Shot making training apparatus and method

• US 20030190981A1
• Filed: 04/08/2002
• Published: 10/09/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 04/08/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Radar RIM Holdings LLC
• Original Assignee: Radar RIM Holdings LLC
• Inventors: Walker, Lenard E. Jr., Kinlow, Cedric I.
• Granted Patent: US 6,692,385 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 473/447
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2208/12 specially adapted for children
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 63/083 for basketball
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/0071 for basketball

Abstract

An athletic skill training apparatus includes a generally horizontal upper ring that defines an upper opening, preferably circular and the same diameter as a traditional basketball hoop, made from a strong, lightweight material. Three lower rings are attached to the upper ring and extend downwardly and inwardly to attach to a shock absorbing base member. The base member includes an upwardly extending projection with a rounded upper surface that tapers downwardly and outwardly to direct the basketball out of the lower rings. The rings and the base member form a goal assembly that is mounted on a support assembly telescopic post for use by children and adults.

Claims

1. A goal apparatus comprising:

a generally horizontal upper ring, said upper ring defining an upper opening sized to receive a thrown object of a predetermined size and shape;

at least one lower ring defining a lower opening for passage of the object, said lower ring being attached at a point to said upper ring and extending inwardly and downwardly from said attachment point; and

a base member positioned below said upper ring and being attached to said at least one lower ring whereby when the object passes downwardly through said upper opening and contacts said base member, said base member prevents the object from being retained in said goal apparatus and directs the object to exit through said at least lower ring.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said upper ring and said at least one lower ring are circular in shape.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said upper ring and said at least one lower ring are of a same diameter as a regulation basketball hoop.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said at least one lower ring is at least one of a different size and shape than said upper ring.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said upper ring and said at least one lower ring are constructed of a lightweight material.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said base member includes an upwardly extending projection having a rounded upper surface connected to a downwardly and outwardly tapering side surface for contacting the object.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said base member includes a shock adsorbing means for preventing the object from exiting said goal apparatus through said upper opening.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said shock adsorbing means is at least one of a spring and a damper.

9. A physical skill training apparatus comprising:

a generally horizontal upper ring, said upper ring defining an upper opening sized to receive an object of a predetermined size and shape;

three lower rings each defining a lower opening for passage of the object, said lower rings being attached at a point to said upper ring and extending inwardly and downwardly from said attachment point;

a base member positioned below said upper ring and being attached to said lower rings; and

a support assembly being attached to said base member for retaining said upper ring a predetermined distance above the ground whereby when the object passes downwardly through said upper opening and contacts said base member, said base member directs the object to exit through one of said lower rings.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said support assembly includes a pole having an upper end attached to said base member and a lower end attached to a ground engaging support member.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10 wherein said pole selectively telescopes between a lower position for said upper ring and a higher position for said upper ring.

12. The apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said support assembly includes a pole having an upper end attached to said base member and a lower end attached to a plurality of ground engaging legs.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12 wherein said pole is attached to said legs by a rotatable support member.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13 including a downwardly extending pendulum attached to said rotatable support member for maintaining said pole in a generally vertical orientation.

15. The apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said base member includes a shock adsorbing means for preventing the object from exiting said goal apparatus through said upper opening.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15 wherein said shock adsorbing means is at least one of a spring and a damper.

17. A method for practicing athletic skills comprising the steps of:

a. providing a goal assembly including an upper ring defining an upper opening for receiving an object and three lower rings, each of the lower rings defining a lower opening for discharging the object, the lower rings being connected between the upper ring and a base member;

b. providing the object;

c. shooting the object at the goal assembly; and

d. retrieving the object and repeating said step c. a predetermined number of times.

18. The method according to claim 17 including a step of tabulating a score based upon at least a number of successful shots.

19. The method according to claim 17 including tabulating a score is based upon at least one of a number of successful shots per attempted shots, a number of successful shots made in a row, and from which of the lower openings the object exits the goal assembly.

20. The method according to claim 17 including blocking at least one of said lower rings from discharging the object.