Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for a basketball backboard. The basketball backboard includes a display screen, a plurality of sensors configured to generate sensor data regarding a shot attempt of a user, imaging devices configured to generate image data of the shot attempt, a speaker, and a control unit. The control unit can receive (i) the sensor data from the plurality of sensors and (ii) the image data from the imaging devices. Based on the received sensor data, the control unit can determine whether the shot attempt was successful. Based on the received image data and whether the shot attempt was successful, the control unit can generate analytics that indicate characteristics of the user and the shot attempt and recommendations for improving the shot attempt for subsequent shot attempts. The control unit can provide output data representing the analytics.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for providing mental training during a basketball practice session are provided. A controller receives indication of user selection of a decision mode for the basketball practice session. A custom library of selected basketball moves and associated codes for the basketball practice session is generated by the controller. Before and/or while each basketball is commanded by the controller to be passed by a launching device of a basketball passing machine for the basketball practice session, the controller causes display of one of the associated codes at an electronic display. In this way, the user must recall the move associated with the code.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for providing mental training during a basketball practice session are provided. A controller commands a basketball passing machine to pass basketballs as part of a basketball practice session. Before and/or while issuing each of the commands to the launching device, the controller causes a specific, respective code to be displayed at the electronic display for a player to see and recall an associated basketball move to be performed. Before and/or while the code is displayed, the controller starts a timer. If a detector records a made basketball shot after the timer reaches a predetermined threshold, the player is notified and any made basketball shots detected thereafter are disregarded, thereby forcing the player to timely recall and perform the basketball move before attempting a shot.

Abstract: The basketball rebounding apparatus includes a first frame having a first arm and a second arm. The first and second arms lead to a second frame. The second frame may be hingedly coupled to the first and second arms, thereby the second frame may descend away from the first and second arms. The basketball rebounding apparatus may have a spring that controls the second frame. When a basketball passes through a basketball hoop and the basketball rebounding apparatus, it will travel towards the second frame via the first and second arms. Once the basketball contacts the second frame, it will be in a stationary position until removed by a user.

Abstract: A basketball return chute assembly includes a chute and a backboard attachment device. The chute is adapted to receive a ball from a basketball basket assembly attached to a backboard and direct the received ball back to a game player. The backboard attachment device is connected to the chute and is adapted to attach to the backboard, to place the chute beneath the basket assembly, and to cause the chute to direct the received ball in a direction away from the backboard. The backboard attachment device is connected to the chute via a hinge. The chute includes a slide with a knuckle at one end and the backboard attachment device includes a plate with another knuckle at one end. The slide is one leaf of the hinge, and the plate is the other leaf of the hinge. The hinge is held together using a pin inserted through the knuckles.

Abstract: A basketball training system includes a user interface and a ball delivery machine. The user interface presents a visual representation of a portion of a basketball court that is free of indicia representing predetermined ball delivery locations on the basketball court. The user interface receives user inputs relative to the visual representation that identify selected ball delivery locations desired by the user. The ball delivery machine is responsive to the user interface for delivering basketballs to the selected ball delivery locations.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting made and missed basketball shots are provided. A launcher passes basketballs to shooting locations about a basketball playing area based on user input provided at an interface to define a custom practice arrangement. A camera captures images of an underside of a rim of a basketball goal. A controller receives images from the camera, associates the images with passes from the launcher, processes the images using a machine vision model to determine which of said received images indicate a made shot, and generates a performance report indicating a number or percentage of made shots for each location in the custom practice arrangement.

Abstract: A freestanding basketball backstop assembly returns basketballs shot at a basketball hoop to a player positioned at a location spaced apart from the basketball hoop. A net support has a base and side legs, with vertical rods removably insertable into sockets of the side legs and threaded through sleeves extending from the side edges of the net peripheral border. The base is placed in front of the post supporting the basketball backboard. In one embodiment, the net is arranged behind the post supporting the backboard, and a slit opening in the bottom periphery of the net receives a portion of the post supporting the backboard. In other embodiments, the net remains in front of the post supporting the backboard, and the vertical rods are set variably to place the net in different angle orientations so that the assembly may be used either as a backstop assembly, or as a defender barrier in front of the basketball basket or as a barrier or practice net for other sports.

Abstract: A user interface includes a plurality of pass receipt locations rendered at spaced positions on or adjacent to the rendering of a three-point line to correspond with pass receipt locations on a basketball playing surface. Each pass receipt location is individually and directly selected by physical touch to define a custom basketball practice arrangement which is programmed into a control system to cause an ejector mounted to a frame to launch at least one basketball to each selected location.

Abstract: A launcher passes a series of basketballs to various locations on a basketball playing area. The locations where the basketballs are passed is determined by selection of one or more individually selectable indicia located on an interface. A controller electrically connected to the interface and the launcher is configured to program the launch to pass the basketballs to the locations selected by the user in the order in which the user selects them.

Abstract: Systems for assisting a user with creating a custom basketball practice arrangement are provided. A user interface has selectable input areas arranged in association with a visual depiction of a three-point line to visually correspond with pass receipt locations at the basketball playing surface for an ejector to launch basketballs towards. User selection is made at the selectable input areas to define a subset of pass receipt locations forming the custom basketball practice arrangement. A control system receives data indicating the received user selection and commands the ejector to launch at least one basketball towards each of the plurality of pass receipt locations in said subset.

Abstract: A device for gathering and returning basketballs thrown towards a basketball goal is disclosed. The device includes an ejector programmed to launch basketballs to a series of locations selected via an interface having a plurality of interactive indicia arranged in a spaced angular pattern. A basketball retrieval system associated with the basketball goal captures basketballs thrown towards the goal and guides them to the ejector. An upper edge of the basketball retrieval system extends above the rim of the basketball goal.

Abstract: A basketball shooting training includes a stand, a rotatable hoop module, a blocking module, and a guide module. The stand includes a horizontal segment and a vertical segment. The rotatable hoop module includes a frame and a backboard. The blocking module includes two columns, a collection member, an obstruction unit, and two fixed pulley sets. The guide module includes a conducting device mounted on the horizontal segment of the stand, and the supply portion extends outward from the stand. The mounting of the stand is fixed on a bottom of the conducting device, and the rotatable hoop module further includes a support post on which the backboard is disposed. A movable seat is connected on a bottom of the support post, the movable seat is disposed on and rotates along the mounting, and the conducting device has an arcuate track on which the support post slides.

Abstract: An arcade game system includes a frame that is made from an arrangement of pivotally connected panels that are formed from an assembly of struts arranged in a planar configuration. The frame includes a rear panel, a front panel, and a first and second body panel. When the frame is in an unfolded configuration a game play area is defined between the rear panel and the front panel and above the first body panel and the second body panel. The frame may also be arranged in a collapsed configuration in which each of the rear panel, first body panel, second body panel, and front body panel are parallel to each of the other panels to form a stack of panels.

Abstract: A basketball training system includes a server computer and a basketball training machine. The server computer executes a workout module that manages operation of a graphical user interface that presents a graphical representation of a portion of a basketball court and receives user inputs that define a workout program that includes selected ball delivery locations relative to the visual representation. The basketball training machine receives the workout program and delivers basketballs to the selected ball delivery locations.

Abstract: A system for improving a basketball player's ability to shoot basketballs towards a basketball hoop having an improved ball sensor is disclosed. An interface allows a player to select various locations for a ball ejector to launch basketballs to. A hollow protrusion extends though the net of the basketball hoop and has a microphone positioned therein. A processor compares audio signals generated by said microphone to pre-recorded sample audio signals of a basketball passing through the net of the basketball hoop to determine if a basketball shot was successfully made.

Abstract: A ball recovery and release system is configured to return a ball that is shot at a basketball structure. The ball recovery and release system includes a swing arm, rotationally connected to the basketball structure and configured to rotate from a back to a front of the basketball structure. A recovery rim is connected to the swing arm and further attached to a chute configured to direct the ball shot at the basketball structure. A plurality of net frame pole pivot brackets is attached to the recovery rim. A plurality of net frame poles is attached to a net frame pole pivot bracket. A recovery net is connected to all of the net frame poles. The ball is shot at the basketball structure and travels through the recovery net and down the chute.

Abstract: A system and method for improving a player's efficiency in shooting by providing a player with various shooting challenge routines at which a player makes either a total number of shots or a total number shots in a row. Statistics regarding the player's performance are stored, printed and/or evaluated and the player can use the information to improve his or her efficiency at one or more of the plurality of different locations where the player shoots the basketball. In another embodiment, a measuring or detection system is used in combination with or separate from a ball launcher. The system is adapted to measure at least one of a distance of a player from the a launcher, height of a shot made by the player after catching a basketball, release angle, release time, or arc of a shot; entry angle of the basketball into a goal; hold or release time; or shot arc.

Abstract: A free throw training aid including a frame adapted for positioning on a floor below a hoop attached to a backboard. The free throw training aid includes a pair of spaced apart ball guides attached to the frame, extending diagonally from the frame along a plane that lies substantially perpendicular to the backboard. A substantially horizontal standard attaches between the pair of spaced apart ball guides. A shooter is intended to shoot a basketball over the horizontal and between the spaced apart ball guides. Visual feedback is provided to the shooter or an observer by comparing the angle of the based upon a comparison of the pair of spaced apart ball guides to a flight of the ball after it passes over the horizontal standard and upon its decent to the rim and the entry angle as the ball enters the hoop.

Abstract: A basketball return apparatus for use with a basketball goal assembly having a backboard attached to a post with a frame member in elevation above a ground surface and a rim coupled to the backboard includes a net member having upper and lower ends. A mounting assembly includes a first end coupled to the net member upper end and a second end configured to couple the net member to the frame member of the basketball goal assembly. A support member is pivotally coupled to the net member second end, the support member movable between a retracted configuration generally adjacent and parallel to the net member and an extended configuration extending away from the second end of the net member. The support assembly may include a swivel member configured so that the net member and support member may be rotated side to side relative to the basketball goal assembly.

Abstract: A basketball return device that surrounds the net, restricting most made shots to fall beneath the front half of the rim. The back half of the cylinder interior is hard, while the interior of the front half is lined with a cushioning material. Suspended from the cylinder piece so that it is directly below the front half of the cylinder is a ricocheter, a half cone that deflects the basketball forward. In the normal position, the hard side faces the backboard and the device should be able to handle all normal shots except those from or near the sides. To better handle side shots, the movable part of the device should be rotated 90 degrees. The device can be raised and attached to the rim unit by using a rod-like instrument.

Abstract: A basketball return apparatus for collecting and returning basketballs includes a ball collector, with a top opening and a bottom opening, and a ball returner. The ball returner is connected to a base for receiving balls from the bottom opening of the ball collector and returning the balls to a user. A rotatable support mechanism connects the ball collector to the base so that the ball collector is rotatable with respect to the base and the ball returner.

Abstract: The present invention is a system useful in returning a basketball to an individual by recognizing the individual's location relative to the basketball hoop. The system may further adjust its position to deliver the basketball to a person's location or the location to which the individual is moving by further recognizing the trajectory and pace of the individual, such as with the use of GPS devices.

Abstract: A basketball return apparatus for use with a basketball goal assembly having a backboard attached to a post with a frame member in elevation above a ground surface and a rim coupled to the backboard includes a net member having upper and lower ends. A mounting assembly includes a first end coupled to the net member upper end and a second end configured to couple the net member to the frame member of the basketball goal assembly. A support member is pivotally coupled to the net member second end, the support member movable between a retracted configuration generally adjacent and parallel to the net member and an extended configuration extending away from the second end of the net member. The support assembly may include a swivel member configured so that the net member and support member may be rotated side to side relative to the basketball goal assembly.

Abstract: A game apparatus comprising a mount and a goal can be attached to basketball hoops and serve as a target. This allows a basketball court to be used for an entirely new game using said game apparatus and flying sport discs. The method of playing includes two teams of players, each attempting to score on one target while preventing the opposing team from scoring on a separate target. Players may move with, pass, and shoot the flying sport disc. Points are accumulated for goals scored when the flying sport disc is thrown through a target. The basketball court provides ready markings used for shots, throw-ins, and defining out of bounds in the present game method.

Abstract: A table tennis basketball table includes a front leaf forming a front half of a table tennis table. The front leaf is pivotally mounted so that it folds from a horizontal position to a stowed vertical position. A rear leaf forms a rear half of a table tennis table. The rear leaf is pivotally mounted so that it folds from a horizontal position to a stowed vertical position. The table tennis basketball table has a table tennis mode when the front leaf and the rear leaf or in horizontal position. The table tennis basketball table has a basketball mode so that the front leaf is horizontal and the rear leaf is vertical. A pair of net support posts is movable and supports a net between them. The net support posts are mountable to a surface of the front leaf or a surface of the rear leaf.

Abstract: A system and method for improving a player's efficiency in shooting by providing a player with various shooting challenge routines at which a player makes either a total number of shots or a total number shots in a row. Statistics regarding the player's performance are stored, printed and/or evaluated and the player can use the information to improve his or her efficiency at one or more of the plurality of different locations where the player shoots the basketball.

Abstract: An earpiece speaker system including an earpiece body through which an audio signal is provided, the earpiece body having a speaker mount surface, and a plurality of speaker modules mountable to the body. Each of the speaker modules includes a mount surface for mating with the earpiece body speaker mount surface for securing the speaker module thereto in order to reproduce the audio signal.

Abstract: A table tennis basketball table includes a front leaf forming a front half of a table tennis table. The front leaf is pivotally mounted so that it folds from a horizontal position to a stowed vertical position. A rear leaf forms a rear half of a table tennis table. The rear leaf is pivotally mounted so that it folds from a horizontal position to a stowed vertical position. The table tennis basketball table has a table tennis mode when the front leaf and the rear leaf or in horizontal position. The table tennis basketball table has a basketball mode so that the front leaf is horizontal and the rear leaf is vertical. A pair of net support posts is movable and supports a net between them. The net support posts are mountable to a surface of the front leaf or a surface of the rear leaf.

Abstract: A basketball return apparatus includes an L-shaped frame, a net, and a ball return mechanism. The frame has a back portion and a base portion. The back portion has an upper end adapted to mount on a rim support bracket of the basketball hoop and center and stabilize the frame with respect to the basketball hoop. The back portion has side members that connect to the upper end and extend generally vertically downward to connect to the base portion. The base portion defines an orifice through which shot basketballs can descend. The net is attached to the frame to form open funnel shaped enclosure with an open top end and an open bottom end. The enclosure directs basketballs downward therethrough to the base portion. The ball return mechanism is mounted to the frame below the orifice and net to direct the basketballs back to the shooter.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally provides an integrated basketball return, coaching, and training system. In one embodiment, the present disclosure aids in, for example, returning basketballs to the players accurately in any position on the court, announcing scoring results, providing coaching tips and feedback information, and providing an efficient system for maximizing practice times for each player.

Abstract: An automatic or manually operated basketball return unit with remote control device that is placed under a basketball hoop having a hopper at its top distal end that funnels down to a return tube allowing basketballs to engage a motorized return mechanism which expels the basketball out a return chute and too the user. The return unit comprises a support housing with rotating compression wheels, each having a motor which ejects the ball out an aperture. The unit rotates 180 degrees manually or automatically.

Abstract: A basketball return apparatus includes an L-shaped frame, a net, and a ball return mechanism. The frame has a back portion and a base portion. The back portion has an upper end adapted to mount on a rim support bracket of the basketball hoop and center and stabilize the frame with respect to the basketball hoop. The back portion has side members that connect to the upper end and extend generally vertically downward to connect to the base portion. The base portion defines an orifice through which shot basketballs can descend. The net is attached to the frame to form open funnel shaped enclosure with an open top end and an open bottom end. The enclosure directs basketballs downward therethrough to the base portion. The ball return mechanism is mounted to the frame below the orifice and net to direct the basketballs back to the shooter.

Abstract: A basketball practicing apparatus includes a frame, a support bracket mounted in the frame, a drive shaft rotatably mounted on the support bracket, a backboard mounted on the drive shaft to rotate in concert with the drive shaft, and a basket ring mounted on the backboard to move in concert with the backboard. Thus, the backboard and the basket ring are rotated about the drive shaft so that the position and angle of the backboard and the basket ring can be changed arbitrarily and freely to facilitate a user practicing throwing the basketballs in different angles.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a basketball return machine which may be utilized with either a goal unit or a stand-alone basketball goal. Either or both of the basketball return machine and goal unit may be fixed in location or transportable. The machine collects basketballs that are shot in the direction of a basketball goal and returns them to the user at one or more locations around the return machine's perimeter. The present disclosure eliminates the need for persons or other means being deployed to capture and return balls to persons practicing or playing a game of basketball. The present disclosure also contemplates features that permit its use in low level light or even unlighted environments. Lastly, the present disclosure contemplates a fully functional basketball system that is adaptable to varying user skill levels.

Abstract: A basketball return apparatus includes a frame, netting, and a ball return mechanism. The frame is adapted to mount on a rim support bracket of a basketball hoop and defines an orifice through which shot basketballs can descend. The netting is collapsible and extensible and is attached to the frame to form open funnel shaped enclosure that directs basketballs downward therethrough. The ball return mechanism is mounted to the frame below the orifice and netting to direct the basketballs back to the shooter.

Abstract: The present invention, hereinafter referred to as the Basketball Return System employs a frame and net to catch the ball, whether made or missed, and funnels the ball directly back to the shooter at the free-throw line. The Basketball Return System consists of a frame to be clamped onto the basketball goal's backboard, and a net which hangs down from the frame and trails out toward the free-throw line. The frame is clamped to the bottom edge of the backboard, and extends downward slightly below the bottom of the backboard, tapering inward from the sides. The frame also extends upward on each side of the basket, with a forward-projecting fin or wall on each side of the hoop, and a shelf-like crosspiece projection above the hoop. From the bottom of the Basketball Return System frame is hung a net, similar in weave to the basketball net, and this net tapers inward from the frame and is laid out in a narrowing drape toward the free-throw line.

Abstract: A basketball practicing apparatus includes a frame, a support bracket mounted in the frame, a drive shaft rotatably mounted on the support bracket, a backboard mounted on the drive shaft to rotate in concert with the drive shaft, and a basket ring mounted on the backboard to move in concert with the backboard. Thus, the backboard and the basket ring are rotated about the drive shaft so that the position and angle of the backboard and the basket ring can be changed arbitrarily and freely to facilitate a user practicing throwing the basketballs in different angles.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a basketball return machine which may be utilized with either a goal unit or a stand-alone basketball goal. Either or both of the basketball return machine and goal unit may be fixed in location or transportable. The machine collects basketballs that are shot in the direction of a basketball goal and returns them to the user at one or more locations around the return machine's perimeter. The present disclosure eliminates the need for persons or other means being deployed to capture and return balls to persons practicing or playing a game of basketball. The present disclosure also contemplates features that permit its use in low level light or even unlighted environments. Lastly, the present disclosure contemplates a fully functional basketball system that is adaptable to varying user skill levels.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a foldable, portable, apparatus for use as an operant conditioning basketball shooting practice aid by retrieving and returning shots at the hoop. The apparatus is comprised of a dismountable trough assembly depending from crossbar slots of a support assembly frame. The trough assembly includes ball collection panels each mounted on separated ball runway tubes or rails with the legs of a track extender-deflector inserted into the tubes. The deflectors are adapted to be configured for quick interchangeability from one configuration to another to deliver the ball to various locations to center or side court.

Abstract: A basketball amusement device comprises a backboard, a basket, and a self-propelled carriage. The backboard has a surface and the basket is attached to the surface of the backboard. The basket is adapted to receive a tossed ball. A support connects the backboard to the carriage. The self-propelled carriage includes a drive mechanism configured to move the carriage and backboard. The amusement device moves a predetermined distance across an associated support surface in response to the ball being received in the basket.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a foldable, portable, apparatus for use as an operant conditioning basketball shooting practice aid by retrieving and returning shots at the hoop. The apparatus is comprised of a dismountable trough assembly depending from crossbar slots of a support assembly frame. The trough assembly includes ball collection panels each mounted on separated ball runway tubes or rails with the legs of a track extender-deflector inserted into the tubes. The deflectors are adapted to be configured for quick interchangeability from one configuration to another to deliver the ball to various locations to center or side court.

Abstract: A system and method for improving a player's efficiency in shooting by providing a player with various shooting challenge routines at which a player makes either a total number of shots or a total number shots in a row. Statistics regarding the player's performance are stored, printed and/or evaluated and the player can use the information to improve his or her efficiency at one or more of the plurality of different locations where the player shoots the basketball.

Abstract: A basketball rebounder may releasably attach to a backboard. The basketball rebounder may include a frame for supporting the basketball rebounder off the floor at a substantially fixed position relative to the backboard. The basketball rebounder may further include a plurality of nets which may be attached to the frame allowing the basketball rebounder to return a basketball substantially in a direction away from the backboard.

Abstract: A portable and free standing basketball retrieval and return device (10), the device including a basketball collector (11), a basketball return facility (12), and a support frame (13). The collector (11) has a body (14) extending between an inlet opening (15) and an exit opening (16) which openings (15,16) in use are spaced apart vertically. The inlet opening (15) is significantly larger than the exit opening (16) so that the collector body (14) funnels towards the exit opening (16). The return facility (12) is arranged to receive a basketball that passes through the exit opening (16) and to return the basketball to a home position remote from the collector (11). The return facility (12) includes a ramp (51) along which the basketball travels for return to the home position. The support frame (13) supports the collector (11) above a floor surface with the exit opening (16) aligned with the return facility (12).

Abstract: The present disclosure generally provides an integrated basketball return, coaching, and training system. In one embodiment, the present disclosure aids in, for example, returning basketballs to the players accurately in any position on the court, announcing scoring results, providing coaching tips and feedback information, and providing an efficient system for maximizing practice times for each player.

Abstract: A basketball return apparatus includes a frame, netting, and a ball return mechanism. The frame is adapted to mount on a rim support bracket of a basketball hoop and defines an orifice through which shot basketballs can descend. The netting is collapsible and extensible and is attached to the frame to form open funnel shaped enclosure that directs basketballs downward therethrough. The ball return mechanism is mounted to the frame below the orifice and netting to direct the basketballs back to the shooter.

Abstract: A basketball amusement device comprises a backboard, a basket, and a self-propelled carriage. The backboard has a surface and the basket is attached to the surface of the backboard. The basket is adapted to receive a tossed ball. A support connects the backboard to the carriage. The self-propelled carriage includes a drive mechanism configured to move the carriage and backboard. The amusement device moves a predetermined distance across an associated support surface in response to the ball being received in the basket.

Abstract: An oversized basketball rim device for retrofitting onto an existing standard sized basketball rim attached to a backboard of a raised goal which increases an opportunity of making a basket when shooting a basketball.

Abstract: A basketball return device (1) for securing to a basketball hoop rim (2), said basketball return device (1) having a circular ring (4), at least one clamp (30) secured to said circular ring (4) wherein said at least one clamp (30) removably secures said circular ring (4) to the basketball hoop rim (2), a directing frame (6) for directing movement of a basketball, O-shaped members (31) located on said directing frame (6) wherein said directing frame (6) is rotatably secured to said circular ring (4) via said O-shaped members (31) and at least on bracket (29) secured to said circular ring (4) wherein said at least one bracket (29) is mounted on the basketball hoop rim (2) when said basketball return device (1) is secured to the basketball hoop rim (4).