U.S. patent number 3,752,476 [Application Number 05/059,096] was granted by the patent office on 1973-08-14 for projectile return apparatus.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Mahoney, Inc.. Invention is credited to Elmo J. Mahoney.
United States Patent |
3,752,476 |
Mahoney |
August 14, 1973 |
PROJECTILE RETURN APPARATUS
Abstract
A backstop return panel is spaced forwardly from a rearwardly
inclined, telescopic, support post by two pair of side braces. Each
pair of side braces is secured to respective opposite ends of a
shaft which in turn is mounted to the support post for pivotal
movement about a horizontal axis by a releasable clamp. The support
post is mounted to an X-shaped base. Each foot of the base is
telescopic and has mounted at its outer end a flanged suction cup
with a hole at the midpoint of the flange, and a suction cup
release device comprising a pivoted roller.
Inventors: |
Mahoney; Elmo J. (Dorrance,
KS) |
Assignee: |
Mahoney, Inc. (Dorrance,
KS)
|
Family
ID: |
22020828 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/059,096 |
Filed: |
July 29, 1970 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/435;
248/188.7; 248/156; 248/362; 248/413 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B
69/0097 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A63B
69/00 (20060101); A63b 069/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;273/1.5A,1R,26A,29A
;248/181,185,413,48,156,188.7,44,45,46,47,26R,363 ;272/83 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,021,283 |
|
1952 |
|
FR |
|
1,341,549 |
|
1963 |
|
FR |
|
Primary Examiner: Oechsle; Anton O.
Assistant Examiner: Shapiro; Paul E.
Claims
I claim:
1. An improved projectile return apparatus comprising;
a. a backstop means having a return panel member connected to a
panel support assembly,
b. a base frame means having attachment means to be releasably
connected to a support surface and held against lateral
movement,
c. said base frame means including a support post assembly and
extended in a plane at an angle relative to the support
surface,
d. means adjustably connecting said backstop means to said base
frame means whereby said return panel member may be adjusted
horizontally and vertically to return a projectile thrown against
said panel member at a desired angle and direction,
e. said support post assembly including a main upright post member
extended in a rearwardly inclined plane and having a clamp assembly
at the upper end thereof engagable with said connecting means,
f. said connecting means including first and second telescoping
tube members having the upper end of said first tube member secured
through a clamp connector assembly to said backstop means and the
lower end of said second tube member telescopingly received within
said post member and secured in an adjusted position by said clamp
assembly,
g. said panel support assembly having pairs of cooperating side
brace mtmbers, each pair of said side brace members secured to
respective opposite ends of a common support shaft, and
h. said clamp connector assembly mounted about said support shaft
to anchor same in an adjusted position about a horizontal axis.
2. An improved projectile return aparatus as described in claim 1,
wherein;
a. said base frame means having a base support assembly secured as
by an anchor assembly to said support post assembly,
b. said base support assembly including a plurality of telescoping
leg assemblies having their inner ends secured to said anchor
assembly and the outer ends secured to support cup members operable
to contact and grasp the support surface to provide lateral and
vertical stability,
c. said support cup members having respective holes in outer
flanges to initially contact and subsequently release from the
support surface for ease of disconnection for movement to a
different location, and
d. said telescoping leg assemblies having release means connected
to outer ends thereof movable to engage the support surface to
release respective ones of said support cup members therefrom.
3. An improved projectile return apparatus comprising;
a. a backstop means having a return panel member connected to a
panel support assembly,
b. a base frame means having attachment means to be releasably
connected to a support surface and held against lateral
movement,
c. said base frame means including a support post assembly and
extended in a plane at an angle relative to the support
surface,
d. means adjustably connecting said backstop means to said base
frame means whereby said return panel member may be adjusted
horizontally and vertically to return a projectile thrown against
said panel member at a desired angle and direction, and
e. said base frame means including telescoping leg assemblies with
the outer ends having support cup members and having releasable
roller assemblies pivotally connected to outer ends of said
telescoping leg assemblies movable to engage the support surface to
release respective ones of said support cup members therefrom.
Description
This application presents an improvement over U.S. Pat. No.
3,427,026, entitled "Projectile Return Apparatus"; the inventor
being Kenneth J. Mahoney; and issued Feb. 11, 1969.
Numerous types of backstop or return apparatus are known to the
prior art including many which provide rigid or resilient net
structures. The structures known in the prior art are operable to
return footballs, basketballs as dropped through a goal structure,
etc., but such devices are normally limited in use and complicated
in structure. Additionally, most of the prior art structures are
not readily portable, simple to use, nor easily adjustable to a
plurality of different positions for various purposes.
In accordance with the present invention, a new improved projectile
return apparatus used as a practice means for sports is provided
which includes a backstop means; a base frame means; and an
adjustable connecting means to connect the backstop means to the
base frame means. The backstop means includes a return panel
assembly connected to a main panel support assembly. The return
panel assembly includes a panel member connected by resilient
connector straps to a tubular support frame. The panel member is
operable to resiliently absorb the impact of a projectile thrown
thereagainst and return the same according the angle at which it
was initially impacted. The panel support assembly includes a pair
of spaced side members secured to opposite sides of the support
frame and having the outer ends connected to a common support
shaft. The base frame means includes a main base support assembly
secured through an anchor assembly to an upwardly inclined support
post assembly. The base support assembly includes four cooperating
telescoping leg assemblies having innermost ends interconnected to
a horizontal base plate member of the anchor assembly. Each leg
assembly includes a primary tubular member having a secondary
tubular member telescopingly mounted therewithin anchored by bolt
members in the axially adjusted position. The outer end of each leg
assembly includes a cup member operable to contact a given support
surface for securing the same thereto. A rearward pair of the leg
assemblies are further provided with caster wheel assemblies so
that the same is engagable with the support surface on tilting of
the entire projectile return apparatus for ease of conveyance. The
anchor assembly further includes upright support struts having the
outer ends secured as by welding to the base plate member and upper
ends secured to the support post assembly. The support post
assembly includes a main tubular post member secured by welding to
the aforementioned base plate member and having a clamp assembly
mounted on the upper end. The support clamp is provided with a
thumb screw actuator engagable with a portion of the adjustable
connector means. The adjustable connector means includes first and
second telescoping tube members having the first tube member
telescopingly mounted within the tubular post member. The upper or
second tube member is provided with a clamp connector assembly
engagable with the support shaft. The clamp connector assembly is
provided with a C-clamp member welded to the upper end of the
second tube member and having outer opposed cooperating legs
interconnected through an actuator handle rod so as to be clamped
and released from rigid connection to the support shaft. The first
and second telescoping members are interconnected through nut and
bolt members to provide the desired height adjustment. The first
telescoping tube member has its lower end closed by a base plate to
receive a safety rod assembly therein. More particularly the safety
rod assembly includes an elongated rod member having it's lower end
mounted within a hole in the base plate member and provided at the
upper end with an enlarged head portion. The rod member is of a
length less than the first telescoping tube member adapted to
contact the base plate against the head portion on upward movement
to assure that the backstop means is not removed inadvertently.
One object of this invention is to provide a new improved
projectile return apparatus overcoming the aforementioned
disadvantages of the prior art devices.
A further object of this invention is to provide an improved
projectile return apparatus having a backstop means supported upon
a base frame means whereby the frame means is readily movable
relative to a supporting ground surface while providing a rigid
support in a stationary position so as to maintain the backstop
means rigid when a projectile is thrown thereagainst.
Still, another object of this invention is to provide an improved
projectile return apparatus having a resilient backstop means
supported above a given ground surface and readily movable as
desired to a given angularly adjusted position with a minimum
amount of effort.
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved
projectile return apparatus having a backstop means connected
through an adjustable connecting means to a base frame means
whereupon the predetermined cooperating relationship therebetween
is such to assure that the projectile return apparatus will be
maintained in a working condition no matter what angle the
projectile is thrown thereagainst and the reaction force received
therefrom.
Still, one further object of this invention is to provide an
improved projectile return apparatus which is economical to
manufacture; simple to operate; durable in construction; and
readily adaptable to a plurality of training usages.
Various other objects, advantages, and features of the invention
will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following
discussion, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in
which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an improved projectile return
apparatus of this invention;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along line
2--2 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the improved projectile return
apparatus of this invention;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along line
4--4 in FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along line
5--5 in FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along line
6--6 in FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the improved return apparatus
of this invention illustrating the same in a tilted conveyance
condition;
FIG. 8 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating another
embodiment of a base means of the return apparatus of this
invention for connecting to a ground surface;
FIG. 9 is a fragmentary perspective view of a base frame means of
another embodiment of an improved projectile return apparatus of
this invention; and
FIG. 10 is a sectional view illustrating the addition of a roller
structure to readily disengage the improved projectile return
apparatus of this invention from a given support surface.
The following is a discussion and description of preferred specific
embodiments of the new projectile return apparatus of this
invention, such being made with reference to the drawings,
whereupon the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same
or similar parts and/or structure. It is to be understood that such
discussion and description is not to unduly limit the scope of the
invention.
Referring to the drawings in detail and in particular to FIG. 1, an
improved projectile return apparatus of this invention, indicated
at 12, is operable to be connected to a support surface 14. The
projectile return apparatus 12 includes a main backstop means 16
connected through an adjustable connecting means 18 to a base frame
means 20 which, in turn, is mounted on the support surface 14.
The backstop means 16 includes a return panel assembly 22 connected
to a panel support assembly 24 which is pivotally mounted upon the
adjustable connecting means 18. The return panel assembly 22
includes a main support frame 25 having a panel member 27 secured
thereto through a plurality of resilient connector straps 28. The
panel member 27 is of a generally rectangular shape constructed of
a knitted fabric similar to that found on a conventional
trampoline. More particularly, the panel member 27 has a plurality
of cross-strips joined at the outer periphery by an edging 30. The
support frame 25 is a generally square or rectangular shape
constructed of a tubular material having a plurality of hooks 32
secured thereto. The connector straps 28 are looped about the
adjacent peripherial edge of te panel member 27 and having the
outer ends secured to the hooks 32 to provide the desired tension
to the panel member 27.
The panel support assembly 24 includes pairs of cooperating side
brace members 33 and 35 secured to each opposite side of the
support frame 25 and having common apex portions secured to
opposite ends of a support shaft 37. The respective side brace
members 33 and 35 are connected to upper and lower portions of
vertital side bars 38 to achieve the necessary support as will
become obvious. A mid portion of the support shaft 37 is connected
to the connecting means 18 in a manner to be described.
The base frame means 20 includes a base support assembly 41 secured
by an anchor assembly 43 to an upwardly inclined support post
assembly 45. The base support assembly 41 includes four telescoping
leg assemblies 46 secured at the inner ends to the anchor assembly
43 and having support cup members 48 secured to the outer ends of
the leg assemblies 46 for attachment to the support surface 14 as
will be explained. Each telescoping leg assembly 46 includes a
primary tube member 49 having a secondary tube member 51
telescopingly received therewithin, each of a square tubular shape
in transverse cross-section. Each of the first and secondary tube
members 49 and 51 are provided with a plurality of alignable spaced
holes 53 so as to receive nut and bolt members 54 to secure the
secondary tube member 51 in a given axial position relative to the
primary tubular member 49 to achieve the desired length.
As shown in FIG. 5, the outer end of the secondary tube member 51
is provided with a bottom wall 55 having a cut-out portion
indicated at 57 so as to receive the respective support cup members
48 therein. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, it is seen that upright side
walls 59 of the secondary tube member 51 is provided with s
semi-circular section 61 formed from the bottom wall 55. The
semi-circular section 61 is operable to contact the support surface
14 in case 4f a failure in respective one's of the support cup
members 48 to prevent damage to a basketball court or the like. The
support cup members 48 are provided with a main body 63 integral
with an outwardly divergent flange section 65 to provide a suction
area 66. The flange section 65 has a hole 68 at a mid-section for
ease of release as will be explained. The main body 63 is secured
by a bolt member 67 and a nut member 69 to a top wall 71 of the
secondary tube member 51. It is seen that the bolt member 67 is
selected of such a length whereas, on failure or damage to the
support cup member 48, the bolt member 67 will not contact the
support surface 14 as of a length less than the sidewalls 59.
As shown in FIG. 10, an additional feature added to the secondary
tube membr 51 is the use of a pivotal roller structure 72 including
an actuator arm 74 having a roller member 76 on the outer end
thereof. The actuator arm 74 is pivotally connected to the
sidewalls 59 of the secondary tube member 51. A spring member 77
biases the roller member 76 upwardly to the inactive position. The
actuator arm 74 can be pushed downwardly in a counter-clockwise
motion as viewed in FIG. 10 in order to move the respective leg
assembly 46 upwardly so as to release the support cup member 48
from its suction grip of the support surface 14.
As shown in FIG. 1, it is seen that the forward ones of the primary
tube members 49 are provided with facing hook members 79 to receive
a rope member 81 thereupon which is desirable in sliding the
projectile return apparatus 12 to a different location.
Additionally, it is obvious that the rope member 81 can be pulled
upwardly to aid in releasing the forward ones of the support cup
members 48 from the support surface 14. It is seen that the
rearward ones of the telescoping leg assemblies 46 are provided
with parallel support lugs 83, each having a roller wheel member 84
mounted thereon. The lower surface of the wheel members 84, when in
the condition as shown in FIG. 1, are above the support surface 14
but operable to contact the same when in the tilted position of
FIG. 7 for ease of conveyance along the support surface 14.
The anchor assembly 43 includes a main base plate member 86 of a
generally square shape having each of its corners secured as by nut
and bolt members 87 to respective ones of the primary tube members
49. The base plate member 86 includes a central portion to receive
the support post assembly 45 which is welded thereto. Additionally,
the anchor assembly 43 is provided with a plurality of spaced
upright support struts 89 secured as by welding to respective
corners of the base plate member 86 and at the upper ends to the
support post assembly 45 to achieve the necessary lateral
stability.
The support post assembly 45 includes a main post member 91 of
rectangular shape in transverse cross-section having a clamp
assembly 92 secured to an upper portion thereof. The post member 91
is inclined rearwardly at an angle of between 80.degree. and
85.degree. for reasons to become obvious. The clamp assembly 92 is
provided with a rectangular support housing 94 having an actuator
assembly 96 connected thereto. More particularly, the support
housing 44 is secured by welding to the outer surface at the upper
end of the post member 91 and is provided with a nut member 97
welded to an outer section thereof. The actuator assembly 96
includes a thumb screw member 98 having a thumb portion at one end
integral with a threaded shaft 99 to a clamp plate member 101. The
shaft 99 is movable within the nut member 97 and the clamp plate
member 101 is received within a cut-out portion 103 of the post
member 91 to contact against a portion of the connecting means 18
as will become obvious.
The adjustable connecting means 18 includes first and second tube
members 104 and 106 having a clamp connector assembly 108 secured
to the upper end of the first tube member 104 and a safety rod
assembly 109 operably connectable to the lower end of the second
tube member 106. The first tube member 104 is received in a
telescoping manner within the second tube member 106, both of which
are square shape in transverse cross-section and anchored in a
given adjusted height position by nut and bolt members 111. It is
to be noted that this feature of the first tube member 104 allows
an additional height adjustment of the combination of the first and
second tube members 104 and 106 which is desirable when being
utilized for college players instead of perhaps grade and high
school players.
As shown in FIG. 4, the clamp connector assembly 108 includes a
C-shaped clamp member 112 secured by welding to the upper end of
the first tube member 104 and having outer parallel legs 114
operably connected to an actuator handle assembly 116. More
particularly, the actuator handle assembly 116 includes a pair of
threaded nut members 117 secured to the outer surfaces of the legs
114 and having a threaded handle member 119 connected thereto. The
support shaft 37 is received within the clamp member 112 whereupon
selective rotation of the handle member 119 operates to either
loosen or tighten the clamping force against the support shaft 37
to hold the backstop means 16 in an adjusted position about a
horizontal axis. It is noted that a considerable contact area
between the clamp member 112 and the support shaft 37 operates to
provide substantial frictional engagement to maintain the backstop
means 16 in an adjusted position.
As shown in FIG. 2, the second tube member 106 includes a plate
member 121 welded across the lower end portion having a central
hole 123 to receive the safety rod assembly 109 therein. More
particularly, the safety rod assembly 109 includes an elongated rod
member 122 having threads at one end and a tapered head section 124
at tht upper end. The rod member 122 is placed through the hole 123
in the plate member 121 having its lower end extended through a
hole 126 in the base plate member 86 of the anchor assembly 43. A
pair of nut members 127 with respective lock washers 128 are
threaded upon the lower end of the rod member 122 to secure the
same to the base plate member 86. The tapered head section 124 is
dimensioned so as to be received within both the first and second
tube members 104 and 106. The tapered head section 124 provides a
self-centering feature in regards to the first tube member 104 on
downward movement thereabout. Also, it is noted in the abutting
condition of FIG. 2 that the lower surface of the head section 124
contacts the plate member 121 to limit the upward movement of the
interconnected first and second tube members 104 and 106 to prevent
the same from being inadvertently moved out of telescoping
relationship to the post member 91.
In the use and operation of the improved projectile return
apparatus 12 of this invention, it is seen that the structure is
placed on the support surface 14 whereupon downward pressure
against the outer ends of the respective leg assemblies 46 causes
the respective support cup members 48 to grasp the surface 14
through suction force. Next, it is obvious that the handle member
119 of the clamp connector assembly 108 can be loosened in order to
pivot the return panel assembly 22 to the desired adjusted position
about a horizontal axis. If desired, the first and second tube
members 104 and 106 can be moved axially relative to each other to
achieve a maximum height as shown in FIG. 1 and secured in the
adjusted position as by the nut and bolt member 111. Next, the
second tube member 106 can be moved axially relative to the post
member 91 to achieve a desired overall vertical height of the panel
member 27 and anchored in a given adjusted position through the
clamp assembly 92. More particularly, it is seen that rotation of
the thumb screw member 98 of the clamp assembly 92 operates to
force the clamp plate member 101 against the adjacent outer surface
of the second tube member 106 and, due to the large area of
contact, provides substantial rigidity in this adjusted position.
In this condition, it is seen that the backstop means 16 can be
used, for example, to return a basketball thrown thereagainst. The
backstop means 16 having been adjusted vertically and horizontally
achieves the desired angular position relative to a player planning
to use the same. It is obvious that the angular position of the
panel member 27 results in variation of the direction of return of
a basketball thrown thereagainst whereby a single player may
utilize the same to practice throwing and receiving the basketball
and to run pass plays.
Additionally, the improved projectile return apparatus 12 can be
placed under a basketball goal (not shown) and operable in this
position, for example, to rturn free throws. In the position shown
in FIG. 1, the return apparatus 12 can be adjusted upwardly
permitting the players to practice overhead passes normally used in
throwing the basketball to the pivot or center post players. Also,
a plurality of the projectile return apparatus 12 can be spaced on
a basketball court so that a single player can practice numerous
play combinations without requiring the assistance of other
players. Additionally, the return apparatus provides a means for
developing a player's reflexes and finger control as a player can
stand close to the backstop means 16 and rapidly throw a ball
thereagainst and receive the same to develope flexibility and
control of the hands.
As shown in FIG. 3, it has been found by research and development
that the rearward angular position of the support post assembly 45
relative to the support surface 14 is extremely important and
desirable in order to prevent the projectile return apparatus from
falling foward after a basketball or the like has hit the same. It
is found that this reaction force, if utilizing a vertical post
assembly 45, would cause the return apparatus 12 to pitch forwardly
and fall on its face. Therefore, it is seen that the center of
gravity of the projectile return apparatus 12 is placed rearwardly
of a vertical axis through the connection of the support post
assembly 45 to the base plate member 86 to achieve the new and
novel result of this invention.
On moving the projectile return apparatus 12 to a different
location, it is seen that the roller members 76 at each one of the
telescoping leg assemblies 46 can be pivoted into contact with the
support surface to release the suction of the respective ones of
the support cup members 48. Next, the operator can move to the rear
of the return apparatus 12 and grasp the support shaft 37 and pivot
the same rearwardly to place the weight on the roller members 84 as
shown in FIG. 7. In this condition, it is obvious that the majority
of the weight is carried vertically upon the roller members 84 and
the operator may grasp the support frame 25 to move the same on the
support surface 14 to a desired location. On reaching a desired
location, it is obvious that the same can be again anchored to the
support surface 14 as previously described.
As shown in FIG. 6, the hole 68 in the support cup members 48 are
placed on the forward respective edges. Then, when the return
apparatus 12 Is pivoted rearwardly to be moved, the holes 68 are
initially released to permit air to enter the suction area 66 for
immediate release from the support floor 14.
It is noted that the safety rod assembly 109 operates as a means to
assure that the first and second telescoping tube members 104 and
106 are not moved inadvertently out of engagement with the post
member 91 to prevent injury to the operator and perhaps damage to
the support surface 14.
As shown in FIG. 8, an additional embodiment of a projectile return
apparatus 131 is provided which can be readily anchored to support
surface 14 such as the ground in a back yard or may be anchored in
concrete. More particularly, a support post assembly 133 is
provided having an upright support post 134 with an outer laterally
extended plate member 136 secured by welding thereto and having a
lower tapered end section 137. The return apparatus 131 has the
connecting means 18 and the backstop means 16 identical to that in
the first embodiment. In this embodiment, it is seen that one may
grasp the support post 134 and place a foot upon the laterally
extended plate member 136 in order to insert the tapered end
section 137 into the earth for use in one's back yard or the
like.
As shown in FIG. 9, another embodiment of a return apparatus 141 is
provided having the identical connecting means 18 and backstop
means 16 and a substantially identical base frame means 20 except
having holes 143 at the outer ends of the secondary tube members
106 to receive spike members 146 therein. It is seen that this
embodiment is substantially identical to the first projectile
return apparatus 12 except with the spike members 146 to secure the
same to a support surface such as through asphalt against lateral
movement. It is obvious that the projectile return apparatus 131
and 141 can be secured through the respective anchor members to
asphalt or placed in concrete if one desires a permanent
installation.
All of the improved projectile return apparatuses of this invention
have been described as preferably used by basketball players;
however, it is obvious that the same can be used by baseball
players, soccer players, etc. to practice fielding, throwing,
reflexes, endurance, and the like.
As apparent from the foregoing description of preferred embodiments
of the applicant's improved projectile return apparatus, a
relatively simple and inexpensive means has been provided which is
readily attachable to a given surface so as to provide an
economical and effective means of developing and testing a player's
relative skill. The applicant's construction eliminates a great
deal of time consuming tedious work involved in practicing the
various game plays which results in the ability of a single player
to practice by himself thereby allowing each to proceed at his own
desired pace. Additionally, the improved return apparatus of this
invention provides a means for repeatedly practicing a given
maneuver by a basketball player whereas it is a proven fact that
repeated practice results in a tremendous increase in the players
relative skill as the manuever becomes substantially automatic to
him.
While the invention has been described in conjunction with
preferred specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that
this description is intended to illustrate and not to limit the
scope of the invention, which is defined by the following
claims.
* * * * *