Score-sensitive basketball hoop

• US 4,858,920 A
• Filed: 08/12/1988
• Issued: 08/22/1989
• Est. Priority Date: 08/12/1988
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Jerry L. Best
• Original Assignee: Jerry L. Best
• Inventors: Best, Jerry L.
• Primary Examiner(s): SHAPIRO, PAUL
• Application Number:
  US07/231,265
• Time in Patent Office: 375 Days
• Field of Search: 273/1.5 R, 273/371, 273/1 F
• US Class Current: 473/480
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0037 on a target surface or at impact on the ground
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0021 Tracking a path or terminating locations
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 63/00 Targets or goals for ball games golf cups A63B57/40
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 63/083 for basketball
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/06 Indicating or scoring devices for games or players , or for other sports activities
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0605 Decision makers and devices using detection means facilitating arbitration

Abstract

A score-sensitive basketball hoop apparatus is provided for sensing then announcing the by-passage of a basketball through the hoop. The sensor comprises a transmitting light and a photoelectric cell. When a ball passes through the hoop the transmitted beam of light is broken. A broken beam is detected and the by-passage of the ball through the hoop is signalled by lights fixed to the hoop and the score is registered on a scoreboard.

Claims

1. A score-sensitive basketball hoop apparatus comprising:

a hoop portion including a rim and a base;

means for sensing the by-passage of a ball through said hoop portion;

means for signalling said sensed by-passage of said ball;

means for counting the number of times said ball by-passes said hoop;

means for relaying said sensed by-passage of said ball to said counting means;

said means for counting comprising a counter, said counter being interconnected with a scoreboard;

said means for signalling including means for visually signalling said by-passage through said hoop by said ball; and

said means for visually signalling comprising lighting units fixed in said rim.

2. A score-sensitive basketball hoop according to claim 1 wherein said rim has one or more channels defined therein for accomodating said lighting units.

3. A score-sensitive basketball hoop according to claim 2 wherein said one or more channels includes substantially clear lamp-covering material.

4. A score-sensitive basketball hoop apparatus comprising:

a hoop portion including a rim and a base;

means for sensing the by-passage of a ball through said hoop portion;

means for signalling said sensed by-passage of said ball;

said means for signalling including means for visually signalling said by-passage through said hoop by said ball; and

said means for visually signalling comprising lighting units fixed in said rim.