EP4688178A1

EP4688178A1 - A game system

Info

Publication number: EP4688178A1
Application number: EP24841755.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Mehmet Ali OZARGUN
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2024-06-13
Filing date: 2024-06-13
Publication date: 2026-02-11
Also published as: WO2025259213A1; EP4688178A4

Abstract

The invention is related to a flying apparatus that enables playing ball games such as basketball in any environment.

Description

A GAME SYSTEM

Technical Field

Prior Art

The games which require a ball and a target where players hit the target with the ball or trying to put the ball through the frame-like structure also requires playing area with predefined limits such as basketball court. To play basketball, the players need to find the basketball court where the hoop (target) is fixed. The hoop is formed by a frame that is attached to a pole and backboard for that frame. Moreover, it is advised that frames must have nets to check the ball momentarily as it passes through the basket. The main problem of a game is its need to have a predefined game area.

Even though there are miniature basketball frames that can be attached to some rigid bodies that enables playing basketball mini-games, there is no apparatus that enables playing basketball by eliminating the need for support to frame. Although there are some ideas presented by Budweiser® advertisement in 2015 about using a drone attached to the hoop to overcome that. However, it is almost impossible to provide balance for such a device when the ball hits it. Furthermore, the ball would break the drone by impact.

The patent document WO2019156523 Al presents a game system where different drones carry the target to shoot. The main objective of the present invention in the patent document is establishing a game system where various targets are attached to flying drones. The problem with that apparatus is that since targets are hung onto drones, it is hard to ensure the stability of drones, which leads to problems for games that need a stable frame, such as basketball. Another patent document CN217673212U presents a basket formed by a frame transported by a drone. The main aim of the present invention is using it as a transportation device. Although this invention may carry a frame such as a basket within, since its main purpose is transportation, it does not provide a stable frame to play a game. As a result, the problems mentioned above have made it necessary to provide a novelty in the related field.

Brief Description and Objects of the Invention

The main object of the present invention is to establish an apparatus that enables playing a game such as basketball without a specially designed game area such as basketball pitch in, parks etc. Thus, the invention solves the problems referred to in the prior art by an apparatus that enables the frame to float. The invention comprises a motor structure embedded in the frame. The structure enables the invention to float in the air. One of the reasons for the invention is providing an apparatus that enables playing the game without any need for external structures such as rigid bodies to hang the frame. In addition, having a controllable and portable frame that floats enable the invention to be used anywhere. Moreover, this invention may also work under most weather conditions unless these conditions are extreme.

One of the aims of the invention is to establish the stability of the orientation of the frame. In the Bud Light advertisement or other ideas presented in prior art cannot ensure the stability of the frame. The invention can solve this problem by arranging the positions of the motors that are embedded inside the frame.

Description of the Figures of the Invention

The figures and related descriptions necessary for the subject matter of the invention to be understood better are given below.

Figure la is a schematic top view of the frame.

Figure lb is a schematic side view of the frame.

Figure 1c is a schematic cross section view of the channel.

Figure Id is a schematic cross section view of another embodiment of the channel.

Figure le is a schematic cross section view of another embodiment of the channel.

Figure 2 is an isometric view of the frame with backboard in game position.

Figure 3 is back view of Fig.2.

Figure 4 is an isometric view of the frame with backboard in non-game position. Figure 5 is back view of Fig.4.

Figure 6 is an front exploded view of the game system

Figure 7 is back view of Fig. 7.

Figure 8 is front isometric view of the controller.

Figure 9 is front exploded view of the controller.

Figure 10. is back view of Fig. 9.

Figure 11 is back isometric view of the Fig. 8.

Figure 12a shows isometric side view of active configuration of the game system.

Figure 12b shows isometric side view of passive configuration of the game system.

Figure 12c shows isometric side view of controlled configuration of the game system.

Figure 13 shows an embodiment of invention where battery is outside of the frame.

Figure 14 shows an embodiment of invention where battery is charged with the power source externally provided.

Reference Numbers

The parts and components are given in the figures are referenced for the subject matter of the invention to be understood better.

1. Backboard

10. Hinge

11. First connecting means

12. Second connecting means

2. Frame

20. Upper casing

20a. Primary wall

20b. Secondary wall

21. Battery

22. Pin 23. Motors

230. Propellers

24. Controller Unit

25. Lower casing

250. Feet

251. Hangs

26. Connectors

27. Housing

28. Channel

29. Communicating means

3. Net

4. Controller

40. Button

41. First layer

42. Second layer

43. Outer layer

5. External device

A. Aperture

Detailed Description of the Invention

The invention is a game system having a frame (2). The frame (2) defines a plane, volume, or gap where players throw an item to make the item go through the mentioned volume, plane, or gap. Referring to Figures 1 and la; The frame (2) is preferably a closed loop, such as a circle or square. Alternatively, the frame may be formed as an open loop, such as U or 7t shaped or a net. For example, the player throws a basketball as an item to the circular-shaped frame (2) to make the basketball go through the frame (2). In another example, the frame (2) is shaped like an American football post, and the item is selected as American football. The frame can be made of materials such as plastics, metals, or composite materials. In a preferred embodiment, the material is selected as carbon fiber because the carbon fiber provides long durability, better protection, and a light structure.

The game system comprises a channel (28) formed inside the frame (2). The channel extends along the frame (2). The channel (28) extends at least partially, preferably fully, along the frame (2). More clearly, the frame (2) may comprise one or more channels (28).

The main function of the channel (28) or channels (28) is to provide a secure place for multiple thrust devices having motors (23) and propellers (230) connected to the output of the motors (230) to create thrust force to elevate the frame (2). The motors (23) distributed along the channel (28) provide balance for the frame (2) during the game. The motors (23) provided outside of the channel (28) are easily broken by the item thrown by the user or cannot balance the frame (2) during the game.

As can be seen in Figures 1c, Id, and le; the channel (28) may have an upper casing (20) and primary walls (20a) extending from the edge of the upper casing (20). Preferably, the primary walls (20a) and the upper casing (20) are perpendicular to each other. The motors (23) are positioned in a volume which is defined by the upper casing (20) and the primary walls (20a). As can be seen in Figure Id, the walls may comprise a secondary wall (20b) to extend to each other and positioned on the secondary walls (20b) in such a way that there is a gap between them to let the airflow generated by the propellers (230) exit. As a further embodiment in Figure le, a lower casing (25) is positioned between the walls (20b) in such a way that it is connected to both ends of the primary wall (20a) and apertures (A) formed on the lower casing (20c) let the airflow. The embodiment in Figures 1c and Id enables better airflow, but the embodiment in Figure le enables better protection for the motors (23).

The game system also comprises at least one battery (21) to provide power to the motors (23). The battery (21) can be positioned inside the channel (28) or on the frame (2) or another part that is connected to the frame (2). When the batteries (21) are positioned inside the channel, better protection for batteries is provided.

Alternatively, the battery (21) is provided on the frame (2) or the backboard and is connected to the power source (P) by connectors (26) such as cables and the floating of the game system is increased by continuous charging. In a preferred embodiment, the game system comprises a controller unit such as a microcontroller or PCB card having a processing unit to control the motors (23). The controller unit may be configured to provide synchronized working of the motor or to process control signals for the motors (23) from an external controller or to process control signals from an internal device such as a stabilizing sensor, particularly a gyroscope or similar devices.

In a preferred embodiment, the game system also comprises a communication means (29) to receive control signals for the motors (23) from external devices. The communication means (29) may be wired or wireless, but the wireless embodiment is more preferable to enables more mobility to the game system.

In a preferred embodiment, the game system also comprises a sensor such as a presence or distance or proximity sensor that determines the item went through the frame (2). Furthermore, the notification means such as a visual auditory device is provided on the game system to notify the user according to the response generated by the sensor. The notification means and the sensor communicate with each other via known communication techniques.

In a further embodiment, there is a board that indicates the points of the user. The indication of points changes in response to successful shots and the successful shots are determined by the mentioned sensor. The indication of the points is shown on a scoreboard.

That function can be used to count the points of the game and inform players with visual or audio effects. That feature also may be controlled by smartphones or another external device (5).

Referring to Figures 2 to 7; One of the main aims of the invention is to provide the game system for use in basketball games. The frame (2) is in circular form and provides a plane to be targeted by users. The diameter of the frame (2) may be between 10-100 cm, especially between 38.1- 45.7 cm.

The channel (28) formed inside the frame (2) multiple motors (23) with propellers (230) evenly distributed on the peripheral portion to provide better thrust force and weight balance where the channels (28) are formed, batteries (21) for motors (23) that can be placed between the motors. The frame (2) used on the invention formed by upper (20) and lower (25) casing having slits. These slits enables the invention to float by propellers (230) with motors (23). In that embodiment, we should have at least two motors (23) to ensure the stability of the orientation of the frame, which is the essential need of playing the game.

In a preferred embodiment, multiple housings (27) are provided in the channel (28). The housing (27) is in the form of the outer contour of the motor (23). The housing (27) protects and secures the motor and prevents or at least decreases the vibration.

A mini-game system may also comprise a backboard (1). The backboard preferably comprises multiple apertures (A) on it to reduce overall weight.

Referring to Figures 2, I la, and 1 lb; The game system comprises a hinge (10) connecting the frame (2) and the backboard (1) to each other. Preferably, the hinge comprises the connecting means (11, 12) having apertures (A) such as holes to be aligned with each other and a pin (22) positioned inside the aperture of the first and second connecting means (11, 12) to provide rotational movement of the frame (2) and the backboard (1) at the axis of the pin (22).

As can be seen in Figure 4, it is seen that opened backboard (1) invention from the front. Moreover, it might be seen the closed embodiment of the invention of backboard (1) from the back in Figure 4 and from the front in Figure 5.

In this embodiment, the battery (21) is also placed into the channel (28) into the frame (2). This placement of battery (21) provides extra protection for batteries (21). However, it is also possible that the battery (21) can be placed on the backboard (1).

The frame (2) comprises a net (3) connected to the peripheral section. The net (3) is preferably made of textile or loose material such as rope. The net (3) is connected to the frame (2) by the hangs (251). Furthermore, the frame (2) also may comprise feet (250) to provide a balanced structure.

Referring to Figures 7, 8, and 12c; as already mentioned, the game system may comprise wired or wireless communication means (29) to receive command signals from an external device. The device can be a controller (4) which is able to send command signals to the communication means (29). For example, the command signal may be input for the controller unit (24) to generate an output signal to control the motors (23).

Furthermore, the controller (24) unit may communicate with batteries (20) or a device that controls charge rate. The controller unit is (24) configured to control motors (230) in such a way that the game system descends to the ground, when the batteries (20) are low. Thus, the system is protected against damage that is caused by sudden falls.

Also, the system may comprise a notification for showing low battery warnings. Referring to Figures 7 to 9; In a preferred embodiment, the remote controller is formed by three layers (41, 42, 43) to control the game system by buttons (40). In figure 10 it can be seen backwards of the remote controller (4). The first layer (41) defines the front face of the controller (4) and comprises buttons (40). The third layer (43) defines the backward of the controller (4). The second layer (42) is the electronic card to generate signals according to which button (40) is pushed by the user. The buttons (40) may be configured to provide input for a specific direction to which the user desires the game system moves.

Referring to the Figure 12c; In an alternative embodiment, the external device (5) is a smart device such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer. An application configured to provide control input may be installed on the smart device and the user may control the game system and movement of it by providing input via the application on the smart device.

The application can record play data of the user. The play data may comprise successful shots, play time, and play date. The data is received by the device which controls the game system.

In some embodiments of the invention, the motor (23) is embedded in a channel (28) formed by upper (20) and lower (25) casings. The lower casing (25) can have an aperture (A) on it to enables the frame to float. Preferably the aperture (A) is in the form of a slit. Moreover, although the motors (23) had been positioned inside housings for motors (27), the motors (27) positioned inside the housing (27) do not need to be specified.

In Figures 12a and 12b another embodiment of the invention can be seen for the basketball game; the battery (21) placed behind the backboard (1). This embodiment provides an activating and deactivating method for the invention. In Figure 12b it is seen that deactivated embodiment with closed backboard (1). By closing backboard (1) connection between battery (21) and connector (26) is disconnected and the invention is deactivated; by opening the backboard, that can be seen in Figure 12a. the connection between connector (26) and battery (21) is reestablished and the invention is activated. Thus, the game system can only be activated in game position. Furthermore, this embodiment is not limited to basketball games and can be adapted to any embodiment comprising the backboard (1) and the frame (2). In a preferred embodiment shown in Figure 13 comprises a chargeable battery as battery (21) and battery (21) in the embodiment is not embedded in the frame (2) and it can be connected via connectors (26) such as cables. That embodiment has advantages such as reducing the weight of the frame (2) because the batteries are not required on the frame in this embodiment. Moreover, in that embodiment, the battery (21) might be charged while the invention is active.

Referring to Figure 14; the battery (21) is provided on the frame (2) or on the backboard (2) and the battery (21) is connected to a power source (P) via cable to provide more flying time.

Although the invention can be used for any game that needs a frame (2), the preferred application is a basketball game and we will explain the invention by its preferred application. The invention motor (23) with propellers (230) embedded in volumes for motor (27) inside a frame (2) and backboard (1) designed specifically for the invention. The motors (23) can be controlled by a remote controller (4) or an external device (5) with the help of supporting application and controller unit (24). The invention presents a frame (2) formed by upper (20) and lower (25) cases form a channel to create housing for motors (27) and channel (28) to fit batteries (21) between them. These cases (20, 25) and backboard (1) designed for the invention. The backboard (1) is designed with holes to improve the aerodynamical qualities of the invention and provide a lighter backboard (1).

Claims

1. A game system having a frame (2) provides plane or a volume or a gap to be targeted by users, characterized by; a channel (28) formed inside of the frame (2), a thrust device having at least two motors (23) and propellers (230) connected to the motors (230) and positioned inside the channel (28), at least one aperture (A) formed on the frame (2) for allowing air flow generated by the propellers (230) to exit from the frame (2) and at least one battery (21) for providing power for the motors (23).

2. A game system according to Claim 1 , characterized by the aperture (A) extends all along the frame (2).

3. A game system according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized by the multiple apertures (A) formed on the frame (2).

4. A game system according to any of preceding claims, characterized by the apertures (A) is in form of slit.

5. A game system according to Claim 1, characterized by the motors (23) are evenly distributed inside of the channel (28).

6. A game system according to Claim 1 or 5, characterized by the battery (21) provided between at least two motors (23) and inside of the channel (28).

7. A game system according to Claim 6, characterized by multiple batteries (21).

8. A game system according to Claim 1, characterized by a communication mean (29) to receive command signal from the external device (5).

9. A game system according to Claim 1 or 8, characterized by the controller unit to control the motors (23).

10. A game system according to Claim 1, characterized by a backboard (1) connected to the frame (2).

11. A game system according to Claim 10, characterized by the backboard (1) is a planar surface.

12. A game system according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by at least one aperture provided on the backboard (1).

13. A game system according to any of claims 10-12, characterized by the backboard (1) rotatably connected to the frame (2) by a hinge (10).

14. A game system according to claim 13, characterized by a connector (26) configured to transfer power to the motors (230) from the battery (21) wherein one of the connector (26) or the battery (21) is connected to frame (2) and the other one is positioned on the back of the backboard (20) in a such way that the battery (21) connects to the connector (26) when the frame (2) or the backboard (1) is rotated to form the game position.

15. A game system according to any of claims 10-14, characterized by the backboard is made of carbon fiber.

16. A game system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the frame (1) is circular.

17. A game system according to any of preceding claims, characterized by the frame (2) is made of carbon fiber.

18. A game system according to Claim 1, characterized by the battery (21) that positioned outside of the game system and connected to the motors (23) via cable.

19. A game system according to Claim 1, characterized by a power source that positioned outside of the game system and connected to the battery via cable.

20. A game system according to Claim 1, characterized by further comprising at least one sensor to detect the thrown object inside the frame (2).

21. A game system according to Claim 19, characterized by the sensor is distance or presence or proximity sensor.

22. A game system according to Claim 20 or 21, characterized by a notification means for notifying the user, according to the response generated by the sensor.

23. A game system according to any of Claims 20-22, characterized by a scoreboard which communicates with the sensors.

24. A game system according to Claim 1, characterized by the controller (24) unit configured to communicate with batteries (20) or a device that controls charge rate of the batteries (20) and is configured to control motors (230) in such a way that the game system descends to the ground, when the batteries (20) are low.