US20160236051A1 - Elevated Hoop Shaped Goal Apparatus - Google Patents

Elevated Hoop Shaped Goal Apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
US20160236051A1
US20160236051A1 US15/141,089 US201615141089A US2016236051A1 US 20160236051 A1 US20160236051 A1 US 20160236051A1 US 201615141089 A US201615141089 A US 201615141089A US 2016236051 A1 US2016236051 A1 US 2016236051A1
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rim
net
game
team
length
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Abandoned
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US15/141,089
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George G. ESTEVES
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Individual
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Individual
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Priority claimed from US13/909,729 external-priority patent/US20140357431A1/en
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US15/141,089 priority Critical patent/US20160236051A1/en
Publication of US20160236051A1 publication Critical patent/US20160236051A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63BAPPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B67/00Sporting games or accessories therefor, not provided for in groups A63B1/00 - A63B65/00
    • A63B67/002Games using balls, not otherwise provided for
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63BAPPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B63/00Targets or goals for ball games
    • A63B63/08Targets or goals for ball games with substantially horizontal opening for ball, e.g. for basketball
    • A63B63/083Targets or goals for ball games with substantially horizontal opening for ball, e.g. for basketball for basketball
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63BAPPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B63/00Targets or goals for ball games
    • A63B63/08Targets or goals for ball games with substantially horizontal opening for ball, e.g. for basketball
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63CSKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
    • A63C19/00Design or layout of playing courts, rinks, bowling greens or areas for water-skiing; Covers therefor

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to an organized team based athletic sport. More specifically, the present invention is an elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus that is placed at opposite ends of a playing field to performance the organized team based athletic sport.
  • the balls utilized in these games are generally characterized as a rubberized, leather or synthetic circular shaped 32-panel size #1 machine-stitched hoopball, composed of an internal butyl bladder and a % 100 TPU exterior casing, having a circumference of approximately 19 in (48 cm) and weighing 225-275 gm, inflated with an air pressure of 0.4-0.5 bar.
  • Players are able to engage the balls in either a direct manner such as with their hands, feet, or head, as well as an indirect means such as through the use of a glove.
  • the opposing teams play for a predetermined period of time, with the winning team being able to score the most goals over the predetermined period of time.
  • the two teams compete to gain possession of the game ball in order to throw or kick it through the elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus.
  • Each team is able to have a maximum of ten players that are able to pass, kick, throw, roll or simultaneously hold the game ball as they push towards the opposing team's elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a side view of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is another side view of the present invention, wherein a portion of the net is not illustrated to clearly show the vertical connecting member-length of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a top view of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a top view of the playing field displaying the distribution of the playing area, the pair of oppositely positioned score zones, and the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the playing field displaying the distribution of the playing area, the pair of oppositely positioned score zones, and the present invention.
  • the present invention is an elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus 10 that allows the game of Hoopball to be played.
  • the game of Hoopball is a competitive team based sport that also incorporates a regulation game ball in addition to the elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus 10 .
  • the object of the game of Hoopball is to coordinate a team of players to score points by throwing the regulation game ball through the elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus 10 while the elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus 10 is defended by an opposing team. At the end of the game session the team that scored the most points is declared the winner.
  • the current regulation governing the game of Hoopball provides two opposing teams, at least two game officials, a regulation game ball, and a playing field 1 .
  • the two opposing teams each comprise a maximum of ten players.
  • the regulation game ball is which is characterized as a rubberized, leather, or synthetic circular shaped 32-panel size #1 machine-stitched hoopball, composed of an internal butyl bladder and a %100 TPU exterior casing, having a circumference of approximately 19 in (48 cm) and weighing 225-275 gm, inflated with an air pressure of 0.4-0.5 bar.
  • At least two game officials are provided in order to regulate the game of Hoopball by issuing calls as they are witnessed. Although the at least two game officials are provided at least one game official is needed to issue a call during a game session.
  • the playing field 1 is a bounded playing area 5 utilized by the two opposing teams in order to play the game of Hoopball.
  • the delineated perimeter 2 is provided as a pair of opposing sidelines 3 and a pair of opposing end lines 4 that perpendicularly intersect each other forming a rectangular playing area 5 .
  • the playing area 5 is subdivided into parts comprising an open play zone 6 , a pair of oppositely positioned score zones 7 , and a centrally positioned quarter zone circle 9 .
  • the open play zone 6 is the portion of the playing area 5 that separates the pair of oppositely positioned score zones 7 .
  • the pair of oppositely positioned score zones 7 are provided as enclosed regions associated with a particular team.
  • Each of the pair of oppositely positioned score zones 7 contains the elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus 10 .
  • the method of the game of Hoopball comprises various regulating steps that control the commencement of a game session, possession of the regulation game ball, and changes in possession of the regulation game ball, scoring, physical contact, infractions, and length of play, timeouts, personal equipment, and substitutions during the game session.
  • the method of playing the game of Hoopball is initiated with the commencement of the game session.
  • the commencement of the game session several game sessions is initiated through the assignment of a scoring zone to the each of the opposing teams.
  • a score zone 7 is assigned to each team, a determination has to be made regarding the initial possession of the regulation game ball. This determination is made by a coin flip.
  • a scoring team and a defending team are identified and the defending team's score zone 7 is deemed the ‘in-play score zone 7 ’.
  • the in-play score zone 7 provides the direction in which regulation game ball is moving towards but additionally distinguishes the elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus 10 the scoring team attempts to gain points on.
  • the at least two game officials Upon determining initial possession of the regulation game ball, the at least two game officials permit players of both teams to take up their positions within the playing area 5 .
  • the at least two game officials give possession of the regulation game ball to a player of the scoring team.
  • the at least two game officials move the player of the scoring team in possession of the regulation game ball into the quarter zone circle 9 .
  • the at least two game officials permit the player of the scoring team within the quarter zone circle 9 ten seconds to throw or pass the regulation game ball to another player of the scoring team without interference from players of the defending team.
  • the players of the defending team are initially prohibited from interfering with the players of the scoring team until the regulation game ball is put in-play.
  • the regulation game ball In order for the regulation game ball to be put in-play one of three conditions must be met. These three conditions are based on if the regulation game ball traverses the quarter zone circle 9 , if the player of the scoring team steps outside the marking of the quarter zone circle 9 , or if the player of the scoring team exceeds ten seconds within the quarter zone circle 9 without throwing or passing the regulation game ball to another player of the scoring team. Upon meeting any of the three conditions, the regulation game ball is considered in-play and the game session is initiated.
  • the possession of the regulation game ball in the game of Hoopball is regulated by the at least two game officials.
  • the at least two game official ensure that the interaction between the two opposing teams and the regulation game ball are properly defined in order to distinguish possession of the regulation game ball when it is in-play.
  • the at least two game officials permit more at least one player of the scoring team, wherein the scoring team is considered the team that is in current possession of the regulation game ball, to engage the regulation game ball.
  • the at least one player of the scoring team with possession of the regulation game ball is permitted to carry, roll, or kick the regulation game ball in any direction within the playing area 5 .
  • the at least one player of the scoring team with possession of the regulation game ball is permitted to transfer possession of the regulation game ball by throwing, passing, kicking, or handing the regulation game ball, regardless of the direction to another player of the scoring team.
  • the at least two game officials permit at least one player of the defending team, wherein the defending team is considered the team that is not in current possession of the regulation game ball, to oppose the at least one player of the scoring team.
  • the at least one or more players of the defending team are permitted to oppose the at least one or more players of the scoring team by blocking the at least one or more players of the scoring team as well as attempting to gain possession of the regulation game ball.
  • the at least one or more players of the defending team are permitted to gain possession of the regulation game ball from the at least one or more players of the scoring team by attempting to forcibly remove the regulation game ball from possession of the at least one or more players of the scoring team.
  • the at least one or more players of the defending team is permitted to gain possession of the regulation game ball by intercepting the regulation game ball while it is being thrown, passed, kicked, or handed to the another player of the scoring team.
  • at least one or more players of the scoring team are able to protect the at least one or more players of the scoring team in possession of the regulation game ball by blocking the at least one or more players of the defending team from forcibly removing or intercepting the regulation game ball.
  • the at least two game officials determine changes in possession of the regulation game ball during the course of the game session. During the course of the game session the at least two game officials may signal a pause in game session in order to determine the possession of the regulation game ball or award possession of the regulation game ball as a result of a yellow card infraction.
  • the at least two game officials allow a player of either team to spot quarter the regulation game ball back in-play. Spot quartering is passing the regulation game ball back into play from a stationary position.
  • At least one game official is able to signal a pause in the game session to determine or award possession of the regulation game ball, if the player of the scoring team in possession of the regulation game ball is grounded down or stalled or if at least one game official determines that a yellow flag infraction was committed by at least one player of either team.
  • the player of the scoring team, with possession of the regulation game ball is considered to be grounded down or stalled if they are not in movement for a predetermined amount of time while at least one player of the defending team attempts to forcefully remove the regulation game ball.
  • the yellow card infraction is a violation of the rules of the game of Hoopball that at least two game officials agree merits the transfer of the regulation game ball to another team.
  • the regulation game ball can be engaged by several players of both the defending team and the scoring team.
  • the at least two game officials permit a player, with possession of the regulation game ball, ten seconds to throw or pass the regulation game ball in any direction within the playing area 5 , from a spot quarter position, to another player of their team, without interference from players of an opposing team, if at least one game official determines that possession of the regulation game ball was maintained or acquired by said player's current team before the regulation game ball was grounded down or stalled.
  • the players of the opposing team are initially prohibited from interfering with the player in possession of the regulation game ball until the regulation game ball is put back in-play.
  • the regulation game ball In order for the regulation game ball to be put in-play one of three conditions must be met. These three conditions are based on if the player in possession of the regulation game ball throws or passes the regulation game ball from the spot quarter position, if the player with possession of the regulation game ball moves out of the spot quarter position, or if the player with possession of the regulation game ball exceeds ten seconds to throw or pass the regulation game ball to another player from the spot quarter position. Upon meeting any of the three conditions, the regulation game ball is considered to be back in-play and the game session is continued.
  • the at least two game officials transfer the possession of the regulation game ball to the defending team after the scoring team successfully gains at least one point.
  • the scoring team is able to gain at least one point by throwing the regulation game ball through the hooped shaped goal of the in-play score zone 7 .
  • the defending team is given possession of the regulation game ball by the at least two game officials.
  • the upon gaining possession of the regulation game ball, a player of the defending team is given possession of the regulation game ball and positions themselves within the quarter zone circle 9 .
  • the at least two game officials permit the player of the defending team ten seconds to throw or pass the regulation game ball to another player of the defending team without interference from players of the scoring team.
  • the players of the scoring team are initially prohibited from interfering with the players of the defending team until the regulation game ball is put back in-play.
  • one of three conditions must be met. These three conditions are based on if the regulation game ball traverses the quarter zone circle 9 , if the player of the defending team steps outside the marking of the quarter zone circle 9 , or if the player of the defending team exceeds ten seconds within the quarter zone circle 9 without throwing or passing the regulation game ball to another player of the defending team.
  • the regulation game ball is considered back in-play and the game session is continued.
  • the designation for both the defending team and the scoring team are exchanged upon the continuation of the game session.
  • Each team has the ability to gain at least one point with a maximum of two points per score during the game session.
  • the determining factor if a score is one point or two points is dependent on whether the score attempt is taken from within the in-play score zone 7 or from the open play zone 6 .
  • the pair of oppositely positioned score zones 7 are positioned within the playing area 5 and are bordered by the open play zone 6 and an end line of the pair of opposing end lines 4 .
  • the border between the each of the oppositely positioned score zones 7 and the open play zone 6 forms a marked line that serves as the penalty line 8 .
  • the pair of oppositely positioned score zones 7 each comprises the elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus 10 .
  • the at least two game officials award one point to the scoring team, if at least one game official determines a player of the scoring team successfully threw or kicked the regulation game ball through the elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus 10 positioned within the ‘in-play score zone 7 ’ from a position within the penalty lines 8 of the in-play score zone 7 .
  • the at least two game officials award two point to the scoring team, if at least one game official determines a player of the scoring team successfully threw or kicked the regulation game ball through the elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus 10 positioned within the ‘in-play score zone 7 ’ from a position outside the penalty lines 8 of the in-play score zone 7 .
  • the elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus 10 comprises an elongated vertical post 11 , a rim 14 , a plurality of connecting members 15 , and a net 18 .
  • a proximal end 12 of the elongated vertical post 11 is secured to the score zones 7 so that a distal end 13 of the elongated vertical post 11 is able to determine the elevation of the rim.
  • the rim 14 is concentrically positioned with the elongated vertical post 11 and offset, position away, from the distal end 13 .
  • the rim 14 is preferably a made of metal and comprises a 4 ′ in diameter.
  • the rim 14 is radially connected to the distal end 13 by the plurality of connecting members 15 . More specifically, a first end 16 of each connecting member 15 is adjacently positioned with the distal end 13 so that the plurality of connecting members 15 can be radially distributed and connected about the distal end 13 . Oppositely, a second end 17 of each connecting member 15 is adjacently positioned with the rim 14 thus securing the rim 14 to the distal end 13 through the plurality of connecting members 15 .
  • the net 18 preferably a nylon mesh, is perimetrically connected around the rim 14 and downwardly extended from the rim 14 , enclosing the plurality of connecting members 15 .
  • each connecting member 15 is shaped as a convex member so that the plurality of connecting members 15 is able to delineate a parabolic-shaped hole within the rim 14 . Due to the parabolic-shaped hole, the plurality of connecting members 15 provides significantly less reaction force on the game ball.
  • the present invention further comprises an obstructed opening 23 and an unobstructed opening 24 .
  • the plurality of connecting members 15 comprises a first member 27 , at least one intermediary member 29 , and a second member 28 . In reference to FIG. 4 , the first member 27 , the at least one intermediary member 29 , and the second member 28 are radially distributed around a first half 25 of the rim 14 .
  • the first member 27 and the second member 28 are diametrically opposed to each other further defining the first half 25 of the rim 14 while the at least one intermediary member 29 is positioned in between the first member 27 and the second member 28 . Therefore, the obstructed opening 23 is delineated from the plurality of connecting members 15 to the first half 25 of the rim 14 , and the unobstructed opening 24 is delineated from the first member 27 and the second member 28 to a second half 26 of the rim 14 . As a result, once the game ball is entered into the present invention through the rim 14 , the game ball can travel through the unobstructed opening 24 .
  • the game ball makes contact with the plurality of connecting members 15 , the game ball slidably travels along the plurality of connecting members 15 and travels through the unobstructed opening 24 before exiting below the net 18 .
  • the game ball does not make contact with the plurality of connecting members 15 , the game ball can also effortlessly travel through the unobstructed opening 24 before existing below the net 18 .
  • a vertical net-length 21 of the present invention is equaled to a vertical connecting member-length 22 of the present invention in order to make sure that the game ball does not exit through the plurality of connecting members 15 . More specifically, the vertical net-length 21 extends from a fixed edge 19 of the net 18 to a free edge 20 of the net 18 , where the fixed edge 19 is positioned adjacent to the rim 14 and the free edge 20 is positioned opposite of the rim 14 .
  • the vertical connecting member-length 22 extends from the first end 16 of each connecting member 15 to the second end 17 of each connecting member 15 , where the free edge 20 is positioned below the first end 16 of each connecting member 15 .
  • the game of Hoopball permits some physical contact understood as being a result of forcefully removing the regulation game ball from a player or blocking a forceful removal attempt.
  • players are permitted to body block, push block with two opened hands, stiff arm, or pull down the regulation game ball. This is provided as appropriate physical contact as a consequence of blocking attempts to forcefully remove the regulation game ball from possession of an opposing teams' player.
  • players are prohibited from tackling, tripping, holding, kicking, kneeing, elbowing, head butting, or punching another player in any manner while blocking or attempting to forcefully remove the regulation game ball from possession of the opposing team's player.
  • the at least two game officials are provided as a means of regulating the infractions during a game session.
  • at least one game official is able to signal a pause in the game session when they witness an infraction committed by either team.
  • the at least one game official can issue a yellow flag infraction or a red flag infraction.
  • the at least one game official issues a yellow flag infraction, to a player, if the at least one game official witnesses the player tackling, tripping, holding, kicking, kneeing, elbowing, head butting, or punching another player in any manner while blocking or attempting to forcefully remove the regulation game ball from possession of the opposing team's player.
  • the at least one game official also issues a yellow flag infraction to a player they determine was last in possession of the regulation game ball when crossing the delineated perimeter 2 .
  • the at least one game official issues a red flag infraction to a player if the at least one game official determines that a yellow flag infraction committed by said player was a deliberate attempt to injure another player, if the at least one game official determines that a yellow flag infraction caused serious injury to another player, or if the at least one game official determines that a player has committed acts of unsportsmanlike conduct, conspicuous rudeness, derogatory actions, insubordination, and/or cheating during the course of the game session, may upgrade the infraction to a red flag infraction.
  • the at least one game official Under the current regulation governing the game of Hoopball, the at least one game official is able to bench a player for 2 or 5 minutes without substitution during a game session. Under the current regulation governing the game of Hoopball, the at least one game official is able to eject a player from the game session if the at least one game official issues a red flag infraction against said player for actions perpetrated during the game session deemed a deliberate attempt to injure another player. The at least one game official is able to use their judgment to determine if an action is considered a deliberate attempt to injure another player.
  • the at least one game official is able to award a penalty shot to a player from a position on the edge of the penalty line 8 of the in-play score zone 7 , if the at least one game official determines that a yellow flag infraction or a red flag infraction was committed against said player by at least one player of the opposing team.
  • the determination to award a penalty shot is provided as an electable action based on the judgment of the at least one game official.
  • the at least one game official is able to award possession of the regulation game ball to a team, if the at least one game official determines that the regulation game ball was in possession of the opposing team when crossing the delineated perimeter 2 , or if the at least one game official determines that a yellow flag infraction or a red flag infraction was committed against a player of the team by at least one player of an opposing team.
  • the determination to award possession of the regulation game ball to a team based on a yellow flag infraction or red flag infraction is based on the determination and discretion of the at least one game official.
  • At least one game official is permitted to award at least one point and permit retention of the regulation game ball by a team, if the at least one game official determines a goal tending infraction occurred due to interference with the regulation game ball upon a downward trajectory with the possibility of going through the elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus 10 .
  • the game of Hoopball is provided with a game session that functions as a timed game session comprising four fifteen-minute game play quarters.
  • the game session is additionally provided with a fifteen-minute half-time intermission that occurs at the end of the second quarter.
  • the fifteen-minute intermission after the second interval separates the game session into a first half and a second half, wherein the first half comprises the first interval and the second interval and the second half comprises the third interval and the fourth interval.
  • the fifteen-minute intermission is provided as a temporary reprieve for players of the opposing teams.
  • each team is allowed three discretionary 30 second “Time-Outs” during each half of the game, but both teams must remain on the field during time-outs.
  • Time-outs are only being granted to a team when they are in possession of the Hoopball.
  • the three 30 second time outs are provided in the first half and the second half of the game session.
  • the at least two game official require both teams to remain on the playing field 1 during until the time out is completed.
  • Each of the three 30 second time outs are provided with the prerequisite that a team must be in possession of the regulation game ball in order to request the time out.
  • the at least two game officials award possession of the regulation game ball to the team charged with the time out. This time out system prevents abuse of the time outs.
  • a winning team is determined at the end of the fourth interval of the game session. The winning team is determined as being the team that scored the most points during the game session. In the event that both teams have tied scores, the game session would extend past the fourth interval for a fifteen-minute sudden death over time.
  • the regulation governing the game of Hoopball encourages players of both teams to outfit themselves with protective equipment and uniforms.
  • the protective equipment that can be worn the players include but are not limited to helmets with a face guard, shoulder pads, chest protectors, mouth piece, and cleats.
  • the protective equipment provided to safe guard a player's head, face, shoulder, chest, and torso.
  • players are permitted to incorporate nonessential accessories such as shin guards, additional padding, safety glasses, and gloves into their outfit.
  • These non-essential accessories should be designed to promote safe and healthy competitive play. Non-essential accessories that are unapproved equipment or potentially harmful items are expressly prohibited.
  • the players of both teams are encouraged wear team specific identifiers that serve as a means of distinguishing members of a particular opposing team from the members of another opposing team.
  • the regulations governing the game of Hoopball provides an unlimited number of player substitutions during the game session.
  • a player substitution is permissible through the approval of at least one game official. Teams are required to contact the at least one game official during a time out, a pause in the game session, and immediately following a point gain in order to request a player substitution, failure to do so results in the expulsion of a player as an unauthorized/illegal player.
  • Players can be ineligible for substitution due to several factors.
  • the current regulations governing the game of Hoopball prohibit a team's request for a player substitution if the selected player had been ejected from the game session or if the selected player is competing with prohibited equipment. In a situation that a player substitution was conducted without the consent of at least on game official, an infraction is issued to the team.
  • the game of Hoopball is provides that each team be responsible for fielding ten eligible players, wherein the eligibility of each of the ten players is determined by current regulations governing the equipment utilized by said player.
  • each team would be required to wear visible distinct uniforms that facilitate the identification and differentiation of individual players as well as teams of players from each other.
  • the preferred embodiment recommends the adoption of Hoopball approved equipment and uniforms whenever possible to ensure consistency and reduce the chances of a player being deemed ineligible or ejected from a game session.
  • the Hoopball approved equipment can include but is not limited to helmets with a face guard, shoulder pads, chest protectors, mouth piece, cleats, etc.
  • the players are clothed in uniforms styled with shorts or pants.
  • the regulation game ball is characterized as a rubberized, leather or synthetic circular shaped 32-panel size #1 machine-stitched hoopball, composed of an internal butyl bladder and a %100 TPU exterior casing, having a circumference of approximately 19 in (48 cm) and weighing 225-275 gm, inflated with an air pressure of 0.4-0.5 bar.
  • the playing field 1 can be provided as an outdoor playing field 1 or an indoor playing field 1 wherein the material of the playing area 5 can be preferably played on a grass/clay/turf surface for the outdoor playing field 1 or on artificial or natural surface for the indoor playing field 1 .
  • the playing field 1 is provided with measurement of 110 yards, 100 meters, in length to 60 yards, 55 meters, in width.
  • the pair of oppositely positioned score zone 7 would be positioned opposite to each other longitudinally.
  • the playing field 1 can include a half field line that divides the playing area 5 . The half field lined would traverse across the playing field 1 and would be positioned between the pair of oppositely positioned score zones 7 .
  • the quarter zone circle 9 would be a circle ten yards in diameter that would be positioned centrally on the half field line and would be found equidistant from each of the elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus 10 .
  • the elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus 10 would be positioned within each of the score zones 7 and would be centered between the sidelines positioned 15 yards, 14 meters, from each end-line and 80 yards, 73 meters, apart from one another. The positioning of the elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus 10 relative to the end lines 4 enables for plays to occur around the goal without obstruction.
  • the playing field 1 would provide a bench area for each team.
  • the bench area would be positioned on the same sideline but are separated by an official's area.
  • the official's area is provided as a designated area for scorekeepers, record keepers, game clock-timer, but additionally provides sufficient distance between the bench area of each team.
  • the game of Hoopball can be provided in an alternative game format to a field based sport, wherein the alternative game format provides the game of Hoopball as a virtual-holographic, video, web-based and/or board-games.
  • the playing field, the elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus 10 , and the players are represented according to the medium in which the game is being played in.
  • the regulations governing the game of Hoopball could be provided with slight changes to ensure its adequate translation into the alternative game format.

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Abstract

A game of Hoopball and the method thereof is provided as a competitive team based sport that incorporates elements of various field sports while emphasizing strategy and sportsmanship. The game of Hoopball utilizes regulations that govern player participation, scoring, physical contact, and equipment with an extremely low probability of serious injury or mid-brain concussions. The current regulations governing the game of Hoopball includes an elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus and a game ball as central game pieces. The object of the game of Hoopball is to coordinate a team of players to score points by throwing or kicking the game ball through the elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus while the respective goal apparatus is defended by an opposing team. At the end of the game session the team that scored the most points is declared the winner.

Description

  • The current application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) application of the U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 13/909,729 filed on Jun. 4, 2013.
  • FIELD OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention relates generally to an organized team based athletic sport. More specifically, the present invention is an elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus that is placed at opposite ends of a playing field to performance the organized team based athletic sport.
  • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • It is well known that most team based sports utilize a ball and a pair of archways as central game pieces. These team based sports are typically played with the pair of archways oppositely positioned on a rectangular field while each team attempts to direct the ball through the opposing team's archway constituting a score. The balls utilized in these games are generally characterized as a rubberized, leather or synthetic circular shaped 32-panel size #1 machine-stitched hoopball, composed of an internal butyl bladder and a % 100 TPU exterior casing, having a circumference of approximately 19 in (48 cm) and weighing 225-275 gm, inflated with an air pressure of 0.4-0.5 bar. Players are able to engage the balls in either a direct manner such as with their hands, feet, or head, as well as an indirect means such as through the use of a glove. Typically, the opposing teams play for a predetermined period of time, with the winning team being able to score the most goals over the predetermined period of time.
  • It is the object of the present invention to provide an elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus to play a new competitive team based sport that incorporates a game ball. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the two teams compete to gain possession of the game ball in order to throw or kick it through the elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus. Each team is able to have a maximum of ten players that are able to pass, kick, throw, roll or simultaneously hold the game ball as they push towards the opposing team's elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a side view of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is another side view of the present invention, wherein a portion of the net is not illustrated to clearly show the vertical connecting member-length of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a top view of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a top view of the playing field displaying the distribution of the playing area, the pair of oppositely positioned score zones, and the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the playing field displaying the distribution of the playing area, the pair of oppositely positioned score zones, and the present invention.
  • DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION
  • All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
  • Referencing FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the present invention is an elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus 10 that allows the game of Hoopball to be played. The game of Hoopball is a competitive team based sport that also incorporates a regulation game ball in addition to the elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus 10. The object of the game of Hoopball is to coordinate a team of players to score points by throwing the regulation game ball through the elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus 10 while the elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus 10 is defended by an opposing team. At the end of the game session the team that scored the most points is declared the winner. The current regulation governing the game of Hoopball provides two opposing teams, at least two game officials, a regulation game ball, and a playing field 1. The two opposing teams each comprise a maximum of ten players. The regulation game ball is which is characterized as a rubberized, leather, or synthetic circular shaped 32-panel size #1 machine-stitched hoopball, composed of an internal butyl bladder and a %100 TPU exterior casing, having a circumference of approximately 19 in (48 cm) and weighing 225-275 gm, inflated with an air pressure of 0.4-0.5 bar. At least two game officials are provided in order to regulate the game of Hoopball by issuing calls as they are witnessed. Although the at least two game officials are provided at least one game official is needed to issue a call during a game session. In reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the playing field 1 is a bounded playing area 5 utilized by the two opposing teams in order to play the game of Hoopball. The delineated perimeter 2 is provided as a pair of opposing sidelines 3 and a pair of opposing end lines 4 that perpendicularly intersect each other forming a rectangular playing area 5. The playing area 5 is subdivided into parts comprising an open play zone 6, a pair of oppositely positioned score zones 7, and a centrally positioned quarter zone circle 9. The open play zone 6 is the portion of the playing area 5 that separates the pair of oppositely positioned score zones 7. The pair of oppositely positioned score zones 7 are provided as enclosed regions associated with a particular team. Each of the pair of oppositely positioned score zones 7 contains the elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus 10. The method of the game of Hoopball comprises various regulating steps that control the commencement of a game session, possession of the regulation game ball, and changes in possession of the regulation game ball, scoring, physical contact, infractions, and length of play, timeouts, personal equipment, and substitutions during the game session.
  • The method of playing the game of Hoopball is initiated with the commencement of the game session. The commencement of the game session several game sessions is initiated through the assignment of a scoring zone to the each of the opposing teams. After a score zone 7 is assigned to each team, a determination has to be made regarding the initial possession of the regulation game ball. This determination is made by a coin flip. Through the determination of initial possession of the regulation game ball, a scoring team and a defending team are identified and the defending team's score zone 7 is deemed the ‘in-play score zone 7’. The in-play score zone 7 provides the direction in which regulation game ball is moving towards but additionally distinguishes the elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus 10 the scoring team attempts to gain points on. Upon determining initial possession of the regulation game ball, the at least two game officials permit players of both teams to take up their positions within the playing area 5. The at least two game officials give possession of the regulation game ball to a player of the scoring team. The at least two game officials move the player of the scoring team in possession of the regulation game ball into the quarter zone circle 9. After repositioning of the player of the scoring team in possession of the regulation game ball within the quarter zone circle 9, the at least two game officials permit the player of the scoring team within the quarter zone circle 9 ten seconds to throw or pass the regulation game ball to another player of the scoring team without interference from players of the defending team. The players of the defending team are initially prohibited from interfering with the players of the scoring team until the regulation game ball is put in-play. In order for the regulation game ball to be put in-play one of three conditions must be met. These three conditions are based on if the regulation game ball traverses the quarter zone circle 9, if the player of the scoring team steps outside the marking of the quarter zone circle 9, or if the player of the scoring team exceeds ten seconds within the quarter zone circle 9 without throwing or passing the regulation game ball to another player of the scoring team. Upon meeting any of the three conditions, the regulation game ball is considered in-play and the game session is initiated.
  • The possession of the regulation game ball in the game of Hoopball is regulated by the at least two game officials. The at least two game official ensure that the interaction between the two opposing teams and the regulation game ball are properly defined in order to distinguish possession of the regulation game ball when it is in-play. During the game session, the at least two game officials permit more at least one player of the scoring team, wherein the scoring team is considered the team that is in current possession of the regulation game ball, to engage the regulation game ball. The at least one player of the scoring team with possession of the regulation game ball, is permitted to carry, roll, or kick the regulation game ball in any direction within the playing area 5. The at least one player of the scoring team with possession of the regulation game ball, is permitted to transfer possession of the regulation game ball by throwing, passing, kicking, or handing the regulation game ball, regardless of the direction to another player of the scoring team. During the game session, the at least two game officials permit at least one player of the defending team, wherein the defending team is considered the team that is not in current possession of the regulation game ball, to oppose the at least one player of the scoring team. The at least one or more players of the defending team are permitted to oppose the at least one or more players of the scoring team by blocking the at least one or more players of the scoring team as well as attempting to gain possession of the regulation game ball. The at least one or more players of the defending team are permitted to gain possession of the regulation game ball from the at least one or more players of the scoring team by attempting to forcibly remove the regulation game ball from possession of the at least one or more players of the scoring team. The at least one or more players of the defending team is permitted to gain possession of the regulation game ball by intercepting the regulation game ball while it is being thrown, passed, kicked, or handed to the another player of the scoring team. During the game session at least one or more players of the scoring team are able to protect the at least one or more players of the scoring team in possession of the regulation game ball by blocking the at least one or more players of the defending team from forcibly removing or intercepting the regulation game ball.
  • The at least two game officials determine changes in possession of the regulation game ball during the course of the game session. During the course of the game session the at least two game officials may signal a pause in game session in order to determine the possession of the regulation game ball or award possession of the regulation game ball as a result of a yellow card infraction. The at least two game officials allow a player of either team to spot quarter the regulation game ball back in-play. Spot quartering is passing the regulation game ball back into play from a stationary position. During the game session at least one game official is able to signal a pause in the game session to determine or award possession of the regulation game ball, if the player of the scoring team in possession of the regulation game ball is grounded down or stalled or if at least one game official determines that a yellow flag infraction was committed by at least one player of either team. The player of the scoring team, with possession of the regulation game ball, is considered to be grounded down or stalled if they are not in movement for a predetermined amount of time while at least one player of the defending team attempts to forcefully remove the regulation game ball. The yellow card infraction is a violation of the rules of the game of Hoopball that at least two game officials agree merits the transfer of the regulation game ball to another team. When the player of the scoring team, in possession of the regulation game ball, is grounded down or stalled, the regulation game ball can be engaged by several players of both the defending team and the scoring team. After signaling a pause in the game session to determine or awarding possession of the regulation game ball after being grounded down or stalled, the at least two game officials permit a player, with possession of the regulation game ball, ten seconds to throw or pass the regulation game ball in any direction within the playing area 5, from a spot quarter position, to another player of their team, without interference from players of an opposing team, if at least one game official determines that possession of the regulation game ball was maintained or acquired by said player's current team before the regulation game ball was grounded down or stalled. The players of the opposing team are initially prohibited from interfering with the player in possession of the regulation game ball until the regulation game ball is put back in-play. In order for the regulation game ball to be put in-play one of three conditions must be met. These three conditions are based on if the player in possession of the regulation game ball throws or passes the regulation game ball from the spot quarter position, if the player with possession of the regulation game ball moves out of the spot quarter position, or if the player with possession of the regulation game ball exceeds ten seconds to throw or pass the regulation game ball to another player from the spot quarter position. Upon meeting any of the three conditions, the regulation game ball is considered to be back in-play and the game session is continued.
  • The at least two game officials transfer the possession of the regulation game ball to the defending team after the scoring team successfully gains at least one point. The scoring team is able to gain at least one point by throwing the regulation game ball through the hooped shaped goal of the in-play score zone 7. After at least one point is gained by the scoring team, the defending team is given possession of the regulation game ball by the at least two game officials. The upon gaining possession of the regulation game ball, a player of the defending team is given possession of the regulation game ball and positions themselves within the quarter zone circle 9. The at least two game officials permit the player of the defending team ten seconds to throw or pass the regulation game ball to another player of the defending team without interference from players of the scoring team. The players of the scoring team are initially prohibited from interfering with the players of the defending team until the regulation game ball is put back in-play. In order for the regulation game ball to be put back in-play one of three conditions must be met. These three conditions are based on if the regulation game ball traverses the quarter zone circle 9, if the player of the defending team steps outside the marking of the quarter zone circle 9, or if the player of the defending team exceeds ten seconds within the quarter zone circle 9 without throwing or passing the regulation game ball to another player of the defending team. Upon meeting any of the three conditions, the regulation game ball is considered back in-play and the game session is continued. Furthermore, with the regulation game ball in the possession of the team formerly designated as the defending team, the designation for both the defending team and the scoring team are exchanged upon the continuation of the game session.
  • Each team has the ability to gain at least one point with a maximum of two points per score during the game session. The determining factor if a score is one point or two points is dependent on whether the score attempt is taken from within the in-play score zone 7 or from the open play zone 6. The pair of oppositely positioned score zones 7 are positioned within the playing area 5 and are bordered by the open play zone 6 and an end line of the pair of opposing end lines 4. The border between the each of the oppositely positioned score zones 7 and the open play zone 6 forms a marked line that serves as the penalty line 8. The pair of oppositely positioned score zones 7 each comprises the elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus 10. The at least two game officials award one point to the scoring team, if at least one game official determines a player of the scoring team successfully threw or kicked the regulation game ball through the elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus 10 positioned within the ‘in-play score zone 7’ from a position within the penalty lines 8 of the in-play score zone 7. The at least two game officials award two point to the scoring team, if at least one game official determines a player of the scoring team successfully threw or kicked the regulation game ball through the elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus 10 positioned within the ‘in-play score zone 7’ from a position outside the penalty lines 8 of the in-play score zone 7.
  • Referencing FIG. 1-3, in the current embodiment of the present invention, the elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus 10 comprises an elongated vertical post 11, a rim 14, a plurality of connecting members 15, and a net 18. A proximal end 12 of the elongated vertical post 11 is secured to the score zones 7 so that a distal end 13 of the elongated vertical post 11 is able to determine the elevation of the rim. Additionally, the rim 14 is concentrically positioned with the elongated vertical post 11 and offset, position away, from the distal end 13. The rim 14 is preferably a made of metal and comprises a 4′ in diameter. The rim 14 is radially connected to the distal end 13 by the plurality of connecting members 15. More specifically, a first end 16 of each connecting member 15 is adjacently positioned with the distal end 13 so that the plurality of connecting members 15 can be radially distributed and connected about the distal end 13. Oppositely, a second end 17 of each connecting member 15 is adjacently positioned with the rim 14 thus securing the rim 14 to the distal end 13 through the plurality of connecting members 15. The net 18, preferably a nylon mesh, is perimetrically connected around the rim 14 and downwardly extended from the rim 14, enclosing the plurality of connecting members 15.
  • Additionally, each connecting member 15 is shaped as a convex member so that the plurality of connecting members 15 is able to delineate a parabolic-shaped hole within the rim 14. Due to the parabolic-shaped hole, the plurality of connecting members 15 provides significantly less reaction force on the game ball. The present invention further comprises an obstructed opening 23 and an unobstructed opening 24. The plurality of connecting members 15 comprises a first member 27, at least one intermediary member 29, and a second member 28. In reference to FIG. 4, the first member 27, the at least one intermediary member 29, and the second member 28 are radially distributed around a first half 25 of the rim 14. Simultaneously, the first member 27 and the second member 28 are diametrically opposed to each other further defining the first half 25 of the rim 14 while the at least one intermediary member 29 is positioned in between the first member 27 and the second member 28. Therefore, the obstructed opening 23 is delineated from the plurality of connecting members 15 to the first half 25 of the rim 14, and the unobstructed opening 24 is delineated from the first member 27 and the second member 28 to a second half 26 of the rim 14. As a result, once the game ball is entered into the present invention through the rim 14, the game ball can travel through the unobstructed opening 24. More specifically, if the game ball makes contact with the plurality of connecting members 15, the game ball slidably travels along the plurality of connecting members 15 and travels through the unobstructed opening 24 before exiting below the net 18. However, if the game ball does not make contact with the plurality of connecting members 15, the game ball can also effortlessly travel through the unobstructed opening 24 before existing below the net 18.
  • A vertical net-length 21 of the present invention is equaled to a vertical connecting member-length 22 of the present invention in order to make sure that the game ball does not exit through the plurality of connecting members 15. More specifically, the vertical net-length 21 extends from a fixed edge 19 of the net 18 to a free edge 20 of the net 18, where the fixed edge 19 is positioned adjacent to the rim 14 and the free edge 20 is positioned opposite of the rim 14. The vertical connecting member-length 22 extends from the first end 16 of each connecting member 15 to the second end 17 of each connecting member 15, where the free edge 20 is positioned below the first end 16 of each connecting member 15.
  • The game of Hoopball permits some physical contact understood as being a result of forcefully removing the regulation game ball from a player or blocking a forceful removal attempt. Under the current regulations of the game of Hoopball, players are permitted to body block, push block with two opened hands, stiff arm, or pull down the regulation game ball. This is provided as appropriate physical contact as a consequence of blocking attempts to forcefully remove the regulation game ball from possession of an opposing teams' player. Under the current regulations of the game of Hoopball, players are prohibited from tackling, tripping, holding, kicking, kneeing, elbowing, head butting, or punching another player in any manner while blocking or attempting to forcefully remove the regulation game ball from possession of the opposing team's player.
  • The at least two game officials are provided as a means of regulating the infractions during a game session. During a game session, at least one game official is able to signal a pause in the game session when they witness an infraction committed by either team. After pausing the game session, the at least one game official can issue a yellow flag infraction or a red flag infraction. Under the current regulations governing the game of Hoopball, the at least one game official issues a yellow flag infraction, to a player, if the at least one game official witnesses the player tackling, tripping, holding, kicking, kneeing, elbowing, head butting, or punching another player in any manner while blocking or attempting to forcefully remove the regulation game ball from possession of the opposing team's player. The at least one game official also issues a yellow flag infraction to a player they determine was last in possession of the regulation game ball when crossing the delineated perimeter 2. Under the current regulations governing the game of Hoopball, the at least one game official issues a red flag infraction to a player if the at least one game official determines that a yellow flag infraction committed by said player was a deliberate attempt to injure another player, if the at least one game official determines that a yellow flag infraction caused serious injury to another player, or if the at least one game official determines that a player has committed acts of unsportsmanlike conduct, conspicuous rudeness, derogatory actions, insubordination, and/or cheating during the course of the game session, may upgrade the infraction to a red flag infraction. Under the current regulation governing the game of Hoopball, the at least one game official is able to bench a player for 2 or 5 minutes without substitution during a game session. Under the current regulation governing the game of Hoopball, the at least one game official is able to eject a player from the game session if the at least one game official issues a red flag infraction against said player for actions perpetrated during the game session deemed a deliberate attempt to injure another player. The at least one game official is able to use their judgment to determine if an action is considered a deliberate attempt to injure another player. Under the current regulation governing the game of Hoopball, the at least one game official is able to award a penalty shot to a player from a position on the edge of the penalty line 8 of the in-play score zone 7, if the at least one game official determines that a yellow flag infraction or a red flag infraction was committed against said player by at least one player of the opposing team. The determination to award a penalty shot is provided as an electable action based on the judgment of the at least one game official. Under the current regulations governing the game of Hoopball, the at least one game official is able to award possession of the regulation game ball to a team, if the at least one game official determines that the regulation game ball was in possession of the opposing team when crossing the delineated perimeter 2, or if the at least one game official determines that a yellow flag infraction or a red flag infraction was committed against a player of the team by at least one player of an opposing team. The determination to award possession of the regulation game ball to a team based on a yellow flag infraction or red flag infraction is based on the determination and discretion of the at least one game official. Under the current regulations governing the game of Hoopball, that at least one game official is permitted to award at least one point and permit retention of the regulation game ball by a team, if the at least one game official determines a goal tending infraction occurred due to interference with the regulation game ball upon a downward trajectory with the possibility of going through the elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus 10.
  • The game of Hoopball is provided with a game session that functions as a timed game session comprising four fifteen-minute game play quarters. The game session is additionally provided with a fifteen-minute half-time intermission that occurs at the end of the second quarter. The fifteen-minute intermission after the second interval separates the game session into a first half and a second half, wherein the first half comprises the first interval and the second interval and the second half comprises the third interval and the fourth interval. The fifteen-minute intermission is provided as a temporary reprieve for players of the opposing teams. In the current regulations of the game of Hoopball, each team is allowed three discretionary 30 second “Time-Outs” during each half of the game, but both teams must remain on the field during time-outs. Time-outs are only being granted to a team when they are in possession of the Hoopball. The three 30 second time outs are provided in the first half and the second half of the game session. During each of the three 30 second time outs, the at least two game official require both teams to remain on the playing field 1 during until the time out is completed. Each of the three 30 second time outs are provided with the prerequisite that a team must be in possession of the regulation game ball in order to request the time out. Furthermore, after the time out expires, the at least two game officials award possession of the regulation game ball to the team charged with the time out. This time out system prevents abuse of the time outs. In the current regulations of the game of Hoopball, a winning team is determined at the end of the fourth interval of the game session. The winning team is determined as being the team that scored the most points during the game session. In the event that both teams have tied scores, the game session would extend past the fourth interval for a fifteen-minute sudden death over time.
  • The regulation governing the game of Hoopball encourages players of both teams to outfit themselves with protective equipment and uniforms. The protective equipment that can be worn the players include but are not limited to helmets with a face guard, shoulder pads, chest protectors, mouth piece, and cleats. The protective equipment provided to safe guard a player's head, face, shoulder, chest, and torso. In addition to the recommended protective gear, players are permitted to incorporate nonessential accessories such as shin guards, additional padding, safety glasses, and gloves into their outfit. These non-essential accessories should be designed to promote safe and healthy competitive play. Non-essential accessories that are unapproved equipment or potentially harmful items are expressly prohibited. Additionally, under the current regulations governing the game of Hoopball the players of both teams are encouraged wear team specific identifiers that serve as a means of distinguishing members of a particular opposing team from the members of another opposing team.
  • The regulations governing the game of Hoopball provides an unlimited number of player substitutions during the game session. A player substitution is permissible through the approval of at least one game official. Teams are required to contact the at least one game official during a time out, a pause in the game session, and immediately following a point gain in order to request a player substitution, failure to do so results in the expulsion of a player as an unauthorized/illegal player. Players can be ineligible for substitution due to several factors. The current regulations governing the game of Hoopball prohibit a team's request for a player substitution if the selected player had been ejected from the game session or if the selected player is competing with prohibited equipment. In a situation that a player substitution was conducted without the consent of at least on game official, an infraction is issued to the team.
  • The game of Hoopball is provides that each team be responsible for fielding ten eligible players, wherein the eligibility of each of the ten players is determined by current regulations governing the equipment utilized by said player. In the preferred embodiment each team would be required to wear visible distinct uniforms that facilitate the identification and differentiation of individual players as well as teams of players from each other. The preferred embodiment recommends the adoption of Hoopball approved equipment and uniforms whenever possible to ensure consistency and reduce the chances of a player being deemed ineligible or ejected from a game session. The Hoopball approved equipment can include but is not limited to helmets with a face guard, shoulder pads, chest protectors, mouth piece, cleats, etc. Preferably the players are clothed in uniforms styled with shorts or pants.
  • The regulation game ball is characterized as a rubberized, leather or synthetic circular shaped 32-panel size #1 machine-stitched hoopball, composed of an internal butyl bladder and a %100 TPU exterior casing, having a circumference of approximately 19 in (48 cm) and weighing 225-275 gm, inflated with an air pressure of 0.4-0.5 bar.
  • The playing field 1 can be provided as an outdoor playing field 1 or an indoor playing field 1 wherein the material of the playing area 5 can be preferably played on a grass/clay/turf surface for the outdoor playing field 1 or on artificial or natural surface for the indoor playing field 1. The playing field 1 is provided with measurement of 110 yards, 100 meters, in length to 60 yards, 55 meters, in width. The pair of oppositely positioned score zone 7 would be positioned opposite to each other longitudinally. Optionally the playing field 1 can include a half field line that divides the playing area 5. The half field lined would traverse across the playing field 1 and would be positioned between the pair of oppositely positioned score zones 7. The quarter zone circle 9 would be a circle ten yards in diameter that would be positioned centrally on the half field line and would be found equidistant from each of the elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus 10. The elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus 10 would be positioned within each of the score zones 7 and would be centered between the sidelines positioned 15 yards, 14 meters, from each end-line and 80 yards, 73 meters, apart from one another. The positioning of the elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus 10 relative to the end lines 4 enables for plays to occur around the goal without obstruction. The playing field 1 would provide a bench area for each team. The bench area would be positioned on the same sideline but are separated by an official's area. The official's area is provided as a designated area for scorekeepers, record keepers, game clock-timer, but additionally provides sufficient distance between the bench area of each team.
  • The game of Hoopball can be provided in an alternative game format to a field based sport, wherein the alternative game format provides the game of Hoopball as a virtual-holographic, video, web-based and/or board-games. The playing field, the elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus 10, and the players are represented according to the medium in which the game is being played in. The regulations governing the game of Hoopball could be provided with slight changes to ensure its adequate translation into the alternative game format.
  • Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims (15)

What is claimed is:
1. An elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus comprises:
an elongated vertical post;
a rim;
a plurality of connecting members;
a net;
the rim being concentrically positioned with the elongated vertical post;
the rim being offset from a distal end of the elongated vertical post;
the rim being radially connected to the distal end by the plurality of connecting members;
the net being perimetrically connected around the rim;
the net being downwardly extended from the rim; and
the plurality of connecting members being enclosed by the net.
2. The elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein a proximal end of the elongated vertical post being secured to a score zone of a playing field.
3. The goal post apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprises:
each connecting members comprise a first end and a second end;
the first end being adjacently positioned with the distal end; and
the second end being adjacently positioned with the rim.
4. The goal post apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprises:
an obstructed opening;
an unobstructed opening;
the plurality of connecting members comprises a first member, at least one intermediary member, and a second member;
the first member, the at least one intermediary member, and the second member being radially distributed around a first half of the rim;
the first member and the second member being diametrically opposed to each other;
the at least one intermediary member being positioned in between the first member and the second member;
the obstructed opening being delineated from the plurality of connecting members to the first half of the rim; and
the unobstructed opening being delineated from the first member and the second member to a second half of the rim.
5. The elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein each connecting member is shaped as a convex member.
6. The elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprises:
a vertical net-length;
a vertical connecting member-length;
the vertical net-length being extended from a fixed edge of the net to a free edge of the net;
the vertical connecting member-length being extended from a first end of each connecting member to a second end of each connecting member; and
the vertical net-length being equaled to the vertical connecting member-length.
7. An elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus comprises:
an elongated vertical post;
a rim;
a plurality of connecting members;
a net;
an obstructed opening;
an unobstructed opening;
the plurality of connecting members comprises a first member, at least one intermediary member, and a second member;
the rim being concentrically positioned with the elongated vertical post;
the rim being offset from a distal end of the elongated vertical post;
the first member, the at least one intermediary member, and the second member being radially distributed around a first half of the rim;
the first member and the second member being diametrically opposed to each other;
the at least one intermediary member being positioned in between the first member and the second member;
the obstructed opening being delineated from the plurality of connecting members to the first half of the rim;
the unobstructed opening being delineated from the first member and the second member to a second half of the rim;
the net being perimetric ally connected around the rim;
the net being downwardly extended from the rim; and
the plurality of connecting members being enclosed by the net.
8. The elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein a proximal end of the elongated vertical post being secured to a score zone of a playing field.
9. The goal post apparatus as claimed in claim 7 comprises:
each connecting members comprise a first end and a second end;
the first end being adjacently positioned with the distal end; and
the second end being adjacently positioned with the rim.
10. The elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein each connecting member is shaped as a convex member.
11. The elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus as claimed in claim 7 comprises:
a vertical net-length;
a vertical connecting member-length;
the vertical net-length being extended from a fixed edge of the net to a free edge of the net;
the vertical connecting member-length being extended from a first end of each connecting member to a second end of each connecting member; and
the vertical net-length being equaled to the vertical connecting member-length.
12. An elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus comprises:
an elongated vertical post;
a rim;
a plurality of connecting members;
a net;
an obstructed opening;
an unobstructed opening;
the plurality of connecting members comprises a first member, at least one intermediary member, and a second member;
the rim being concentrically positioned with the elongated vertical post;
the rim being offset from a distal end of the elongated vertical post;
the first member, the at least one intermediary member, and the second member being radially distributed around a first half of the rim;
the first member and the second member being diametrically opposed to each other;
the at least one intermediary member being positioned in between the first member and the second member;
each connecting member being a convex member;
the obstructed opening being delineated from the plurality of connecting members to the first half of the rim;
the unobstructed opening being delineated from the first member and the second member to a second half of the rim;
the net being perimetrically connected around the rim;
the net being downwardly extended from the rim; and
the plurality of connecting members being enclosed by the net.
13. The elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein a proximal end of the elongated vertical post being secured to a score zone of a playing field.
14. The goal post apparatus as claimed in claim 12 comprises:
each connecting members comprise a first end and a second end;
the first end being adjacently positioned with the distal end; and
the second end being adjacently positioned with the rim.
15. The elevated hoop shaped goal apparatus as claimed in claim 12 comprises:
a vertical net-length;
a vertical connecting member-length;
the vertical net-length being extended from a fixed edge of the net to a free edge of the net;
the vertical connecting member-length being extended from a first end of each connecting member to a second end of each connecting member; and
the vertical net-length being equaled to the vertical connecting member-length.
US15/141,089 2013-06-04 2016-04-28 Elevated Hoop Shaped Goal Apparatus Abandoned US20160236051A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

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US15/141,089 US20160236051A1 (en) 2013-06-04 2016-04-28 Elevated Hoop Shaped Goal Apparatus

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD888829S1 (en) * 2018-06-07 2020-06-30 Herman Jimenez Toss game target assembly
US11064913B2 (en) 2013-10-25 2021-07-20 Force Impact Technologies, Inc. Impact sensing wearable device and method
US11179104B2 (en) 2018-12-20 2021-11-23 Force Impact Technologies, Inc. Method of manufacturing mouth guard having internal components for sensing impact forces

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US3173687A (en) * 1963-06-13 1965-03-16 Lester E Hair Basketball rebound practice device
US3945638A (en) * 1975-02-14 1976-03-23 Luebkeman Hart H Basketball practice net
US5810679A (en) * 1997-08-12 1998-09-22 Yoakum; Paul E. Recreational device

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US3173687A (en) * 1963-06-13 1965-03-16 Lester E Hair Basketball rebound practice device
US3945638A (en) * 1975-02-14 1976-03-23 Luebkeman Hart H Basketball practice net
US5810679A (en) * 1997-08-12 1998-09-22 Yoakum; Paul E. Recreational device

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11064913B2 (en) 2013-10-25 2021-07-20 Force Impact Technologies, Inc. Impact sensing wearable device and method
USD888829S1 (en) * 2018-06-07 2020-06-30 Herman Jimenez Toss game target assembly
US11179104B2 (en) 2018-12-20 2021-11-23 Force Impact Technologies, Inc. Method of manufacturing mouth guard having internal components for sensing impact forces
US11389113B2 (en) 2018-12-20 2022-07-19 Force Impact Technologies, Inc. Mouth guard having user-notification feature of impact force
US11432767B2 (en) 2018-12-20 2022-09-06 Force Impact Technologies, Inc. Mouth guard having low-profile printed circuit board for sensing and notification of impact forces
US11510618B2 (en) 2018-12-20 2022-11-29 Force Impact Technologies, Inc. Method of manufacturing mouth guard having internal components for sensing impact forces
US11607171B2 (en) 2018-12-20 2023-03-21 Force Impact Technologies, Inc. Mouth guard having low-profile printed circuit board for sensing and notification of impact forces
US11819341B2 (en) 2018-12-20 2023-11-21 Force Impact Technologies, Inc. Mouth guard having low-profile printed circuit board for sensing and notification of impact forces
US11826169B2 (en) 2018-12-20 2023-11-28 Force Impact Technologies, Inc. Mouth guard having low-profile printed circuit board for sensing and notification of impact forces

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