Mini basketball game set

Abstract

Mini basketball game set, comprehensive - at least one mini basketball (1), - a mini basketball hoop (2) with a back wall (2.1), a ring (2.2) attached thereto and a net (2.3), and - a fastening means for attaching the mini basketball hoop (2) to a load-bearing structure indoors or outdoors, characterized in that the mini basketball (1) has a ball body (1.1) made of a rigid plastic foam and a thin-walled shell (1.2) made of an elastomer material enclosing the ball body (1.1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a mini basketball game set, comprising a mini basketball and a mini basketball hoop, which can be attached to load-bearing structures indoors or outdoors, for example to tables or doors.

[0002] In the field of recreational play equipment, various miniature versions of ball sports are known, intended for use indoors or in the home. These include, in particular, simplified basketball games that allow players to throw small balls at miniature baskets attached to walls, doors, or other structures.

[0003] US 2009 / 0115135 A1 discloses a mini basketball game that includes a backboard with an integrated hoop and net. The device is designed to be positioned on a tabletop or similar surface. The ball is thrown into the target, with an opening in the target area allowing the ball to be automatically returned. The known system can include additional components such as electronic effects, a display, or sound generation.

[0004] Such well-known game devices typically aim to replicate the basic principle of the game of basketball in a compact format. Miniature baskets with a backboard and net are often used, which can be attached to fixed or mobile surfaces. The balls used are also usually adapted in size and weight to the smaller playing environment.

[0005] The invention is based on the object of providing a mini basketball game set that enables particularly realistic, safe, and versatile play behavior on a smaller scale. In particular, a game ball is to be created that, despite its small size, exhibits a rebound behavior similar to that of a real basketball. Furthermore, a fastening solution is to be provided that allows flexible, reversible, and stable attachment of the game set to various load-bearing structures, indoors or outdoors, without damaging them.

[0006] This object is achieved by a mini basketball game set having the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments of the invention are set forth in claims 2 to 12.

[0007] According to the invention, the mini basketball game set comprises at least one mini basketball, a mini basketball hoop, and a fastening device. The mini basketball game set is designed for both indoor and outdoor use and can be attached to load-bearing structures. The mini basketball hoop consists of a backboard (also called a backboard or board), a hoop attached to it, and a net attached to the hoop. These components of the mini basketball hoop are arranged to replicate the typical appearance and function of a basketball hoop on a reduced scale. The fastening device provided serves to attach the mini basketball hoop, or more precisely the backboard of the mini basketball hoop, to a load-bearing structure.The fastening device is a device with which the mini basketball hoop can be attached safely, stably and at the same time reversibly, without the need for permanent installation or structural changes.

[0008] For the purposes of the present invention, load-bearing structures are understood to be components or surfaces that are sufficiently stable to bear the weight of the mini basketball hoop and reliably absorb the forces occurring during play, such as the impact of the mini basketball or slight tensile or compressive loads. These include, in particular, tabletops, door panels, shelves, furniture parts, parapets, railings, posts, or other suitable surfaces, whether indoors or outdoors. The decisive factor is not the type of structure, but its ability to enable the mini basketball hoop to be attached safely and functionally without causing damage or compromising stability. The invention is designed to utilize the widest possible range of such structures as mounting points.

[0009] According to the invention, the mini basketball has a ball body made of a rigid plastic foam. The ball body is enclosed in a thin-walled cover made of an elastomer material.

[0010] This design of the mini-basketball enables particularly realistic play behavior despite its smaller dimensions. The plastic foam body combines low mass with sufficient dimensional stability, so that when the mini-basketball hits the backboard, it rebounds similarly to a real basketball, without excessive cushioning or uncontrolled bounce. The thin-walled elastomer cover surrounding the ball body further contributes to the rebound by improving the surface elasticity. Overall, this results in an authentic rebound behavior of the mini-basketball when it hits the backboard, which replicates the game of basketball on a smaller scale in a particularly realistic and satisfying way.

[0011] The mini basketball's volume-stable structure, thanks to its rigid plastic foam construction, remains stable even with frequent use. This makes it particularly suitable for use in living rooms, children's rooms, or classrooms.

[0012] The thin-walled elastomer cover surrounding the ball body provides—in addition to adjusting the desired rebound characteristics—a pleasant feel and increased grip. Furthermore, the cover protects the underlying plastic foam from damage and has a positive effect on the ball's lifespan.

[0013] Another advantage of the mini basketball game set is the included mounting hardware for attaching the basketball hoop to a stable structure, indoors or outdoors. This mounting hardware is designed to allow for flexible and reversible installation. This allows the basketball hoop to be installed anywhere without the need for permanent attachment, for example, to tables, doors, shelves, or similar elements. This simplifies assembly and disassembly, increases the mobility of the mini basketball game set, and expands its possible uses.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fastening means comprises a support arm with a detachable retaining element. This design enables particularly simple, flexible, and tool-free attachment of the mini basketball hoop to a variety of load-bearing structures. The combination of support arm and detachable retaining element allows the game set to be mounted anywhere and removed without leaving residue after use, which is particularly advantageous for temporary use situations.

[0015] The removable mounting element of the support arm can be designed as a clamp or a screw clamp, for example. These mounting options are mechanically reliable, universally applicable, and ensure a stable mount for the mini basketball hoop even under repeated use. At the same time, they allow for damage-free attachment to furniture or other load-bearing structures, thus increasing the playset's suitability for everyday use.

[0016] The support arm can feature one or more articulated and / or telescopic elements. This allows the distance and angle between the mini basketball hoop and the respective mounting point to be adjusted. This not only improves adaptability to different mounting situations but also allows for individual height adjustment and alignment of the mini basketball hoop according to the spatial conditions or the needs of the players.

[0017] In particular, the support arm can be designed as a flexible arm or gooseneck. This design allows for continuous, manual adjustment of the mini basketball hoop to various positions without the need for additional mechanisms or locking devices. This facilitates handling and offers a high degree of flexibility when setting up the playing area.

[0018] According to a further embodiment, the rigid plastic foam of the ball body has a closed-cell structure. This structure results in particularly good dimensional stability and consistent rebound characteristics of the ball. At the same time, the closed-cell structure prevents moisture absorption, which improves the ball's suitability for changing environmental conditions and increases its service life.

[0019] The rigid plastic foam used to form the ball body can be expanded polystyrene (EPS), expanded polypropylene (EPP), or extruded polystyrene (XPS). These materials are proven, lightweight, dimensionally stable, and cost-effective. They enable precise ball body manufacturing and are characterized by a good weight-to-volume ratio, making for a particularly balanced and user-friendly playing experience.

[0020] The shell surrounding the ball body preferably has a wall thickness in the range of 0.01 mm to 0.5 mm. This thin-walled design ensures sufficient elasticity while simultaneously using minimal material. The selected wall thickness allows for good force transfer to the underlying ball body and contributes to the desired rebound and surface texture of the ball.

[0021] The cover can be made of natural rubber, silicone rubber, or a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). These materials offer a pleasant feel, good grip, and high elasticity. Furthermore, they are resistant to mechanical stress and environmental influences, resulting in increased durability of the mini basketball.

[0022] The mini basketball preferably has a diameter in the range of 30 mm to 80 mm. This diameter range ensures that the ball is easy to grip without compromising the quality of the game due to miniaturization.

[0023] According to a further embodiment, the mini basketball game set includes a timer for displaying or evaluating a countdown or game time. This opens up additional game modes and allows for the conduct of time-limited game rounds. The integration of such a function promotes the competitive nature and increases the gaming appeal, especially with multiple participants.

[0024] In a further embodiment, the mini basketball game set includes sensors for hit detection and counting, as well as a score display connected to the sensors. These components allow for automatic evaluation of the game and immediately visualize successful hits. This makes the game experience more interactive and motivating, which is particularly beneficial for children and in a family setting.

[0025] One game idea that can be implemented with the mini basketball game set, for example, is to score as many goals as possible within a certain time. The player positions themselves at a fixed distance of approximately ten feet (approximately three meters) in front of the mini basketball hoop. The goal is to score as many goals as possible within a set period of 30 seconds. The player has ten shots to achieve this. The mini basketball game set can include several of the mini basketballs, for example ten, to ensure uninterrupted play. The number of successful goals within the specified time period is counted and determines the game score. The game idea can be implemented both in single player mode and in competition with several people.Thanks to the fixed distance and time limit, the game combines precision, speed, and concentration in a simple yet dynamic game variant suitable for both children and adults. By using optional electronic components such as a timer and hit detection, the game can be made even more automated and interactive.

[0026] The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments and with reference to the schematic drawings, wherein identical or similar features are provided with the same reference numerals; in this case: Fig. 1: a first version of the mini basketball game set in perspective view, Fig. 2: a version of the mini-basketball in partially cut-away perspective view and Fig. 3: a second version of the mini basketball game set in perspective view.

[0027] The mini basketball game set according to the Fig. The first embodiment shown in Figure 1 comprises a mini basketball 1 and a mini basketball hoop 2. The mini basketball hoop 2 consists of the back wall 2.1, the hoop 2.2 attached to the back wall 2.1, and the net 2.3 attached to the hoop 2.2. The mini basketball 1 and the mini basketball hoop 2 are visually modeled after a conventional basketball and a conventional basketball hoop.

[0028] The mini basketball hoop 2, in particular its back wall 2.1, is attached to the table 4 via the support arm 3, which forms the fastening means. The attachment to the table 4 is achieved by means of the holding element 3.1 of the support arm 3, which is designed as a screw clamp. In this embodiment, the support arm 3 is designed as a flexible arm (also called a flex arm).

[0029] Fig. Figure 2 shows a partially cutaway perspective view of a version of the mini-basketball 1 to visualize the internal structure of the mini-basketball 1. The mini-basketball 1 consists of a ball body 1.1 made of a rigid plastic foam, in this case expanded polystyrene (EPS). The ball body 1.1 forms the structural center of the mini-basketball 1 and gives it its spherical or ball shape as well as the desired rebound behavior when it hits solid surfaces, in particular the backboard 2.1 and the ring 2.2 of the mini-basketball hoop 2. The ball body 1.1 is enclosed by the shell 1.2, which is made of a thin-walled elastomer material (rubber).

[0030] The Fig. The second version of the mini basketball game set shown in Figure 3 largely corresponds to the one shown in Fig.1. In contrast, the second embodiment comprises a rigid stand as holding arm 3 instead of a flexible arm, the stand base of which forms the holding element 3.1 for attachment to the table 4. List of reference symbols 1 mini basketball 1.1 Ball body 1.2 Shell 2 mini basketball hoops 2.1 Rear wall 2.2 Ring 2.3 Network 3 holding arm 3.1 Holding element 4 tables QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 2009 / 0115135 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Mini basketball game set, including - at least one mini basketball (1), - a mini basketball hoop (2) with a back wall (2.1), a ring (2.2) attached thereto and a net (2.3), and - a fastening device for attaching the mini basketball hoop (2) to a load-bearing structure indoors or outdoors, characterized by that the mini basketball (1) has a ball body (1.1) made of a plastic rigid foam and a thin-walled cover (1.2) made of an elastomer material surrounding the ball body (1.1). [2] Mini basketball game set according to claim 1, characterized by that the fastening means comprises a holding arm (3) with a detachable holding element (3.1). [3] Mini basketball game set according to claim 2, characterized by that the detachable holding element (3.1) is designed as a clamp or as a screw clamp. [4] Mini basketball game set according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized by that the holding arm (3) has an articulated and / or a telescopic element. [5] Mini basketball game set according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized by that the holding arm (3) is designed as a flexible arm or gooseneck. [6] Mini basketball game set according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the plastic foam of the ball body has a closed-cell structure. [7] Mini basketball game set according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by that the rigid plastic foam is made of expanded polystyrene, expanded polypropylene or extruded polystyrene. [8] Mini basketball game set according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by that the shell (1.2) has a wall thickness in the range of 0.01 mm to 0.5 mm. [9] Mini basketball game set according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized bythat the sheath (1.2) is made of natural rubber, silicone rubber or a thermoplastic elastomer. [10] Mini basketball game set according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by that the mini basketball (1) has a diameter in the range of 30 mm to 80 mm. [11] Mini basketball game set according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by that the mini basketball game set includes a timer unit for displaying or evaluating a countdown or game time. [12] Mini basketball game set according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by that the mini basketball game set includes a sensor system for detecting and counting hits and a hit display connected to the sensor system.

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