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Ball return gameRelated Patent Categories: Amusement Devices: Games, Aerial Projectile Game; Game Element (e.g., Target, Etc.) Or Accessory Therefor Other Than Projector Or Projectile, Per Se, Target, With Electrically Actuated Or Operated IndicatorBall return game description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070176368, Ball return game. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATION [0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/407,691, filed Apr. 4, 2003, entitled BALL RETURN GAME by Catherine B. Lamberti, et al. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] 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. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] 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 U.S. patent application 09/643,394, filed Aug. 22, 2000, by the title of REBOUND WALL FOR BALL SPORTS. Electronic activation permits the wall to be used to record a scoring value. [0006] Children exercise 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 body workout. It would also be desirable to design a game that was entertaining to the children while at the same time producing fitness. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] A first basic embodiment of ball return game that utilizes a plurality of backboards located in a spaced apart and proximate 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. [0008] A further embodiment of the present invention is where the first basic embodiment is modified by the backboards being identical. [0009] A further embodiment of the present invention is where included within each backboard is indicia and specifically differentiating indicia. [0010] A further embodiment of the present invention is where the just previous embodiment is modified by the indicia taking the form of different shapes. [0011] A further embodiment of the present invention is where the indicia embodiment is modified by the indicia comprising different numerals within each backboard. [0012] A further embodiment of the present invention is where the first basic 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. Depending upon which player determining location is selected, the level of difficulty in playing of the game is altered. [0013] 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. Designed 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. [0014] 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. [0015] 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. [0016] 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 to a particular numerical value, and if that numerical value is struck, a certain scoring value will be displayed. [0017] The structure of the present invention is directed to a multi-station and structure led fitness program with emphasis on neurological efficiency, cardiovascular and sport skill training. The structure of the present invention is designed principally to be used by schools, health clubs, YMCAs, 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. [0018] 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. [0019] 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 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 motivating 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 coordination, and autism as well as other medical problems. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0020] 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. Continue reading about Ball return game... Full patent description for Ball return game Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Ball return game patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Ball return game or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Target rope Next Patent Application: Portable assembly for sports skill development or recreation and methods related thereto Industry Class: Amusement devices: games ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Ball return game patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.14677 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Electronics: Semiconductor , Audio , Illumination , Connectors , Crypto , 174 |
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