Basketball Shooting Skills Training Device

Abstract

A basketball shooting skills training device, known as the “box blocker,” is disclosed for improving a player's ability to execute unconventional bank shots. The device is an assembly comprising panels, brackets, and a coupling system that attaches to a basketball rim. When installed, the panels are strategically positioned to obstruct preferred bank shot areas of the backboard, forcing players to adapt and practice shooting off less conventional, unobstructed backboard areas. The front side of the panels is preferably designed to be generally convex and irregular to discourage bouncing the ball off the device itself. For installation, the device may utilize an accessory pole that couples to apertures in the brackets, allowing the user to easily position the coupling system onto the rim from the ground.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63 / 716,456, filed Nov. 5, 2024, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUNDField of the Invention

[0002] This disclosure relates to a sports training device, and more particularly to a basketball skills training device which couples to a basketball backboard assembly and helps players practice unconventional bank shots.Description of the Related Art

[0003] Numerous training devices exist for improving a variety of basketball skills. Often basketball players need to practice their shooting skills. One type of shooting skill is a bank shot, where the player shoots the ball off the backboard and into the hoop. The shooter has to practice understanding where the ball needs to bounce off the backboard to make the ball into the hoop. However, in some circumstances the player may not be able to bounce the ball off the backboard in the preferred area. In such circumstances, the player would be well served by having practiced making unconventional bank shots where the ball bounces off less-preferred areas of the backboard.

[0004] Unconventional bank shots may arise out of a variety of situations. Sometimes the player may be out of position or off balance while taking a shot. Sometimes a defender may be obstructing a shooter's view or path. Other times the shooter may be attempting to avoid a foul such as a double-dribble, causing them to attempt an unconventional bank shot.

[0005] The present invention helps basketball players train for unconventional bank shots by obstructing one or more preferred bank shot areas of the backboard with panels. The panels obstruct the preferred bank shot areas of the backboard, such that players must practice bank shots using unobstructed areas of the backboard. This practice causes them to think creatively about where they aim their bank shot and what kind of spin / trajectory they apply to the ball as they shoot it. Therefore, there exists a need for a training device which obstructs preferred areas of the backboard for bank shots such that they can practice unconventional styles of bank shot.SUMMARY

[0006] A basketball shooting skills training device, also referred to as the “box blocker,” is disclosed. The box blocker comprises one or more panels, one or more brackets. In preferred embodiments, the box blocker further comprises a coupling system. The brackets are attached or coupled to the panels. The brackets may be attached or coupled to the coupling system. The box blocker assembly of brackets, panels, and coupling system is coupled to a basketball rim.

[0007] In some embodiments, the coupling system is a magnetic coupling system. The magnets in the magnetic coupling system are attracted to the metal basketball rim. When the magnetic coupling system is properly positioned and coupled to the rim, the brackets hold the panels such that they obstruct the specific areas of the backboard that are commonly preferred for making bank shots. Players are thus encouraged to practice bank shots without using the obstructed areas of the backboard.Brackets

[0008] Brackets serve as the primary structural components of the training device, and they hold the panels in their desired location. In some embodiments, the brackets have two primary faces. The rim face of the bracket may be a substantially flat, horizontal face below part of a bracket. The backboard face of the bracket may be a substantially flat vertical face behind part of the bracket. The rim face may be more proximal to the coupling system. The backboard face may be more distal to the coupling system.

[0009] In some embodiments, these two faces of the bracket are formed by a horizontal member and a vertical member which are attached to one another. The rim face may be disposed on the bottom side of the horizontal member. The backboard face may be disposed on the back side of the vertical member.Two Bracket Version

[0010] In some embodiments, the bracket system comprises two brackets. In some two-bracket embodiments, the brackets may be mirror-images of each other. One side of the two-bracket system holds a panel over part of the left side of the backboard. The other side of the two-bracket system holds a panel over part of the right side of the backboard.

[0011] In some two-bracket embodiments, the left bracket and the right bracket each have mounting apertures passing through the horizontal member. The mounting apertures through the horizontal member of a left bracket may align with the mounting apertures through the horizontal member of a right bracket. The pattern of mounting apertures of the left bracket and the pattern of the mounting apertures of the right bracket may align when the horizontal member of the left bracket is overlaid above or below the horizontal member of the right bracket.

[0012] In some embodiments, the left bracket, right bracket, and the magnetic coupling system are assembled together by overlaying the horizontal member of the left bracket with the horizontal member of the right bracket, passing bolt hardware through one or more magnets, passing the bolt hardware through the aligned mounting apertures, and applying a nut fastener to the bolt hardware to hold the components together. The bolt hardware may be inserted from the top down or from the bottom up.

[0013] In other embodiments, the magnets may be configured with threaded holes, and the bolt hardware may thread directly into the magnets. In some embodiments, the bracket which is overlaid above the second bracket may have threaded holes such that a bolt may pass upward through the magnet, through the horizontal member of the lower bracket, and into the threaded hole of the horizontal member of the upper bracket.Panels

[0014] The training device has panels which are configured to obstruct preferred areas of the backboard. These panels may have a back side, a front side, and a plurality of lateral sides which span the distance between the back side and the front side. In some embodiments, each panel is a generally a rectangular prism shape. In preferred embodiments, each panel is a generally rectangular prism shape having a square shaped front side, also known as a cuboid shape. In some embodiments, the lateral corners of the panels may be rounded. In some embodiments, the edges of the front side of the panels may be chamfered.

[0015] In preferred embodiments, the back side is substantially flat. In some embodiments, the backside is pocketed to reduce the amount of material which makes up the panel. These void spaces are called pockets. However, in such embodiments, back side ridges follow a substantially flat plane.

[0016] In preferred embodiments, the front side of the panel forms a generally convex shape. The convex shape serves to discourage players from bouncing the ball off the front side of the panel. The front side may also be irregularly shaped, as opposed to a smooth form, to further discourage players from making bank shots which ricochet off a panel. In some embodiments, the irregular convex shape of the front side of a panel may be configured with a plurality of local peaks. The irregular shape of the panel's front side can cause ricocheting balls to bounce off irregularly. Players will need to bank their shots off of the exposed areas of the backboard if they want to have a predictable bounce for their bank shot.

[0017] In some embodiments, the front side of the panel may be pocketed to reduce the amount of material which makes up the panel. These void spaces are called pockets. For example and without limitation, the front side of the panel may be configured with a plurality of fins with empty space between the fins. The fins may be parallel to each other. These fins may follow a wavy, irregular, and / or generally convex profile such that if a ball is shot at the panel, it bounces off the ridges.Coupling Panel to Bracket

[0018] The panels may be coupled or attached to the bracket(s) in a variety of ways. In some embodiments, the panel may be adapted with one or more slots into which the vertical member of a bracket may be inserted. In some embodiments, the slots may be configured with an open face towards the back side of the panel. In some embodiments, when a vertical member is assembled with a panel and installed on the basketball backboard assembly, the flat backside of the vertical member may be disposed along the same plane as the back side of the panel. The purpose of the back side of the vertical member falling within the same plane as the back side of the panel is to enable the back side of the panel to be positioned close to the backboard.

[0019] In some embodiments the panel may be configured with mounting apertures. A panel may be coupled to a bracket by installing the bracket into a slot on the panel and inserting one or more bolts through the aligned panel mounting aperture and the bracket mounting aperture. The bolt may be secured with a nut.

[0020] In some embodiments, each of the two panels are identical to each other. In embodiments where the panels are identical, each panel may be configured with a second slot. The first and second slot may be horizontally oriented and they may be sized and located as mirror images of each other across a vertical plane through the panel.

[0021] In some embodiments, the vertical member of a left bracket may be inserted into the lower slot of a left panel, leaving the upper slot empty. In such an embodiment the vertical member of a right bracket may be inserted into the lower slot of a right panel, leaving the upper slot empty. In such an embodiment, the panels may be identical and interchangeable. In some embodiments, the bracket may attach or couple exclusively to the lower half of a given panel.

[0022] In other embodiments the left panel may be a mirror image of the right panel. In such an embodiment, the left panel and the right panel would not be identical and may not be interchangeable.Magnetic Coupling System

[0023] The one or more brackets may be coupled to the basketball backboard assembly in a variety of ways. In some embodiments, the bracket(s) may be installed on top of the rim. The “rim” in this context includes the circular hoop and the bracketry which attaches the hoop to the backboard. In other embodiments, the brackets may be coupled to the rim to improve the stability of the box blocker. In some embodiments, the brackets may be adapted with magnets which are magnetically attracted to the rim, thereby holding the box blocker in place when it is coupled to the rim. Magnets may be attached to the bottom side of the horizontal member such that they come into close contact with the rim. In some embodiments, magnets are attached to the bottom side of the horizontal member by passing the bolt hardware through the magnets as well as through the bracket or brackets. In some embodiments, the two brackets and the magnets may be held together using the same bolt hardware.Installation Pole

[0024] In some embodiments, the box blocker may be installed on a basketball backboard assembly by using a specialized installation device. The installation device may be configured with installation couplers. Installation couplers may take the form of hooks, each hook having an upward point towards the coupler's distal end and a saddle between the distal end and the installation coupler. The saddle may have a saddle width which is slightly larger than the width of the vertical member of a bracket.

[0025] In preferred embodiments, the installation device is configured with a female threaded fitting such that it may be coupled to a pole. For example and without limitation, the threads of the female threaded fitting may be configured to be coupled to painter's pole or a broomstick.

[0026] One or more brackets may be configured with one or more box blocker couplers. In some embodiments, the box blocker coupler may be one or more apertures through a bracket. The pattern of the box blocker couplers may match the pattern of the installation couplers on the installation device. In some embodiments, the box blocker couplers may be disposed through the vertical member of a bracket. When coupling the box blocker to the installation device the user may pass the installation couplers through the box blocker couplers and rest the bracket in the saddle of the installation couplers.Method of Installation

[0027] The user may then install the box blocker using the following method: 1) Coupling the installation device to a set of installation apertures, 2) lifting the box blocker up with the installation device, 3) moving the box blocker into its appropriate position, 4) lowering the box blocker such that the magnets couple with the rim, and 5) decoupling the installation device from the installation apertures.Dimensions

[0028] The box blocker may come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and positional configurations. In some embodiments, the height of each panel may be between 25 cm and 32 cm. In some embodiments, the width of each panel may be between 23 cm and 28 cm. In some embodiments, the distance between the inner edges of the two panels may be between 18 cm and 25 cm when the box blocker is assembled. In some embodiments, the distance between the outer edges of the two panels may be between 68 cm and 80 cm when the box blocker is assembled.

[0029] In some embodiments, 50% or more of the panels are disposed within the outer border of the shooters square. In some embodiments, between 20%-100% of the panels are disposed above the top of the basketball rim when the box blocker is installed on the basketball backboard assembly.Materials

[0030] The panels and the brackets may be made with a variety of materials. In some embodiments, the panels are generally made of plastic materials. In some embodiments, the brackets are generally made of metal, for example and without limitation steel, aluminum, etc. Otherwise, the panels and brackets can be fabricated in accordance with the level and knowledge of one having skill in the art.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] These and other features of the invention will become apparent to one having the ordinary level of skill in the art upon a thorough review of the following details and descriptions, particularly when reviewed in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:

[0032] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the Box Blocker installed on a basketball backboard assembly;

[0033] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a bracket;

[0034] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a bracket;

[0035] FIG. 4 shows a side profile view of a bracket;

[0036] FIG. 5 shows a front perspective view of a panel;

[0037] FIG. 6 shows a front perspective view of a panel;

[0038] FIG. 7 shows side profile view of a panel;

[0039] FIG. 8 shows a back perspective view of a panel;

[0040] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of an installation device;

[0041] FIG. 10 shows a side profile view of an installation device;

[0042] FIG. 11 shows a front perspective view of the box blocker being lifted with an installation device.

[0043] FIG. 12 shows a rear perspective view of the box blocker being lifted with an installation device.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0044] For purposes of explanation and not limitation, details and descriptions of certain preferred embodiments are hereinafter provided such that one having ordinary skill in the art may be enabled to make and use the invention. These details and descriptions are representative only of certain preferred embodiments, however, and a myriad of other embodiments which will not be expressly described will be readily understood by one having skill in the art upon a thorough review of the instant disclosure. Accordingly, any reviewer of the instant disclosure should interpret the scope of the invention only by the claims, as such scope is not intended to be limited by the embodiments described and illustrated herein.

[0045] For purposes herein, reference numbers are provided in the drawings for illustrating certain features of embodiments. Where distinct figures of the drawings utilize a shared reference number, it can be appreciated that the feature corresponding to the shared reference number is the same or similar, perhaps observed from a different view, or observed with respect to a different embodiment deploying the same or similar feature.

[0046] Now turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows the box blocker installed on a basketball backboard assembly (500). The two panels (200), a first panel (200A) and a second panel (200B) obstruct specific areas of the backboard (501). The inner edge (209) and the outer edge (210) of each panel are identified in FIG. 1 as well. The brackets (100) are coupled together and are supported by the rim bracket. Two magnets (600) are coupled to the brackets. The magnets are attracted to the metal rim bracket, thereby securing the box blocker to the basketball backboard assembly.

[0047] FIG. 2-FIG. 4 show a bracket from a variety of angles. The bracket comprises a horizontal member (101) attached to a vertical member (102). The vertical member has a front side (103) and a back side (104). The horizontal member has a top side (105) and a bottom side (106). When installed on the basketball backboard assembly, the bottom side of the horizontal member serves as the rim face (107), and the back side of the vertical member serves as the backboard face (108). Mounting apertures (109) are disposed through the horizontal member, and mounting apertures are disposed through the vertical member. Box blocker couplers (110) are disposed through the bracket, and they will serve as coupling points for the installation device (300).

[0048] FIG. 5-FIG. 8 show a panel (200) from a variety of angles. The panel is configured with a front side (201), which faces away from the backboard (501), and a back side (202) which faces the backboard. Lateral sides (203) span the distance between the front side and the back side. In this embodiment, the front side is generally convex shaped and configured with fins (206) which protrude out from the front side. FIG. 5-FIG. 7 show the irregular convex shape of the front side of the panel, with a plurality of local peaks (208) identified. The panel is also configured with a one or more mounting apertures (109) which pass between the front side and the back side of the panel.

[0049] The back side (202) of each panel is configured with two slots (204). When a bracket is inserted into a slot, some of the mounting apertures (109) through the panel align with some of the mounting apertures through the bracket. Bolt (401) and nut (402) hardware (400) may be installed through the mounting apertures. The back side of each panel is configured with a series of pockets (207) and ridges (205). The pockets are void spaces in the back side thereby reducing the overall amount material used to form the panel. The ridges are the raised features between the pockets.

[0050] FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 show the installation device (300). The installation device is configured with one or more of installation couplers (302). In this embodiment the installation couplers are hooks (306). The hooks have a saddle (303) between their upward point (304) and the greater installation device body. The saddle has a saddle width (305) dimension. The installation device is configured with a female threaded fitting (301) such that a pole (307) may be coupled to the installation device. The pole may be a painter's pole with male threads that couple to the female threaded fitting on the installation device.

[0051] FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 show the installation device (300) coupled to the box blocker. Magnets (600) are coupled to the bottom side (106) of the bracket. The box blocker may be lifted and placed on the rim bracket (502). The rim (503) rim bracket are shown in FIG. 1

[0052] The hardware may be obtained commercially. Alternatively, the hardware can be customized in accordance with the level and knowledge of one having skill in the art

[0053] Each of the components of the box blocker and related system described herein may be manufactured and / or assembled in accordance with the conventional knowledge and level of a person having skill in the art.

[0054] While various details, features, and combinations are described in the illustrated embodiments, one having skill in the art will appreciate a myriad of possible alternative combinations and arrangements of the features disclosed herein. As such, the descriptions are intended to be enabling only, and non-limiting. Instead, the spirit and scope of the invention is set forth in the appended claims.FEATURE LISTBracket(100)Horizontal Member(101)Vertical Member(102)Front Side(103)Back Side(104)Top Side(105)Bottom Side(106)Rim Face(107)Backboard Face(108)Mounting Apertures(109)Box Blocker Coupler(110)Panel(200)First Panel(200A)Second Panel(200B)Front Side(201)Back Side(202)Lateral Side(203)Slot(204)Ridge(205)Fin(206)Pocket(207)Local Peak(208)Inner Edge(209)Outer Edge(210)Installation Device(300)Female Threaded Fitting(301)Installation Couplers(302)Saddle(303)Upward point(304)Saddle width(305)Hook(306)Pole(307)Hardware(400)Bolt(401)Nut(402)Basketball Backboard Assembly(500)Backboard(501)Rim Bracket(502)Rim(503)Shooters Square(504)Magnet(600)

Claims

1. A basketball shooting skills training device configured to be coupled to a basketball backboard assembly comprising:a) One or more panels, each panel having a front side and a back side, wherein the back side is configured to face a backboard,b) One or more brackets, the one or more brackets configured to couple with the one or more panels, the one or more panels configured to obstruct the backboard,c) A coupling system, the coupling system comprising one or more magnets, the one or more magnets attached to the one or more brackets such that when the brackets are coupled to the basketball backboard assembly the magnets magnetically couple to a metallic rim bracket of the basketball backboard assembly.

2. The basketball shooting skills training device of claim 1, wherein:a) The one or more panels comprises a first panel and a second panel.

3. The basketball shooting skills training device of claim 2, wherein:a) The first panel and a second panel are identical to each other.

4. The basketball shooting skills training device of claim 1, wherein:a) The front side of the one or more panels is an irregular convex shape, having a plurality of local peaks.

5. The basketball shooting skills training device of claim 1, wherein:a) The front side of the one or more panels is adapted with a plurality of fins.

6. The basketball shooting skills training device of claim 1, wherein:a) The one or more brackets comprises two brackets, and the two brackets are mirror images of each other.

7. The basketball shooting skills training device of claim 1, wherein:a) The height dimension of each panel is between 25 cm and 32 cm.

8. The basketball shooting skills training device of claim 1, wherein:a) The width dimension of each panel is between 23 cm and 28 cm.

9. The basketball shooting skills training device of claim 1, wherein:a) The one or more panels comprises a first panel and a second panel, and the distance between the inner edge of the first panel and the inner edge of the second panel is between 18 cm and 25 cm when the box blocker is assembled.

10. The basketball shooting skills training device of claim 1, wherein:a) The one or more panels comprises a first panel and a second panel, and the distance between the outer edge of the first panel and the outer edge of the second panel is between 68 cm and 80 cm when the box blocker is assembled.

11. The basketball shooting skills training device of claim 1, wherein:a) 50% or more of each panel is disposed within the outer border of the shooters square.

12. The basketball shooting skills training device of claim 1, wherein:a) Between 20%-100% of each panel is disposed above the top of the basketball rim when the box blocker is installed on the basketball backboard assembly.

13. The basketball shooting skills training device of claim 1, wherein:a) The one or more brackets are adapted with a box blocker coupler, the box blocker coupler configured to couple with an installation device.

14. The basketball shooting skills training device of claim 13, wherein:a) The box blocker coupler is one or more apertures through a bracket.

15. A method for installing a basketball shooting skills training device on a basketball backboard assembly, the method comprising the steps of:a) Providing a basketball shooting skills training device comprising one or more brackets, one or more panels, and a coupling system, the one or more panels coupled to one or more brackets, the coupling system comprising one or more magnets attached to the one or more brackets, the one or more brackets further comprising a box blocker coupler;b) Providing an installation device having installation couplers which are configured to couple with the box blocker coupler;c) Coupling the installation couplers of the installation device to the box blocker coupler disposed on the brackets;d) Lifting the basketball shooting skills training device toward the basketball backboard assembly using the installation device;e) Positioning the training device such that the magnetic coupling system couples to the basketball backboard assembly;f) Lowering the training device such that the magnetic coupling system couples with the rim bracket; andg) Decoupling the installation device from the brackets.

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