DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USE WITH A BALL GAME

Abstract

A ball game device and system includes a ball-rebounding body having a frame within which a resilient surface is suspended. The frame is configured to be immovable for optimizing ball rebound. In this way, the body can be used on virtually any surface and the game played in virtually any environment. Preferably, the frame would have a base and a rebound surface-supporting structure. The resilient rebound surface is continuous and is configured to be variably tilted. The resilient surface is conical such that ball rebound and trajectory is rendered unpredictable, or predictable depending on where the ball strikes the resilient surface and/or a centrally disposed positioned within the rebound surface. In the preferred embodiment, defense boundaries offensive lines and other features are included to provide a wide variety of game formats. Notably the centrally disposed surface provides a spot that the thrower can aim at to maximize ball rebound.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to devices, systems and methods used to play ball games. More specifically, this invention relates to a device, as well as to a system and a method, that is used to provide a unique ball retrieving game for a plurality of players.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Ball games, or ball sports, are well known. Such games are played in some form or other wherein a ball is a key feature of the game and can be one of several different types. For example, “target” or “goal” ball games such as basketball, golf and bowling require that the ball hit, land within or pass through some sort of target. “Impact” ball games such as baseball and tennis require that the ball be impacted or hit by another object, such as a bat and a racquet, respectfully, in order to impart a desired trajectory of the ball by the user. Tennis and volleyball would also be examples of “net” ball games.

The present invention is adapted from another type of ball game—a game originating in the streets of Chicago, which is called “pinners.” The pinners game was played, and continues to be played, using the stairs of the front-stoop of a building or walls with angled bricks/stones which “pop” a tossed ball up and into the air on rebound from the stairs. The game utilizes traditional Chicago “row house” architecture, with most houses having a front stoop or stairs that lead from the front door to the sidewalk. In pinners, a first player (sometimes referred to as a “batter”) throws a highly resilient rubber (polybutadiene) ball, such as a SUPER BALL® (SUPER BALL is a registered mark of Wham-O Holding, Ltd.) or a simple tennis ball directed at the edge of a step or angled wall brick, with both being considered the “sweet spot” for that throw, after which secondary players attempt to catch the ball as it bounces back and away from the step in some fairly unpredictable way. Normal play would be throwing the ball at the ground first. The ball would hit the wall or front of the step and bounce high out to the field. The ball could also be thrown at the wall or front of the stair, then it would hit the ground and bounce low but fast—like a line drive. The edge or corner was the home run or sweet spot mentioned above.

Sometimes the secondary, or defending, players would wear mitts. The scoring rules were similar to baseball, but with runs being determined by where the ball lands, although variations to the rules were adopted and used depending on the number of players and other factors. For example, a single, double, triple or home run would be predetermined landmarks, such as curbs, sidewalks, trees, cars, etc. As with most neighborhood games, however, the rules varied by the groups playing and house rules would be determined at the start of the game, including base locations.

In the view of this inventor, an adaptation of the pinners game had to be created such that the players could enjoy this venerable ball-toss-and-catch game, but in locations where stairs do not exist as well as in a wide variety of other alternative play locations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The device of the present invention provides for a ball game apparatus that includes a ball-rebounding body having a frame within which a resilient surface is suspended. It is desirable to have the frame be configured such that it is immovable for optimizing ball rebound. In this way, the body can be used on virtually any surface and the game played in virtually any environment.

In a preferred embodiment, the frame would have a base and a rebound surface-supporting structure. The resilient rebound surface is continuous and is tiltable. The resilient surface is also inwardly tapered such that ball rebound and trajectory is rendered unpredictable, or predictable depending on the skill of the ball thrower. In the preferred embodiment, defense boundaries, offensive lines and other features are included to provide a wide variety of game formats.

In this preferred embodiment, the ball-rebounding body would be configured to be placed at or near the water's edge of a body of water. That is, the ball-rebounding body would be placed on the sand of a beach such that it faces outwardly toward the water. In this way, the game can be played as a water sport.

The foregoing and other features of the device, system and method of the present invention will be apparent from the detailed description that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the device and system that is constructed and configured in accordance with the present invention and showing the elements of the device and system as they would be positioned during game play on a variety of surfaces.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the device and system that is constructed and configured in accordance with the present invention and showing the rearward portion of the device in a “down” position and further shows structure that changes the angle of tilt of the device.

FIG. 2A is a smaller view of the device shown in FIG. 2 and illustrating other elements of the device and system, including ball trajectory and boundary elements.

FIG. 3 is another side elevational view of the device and system that is constructed and configured in accordance with the present invention and showing the rearward portion of the device in an “up” position and likewise shows structure that changes the angle of tilt of the device.

FIG. 4 a yet another side and cross sectioned elevational view of the device and system that is constructed and configured in accordance with the present invention and showing taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 is a smaller front elevational view of the device that is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 5A is a partial view of the outer perimeter of the cone and supporting structure of the device.

FIG. 5B is a partial view of the inner perimeter of the cone.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings in detail wherein like numbers represent like elements throughout, FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 illustrate a ball-rebounding device and system that is constructed in accordance with the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 2 shows a ball-rebounding device, generally identified 10, that comprises a frame, generally identified 20, the frame 20 having a number of structural components to enable use of the device 10 in a game as described herein. FIG. 2A shows the frame 20 together with other structural elements that will be described later in this detailed description.

The frame 20 comprises a primary frame member 22 that is configured as a circular structure. See also FIGS. 5 and 5A. At least one rear support member 21 is provided for supporting the circular frame member 22 from behind. In the preferred embodiment, multiple rear support members 21 are provided. Each rear support member 21 comprises a proximal end 11 and a distal end 12. The proximal end 11 is disposed at the circular frame member 22 and secured thereto via an attachment means (not shown) of a type known in the industry. Preferably, the attachment means allows the proximal end 11 of the rear support member 21 to be adjustable in its position relative to the primary frame member 22.

The frame 20 further comprises two front support members 24 that support the frame 20 from below. Also see FIG. 5. At least one secondary rear support member 25 is provided. The secondary rear support member 25 comprises an upper end 15 and a lower end 16, the lower end 16 being configured for placement on a generally flat and substantially horizontal surface. See also FIG. 3. The distal end 12 of each of the rear support members 21 is connected to a rearward connection member 26 either within an aperture or other connection means (not shown). When set up as intended, the connection member 26 comprises an aperture (also not shown) through which passes the secondary rear support member 25. The secondary rear support member 25 is movable upwardly and downwardly relative to the connection member 26. This movement allows the circular primary frame member 22 to be adjustable, as will be discussed further in this detailed description. In the preferred embodiment, the front and rear support members 24, 25 provide three points of ground or surface contact so as to provide stability to the frame 20 when the device 10 is used as intended. Further, the distal end of each of the front and rear support members 24, 25 can comprise a non-skid foot or cap 27 wherein the frame 20 is configured to be resistant to rearward movement during game play irrespective of the surface 1 upon which the frame 20 is placed.

It is also to be appreciated that the front and rear support members 21, 24, 25 can be configured as tubular structures having a variety of inner and outer diameters to provide structural support to the frame 20 while also making the support members lightweight for ease of movement. Further, the front and rear support members 21, 24, 25 can be constructed from any number of materials, metallic and nonmetallic, or a combination thereof. Still further, all of the frame members 21, 22, 24, 25 can be permanently connected to one another or temporarily connected to allow for ease in breakdown and transport of the frame 20 for game playing in one environment, such as on concrete, and then on another one, such as grass. Still further, the rear support members 21 that support the circular frame member 22 from behind can be configured as telescoping structures, if desired or required.

As comparatively shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, it will be appreciated that the circular primary frame member 22 can also be tilted angularly rearward from the horizontal, and any number of angles can be used. This is accomplished by movement of the secondary rear support member 25 through the connection member 26. As shown in FIG. 2, the frame 20 is shown in the “down” position whereas FIG. 2 shows the frame 20 in the “up” position. As alluded to above, the secondary rear support member 25 comprises and upper end 15 and a lower end 16, the lower end 16 being configured for placement on a generally flat and substantially horizontal surface 1. The lower the connection member 26 is set to a horizontal surface, the greater the angle of tilt of the circular primary frame member 22. Alternatively, the frame 20 can be configured for built-in angular adjustment as desired or required by the users. This could include telescoping frame members or other rotational structural arrangement, such as a tilt mechanism that allows rotation but also allows the user to “lock” the circular frame member 22 at a particular angle.

Disposed within and suspended from the circular frame member 22 is a resilient and substantially conical ball impact and rebound member, generally identified 30. The conical member 30 is intended to be made of a resilient material such as materials of the type used in trampolines and the like. This could include, but is not limited to, a waterproof canvas, polypropylene material or other strong fabric. The material could also be net-like, as long as it can be pulled into tension and a ball can be rebounded by it without having the ball pass through the net at whatever speed the ball is thrown. At its outer perimeter or edge 32, the conical member 30 is secured to the circular primary frame member 22 at multiple points such that the front of the conical member 30 is suspended at its outer perimeter 32 by the circular primary frame member 22, the member 30 being held in tension. Each attachment point comprises a frame attachment member 32. As shown in FIG. 5A, each attachment member 33 comprises a loop-like structure that wraps around a portion of the circular frame member 22. It is also possible to configure the attachment members 33 to be constructed of a resilient material as well. That is, the overall resiliency of the device 10 can be accomplished by using a resilient conical member 30, resilient attachment members 33, or a combination thereof. In any of these configurations, the rebound resiliency or tautness required can be accomplished.

At the center and bottommost portion of the conical ball impact and rebound member 30 is a center aperture 34 having an edge 35. See FIG. 5B. Disposed within this center aperture 34 is a plurality of secondary attachment members 36, the secondary attachment members 36 being constructed of material that may be similar to that of the attachment members 33 or may be made of a stiffer material or even rigid material.

Referring back to FIG. 2, it will be seen that the center aperture 34 referenced above is pulled from behind the circular frame member 22 by a shaft member, generally identified 40, having a ring or eyelet 44 or other member for attaching one end 45 of a cord 46 to it. The opposite end 47 of the cord 46 is anchored to the connection member 26 via a ring or eyelet 49. Disposed between the two ends 45, 47 of the cord 46 is a ratchet-type tension mechanism 48 that can control the tension and rigidity of the center 38 of the conical ball impact and rebound member 30. As shown, the shaft member 40 comprises a flat head 41 that extends through the center 34 of the cone 30 and that can be considered to be the equivalent of a step “edge” or “corner” in the pinners game. This flat head 41 provides a “sweet spot” that maximizes trajectory 62 of the ball, generally identified 60, as shown in FIG. 2A of the drawings herein.

Referring now to FIG. 1, it can be appreciated that the ball-rebounding device 10 can be used in virtually any environment and on any surface 1. As shown, the ball-rebounding device 10 can be immovably anchored in sand, grass and snow, but is also adapted and configured to resistively be placed on any concrete, asphalt or gym floor surface. Surface anchoring is accomplished via the non-skid feet or caps 27 that are disposed at the distal ends of each of the forward and rearward frame support members 24, 25. In the case of sand or snow, the support members 24, 25 can be pushed into the sand or snow. It is also possible to use stakes 51.

Irrespective of the surface on which the game is played, additional game “boundary” elements are provided in the system and method of the present invention. Those include a forward thrower line 52 disposed in front of and closest to the ball-rebounding device 10, beyond which the thrower may not step. A rearward thrower line 54 is disposed behind the thrower (not shown) beyond which the through may not step. At angles extending away from the rearward thrower line 54 is a pair of angular out-of-bounds lines 56 that can project away from the rearward thrower line 54 to form boundaries for the game. Additional extensions 59 can be provided and the ends of the extensions 59 can be staked, as can the ends of the out-of-bounds lines 56, particularly where water play is the environment, to maintain line position in the body of water. Any of the lines 52, 54, 56 can comprise a linear material such as a cord and lines 54, 56 may be comprised of a single length of cord. The lines 52, 54, 56 are held in position by a plurality of line positioning members, generally identified 58. Relative to the angular out-of-bounds lines 56, the positioning members 58 can be colored to designate, for example, a first base hit, a second base hit, a third base hit and a home run hit, all in accordance with the way that the users choose to play the game. In all cases, however, the defensive players are positioned within and between the out-of-bounds lines 56. It is also possible to configure the same elements as having glow-in-the dark features for nighttime play and other embellishments of the game.

As alluded to previously, the ball-rebounding device 10 and the other boundary elements 56, 58 can be position on a beach wherein the forward thrower line 52 is positioned on sand and all of the other boundary elements are buoyant, wherein the defensive players assume their positions in the water for appropriate ball retrieval. Depending on the water depth, the out-of-bounds lines 56 can be movable inwardly to offset water resistance imparted on the players. The ball game system further includes stakes 51 for anchoring the ends of the out-of-bounds lines 56 when the system is used at the edge of a water body. Again, see FIG. 1.

In application, the ball-rebounding device 10 and its boundary elements 52, 54, 56 are set in place. The ball 60 is then thrown at the ball-rebounding device 10 and its substantially conical ball impact and rebound surface 30. Ball rebound trajectory 62 then depends on two factors—how hard the ball 60 is thrown and where the ball 60 strikes the substantially conical ball impact and rebound surface 30, which is comprised of a resilient surface. As can be appreciated, this resilient surface is tapered such that ball 60 rebound and trajectory 62 is rendered unpredictable, or predictable depending on the skill of the ball thrower.

Claims

1. A ball game device comprising:

a frame, the frame comprising;

a primary frame member;

two front support members, each configured for attachment to the primary frame member;

at least one rear support member having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end connected to the primary frame member and being configured for supporting the primary frame member in a generally angled position relative to the horizontal and the at least one rear support further being configured to extend rearwardly of the primary frame member;

at least one secondary rear support member having an upper end and a lower end, the lower end configured for placement on a generally flat and substantially horizontal surface, the at least one secondary rear support member configured to be disposed in a substantially vertical position;

a connection member, the connection member being configured to receive therein the distal end of the at least one rear support member and further being configured to allow the at least one secondary rear support member to pass through the connection member;

a conical ball impact and rebound surface suspended within the primary frame member; and

a flat head member disposed substantially within the center of the ball impact and rebound surface;

wherein a ball thrown at the conical ball impact and rebound surface will impact and rebound from such surface; and

wherein a ball thrown at the flat head member will impact and maximize rebound from the flat head member.

2. The ball game device of claim 1 wherein the primary frame member is configured as a circle and is further configured to be presented at an angle relative to the vertical.

3. The ball game device of claim 2 wherein the primary frame member, the at least one rear support member, and the at least one secondary rear support member are each configured as a tubular structure.

4. The ball game device of claim 3 wherein the conical ball impact and rebound surface is suspended within the primary frame member via a plurality of outer perimeter attachment members.

5. The ball game device of claim 4 wherein the conical ball impact and rebound surface comprises a resilient material.

6. The ball game device of claim 5 wherein the conical ball impact and rebound surface suspended within the primary frame member further comprises a center aperture having an edge and wherein the flat head member disposed substantially within the center of the ball impact and rebound surface comprises a portion of a shaft member that is suspended therein by a plurality of inner perimeter attachment members and projects forwardly of the center aperture.

7. The ball game device of claim 6 wherein the shaft member is attached to one end of a cord and a tensioning means wherein the tautness of the conical ball impact and rebound surface is configured to be varied via the tensioning means.

8. A ball game system comprising:

a resilient ball;

a frame against which the ball may be thrown, the frame comprising: a primary frame member; two front support members each configured for attachment to the primary frame member;

at least one rear support member having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end connected to the primary frame member and being configured for supporting the primary frame member in a generally angled position relative to the horizontal and the at least one rear support further being configured to extend rearwardly of the primary frame member; one secondary rear support member having an upper end and a lower end, the lower end configured for placement on a generally flat and substantially horizontal surface, the secondary rear support member configured to be disposed in a substantially vertical position; a connection member, the connection member being configured to receive therein the distal end of the secondary rear support member and further being configured to allow the secondary rear support member to pass through the connection member; a conical ball impact and rebound surface suspended within the primary frame member; and a flat head member disposed substantially within the center of the ball impact and rebound surface;

wherein the ball impacts and rebounds from the conical ball impact and rebound surface when the ball is thrown at such surface; and

wherein the ball impacts and rebounds from the flat head member when the bail is thrown at the flat head member.

9. The ball game system of claim 8 wherein the primary frame member is configured as a circle and is further configured to be presented at an angle relative to the vertical.

10. The ball game system of claim 9 wherein the primary frame member, the at least one rear support member, and the secondary rear support member are each configured as a tubular structure.

11. The ball game system of claim 10 wherein the conical ball impact and rebound surface is suspended within the primary frame member via a plurality of outer perimeter attachment members.

12. The ball game system of claim 11 wherein the conical ball impact and rebound surface comprises a resilient material.

13. The ball game system of claim 12 wherein the conical ball impact and rebound surface suspended within the primary frame member further comprises a center aperture having an edge and wherein the flat head member disposed substantially within the center of the ball impact and rebound surface comprises a portion of a shaft member that is suspended therein by a plurality of inner perimeter attachment members.

14. The ball game system of claim 13 wherein the shaft member is attached to one end of a cord and a tensioning means wherein the tautness of the conical ball impact and rebound surface is configured to be varied via the tensioning means,

15. The ball game system of claim 14 further comprises a plurality of boundary elements.

16. The ball game system of claim 15 wherein the plurality of boundary elements comprise a forward thrower line, a rearward thrower line and a pair of out-of-bounds lines that extend angularly rearward from the rearward thrower line to define a game playing area.

17. The ball game system of claim 16 further including stakes for anchoring the ends of the out-of-bounds lines when the system is used at the edge of a water body.

18. A ball game method wherein a bail throwing pitcher throws a bail at the frame configured in accordance with claim 16.

19. The ball game method of claim 17 wherein at least one defending ball catcher is positioned within the boundary elements.

20. The ball game method of claim 18 wherein the frame is configured to be immovable during game play irrespective of the surface upon which the frame is placed.