U.S. patent application number 11/783594 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-16 for sports targeting system.
Invention is credited to Marian G. Rowan.
Application Number | 20080252017 11/783594 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39853012 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080252017 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rowan; Marian G. |
October 16, 2008 |
Sports targeting system
Abstract
The multidimensional interchangeable modular ball game
apparatus/sports targeting system is used for building game playing
skills, such as hand-to-eye and foot-to-eye coordination. The
apparatus can be used for throwing, kicking or hitting any type of
sports ball or projectile and can help with practicing all types of
sports, as well as with early childhood development and
rehabilitation. The apparatus includes a base with a stem extending
from the base. Multiple stems and/or bases may be joined for use
with hoops and targets of various sizes, shapes and colors, made of
open or closed nets, hard or soft backboard(s). Arms of different
lengths are supported on the stem. The arms may also be placed at
different heights on the stem.
Inventors: |
Rowan; Marian G.; (Houston,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LITMAN LAW OFFICES, LTD.
P.O. BOX 15035, CRYSTAL CITY STATION
ARLINGTON
VA
22215-0035
US
|
Family ID: |
39853012 |
Appl. No.: |
11/783594 |
Filed: |
April 10, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/400 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2225/09 20130101;
A63B 63/004 20130101; A63B 2210/50 20130101; A63B 2225/093
20130101; A63B 63/00 20130101; A63B 2071/024 20130101; A63B 2208/12
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/400 |
International
Class: |
A63B 63/00 20060101
A63B063/00 |
Claims
1. An interchangeable, modular ball game apparatus, comprising: a
base; a vertical stem extending upward from the base, said stem
including a plurality of vertically spaced holes; a removable,
horizontally oriented channel member removably attached to said
vertical stem, said channel member having a length; plural openings
spaced along the length of said channel member: a first arm having
a first end and a second end, apparatus for removably attaching
said first end of said first arm to said removable, horizontally
oriented channel member; and a first sports target member attached
to said second end of said first arm.
2. The interchangeable, modular ball game apparatus according to
claim 1, wherein said vertical stem includes vertically telescoping
sections.
3. The interchangeable, modular ball game apparatus according to
claim 1, further including a removable sleeve encompassing said
stem and wherein said removable, horizontally oriented channel
member is attached to said sleeve.
4. The interchangeable, modular ball game apparatus according to
claim 1, wherein said apparatus for removably attaching said first
end of said first arm to said removable, horizontally oriented
channel member includes a hinge connection.
5. (canceled)
6. The interchangeable, modular ball game apparatus according to
claim 1, wherein said first arm has a track therein and including a
wheeled device supported on said track for movement thereon.
7-11. (canceled)
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a ball game
apparatus. More particularly, the present invention relates to an
interchangeable, modular ball game apparatus that has a variety of
hoops, goals and targets.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] There are literally a limitless number of ball-based games
that have been developed in the marketplace. These games utilize a
wide variety of balls, shapes, hoops, backboards, goals, etc. with
a variety of features such as bells, flashing lights or movement of
the goals. Many of these game apparatus are reflected in the
related art. Pertinent samples of such related art are cited and
identified in the accompanying IDS. However, none of the cited and
identified related art, taken either singly or in combination, is
seen to describe a sports targeting system as will subsequently be
described and claimed in the instant invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention is an improvement of Applicant's
invention disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,011,310 B2 issued on Mar.
14, 2006. As in the patented invention, the present invention is an
interchangeable, modular ball game apparatus used for developing
game-playing skills, such as hand-to-eye and foot-to-eye
coordination. The apparatus can be used as a goal, bounce back or
target for throwing, kicking or hitting any type of sports ball or
projectile and can help with practicing all types of sports, as
well as with rehabilitation and early childhood development. The
apparatus includes a base with a stem channel or post extending
from the base. Arms or rails of different lengths are removably
supported by the stem channel and may be placed at different
selected heights. Hoops, targets, goals, bounce backs (hard and
soft), etc. of varying sizes and colors can be attached to the arms
and/or to the top of the stem. Targets of varying sizes can be
superimposed on top of others to provide varying degrees of
difficulty or accuracy. The targets can be flat, concave or convex
so to vary the return angle of the ball. The arms on the apparatus
may be tilted so that the hoops can be positioned in any manner
suitable for the user. The apparatus may be portable or permanently
attached to a floor, ceiling or wall(s) of a structure, cemented or
placed into a sleeve in the ground.
[0006] Accordingly, the invention presents a game targeting
apparatus that is easily adjustable and is adaptable for use with
goals, hoops and targets of different shapes and sizes. The
invention includes a plurality of structural elements that are
joined in adjustable fashion, similar to an erector set. The system
also includes hinges, pivots, wheels and similar structure to allow
for movement and angular adjustment of the targets. Movement of
larger targets can be assisted with manual or adjustable ratchets
or by a wheeled-type carriage that travels vertically on a tracked
stem or horizontally on a tracked channel or rail. The invention
provides for improved elements and arrangements thereof for the
purposes described which are inexpensive, dependable and fully
effective in accomplishing their intended purposes.
[0007] A clear understanding of the present invention will become
readily apparent upon review of the following specification and
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sports targeting system
according to the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an adjustable stem having a
top channel according to the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a partial view of an embodiment of an adjustable
stem having a sleeve according to the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an
adjustable stem without the sleeve according to the present
invention.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a partial view of an arm channel with hinges
according to the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a partial view of an embodiment having a hinge
mounted to an adjustable stem according to the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a partial view of an arm mounted for ratcheting
movement on an adjustable stem according to the present
invention.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a partial view of an embodiment employing a
self-locking arm according to the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment employed to
support a bounce back target.
[0017] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a wheel adapted to travel
on a track in the stem or in a channel.
[0018] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment incorporating
a track for the wheel of FIG. 10.
[0019] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment employing a
wheel in a vertical track arrangement
[0020] Similar reference characters denote corresponding features
consistently throughout the attached drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] Attention is first directed to FIG. 1 wherein the target
apparatus of the present invention is generally indicated at 10.
Target apparatus 10 comprises a base 20 and a stem 30 extending
upward from the base 20. The base 20 is a flat plate or planar
member. The stem 30 may be supported on the base 20 in any
convenient manner, e.g., by a tube or saddle adapted to receive the
bottom of the stem 30, by screwing the stem 30 onto mounting holes
provided in the base 20, or by welding the stem 30 straight onto
the base 20. The base 20 may be held to the ground or surface upon
which the base 20 is to rest by using anchoring holes or the like
built into the base 20 and an anchoring means 22 for anchoring the
base 20 to the ground. Preferably the stem 30 is bolted to the base
20, but in permanent installations the stem 30 may be fixed to the
base 20 by welding or other joinery techniques. As indicated above,
the base may be secured to a wall, floor or ceiling of a permanent
structure. Furthermore, in lieu of a base, the stem can be embedded
in concrete, sand, etc.
[0022] The stem 30 can be fabricated from either round, railing,
channel, strut or square tubing. The stem 30 may be furnished in an
assortment of selected heights, such as four, six, or eight feet.
The stem 30 may support at least one hoop 12a directly mounted
thereon in any convenient manner. Other hoops, goals or targets
12b, 12c, 12d and 12e are supported from a plurality of arms 32. As
illustrated, arms 32 are adjustably mounted on stem 30. Arms 32 are
adjustable to various lengths. Arms 32 can also be fabricated from
either round railing, channel, strut or square tubing.
[0023] FIG. 2 is illustrative of an embodiment of the invention
wherein stem 30 is vertically adjustable. Respective upper and
lower members 30a and 30b are telescopically arranged for vertical
adjustment. Plural openings 34 are spaced along the length of each
member 30a, 30b. When members 30a, 30b have been adjusted to a
desired height, a bolt 35 or similar device is inserted through
aligned openings 34 in each member to retain the stem at the
desired adjusted height. Arm supporting channels 36 (only one is
shown) are removably mounted on stem 30 by means of a bolt or the
like. Openings 36a are formed along the length of the channel to
enhance adjustability and versatility.
[0024] Attention is now directed to FIG. 3 wherein an embodiment of
the invention incorporates a sleeve 40 encompassing stem 30. A
horizontally-oriented channel member 42 is attached to sleeve 40.
Sleeve 40 is attached to the stem by means of conventional
fasteners 42a. Plural openings 42b are spaced along the horizontal
length of channel member 42. A vertically-oriented channel member
44 is removably attached to horizontal arm channel member 42 by
means of conventional fastener(s) 44a. Vertical channel member 44
is provided with openings 44b spaced along the vertical length
thereof. An arm support member 46 is removably attached to channel
member 44 by means of conventional fasteners 46a. Arm support
member 46 is provided with spaced openings 46b.
[0025] The embodiment of FIG. 4 is similar to that of FIG. 3. The
sleeve 40 has been omitted and horizontal channel member 42 is
attached directly to stem 30 via plate 48. A hinge member 49 is
disposed at the end of channel member 42 whereby arm members 32 can
be pivotally attached thereto for desired adjustment.
[0026] As best seen in FIG. 5, hinges 50 can be spaced along the
length of an arm channel 58. The hinges are employed to afford
adjustability for the arms of the target apparatus so that the user
can position the hoop or target to a desired position. Each hinge
comprises two semi-circular plates 52, which plates are spaced
apart and connected via a rectangular plate 54. Spaced openings 56
are disposed along the circumferential periphery of each plate for
receiving bolt members or the like therethrough, whereby the hinges
can be adjustably positioned on the channel 58.
[0027] FIG. 6 is illustrative of an embodiment wherein a hinge 60
is removably attached to stem member 30. Hinge 60 comprises a
shaped plate 62 having openings 62a spaced along each side.
Conventional fasteners 64 are employed to attach plate 62 to stem
30. An arm channel support member 66 is provided with a pair of
legs 68 depending perpendicularly therefrom. Each leg is provided
with a respective opening therethrough. A conventional fattener can
be employed to pivotally attach the legs to plate 62. It should be
noted that the hinge can also be attached to an arm member.
[0028] The embodiment of FIG. 7 employs a stem 30 having teeth 70
disposed on opposite outer surfaces along the length of the stem.
Arm 32 has an end that terminates in a device having a pair of
rollers 72 and 74 respectively abutting the above described
opposite surfaces of stem 30. Rollers 72, 74 are provided with
respective teeth 72a, 74a that are engaged with teeth 70 on the
outer surfaces of stem 30. The arrangement functions similar to an
automobile jack whereby arm 32 can be raised and lowered on stem
30. Manual, hydraulic or electrical apparatus can be utilized to
assist the raising and lowering of the arm. Conventional means (not
shown) are employed to lock the arm at a desired height.
[0029] FIG. 8 employs an arrangement wherein a plate 80 is attached
to stem 30 by means of removable bolts 82, 84. Extensions 86 are
employed to engage arm 32 whereby the arm is locked on plate
80.
[0030] FIG. 9 is an embodiment illustrating perspective view of an
assembly of stems 30 arms or railings 32 assembled to form a
support for a hard or soft bounce back target (not shown). Wheels
90 are removably attached to the stems to afford portability for
the assembly.
[0031] FIGS. 10 and 11 are illustrative of an embodiment including
a wheeled device 92 having a bracket portion 94 thereon. Bracket 94
is adapted to support a target therefrom. The targets can be
interchanged as desired. Wheel device 92 is adapted to move back
and forth on a track 96. Although illustrated as a channel arm
connected to a stem, it is obvious that the track could be
incorporated to move vertically in a stem if desired. It is also
obvious that the wheel device could be motorized.
[0032] In FIG. 12 a vertically oriented channel or stem 32 is
provided with a track for the vertical movement of a wheel 97
therein. An axle 99 extends from the wheel and has an end attached
to a hinged bracket 93 of a target support frame 91 or to an arm
that is attached to the frame. A wheel 95 is provided for the frame
of the target. The instant embodiment allows vertical movement of a
target. The wheel 97 can assume other orientations in the track to
provide for vertical movement and as noted above, the wheel 97
could be motorized if desired.
[0033] Essentially, all parts in the above-described embodiments
are interchangeable much like a giant erector set and can include
wheels, carriages, arms stems, railings, etc of various sizes and
configurations. This arrangement allows a user to design and build
a customized targeting system that is limited only by the user's
imagination.
[0034] It is to be understood that the present invention is not
limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and
all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *