Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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BALL RETURN GAME
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The subject matter of this invention is directed to the using of a plurality
of ball return backboards each of which is to rebound a ball to a player that
is propelling
a ball into a backboard.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
Backboards or rebound walls for ball sports have long been known.
Particularly, such walls have been used within the game of tennis. However,
usage of
a wall that is activated electronically is a relatively new innovation. Such a
wall is shown
and described within this inventor's United States Patent Application
09/643,394, filed
August 22, 2000, by the title of REBOUND WALL FOR BALL SPORTS. Electronic
activation permits the
wall to be used to record a scoring value,
Children eaeercise best when they play, where fitness arises from
entertainment rather than discipline. Arcade and play-station type games have
been
instrumental in motivating children to achieve new levels of hand-eye
coordination.
Unfortunately, these games promote a sedentary lifestyle. It would be
desirable to design
a game that involves the use of the child's hand, feet, eyes and ears to
achieve a total
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body workout. It would also be desirable to design a game that was
entertaining to the
children while at the same time producing fitness.
SUfitif\fiARY ~F THE II~lIEf~TI~hl
R~ first basic embodiment of ball return game that utili~e.s a plurality of
backboards located in a spaced apart and proacimate arrangement. Each
backboard has
a plurality of target areas with the target areas being spread out in a spaced
apart manner
across each backboard. Each target area has a vibration sensitive sensor. Each
backboard is adapted to have propelled against it a ball by a player with
there being a
plurality of players with there being a single player or team of players per
backboard.
Upon a ball striking a target area, an electrical pulse is transmitted to a
microprocessor
and a scoring value accumulated and displayed on each backboard with the
scoring value
of all the backboards being displayed with a competitive environment between
the players
being obtained.
A further embodiment of the present invention is where the first basic
embodiment is modified by the backboards being identical.
A further embodiment of the present invention is where included within
each backboard is indicia and specifically differentiating indicia.
A further embodiment of the present invention is where the just previous
embodiment is modified by the indicia taking the form of different shapes.
A further embodiment of the present invention is where the indicia
embodiment is modified by the indicia comprising different numerals within
each
backboard.
A further embodiment of the present invention is where the first basic
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embodiment is modified by there being defined player determining locations
located
directly adjacent each backboard which determines the position of the player
or players
for that particular backboard. ~epending upon which player determining
location is
selected, the level of difficulty in playing of the game is altered.
A second basic embodiment of the present invention comprises a method
of playing a game which utilizes a plurality of ball return backboards with
the backboards
located spaced apart but proximate. ~esigned within each backboard is a
plurality of
shock sensitive targets with the targets being spread out across each
backboard. The
targets are connected electrically to a score display structure where each
score for each
backboard is displayed where the score for the backboards is increased upon a
ball
striking a shock sensitive target so a competitive environment is produced
between the
players of the different backboards.
A further embodiment of the present invention is where the second basic
embodiment is modified by placing a series of player determining locations in
front of each
backboard so players have an option of selecting a level of difficulty of play
depending
upon the particular player determining location that is selected.
A further embodiment of the present invention is where the second basic
embodiment is modified by the designing step also includes placing on each
backboard
a shape indicia associated with each target with each target having a
different shape
indicia. The player or players are to be audibly told to propel a ball to a
particular shape
target, and if that target is then struck by the ball, a predetermined scoring
value is then
scored.
A further embodiment of the present invention is where the second basic
embodiment is modified by the designing step also includes placing on each
backboard
a numerical value in conjunction with each target with each target having a
different
numerical value. This permits the player or players to be audibly directed to
propel a ball
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to a particular numerical value, and if that numerical value is struck, a
certain scoring
value will be displayed.
The structure of the present invention is directed to a multi-station and
structure led fitness program with emphasis ~n neurological efficiency,
cardiovascular and
sport skill training. The structure of the present invention is designed
principally to be
used by schools, health clubs, YIVIGAs, churches and camps. Scoring values are
obtained
by throwing a ball to a target, and the more accurate the throwing of the
ball, the more
points are earned. Children can play as individuals or in teams to achieve the
highest
possible score. Each player or players plays against their own backboard which
records
its own score and provides its own audible directives. All backboards will
play the same
timed game concurrently which is controlled with a remote control by an
instructor. The
playing of the game is timed by a central time clock. Brain and body fitness
for the
players takes place naturally and easily in a fun, exciting and motivating
environment.
General game sounds, voice animation and music are normally played
through the central computer that is utilized in conjunction with the game of
the present
invention. Specific sounds directed individually to a particular backboard are
supplied
audibly, such as good and bad feedback.
The advantage of the present invention is that particularly with children the
game of the present invention requires cooperation between the hands, feet,
eyes and
ears which increases mental agility, brain and body fitness, cardiovascular
fitness, ball
handling skills for any ball sport as well as sensory integration training.
The game of the
present invention focuses on neurological efficiency, cardio fitness and
skills training. The
game of the present invention improves kinesthetic senses in young children.
The game
of the present invention promotes interconnectivity between the hemispheres of
the brain
in young children when the young child's brain is thinking and developing. The
game of
the present invention is the fastest way to develop sports related skills,
such as motor
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skills, reaction skills, quick hands and fast feet and eye/hand coordination.
The playing
of the game of the present invention takes place in a play format which
produces a
positive experience and healthy attitude toward fitness. The game of the
present
invention is highly m~tivating since the scoring value delivers instant
feedback on the
pace of learning and improves self esteem in children. The game of the present
invention
has been proved to be helpful for children who have difficulty with reading,
physical
coordinati~n, and autism as well as other medical problems.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is to be made
to the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that the present
invention is not
limited to the precise arrangement shown in the drawings.
Figure 1 is a schematic view depicting a plurality of backboards which are
interconnected together with various games being capable of being played in
conjunction
with the backboards by a multitude of players;
Figure 2 is a front view of a single backboard used in conjunction with this
invention;
Figure 3 is a front view of a remote that is used in conjunction with the
backboards of the present invention; and
Figure 4 is a block diagram of the electrical circuitry that is used to affect
operation of the backboards of the present invention.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring particularly to Figure 2, there is shown a rebound wall or ball
return backboard 10 that is included within this invention. The backboard 10
has a front
planar surface 12. Typically, the backboard 10 will have a thickness of
approximately
four to six inches. The size of the backboard 10 would normally be four feet
wide and
eight feet high but any size could be used.
Formed within the front planar surface 12 are target areas 14, 16, 18, 20,
22, 24 and 26. Each of the target areas 14-26 basically include a shock or
vibration
sensitive sensor, which is shown generally as block 28 in Figure 4 of the
drawings. Upon
a target area 14-26 getting a direct hit with a ball 30 which has been
propelled by a
human player, a signal is produced. The electrical signal that is produced is
read by a
microprocessor 32. The microprocessor 32 is to produce a scoring value which
is to be
displayed within a display window 62 of the particular backboard 10 that
received the
contact by the ball 30. The microprocessor 32 is to be programmable to include
various
games that can be played using of the backboard 10 of this invention. The
timer housing
36 is to display within window 34 the time of play when playing of a
particular game.
Also, scoring values can be displayed within the window 34. Also, it is
possible there
could be displayed instructions that the player is to follow in order to
achieve a certain
score.
Each target area 14-26 is to include some type of indicia. The indicia could
comprise a particular shape, such as is clearly shown in Figure 2. Typical
shapes would
be a parallelogram for target area 14, a pentagon for target area 1 f, a
triangle for target
area 18, a circle for target area 20, a square for target area 22, a diamond
for target area
24 and a hexagon for target area 26. Also, each target area 14-26 may be
assigned a
particular numerical indicia which again is shown in Figure 2. Number one is
assigned to
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target area 22, number two is assigned to target area 14, number three is
assigned to
target area 26, number four is assigned to target area 20, number five is
assigned to
target area 24, number six is assigned to target area 13, and number seven is
assigned
to target area 10. Instructions, besides being displayed in the display window
34, can
be produced audibly from the audio speaker 33 which is to direct the player to
propel the
ball to a particular target area. There may be a separate audio speaker (not
shown) for
each backboard 10 and there may be a general speaker associated with the timer
housing
36. When the player contacts that particular target area, a particular score
is then
obtained and will then be displayed within the display area 34. The player
that hits the
correct target the greatest number of times will achieve the greatest score.
The player
could be directed to select a particular shape or could be directed to hit a
certain
numerical value which would be educational to a child by training the child
the different
shapes or numbers. It is to be understood that the backboard 10 could include
a greater
or lesser number of target areas. Also, the pattern or arrangement of the
different target
areas is deemed to be a matter of choice.
The operation of each backboard 10 is to be accomplished by means of a
remote control 40. The remote control 40 is to have a series of buttons 42,
44, 46 and
48. Pressing of button 42 will select a particular game, and if that
particular game is not
the desired game that is to be played, the instructor will again press button
42 which will
bring up another game. There may be five to ten or more of different games
programmed
into the microprocessor 32 and each time button 42 is pressed, a new game is
brought
up until all games have been brought up where further pressing of the button
42 will
repeat the series of games. The difficulty of the play of the game can also be
selected
by pressing button 44. Various levels can be selected by pressing of button 44
from an
easy level of play to a more difficult level of play. There may be three or
four different
levels of play. Additionally, the amount of time the game is to be played is
to be selected
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by pressing of button 46. The volume of the audio from the speaker 38 can also
be
selected by pushing of button 48. The signals from the remote 40 are
transmitted from
antenna 50 to an antenna 52 that is mounted on the timer housing 3C. The
signal input
from the antenna 52 is to be transmitted into the microprocessor 32. Power is
to be
supplied to the microprocessor 32 by a power supply 54 which typically will be
normal
household electrical current.
Deferring particularly to Figure 1 , four of the panels 10 are located in a
side-
by-side, spaced apart but proximate relationship. These panels are
electrically
interconnected by means of conduits 56, 58 and 6~. Each backboard 10 is
connected
to the timer housing 34 and the player that is playing the backboard 10 that
has the
highest score, after a set period of time, can be "selected to be the winner".
The
particular score that is achieved for a particular backboard 10 will be
displayed directly
on the backboard in window 62. Window 34 is for the purpose of only displaying
information that is desired to be received by all the players.
Typically, each of the backboards 10 is to be mounted on a vertical wall 66.
Normally, the timer housing 36 will include a key lock 64. The instructor, who
holds the
remote control 40, is to also have a key which when inserted within the key
lock 64 and
turning of that key will activate the overall game system of the present
invention.
In front of each backboard 10 and inscribed on a floor 68 are a series of
horizontal lines 70, 72 and 74. With a player locating himself or herself at
horizontal line
70, that player gets to enjoy the easiest level of play with the backboard 10.
With the
player locating himself or herself in alignment with the horizontal line 72, a
greater level
of difficulty of play will be encountered by the player. With the player
locating himself
or herself in conjunction with line 74, a still again greater level of
difficulty can be
achieved in playing of the game. The greatest level of difficulty is to
obtained when the
player aligns himself or herself with the back line 75.
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The ball 30 will normally be in the form of a small sized soccer ball. It is
desirable for the ball 30 to be able to bounce so that after striking of the
backboard 10
that it will pretty much return to the player in about the same general area
of the player.
This requires that the player catch the returned ball and again propel again
it to the
backboard 10 to ~btain another score.
Each of the vibration or shock sensors included within each target area 14-
26 would generally be in the form of a piezoelectric transducer. The function
of the
piezoelectric transducer is to pick up the acoustic/vibrational wave which is
created by
the ball when striking the rebound backboard 10. The microprocessor 32 will
pick up the
wave and know from what precise location the wave was generated. The
information is
then immediately supplied to the display area 62 for the particular backboard
10. It has
been found to be desirable that when using of a game arrangement as shown in
Figure
1, that where there is four of the backboards 10 used, only one timer housing
36 is
required. If a greater number of the backboards 10 are used, then possibly two
or more
in number of the timer housings 36 will be required. For the system shown in
Figure 1,
the desirable space that would be required would be twelve feet distance from
each
backboard 10 to a back line 76 and a width of about twenty feet.
Typically, the horizontal lines 72-74 will be different colors. Line 70 could
be yellow, line 72 could be blue and line 74 could be red. The back line 76
may be black.
Generally, there is to be an instructor, which is not shown, when operating
of the game of the present invention. That instructor is to make all the
decisions during
the playing of the game and is to establish the type of game that is to be
played,
One particular type of game that can by played is called "Rallywall". All of
the targets 14-26 are active and a hit anywhere is counted so along as it is
thrown with
enough energy. The children have to throw a ball 30 at their respective
backboard 10 as
many times as the player can do so within an allotted time period. The player
with the
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highest score will be declared to be the winner.
Another game that can be played is called "Chase" . The target areas 14-26
may be illuminated and only a score will be scored when a ball hits a
particular target that
is illuminated. The illuminating ~f the different targets 14-~0 can be
accomplished in a
sequential pattern. From the time that a particular target is illuminated, the
player may
have a limited amount of time in order to strike that target, such as between
five to ten
seconds. The player with the highest score is the player who has hit the
greatest number
of illuminated targets within the allotted time period.
Another game that can be played is called "Play Tune". A target or a group
of targets 14-26 is lit. The children have to throw balls at a lit target to
play a tune. Each
target or group of targets light up in a memorizable sequential order and will
emit parts
of a tune. The tune will be emitted from the audio speaker 3~. The
aforementioned
games are merely exemplary of the different types of games that can be played
as there
could be numerous different types of games.
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