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 
       [0001]    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 
       [0002]    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. 
         [0003]    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. 
         [0004]    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. 
         [0005]    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 
       [0006]    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. 
         [0007]    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. 
         [0008]    In this preferred embodiment, the ball-rebounding body would be configured to be placed at or near the water&#39;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. 
         [0009]    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 
         [0010]      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. 
           [0011]      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. 
           [0012]      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. 
           [0013]      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. 
           [0014]      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 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a smaller front elevational view of the device that is illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 5A  is a partial view of the outer perimeter of the cone and supporting structure of the device. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5B  is a partial view of the inner perimeter of the cone. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0018]    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. 
         [0019]    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 . 
         [0020]    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. 
         [0021]    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. 
         [0022]    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. 
         [0023]    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. 
         [0024]    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. 
         [0025]    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. 
         [0026]    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 . 
         [0027]    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. 
         [0028]    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 . 
         [0029]    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.