, which is described in detail with
respect to FIGS. 2A to 3D. While FIG. 1 illustrates the use of a
cap 50 having a water level indicator, it is also contemplated that
the water level indicator may be attached to the top of base 30 at
a separate location from cap 50. Thus, it should be realized that
the present disclosure is not meant to be limited to a water level
indicator integrated into the cap 50 of base 30, as illustrated in
the figures.
[0028] FIG. 2A is an exploded view of a water level indicator 200
according to one embodiment of the present invention. As discussed
above, the water level indicator 200 may be integrated into a cap
which may be attached to base 30. The water level indicator 200 may
include a top portion 210 having an elongated opening 205, a
threaded portion 202 for engaging with a corresponding threaded
portion (not shown) in base 30 and abutments 206 having notches
207. Top portion 210, opening 205 and threaded portion 202 may be
formed from any common material including, but not limited to,
injection molded plastic, blowmolded plastic, machine cast plastic
and metal. Further, while the FIGS. illustrate the use of a
threaded portion 202, it is contemplated that the water level
indicator 200 may be configured to attach to base 30 using a press
fit or other common type of attachment.
[0029] The water level indicator 200 may also include a lever arm
220 having a lower arm 224, a connector portion 225, pin sections
227, an upper arm 223 and an arrow portion 222. In one embodiment,
the different portions 222, 223, 224, 225 and 227 of lever arm 220
may be integrally formed from any common material including, but
not limited to, injection molded plastic, blowmolded plastic,
machine cast plastic, metal, wire and stamped steel. In alternative
embodiments, each portion 222, 223, 224, 225 and 227 may be formed
separately from plastic or metal and attached using any
conventional methods for attaching mechanical pieces including, but
not limited to, mechanical means of attachment, adhesive and
welding. Additionally, the water level indicator 200 may include a
floating portion 230 which may be formed from a buoyant material
including, but not limited to, cork, foam or rubber.
[0030] Finally, the water level indicator 200 may include a clear
covering 240 which may be attached to top portion 210 of the water
level indicator. In one embodiment, the covering 240 may be formed
from clear plastic however any materials known to those of skill in
the art are also contemplated. The covering 240 may be attached to
top portion 210 using a snap fit, screws or any other means for
attachment known to those of skill in the art. As shown in the
figures, the covering 240 may prevent water held within base 30 to
escape through opening 205 but may also be formed so as to protect
the water level indicator from the elements and any direct hits
during game play. However, it should be noted that covering 240 may
also permit a user to see through the covering to obtain an
immediate reading of the level of water in base 30.
[0031] The water level indicator 200 may be assembled by inserting
pin sections 227 into notches 207 in abutments 206 so that pin
sections 227 may be held by abutments 206 but still permitted to
rotate within abutments 206. In one embodiment of the present
invention, pin sections 227 may be snap fit into notches 207. In
alternative embodiments, pins or screws may be used to rotatably
hold pin sections 227 in notches 207. In conjunction with the
attachment of pin sections 227 to abutments 206, arrow portion 222
may be inserted into opening 205 so that it may be visible from
above the water level indicator 200. This arrangement is shown in
greater detail in FIG. 2B. Finally, floating portion 230 may be
attached to lower arm 224 of lever arm 220. This attachment may be
accomplished using any conventional means for attachment including,
but not limited to, screws, pins or a press fit.
[0032] FIG. 2B is a top view of water level indicator 200 according
to one embodiment of the present invention. As mentioned above,
once water level indicator 200 is assembled, arrow portion 222 may
be received by opening 205 so that arrow portion 222 may be seen
from above the water level indicator 200. The remaining portions
223, 224, 225 and 227 of lever arm 220 and the floating portion 230
may be located below top portion 210. As illustrated in FIG. 2B,
top portion 210 of water level indicator 200 may include a visual
indicator 250 which may be used in conjunction with arrow portion
222 to indicate the water level of base 30 to a user. More
specifically, the visual indicator 250 may alert a user when the
water level in base 30 reaches a predetermined level at which the
base may not have enough weight to be capable of safely supporting
a basketball goal during game play. In one embodiment, visual
indicator 250 may be a decal which may be stuck to top portion 210
using adhesive. In other embodiments, visual indicator 250 may be
etched, or formed using another means, directly onto top portion
210.
[0033] FIG. 2C is a cross sectional view of water level indicator
200 attached to base 30. As illustrated in FIG. 2C, floating
portion 230 may be configured to float along the top surface of the
water 270 contained within base 30. Therefore, as the water level
increases or decreases, floating portion 230 may remain along the
top surface of the water 270, moving lower arm 224 in the
directions of Arrow B. Because pin portions 227 of lever arm 220
are rotatably connected to abutments 206, as lower arm 224 moves in
the directions of Arrow B, upper arm 223 and arrow portion 222 may
move a corresponding distance in the directions of Arrow A, as
illustrated in FIGS. 2B and 2C. The movement of indicator 222 in
the directions of Arrow A may therefore provide an indication of
the level of water 270 in base 30 to a user.
[0034] When water 270 is at the top of, or close to the top of,
base 30, floating portion 230 may force lower arm 224 upwards in
the direction of Arrow B shown in FIG. 2C. This movement, in turn,
may force upper arm 223 and arrow portion 222 to move (to the right
in FIG. 2C) in the direction of Arrow A. Arrow portion 222 may then
appear adjacent to a "full" indication on visual indicator 250, as
illustrated in FIG. 2B. Thus, by glancing at water level indicator
200 on base 30, a user may be provided with an indication that base
30 is full of water 270.
[0035] In the event that the level of water 270 in base 30 drops,
floating portion 230 may force lower arm 224 downwards in the
direction of Arrow B. This movement, in turn, may force upper arm
223 and arrow portion 222 to move (to the left in FIG. 2C) in the
direction of Arrow A. Arrow portion 222 may then appear adjacent to
a "fill" indication on visual indicator 250, as illustrated in FIG.
2B. Thus, by glancing at water level indicator 200 on base 30, a
user may be alerted that the level of water 270 in base 30 has
dropped and should be filled.
[0036] In another embodiment of the present invention (not shown),
visual indicator 250 may provide a measurement of the depth of
water 270 in base 30. In this embodiment, lower arm 224 may be
configured to be of a sufficient length so that floating portion
230 may float on top of water 270 at any depth. Thus, a user may be
provided with an exact measurement of the depth of the water in
base 30. This may allow the user to judge whether the water level
is sufficient for game play in addition to being provided with a
measurement of the exact amount of water in the base (or,
conversely, an exact measurement of any decrease in the water
level).
[0037] Additionally, while the embodiments of the present invention
discussed above with reference to FIGS. 2A-2C may utilize a lever
arm configured to pivot, it is contemplated that the lever arm may
also be attached in alternative manners. For example, lever arm 220
may be configured as a straight arm slidably attached to the body
of the water level indicator. In this embodiment, as the level of
water in base 30 increases or decreases, the floating portion may
move up or down, causing the arm to move up or down with respect to
the body of the water level indicator. This, in turn, may cause the
arrow portion to move up or down.
[0038] In this embodiment, the visual indicator may be configured
as a vertical indicator, placed along a pole or other structure
attached to base 30. In one embodiment, the visual indicator may be
placed on support pole 20, with the water level indicator attached
to base 30 at or near the bottom of the support pole 20. As one of
ordinary skill in the art will realize, as the arrow portion moves
up or down, it may indicate the level of water by appearing
adjacent to different indicators on the visual indicator, as
discussed above.
[0039] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a water level indicator 300
according to another embodiment of the present invention. As
discussed above, the water level indicator 300 may be integrated
into a cap which may be attached to base 30. The water level
indicator 300 may include a top portion 310, a threaded portion 302
for engaging with a corresponding threaded portion (not shown) in
base 30, a first metal probe 320 and a second metal probe 330. Top
portion 310 and threaded portion 302 may be formed any common
material including, but not limited to, injection molded plastic,
blowmolded plastic, machine cast plastic and metal. Metal probes
320 and 330 may be attached to top portion 310 using screws,
adhesive or any other conventional means known to one of skill in
the art.
[0040] Top portion 310 may include an indicator 305 for providing a
user with a visual indication of the level of water in base 30. The
indicator 305 may include an LED, a buzzer or a similar electronic
device capable of giving differing visual or audible indications
known to one of skill in the art. The indicator 305 may be attached
to the top portion 310 or may be contained within top portion 310
and presented through a hole in top portion 310. Alternatively, it
is contemplated that the indicator 305 may be located elsewhere on
the basketball goal (such as on the support pole 20) and connected
to the water level indicator using electrical wires which may be
hidden within the various components of the basketball goal.
[0041] FIG. 3B is a circuit diagram of water level indicator 300
according to one embodiment of the present invention. Water level
indicator 300 may include a power source 340, an LED 305, a
transistor 380 and two sounding wires 360 and 370. Power source 340
may be any suitable power source including, but not limited to, a
watch battery or a 9-volt battery. LED 305, transistor 380 and
sounding wires 360 and 370 may be any commercially available
off-the-shelf component commonly used in electrical circuits.
Alternatively, LED 305 may be customized to provide a desired
visual indication, as discussed below with reference to FIGS. 3C
and 3D.
[0042] While the power source 340 is not illustrated in FIG. 3A, it
is contemplated that the power source 340 may be contained within
the body of water level indicator 300. As such, water level
indicator 300 may include a door with a latch or similar access
device known to those of skill in the art for accessing and
replacing the power source 340.
[0043] As illustrated in FIG. 3B, sounding wires 360 and 370 may be
electrically connected to metal probes 320 and 330, respectively.
Sounding wire 370 may be connected to transistor 380. Transistor
380 may, in turn, be connected to both LED 305 and the negative
connection of power source 340. Sounding wire 360 may be connected
to the LED 305 and the positive connection of power source 340. In
alternative embodiments, amplifiers may be connected at various
points in the circuit to amplify the signal in the event that there
is insufficient current to enable LED to light flowing through the
circuit.
[0044] The circuit illustrated in FIG. 3B takes advantage of the
scientific fact that water conducts electricity better than air.
The probes may be manufactured at a predetermined length such that
when water is contacting the probes, the base may have sufficient
weight to safely support a basketball goal during game play. As
illustrated in FIG. 3C, when the level of water 380 in base 30 is
at a level such that it contacts probes 320 and 330, the electrical
circuit illustrated in FIG. 3B may be completed. As such, current
provided by power source 340 may flow throughout the circuit,
allowing LED 305 to light. In one embodiment, the LED may have a
specific color or words indicating that the circuit is completed
and, as such, the level of water 380 in the tank 30 is sufficient
for game play.
[0045] As illustrated in FIG. 3D, when the level of water in tank
30 drops below a certain point in tank 30 and no longer contacts
probes 320 and 330, the circuit may be broken and current may be
prevented from flowing. This may cause the status of LED 305 to
change, providing a visual indication (such as a color or words)
that the level of water 380 in tank 30 has dropped below a certain
level and may need to be filled.
[0046] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, it is
contemplated that the water level indicator may be configured to be
a combination of mechanical and electrical components, as
illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B. In this embodiment of the present
invention, the water level indicator may include a sensor portion
400 (illustrated in FIG. 4A) and an indicator portion 450
(illustrated in FIG. 4B). As illustrated in FIG. 4A, the sensor
portion 400 may include a body 410 having a threaded portion 401
for engaging with a corresponding threaded portion in base 30. Body
410 and threaded portion 402 may be formed from any common material
including, but not limited to, injection molded plastic, blowmolded
plastic, machine cast plastic and metal. Further, while FIG. 4A
illustrates the use of a threaded portion 402, it is contemplated
that body 410 may be configured to attach to base 30 using a press
fit or other common type of attachment.
[0047] The sensor portion 400 may include a lever arm having a
lower arm 424 and an upper arm 423. Lower arm 424 may be integrally
formed from any common material including, but not limited to,
injection molded plastic, blowmolded plastic, machine cast plastic,
metal, wire and stamped steel. Upper arm 423 may be integrally
formed from any conductive material including, but not limited to,
metal, wire and stamped steel. Each arm 423 and 424 may be
connected to one another using any conventional means for attaching
and may be pivotally connected to body 410 at pivot point 427.
[0048] As illustrated in FIG. 4A, lower arm 424 may also be
connected to a floating portion 430 which may be formed from a
buoyant material including, but not limited to, foam, cork or
rubber. Upper arm 423 may also be connected to a variable resistor
420. The variable resistor 420 and the upper arm 423 may also be
electrically connected to different elements in the indicator
portion 450, as shown in FIG. 4B.
[0049] The indicator portion 450 may include a power source 440, a
bimetallic strip 470, a heating coil 455, a linkage 480, a visual
indicator 460 and an arrow portion 490 pivotally attached to the
visual indicator 460. Power source 440 may be any suitable power
source including, but not limited to, a watch battery or a 9-volt
battery. The bimetallic strip 470 may be formed by combining two
different types of metal. The metals may be any common metal known
to those skilled in the art but each metal should have a different
rate of expansion and contraction. The linkage 480 may be formed
from any conventional material including plastic or metal.
[0050] During operation of the water level indicator according to
the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the floating portion
430 may float along the top surface of water 495. As the level of
water 495 drops, the floating portion 430 may remain along the top
surface of the water 495, moving lower arm 424 in the direction of
Arrow D. Because upper arm 423 is connected to lower arm 424, and
because both arms 424 and 423 are pivotally connected to body 410
at point 427, the movement of lower arm 424 in the direction of
arrow D may cause upper arm 423 to move in the direction of Arrow
C.
[0051] As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the upper arm 423 may be
electrically connected to variable resistor 420 and heating coil
455. Heating coil 455 may also be electrically connected to power
source 440. The power source 440 may also be connected to the
resistor 420. As such, the movement of upper arm 423 in the
direction of Arrow C may cause the location of the connection
between upper arm 423 and resistor 420 along resistor 420 to
change, thus changing the amount of resistance in variable resistor
420. This, in turn may adjust the amount of current that flows
through the entire circuit by adjusting the amount of resistive
material the current must pass through. Therefore, when floating
portion 430 is near the top of base 30, the resistance may be
relatively small and a relatively large amount of current may pass
through the circuit. As the level of water 495 drops (and floating
portion 430 follows), the resistance may increase and the amount of
current passing through he circuit may decrease.
[0052] As the current passing through variable resistor 420 is
adjusted, the amount of current passing through heating coil 455 is
also adjusted. As illustrated in FIG. 4B, heating coil 455 may be
wrapped around, or located near, bimetallic strip 470. Bimetallic
strip 470 may then, in turn, be connected to linkage 480 which may
also be connected to arrow portion 490. Because of the different
rates of contraction and expansion of the metals used to form the
bimetallic strip 470, when strip 470 is heated by the current
passing through the circuit, one metal may expand more than the
other and the strip 470 may be forced to curve or straighten. This
may cause strip 470 to push or pull on the linkage 480 which may
then cause arrow portion 490 to pivot about point 485. As such, the
level of the water 495 in base 30 may be indicated to a user by the
location of the arrow portion 490 on the visual indicator 460.
[0053] In alternative embodiments, it is contemplated that a
microprocessor (not shown) may be used to read the amount of
current passing through variable resistor 420. The microprocessor
may then indicate the level of water 495 in tank 30 to a user using
a visual indicator.
[0054] It should be noted that it is contemplated that the
indicator portion may be located within body 410 so that sensor
portion 400 and indicator portion 450 are collocated within one
enclosure. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the sensor
portion 400 may be located on or in base 30, as illustrated in FIG.
4A and the indicator portion 450 may be located at any point on the
basketball goal, as discussed above with reference to FIGS.
3A-3D.
[0055] The water level indicator according to the various
embodiments of the present invention may be incorporated into
existing basketball goals having a fillable base. Because the
indicator may be incorporated into a cap (such as cap 50
illustrated in FIG. 1), a manufacturer may provide a consumer with
the ability to purchase a replacement cap having a water level
indicator. Additionally, because the water level indicator
according to the embodiments of the present invention may be
cheaply and easily manufactured due to the simple construction,
replacement of a broken indicator by a manufacturer or consumer is
relatively inexpensive and simple.
[0056] Finally, in addition to using the water level indicator of
the present invention with a portable base for supporting a
basketball goal, it is envisioned that the present invention can be
utilized with a portable base for other types of goals or support
poles. This may include support poles for portable volleyball nets,
portable soccer goals, portable flagpoles or the like. Thus, the
use of the present invention with a basketball goal is not to be
construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.
[0057] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the
present invention are presented for purposes of illustration and
description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many
modifications and variations are possible in view of the above
teachings. While the embodiments were chosen and described in order
to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical
applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best
utilize the invention, various embodiments with various
modifications as are suited to the particular use are also
possible. The scope of the invention is to be defined only by the
claims appended hereto, and by their equivalents.
* * * * *