Patent Publication Number: US-6984129-B1

Title: Educational basketball game device and method

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
   The present invention relates to an interactive educational basketball game device with an extendable foul line having varying length and angle designed to enhance the player&#39;s skill. 
   STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
   (Not applicable.) 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to improved educational basketball game devices for children and adults that enhances player aim, builds confidence, and provides performance-based reward. The present invention is an interactive device with an extendable foul line having varying length and angle. 
   Basketball has moved to the forefront as a favorite pastime for people in the United States. The game has been steadily spreading into neighborhoods and even into individual homes. The availability of readily attachable hoops has made it easy for anyone to have them in or near their home. These devices may be seen attached to fences, placed in driveways, or occupying back and front yards. Some hoops are designed especially for indoor use. Other hang on special hangers designed for doors, while still others can stand alone on their own stand. 
   Whatever the location, no matter what the size, the pull of the game, the will of the player, and the enthusiasm for the sport is constant. Basketball is a unique game in that it can be either a team or a solo sport. As spring approaches, one may notice an increased number of people outdoors playing basketball. Basketball interests young and old alike with its beat and rhythm. 
   Given the number of basketball goals have been attached above the garage doors or in other places around the drive way of private homes, basketball is a popular family activity. Also, having a basketball goal in one&#39;s backyard attracts players from around the neighborhood. Basketball is a favorite pastime for adults as well. One may notice quiet frequently a gathering around a hoop that is attached to a pole, a tree, or some other structure. 
   It takes a great deal of dedication and commitment to practice shooting hoops on your own. In fact, more frequently it is the adult player who can keep concentration long enough for a solo game. Young enthusiasts of the sport, on the other hand, are usually drawn to the group activity of a basketball game. In addition, young players often have a short attention span for a solo or group game. This is particularly so with the solitude of a solo game. 
   Further, the attention span of a young novice to the sport is even shorter than that of a more seasoned player. It is very hard for a child who is just beginning to learn how to play basketball to keep interest to practice making the goal on his or her own. 
   Many parents know how hard it is for children to keep occupied with whatever game they are playing. Often, one may see piles of toys and games on the floor of children&#39;s rooms. In fact, many games just come and go as kids&#39; interest in them dies off quickly. 
   Thus, as kids become bored with their games they call on parents to keep them occupied. More and more parents have to find new and and alternative ways to entertain their children. More and more parents often wish there were games that would keep their child&#39;s interest longer. 
   Novek, U.S. Pat. No. 5,603,495, describes a “basketball shooting practice device and method of training basketball shooting” which suffers from being limited to “target” practice. The patent discloses a device for mounting on “any place on the rim of the basketball goal”. The target face may be positioned on a rim at varying angles with the ground. Also, the target is designed to return to its original position if the goal is made. The disclosed invention is limited to the use of a target for basketball shooting training. The present invention differs in that it contemplates a new device and system for enhancing basketball game skills. 
   Matherne et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,418,517, teaches a basketball scoring device. 
   Zhao, U.S. Pat. No. 6,299,555 B1, discloses a “basketball goal sounding apparatus”. The device consists of an audio device which is triggered when a goal is made. The patent aims to inspire athletes to hit the goal with letting out a sound every time the ball goes into the basket. 
   Hurell et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,916,048, describes an “illuminated basketball goal and basketball”. The patent discloses light sources that may be positioned on the backboard and/or on the ball, or glowing devices for same, which are activated when the ball hits certain areas on the backboard. This device is limited to the use of light on the backboard. 
   Shortcomings of the prior art are overcome and a novel device and method for teaching basketball skills is disclosed herein. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The object of the present invention is to provide an educational of basketball practice game for children and adults, including teaching the enhancing of the players aim. 
   Another object of the present invention is to build confidence in the player by providing feedback cheer and applause. 
   Still another object of the present invention is to provide performance based reward by keeping score of shots made and the degree of difficulty with which those shots were made. 
   Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a basketball game which educates a player by utilizing an extendable foul line with varying angle position. 
   Another object of the present invention is to enhance player&#39;s interest in the basketball game by providing a motivational system which promotes the player to the next level according to the national basketball association&#39;s accepted scoring methods. 
   Still another object of the present invention is to provide an educational basketball game, comprising a support base, a pole having an upper end and a lower end, where the lower end of the pole being mounted in the support base and extending upwardly from the support base, wherein the pole is variable in height, a backboard mounted on the upper end of the pole, a hoop mounted on the backboard and oriented to receive a thrown ball, a first score indicating device comprising numerical indicating devices, such as an alphanumeric display, a second score indicating device comprising a plurality of achievement level indicating devices having generally known quality attributes, for example, team names or team logos, which may be selectable by player, a goal detecting device for detecting when a player has scored a goal, and an electronic logic circuitry responsive to the goal detecting device to display a numeric score on the first score indicating device and to display and achievement level on the second score indicating device. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     One or more embodiments of the invention and methods of making and using the invention, as well as the best mode contemplated of carrying out the invention, are described in detail below, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a front diagrammatic view of the inventive educational basketball game device constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a side diagrammatic view of a backboard; 
       FIG. 3  is a diagrammatic view of a progress panel in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 4  is a side view of a baseboard; 
       FIG. 5  is front view of a backboard with smiling faces painted on cheer lights; 
       FIG. 6  is a front view of the inventive progress panel with slots and inserts; 
       FIG. 7  is a side view of progress panel of  FIG. 6 ; 
       FIG. 8  fails a top view of an inventive game device with a baseboard with varying angle foul line; and 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a method for educating players in the game of basketball using the inventive educational basketball game device. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1–4  of the present invention relate to an educational basketball game device  10 . Educational basketball game device  10  comprises a backboard  12 , a hoop  14 , a pole  16 , and a baseboard  18  which are assembled in a conventional relationship to each other. Pole  16  is extendable, being made of two telescoping sections as discussed in detail below. 
   Backboard  12  houses a scoring display  20 , which is positioned at the top center. Scoring display  20 , which may simply comprise a multi-cell backlit translucent plastic panel of lights conventional design, an alphanumeric or numeric display, or the like, is driven by a switch, also of conventional design, which is actuated when a shot is made into hoop  14 . Such a switch may be responsive to the application of force to hoop  14 , or in particular the application of a downward force to netting  30 . Display  20  may display a number corresponding to the number of successful goals. 
   “Cheer” lights  22  are positioned around the perimeter of backboard  12 . Cheer lights  22  light up when a goal is scored. They may blink or be accompanied by a sound accompaniment of the type described more fully below. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, cheer lights  22  may be made of different colors. For example, red and blue, or neon red, bright white and neon blue. Optionally, cheer lights  22  may light up according to a preset sequence forming a pattern. In yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention cheer lights  22  may have a smiling face, a basketball, or a logo of a basketball team painted on the surface ( FIG. 5 ). 
   A target  24  is positioned at the center of backboard  12  above rim  26  of hoop  14 . Hoop  14  is attached to backboard  12  at the bottom center. Rim sensor  28  is attachedly secured to rim  26  along the inside. Rim sensor  28 , in accordance with the preferred embodiment, optionally serves to actuate cheer lights  22 . A ball guiding member such as netting  30  is attached to hoop  14  at rim  26  and extends downwardly. 
   In an alternative embodiment, a visual display  25  will be held in its useful position in the back of backboard  12 . Visual display  25  is attached to backboard  12  so that the content of its display is visible to the player through the transparent backboard  12 . Backboard  12  will protect visual display  25  from thrown basketballs. Visual display  25  may be of a computer screen type or another kind of display that will light up showing a cheering crowd of fans in response to a detected goal by sensor  28 . Lighting up of visual display  25  is coordinated with the cheering sound described below in more detail. The visual stimulation of the player plays an important role in confidence building and is a part of positive feedback routine in the educational basketball game. 
   Extendable pole  16  is made up of two parts, an upper telescoping section  32  and a lower telescoping section  34 . Upper telescoping section  32  is dimensioned and configured to slide into and fit snugly into lower telescoping section  34 . Pole  16  thus allows for the inventive educational basketball game device  10  to be adjusted in height in order to accommodate users of different height and skill. It is contemplated that in the alternative, several preset height adjusters will be incorporated into extendable pole  16 . For example, basketball gaming device  10  may incorporate calibrations corresponding to heights of four, six, eight and ten feet. 
   The feature of providing for changing of the height of the hoop provides an economical alternative to having to purchase several different basketball hoop devices for a growing child, or several children. In addition, educational basketball gaming device  10  may be used by different generations or genders of novice and seasoned basketball players residing under the same roof in a single household. 
   Lower telescoping section  34  supports a progress panel  36 . Progress panel  36  is made up of several, for example five or six, displays  38 . Each display  38  displays a numeric progress level of the player&#39;s performance, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . When the player successfully makes a certain number of shots, he or she is granted a positioned at level one and the numeral “1” lights up. As the player&#39;s performance continues and the number of successful shots increases, he or she is then moved up succeeding performance levels which are sequentially illuminated. 
   It is contemplated in the preferred embodiment of the present invention that each level will be represented by a well-known basketball team. Each team will be assigned a performance level according to their current National Basketball Association position. Each display  38  will be preprinted with a name of a well-known basketball team or player, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . When the player makes a number of goals to satisfy a condition for moving to the next performance level, the corresponding display  38  will light up illuminating the name of the team or the player. The inventive system level display  38  may also include, for example, team logos  39  corresponding to various teams. For example, if Omaha is at the bottom of the standings, when the first few shots are successfully made, the logo for Omaha will light up. If Detroit has the highest steadily, the logo for Detroit will appear in position “5” and will be lit up when the highest threshold number of shots have been successfully thrown by the player. The result is a real world connection which has the effect of boosting interest, attention span and concentration. 
   In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , lower pole  134  houses progress panel  136 . Progress panel  136  is made up of several, for example five or six, displays  138 . Each display  138  is dimensioned and configured to be in a shape of a slot into which translucent backlit inserts  139  with preprinted names of basketball teams or players are inserted. Alternatively, inserts  139  may be blank and the player may write his or her own favorite basketball teams or players. In addition, according to this embodiment, the player may be able to arrange the names of the his or her favorite basketball teams to their liking. The best player or the best team, whatever is the preference, will be positioned at the top of progress panel  136 . 
   Baseboard  18  houses speakers  40 , an extendable foul line  42  (optionally connected to a transducer which measures the position to which extendable foul line  42  is extended), and wheels  44 . Extendable foul line  42  is marked according to accepted basketball foul line lenghts, optionally scaled down to the size of the inventive game  10 , if game  10  is scaled down in size. According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, foul line  42  is blank and may be distance marked by an individual player. 
   In an alternative embodiment,  FIG. 8 , foul line  242  (optionally connected to a transducer which measures the position to which extendable foul line  242  is extended) has a variable extension angle and may be marked according to accepted basketball foul line lenghts or may be blank and distance marked by the individual player. 
   A game of basketball is played by first adjusting the height of extendable pole  16  according to the need of a player. Turning to  FIG. 9 , a method  310  for educating players in the game of basketball using educational basketball game device  10  is depicted. 
   The inventive method begins with a welcoming recording played at step  312  to set the tone and mood for the game. The welcome recording may include a welcome cheer and may be accompanied by the rules of the game, how it is played, or what to expect in the game. It may incorporate music and narration. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the system is controlled by a general-purpose computer, programmed multiprocessor, or dedicated computer chip which may be receive inputs from detectors that detect pulling on the net to detect a goal, bouncing of the ball against the hoop, or various parts of the backboard, and the height of the basket. 
   Then, at step  314 , a motivational recording such as another cheer is played. The recording prompts the player to make a shot. The cheer encourages the player to throw the ball into hoop  14 . In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, motivational recordings, rules, cheers and the like our heard from speakers  40 . The cheer may include a coaching tip, for example, prompting the player to aim at target  24  for a better chance of success. For example it may say: “Go for it! Bouncing off the red target is your best shot!”. 
   It is also contemplated in accordance with the present invention that the coaching tip may be responsive to data collected during a previous shot, for example a plurality of sensors could be put on the backboard of the basketball hoop in order to determine how the player has shot. In order for this to be particularly effective, the player may be instructed to stay in one position, for example, in front, five steps away from the hoop, and try a few shots in a row from that position. This enables the system to adjust the player&#39;s shooting from shot to shot. 
   In another optional feature of the present invention, the recording may prompt the player to adjust foul line  42  according to his level of performance. 
   The player shoots at step  316 . If a goal has been scored, the goal is detected at step  318  when the player makes a shot successfully landing the basketball in hoop  14 . This is detected by sensor  28 , or a sensor attached to the net. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, it is also necessary to know that a player has taken a shot. This may be done by having a vibration detector associated with the backboard and hoop. Once it is known that a shot has been taken, the system can determine whether a goal has been sunk depending upon whether a second detection of the pulling on the netting is detected. When the vibration is detected, this means that a shot has been taken. If this detection of vibration is followed by the detection of a pull on the netting, this indicates that a shot has been taken and has been successfully sunk in the basket and a goal has been scored. 
   When the goal is detected, at step  318 , cheer lights  22  turn on at step  320 , followed by the playing of a congratulatory recording at step  322 . The congratulatory cheer sound and/or message is heard from speakers  40 . Alternatively, relatively mild cheering can be played when only the hoop has been hit and relatively wild cheering played when a goal has been successfully landed. 
   Different congratulatory statements may be used at this point, depending on the degree of difficulty of the shot, depending on the distance from educational basketball game device  10 , height of pole  16 , timing between shots, and the performance level of the player. It is contemplated that several different levels of difficulty may be preselected by the player to initiate a particular sequence of motivational, feedback cheer, and congratulatory recordings. 
   The system then proceeds to step  332 , where the system counts the number of goals. Score display  20  is lighted with the appropriate number at step  334 , displaying a numeral corresponding to the number of counted goals at step  332 . 
   At step  336 , the system compares the number of counted goals at step  332  to a plurality of preset numbers corresponding to different levels of achievement. The preset numbers are then used at step  336  to evaluate the player&#39;s performance and progress, and promote the player to the next performance level. Next the system proceeds to step  338 , where the number of goals achieved is compared to the preset amounts. If, at step  338 , the player has not proceeded to the next highest preset number, the system proceeds to step  340  for continued to play as will be described below. 
   However, when the number of goals made by the player equals the next highest preset number, the system proceeds to step  342 , where the display  36  is activated in accordance with player level. The first in the series of progress display panels  38  represents the first progress level. To reach the first level, the player will have to make a preset number of goals in to hoop  14 . For example, if the preset number of goals is five, then the player will have to sink five goals in hoop  14 . When the fifth goal is detected, the player is promoted to the next successive level. The player will have to make five more of the successful shots to be promoted to the next level. 
   If the player has advanced to the next level, a new level congratulatory recording is played at step  344 . The system then returns to step  314  for further play. As discussed above, the new level may be an association with a higher scoring team, or a team of particular importance to the player. The association with the higher level team is a particularly forceful incentive, as compared to the abstraction of a numerical score. The combination of the display numerical score and higher team association, particularly in the case of a sports fan, is a particularly strong motivating force. 
   In accordance with the invention, it is also contemplated that the players may be able to identify themselves to the system. This allows the system to treat players individually and recognize their individual achievements and compensate for their lack of skill by targeted motivational recordings. 
   When no goal is detected at step  318 , that is when the shot was missed, a motivational recording for missed shots, an encouraging cheer, and/or the like is played at step  328 . The player will be encouraged by the recording to keep practicing. Several suggestions on how to improve the player&#39;s shot may be played depending on the performance level of the player. For example, the following recording may be played for a novice player encouragement: “You are doing great! Just aim at the red target and you can make that shot!”. 
   The system then proceeds back to step  316  where the above-described sequence is repeated. 
   At step  340 , the system determines whether the number of goals scored comprises a complete game. If this is not the case, the system is returned to step  314 . 
   If, at step  338 , the system determines that a new level has not been achieved, the system proceeds to step  340 . As noted above at step  340 , the system compares the number of goals scored to the number of goals in a game (which is our arbitrary number). If the number of goals scored is less than a full game, the system proceeds back to step  314 . 
   If a number of goals equal to a complete game have been achieved by the player at step  340 , the system proceeds to step  346 . At step  346 , the player is congratulated with the end of a successful game recording at step  346 . This is followed by an optional recording at step  348 , which plays an optional inviting the player to play another game. 
   After the invitation to play another game is made by the system at step  348 , the player may depress a button  80  to restart the game. Alternatively, if the restart button  80  has not been depressed, the system turns educational basketball game device  10  off after a period of time, for example, thirty seconds, as more fully appears below. 
   If the system detects that the reset button  80  has been depressed, at step  350  the system returns to step  314  or, alternatively, step  312 . Here the sequence is repeated with two exceptions. First the number of points that will trigger the end of game sequence at step  350  is doubled. Likewise, the display of score on display  20  continues to go up from the previous number of goals as goals are scored. 
   However, if the system does not detect that reset button  80  has been depressed, the system plays a game farewell recording at step  352  and turns itself off at step  354 . 
   In alternative embodiments, educational basketball game device  10  may have several cheer recording sequences stored which play randomly depending on whether the goal was detected. The player therefore here&#39;s different cheers and does not get bored with a repeated “canned” prompter. 
   A timer may be used in an alternative embodiment for counting down the time between each shot. A recording is played prompting the player to make the shot. The coordinated countdown with intensity increasing cheer sequence creates an atmosphere of being at an actual basketball game and being that last hope of your team to save the game. This pressure building routine is very useful for training players to be more prepared for and not to freeze or opt out in an actual basketball game situation where the performance pressure is immense. 
   Different cheer sequence recordings are contemplated in alternative embodiments of the present invention. For example, the type of recording sequence may depend on the number of players, a solo or a group. For example, the algorithm illustrated in  FIG. 9  may be varied to accommodate a number of players selected by the players at the beginning of the game. Also, the type of the recording sequence may be varied to accommodate novice players or the more seasoned basketball enthusiast. Further, a combination of or alternating recording sequences may be played. A recording sequence may contain words, phrases, sounds and combinations of such. 
   Turning now to  FIG. 10 , which illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention. A backboard  412  which has the features of the preferred embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5  and described above with an addition of a display screen  415 . Display screen  415  is positioned in the back of backboard  412  and thus be protected from a thrown basketball. Display screen  415  shows a cheering crowd. Display screen  415  is connected to the electronic logic circuitry and displays a cheering crowd when the goal is detected in coordination with the cheer recordings. This feature enhances the. 
   While the illustrative embodiment of the invention has been disclosed, it is understood that various modifications will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such modifications are within the spirit and scope of the invention, which is limited and defined only by the appended claims.