Basketball Game

Abstract

A basketball game structure, including a frame including a goal end, which includes a basketball goal with a backboard and a hoop, the basketball goal positioned over the ramp, a shooting end opposite the goal end, and the ramp including a padding formed around a trench, the ramp extending from the goal end to the shooting end and positioned lower at the shooting end than the goal end, wherein a basketball net extends from the hoop to a junction with the trench; and wherein the trench extends from the junction to the shooting end of the frame.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to basketball, and more particularly to a basketball game.

Basketball is a sport played by two teams of five players on a rectangular court. The objective is to shoot a ball through a hoop 18 inches (46 cm) in diameter and 10 feet (3.048 m) high mounted to a backboard at each end. Basketball is one of the world's most popular and widely viewed sports.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a basketball game structure, including a frame including a goal end, which includes a basketball goal with a backboard and a hoop, the basketball goal positioned over the ramp, a shooting end opposite the goal end, and the ramp including a padding formed around a trench, the ramp extending from the goal end to the shooting end and positioned lower at the shooting end than the goal end, wherein a basketball net extends from the hoop to a junction with the trench; and wherein the trench extends from the junction to the shooting end of the frame.

Additional embodiments of the present invention relate to a method of playing a basketball game, including providing a predetermined number of basketballs, receiving at least one basketball in the frame, separating a made basketball by providing a net extending from the hoop to a trench, wherein the trench has a non-opaque covering, wherein a made basketball passes through a hoop of the goal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a diagram representation of a side view of a right wall of a frame body of a basketball game in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an off-center view of the frame from the shooting end of the frame, in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates return arms of the frame in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a block-level diagram of a method of playing the basketball game in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the only embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the invention.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Aspects of the invention were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

For the purposes of this disclosure, the term “about” used to refer to a number means plus or minus one to the last reported digit. For example, about 1.0 meters means 0.9 to 1.1 meters.

All orientation dependent directions, such as up, down, top, bottom, etc. are given for convenience and are relative to the figures as displayed. Therefore, the top of the frame remains the top, even when the frame is positioned on its side or upside down.

For the purposes of this disclosure, “and” and “or” shall be construed as conjunctively or disjunctively to provide the broadest disclosure for each instance of use of “and” and “or.”

Due to the popularity of the game of basketball, basketball shooting challenges are often popular attractions. Typically, basketball games and basketball shooting challenges or games are played with a basketball and a goal. In fact, the basketball shooting game of the present invention may be played with a basketball (or ball, herein) and a goal. A basketball is a spherical inflated ball. Basketballs typically range in size from very small promotional items only a few inches in diameter to extra-large balls nearly a foot in diameter used in training exercises to increase the skill of players.

Men's basketballs are generally sized at 75-76 cm (29½-30 in.) in circumference, or 24.1 to 25.0 cm (9.5 to 9.85 inches) in diameter. Women's basketballs are typically sized at 72-74 cm (28½-29 in.) in circumference. Children's basketballs are usually 69-71 cm (27-28 in.) in circumference. Miniature basketballs are often 56-57 cm (22-22.5 in.) in circumference. However, other sizes may be contemplated. Many goals are sized that the inner diameter of the goal is double the diameter of a men's basketball. However, goals can be sized such that the inner diameter of the goal is double the diameter of a corresponding basketball.

Nearly all basketballs have an inflatable inner rubber bladder, generally wrapped in layers of fiber and then covered with a tacky surface made either from leather (traditional), rubber, or a synthetic composite. As in most inflatable balls, there is a small opening that allows the pressure of the contained air to be increased or decreased.

The surface of the ball is nearly always divided by “ribs” that are recessed below the surface of the ball in a variety of configurations and are generally a contrasting color. An orange surface with black ribs and a possible logo is the traditional color scheme of basketballs but they are sold in various colors. Of course, when the “color” of a basketball is referred to herein, the color may be a single color, a color scheme, or other combination of multiple colors. For example, traditional orange colored basketballs may be used in embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, green, blue, red, or other solid colors may be used. Embodiments even include a red, white, and blue colored ball. Other color schemes are also contemplated so long as the color schemes distinguish between different sets of basketballs.

Balls are generally designated for indoor use (generally made of leather or absorbent composites), or all-surface use (generally made of rubber or durable composites, also known as Indoor/Outdoor balls). Indoor balls tend to be considerably more expensive than all-surface balls due to cost of materials. In addition, brand new all-leather indoor balls may be “broken in” first to achieve optimal grip before use in competition. The abrasiveness of asphalt and the dirt and moisture present in an outdoor setting will usually ruin an indoor ball within a very short period of time, which is why an indoor/outdoor ball is recommended for recreational players.

FIG. 1 depicts a diagram representation of a side view of a right wall 100 of a frame 101 of the basketball game according to the principles of the present invention. As such, a left wall (illustrated as 100′ in FIG. 2) of the frame 101 may be present behind frame 101, such that the goal 111 and ramp 117 are supported by at least one span of the frame 101 between right wall 100 and the left wall 100′. For the purposes of this description, the left wall 100′ of the frame 101 is substantially similar to the right wall 100 of the frame 101. For convenience, the numbering of the elements of the left wall 100′ of the frame 101 may be denoted with the same number as the right wall 100 with a prime (e.g. 102a and 102a′ for corresponding outer posts of the right wall 100 and left wall 100′, respectively). The frame 101 may comprise any structure sufficient to support a basketball goal 111 and a ramp 117 for returning shot basketballs to a shooting end 105 of the frame 101. Example materials for the frame 101 include metals, such as steel, iron aluminum, etc., rigid plastics, such as polyvinylchloride, or composites, such as carbon fiber. Other materials or mixtures of materials may be used so long as the frame 101 is capable of supporting the basketball goal 111 and ramp 117. Frame 101 may also include one or more return arms (not illustrated in FIG. 1). The frame may comprise a goal end 107 and a shooting end 105 opposite the goal end 107. The goal end 107 may comprise a basketball goal 111 having a backboard 113 and a hoop (or rim) 115. Of course this goal 111 may be positioned over a ramp 117, such that a basketball may be returned to the shooting end 105 by gravity after the basketball is shot toward the goal 111.

A basketball goal 111 is a piece of basketball equipment having a backboard 113 orthogonal to a hoop 115. The backboard 113 may include a raised vertical board, which may include an attached hoop 115 and net. The backboard 113 may be made of a flat, rigid piece of material, often Plexiglas, glass, or rigid plastics. Backboards 113 can be rectangular, as used in NBA, NCAA, and international basketball. However, many backboards 113 may be oval or a fan-shape, particularly in non-professional games.

Today most professional backboards 113 are made of a glass backboard so that it will not obstruct the audience's view, although most non-professional backboards are made from opaque materials that may obstruct the audience's view, such as goals at parks or on streets.

A basketball hoop 115 may be mounted to a basketball backboard 113 via a flexible connection between the backboard 113 and the anchor of the hoop 115. The shock of a basket or a dunk may be absorbed by the connection, so that the rim 115 biases back to a horizontal position, e.g. orthogonal to the backboard 113.

The top of the hoop 115 may be 304.8 cm (10 feet) above the ground when the frame 101 is in the upright position. As such, the top of the hoop 115 may be 304.8 cm (10 feet) from the bottom of the frame 101. Regulation backboards are 182.88 cm (72 inches) by 106.68 (42 inches) tall. The inner rectangle on the backboard is typically 60.96 (24 inches) wide by 45.72 (18 inches) tall.

The frame 101 may include outer posts 102a and 102b. These outer posts 102a, 102b may rest on the floor directly, or on adjustable feet 127a and 127b. These adjustable feet 127a and 127b may comprise a platform having a contained bolt head and a bolt extending orthogonally therefrom. The bolt may screw into the respective outer post 102a or 102b under which the platform rests. Thus, the platform may be positioned at a predetermined distance from the end of the respective outer post 102a or 102b by operation of screwing the bolt in or out to increase or decrease the thread engagement of the bolt and the respective outer post 102a or 102b. Considering the unillustrated frame behind frame 101, four outer posts may be present and may cause the frame to wobble if place on uneven flooring. Therefore, the adjustable feet 127a and 127b may be set at different respective distances from outer posts 102a and 102b such that contact is always made between adjustable feet 127 and the floor. Thus, the operation of the adjustable feet 127a and 127b may keep the frame 101 level, even when the frame 101 rests on uneven ground.

The frame 101 may further include frame uppers 103 and 104. Frame upper 103 may join the top of outer frame 102a at a right or obtuse angle. Frame upper 103 may extend away from outer post 102a to an apex 121. Frame upper 104 may also join frame upper 103 at the apex 121. Furthermore, frame upper 104 may extend away from the apex 121 at a right or obtuse angle with frame upper 103. Frame upper 104 may extend to outer post 102b and may join the top of outer post 102b at a restriction angle 123. The restriction angle 123 may be right or obtuse and may be important for restricting the height of the possible arc for a shooter to shoot a basketball into the hoop 115. In some embodiments, the restriction angle 123 may be 110.5 degrees from outer post 102b to frame upper 104. Additional embodiments include the restriction angle 123 of 120.5 degrees from outer post 102b to frame upper 104.

In some embodiments, frame upper 103 may be split into two respective portions, frame upper 103a and frame upper 103b, respectively. In this embodiment, frame upper 103a may extend from the top of outer post 102a at a right angle or an obtuse angle from outer post 102a. Frame upper 103a may extend to frame upper 103b, and frame upper 103b may extend to the apex 121. In addition, a top of internal post 125 may join at the conjunction of frame uppers 103a and 103b. Internal post 125 may extend down to the ramp 117 or to the floor. Of course, additional internal posts could be added for additional support.

Additional embodiments include internal post 125 split into two joinable internal posts 125a and 125b. In this embodiment, frame upper 103a and 103b and internal posts 125a and 125b are severable. This feature may be helpful for transporting the frame 101, because frame 101 may weigh over 1000 pounds when assembled. Internal posts 125a and 125b may have alignable pre-cross-drilled holes that align when internal posts 125a and 125b rest on the ground or floor. Thus, bolts may be used to attached internal posts 125a and 125b lengthwise. Of course, some embodiments may use at least one bolt to secure 125a to 125b, and therefore one bolt to secure 125a′ to 125b′. Other embodiments include using two or more bolts to secure 125a to 125b, and therefore two bolts to secure 125a′ to 125b′.

The frame 101 may also include support 119. Support 119 may extend from an intersection of the ramp 117 and the internal post 125 to outer post 102b at about goal height (e.g. a point beside the backboard 113). Alternatively, support 119 could extend to frame upper 103b or frame upper 104. In additional embodiments, support 119 may extend from the apex 121 to the floor.

Any internal post 125 (or support 119, in embodiments wherein support 119 extends to the floor) may include internal post feet 129, which are similar in all respects to post feet 127.

Ramp 117 may comprise any solid material sufficient to return a thrown basketball down the ramp 117 to the shooting end of frame 101 by the operation of gravity. In some embodiments, the ramp 117 may comprise a padding on the upper surface of the ramp 117. The ramp 117 may rest upon or may be integrally formed with an upper track 118a and a lower track 118b. In some embodiments, upper track 118a and lower track 118b extend from outer post 102b to outer post 102a. However, embodiments include the upper track 118a and lower track 118b extending from outer post 102b to internal post 125b. In these embodiments, upper track extension 132 and lower track extension 133 may extend from internal post 125a to outer post 102a, respectively. In this manner, the frame 101 may be completely severable along internal post 125, which may allow for easier transport. Furthermore, the internal post 125 may be secured by assembly of bolts inserted through corresponding cross-drilled holes through internal post portions 125a and 125b. Upper track extension 132 and lower track extension 133 may comprise similar materials to the frame 101. Upper track extension 132 and lower track extension 133 may be formed such that the functions of upper track 118a and lower track 118b may be performed, respectively. The lower track 118b may support the weight of a padding of the ramp 117 and upper track 118a may hold the padding in position. Thus, upper track 118a may be placed in contact with a side of the padding. Corresponding upper track 118a′ may be placed in contact with a side of the padding opposite upper track 118a. Furthermore, lower track 118b may correspond with lower track 118b′ and lower track spans may extend from 118b to 118b′. The lower track spans may comprise similar materials to that of the frame 101. The number of lower track spans under the length of the ramp 117 may be sufficient to keep the padding of the ramp 117 from sagging between the lower track spans. In some embodiments, the lower track span is orthogonal to both lower track 118b and 118b′. For example, a lower track span may span from lower track 118b to 118b′ near corresponding posts 102b and 102b′. Additional embodiments include two or more lower track spans extending from lower track 118b to 118b′. Similarly, one or more lower track spans may extend orthogonally from lower track extension 133 to lower track extension 133′. In some embodiments, two or more lower track spans may extend from lower track extension 133 to lower track extension 133′ for additional support when extension 131 is free-standing. The padding may comprise foam, high or low density polyethylene, polyurethane, or other materials sufficient to absorb the impact of a thrown basketball such that the ball rolls down the ramp 117 rather than bouncing off the ramp 117.

The frame 101 may be constructed of any material sufficiently rigid to support the weight of the frame 101 and the force of thrown basketballs. Example materials include metal, rigid plastics, fiberglass, etc. The frame body may further comprise a goal housing 130 and an extension 131. In some embodiments, the goal housing 130 and extension 131 may be independently free-standing.

Frame walls may extend along the sides of the ramp 117 from the shooting end to the goal end and may further extend 3.05 meters (10 feet) or more orthogonally away from the ground, when positioned upright. The frame walls may be divided into sections by the formation of multiple perimeters of support beams around bounded wall areas. Wall areas above the ramp 117 may be spanned by a netting. This netting may comprise rope nets, webbing, cloth, or any other material sufficient to receive a thrown basketball and guide the basketball down to the ramp 117 by the operation of gravity.

The goal may be positioned 3.05 meters (10 feet) from the ground when the frame is positioned upright on the ground. The goal may also be 5.49 meters (18 feet) or less from the shooting end of the frame. In this manner, a shooter may stand outside the shooting end of the frame in the shooting area and may be positioned at 5.5 meters (18 feet) from the goal, before shooting begins.

A footprint of the frame may be about 18.6 square meters (200 square feet) or less. The footprint means the area of floor space occupied by the frame when the frame is positioned upright.

In certain embodiments, the top of the apex 121 may be 426.7 cm (168.0 in.) from the floor. The top of the backboard 113 may be 381 cm (150.0 in.) from the floor. Frame upper 104 may be 130.3 cm (51.3 in.). Frame upper 103b may be 105.9 cm (41.7 in.) in length. Frame upper 103a may be 171.2 cm (67.4 in.) in length. Outer post 102a may be 304.8 cm (120 in.) in length. Inner support may be 374.1 cm (147.3 in.) in length. The distance from outer post 102a to outer post 102b may be 370.8 (146.0 in.). The distance from outer post 102a to internal post 125 may be 157.5 (62 in.). The distance from internal post 125 to outer post 102b may be 213.4 cm (84 in.). Ramp 117, upper track 118a, and lower track 118b may each be 362.2 cm (142.6 in.) in length. Upper track 118a may join outer post 102b at 147.1 cm (57.9 in.) from the ground and may join outer post 102a at 78.7 cm (31.0 in.) from the ground. Furthermore, lower track 118b may join outer post 102b at 114.3 cm (45.9 in.) from the ground and outer post 102a at 48.3 cm (19.0 in.) from the ground.

FIG. 2 illustrates an off-center view of the frame 101 from the shooting end 105, according to the principles of the present invention. With respect to the description of these figures, any element having a prime, such as 205a′, corresponds to the similar nonprime element number, such as 205a. In FIG. 2, the prime and nonprime numbers represent similar corresponding elements on the left wall 202′ and the right wall 202 of the frame, respectively.

Thus, the ramp 117 may span between the shooting end 105 and the goal end 107 of the frame 101. The ramp 117 may include a padding 200 formed around a trench 201. The ramp 117 may extend from the goal end 107 to the shooting end 105 of the frame 101. Furthermore, the ramp 117 may be positioned lower at the shooting end 105 than the goal end 107. Thus, missed basketballs may land on the ramp 117 and roll back to the shooting end 105 by the operation of gravity. Furthermore, a basketball net may extend from the hoop 115 to a junction with the trench 201, and the trench 201 may extend from the junction to the shooting end 105 of the frame 101.

In some embodiments, a covering 211 may be positioned over the trench 201, such that missed balls do not enter the trench 201 and made balls remain in the trench 201. Thus, the covering 211 may comprise netting, glass, plastic, Plexiglas, or any other material capable of separating basketballs. In some embodiments, the covering 211 may be non-opaque to allow viewing the made basketballs. However, embodiments include opaque materials for the covering 211. In many embodiments, the padding 200 is sized such that the net, junction, and trench allow a basketball to pass through the trench 201 under the covering 211 to the shooting end 105 of the frame 101 by the operation of gravity.

Trench 201 may be formed in the padding 200 by a padding floor 201a and one or more padding walls 201b and 201c, wherein the padding walls 201b and 201c extend orthogonally away from the padding floor 201a. In some embodiments, the height of the padding walls 201b and 201c is sufficient to allow a corresponding basketball to roll down the trench. Thus, the height of padding walls 201b and 201c may be equal to or greater than the diameter of the corresponding basketball. For example, the corresponding basketball may be a Men's basketball and the height of the padding walls 201b and 201c may be 24.1 cm or greater. Similarly, the distance between padding walls 201b and 201c may be sufficient to allow a corresponding basketball to roll down the trench 201. For example the distance between the padding walls 201b and 201c may be 24.1 cm or greater.

As depicted in FIG. 2, hoop net 203 may be attached to hoop 115 and may extend from hoop 115 to trench 201. In this manner, any shot basketball that goes through the hoop may be transferred by hoop net 203 into trench 201. Furthermore, non-opaque cover 211 may rest over trench 201 such that missed basketball may not enter trench 201. Trench 201 may contain a containment bar 215 at return hole 223 at the shooting end 105 of the trench 201. Containment bar 215 may sufficiently block all or a portion of the end of trench 201 such that basketballs may not fall out of trench 201. However, containment bar 215 may be removable.

In some embodiments, the frame 101 may contain several nets 205 and 209 configured to receive a missed basketball. For example, the nets 205 and 209 may be configured to contain an errant ball within the frame 101 and to guide the ball to the padding 200 of the ramp 117. The ramp 117 may then guide the ball to the shooting end of the frame 105 by the operation of gravity.

In FIG. 2, nets 205′ are depicted on the left wall 202′. Although not illustrated here, right wall 202 may have corresponding nets 205. The nets 205 may comprise any material sufficient to receive a thrown basketball and to guide the ball to the padding 200. Example materials for the nets 205 and 209 include cloth, netting, webbing, padding, plastics, etc. Net 205a may span from outer post 102a to internal post 125 and from upper track 118a to frame upper 103a. Net 205b may span from upper track 118a to frame upper 103b and from internal post 125 to support 119. Net 205c may span from support 119 to back wall 207 and from upper track 118a to frame upper 104. In alternative embodiments, nets 205b and 205c may comprise a single continuous net. In these embodiments, support 119 may be positioned outside or inside the continuous net. Alternatively, nets 205b and 205c may be shaped to conform to the corresponding areas formed by the embodiment of the support 119 that spans from the intersection of the ramp and internal post 125 to the outer post 102b. Of course, nets 205 may be connected to the respective portions of the frame 101 by hooks, brads, bolts, screws, or any other connector.

Additionally, connector 220 may span from the apex 121 of the right wall 202 to the apex 121′ of the left wall 202′. Furthermore, a restriction net 209 may span from the connector 220 to the back wall 207 and from the frame upper 104 to frame upper 104′. Back wall 207 may be connected to the frame 101 by bolts, brads, glue, or other connectors. Restriction net 209 may comprise similar materials to net 205. Due to the restriction angle 123 between the restriction net 209 and back wall 207, certain shots have too much arc may be prevented from entering hoop 115.

Graphics walls 217 may span a perimeter around the outside of the frame 101 below the ramp 117. For example, graphics walls 217 may comprise a solid material, such as Plexiglas, metal, plastic, carbon fiber, etc. In some embodiments, the solid material may contain graphics. In these embodiments, Dibond or similar materials may be used for the solid material. Graphics walls 217 may be connected to the frame 101 by bolts, brads, glue, or other connectors. Back wall 207 may span the area between outer posts 102b, 102b′, net 209, and ramp 117. Back wall 207 may comprise similar materials as the graphics walls 217. In some embodiments, back wall 207 may comprise a net similar to net 205. Additionally, graphics walls 217 may not necessarily cover the return hole 223, return holes 221, or a speaker 219.

Speaker 219 may be positioned at the shooting end 105 of frame 101. In this manner, a shooter or barker may hear sounds played through the speaker 219. The speaker 219 may play music, a buzzer, or other sounds. The speaker may be substantially similar to a Yamaha NS-IC600 WH speaker, or any other speaker on the market. In some embodiments, the speaker 219 is a 22.9 cm (9 inch) speaker.

In addition, a timing circuit (not illustrated) may be in electrical communication with the speaker. In this manner, a time may be set. When a countdown of the time has started, the speaker may play music. When the time elapses, the music may be stopped and a buzzer sounded. Of course, the timing circuit and speaker may be in electrical communication with memory, a processor, a storage device, such as a hard drive, SD card, memory, etc., and/or a network interface. The storage device and/or memory may contain code that can be executed by the processor for the operation of the storage device, memory, network adapter, user interface, and any other electrical component in electrical communication therewith. The network interface may engage in electrical communication with another computer or device on an internal network or on the internet. In this manner, music for the speaker may be selected from an internal storage device or from the network or internet. Additionally, each of these components may be in electrical communication with a power supply, such as a generator, a battery, or a plug for an electrical socket.

A user interface 225 may also be in electrical communication with the speaker, timing circuit, power supply, and storage. The user interface 225 may include buttons, slides, a touchscreen, or other controls. The barker or shooter may adjust the controls of the user interface 225 to reset or adjust the time, the music, the volume of the speaker, to sound the buzzer, etc. In some embodiments, the user interface 225 may include an itouch or other electronic device capable of performing the functions of the user interface 225.

The frame 101 may also include a front wall 213. The front wall 213 may be configured to prevent padding 200 from sliding off ramp 117. However, front wall 213 may also include return holes 213 sized such that missed basketballs that roll down the padding 200 may continue through either of the return holes 221. Front wall may also contain the return hole 223. In some embodiments, front wall 213 contains a net or solid material between return holes 223. The net may be similar to net 205 and the solid material may be similar to the material used for the back wall 207. In some embodiments, the height of the front wall 223 is 114.3 cm (45 in.) or less.

The backboard 115 may be mounted directly on the back wall 207 with bolts, hooks, or other connectors. In other embodiments, the backboard 115 may be integrally formed with back wall 207. Additional embodiments include a backboard support (not illustrated) which spans from outer post 102b to outer post 102b′. The backboard support may be made of substantially similar materials to that of the frame 101. The backboard 113 may then be mounted on the backboard support by bolts, hooks, or other connectors. Alternatively, the backboard 113 may be integrally formed with the backboard support.

FIG. 3 illustrates return arms 301 and 301′ of the frame 101 in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Return arms 301 and 301′ may be substantially similar in all respects. However, return arms 301 and 301′ may connect to the frame 101 at differing return holes 221. Return arms 301 and 301′ may comprise materials similar to the frame 101. Return arm 301 may include a left track 301b and a right track 301a. Return arm 301′ may include a left track 301b′ and a right track 301a′. Return arm 301 may connect with the return hole 221 such that a missed basketball may roll down the padding 200, out the return hole 221, and over the return arm 301. Thus, the left and right tracks 301a and 301b may connect to the bottom of return hole 221. Return arms 301 and 301′ may be connected to the frame 101 by bolts, brads, or other connectors, such as rivets.

Return arm 301 may extend away from return hole 221 at a slight downward slope, referred to as sloped portion 307. Return arm 301′ may also include a corresponding sloped portion 307′. Sloped portion 307 may extend to level portion 309. In this manner, a missed basketball may roll down padding 200, through return hole 221, down sloped portion 307, and may come to rest on level portion 309. Of course, return arm 301′ may also comprise level portion 309′ extending away from sloped portion 307′ in a manner similar to return arm 301. In some embodiments, sloped portion 307 may be 45.7 cm (18 in.) long. Additionally, level portion 309 may be up to 259.1 cm (8 ft. 6 in.) long. Alternative embodiments include return arms 301 and 301′ having only a level portion. In this embodiment, the level portion may be the length of level portion 309 or the length of level portion 309 and sloped portion 307.

Shooting area 303 may be used to refer to the general area between return arms 301 and 301′ and the shooting end 105 of the frame 101. Of course, return arms 301 and 301′ may be supported. For example supports 305 and 305′ may support return arms 301 and 301′ respectively. Support 305 may extend from return arm 301 to the floor. Accordingly, support arm 305′ may extend from return arm 301′ to the floor. In alternative embodiments, supports 305 and 305′ may extend from return arms 301 and 301′, respectively, to respective positions on the frame 101.

FIG. 4 depicts a block-level diagram of a method of playing the basketball game according to the principles of the present invention. The steps for playing the basketball game, as described herein, may be performed directly by the shooter, may be performed directly by the barker, and/or may be performed by the barker and the shooter through the barker's instruction to the shooter. In some embodiments, the structure as described in accordance with FIGS. 1-3 may be used in conjunction with one or more of the steps. Furthermore, a barker may provide instructions to a shooter. The barker may also ensure that the shooter does not cheat during the game. In some embodiments, the barker is a person that operates the basketball game of the present invention.

In step 401, the barker may set a timer to a predetermined time, for example, 25 seconds. In step 405, the barker may also place a predetermined number of basketballs at or near the shooting end of the frame 101. However, the frame 101 may be configured such that one or more basketballs may be automatically placed at the shooting end of the frame 101. Therefore, the barker may merely ensure that the predetermined number of basketballs are available at the shooting end of the frame 101. As explained above, the shooting end of the frame 101 may comprise one or more return arms 301. Therefore, the basketballs may be automatically positioned and/or placed onto the return arms 301 by the barker. In some embodiments of the game, up to 10 basketballs may be placed at the shooting end of the frame 101.

In step 403, the barker may instruct the shooter to stand in a first position before the game begins. For example, the first position may be beside one of the return arms within the shooting area 303. Alternatively, the first position may be in the center of the shooting area. The shooter may be positioned a predetermined distance from the goal. For example, the shooter may be positioned 5.49 meters (18 feet) from the goal 111. In some embodiments, the first position may be beside the first return arm and within the shooting area. Throughout the game, the shooter may be moved to a predetermined number of secondary positions, such as to the center of the shooter area and then beside the right return arm 301.

While the shooter is positioned in the first position after step 411, the music may be started and the timer may be started in steps 407 and 409, respectively. For example, the timer may be set for 25 seconds. The shooter may then shoot a predetermined number of basketballs at the goal 111, e.g. five basketballs, ten basketball, or all the basketballs. The shooter may then move to a second position beside the second return arm 301′. The shooter may shoot a predetermined number of basketballs at the goal 111 from the second position, e.g. five, ten, or all the remaining basketballs. Of course, the shooter may perform the steps above starting by shooting at the second return arm 301′ and then shooting at the first return arm 301.

Once the timer reaches zero, a buzzer may sound and/or the music may be stopped, as in step 413. The shooter may then stop shooting basketballs even if less than one or more of the predetermined number of basketballs have been shot (e.g. the predetermined number of basketballs from one or more positions). The missed basketballs may be guided by the nets 205 and 209 and padding 200 back to the return arms of the frame. However, the made basketballs may be guided by the basketball hoop net 203 to the score viewing area (e.g. the trench 201) of the frame 101.

In step 415, the basketballs may be counted to determine the score obtained by the shooter during the game. For example, each basketball may be counted as a single point. However, in other embodiments, the basketballs may be worth differing amounts of points. For example, the basketballs could be differentiated by color, color combinations, or other markings. As such, a basket made with a typical basketball may be worth one point, a money ball may be worth two points, and a super money ball may be worth three point. In this embodiment, an orange ball may be worth one point, a green ball may be worth two points, and a red, white, and blue ball may be worth three points. Some embodiments may include six orange basketballs, three green basketballs, and one red/white/blue basketball. Accordingly, other embodiments may include six typical balls, three money balls, and one super money ball, wherein alternate differentiating color schemes may be used.

Based on the number of pointers earned by the shooter, prizes may be awarded in step 417. For example, 0-4 points may not necessarily receive a prize. Shooters earning five to nine points may earn a small prize. Shooters earning ten to 14 points may earn a medium prize. Shooters earning 15 points may win a grand prize.

The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments described herein. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with each claim's language, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various embodiments described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase “step for.”

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the present invention may be embodied as a method, system, or computer program product. Accordingly, the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.” Furthermore, the present invention may take the form of a computer program product on a computer-usable storage medium having computer-usable program code embodied in the medium.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Aspects of the invention were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

1. A basketball game structure, comprising:

a frame comprising a goal end comprising a basketball goal with a backboard and a hoop, the basketball goal positioned over a ramp, a shooting end opposite the goal end, and the ramp comprising a padding formed around a lengthwise trench of the ramp, the ramp extending from the goal end to the shooting end and positioned at a lower height at the shooting end than a height of the ramp at the goal end;

wherein a basketball net extends from the hoop to a junction with the lengthwise trench; and

wherein the lengthwise trench extends from the junction to the shooting end of the frame.

2. The basketball game structure of claim 1, further comprising:

a non-opaque covering positioned to cover the lengthwise trench; and

wherein the padding is sized such that the net, junction, and lengthwise trench allow a basketball to pass through the lengthwise trench under the non-opaque covering to the shooting end by gravity.

3. The basketball game structure of claim 1, wherein a footprint of the frame is about 18.6 square meters or less.

4. The basketball game structure of claim 2, further comprising:

a return hole positioned at the shooting end of the frame and positioned at a height such that a basketball could roll down the ramp and through the return hole.

5. The basketball game structure of claim 4, wherein two return holes are positioned at the shooting end of the frame.

6. The basketball game structure of claim 4, wherein a return arm extends from beneath the return hole and away from the frame.

7. The basketball game structure of claim 5, wherein two return arms extend from beneath respective return holes and away from the frame.

8. The basketball game structure of claim 6,

wherein the return arm comprises a slanted portion extending from the frame to a level portion, and

wherein the level portion is at a lower height than the return hole.

9. The basketball game structure of claim 1, further comprising:

a predetermined number of basketballs,

wherein the predetermined number of basketballs comprises at least one basketball of a first color and at least one basketball of a second color.

10. A method of playing a basketball game, comprising:

providing a predetermined number of basketballs;

receiving at least one basketball in a frame; and

separating a made basketball by rolling the made basketball through a net extending from a hoop to a trench of a ramp and rolling the made basketball through the trench,

wherein the trench has a non-opaque covering to maintain the separation of made basketballs and missed basketballs.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising:

rolling a missed basketball down the ramp padding and then through a return hole,

wherein the missed basketball does not pass through the hoop.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising:

receiving the predetermined number of basketballs in the frame.

13. The method of claim 10, further comprising:

allowing a predetermined amount of time for receiving the predetermined number of basketballs.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising:

playing music through a speaker of the frame as the predetermined amount of time lapses.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein the predetermined number of basketballs is ten basketballs.

16. The method of claim 10, wherein the predetermined number of basketballs comprises at least one first basketball of a first color and at least one second basketball of a second color,

wherein each color may comprise a single color or a combination of colors.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the predetermined number of basketballs further comprises at least one third basketball, wherein the third basketball is of a third color.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising allotting a first number of points to basketballs of the first color that pass through the hoop and allotting a second number of points to basketballs of the second color that pass through the hoop.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising:

totaling the score and offering a prize if the score meets or exceeds a predetermined number.

20. A basketball game structure comprising:

an extension comprising a right extension wall and a left extension wall connected by at least one span extending between the right extension wall and the left extension wall; wherein the right extension wall comprises: a first outer post and a first internal post; a first upper track extension connected to the first outer post at a first height and the first upper track extension connected to the first internal post at a second height; a first lower track extension connected to the first outer post at a third height and the first lower track extension connected to the first internal post at a fourth height; wherein the second height is greater than the first height; wherein the fourth height is greater than the third height; wherein the left extension wall comprises: a second outer post and a second internal post; a second upper track extension connected to the second outer post at fifth height and the second upper track extension connected to the second internal post at a sixth height; a second lower track extension connected to the second outer post at a seventh height and the second lower track extension connected to the second internal post at an eighth height; wherein the sixth height is greater than the fifth height; and wherein the eighth height is greater than the seventh height;

a goal housing comprising a right wall and a left wall connected by at least one span extending between the right wall and the left wall; wherein the right wall comprises: a third outer post and a third internal post; a first upper track connected to the third outer post at a tenth height and the first upper track connected to the third inner post at a ninth height; a first lower track connected to the third outer post at a twelfth height and the first lower track connected to the third inner post at an eleventh height; wherein the tenth height is greater than the ninth height; wherein the twelfth height is greater than the eleventh height; wherein the left wall comprises: a fourth outer post and a fourth internal post; a second upper track connected to the fourth outer post at a fourteenth height and the second upper track connected to the fourth internal post at a thirteenth height; a second lower track connected to the fourth outer post at a sixteenth height and the second lower track connected to the fourth internal post at a fifteenth height; wherein the fourteenth height is greater than the thirteenth height; and wherein the sixteenth height is greater than the fifteenth height; and a basketball goal comprising a hoop and a backboard secured between the third outer post and the fourth outer post at a seventeenth height, wherein the seventeenth height is greater than the tenth height;

a ramp comprising a padding formed around a lengthwise trench of the ramp,

wherein a length of the ramp is about or less than a combined length of the first upper track and the first upper track extension;

wherein the at least one span connecting the right wall and the left wall is at least a width of the ramp; and

wherein the at least one span connecting the right extension wall and the left extension wall is at least the width of the ramp;

a non-opaque covering that is sized to cover the length of the lengthwise trench; and

a net sized to extend from the hoop to at least the tenth height.