Patent Publication Number: US-2012046134-A1

Title: Basketball shooting trainer device

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 12/760,885, filed on Apr. 15, 2010, by Alan J. Heystek et al., which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/170,844, filed on Apr. 20, 2009, by Alan J. Heystek et al., the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to a basketball shooting trainer device, and more particularly, a basketball shooting trainer device that is configured to attach to a basketball rim. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Generally, training devices in an attempt to improve shooting accuracy of athletes in sporting events can include two types of shooting aids. Typically, the first type of shooting aid can deflect the ball away from the goal when it is improperly shot, so that only highly accurate shots score, and the second type shooting aid can provide additional visual targets for a player to aim and shoot at when shooting at the goal. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to one aspect of the present invention, a basketball shooting trainer device configured to attach to a basketball rim is provided and includes a bracket comprising at least one interior side wall defining a tubular cavity extending longitudinally through the bracket, wherein the tubular cavity has a diameter approximately equal to a diameter of the basketball rim, at least one cylindrically-shaped exterior side wall, wherein the exterior side wall has a diameter greater than the diameter of the tubular cavity. Also included is a flexibly-rigid elongated member attached to the bracket, wherein the elongated member includes an inner surface, an outer surface, and a base wherein the elongated member extends substantially vertically in a substantially perpendicular direction from a horizontal plane defined by the basketball rim. Further included is a base securing hook-and-loop fastener arrangement disposed between the inner surface of the base and the exterior wall of the bracket. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, a basketball shooting trainer device configured to attach to a basketball rim is provided and includes a bracket comprising at least one interior side wall defining a tubular cavity extending longitudinally through the bracket, wherein the tubular cavity has a diameter approximately equal to a diameter of the basketball rim, wherein the bracket is configured to removably and adjustably attach to the basketball rim, and at least one cylindrically-shaped exterior side wall, wherein the exterior side wall has a diameter greater than the diameter of the tubular cavity. Also included is a flexibly-rigid elongated member attached to the bracket, wherein the elongated member includes an inner surface, an outer surface, and a base wherein the elongated member extends substantially vertically in a substantially perpendicular direction from a horizontal plane defined by the basketball rim, wherein the elongated member is adapted to be in an original position, bend when at least a predetermined force is applied, and return to substantially the original position when the predetermined force is removed. Further included is a base securing hook-and-loop fastener arrangement disposed between the inner surface of the base and the exterior wall of the bracket. Yet further included is a retaining ring having an inner side and an outer side, wherein the retaining ring surroundingly wraps around the base and the bracket. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a basketball shooting trainer device configured to attach to a basketball rim is provided and includes a bracket comprising at least one interior side wall defining a tubular cavity extending longitudinally through the bracket, wherein the tubular cavity has a diameter approximately equal to a diameter of the basketball rim, wherein the interior side wall includes a bracket securing hook-and-loop fastener arrangement disposed between the interior side wall and the basketball rim for securely attaching the bracket to the basketball rim, and at least one cylindrically-shaped exterior side wall, wherein the exterior side wall has a diameter greater than the diameter of the tubular cavity. Further included is a flexibly-rigid elongated member attached to the bracket, wherein the elongated member includes an inner surface, an outer surface, and a base wherein the elongated member extends substantially vertically in a substantially perpendicular direction from a horizontal plane defined by the basketball rim. Also included is a base securing hook-and-loop fastener arrangement disposed between the inner surface of the base and the exterior wall of the bracket. Yet further included is a plurality of retaining ring having an inner side and an outer side, wherein the retaining ring surroundingly wraps around the base and the bracket. The device also includes a first retaining ring securing hook-and-loop fastener arrangement disposed between the outer surface of the base and the inner side of each retaining ring and a second retaining ring securing hook-and-loop fastener arrangement disposed between the inner side of each retaining ring and the exterior wall of the bracket. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental view of a basketball shooting trainer device attached to a basketball rim, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an environmental view of a basketball shooting trainer device attached to a basketball rim, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3B  is an environmental perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3C  is a side view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3D  is an exploded view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4B  is an environmental perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4C  is a perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4D  is a perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of a basketball shooting training device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5B  is an environmental perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5C  is a perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5D  is a perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6B  is an environmental perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6C  is a perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6D  is a perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7B  is an environmental perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7C  is a perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7D  is a perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8B  is an environmental perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8C  is a perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9A  is a perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9B  is an environmental perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9C  is a perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9D  is a perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10A  is a perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10B  is a perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10C  is a perspective view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10D  is an elevational front view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10E  is a perspective exploded view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 10F  is an elevational, side cross-sectional view of a basketball shooting trainer device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a basketball shooting trainer device. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements. 
     In this document, relational terms, such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like, are used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element. 
     With respect to  FIGS. 1-10F , a basketball shooting trainer device is generally shown at reference identifier  100 . The basketball shooting trainer device  100  can be configured to attach to a basketball rim  101  ( FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3 B,  4 B,  5 B,  6 B,  7 B,  8 B,  9 B, and  10 F). The basketball shooting trainer device  100  can include a bracket generally indicated at reference identifier  102 , and a flexibly-rigid elongated member  104 . The bracket  102  can include at least one interior side wall  106  that defines a tubular cavity  108  extending longitudinally through the bracket  102 , ( FIGS. 3A-10F ). Typically, the tubular cavity  108  can have a diameter approximately (or substantially) equal to a diameter of the basketball rim  101 . The flexibly-rigid elongated member  104  attaches to the bracket  102 , wherein the flexibly-rigid elongated member  104  can extend substantially vertical with respect to the bracket&#39;s  102  normal operating position, as described in greater detail herein. 
     Thus, the basketball shooting trainer device  100  can be securely attached to the basketball rim  101 , while the flexibly-rigid elongated member  104  extends vertically upwards from the basketball rim  101 , according to one embodiment. In such an embodiment, the flexibly-rigid elongated member  104  acts as a target for a shooter of a basketball, such that the shooter can shoot the basketball while aiming at the flexibly-rigid elongated member  104 . Typically, if the shooter hits the flexibly-rigid elongated member  104  with the basketball, the probability of the basketball going through the basketball rim  101  (i.e., making the shot) is substantially greater than the probability of the basketball going through the basketball rim  101  if the basketball does not contact the flexibly-rigid elongated member  104 . Therefore, by providing a target (e.g., the flexibly-rigid elongated member  104 ) that can be more easily viewed or aimed at by a shooter when the shooter is practicing a substantially similar shot from a basketball court (e.g., continuously shooting free throws), as compared to other portions of the basketball rim  101 , the shooter can mentally and biomechanically train themselves to shoot the basketball with substantially the same mechanics to increase their shooting accuracy and consistency. 
     By way of explanation and not limitation, in use, the basketball shooting trainer device  100  can be attached to the basketball rim  101 . Generally, the basketball shooting trainer device  100  is mounted substantially in a front-center of the basketball rim  101 , such that the flexibly-rigid elongated member  104  is a target for the shooter, as described in greater detail herein, when the shooter is practicing a shot substantially in front of the basketball rim  101  (e.g., a free throw shot). It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the basketball shooting trainer device  100  can be attached to other locations of the basketball rim  101 , such as, but not limited to, the side of the basketball rim  101 , so that the shooter can practice a shot from the side of the basketball rim  101  (e.g., a three point shot from the corner). Thus, the basketball shooting trainer device  100  can be attached to any suitable portion of the basketball rim  101  so as to provide a target for the shooter on the front or near side of the basketball rim  101  with respect to the shooter&#39;s position on the basketball court, wherein the shooter is practicing (e.g., taking multiple shots) from substantially the same location on the basketball court. 
     The flexibly-rigid elongated member  104  can be adapted to be in an original position (e.g., substantially vertical with respect to the bracket&#39;s  102  normal operating position), bent when at least a predetermined force is applied, and return to substantially the original position when the predetermined force is not applied or removed. Thus, the flexibly-rigid elongated member  104  is flexible enough to bend when the predetermined force is applied (e.g., a basketball contacting the flexibly-rigid elongated member  104 ), but rigid so that the flexibly-rigid elongated member  104  returns to the original position once the predetermined force is not applied, so that the shooter can use the flexibly-rigid elongated member  104  for a target again. According to one embodiment, the flexibly-rigid elongated member  104  is at least partially made by a material similar to a tape measure. According to alternate embodiments, the flexibly-rigid elongated member  104  is at least partially made of a foam material, a rubber tubing material, a drinking straw material, a plastic composite, the like, or a combination thereof 
     By way of explanation and not limitation, the basketball shooting trainer device  100  can be configured to attach to a five-eighths inch ( 5 / 8  in) diameter basketball rim  101 , a double basketball rim  101  (e.g., a five-eighths inch ( 5 / 8  in) diameter basketball rim  101  having a one-half inch (½ in) basketball rim  101  attached to the underside), a SPAULDING™ basketball rim, a LIFETIME™ basketball rim, the like, or a combination thereof. The basketball shooting trainer device  100  can also be configured to attach to basketball rims  101  having a net hook  109  centered on a front of the basketball rim  101 , a net hook  109  off-centered on a front of the basketball rim  101 , various shapes of net hooks, such as, but not limited to, a box-shaped net hook or a curvy-shaped net hook, the like, or a combination thereof 
     Additionally, or alternatively, the interior side wall  106  can be a smooth or continuous surface, or the interior side wall  106  can have one or more raised surfaces and/or notches or slits, such that the interior side wall  106  can substantially conform to the basketball rim  101 . When the basketball rim  101  contains a net hook  109 , wherein the bracket  102  is attached to the net hook  109 , the net hook  109  can enhance the stability of the basketball shooting trainer device  100 . The interior side wall  106  can be made of a secondary material that differs from the material used to form the bracket  102 , a secondary material can be attached to the interior side wall  106 , the like, or a combination thereof, wherein the different or secondary material can be a rubber material such that the interior side wall  106  adequately grips the basketball rim  101 . 
     According to one embodiment, the bracket  102  is configured to be removably attached to the basketball rim  101 . Additionally or alternatively, the bracket  102  is configured to be adjustably attached to the basketball rim  101 . In an embodiment where the bracket  102  is configured to be removably attached to the basketball rim  101 , the bracket  102  is typically adapted to attach to various types of basketball rims  101 , such as, but not limited to, basketball rims  101  having different net hook  109  locations, various diameters, additional components attached to the basketball rim  101  (e.g., a plurality of net hooks  109  formed by a single, continuous material extending circumferentially around the basketball rim  101 ), the like, or a combination thereof. Typically, the bracket  102  is configured to be attached to a basketball rim  101  having a net hook  109  in substantially a front-center position with respect to the basketball rim&#39;s  101  normal operating position, a basketball rim  101  having a net hook  109  that is off-center with respect to the basketball rim&#39;s  101  operating position, a basketball rim  101  having a net hook  109  that is off-center with respect to the basketball rim&#39;s  101  normal operating position, wherein the net hook  109  is formed by a single, continuous material that extends circumferentially around the basketball rim  101  forming a plurality of net hooks  109 , the like, or a combination thereof. 
     The bracket  102  can be removably, adjustably, or a combination thereof connected to the basketball rim  101 , such that the diameter of the cavity  108  is variable, according to one embodiment. The bracket  102  can include an attachment device, such as, but not limited to, a nut  110  and bolt  112 , wherein the position of the nut  110  along the bolt  112  is altered to vary the diameter of the cavity  108 . It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the bracket  102  can include additional or alternative components to be removably and/or adjustably attached to the basketball rim  101 , and/or vary the diameter of the cavity  108 . According to an alternate embodiment, the bracket  102  can be configured to be permanently attached to the basketball rim  101 . 
     It should further be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the shape of the tubular cavity  108  extending longitudinally through the bracket  102  is provided for purposes of explanation and not limitation, such that the cavity  108  can be defined to have other suitable shapes, the cavity  108  can extend through the bracket in other suitable directions, the like, or a combination thereof. According to one embodiment, the bracket  102  has a predetermined length, wherein due to the length, the cavity  108  has a curvature shape to conform to a curve along a circumference of the basketball rim  101 . 
     The attachment device can include a first hook and a loop fastener strap  114 A and a second hook and loop fastener strap  114 B (e.g., VELCRO™) configured to extend circumferentially around the bracket  102 , wherein the first hook and loop fastener strap  114 A can extend circumferentially around the bracket  102  on an opposite side of the flexibly-rigid elongated member  104  as the second hook and loop fastener strap  114 B, according to one embodiment. Thus, the first and second hook and loop fastener straps  114 A,  114 B can dynamically alter a diameter of the cavity  108 , such that the diameter of the cavity  108  can be approximately equal to the diameter of the basketball rim  101  and the bracket  102  is adequately attached thereto. 
     According to one embodiment, the flexibly-rigid elongated member  104  is removably attached to the bracket  102 . In such an embodiment, the first flexibly-rigid elongated member  104  can be removed and replaced with a new or second flexibly-rigid elongated member  104  if the first flexibly-rigid elongated member  104  is damaged from use. Typically, the flexibly-rigid elongated member  104  can be mechanically attached to the bracket  102 , such as, but not limited to, a snap-fit connection, a nut and bolt connection, a hook and loop fastener (e.g., VELCRO™), a slide-press fit connection, tape, the like, or a combination thereof. Alternatively, the flexibly-rigid elongated member  104  can be permanently attached to the bracket  102 , such as, but not limited to, the flexibly-rigid elongated member  104  being integrated with the bracket  102 , the flexibly-rigid elongated member  104  being connected to the bracket  102  by one or more rivet connectors  113 , an adhesive connecting the flexibly-rigid elongated member  104  to the bracket  102 , the like, or a combination thereof 
     Typically, the flexibly-rigid elongated member  104  can have a length of approximately three inches (3 in) to ten inches (10 in). According to one embodiment, the flexibly-rigid elongated member  104  can have a length of approximately seven inches (7 in). The flexibly-rigid elongated member  104  can have a length that is adequate to provide a target for the shooter, while not being so long as to get caught by the back side of the basketball rim  101  and/or a net  115  connected to the basketball rim  101 . However, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the basketball shooting trainer device  100  can further include other devices which alter the position of the net  115  so that the flexibly-rigid elongated member  104  does not get obstructed by the net  115 . By way of explanation and not limitation, such devices can include ties that reposition the net  115  so that the flexibly-rigid elongated member  104  can bend backwards through the basketball rim  101  when the predetermined force is applied to the flexibly-rigid elongated member  104  without contacting or getting caught in the net  115 . 
     According to one alternate embodiment, the flexibly-rigid elongated member  104  can have an archical shape, rather than extending substantially vertical from the bracket  102 , such that the flexibly-rigid elongated member  104  arches towards the opposite side of the basketball rim  101  to extend over the area where the basketball passes through the basketball rim  101 . 
     According to one embodiment, a length of the bracket  102  can be greater than a distance between two net hooks  109  of the basketball rim  101  when the net hooks  109  are off-centered to the basketball rim&#39;s  101  normal operating position. Thus, the bracket  102  can extend around at least a portion of both net hooks  109 , which can reduce movement of the basketball shooting trainer device  100  when it is contacted by an external force (e.g., the basketball at least partially contacting the bracket  102 ). 
     With respect to an embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 2-3D , the bracket  102  can be configured to attach to the basketball rim  101  in a location that includes a net hook  109  or does not include a net hook  109 . The bracket  102  can be formed of a moldable material that can have some flexibility to allow for an altering of the diameter of the cavity  108  based upon the positioning of the nut  110  with respect to the bolt  112 . 
     In regards to an embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 4A-4D , the bracket  102  can have the cavity  108  with a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the basketball rim  101  such that the bracket  102  is press-fitted with the basketball rim  101 . The bracket  102  can include one or more apertures  116  that can be used with a portion of the basketball rim  101 , an attachment device, or a combination thereof, to adequately secure the bracket  102  to the basketball rim  101 . Thus, the one or more apertures  116  can be adapted to receive a hook and loop fastener (e.g., VELCRO™) strap. In such an embodiment, the bracket  102  can be made of a moldable material. Typically, the bracket  102  can have a length, such that the bracket  102  forms a curve that corresponds to an arc of the basketball rim  101 . Additionally or alternatively, the bracket  102  can have a length greater than a distance between two net hooks  109 , such that the bracket  102  can be configured to attach to the basketball rim  101  in a location that includes at least one net hook  109 . 
     As to an embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 5A-5D , the basketball shooting trainer device  100  can include a bracket  102  that defines the cavity  108  having a diameter that is substantially equal to the basketball rim  101 , such that the bracket  102  press-fits to the basketball rim  101 . In such an embodiment, the bracket  102  can be made of a moldable material. The bracket  102  can include one or more flanges  118  that can be used to provide one or more surface areas for assisting a user when attaching or removing the bracket  102  to the basketball rim  101 . Typically, the bracket  102  can have a length, such that the bracket  102  has a curve that corresponds to an arc of the basketball rim  101 . Additionally or alternatively, the bracket  102  can have a length greater than a distance between two net hooks  109 , such that the bracket  102  can be configured to attach to the basketball rim  101  in a location that includes at least one net hook  109 . 
     With respect to an embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 6A-6D , the basketball shooting trainer device  100  can include the bracket  102  that defines the cavity  108  having a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the basketball rim  101 , such that the bracket  102  is press-fitted to the basketball rim  101 . The bracket  102  can include flanges  118 ′ that can be used to provide surface area for assisting a user when the user is attaching or removing the bracket  102  to the basketball rim  101 . In such an embodiment, the bracket  102  can be made of a moldable material. Typically the bracket  102  can have a length, such that a bracket  102  has a curvature that corresponds to an arc of the basketball rim  101 . Additionally or alternatively, the bracket  102  can have a length greater than a distance between two net hooks  109 , such that the bracket  102  can be configured to attach to the basketball rim  101  in a location that includes at least one net hook  109 . 
     In regards to an embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 7A-7D , the basketball shooting trainer device  100  can include the bracket  102  configured to attach to the basketball rim  101 , wherein a net hook  109  is substantially centered on a front portion of the basketball rim  101  with respect to the basketball rim&#39;s  101  normal operating position. In such an embodiment, the cavity  108  has a net hook area  120  configured to receive the net hook  109  of the basketball rim  101  during attachment of the bracket  102  to the basketball rim  101 . Further, the bracket  102  can include one or more flanges  118 ″, which can be configured to provide surface area, such that a user can utilize the flanges  118 ″ when attaching or removing the bracket  102  to the basketball rim  101 . Typically, the bracket  102  can have a length, such that the bracket  102  has a curve that corresponds to an arc of the basketball rim  101 . 
     As to an embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 8A-8C , the bracket  102  can be placed over the basketball rim  101 , and a first hook and loop fastener strap  114 A′ can be used to alter a diameter of the cavity  108  of the bracket  102 . In such an embodiment, the bracket  102  can be attached to the net  115 , the net hook  109  on the basketball rim  101 , or a combination thereof, to reduce movement of the bracket  102 , when an external force is applied to the bracket  102 . 
     In regards to an embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 9A-9D , the bracket  102  can be made of a flexibly tubular material that is configured to extend around the basketball rim  101  when the bracket  102  is attached to the basketball rim  101 . Thus, the bracket  102  can be made of a moldable material. The first and second hook and loop fastener straps  114 A,  114 B can be used to dynamically alter a diameter of the cavity  108  to attach the bracket  102  to the basketball rim  101 . Typically, the bracket  102  has a longitudinally extending slit  122  that is adapted to fit the bracket  102  over the basketball rim  101 , and alter a diameter of the cavity  108 , such that the diameter of the cavity  108  is substantially equal to the diameter of the basketball rim  108 . 
     In regards to an embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 10A-10F , the bracket  102  may be made of a flexibly tubular material that is configured to extend around the basketball rim  101  when the bracket  102  is attached to the basketball rim  101 , as disclosed above with respect to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 9A-9D . The basketball rim  101  and the interior side wall  106  that defines the tubular cavity  108  may include hook and loop fasteners (e.g., VELCRO™) to strengthen the attachment of the bracket  102  to the basketball rim  101  and also prevent slipping and/or twisting of the bracket  102 . Additionally, the exterior side wall of the bracket may include at one or more locations hook and loop fasteners (e.g., VELCRO™). The flexibly-rigid elongated member  104  includes a base section  150  that extends substantially perpendicular to the portion of the flexibly-rigid elongated member  104  that is substantially vertically aligned. The base section  150  includes a first surface  152  and an opposing second surface  154  that each include an additional hook and loop fastener (e.g., VELCRO™) surface  160  that engagably secures the flexibly-rigid elongated member  104  to the bracket  102 . To further ensure a secure attachment of the flexibly-rigid elongated member  104  to the bracket  102  and the basketball rim  101 , the first and second hook and loop fastener straps  114 A,  114 B can be used to loop around the base section  150  of the flexibly-rigid elongated member  104 . 
     The above-described configuration of the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 10A-10F  provides a user the ability to reverse the flexibly-rigid elongated member  104  by simply removing the first and second hook and loop fastener straps  114 A,  114 B, turning the flexibly-rigid elongated member  104  180° about a vertical axis and attaching the second surface  154  of the base section  150  to the bracket  102 , then reapplying the first and second hook and loop fastener straps  114 A,  114 B. Periodically reversing the flexibly-rigid elongated member  104  in the manner described above prolongs the life cycle of the flexibly-rigid elongated member  104  by preventing gradual bending of the flexibly-rigid elongated member  104  due to repeated contact with the basketball during free throw training Optionally, the flexibly-rigid elongated member  104  may be attached to the bracket  102  at an inner portion of the basketball rim  101 . The flexibly-rigid elongated member  104  may taper in width and/or depth in order to provide resiliency properties that facilitate longer continued use of the basketball shooting trainer device  100 . Proximate the base section  150  of the flexibly-rigid elongated member  104 , the width of the member  104  may range from approximately one-fourth (¼) an inch to approximately one (1.0) inch, while the depth may range from approximately one-half (½) an inch to approximately two (2.0) inches. The height of the flexibly-rigid elongated member  104  may range from approximately three (3.0) inches to approximately ten (10) inches. 
     Advantageously, the basketball shooting trainer device  100  attaches to the basketball rim  101  so that the flexibly-rigid elongated member  104  provides a stationary target for a shooter, such that the probability of the basketball going through the basketball rim  101  is increased when the shooter is able to contact the basketball with the flexibly-rigid elongated member  104  as compared to when the shooter is unable to contact the basketball with the flexibly-rigid elongated member  104 . Further, the basketball shooting trainer device  100  typically attaches to a front portion of the basketball rim  101  with respect to the shooter, and thus, muscle memory can be developed to shoot a basketball straight (e.g., in-line with the elongated flexible member  104 ) at a desired distance, as opposed to a device on another portion of the basketball rim  101  (e.g., a rear portion) that may develop muscle memory for shooting the ball at a greater distance than desired (e.g., the ball contacting a rear portion of the basketball rim  101  or backboard) and missing the shot. Typically, the basketball shooting trainer device  100  is used by the shooter when practicing free-throws, but it should be appreciated that the basketball shooting trainer device  100  can be attached to other portions of the basketball rim  101  so that the shooter can practice other shots, wherein the shooter is substantially shooting from the same place on the basketball court. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the basketball shooting trainer device  100  may include additional or alternative advantages. It should further be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the components or elements of the basketball shooting trainer device  100  may be combined in additional or alternative ways not explicitly described herein. 
     Modifications of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the invention. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents.