Basketball arcade game

Abstract

An arcade game includes a frame assembly selectively configurable between an expanded configuration and a folded configuration. The frame assembly includes a rear frame and a front frame connected by telescopic support columns, which allow the frame assembly to be shortened in the folded configuration and extended in the expanded configuration. Each of the front and rear frames includes a vertical support column that provides support for side netting and baffles defining the play area. Optionally, a front panel is hinged to the front frame. The front panel can be extended at an angle in the expanded configuration or positioned substantially parallel to the front vertical support columns to reduce the footprint of the frame assembly in the folded configuration.

Description

Basketball Arcade Game The present disclosure relates to arcade game systems. Sports games such as basketball, baseball, soccer, and archery are popular but can require a large amount of space to actually play the games. When the necessary space is not available, smaller-scale games such as mechanical arcade games can be used, which require less space and can be played with fewer people. Mechanical arcade games differ from electronic or video games in that they typically provide players with a target to physically throw or shoot projectiles at, such as a basketball goal. Mechanical arcade games can be set up for indoor entertainment, such as in a garage, basement, or in a game room. In some cases, when the game is not in use or when it is desired to move a mechanical arcade game, the game must be disassembled for storage. However, this process can be complicated and time-consuming because the game may include several different parts that must be disassembled. Furthermore, even when not in use, a mechanical arcade game may take up a large amount of floor space and may not easily fit into a small room for storage or fit through a door for convenient movement. Therefore, there is a need for improvement in this area. Certain embodiments include an arcade game system. The arcade game system may include a frame assembly. The frame defines a play area disposed between a rear panel and a front panel and elevated above the base. A goal, such as a backboard including one or more basketball hoops, may be attached to the rear panel. The frame assembly includes a rear frame comprising a pair of rear vertical support columns and a pair of horizontal rear telescopic support columns extending vertically forward from the rear vertical support columns. The frame assembly also includes a front frame comprising a pair of front vertical support columns and horizontal front telescopic support columns extending vertically rearward from the front vertical support columns. Each rear telescopic support column can be coupled to one of the front telescopic support columns to slidably attach the rear frame to the front frame. In some embodiments, the front frame can include a front panel hingedly attached to the front vertical support columns. The frame assembly is configurable in an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. When the frame is arranged in the expanded configuration, the distance between the rear vertical support column and the front vertical support column is greater than when the frame is arranged in the collapsed configuration. The method of moving the frame assembly of the arcade game from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration includes pulling the front frame away from the rear frame so that the front telescopic support columns of the front frame extend from within the rear telescopic support columns disposed on the rear frame. The front telescopic support columns are deployed from the rear telescopic support columns to increase the length of the frame assembly. The method of moving the arcade game frame from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration includes pushing the front frame toward the rear frame so that the front telescopic support columns of the front frame are pushed into the rear telescopic support columns of the rear frame. The front telescopic support columns are retracted into the rear telescopic support columns to reduce the length of the frame assembly. In some embodiments, a method for moving a frame assembly of an arcade game from a folded configuration to an expanded configuration may include unfolding a hinged front panel. The method may include removing fasteners from openings defined in hinge connectors that connect the front panel to vertical support columns of the front frame to allow the front panel to rotate on a hinge relative to the front vertical support columns. The front panel can be hinged outwardly relative to the front vertical support columns so that the front panel is positioned at an oblique angle relative to the front vertical support columns. Fasteners can then be inserted into different openings defined by the hinge connectors corresponding to the position of the front panel in the expanded configuration to secure the front panel at a desired angular orientation relative to the front vertical support columns. In some embodiments, a method for moving a frame of an arcade game from an expanded configuration to a collapsed configuration includes retracting a front panel by removing a fastener from an opening defined in a hinge connection that connects the front panel to a front vertical support column of the front frame to allow the front panel to be hinged relative to the front vertical support column. The front panel can then be hinged inwardly toward the front vertical support column so that the front panel is positioned substantially parallel to the front vertical support column. Fasteners can be inserted into openings defined by the hinge connection that correspond to the position of the front panel in the collapsed configuration to secure the front panel relative to the front vertical support column. Further forms, objects, features, aspects, benefits, advantages and embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description and drawings provided herein. For the purpose of promoting understanding of the principles of the present invention, the embodiments illustrated in the drawings will now be described using specific language. Nevertheless, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Any changes and further modifications in the described embodiments, as well as any further application of the principles of the present invention as described herein, are contemplated as normally occurring in the art to which the present invention belongs. An embodiment of the present invention is shown in great detail, but it is apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs that, for the sake of clarity, some features not relevant to the present invention may not be shown. Directional terms such as forward, rearward, top, bottom, etc., are used in this description with reference to the specific embodiments shown and are used for purposes of clarity. It should be appreciated that these terms are not meant to be limiting. The mechanical arcade game comprises a frame to which a backboard with a basketball hoop can be mounted. The shooting area is surrounded by a net on both sides and has a baffle at the bottom to catch the ball and pass it back to the player. The frame includes a series of support columns that form a rear frame, a front frame, and an optional front panel. The support columns extending between the rear panel and the middle panel are retractable to allow the length of the arcade game structure to be modified for when the arcade game structure is in use and when it is moved or stored. Casters or wheels can be included at the lower ends of the vertical support columns to allow easy movement of the game structure. FIG1 is a perspective view of an arcade game 10, which includes a frame assembly 15 selectively configurable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration (see FIG2 ). The length, L, of the frame assembly 15 increases as the frame assembly 15 is moved from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration. The length of the frame assembly 15 decreases as the frame assembly 15 is moved from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration. In the expanded configuration, the arcade game 10 defines a play area 90, or volume, and player positions 92 adjacent to and in front of the frame assembly 15. The play area 90 is demarcated by a baffle 94 and side nets 96 and 98, which help define the boundaries of the play area 90 and retain game objects, such as basketballs, within the play area 90 during use. In the collapsed configuration, the overall volume of the play area 90 is reduced, allowing the arcade game 10 to occupy less space when stored or to be easily moved to another location. A perspective view of the frame assembly 15 in an expanded configuration is illustrated in FIG3 . The frame assembly 15 includes a rear frame 20 and a front frame 50. A front panel 70 may be optionally hingedly attached to the front frame 50 so that the front panel 70 can pivot relative to the front frame 50. A backboard assembly 80 including a goal may be attached to the rear frame 20. 4 shows a perspective view of the rear frame 20. The rear frame 20 includes a pair of vertically extending parallel lower rear vertical support columns 22 and a pair of vertically extending upper rear vertical support columns 24 that are coupled to and aligned with the lower rear vertical support columns 22. In some embodiments, the upper rear vertical support columns 24 can be hingedly connected to the lower rear vertical support columns 22 so that the upper rear vertical support columns 24 can be rotated downward relative to the lower rear vertical support columns 22 to lower the height of the rear frame 20 when the arcade game 10 is not in use. The lower side cross-cutting support column 23 extends between the lower rear vertical support column 22 and keeps the vertical support column at a fixed distance interval. Similarly, the upper side cross-cutting support column 25 extends between the lower rear vertical support column 22 and the upper rear vertical support column 24 at the position where the lower rear vertical support column 22 is connected to the upper rear vertical support column 24. The rear frame support member 28 can be attached to the lower end of each of the lower rear vertical support columns 22 to provide a contact position between the rear frame 20 and the ground or the support surface where the arcade game 10 is located. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the rear frame support member 28 is a caster. The caster allows the frame assembly 15 to be moved more easily and can also be lockable in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the rear frame support member 28 can be a flat surface, which provides additional stability rather than increasing mobility. Side net connections, such as stakes 26, may extend from a top portion of each of the upper rear vertical support posts 24. These stakes 26 may serve as connection points for attaching the side nets 96, 98 to the rear frame 20 of the frame assembly 15. In other embodiments, other suitable connection points or fasteners, such as rivets, tabs, cotter pins, screws, bolts, hook-and-loop fasteners, ties, or other suitable structures, may be used in addition to stakes to attach the side nets 96, 98 to the rear frame 20. The rear frame 20 includes rear telescoping support columns in the form of a pair of parallel, horizontal outer tubes 30. Each outer tube 30 extends forward from one of the lower rear vertical support columns 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer tubes 30 extend substantially perpendicularly and forwardly relative to the lower rear vertical support columns 22. Each of the outer tubes 30 includes a hollow interior configured to receive a telescoping support column, such as the inner tube 60 of the front frame 50 (see FIG. 5 ). Base legs 32 extend downwardly from the front end of each of the outer tubes 30. Each base leg 32 includes a base pivot 34 that rests on the floor or other supporting surface of the arcade game 10. The base pivots 34 can help stabilize the arcade game 10 during play and during storage. In some embodiments, each base pivot 34 can be made of rubber or other resilient, high-traction material to provide protection for the base pivot 34 and prevent the arcade game 10 from sliding during use. In other embodiments, the base pivots 34 can be casters. Base transverse support posts 36 extend between the base legs 32 and provide stability to the rear frame 20. In some embodiments, base feet 32 ​​can be configured to be slightly raised so that base pivot point 34 does not contact the floor or support surface when frame assembly 15 is arranged in the collapsed configuration. This allows frame assembly 15 to be moved on rear frame supports 28 and front frame supports 58 (see FIG5 ) without increasing friction at base pivot point 34. When frame assembly 15 is moved from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration, base feet 32 ​​can be slightly lowered so that base pivot point 34 contacts the floor or support surface, providing stability to frame assembly 15. An angled support strut 38 extends between each lower rear vertical support strut 22 and the corresponding outer tube 30 as a support rod to provide additional support and rigidity to the rear frame 20. In the embodiment shown, one end of the angled support strut 38 is attached to the upper portion of the lower rear vertical support strut, and the other end of the angled support strut 38 is attached to the front end of the outer tube 30. A backboard assembly 80 can be attached to the rear frame 20 (see FIG6 ). The backboard assembly 80 can include a backboard 81 that spans between the upper rear vertical support columns 24 of the rear frame 20. One or more rings 82 can be attached to the backboard 81. In the illustrated embodiment, two rings 82 are attached side by side to the backboard 81. Other embodiments may include only one ring 82, or three or more rings 82. In some embodiments, different types of targets besides rings 82 can be used with the backboard assembly 80. As an example, the backboard assembly 80 can include a target for a soccer ball. In these embodiments, the backboard assembly 80 can be arranged so that a soccer ball that passes through the target is still thrown into the backboard 94 in the play area 90 and returned to the user. In other embodiments, the target can be a hole defined through the backboard assembly 80 to receive objects thrown toward the backboard assembly 80. 5 shows a perspective view of the front frame 50. The front frame 50 includes a pair of vertically extending lower front vertical support columns 52 and a pair of upper front vertical support columns 54 that are coupled to and aligned with the lower front vertical support columns 52. Front cross-support columns extend between the lower front vertical support columns 52 and maintain the vertical support columns at a fixed distance apart. Side net connections, such as stakes 56, may extend from a top portion of each of the upper front vertical support columns 54. These stakes 56 may serve as connection points for attaching the side nets 96, 98 to the front frame 50 of the frame assembly 15. Similar to the stakes 26 described above, in other embodiments, other suitable connection points besides stakes may be used for attaching the side nets 96, 98 to the front frame 50. Examples of alternative connection points may include rivets, tabs, cotter pins, screws, bolts, hook and loop fasteners, ties, or other suitable structures. A front frame support 58 is attached to each lower front vertical support column 52 to provide a contact point for the front frame 50 to the ground or other support surface on which the arcade game 10 is placed. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, each of the front frame supports 58 is a caster. The front frame 50 includes a pair of front telescoping support columns, shown as parallel inner tubes 60, which are part of the telescoping support column arrangement of the frame assembly 15. Each inner tube 60 extends rearwardly from one of the lower front vertical support columns 52. In the embodiment shown, the inner tubes 60 extend horizontally and are substantially perpendicular to the lower front vertical support columns 52. Each of the inner tubes 60 is sized to slide within a corresponding outer tube 30 of the rear frame 20. A U-shaped, hinged front panel 70 can be selectively connected to the lower front vertical support posts 52 at hinge connections 62 located on each of the lower front vertical support posts 52. The front panel 70 is formed by front panel cross support posts 72 that span between two front panel side support posts 74. The front panel 70 also includes lower supporting cross support posts 76 (see FIG. 6 ) that span between the front panel side support posts 74 and serve as support rods. The hinge connector 62 may include openings 63, 64 for receiving fasteners, such as pins, to secure the front panel 70 in a desired angular orientation. In some embodiments, additional openings may be included to provide additional options for the angular orientation of the front panel 70. A fastener may be inserted through any of the openings 63, 64 in the hinge connector 62 and a corresponding opening defined by the front panel side support posts 74 of the front panel 70 to secure the front panel 70 in a specific orientation. Each hinge connector 62 may include an opening 63 that corresponds to the angular position of the front panel 70 in the expanded configuration, so that when a fastener is inserted through the opening 63, the front panel 70 is secured in the expanded configuration. In addition, each hinge connector 62 may have another opening 64 that corresponds to the angular position of the front panel 70 in the folded configuration, so that the front panel 70 is held in the folded configuration, for example, perpendicularly and parallel to the lower front vertical support posts 52. When the frame assembly is in the fully expanded configuration, as shown in FIG3 , the rear and front telescoping support columns are extended. In this arrangement, the inner tubes 60 of the front frame 50 are positioned within the outer tubes 30 of the rear frame 20 so that only the rear or distal portions of the inner tubes 60 are within the respective outer tubes 30. The inner tubes 60 are still connected to the outer tubes 30, but the majority of their length is outside the outer tubes 30. This increases the length of the frame assembly 15 to a length suitable for play. FIG6 illustrates the frame assembly 15 in a partially collapsed configuration, wherein the length of the frame assembly 15 is reduced, but the front panel 70 remains in the extended position. As shown, the inner tubes 60 of the front frame 50 are slid and retracted into the outer tubes 30 of the rear frame 20, so that the majority of the length of the inner tubes 60 is disposed within the corresponding outer tubes. This reduces the length of the frame assembly 15 by at least the length by which the inner tubes 60 fit within the outer tubes 30. The reduced length of the frame assembly 15 allows the arcade game 10 to take up less space when stored and makes it easier to move the arcade game 10 in tight spaces, such as through doors or down hallways. FIG7 shows the frame assembly 15 in a fully collapsed configuration. In the fully collapsed configuration, the front panel 70 is rotated upward about the hinge connection 62 relative to the lower front vertical support column 52. In the embodiment shown, the front panel 70 is substantially parallel to the lower front vertical support column 52 and the upper front vertical support column 54. In this arrangement, the front panel side support columns 74 are each adjacent to and substantially parallel to a corresponding lower front vertical support column 52. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the outer tube 30 and inner tube 60 may be swapped so that the tube 30 extending from the rear frame 20 serves as the inner tube and fits within the outer tube 60 extending from the front frame 50 . A flowchart 200 illustrating a method for moving the frame assembly 15 of the arcade game machine 10 from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration is shown in FIG8 . In a first step 205 , fasteners are removed from openings 64 defined in hinge connectors 62 to allow the front panel 70 to hinge or pivot relative to the lower front vertical support column 52 . In a second step 210 , the front panel 70 is pivoted outwardly about the hinge connectors 62 relative to the lower front vertical support column 52 so that the front panel 70 is positioned at an oblique angle relative to the lower front vertical support column 52 . In a third step 215 , the front frame 50 is pulled away from the rear frame 20 so that the inner tube 60 of the front frame 50 extends from within the outer tube 30 positioned within the rear frame 20, increasing the length of the frame assembly 15 . In a fourth step 220 , fasteners are inserted into openings 63 defined by the hinge connectors 62 to secure the front panel 170 at the desired angular orientation relative to the lower front vertical support column 52 . A flowchart 300 illustrating a method for moving the frame of the arcade game 10 from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration is shown in FIG9 . In a first step 305 , fasteners are removed from the openings 63 defined in the hinge connector 62 to allow the front panel 70 to pivot about the hinge connector 62 relative to the lower front vertical support column 52. In a second step 310 , the front panel 70 is pivoted inwardly toward the lower front vertical support column 52 to position the front panel 70 substantially parallel to the lower front vertical support column 52. In a third step 315 , the front frame 50 is pushed toward the rear frame 20 to push the inner tube 60 of the front frame 50 into the outer tube 30 of the rear frame 20, thereby reducing the length of the frame assembly 15. In a fourth step 320 , fasteners are inserted into the openings 64 defined by the hinge connector 62 to secure the front panel 70 relative to the lower front vertical support column 52. While the present invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, it should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. It is understood that only preferred embodiments have been shown and described, and all changes, equivalents, and modifications that fall within the spirit of the invention as defined in the following claims are intended to be protected. 10: Arcade Game 15: Frame Assembly 20: Rear Frame 22: Lower Rear Vertical Support Column 23: Lower Cross-cutting Support Column 24: Upper Rear Vertical Support Column 25: Upper Cross-cutting Support Column 26: Stake 28: Rear Frame Support 30: Outer Tube 32: Base Support Column 34: Base Pivot 36: Base Cross-cutting Support Column 38: Angle Support Column 50: Front Frame 52: Lower Front Vertical Support Column 53: Front Cross-cutting Support Column 54: Upper Front Vertical Support Column 56: Stake 58: Front Frame Support 60: Inner Tube 62: Hinge Connector 63: Open Mouth 64: Opening 70: Front Panel 72: Front Panel Cross-Side Support Column 74: Front Panel Side Support Column 76: Lower Support Cross-Side Support Column 80: Backboard Assembly 81: Backboard 82: Ring 90: Playing Area 92: Player Position 94: Baffle 96: Side Net 98: Side Net 200: Flowchart 205: First Step 210: Second Step 215: Third Step 220: Fourth Step 300: Flowchart 305: First Step 310: Second Step 315: Third Step 320: Fourth Step H: Height L: Length Figure 1 is a perspective view of an arcade game in an expanded configuration. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the arcade game of Figure 1 in a collapsed configuration. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the frame of the arcade game of Figure 1 in the expanded configuration. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the rear frame of the arcade game of Figure 1. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the front frame of the arcade game of Figure 1. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the frame of the arcade game of Figure 1 in a partially collapsed configuration. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the frame of the arcade game of Figure 1 in a collapsed configuration. Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method of moving the frame of the arcade game of Figure 1 from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration. Figure 9 is a flow chart illustrating a method of moving the frame of the arcade game of Figure 1 from an expanded configuration to a collapsed configuration. 10: Arcade Games 20: Rear frame 90: Play area 92: Player Position 94: Baffle 96:Side Net 98:Side Net H: Height L: Length

Claims

1. An arcade game system, comprising: a framework component, wherein the framework component includes: A rear frame includes a pair of horizontal rear telescopic support columns, each of which extends forward, and wherein the rear frame includes a pair of lower rear vertical support columns and a pair of upper rear vertical support columns substantially perpendicular to the pair of horizontal rear telescopic support columns; a front frame includes a pair of horizontal front telescopic support columns, each of which extends rearward, and wherein the front frame includes a pair of lower front vertical support columns and a pair of upper front vertical support columns substantially perpendicular to the pair of horizontal front telescopic support columns; wherein each rear telescopic support column is telescopically coupled to one of the front telescopic support columns to slidably attach the rear frame to the front frame; a play area is defined between the rear frame and the front frame; a target is attached to the rear frame; and wherein the rear frame and the front frame are slidably configured such that when the rear telescopic support columns and the front telescopic support columns are extended, the frame assembly is in an expanded configuration, and wherein when the rear telescopic support columns and the front telescopic support columns are retracted, the frame assembly is in a folded configuration.

2. The arcade game system as described in claim 1, further comprising: a front panel; wherein, The front panel is attached to the front frame at a hinge connection so that the front panel can be hinged relative to the front frame.

3. The arcade game system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the hinge connector includes a first opening and a second opening, and wherein a fastener is configured to fit into the first opening or the second opening to prevent the front panel from hinged relative to the front frame.

4. The arcade game system as claimed in claim 2, further comprising: a baffle, wherein a first end of the baffle is attached to the rear frame and a second end of the baffle is attached to the front panel.

5. The arcade game system as claimed in claim 4, further comprising: a first side net, wherein the first side net is attached to the rear frame and the front frame; a second side net, wherein the second side net is attached to the rear frame and the front frame; and wherein, The first side net, the second side net, and the baffle define the boundary of the play area.

6. The arcade game system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first side mesh is attached to the front panel, and wherein the second side mesh is attached to the front panel.

7. The arcade game system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pair of upper rear vertical support columns are hingedly attached to the pair of lower rear vertical support columns.

8. The arcade game system of claim 1, further comprising: a pair of angled support columns, wherein a first terminal of each of the angled support columns is attached to each of the lower rear vertical support columns, and wherein a second terminal of each of the angled support columns is attached to each of the rear telescopic support columns.

9. The arcade game system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: one or more rings attached to the target.

10. The arcade game system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the front telescopic support columns is slidable within its respective rear telescopic support column.

11. The arcade game system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the rear telescopic support columns is slidable within its respective front telescopic support column.

12. A method of moving a frame assembly of an arcade game system from a folded configuration to an expanded configuration, the method comprising: pivoting a front panel of the frame assembly away from front vertical support columns of a front frame of the frame assembly; pulling the front frame away from a rear frame of the frame assembly, wherein the rear frame includes a pair of rear telescopic support columns, and wherein the front frame includes a pair of front telescopic support columns coupled to the rear telescopic support columns; sliding the front telescopic support columns and the rear telescopic support columns relative to each other as the front frame is pulled away from the rear frame; and wherein, As the front frame is pulled away from the rear frame, the length of the frame assembly increases.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: inserting a fastener into an opening in a hinge connector that attaches the front panel to the front frame to lock the front panel in a selected position.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the front panel is pivoted from a position parallel to the front vertical support post to a position at an angle to the front vertical support post.

15. The method of claim 12, further comprising: pivoting a pair of upper rear vertical support columns of the rear frame relative to a pair of lower rear vertical support columns to increase the height of the rear frame.

16. A method for moving a frame assembly of an arcade game system from an expanded configuration to a folded configuration, the method comprising: hinged a front panel of the frame assembly to front vertical support posts of a front frame of the frame assembly; pushing the front frame toward a rear frame of the frame assembly, wherein the rear frame includes a pair of rear telescopic support posts, and wherein the front frame includes a pair of front telescopic support posts coupled to the rear telescopic support posts; as the front frame is pushed toward the rear frame, sliding the front telescopic support posts and the rear telescopic support posts relative to each other; and wherein, As the front frame is pushed toward the rear frame, the length of the frame assembly is reduced.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: removing a fastener from an opening in a hinge connector that attaches the front panel to the front frame.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the front panel is pivoted from a position at an angle to the front vertical support post to a position parallel to the front vertical support post.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising: pivoting a pair of upper rear vertical support columns of the rear frame relative to a pair of lower rear vertical support columns to reduce the height of the rear frame.

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