CA3077568A1 - A sport of basketball shooting apparatus, whih backboard and rim assembly are parallel to the ground - Google Patents

Description

Provisional Patent Description 1. The backboard and rim assembly which is facing downward at a 90 degree angle, the backboard being parallel to the ground and ceiling.

2. a lightweight frame that can support the weight of the game training logic system, and the backboard/rim assembly. Approximately 7 feet tall, and 2 to 3 feet wide.

3. A protective restraining material preferably a very small mesh material that keeps the ball from leaving the frame on rebounds, attached to the backboard and tightly wrapped around the frame, preventing the ball from escaping the frame.

4. The frame has an opening at the bottom to allow the user to lay inside and operate the system. It is spaced to allow generous mobility.

5. The system which encompasses the points keeping, the various game modes, and the assistive learning system (A.L.S).

6. Mounted preferably on the backboard the system displays points totals back to the player laying within the frame. It also sounds instructional feedback to assist the player.

7. A system to change the previously mentioned systems modes. It can extend all the way to the player within the frame to allow easy access.

8. A lightweight custom sized rubber ball to be used on the apparatus.
As described in FIGURE 1 The backboard and rim assembly is at a novel position which is parallel to the ground. The positioning of this allows the player to use gravity as an assistant to add resistance to the trajectory of the ball being shot up and down within the frame. This mimics the difficulty and arm strength needed for a long range shot within the apparatus. Because of this realism of shooting a regular shot, many possibilities arise such as being able to train a player's off hand with the same technique for shooting efficiently. FIGURE 2 shows the suggested positioning of the frame parts. This frame is light enough to allow a single person to move it around yet sturdy enough to allow for longevity. The apparatus dimensions will allow it to fit within a moderately small room with a regular size ceiling for convenience of practice location. It can also be disassembled for re-positioning but like aforementioned is light enough to move and slide around. As shown in FIGURE 4 the frame has an area for the player to lay in. The player should have his whole upper body up to waist within this area with the player's legs and lower body outside of the frame. Laying in this position the player will shoot the ball up against gravity into the rim, and try to score points, or practice their technique with the assistive learning system(A.L.S).
The A.L.S with reference to FIGURE 5-6. A motion tracking system is provided according to an embodiment. The system includes at least one optical instrument that is pointed toward the user.
Preferably, the optical instrument can record moving images in addition to still images.
Date recue/Received Date 2020-04-07 In the present embodiment the system of one or more optical instruments captures the movement of the arms, wrists and hands of the user. The images are used to compare the user's execution of the activity to a baseline or norm, in order to give them feedback on their shooting technique.
First, the images are digitally transmitted to a computer where they are used as an input to a statistical, analytical or artificially intelligent model. This model infers from the images the angular position, angular velocity and angular acceleration of the user's upper arms, forearms and hands. Then, a second model uses the output of the first model as input, comparing the user's angular data to a baseline or norm, and outputs the difference in angular position, angular velocity and angular acceleration of the user's upper arms, forearms and hands. The result from the second model is then used to render an animation, showing the user how similar or different their execution was compared to the baseline or norm. The visual rendering appears on a screen in front of the user, for example, on the backboard of the apparatus. In the visual rendering, the user's replayed movements are superimposed on those of the baseline or norm.
This novel shot practice position allows for shooting practice without the need to use the lower body.
FIGURE 3 shows the protective restraining material that eliminates the need for a rebounder or shot return mechanism. The frame is small enough so that the player won't move from the laying position to retrieve the ball. As shown in FIGURE 5-6 the scoring and A.L.S system is mounted at the top to avoid damage from the ball. From the players laying position, FIGURE 7 shows the system from which the player can choose different game modes. The invention therefor provides a novel way for someone interested in basketball to practice shooting techniques in a comfortable setting, or just have fun shooting in a setting of their choosing.
Date recue/Received Date 2020-04-07