Basketball Patents (Class 273/317.3)
  • Patent number: 11561610
    Abstract: Techniques for implementing an augmented audio conditioning (AAC) system are described herein. In some examples, the AAC system can store conditioning data comprising crowd noise experiences associated with context-relevant environments and/or actions associated with an activity. The AAC system can detect an action of a user who is training in a conditioning environment and determine that the action is associated with the activity. In some examples, the AAC system can also determine an association between the action of the user and audio data representing a crowd noise experience of a context-relevant environment during an event. Furthermore, the AAC system can, in response to detecting the action of the user, output the audio-conditioning data into the conditioning environment to simulate the crowd noise experience of the context-relevant environment during the event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Moea Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: John Correia
  • Patent number: 11364426
    Abstract: A basketball gaming system may comprise at least one basketball hoop and at least one goal placement analyzer configured to adjust at least one position parameter of one or more of the at least one basketball hoops according to at least one user parameter associated with at least one user. The basketball gaming system may further comprise at least one hoop placement system configured to position the at least one basketball hoop according to the at least one position parameter. The at least one position parameter may comprise at least one x-axis coordinate, at least one y-axis coordinate, and at least one z-axis coordinate. The basketball gaming system may further comprise at least one hoop switching mechanism configured to select one or more of the at least one basketball hoops. At least one position parameter of the selected one or more basketball hoops is associated with an active status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: BIGSPORTS, INC.
    Inventor: Paul Brown
  • Patent number: 11011072
    Abstract: Games and systems for playing those games are described that are non-consequential, intuitively educational, reflective, and physically-interactive. The games can be played by players at a variety of skill levels and ages, using a set of unique cards and signs that direct the players to interact with one another and the game in ways that promote mental and physical development.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Inventor: Stephon Jon Mitson
  • Patent number: 10994175
    Abstract: An enclosure for aiding a user in learning how to repeatedly bounce a ball upward off a club generally comprises an upright side wall surrounding a confined space; the side wall having a front and a middle portion that is vertical and mechanically reflective, and an opening in the front of the wall for insertion of the club and dimensioned for allowing a user to manipulate the club. Many types of balls and bats could be used. For example, a golf ball and golf club can be used with an enclosure dimensioned to facilitate learning to bounce a golf ball. A combination includes a ball, a club, and enclosure. A method includes acquiring the ball, club, and enclosure; inserting the club into the confined space; upwardly propelling the ball from the club; and attempting to repetitively bounce the ball on the club within the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Inventor: Leon V. deBruin
  • Patent number: 10887629
    Abstract: Disclosed are a basketball video interaction method, device, intelligent basketball stand and storage medium. The method includes: judging whether a consent connection instruction sent by a target intelligent basketball stand is received; establishing a connection with the target intelligent basketball stand if the consent connection instruction sent by the target intelligent basketball stand is received; collecting a local basketball video, sending the local basketball video to the target intelligent basketball stand, and receiving a target end basketball video sent by the target intelligent basketball stand; and playing and displaying the target end basketball video locally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Inventor: Richard Zhuang
  • Patent number: 10265611
    Abstract: The disclosure refers to a control device and method for an intelligent basketball shooting machine, the device includes a control module, a blue-tooth communication module, a display module, a control switch, a power-supplying module, and a first sensor and a second sensor both for counting; the first sensor is used for catching amount of goals in one basket of basketball shooting machine, and the second sensor used for catching amount of goals in another basket of basketball shooting machine; the first sensor, second sensor, blue-tooth communication module, display module, control switch and power-supplying module are respectively connected with control module; the disclosure makes the basketball shooting machine go on single game or online game, besides, the player can play the shooting game with friends by remote way just through an intelligent terminal, which increases interest and convenience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Inventor: Chunfang Luo
  • Patent number: 10010753
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving, from one or more sensors, biomechanical data of a first user performing a plurality of actions of a first action-type and outcome data of a plurality of outcomes corresponding to the respective plurality of actions. A plurality of sets of action-parameter values may be determined based on the received biomechanical data, where each of the sets of action-parameter values corresponds to a respective action of the plurality of actions. An athletic-performance model of the first user may be generated based on the plurality of sets of action-parameter values. The athletic-performance model may be a statistical model including probabilities computed with respect to the sets of action-parameter values and the outcome data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: IAM Sports & Entertainment
    Inventors: Raymond Joseph Brothers, Eleftherios E. Gdoutos, Adam Mulliken, John Pye
  • Patent number: 10004949
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes accessing an athletic-performance model of a first user, where the model is based on a plurality of sets of action-parameter values of action parameters of the first user. The action-parameter values may be determined based on biomechanical data of the first user performing a plurality of actions of a first action-type and outcome data of each action. A current skill level of the first user may be determined based on a measure of variances associated with action parameters of the first action-type. Target ranges of action-parameter values may be calculated for action parameters based on the athletic-performance model. Each target range may be based on a measure of probability with respect to the particular action parameters and the outcome data. A report of athletic-performance feedback may be generated and may include current skill level information and the target ranges of action-parameter values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: IAM Sports & Entertainment
    Inventors: Raymond Joseph Brothers, Eleftherios E. Gdoutos, Adam Mulliken, John Pye
  • Patent number: 9180361
    Abstract: A game device has a ball-activating chamber attached to a central, ball-receiving chamber. Participants compress a pressure mechanism that causes the release of a ball in the ball-activating chamber into the central, ball-receiving chamber. The ball may be acted upon when in the central chamber to add an element of randomness to the game. The central chamber may be at least partially or fully transparent or translucent to allow the participants and/or spectators to view the ball as it travels through the central chamber, ultimately ending at a holding bin. Having more than one ball-activating chamber, the game device may be configured to resemble an octopus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Inventor: Wilmer David Walker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8651492
    Abstract: An apparatus for playing a drinking game includes a base support member and a vertical pole extending upwardly from the base support member. A vertically extending backboard is secured to the pole adjacent the top thereof and a plurality of hoops are removably secured to the backboard. Plastic drinking cups are held in each of the hoops. The apparatus further includes a plurality of ping pong balls capable of being tossed into and maintained in the cups. The entire apparatus can be disassembled so that it is portable. That is, the hoops are removably secured to the backboard which is removably secured to the vertical pole. In addition, the vertical pole is comprised of several pole sections that fit together in a telescoping manner. The base includes a carrying handle and functions as a carrying case for holding and transporting the pole sections and the hoops with the backboard serving as a cover for the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Paul Cappuccio
  • Patent number: 8616553
    Abstract: A basketball game assembly includes a backboard, a hoop mounted on a front side of the backboard and a ball blocking device. The ball blocking device includes a shaft, a blocking member and a driving arrangement. The shaft at its rear end is rotatably mounted to the backboard. The blocking member is connected to a front end of the shaft and disposed adjacent to a front edge of the hoop. The driving arrangement is configured to rotate the shaft so as to have the blocking member move to a blocking position higher than the hoop or depart from the blocking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignees: Feiloli Electronic Co., Ltd., Department of Electrical Engineering, National Changhua University of Education
    Inventors: Chi-Ming Tsai, I-Chiang Yang, Wen-Ren Yang, Tsair-Rong Chen
  • Patent number: 8617008
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus related to improving player performance for trajectory-based sports are described. In particular, sporting devices are described that can be utilized to improve player performance in basketball. The sporting devices can include a camera-based system configured to capture and analyze the trajectory of a shot taken by a player. The camera-based system can be configured to provide feedback that allows a player to optimize the trajectory mechanics associated with shooting a basketball. In one embodiment, the camera-based system can be used in conjunction with a training aid that is attached to a basketball rim. The training aid can be configured to improve the trajectory mechanics of individuals utilizing the modified basketball rim to practice their shooting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Pillar Vision, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan W. Marty, Thomas A. Edwards, John Carter
  • Patent number: 8523184
    Abstract: The invention relates to table or floor games based on throwing a ball into the game field, and can be used in organizing leisure and entertainment for both children and adults. The game comprises a game field with a plurality of holes and at least one movable trap for the ball outside the game field. The trap for the ball may be fixed to a rod, which is slidably mounted on a bar, said bar being attached to the sidewall, which limits the game field. The trap for the ball may be fixed to a rod, which is mounted on a movable platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Lobachevsky State University of Nizhni Novgorod
    Inventors: Sergei Nikolaevich Ershov, Aleksandr Igorevich Malyshev
  • Publication number: 20130043655
    Abstract: A simulated game of Basketball that is played using an existing Basketball hoop, Basketball and specialized marked deck of cards comprising of multiple cards marked 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 and Wild Card. Also, the game incorporates eight bean bags numbered 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 and 8. The game is played using an existing Basketball hoop and Basketball. The scoring is determined by the points on the specialized deck of cards that corresponds to the bean bags the player shoots the ball from. The player with the highest score at the end of the game wins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel J. Dolan
  • Patent number: 8339371
    Abstract: A user interface device for controlling an audio visual system. In one embodiment, a device for interfacing with an audio/visual system includes a sensor mat including a surface and operable to be disposed on a substantially flat floor. The sensor mat is further operable for generating electrical signals responsive to physical interactions of a user with the surface. The interface device also includes an electronic control unit including circuitry for coupling to the mat, the electronic control unit for detecting the physical interactions of the mat and the electronic control unit operable to be placed on the substantially flat floor. The interface device further includes an elongated shaft having a first end and a second end and physically coupled to the electronic control unit via the first end and extending laterally therefrom. The second end of the elongated shaft is operable to be displaced in various directions by interactions with both hands of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Leapfrog Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Jorge Soto, Paul Rymarz, Rachel Bautista, Joe MacCarthy
  • Patent number: 8322724
    Abstract: A portable tabletop sporting game apparatus includes a game board having at least one opening formed therein. A pair of legs are attached to the game board in order to elevate the game board generally off of the ground. A lever is operatively attached to an underside of the game board and in communication with a man game piece. The man game piece is disposed through the game board opening, such that when the lever is depressed, the man game piece is forced upwardly through the game board opening in order to block or lift a ball, which is being pushed, moved or nudged across the game board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Lamoine Miller, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120142458
    Abstract: A basketball practice machine includes a main body, a backboard, and a robot connected to the main body. The robot includes a bottom base rotatably connected to the main body and one or more arms, where one arm is rotatably connected to the bottom base. The backboard is connected to an end of one arm and may be oriented and fixed appropriately within a specified three-dimensional space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: XIAO-HUI HE, XI-SONG SHUAI
  • Patent number: 8147331
    Abstract: A video game player can control the movement of a moving object in a video game during a moving object dispatch operation by a character, thereby allowing the video game player to experience nervousness and a sense of realism when causing the character to dispatch the moving object. This video game program includes a first request receiving function, a operation display function, a second request receiving function, a moving object control function, and a moving object display function. In the video game implemented with this program, a dispatch request for dispatching the moving object is received from the controller in the second request receiving function when the dispatch operation of the character is displayed on the monitor. According to the timing at which the second request receiving function received the dispatch request, the movement of the moving object is controlled in the moving object control function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuichi Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 8109517
    Abstract: A hand-held product for playing a game is disclosed. The hand-held game includes a basketball goal assembly and a ring coupled to the basketball goal assembly that can be attached to the finger, wrist, arm, or other body parts or limbs of a user. The basketball goal assembly includes a backboard and a rim. The rim can be foldable. In one embodiment, the ring is adjustable to fit different sized fingers, wrists, arms, or other body parts. The adjustable ring can be an adjustable band with adjusters at ends of the band. The ring is coupled to the basketball goal assembly using at least one of an adhesive, tape, a snap-on clip, a press fit mechanism, a mounting bracket, welding and molding. The hand-held game can come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventor: Daunielle L. Miller
  • Patent number: 8054174
    Abstract: A referee's wireless horn indicator system having sensory alerts for aiding a referee in accurately officiating a sports event. The system includes a controller and a sensory receiver. The controller includes an official time clock for the sports event, a control circuit coupled to the official time clock, and a radio transmitter activated by a control circuit for sending a radio signal including time information to the sensory receiver. The sensory receiver is worn by the referee, for instance, on the wrist and includes a radio receiver and a sensory alerting device, such as a piezoelectronic speaker and a vibrator, where such sensory receiver is battery powered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Daktronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Randy S. Uehran
  • Patent number: 8052521
    Abstract: Techniques are provide for linking actions in an online fantasy sports game to a currency balance associated with a user of the game. The techniques adjust the balance by a first quantity in response to a sports player action, where the first quantity is based upon the player action, and adjust the balance by a second quantity in response to transfer of a sports player to or from a fantasy sports team associated with the user, where the second quantity is based upon a value of the sports player; and, prevent transfer of the sports player to the fantasy sports team in response to the second quantity being greater than the balance. The currency balance may be increased by the first quantity in response to the sports player action. The sports player action may include scoring a number of game points, and the first quantity may be based upon the number of game points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Yahoo! Inc.
    Inventors: Brian A. Webb, Miles A. Libbey, IV
  • Publication number: 20110163502
    Abstract: A hand-held product for playing a game is disclosed. The hand-held game includes a basketball goal assembly and a ring coupled to the basketball goal assembly that can be attached to the finger, wrist, arm, or other body parts or limbs of a user. The basketball goal assembly includes a backboard and a rim. The rim can be foldable. In one embodiment, the ring is adjustable to fit different sized fingers, wrists, arms, or other body parts. The adjustable ring can be an adjustable band with adjusters at ends of the band. The ring is coupled to the basketball goal assembly using at least one of an adhesive, tape, a snap-on clip, a press fit mechanism, a mounting bracket, welding and molding. The hand-held game can come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventor: DAUNIELLE L. MILLER
  • Patent number: 7955082
    Abstract: A portable basketball training device and method for creating visual distractions adjacent to an elevated transparent basketball backboard in the vicinity of the rim to facilitate increasing a player's concentration, focus, skill and accuracy in goal shooting. The device includes a housing mounted on the backboard that contains a motorized reciprocating member, and a plurality of movable vision distracters disposed on a back side of the backboard suspended from the reciprocating member having body portions extending downwardly from the housing in the vicinity of the rim which swing or bounce from side behind the backboard in the vicinity of the rim. This motion tends to distract the player's attention and cause them to lose their concentration on making the shot. However, over time, a player will learn to increase their concentration and focus to overcome this distraction, and thereby enhance their skill and accuracy in goal shooting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Inventor: Andrew Loyall Gause
  • Patent number: 7901290
    Abstract: A table game includes a lower level (2) providing a surface on which a plurality of player pieces (21) can move, an upper level (1) providing a surface on which a game is played and including a plurality of slots, a plurality of player pieces extending from the lower level and through the slots in the upper level, a plurality of electronic movement devices coupled to the player pieces to provide movement to the player pieces, and control means (4) for controlling the electronic movement of the player pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Inventor: Robert Temple
  • Patent number: 7887402
    Abstract: To provide a game device for presenting to a player inputting the amount of operation while utilizing a gauge, the length of a gauge which corresponds to a desired amount of operation. In a game device in which an object placed in a virtual three dimensional space is moved by a distance according to the displayed length of the gauge when the player carries out a predetermined operation, a target position to which the object is going to be moved is obtained (S102), a distance between the target movement position and the present position of the object is calculated (S103), and the length of the gauge corresponding to the calculated distance L is calculated based on the distance L (S104). Then, the target length of the gauge is presented based on the calculated length of the gauge (S105).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiji Suzuki, Tadakatsu Izumi, Ippei Kondo, Atsushi Mizutani
  • Patent number: 7832733
    Abstract: A basketball amusement device comprises a backboard, a basket, and a self-propelled carriage. The backboard has a surface and the basket is attached to the surface of the backboard. The basket is adapted to receive a tossed ball. A support connects the backboard to the carriage. The self-propelled carriage includes a drive mechanism configured to move the carriage and backboard. The amusement device moves a predetermined distance across an associated support surface in response to the ball being received in the basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventors: Erica Epstein, Rachel Leizman, Katherine Smythe, Lucy Taft
  • Patent number: 7815485
    Abstract: Pose and play dolls that will stand on a platform by magnetic attraction and dance with lifelike animation, but which may be removed from the stand for ordinary play. The dolls include animation powered from the platform through the legs of the doll. A motor in the doll animates the doll body, arms and head, with proportional feedback allowing control by a controller in coordination with music being played. The doll head may rotate or gyrate, and the arms swing as a unit or with the lower arms bending as the arms swing. In one form of platform simply rotates through controlled angles, again in coordination with the music being played. In another form of doll, the hips are configured to swing back and forth, and another form of platform controls the hip movement, again in coordination with the music being played. Various other features and capabilities are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Shoot the Moon Products II, LLC
    Inventors: Sunil William Moothedath, Russell G. Rasmussen, Paul S. Rago, David B. Small
  • Patent number: 7775525
    Abstract: A manual game is provided which simulates American football. The game has a playing surface with multiple openings having indicia associated with football activities, and players toss game pieces at the surface in order to achieve football action determined by the indicia of the opening into which a game piece drops. The game includes a goal the structure with a pair of uprights, and players attempt to score field goals and points after touchdown by tossing a game piece between the uprights. A plurality of template plates are provided to effect different games, and each template plate has a subset of the openings and covers at least one of them. As a result, different games are available with different patterns of openings. A blank, planar form is provided which can be folded and assembled into a game chassis which includes the playing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: CS Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Staver, Lance White
  • Patent number: 7753375
    Abstract: An amusement system including a housing having a receiving aperture at a top surface and an ejecting aperture at a front surface and further including a channel connecting the receiving aperture to the ejecting aperture; a motorized rotatable flywheel mounted inside the housing and coupled to the channel between the top surface and the channel for engaging an object travelling through the channel; a roller assembly mounted inside the housing and coupled to the channel opposite of the flywheel and disposed so an object engaging the flywheel concurrently engages the roller assembly wherein the flywheel and the roller assembly cooperatively eject the object a distance less than fifteen feet from the ejecting aperture when the flywheel rotates and contacts the object; and wherein the housing includes a mounting system to attach to an object no less than about three feet above a surface supporting the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Diggin Active, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip H. Neal, Nathan Keker
  • Patent number: 7722049
    Abstract: A multipurpose bowl assembly including a bowl, a target having a coupler configured to attach the target to the bowl and a launching device coupled to the bowl and configured to propel at least one item in a direction generally toward the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Wabash Valley Farms
    Inventors: Michael Williams, Rachel DeSmidt, William Lindeman, Cathy Lindeman, legal representative
  • Publication number: 20100113190
    Abstract: Circonic Game, a simulated indoor or outdoor basketball game, is played on a circular court outlined by three concentric circles. The outer circle acts as the court boundary and is conjoined by four smaller circles placed tangentially in a location that conforms to the four cardinal points of the compass (i.e., north, south, west and east). Four similar smaller circles are placed in a location that conforms to four cardinal points of the compass (i.e., north, south, west and east) inside the two inner concentric circles of different radii forming a cluster of rings. A center pole in an upright position is mounted at the center of the court. Towards the top of the center pole are two primary ring baskets circumscribed by a larger circumferential ring basket supported by a transverse bar attached or welded to the rebounding center post centered in between these two primary ring baskets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: VERO VYSOSIAS
  • Patent number: 7611146
    Abstract: Provided is a game apparatus wherein a player may attempt to score a goal by means of a projectile. The gaming apparatus includes a handheld launcher which has a ramp portion configured such that the player may launch the projectile up and away from the launcher. The apparatus also includes a target supported in spaced relation relative to the launcher that defines a goal for the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Inventor: Wayne R. Arden
  • Patent number: 7566059
    Abstract: A tabletop basketball game having a game board and miniature basketball and hoop to test a player's skills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Inventor: Leonard D. Bianco
  • Publication number: 20090115135
    Abstract: A tabletop basketball game having a game board and miniature basketball and hoop to test a player's skills.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventor: Leonard D. Bianco
  • Patent number: 7523942
    Abstract: A convertible game assembly comprises a convertible frame having at least one adjustable joint separating a back frame portion and a front frame portion. The front frame portion is configured to pivot upward and backward about the adjustable joint to convert the frame from an open to a closed configuration. The assembly further includes an elevated back target piece coupled to the back frame portion and a front target piece coupled to the front frame portion. The frame is positionable in an open configuration to allow a game player to throw projectiles toward the back target piece, with the open configuration defining a first player position. Additionally, the frame is positionable in a closed configuration to allow a game player to kick projectiles toward the front target piece, with the closed configuration defining a second player position closer to the back frame portion than the first player position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: SOP Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Safari Chung
  • Patent number: 7509695
    Abstract: An apparatus has a collapsible base that assumes a deployed position and a collapsed position where the base has a smaller size than in the deployed configuration. A surface is removably attached to the base. The base includes a frame system that includes a plurality of struts that are hingedly connected to each other. The surface can be used as a sleeping surface, a table top, a game surface, or for other similar purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Publication number: 20090045578
    Abstract: The present invention provides a multimedia basketball machine composite structure, consisting of a multimedia device and a digital camera device installed in a basketball machine. The multimedia device includes a processing device, a screen and loudspeaker devices. A player is able to interact with the basketball machine according to prompts from the multimedia device, and the digital camera device is able to film and record the segment of interaction between the player and the basketball machine. Moreover, the filmed video can be played back through the multimedia device, thereby creating effectiveness for interaction between the player and the basketball machine. The video of the players filmed by the digital camera device can be arranged to produce a ranking chart. Furthermore, the basketball machines can be connected for multiple player mode, thereby enabling players to cooperate or compete with each other, and thus further increasing recreation effectiveness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Chia-Ping Wang
  • Publication number: 20090042672
    Abstract: The use of spot locations that are freely movable with respect to one another and that include different uses for each side is an improvement over the prior art. A basketball game includes at least one ball, a playing surface, a support structure, a backboard, a hoop, and a plurality of spot locations, and may further include a timekeeping device. Each spot location has a first surface with a first marking thereon and a second surface, in opposition to the first surface, with a second marking thereon. On at least one spot location, the first marking differs from the second marking. The different markings and the mobility of the spot locations relative to one another allow for a greater number of different, creative sets of rules using fewer spot locations. Additionally, a basketball game package and method of playing a basketball game utilize aspects of the basketball game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Steven Scott Radice
  • Patent number: 7472801
    Abstract: A waste basket lid simulating a sports playing field. The lid mounts as a cover over the top of a waste basket. The lid is formed from a panel with a hole through which waste material may be thrown. The hole is located near a sports goal which extends out of the plane of the panel adjacent an edge of the panel. Markings are provided on the panel associated with the markings found on the sports field being simulated. The panel may be mounted on a clamp about which it can pivot on a rim of the waste basket and may include a backstop along an edge of the panel to catch waste material that may be overthrown the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Inventors: Kevin P. Moynihan, Paul L. Schermesser
  • Patent number: 7404562
    Abstract: A quick detachable basketball machine comprising a front cabinet unit and a rear cabinet unit is disclosed. The front cabinet unit has an electronic coin slot box, two lower side panels, two upper side panels detachably connected to the lower side panels at the top, an oblique baffle obliquely detachably coupled between the upper side panels, an outer guide board detachably supported between the lower side panels, and two stop blocks mounted on the outer guide board. The rear cabinet unit has a bottom box, a vertical back rack hinged to the rear side of the top wall of the bottom box and holding a rim hoop ring, two side panels respectively hinged to two opposite lateral sides of the top wall of the bottom box and connectable to the bottom side of the vertical back rack, and a top plate bridging the side panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Saint-Fun International Ltd.
    Inventors: Chan-Yih Chen, Cheng-Chun Chiang
  • Patent number: 7361104
    Abstract: A ball game system for training and/or play comprising one or more playing areas suitably large to accommodate running and jumping players, each playing area including adjacent surface areas forming a court and having distinctly different properties, such as a first surface suitable for bouncing a ball and a second surface comprised of a deformable elastic material. The system includes an automatic ball feeder and sensors for monitoring the positions and trajectories of one or more players and/or balls on the court. Options include visual displays and/or audio outputs reflective of player performance, and payment-driven operation of the system components, including a means for adjusting the degree of rebound provided by the deformable elastic surface(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Inventor: Avery Levy
  • Publication number: 20080042358
    Abstract: A quick detachable basketball machine comprising a front cabinet unit and a rear cabinet unit is disclosed. The front cabinet unit has an electronic coin slot box, two lower side panels, two upper side panels detachably connected to the lower side panels at the top, an oblique baffle obliquely detachably coupled between the upper side panels, an outer guide board detachably supported between the lower side panels, and two stop blocks mounted on the outer guide board. The rear cabinet unit has a bottom box, a vertical back rack hinged to the rear side of the top wall of the bottom box and holding a rim hoop ring, two side panels respectively hinged to two opposite lateral sides of the top wall of the bottom box and connectable to the bottom side of the vertical back rack, and a top plate bridging the side panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Applicant: SAINT-FUN INTERNATIONAL LTD.
    Inventors: Chan-Yih Chen, Cheng-Chun Chiang
  • Patent number: 7222859
    Abstract: An easy to manufacture toy figure (10) for throwing balls or other aerial projectiles by emulating a jump shot in simulated games such as basketball. Resilient means (12) may be bent or compressed and then released to rebound substantially to their original form and position with speed sufficient to throw an aerial projectile (15) placed upon a body of animate shape (13) linked or attached directly or via said resilient means to supporting base (11). Said resilient means may be provided by a coil, leaf or other type of spring, or by a resilient or elastic material forming a part of the body or the base. Said animate body (13) may be designed to resemble popular ballplayers or imaginary animate shapes for marketing purposes, including player numbers on club color uniforms, with fixed or rotatable arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: Vlad Mitvalsky
  • Patent number: 7207564
    Abstract: A mechanized ball-throwing game is provided, comprising at least one game play object, at least one rotating goal assembly, means to maintain a count of the number of times a game play object passes through each of the at least one rotating goal assembly in each of a plurality of designated directions, and means to display the count.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Bedford, Jim Keifer, Jeannie Burns Hardie
  • Patent number: 7182704
    Abstract: A ball game system for training and/or play comprising a one or more playing areas suitably large to accommodate running and jumping players, each playing area including adjacent surface areas forming a court and having distinctly different properties, such as a first surface suitable for bouncing a ball and a second surface comprised of a deformable elastic material. The system includes an automatic ball feeder and sensors for monitoring the positions and trajectories of one or more players and/or balls on the court. Options include visual displays and/or audio outputs reflective of player performance, and payment-driven operation of the system components, including a means for adjusting the degree of rebound provided by the deformable elastic surface(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventor: Avery Levy
  • Patent number: 7094164
    Abstract: A trajectory detection and feedback system is described. The system is capable of detecting one or more moving objects in free flight, analyzing a trajectory of each object and providing immediate feedback information to a human that has launched tile object into flight, and/or one or more observers in the area The feedback information may include one or more trajectory parameters that the human may use to evaluate their skill at sending the object along a desired trajectory. A non-intrusive machine vision system may be used to evaluate trajectory parameters for a basketball shot at a basketball hoop by a player. After the system has evaluated a plurality of shots by the player, the system may provide 1) a diagnosis of their shot consistency, 2) a prediction for improvement based upon improving their shot consistency and 3) a prescription of actions for improving their consistency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Pillar Vision Corporation
    Inventors: Alan W. Marty, Ridge McGhee, Tom Edwards
  • Patent number: 6918591
    Abstract: A basketball system that includes a movable platform and a pole rotatably mounted to the movable platform. The pole has either a curved or an angled region, and also has an axis of rotation. The basketball system also includes a backboard mounted to the pole and a rim mounted to the backboard. The rim has a vertical central axis that is coaxial with the axis of rotation of the pole. In addition, the movable platform is horizontally adjustably mounted to a base. A controller may be employed to control the operation of the system, such as by adjusting the distance and rotation of the pole in accordance with a stored program or a user defined preference, by starting and stopping a ball return system in accordance with the player pace of shooting, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventors: Karl D'Amico, Jack Richmond
  • Patent number: 6837769
    Abstract: Human-like toy figure (1) comprising a body (3) and legs (4) that are, in the upright position of the toy figure, configured such in relation to each other that the body (3) is turnable about an essentially horizontal axis (A). In connection with the body (3) means are provided for temporarily securing an object (21); and the toy figure (1) is provided with a spring device that seeks to keep the body (3) upright, but allows the body (3) to swing resiliently both forwards and backwards about the axis (A). Also a game comprising such toy figure (1) and at least one goal and an object (21) intended to be thrown towards the goal by the toy figure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Interlego AG
    Inventors: Ib Torben Skov, Erik Legernes
  • Publication number: 20040239034
    Abstract: A basketball playing table includes an elongated table face having two ends provided with two end plates and two sides provided with two side plates, and a ball emitting device mounted on the table face for emitting a ball into the table face toward the basket. Each of the two end plates has an inner side provided with a basket. The table face includes two operation rods each movably and rotatably mounted between the two side plates, and two defense dolls each rotatably mounted on a respective one of the two operation rods. Thus, the basketball playing table simulates the basketball playing operation lively, thereby providing an amusement to the players.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Yung-Fu Tien
  • Patent number: RE40580
    Abstract: An easy to manufacture toy figure (10) for throwing balls or other aerial projectiles by emulating a jump shot in simulated games such as basketball. Resilient means (12) may be bent or compressed and then released to rebound substantially to their original form and position with speed sufficient to throw an aerial projectile (15) placed upon a body of animate shape (13) linked or attached directly or via said resilient means to supporting base (11). Said resilient means may be provided by a coil, leaf or other type of spring, or by a resilient or elastic material forming a part of the body or the base. Said animate body (13) may be designed to resemble popular ballplayers or imaginary animate shapes for marketing purposes, including player numbers on club color uniforms, with fixed or rotatable arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventor: Vlad Mitvalsky