Device for guiding and returning a ball

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (1) for guiding and returning a ball that is designed to be removably attached to a ring of a basketball basket (2).

Description

[0001] BALLOON GUIDING AND RETURN DEVICE

[0002] The present invention relates to a device for guiding and returning a ball arranged to be removably attached to a ring of a basketball hoop.

[0003] The devices for guiding and returning a ball that attaches or hooks onto a hoop of a basketball are well known from earlier art and to basketball players.

[0004] Shooting in basketball is one of the most important skills for basketball players, while also being the most time-consuming and difficult to develop. Indeed, to improve their shooting, players must improve their accuracy, consistency, and regularity, which requires a significant investment of time and personal effort.

[0005] To do this, basketball players must maintain a specific stance facing the basket and firmly grip the ball with both hands and fingers spread to ensure optimal control of the shot. Furthermore, their feet are shoulder-width apart for maximum stability, their elbows are aligned with their shoulders to provide a stable base for the shot, and this position must be maintained throughout the entire shot.

[0006] In addition to posture, concentration plays a crucial role for basketball players, allowing them to focus all their attention on the basket and eliminate surrounding distractions. Players must work on their aim, keeping their eyes fixed on the basket throughout the entire shooting motion, avoiding any deviation. Accurate aiming is essential as it directly influences the ball's trajectory; therefore, the player must consistently align their eyes, the ball, and the basket.

[0007] It is also necessary to work on strength and endurance in order to maintain a stable posture and be able to throw the ball with enough force to reach the basket, and this during the very numerous repetitions of training sessions.

[0008] Indeed, bending the knees is necessary to generate upward force, and the player must also synchronize leg and arm movements to propel the ball, maintaining aim and completing this movement with a wrist flexion to impart the necessary spin for a stable trajectory. The key to success in basketball shooting, as in any sport, remains the repetition of the correct movement to develop muscle memory, allowing the player to repeat the action precisely with each attempt. Furthermore, regular and consistent practice of these movements also improves confidence, coordination, accuracy, and efficiency, leading to improvements in both shooting technique and basket success rate.

[0009] The shooting arc is just as crucial as good movement for making a basket. Indeed, when the ball is released by the player, a shooting arc generally between 45° and 55° is preferred to maximize the probability of the ball going into the basket (Okubo, H., & Hubbard, M. (2006). Dynamics of the basketball shot with application to the free throw). A proper shooting arc allows the ball to pass over the rim of the basket with a trajectory that increases the effective basket area as seen from above. This reduces the margin of lateral error and increases the chances of the ball going into the hoop.

[0010] In doing so, we understand that making a basket in basketball is not easy and that making baskets continuously and almost automatically is even less so, requiring concentration, aiming, repetition and mastery of the shooting arc; thus, shooting training exercises are particularly repetitive and unpleasant, given that players must not only master the entire movement, but above all be able to shoot from different angles and distances on the basketball court.

[0011] Thus, players, whether amateur, semi-professional or professional, generally have to make several hundred shots in each training session, from different positions and angles, and unfortunately, unless another person retrieves and returns the balls, the player training spends more time retrieving balls than shooting, which negatively affects the shooter's rhythm and makes shooting practice less effective.

[0012] It also often happens that basketball players play or train alone on public courts, for example; in this case, the player also spends more time moving around the court rather than working on their shot, which negatively affects their training.

[0013] Therefore, ball guidance and return devices have been developed to allow users, players, and basketball players to minimize their travel time and maximize their practice and shooting training time. Prior art documents such as US6224503, US3917263, US10080944, and US4667957 disclose bulky, static devices that require considerable time and several people to install. Once installed, such devices are fixed and difficult to move. Furthermore, while such devices may offer certain advantages, they unfortunately hinder aiming and detract from the player's positive experience.

[0014] Thus, less bulky, more compact ball guidance and return devices have been developed, which try to obstruct the vision of the basketball player less.

[0015] For example, prior art document US5348290 is known to disclose a basketball guide rail that can be hung by means of fixing hooks to a basketball hoop ring.

[0016] Unfortunately, although such devices are more compact and less obstruct the player's aim during shooting drills, they could be improved, especially considering that the ring, the metal hoop of a basketball basket, is at a regulation height of 3.05 meters. Such devices require either several people to install or additional equipment such as a ladder, making them difficult for a single basketball player to use and install.

[0017] We know of this in this regard the document US2015 / 258404 which discloses a ball guidance and return device arranged to be removably attached to a basketball hoop ring, which includes a frame that can be easily manipulated by a player to reach the basketball hoop ring, an additional attachment ring arranged to overlap the basketball hoop ring, flaps to collect missed shots and a net ramp to return the ball to the user on a successful shot.

[0018] However, although these devices allow users, players, basketball players to reduce unwanted movements to retrieve the ball after a shot, they are still insufficient and have needed to be improved again.

[0019] There is therefore a real need for a ball guidance and return device designed to be removably attached to a basketball hoop, enabling athletes to improve their shooting technique. This device must be simplified, easy to install and remove for a single basketball player, and robust and durable. One objective of the present invention is to overcome, at least partially, the challenges and limitations of the existing technology.

[0020] In particular, one objective of the present invention is to provide a device that enables athletes and basketball players, whether amateur, semi-professional or professional, to improve their basketball shooting skills.

[0021] One objective of the invention is to enable the return of a ball to the shooter when the basket shot is successful and the ball passes completely through the hoop with an optimal trajectory of approximately 45° to 55° upon entering the hoop.

[0022] Another objective of the invention is to enable the return of a ball to the shooter when the basket shot is successful with a non-optimal trajectory, less than 45° or greater than 55° when entering the hoop or when the ball touches / ricochets off the backboard before entering the hoop, also called a "bank shot".

[0023] One objective of the invention is to provide a device that is easily transportable, whose installation and removal is easy and simple for a single basketball player, and whose orientation can be easily adjusted.

[0024] In particular, an objective of the present invention is to provide a robust and resistant device, adaptable to different types of basketball hoops (toroidal ring, rounded sheet metal ring, with rope net, chain net, or without net), while limiting the interference with the basketball player's aim so that the latter can follow the trajectory of the ball without hindrance.

[0025] The present invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by providing a ball guidance and return device arranged to be removably attached to a basketball hoop, comprising a first left lateral structure and a second right lateral structure connected by at least one first hoop extending in a substantially horizontal or oblique direction towards the rear and which includes at least one first means for attaching a ball return means, each of said first and second lateral structures comprising at least one gripping means extending in a substantially vertical direction downwards, at least one reinforcement and guidance means extending in a substantially vertical direction upwards for guiding a ball in said device, and at least one means for attaching to said basketball hoop.said device comprising at least one means for returning a ball arranged to be fixed to said at least one means for fixing said at least one first hoop and comprising at least a first upper part arranged to extend in a substantially vertical upward direction and at least a second lower part arranged to extend in a substantially oblique forward direction.

[0026] For the sake of clarity, the directions according to the present invention are understood, for example, when the device according to the present invention is in the position of use attached to a ring of a basketball hoop and consequently when a user, player, is facing the device and the basketball hoop.

[0027] Thus, when one looks, from the outside, at the situation in which the device according to the present invention is in its position of use, attached to a hoop of a basketball hoop, and facing them (the device and the hoop) a user, a player, is present, it is understood, for example, that:

[0028] The first left-side structure is positioned respectively on the left side of the device and the left side of the user.

[0029] The second right-side structure is positioned respectively on the right side of the device and the right side of the user.

[0030] The at least first arch extending in a substantially horizontal or oblique direction towards the rear, therefore extends horizontally or obliquely towards the rear of the device viewed from the front,

[0031] The first and second lateral structures comprising at least one gripping means extending in a substantially vertical downward direction, i.e. in a direction substantially towards the ground, between the device of the invention and the ground in the position of use; at least one reinforcement and guiding means extending in a substantially vertical upward direction, i.e. in a direction substantially upwards, away from the ground in the position of use.

[0032] At least one first upper part arranged to extend in a substantially vertical upward direction, that is to say in a substantially upward direction, away from the ground in the position of use,

[0033] The device comprises at least one second lower portion arranged to extend in a substantially oblique direction forwards, that is, in a substantially oblique direction forwards between the device in its operating position and the user facing it. The ball guidance and return device according to the present invention includes a structure that can be easily assembled and disassembled by a player and easily transported in a sports bag or attached securely and transportably via a strap or lanyard, for example.

[0034] Furthermore, when the device according to the present invention is assembled by the player, its installation and removal are also easy since the left and right lateral structures of the device include at least one gripping means extending in a substantially downward vertical direction. The player can then easily grasp the device according to the present invention with both hands, via the two left and right gripping means, and attach the device to the rim of a basket located at a height of 3.05 meters, using the respective left and right attachment means, without requiring the assistance of another person or a ladder. The attachment can be made to a basket with a rope net, a basket with a chain net, a basket without a net, a basket with a toroidal ring, or a basket with a sheet metal ring.The device thus adapts to a variety of basketball courts, whether public, municipal, or more professional. Similarly, when the user, the player, wishes to change, adapt, improve, rectify, or correct the orientation of the device according to the invention, they can easily grasp the two left and right gripping means and change the device's orientation.

[0035] In a particularly advantageous manner, the device according to the present invention is a device for guiding and returning a ball thanks to the synergy of, on the one hand, the left and right lateral structures respectively, each comprising a reinforcement and guidance means extending in a substantially vertical direction upwards intended to guide a ball in the device, opposite the gripping means extending vertically downwards, and on the other hand, at least one means for returning a ball which is fixed to the fixing means of the first hoop extending between the two lateral structures.In addition, the return means of a ball includes a first upper part which extends in a substantially vertical direction upwards and a second lower part which extends in a substantially oblique direction forwards, the return means of a ball functioning similarly to a ramp to direct the ball received during a successful basket towards the player.

[0036] Indeed, once assembled and in operation, the device according to the invention comprises a central part serving as a structure with the left and right lateral structures as well as the hoop connecting them and which extends in a substantially horizontal direction towards the rear or obliquely towards the rear, an upper part allowing the guidance of the ball passing through the hoop during a successful basket and guiding the ball in the device of the invention and towards its lower part, and a lower part receiving the ball previously guided and allowing the return of the ball towards the basketball player.

[0037] Thus, the device according to the present invention allows amateur, semi-professional or professional basketball players to improve their basket shooting practice and considerably increase the number of shots, consistency and regularity during training, ultimately improving and strengthening the positive experience of shooting training.Indeed, thanks to the left and right reinforcement and guidance means extending from the lateral structures, as well as the upper part of the ball return means which also extends upwards at the rear of the device, the device at its upper part has a U-shaped structure oriented in a substantially horizontal or oblique direction towards the rear allowing to guide a basketball which crosses the hoop whether during a shot with an optimal trajectory of 45° to 50° when entering the hoop but also when the basket is made with a non-optimal trajectory and which is thus guided by the lateral reinforcement and guidance means, for example less than 45° or greater than 50° when entering the hoop or even when the ball touches the backboard before entering the hoop ("bank shot").Thus, regardless of the angle at which the ball enters the hoop and its initial trajectory, the device of the invention advantageously guides the ball and prevents it from escaping to the sides. This contrasts with prior art devices where, even if the ball passes through the hoop, it can escape through the open sides of the device and therefore not be guided by the ramp.

[0038] Preferably, at least one means of reinforcement and guidance extending in a substantially vertical upward direction from each of said first and second lateral structures of the balloon guidance and return device according to the present invention comprise at least one additional first lateral wall and / or at least one additional second lateral wall.

[0039] Indeed, this has the advantage of providing at least one and / or at least two additional lateral walls, for example in the form of wings or fins, to better block and guide the ball entering the device during a successful basket and to guide it within the device and towards the return means to the player. Preferably, at least one additional lateral wall of the ball guidance and return device according to the present invention extends in a substantially horizontal direction forwards and / or obliquely forwards, and / or at least one additional lateral wall of the ball guidance and return device according to the present invention extends in a substantially horizontal direction backwards and / or obliquely backwards.

[0040] More preferably, at least one means of attaching to the ring of a basketball hoop of the ball guidance and return device according to the present invention extends from at least one first additional side wall of each of the first and second lateral structures, preferably at least two means of attaching to the ring of a basketball hoop extend from at least one first and from at least one second additional side walls of each of the first and second lateral structures.

[0041] Advantageously, at least one gripping means for each of the first and second lateral structures of the balloon guidance and return device according to the present invention is a telescopic gripping means.

[0042] More advantageously, the telescopic gripping means of each of the first and second lateral structures of the balloon guidance and return device according to the present invention includes at least one handle.

[0043] Indeed, this advantageously allows the device of the invention to have a first installation position in which the telescopic gripping means are in the unfolded or extended position facilitating installation to the hoop ring, and a second use position in which the telescopic gripping means are in the folded or narrowed position in order to reduce the discomfort and improve the aiming of the player, and to reduce the bulk of the device of the invention under the hoop in order to allow more movement of the player(s).

[0044] It is also envisaged that at least one gripping means for each of the first and second lateral structures of the ball guidance and return device according to the present invention will be foldable and / or removable and / or pivotable. This will reduce bulk, save space, potentially further free up the player's aim, while still allowing the device to be reached at arm's length when necessary.

[0045] Even more advantageously, the balloon guidance and return device according to the present invention further comprises at least a second hoop connecting the first left lateral structure to the second right lateral structure comprising at least a second means for attaching the balloon return means, preferably the at least a second hoop extending in a substantially vertical downward direction.

[0046] In particular, the second lower part of at least one balloon return means of the balloon guidance and return device according to the present invention is arranged to be fixed to at least one second fixing means of at least one second hoop.

[0047] This advantageously allows the ball return means of the device according to the invention to rest and be fixed both to at least one first hoop which extends in a substantially horizontal or oblique direction towards the rear, but also to at least one second hoop which extends in a substantially vertical direction downwards, thereby strengthening the robustness and resistance of the device of the invention, while allowing better adjustment of the angle of return of the ball towards the player.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, said at least one first hoop and said at least one second hoop are distinct from each other.

[0049] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, said at least one first hoop and said at least one second hoop are connected to each other, preferably by at least one left connecting part and at least one right connecting part.

[0050] Indeed, the said left and right connecting parts advantageously allow for the structural reinforcement of the device according to the invention.

[0051] More specifically, at least one first hoop and / or at least one second hoop of the balloon guidance and return device according to the present invention is / are adjustable between a first closed position and a second open position via shear movements.

[0052] Indeed, advantageously, at least one first hoop and / or at least one second hoop of the device of the invention, being adjustable, for example elastically or deformably, allows the user to open and close the device via shearing movements. For example, by grasping the gripping means and performing an inward shearing movement, thanks to the adjustability, elasticity, and deformability of the first and / or second hoop, the device's attachment means will move outward, allowing the user to pass over the hoop and then perform an outward shearing movement to bring the attachment means inward and thus hook the device onto the hoop of a basketball hoop, and conversely to easily remove the device from the hoop.Similarly, adjustable properties, for example elastic or deformable, allow the device of the invention to open up in order to hook onto the ring of a basketball hoop and then return to its first closed position.

[0053] Advantageously, at least one means of returning a balloon of the balloon guidance and return device according to the present invention is chosen from the group comprising at least one solid ramp, at least two solid ramps, at least one ramp comprising a series of openings, at least two ramps comprising a series of openings, at least one ramp comprising a net, at least two ramps comprising a net, a series of tubes, a series of interconnected tubes, at least two interconnected tubes, at least four interconnected tubes, and their combination.

[0054] Preferably, at least one return means of a balloon of the device according to the invention is at least four interconnected tubes, respectively two interconnected tubes left and two interconnected tubes right.

[0055] This has the advantage of considerably limiting visual discomfort for the player, while ensuring guidance and return of the ball to the user.

[0056] More advantageously, at least one return means of a balloon of the balloon guidance and return device according to the present invention has a substantially concave shape about a vertical plane, preferably at least a first upper part of the at least one return means of a balloon has a substantially concave shape about a vertical plane and at least a second lower part of the at least one return means of a balloon has a substantially convex shape about a vertical plane.

[0057] More specifically, at least one return means of a balloon of the device according to the invention has a substantially concave shape about a horizontal plane.

[0058] Thus, when viewed from the front of the device according to the invention, and more particularly the balloon return means, the middle of this return means is deeper along its entire vertical length. This allows it to have the shape of a groove with raised edges to center the balloon during its descent. Even more specifically, at least one balloon return means of the balloon guidance and return device according to the present invention comprises a coating and / or an adhesive material.

[0059] Indeed, advantageously, at least one means of returning the ball helps to promote the positive experience of the player in that the more perfect the shot with a good trajectory, the more quickly the ball will be returned to the player, this being made possible thanks to the substantially concave shape along a vertical plane of the first upper part and the substantially convex shape along a vertical plane of the second lower part of the means of returning the ball, allowing an acceleration of the ball during its passage through the device of the invention and its return to the user.

[0060] Furthermore, the ball return mechanism of the device according to the invention, comprising an adhesive coating, ensures good ball grip so that it not only slides along the return mechanism but also spins, thus accelerating and improving its return to the player. This, in turn, improves the quality of the ball's return to the player as well as its bounce on the ground.

[0061] Advantageously, at least one means of attaching the ball guidance and return device according to the present invention to the ring of a basketball hoop comprises a coating and / or an adhesive and protective material.

[0062] This helps to cushion the shocks between the device of the invention and the ring of the basket, thus improving the robustness and longevity of the device according to the invention.

[0063] In an advantageous embodiment according to the present invention, the balloon guidance and return device comprises an electronic system which includes a series of sensors detecting and recording data generated by contacts between the device and a balloon.

[0064] Furthermore, the electronic system of the balloon guidance and return device according to the invention includes a processor, a memory and a transmission means arranged to communicate with a means for receiving data generated by contacts between the device and a balloon.

[0065] This advantageously allows the user, the player, to receive on their phone, via an application, the data generated during their training and use of the device of the invention, enabling them to monitor their performance and the improvement of their shooting technique. Preferably, the ball guidance and return device according to the present invention comprises at least one additional flap connected to said lateral structures and / or said reinforcement and guidance means and / or said attachment means, and which is arranged to be positioned above the rim of a basketball hoop to absorb the momentum of a basketball and direct the ball towards the inside of the hoop.

[0066] Alternatively, the device according to the invention includes at least one additional ring connected to said lateral structures and / or to said reinforcement and guidance means and / or to said attachment means, and which is arranged to facilitate the passage of a balloon that has been fired with an optimal entry angle into the ring.

[0067] Alternatively, the ball guidance and return device according to the present invention comprises a system of cushioning means such as foams, which are positioned or connected to said lateral structures and / or to said reinforcement and guidance means and / or to said attachment means, and which are arranged to be positioned above the rim of a basketball hoop.

[0068] This is with the aim of cushioning missed shots, ideally redirecting the ball into the hoop of the basketball hoop and into the device of the invention so that the ball can still be returned to the player, or allowing the player to reduce his movements to retrieve the ball whose shot was missed.

[0069] In a particularly advantageous manner, said at least one first hoop and / or said at least one second hoop and / or said means of fixing said means of returning a ball to said first and / or second hoop, include at least one shock absorber, for example a foam, an elastic means etc...

[0070] The aim of this is to increase the lifespan of the device according to the invention, and to cushion the shocks and impact of a ball during use.

[0071] Preferably, the device according to the present invention includes a weighting means. This allows for increased weight and stability when attached to the basketball hoop.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the return means of a balloon of the device according to the invention includes at least one means of accelerating the balloon.

[0073] For example, said at least one balloon acceleration means is arranged to increase the speed of movement of the balloon along the return means of a balloon and / or to increase the velocity and / or to increase the rotation speed of the balloon when passing through the device according to the invention.

[0074] Alternatively, said means of returning a balloon from the device according to the invention includes at least one means of propelling the balloon.

[0075] Indeed, it is particularly advantageous that the device according to the invention can accelerate the return of the ball to the user, allowing the user to adapt their distance to the basket and thus easily vary the type of training or exercise or distance, using the device of the invention.

[0076] Other embodiments of the balloon guidance and return device according to the present invention are indicated in the attached claims.

[0077] Other features, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description given below, by way of non-limitation and with reference to the drawings and examples.

[0078] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the device according to the invention seen from 3 / 4 front left.

[0079] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the device shown in Figure 1 attached to a basketball hoop. In the figures, identical or analogous elements are given the same reference numerals.

[0080] Figures 1 and 2 represent the guidance and return device of a ball 1 according to the present invention, respectively alone (Fig. 1) and attached to a ring of a basketball hoop 2.

[0081] In these representations, the device 1 comprises a first left lateral structure 3 and a second right lateral structure 4, which lateral structures 3 and 4 are connected by a first hoop 5 extending in a substantially horizontal direction towards the rear and by a second hoop 18 extending in a substantially vertical direction downwards. More particularly, the first hoop 5 and the second hoop 18 are adjustable between a first closed position (Fig. 1 and Fig. 2) and a second open position (not shown). This makes it possible to provide a deformable device 1 according to the invention, which can open in order to hook onto the rim of a basketball hoop 2 and then return to its first closed position as shown. Furthermore, each of the hoops 5 and 18 includes, respectively, two fastening means 6 and two fastening means 19 for reversibly attaching a ball return means 7.The left lateral structure 3 and the right lateral structure 4 include, in particular, a gripping means 8 and 9, which is a telescopic arm equipped with a handle, each extending in a substantially vertical downward direction. In order to limit the size of the device 1 according to the invention, save space, and free up the player's aiming area, the present invention provides that the gripping means 8 and 9 are foldable, removable, or pivotable.

[0082] Furthermore, the left lateral structures 3 and 4 each comprise, respectively, a left 10 and right 11 reinforcement and guide means extending in a substantially vertical upward direction, opposite to the gripping means 8 and 9. Each of the left 10 and right 11 reinforcement and guide means comprises a first additional wall 16 in the form of a fin extending in a substantially oblique forward direction, and a second additional wall 17 in the form of a fin extending in a substantially oblique rearward direction. Each of the left and right additional walls 16 and 17 comprises a hook-shaped attachment means 12, for a total of four hook-shaped attachment means 12 for removably attaching the device 1 of the invention to a hoop 2 of a basketball.Device 1, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, comprises a return means 7 for a ball, namely a left ramp in the form of two interconnected tubes with a central opening and a right ramp in the form of two interconnected tubes with a central opening. It is understood by the present invention that the return means 7 for a ball may be a series of solid ramps, a series of ramps with a series of openings, a series of ramps including a net, a series of tubes, interconnected tubes, or a combination thereof.

[0083] The two ramps left 7 and right 7, defining the return means 7 of a balloon according to the present invention, respectively comprise a first upper part 14 which extends in a substantially vertical direction upwards, fixed to the fixing means 6 of the first hoop 5, and a second lower part 5 which extends in a substantially oblique direction forwards, fixed to the fixing means 19 of the second hoop 18.

[0084] Furthermore, the upper portion 14 of the return means 7 of a balloon, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, has a substantially concave shape along a vertical plane, and the lower portion 15 of the return means 7 of a balloon has a substantially convex shape along a vertical plane. In addition, the return means 7 of a balloon has a substantially concave shape along a horizontal plane. Thus, the middle of the return means 7 of a balloon is deeper along its entire vertical length, creating a groove with raised edges to center the balloon during its descent.Furthermore, the ball return means 7 helps to promote a positive player experience because the more perfect the shot with a good trajectory, the faster the ball will be returned to the player, this being made possible thanks to the substantially concave shape along a vertical plane of the first upper part 14 and the substantially convex shape along a vertical plane of the second lower part 15 of the ball return means 7, allowing an acceleration of the ball during its passage through the device 1 of the invention and its return to the user.

[0085] Finally, the return means 7 of a ball from the device 1 according to the invention includes a coating and / or an adhesive material, making it possible to prevent the ball from slipping in the device 1 of the invention, but rather to cause the ball, when passing through the device 1 of the invention, to take on a rotational movement, increasing its speed, its rebound on the ground and therefore its effective return to the player.

[0086] In addition, the hooks 12 of the device 1 to the ring of a basketball hoop 2 include a coating and / or an adhesive and protective material to cushion the blows generated by the ball against the device 1 and to prevent damage to the device 1 which rests on the ring of a basketball hoop 2.

[0087] Although not shown in Figures 1 and 2, the device 1 of the invention may include an electronic system which includes a series of sensors detecting and recording data generated by contacts between the device 1 and a ball, for example the number of times the ball passes through the device 1 of the invention equivalent to a successful basket, or the number of times the ball does not pass through the device 1 of the invention equivalent to a missed basket, allowing the player to receive data and statistics on their training.

[0088] For example, the electronic system of the guidance and return device 1 of a balloon according to the invention, includes a processor, a memory and a transmission means arranged to communicate with a means for receiving the data generated by the contacts between the device and a balloon.

[0089] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be derived from the following non-limiting description, with reference to the drawings and examples. It is understood that the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described above and that many modifications may be made to it without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. A ball guidance and return device (1) arranged to be removably attached to a hoop of a basketball hoop (2), comprising a first left lateral structure (3) and a second right lateral structure (4) connected to each other by at least one first hoop (5) extending in a substantially horizontal or oblique direction towards the rear and comprising at least one first attachment means (6) for a ball return means (7), each of said first and second lateral structures (3, 4) comprising at least one gripping means (8, 9) extending in a substantially vertical direction downwards, at least one reinforcement and guidance means (10, 11) extending in a substantially vertical direction upwards for guiding a ball in said device, and at least one attachment means (12, 13) for said hoop of a basketball hoop (2),said device (1) comprising at least one return means (7) for a ball arranged to be fixed to said at least one fixing means (6) for said at least one first hoop (5) and comprising at least a first upper part (14) arranged to extend in a substantially vertical upward direction and at least a second lower part (15) arranged to extend in a substantially oblique forward direction.

2. A balloon guidance and return device according to claim 1, wherein said at least one reinforcement and guidance means (10, 11) extending in a substantially vertical direction upwards from each of said first and second lateral structures (3, 4) comprises at least one additional first lateral wall (16) and / or at least one additional second lateral wall (17).

3. A balloon guidance and return device according to claim 2, wherein said at least one first additional side wall (16) extends in a substantially horizontal direction forwards and / or obliquely forwards, and / or said at least one second additional side wall (17) extends in a substantially horizontal direction backwards and / or obliquely backwards.

4. A ball guidance and return device according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein said at least one attachment means (12, 13) for said basketball hoop (2) extends from said at least one first (16) and / or second (17) additional side wall of each of said first (3) and second (4) side structures, preferably at least two attachment means (12, 13) for said basketball hoop (2) extend from said at least one first (16) and from said at least one second (17) additional side walls of each of said first (3) and second (4) side structures.

5. A balloon guidance and return device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said at least one gripping means (8, 9) of each of said first (3) and second (4) lateral structures is a telescopic gripping means.

6. A balloon guidance and return device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising at least a second hoop (18) connecting said first left lateral structure (3) to said second right lateral structure (4) comprising at least a second attachment means (1) of said return means (7) of a balloon, preferably said at least a second hoop (18) extending in a substantially vertical downward direction.

7. A balloon guiding and return device according to claim 6, wherein said second lower part (15) of said at least one return means (7) of a balloon is arranged to be fixed to said at least one second fixing means (19) of said at least one second hoop.

8. A balloon guidance and return device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one first hoop (5) and / or said at least one second hoop (18) is / are adjustable between a first closed position and a second open position via shear movements.

9. A balloon guidance and return device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said at least one balloon return means (7) is selected from the group comprising at least one solid ramp, at least two solid ramps, at least one ramp comprising a series of openings, at least two ramps comprising a series of openings, at least one ramp comprising a net, at least two ramps comprising a net, a series of tubes, a series of interconnected tubes, at least two interconnected tubes, at least four interconnected tubes, and combinations thereof.

10. A balloon guiding and return device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said at least one return means (7) of a balloon has a substantially concave shape about a vertical plane, preferably at least a first upper part (14) of said at least one return means of a balloon has a substantially concave shape about a vertical plane and 19 at least a second lower part (15) of said at least a means of return of a balloon has a substantially convex shape with respect to a vertical plane. 1 1. A balloon guidance and return device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein said at least one balloon return means (7) has a substantially concave shape about a horizontal plane.

12. A balloon guidance and return device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein said at least one return means (7) of a ball includes a coating and / or an adhesive material.

13. A ball guidance and return device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein said at least one hooking means (12, 13) to said basketball hoop includes a coating and / or an adhesive and protective material.

14. A balloon guidance and return device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising an electronic system which includes a series of sensors detecting and recording data generated by contacts between said device and a balloon, preferably said electronic system includes a processor, a memory and a transmission means arranged to communicate with a receiving means the data generated by contacts between said device and a balloon.

15. A ball guidance and return device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising at least one additional flap connected to said lateral structures and / or said reinforcement and guidance means and / or said attachment means, and arranged to be positioned above the rim of a basketball hoop to absorb the momentum of a basketball and to direct said ball towards the inside of the hoop.

Images