BALL AND HOOP GAME

Abstract

Exemplary embodiments of a game apparatus and a method of playing the game are provided. In some exemplary embodiments, an apparatus is provided including a base portion, a pole extending vertically from the base portion, an upper hoop positioned adjacent a top of the pole and secured to the pole, and a lower hoop positioned below the upper hoop and secured to the pole, wherein the lower hoop is horizontally offset from the upper hoop, and an outermost portion of the lower hoop extends further from the pole than an outermost portion of the upper hoop.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application relates to and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/576,737 filed Oct. 25, 2017, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to exemplary embodiments of a ball and hoop game, and more particularly, to an apparatus and method of playing a ball game using one or more hoops.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Various ball games exist with variations of putting a ball through a hoop. Some of these solutions attempt to customize basketball hoops, goals, backboards, nets and balls. It would be desirable to provide a portable apparatus providing a ball game using one or more hoops, and a novel method of playing the game, as described below.

SUMMARY OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

At least some of the above described problems can be addressed by exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can provide for a portable apparatus having two hoops on a pole where one hoop is vertically positioned above the other, and a method of playing a game using the apparatus.

In some exemplary embodiments, an apparatus can be provided, comprising a base portion, a pole extending vertically from the base portion, an upper hoop positioned adjacent a top of the pole and secured to the pole, and a lower hoop positioned below the upper hoop and secured to the pole, wherein the lower hoop is horizontally offset from the upper hoop, and an outermost portion of the lower hoop extends further from the pole than an outermost portion of the upper hoop.

In some exemplary embodiments, the upper hoop and the lower hoop can be circular hoops, and the upper hoop can have a smaller diameter than the lower hoop. The upper hoop can have a diameter of approximately 8 inches to approximately 16 inches, and the lower hoop can have a diameter of approximately 10 inches to approximately 20 inches. The upper hoop and the lower hoop can be adjustable along the pole to be provided at various heights along the pole. The lower hoop can be provided approximately two feet under the upper hoop.

In some exemplary embodiments, the pole comprises an upper pole and a lower pole, wherein the upper pole is slidably receivable into the lower pole. The apparatus can further comprise a securing mechanism to secure the upper pole to the lower pole at a desired height of the upper pole. The apparatus can further comprise a first bracket securing the upper hoop to the pole, and a second bracket connecting the lower hoop to the pole. The second bracket can have a longer length than the first bracket. The base portion can comprise one or more slots to receive and secure the pole for storage.

In some exemplary embodiments, a portable game apparatus can be provided, comprising a base having an upper base portion and a lower base portion, a first pole configured to be housed within the base, a second pole configured to be housed within the base, and two or more hoops configured to be housed within the base, wherein the upper base portion and the lower base portion are configured to engage and secure at least a portion of the first pole, second pole and the two or more hoops within the base.

In some exemplary embodiments, the upper base portion and the lower base portion can comprise one or more slots to secure the first and second poles. The two or more hoops can be completely housed within the base. The portable game apparatus can further comprise a ball provided within the base, a recess provided within the base to engage a portion of the ball to secure the ball within the base. The portable game apparatus can further comprise one or more slots within the base to receive at least a portion of one of the two or more hoops. The upper base portion can have one or more slots to receive at least a portion of one of the two or more hoops, and the lower base portion can have one or more slots to receive at least a portion of one of the two or more hoops.

In some exemplary embodiments, two hoops can be provided and secured within the upper base portion and two hoops can be provided within the lower base portion. The first pole can comprise a first lower pole and a first upper pole that is slidably receivable into the first lower pole, and the second pole can comprise a second lower pole and a second upper pole that is slidably receivable into the second lower pole.

The lower base portion can comprise an exterior portion configured to secure the first pole, and the upper base portion can comprise an exterior portion configured to secure the second pole. At least one hoop of the two or more hoops can be configured to be engaged to the first pole, and at least one hoop of the two or more hoops can be configured to be engaged to the second pole, when the first pole is secured to the lower base portion and the second pole is secured to the upper base portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects of the present disclosure will be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an apparatus according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of an upper hoop and a lower hoop with respect to a pole according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a base according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 4-7 illustrate a portable apparatus according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 8-9 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the portable game apparatus according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 10-11 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a method of playing a game according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIGS. 12(a)-12(e) illustrate a flowchart of a method of playing a game according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

Throughout the figures, the same reference numerals and characters, unless otherwise stated, are used to denote like features, elements, components or portions of the illustrated embodiments. Moreover, while the subject disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the figures, it is done so in connection with the illustrative embodiments. It is intended that changes and modifications can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the true scope and spirit of the subject disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF DISCLOSURE

Exemplary embodiments of the methods and systems will now be described with reference to the figures. The following description of the various embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, its application, or uses.

FIG. 1 illustrates an apparatus according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. la, an apparatus 100 is provided comprising a base 110 and a vertical pole 120 that is positioned inside a receptacle in the base configured to hold the pole 120 sturdy. In some exemplary embodiments, a clamp or lock can be provided to secure the pole 120 within the base 110. The base 110 can be made of any material, such as metal or plastic or a composite of materials, and is not limited to any type of material. In some exemplary embodiments, the base 110 can be hollow and can be filled with water and/or sand through a receptacle (not shown) which can make the base 110 sturdier when in use. The base 110 can be made of materials or configured to make it sturdy without the use of water or sand. The pole 120 can also be made of any material, and be similar to the material of the base 110. In some exemplary embodiments, the pole 120 can comprise two or more poles, such as upper pole 122 and lower pole 124. Upper pole 122 can slide within lower pole 124, making the height of the pole 120 adjustable, such as but not limited to between 4 feet to 12 feet. A clamp or locking pin can be provided to position the upper pole 122 and lower pole 124, which can have slots that align with each other during placement of the locking pin. The slots can be provided, e.g., every two to six inches for adjustability of the height of the pole 120.

One or more hoops can be provided on the vertical pole 120. In some exemplary embodiments, an upper hoop 130 is provided at or near the top of the upper pole 122, and a lower hoop 140 is provided underneath the upper hoop 130. In some exemplary embodiments, the lower hoop 140 can be connected to the upper pole 122, or the lower pole 124. Slots can be provided at regular intervals throughout the height of the pole 120 on the upper pole 122 and lower pole 124 to provide for adjustability of the locations of the upper hoop 130 and lower hoop 140. In some exemplary embodiments, more than two hoops can be provided on the pole 120. An upper bracket 135 can be provided to connect the upper hoop 130 to the pole 120 and a lower bracket 145 can be provided to connect the lower hoop 140 to the pole 120. The upper bracket 135 and lower bracket 145 can be inserted within desired slots in the pole 120 as desired. In some exemplary embodiments, the upper bracket 135 can have a shorter length than the lower bracket 145, so that the lower hoop 140 is horizontally offset from the upper hoop 130 with respect to the pole 120, as will be described below.

The upper hoop 130 and lower hoop 140 can have any shape or configuration, such as circular, square, rectangular of any other shape. Preferably, the upper and lower hoops are circular. The upper hoop 130 and lower hoop 140 can be the same size or one can be larger than the other. In some exemplary embodiments, the upper hoop 130 has a smaller diameter than the lower hoop 140. In some exemplary embodiments, the diameter of the upper hoop 130 can be between 8 inches to 16 inches, and the diameter of the lower hoop can be between 10 inches to 20 inches. Preferably, the upper hoop 130 can have an approximately 12 inch diameter and the lower hoop 140 can have an approximately 15 inch diameter. The upper hoop 130 and lower hoop 140 can be made of any material, such as plastic or metal. The upper hoop 130 and lower hoop 140 can also have nets similar to a basketball hoop, as will be described below.

In some exemplary embodiments, the height of the pole 120 can be at approximately 7 feet to approximately 12 feet from the bottom of the base 110. The upper hoop 130 can be approximately 5 feet to approximately 12 feet from the bottom of the base 110, and the lower hoop 140 can be approximately 3 feet to approximately 8 feet from the bottom of the base 110. The lower hoop 140 can be approximately 1 foot to approximately 3 feet under the upper hoop 130. In some exemplary embodiments, the upper hoop 130 can be positioned at the apex or crown of the pole 120 at approximately 8 feet height from the bottom of the base 110. The lower hoop 140 can be positioned approximately 2 feet below the upper hoop 130 at approximately 6 feet high from the bottom of the base 110.

In some exemplary embodiments, the apparatus can be made lightweight and portable. For example, the pole 120 can be broken down into upper pole 122 and lower pole 124. As shown in Fig. lb, the base 110 can have slot 150 to snugly fit lower pole 124 and slot 160 to snugly fit upper pole 122. The top of the base 110 can have recess 170 to snugly fit upper hoop 130 (and bracket 135) and recess 180 to snugly fit lower hoop 140 (and bracket 145). Straps can be provided on the base for, e.g., a user to carry on his back or to hold. This can allow for portability of the apparatus 100 as needed.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the upper hoop and lower hoop with respect to the pole according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the upper hoop 130 and lower hoop can both be positioned within the upper pole 122. Slots 134 can be provided within the lower pole 124 and within the upper pole 122 to adjust the upper pole 122 on the lower pole 124, and a clip 126 can be provided to secure the upper and lower poles to each other. The upper hoop 130 can be secured to the upper pole 122 using a bracket 135. In some exemplary embodiments, the bracket 135 can be a cap that can be configured to be placed over upper pole 122. A locking mechanism (such as a clip or clamp) can be provided to further secure the upper hoop 130 to the upper pole 122. The bracket 145 can be secured to the upper pole 122 to secure the lower hoop 140 to the upper pole 122. The bracket 145 can have a clip that can be positioned within a slot 132 of the upper pole 122 to secure the lower hoop 140 to the upper pole 122. The brackets 135, 145 can be integral with the upper and lower hoops, such that the hoops can be secured directly to the pole 120. The brackets and/or upper and lower hoops can be secured to the pole 120 through any means, such as by clamps, covers, clips, locking mechanisms, sliding mechanisms, and are not limited to any particular securing or locking device.

The bracket 135 can have a length L1, which can range from approximately 2 inches to approximately 6 inches, and the bracket 145 can have a length L2 which can range from approximately 6 inches to 12 inches, but the lengths of the brackets are not limited to any particular measurement. In some exemplary embodiments, the length L1 can be approximately 4 inches and the length L2 can be approximately 8 inches, such that the lower hoop 140 is horizontally offset from the upper hoop 130 with respect to the upper pole 122, while still vertically partially overlapping the upper hoop 130. This can allow for a ball to both go through the upper hoop 130 and the lower hoop 140, as will be described below. In some exemplary embodiments, the upper hoop 130 can have a net 155 attached to the bottom of the upper hoop 135, and the lower hoop 140 can have a net 165 attached to the bottom of the lower hoop 140. In some exemplary embodiments, the net 155 can have a shorter length (e.g., approximately 2 to approximately 4 inches in length), and the net 165 can have a longer length (e.g., approximately 4 to approximately 8 inches in length). This can allow for a ball to not get trapped inside the net 155 or change its motion direction once it travels inside the upper hoop 130, as will be described below.

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a base. In some exemplary embodiments, the base can be comprised of a triangle leg 201 as shown in FIG. 3(a) and triangle leg 202 as shown in FIG. 3(b). The triangle leg 201 can have an upper cutout or recess 203 and the triangle leg 201 can have a lower cutout or recess 204 as shown in FIG. 3. The triangle leg 202 can be placed over the triangle leg 201 in a perpendicular fashion to form a base 200 with four legs as shown in FIG. 3(c). As shown in FIG. 3(d), the vertical pole 120 can have recesses 210 that have a height approximately the same height as the highest portion of the base 200. In some exemplary embodiments, there can be 4 recesses 210 that can be approximately 90 degrees apart, such that the pole 120 can fit over the triangle legs 201 and 201 as shown in FIG. 3(e). This can provide for a lightweight portable base according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a portable apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The portable apparatus 300 can be configured to provide two ball and hoop games (as shown in FIG. 1(a)) that are placed on opposite sides to enable play, as will be described below. The portable apparatus 300 includes a base comprising a lower base portion 310 and an upper base portion 320. Each base portion 310, 320 can be used as a base for a ball and hoop games, as described below. The base portions 310, 320 are configured to fit the components described above to fit two ball and hoop games to make a portable game apparatus.

The upper base 320 can have slots 312 and the lower base portion 310 can have slots 314 that are configured to receive the pole 330 and the pole 340. Each pole 330, 340 is configured to have an upper and lower pole that slide out to make a pole to allow two hoops to be attached, as described below. For example, pole 330 can comprise a base 330a, a lower pole 330b and an upper pole 330c. The pole 340 can comprise a base 340a, a lower pole 340b and an upper pole 340c. The lower base portion 310 can have a recess underneath a ball 350 configured to receive and hold the ball 350. Upper hoop 360 and lower hoop 370 can be provided within the lower base portion 310. The side walls of the lower base portion 310 can have slots to receive the lower hoop 370 to secure the lower hoop 370. The pole 340 and the pole 330 can be placed on top of the upper hoop 360 and the lower hoop 370 as shown to further secure the lower hoop 370 and the upper hoop 360. The pole 340 and the pole 330 are placed within the slots 314 of the lower base portion 310. The upper base portion 320 can have a second set of hoops comprised of upper hoop 365 and lower hoop 375 that can correspond to the same size as the upper hoop 360 and lower hoop 370. The upper hoop 365 and lower hoop 375 can be secured within the upper base portion 320.

The lower base portion 310 can have legs 316 at approximately the four corners of the lower base portion 310, and the upper base portion 320 can have legs 318 at approximately the four corners of the upper base portion 320. These can allow the upper and lower base portions to stand independently when flipped over, and also when closed on top of each other (as explained below), can fit within corresponding recesses within the upper and lower base portions to secure the upper and lower base portions to each other. In some exemplary embodiments, the legs 316 and 318 can be stakes to clamp the base portions into the ground. In some exemplary embodiments, the legs 316, 318 are not needed and the flat portions of the top of the lower base portion 310 and upper base portion 320 can provide stability when placed on the ground.

A clamp 380 can be further provided to secure and engage the upper and lower base portions to each other. The upper base portion 320 can have a recess 355 to allow for visibility of the ball 350. Once the components are secured in place, the upper base portion 320 can be placed over the lower base portion as shown in FIG. 5. The top of the upper base portion 320 allows for visibility of the ball 350 within recess 355. A pedestal 390 can also be provided for engagement and securing of the lower pole 340 within the pedestal 390 as shown in FIG. 5. In some exemplary embodiments, the pedestal 390 can be made flush with a top surface of the upper base portion 320.

As shown in FIG. 6, the upper base portion 320 can stand on a floor using legs 318. The pole 340 can be secured within the pedestal 390 such that the base portion 340a is inserted inside the pedestal 390 and lower pole 340b is visible above the upper base portion 320. In some exemplary embodiments, a bottom of the upper base portion 320 can be flat (and the lower base portion 310) and lay on the ground for stability so the poles can be secured onto the base portions and enable game play, as will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 7, the pole 340 can be secured into the upper base portion 320. The upper pole 340c can slide out of lower pole 340b and a lock can be inserted to secure the upper pole 340c with respect to the lower pole 340c. The upper hoop 365 and the lower hoop 375 can be secured to the pole 340. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the upper hoop 365 is secured to the upper pole 340c and the lower hoop 375 is secure to the lower pole 340b. The lower base portion 310 can be configured similar to the upper base portion 320. That is, pole 330 can be provided within a pedestal 390, and the upper pole 330c can be extended and secured with respect to the lower pole 330b, and upper hoop 360 can be provided on upper pole 330c and lower hoop 370 can be provided on lower pole 330b. The upper base portion 320 with the pole 340 and the hoops, and the lower base portion 310 with the pole 340 and the hoops, can be used to face each other and play a game as described below.

FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the portable game apparatus according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, in this embodiment, an additional recess can be provided within the lower base portion to secure an additional ball 351. A corresponding recess 353 can be provided in the upper base portion so that the ball 351 is further secured within the upper base portion, as shown in FIG. 9 when the upper base portion 320 is provided over the lower base portion 310. In some exemplary embodiments, clamps 362 are provided on the upper base portion 320 at approximately the four corners of the upper base portion 320 that correspond to recesses in the side walls of the lower base portion 310 to secure the upper base portion 320 to the lower base portion 310. In some exemplary embodiments, the clamps 362 can be elastic bands or straps. In some exemplary embodiments, the cross-section of the upper pole 330 and lower pole 340 can be rectangular, as seen in FIGS. 8-9, as compared to square as shown in FIGS. 4-7. The cross-section of the upper and lower poles is not limited to any shape, and can be circular, square, rectangular or any other shape.

FIGS. 10-11 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a method of playing a game according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Initially, a first apparatus 100 is provided as shown in FIG. 10, and a second apparatus 400 is provided facing the first apparatus 100. In some exemplary embodiments, the first apparatus 100 is set up approximately 20 to approximately 30 feet away from the second apparatus 400. The second apparatus 200 can be similar to the first apparatus 100, shown in FIG. 7. For example, the first apparatus 100 can have a base 110, a pole 120, an upper hoop 130 and a lower hoop 140 approximately 2 feet under the upper hoop 130. In some exemplary embodiments, the lower hoop 140 is larger than and horizontally offset from the upper hoop 130 as described above. The second apparatus 400 can have a base 410, a pole 420, an upper hoop 430 and a lower hoop 440 approximately 2 feet under the upper hoop 430. In some exemplary embodiments, the lower hoop 440 is larger than and horizontally offset from the upper hoop 430 as described above.

All components of the portable apparatus in the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure described above can be easily and quickly connected and disconnected from each other. Moreover, all components, when disconnected, are highly portable, can be made of lightweight and durable materials (such as but not limited to plastic or aluminum) and can be neatly stored in a bag, box, or in a storage area. It should further be noted that the exemplary embodiments are not limited to the particular methodology, materials, and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

Exemplary rules according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can be but is not limited to the following. Two teams can be provided with two players on each team. Teammates can stand at opposing units (apparatus 100 and apparatus 400) at a diagonal direction from each other, and decide which team serves first with a “Shoot Off”, as described below. The player serving the ball can be called the “server” and their teammate can be called the “setter.” A “Shoot Off” can mean players on each team rotating one shot each at the opposing apparatus from behind the pole of the proximal apparatus. Once a player makes a shot, and an opposing player misses a shot, or a player has made a shot that cannot beat a player's shot on the opposite team, the player who made the shot becomes the server. A shot made through the upper (or smaller) hoop can beat a shot through the lower (or larger) hoop, while a shot through both the upper hoop and the lower hoop beats a shot made through only the upper hoop or only the lower hoop. Teams may elect to choose who serves first by another method, such as one player choosing hit or miss or a team choosing to flip a coin.

Game play can be as follows. Each team gets a separate chance—that is, when team 1 has a turn, team 2 must wait, and vice versa. The server must stand behind a pole of one apparatus and the setter must stand behind the pole of the opposing apparatus when the server is serving the ball. Once the ball is served by the server, the server and setter are allowed to move anywhere on the court. The server serves the ball to the setter close to the opposing apparatus, and the setter may elect to tap the ball directly into one or both of the upper and lower hoops, or the setter may elect to set the ball in the air to the server who may tap the ball into one or both of the upper and lower hoops. Various points can be assigned to the scoring, as described below. When the first team's turn ends, the second team has their own server and setter, and they can take their turn. The teams can alternate turns and play until one team reaches exactly 21 points, or another designated point total. Once one team reaches exactly 21 points, or another designated point total, each player on the opposing team may have one rebuttal shot as described below. Once one team reaches exactly 21 points, or another designated point total, and the opposing team has missed, or has closed out (see below), their rebuttal shot(s), the game can be over.

A point system in the game can be as follows. The setter can score by tapping the ball through the larger or lower hoop for 1 point, or another set number of points, or can taps the ball through the upper or smaller hoop for 2 points, or another set number of points, or can tap the ball through the upper smaller hoop and lower larger hoop for 3 points, or another set number of points. If the setter taps the ball back to the server and the server scores, the server can tap the ball through the lower or larger hoop for 2 points, or another set number of points, or the server can tap the ball through the upper or smaller hoop for 3 points, or another set number of points, or the server can tap the ball through the upper smaller hoop and the lower larger hoop for 5 points, or another set number of points.

For a team to win, the team can be required to score exactly 21 points, or another set number of points. If a team's score exceeds 21 points, their score can reset to 16 points, or another set number of points and the game can continue with the last setter on the opposing team becoming the server. In some exemplary embodiments, a rebuttal shot can be provided. Once one team reaches exactly 21 points, or another set number of points, both teams' turns can end, with the opposing team having a chance to continue the game with one or more rebuttal shots. Each player on the opposing team can have one rebuttal shot starting from behind his or her pole (e.g, a basketball type of shot). If a player makes a shot through the smaller or larger hoop, the winning team's score can reset from 21 points to 18 points, or another set number of points, and the game can continue with the player who made the shot becoming the server. If the opposing player makes a shot through the larger or smaller hoop the winning team's score can reset to 16 points, or another set number of points, and the game can continue with player who made the shot becoming the server. If the opposing player makes a shot that goes through the upper or smaller hoop and the lower or larger hoop, his or her team may elect to either: (1) reset the winning team's score to 11 points, or another set number of points, and the game continues with player who made the shot becoming the server; or (2) both teams' scores reset to a 16 point tie, or another set number of points, and the player who made the shot becomes the server.

In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, rules are provided in which any violation of the rules can result in a foul. For example, if any of the following fouls occur, the team who commits the foul forfeits their team's turn with no points awarded (or one or more points can be subtracted): (1) server may not serve the ball directly through either hoop; (2) in total there may not be more than 3 hits, including the server, during each team's turn-the setter must be first to touch the ball off the serve, and players may not make contact with any part of either hoop; (3) a ball that hits any part of either hoop, and does not go through either hoop, can be a dead ball; (4) a ball that hits the ground, an opposing player, or another person or object can be a dead ball; (5) a player may not hit the ball consecutively; and (6) a player may not palm, cuff, carry, throw, toss, or catch the ball during his or her team's turn.

In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a defensive opportunity in the game can be as follows. Each team may be allowed 3 defensive opportunities per game. A team may use a defensive opportunity when either player (defensive player) from an opposing team (not in possession of the ball) crosses the pole of one apparatus, or another defense line designated to teams, any time after the server has served the ball from that apparatus. A defensive opportunity may allow the defensive player to chase down the server and alter the opposing team's set or shot, or block the ball before it goes through either hoop. The defensive player may not make contact with an opposing player or the apparatus, while trying to alter the shot or set, or block the ball before the ball goes through either hoop. If a defensive player makes contact with either offensive player or the apparatus, and that contact is determined to unfairly alter the offensive player(s) shot or set, the offensive team may be given foul shot(s) as set forth below.

In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a foul shot in the game can be as follows. If a defensive player makes contact with an opposing player or the apparatus, and the ball does not go through any hoops, each opposing player will be given one (1) shot per player (e.g., 2 shots per team) from behind each pole of an apparatus to the opposing apparatus for a chance to add to the team's score. A player may add 2 points, or another set number of points, to his or her team's score for a foul shot made through a lower or larger hoop. A player may add 3 points, or another set number of points, to his or her team's score for a foul shot made through the upper or smaller hoop. A player may add 5 points, or another set number of points, to his or her team's score for a foul shot made through the upper or smaller hoop and lower or larger hoop. If a defensive player makes contact with an opposing player or the apparatus, and the ball goes through any hoop(s), the points for the score will be added to the offensive team's score, and the offensive team will designate either player from the team to shoot 1 shot per team from behind either apparatus pole for a chance to add points, as described above.

As shown in FIG. 10, and described in the flowcharts provided in FIGS. 12(a)-12(e), players 1A and 2A can be on Team A, and players 1B and 2B can be on Team B. Player 1A can start behind the pole 420 of apparatus 400, and player 2A can start behind the pole 120 of apparatus 100. The apparatus 100 can be approximately 20 to approximately 30 feet away from the apparatus 400, and can be moved further or closer depending on the players' skill level. Player 1A can be the server, and player 2A can be the setter. To start, player 1A can serve the ball 350. The ball 350 can be but is not limited to a spherical ball similar to a volleyball, can have but is not limited to a diameter of approximately 4 inches to approximately 10 inches and a weight of approximately 4 ounces to approximately 10 ounces. Player 1A should not serve the ball 350 directly through either hoop 130 or 140. Once the ball 350 is served by the setter player 1A, player 1A and player 2A can move anywhere. While Team A takes their turn, players on Team B (players 1B and 2B) can position themselves anywhere to not interfere with Team A.

When player 1A serves 350 the ball 22 to player 2A, player 2A may elect to tap the ball 350 directly into the lower hoop 140, upper hoop 130, or the upper hoop 130 and lower hoop 140 as described above for a predetermined amount of points. If player 2A taps the ball 350 and the ball hits any component of the apparatus 100 and does not go through any of the hoops or hits the ground, or another object, Team A should not score any points, and Team B can have their turn. In some exemplary embodiments, as shown in FIG. 11, player 2A can hit the ball 350 back to player 1A after player 1A serves the ball 350 to player 2A. Player 2A may elect to set the ball 350 in the air to player lA who may tap the ball 350 through the lower hoop 140, the upper hoop 130, or the upper hoop 130 and the lower hoop 140, for the points as described above. If Player 1A taps the ball 350 and the ball 350 hits any component of the apparatus 100 and does not go through any of the hoops or hits the ground, or another object, Team A does not score any points. When Team A's turn is over, Team B takes their turn, and player 2B can be the server and player 1B can be the setter and attempt to score points on apparatus 400 similar to how Team A attempts to score on apparatus 100. The two teams alternate turns and as server/setter, so after Team B's turn is over, and it is Team A's turn again, player 2A can go behind apparatus 400 and be the server, and player 1A can be the setter and go behind apparatus 400. The teams can continue turns until one team reaches exactly 21 points, or another set number of points.

The apparatus according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can have various shapes and configurations, and is not limited to any particular shape or configuration. Various materials can be used for the construction of the apparatus 100 and its components. Various components can be provided together, or individually.

Various advantages are provided for the portable game apparatus as described above, and various configurations are also possible according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, although the embodiments described above have two poles, more than two poles can be provided that telescope within each other to provide an appropriate height for the pole. More than two hoops can be provided on each pole. A hoop may attach to the crown of the top pole, while other hoops (smaller or larger) can be attached to the middle and/or lower parts of the pole. A backboard may be provided behind the poles and/or behind each hoop provided on the pole. A spike, stake or string may be added to help support the base, pole, and the hoops.

A backpack or bag may be designed for portability to carry components of the portable apparatus when disassembled. Also, the design of the backpack or bag may act as the base unit, so the pole(s), when upright, can slide into the base for support. Moreover, all components of the hoops device, including the pole(s), hoops, nets, and ball(s) may have a designated area in the base backpack, where each component may fasten or affix to the base backpack for easy portability and setup. Furthermore, two or more base backpacks may snap together or attach to each other with straps or affix another way. One or both base backpacks may have handles, grips and/or shoulder straps. The design of the ball may have half its seams designed similar to a basketball pattern and the other half of the seams may be designed similar to a volleyball pattern. Moreover, there may be a miniature version of the portable apparatus, or a portable apparatus designed to float in water, or a portable apparatus designed to attach or stand on a table. The portable apparatus can be used on multiple surfaces such as asphalt, grass, indoor courts, or sand.

The foregoing merely illustrates the principles of the disclosure. Various modifications and alterations to the described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise numerous systems, arrangements, manufacture and methods which, although not explicitly shown or described herein, embody the principles of the disclosure and are thus within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising:

a base portion;

a pole extending vertically from the base portion;

an upper hoop positioned adjacent a top of the pole and secured to the pole; and

a lower hoop positioned below the upper hoop and secured to the pole, wherein the lower hoop is horizontally offset from the upper hoop, and an outermost portion of the lower hoop extends further from the pole than an outermost portion of the upper hoop.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the upper hoop and the lower hoop are circular hoops, and the upper hoop has a smaller diameter than the lower hoop.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the upper hoop has a diameter of approximately 8 inches to approximately 16 inches, and the lower hoop has a diameter of approximately 10 inches to approximately 20 inches.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the upper hoop and the lower hoop are adjustable along the pole to be provided at various heights along the pole.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lower hoop is provided approximately two feet under the upper hoop.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pole comprises an upper pole and a lower pole, wherein the upper pole is slidably receivable into the lower pole.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising:

a securing mechanism to secure the upper pole to the lower pole at a desired height of the upper pole.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

a first bracket securing the upper hoop to the pole; and

a second bracket connecting the lower hoop to the pole.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the second bracket has a longer length than the first bracket.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the base portion comprises one or more slots to receive and secure the pole for storage.

11. A portable game apparatus comprising:

a base having an upper base portion and a lower base portion;

a first pole configured to be housed within the base;

a second pole configured to be housed within the base; and

two or more hoops configured to be housed within the base;

wherein the upper base portion and the lower base portion are configured to engage and secure at least a portion of the first pole, second pole and the two or more hoops within the base.

12. The portable game apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the upper base portion and the lower base portion comprise one or more slots to secure the first and second poles.

13. The portable game apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the two or more hoops are completely housed within the base.

14. The portable game apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising:

a ball provided within the base;

a recess provided within the base to engage a portion of the ball to secure the ball within the base.

15. The portable game apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising:

one or more slots within the base to receive at least a portion of one of the two or more hoops.

16. The portable game apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the upper base portion has one or more slots to receive at least a portion of one of the two or more hoops, and the lower base portion has one or more slots to receive at least a portion of one of the two or more hoops.

17. The portable game apparatus according to claim 16, wherein two hoops are provided and secured within the upper base portion and two hoops are provided within the lower base portion.

18. The portable game apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the first pole comprises a first lower pole and a first upper pole that is slidably receivable into the first lower pole, and the second pole comprises a second lower pole and a second upper pole that is slidably receivable into the second lower pole.

19. The portable game apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the lower base portion comprises an exterior portion configured to secure the first pole, and the upper base portion comprises an exterior portion configured to secure the second pole.

20. The portable game apparatus according to claim 19, wherein at least one hoop of the two or more hoops are configured to be engaged to the first pole, and at least one hoop of the two or more hoops are configured to be engaged to the second pole, when the first pole is secured to the lower base portion and the second pole is secured to the upper base portion.