A SPORT OF BASKETBALL SHOOTING APPARATUS, WHIH BACKBOARD AND RIM ASSEMBLY ARE PARALLEL TO THE GROUND

APPAREIL DE LANCER DE BALLON DE BASKETBALL COMPORTANT UN PANNEAU ET UN ASSEMBLAGE D`ANNEAU PARALLELES AU SOL

Description

Provisional Patent
Description
1. The backboard and rim assembly which is facing downward at a 90 degree
angle, the backboard
being parallel to the ground and ceiling.
2. a lightweight frame that can support the weight of the game training logic
system, and the
backboard/rim assembly. Approximately 7 feet tall, and 2 to 3 feet wide.
3. A protective restraining material preferably a very small mesh material
that keeps the ball from
leaving the frame on rebounds, attached to the backboard and tightly wrapped
around the frame,
preventing the ball from escaping the frame.
4. The frame has an opening at the bottom to allow the user to lay inside and
operate the system. It is
spaced to allow generous mobility.
5. The system which encompasses the points keeping, the various game modes,
and the assistive
learning system (A.L.S).
6. Mounted preferably on the backboard the system displays points totals back
to the player laying
within the frame. It also sounds instructional feedback to assist the player.
7. A system to change the previously mentioned systems modes. It can extend
all the way to the player
within the frame to allow easy access.
8. A lightweight custom sized rubber ball to be used on the apparatus.
As described in FIGURE 1 The backboard and rim assembly is at a novel position
which is parallel to
the ground. The positioning of this allows the player to use gravity as an
assistant to add resistance to
the trajectory of the ball being shot up and down within the frame. This
mimics the difficulty and arm
strength needed for a long range shot within the apparatus. Because of this
realism of shooting a regular
shot, many possibilities arise such as being able to train a player's off hand
with the same technique for
shooting efficiently. FIGURE 2 shows the suggested positioning of the frame
parts. This frame is light
enough to allow a single person to move it around yet sturdy enough to allow
for longevity. The
apparatus dimensions will allow it to fit within a moderately small room with
a regular size ceiling for
convenience of practice location. It can also be disassembled for re-
positioning but like aforementioned
is light enough to move and slide around. As shown in FIGURE 4 the frame has
an area for the player
to lay in. The player should have his whole upper body up to waist within this
area with the player's
legs and lower body outside of the frame. Laying in this position the player
will shoot the ball up
against gravity into the rim, and try to score points, or practice their
technique with the assistive
learning system(A.L.S).
The A.L.S with reference to FIGURE 5-6. A motion tracking system is provided
according to an
embodiment. The system includes at least one optical instrument that is
pointed toward the user.
Preferably, the optical instrument can record moving images in addition to
still images.
Date recue/Received Date 2020-04-07

In the present embodiment the system of one or more optical instruments
captures the movement of the
arms, wrists and hands of the user. The images are used to compare the user's
execution of the activity
to a baseline or norm, in order to give them feedback on their shooting
technique.
First, the images are digitally transmitted to a computer where they are used
as an input to a statistical,
analytical or artificially intelligent model. This model infers from the
images the angular position,
angular velocity and angular acceleration of the user's upper arms, forearms
and hands. Then, a second
model uses the output of the first model as input, comparing the user's
angular data to a baseline or
norm, and outputs the difference in angular position, angular velocity and
angular acceleration of the
user's upper arms, forearms and hands. The result from the second model is
then used to render an
animation, showing the user how similar or different their execution was
compared to the baseline or
norm. The visual rendering appears on a screen in front of the user, for
example, on the backboard of
the apparatus. In the visual rendering, the user's replayed movements are
superimposed on those of the
baseline or norm.
This novel shot practice position allows for shooting practice without the
need to use the lower body.
FIGURE 3 shows the protective restraining material that eliminates the need
for a rebounder or shot
return mechanism. The frame is small enough so that the player won't move from
the laying position to
retrieve the ball. As shown in FIGURE 5-6 the scoring and A.L.S system is
mounted at the top to avoid
damage from the ball. From the players laying position, FIGURE 7 shows the
system from which the
player can choose different game modes. The invention therefor provides a
novel way for someone
interested in basketball to practice shooting techniques in a comfortable
setting, or just have fun
shooting in a setting of their choosing.
Date recue/Received Date 2020-04-07