Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6299570
-
Patent Number
6,299,570
-
Date Filed
Thursday, October 21, 199925 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, October 9, 200123 years ago
-
Inventors
-
-
Examiners
- Donnelly; Jerome W.
- Amerson; Lori
Agents
- Naumann, Esq.; Adrienne B.
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 482 148
- 273 15 A
- 273 15 R
- 273 368
- 273 406
- 273 371
- 273 397
- 273 394
- 273 26 R
- 273 36 A
- 273 85 C
- 273 1052
- 273 85 R
- 273 85 E
- D21 48
- 108 131
- 108 133
- 473 497
- 473 447
- 434 248
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
The exercise apparatus the AB Challenger Apparatus, is an exercise device which is comprised of light cylindrical straight and curved components, which are easily assembled by the use of cylindrical joints. The apparatus described herein is particularly recommended for strengthening all abdominal muscles, serratus anterior, chest muscles, anterior deltoids, flexor groups of the hand and leg muscles.
Description
This application is related to U.S. disclosure documents 452,838.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
My invention relates to mechanical exercise devices which strengthen abdominal muscles as well as rib muscles. My device also effectively develops fine movement muscles of hands and feet, with basketball exercises of appropriate movement dimension. Specific muscles affected by my stationary apparatus include: rectus abdominal muscles, external and internal obliques and serratus anteriors, anterior deltoids and flexor hand groups.
In the past exercise devices have been physically more complex and do not lend themselves easily to use in a small space, such as the user's apartment. U.S. Pat. No. 4,974,832(Dalebout) discloses a machine for rowing-type exercises for a slant board. U.S. Pat. No. 3,958,806 discloses a barrel ball game with a plurality of spaced baskets. A series of manually actuated ball assemblies are arranged to place the ball towards one of the baskets.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,074,552(Gomez et al.) discloses a basketball-type apparatus with a hoop mounted to a backboard. The backboard is offset from a rotary drive system to carry the backboard and hoop through a horizontally disposed arc.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,035,423 (Arciniega) discloses a basketball training facility comprised of an enclosed area. There are also a ball return device, a selectively rotating basketball goal, and a track mounted motor driven carriage. U.S. Pat. No. 5,246,225 (Matherne et al.) disclosed a foldable arcade game apparatus and method by which games may be played using a ball and a support portion in an upright position.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,443,259 (Segal et al.) discloses a game apparatus with combines pinball, target bowling and basketball games in a single combined assembly. It has a common scorekeeping and control system.
The above described variety of machines do not maintain strength of specific muscle groups, using a mechanical device approach.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
My invention comprises a mechanical apparatus for exercising the rectus abdominal muscles, external and internal obliques, anterior deltoids and serratus anterior (rib muscles) with basketballs. This device also effectively exercises fine movement muscles such as hands and feet with balls of appropriate size.
In the preferred embodiment my exercise apparatus can strengthen all the abdominal muscles, by using the appropriate exercises. The muscles which are most benefitted are the rectus abdominis, and external and internal obliques. However, my preferred embodiment is also effective on neck and upper body muscle groups. These muscles include those of the upper body trunk such as: sternocleidomastoid, scalenes, upper trapezius pectoralis (major and minor), anterior deltoids, serratus anterior, triceps and flexor hand groups.
The preferred embodiment comprises three spaced basketball hoops with backboards. All three basketball hoops are equal in size and shape in the preferred embodiment, although different sizes and shapes are also within the scope of my invention.
This application is related to P.T.O. Disclosure Document No. 452838, Filed Mar. 11, 1999 by Edgar Lim, Re AB Challenger Exercise Apparatus.
The central basketball hoop adjustable linearly in an anterior/posterior direction. Each side basket is approximately sixty degrees from the center basket. However, these side baskets are adjustable to more or less than a sixty degree angle in all my embodiments.
Accordingly, one goal of my invention is to provide a practical means by which an individual can exercise numerous groups of muscles in a small area such as an apartment;
Another goal of my invention is to provide a cost-effective apparatus by which a person can use numerous exercise approaches to strengthen many groups of muscles simultaneously.
These goals and other advantages and the scope of my invention will become more apparent in the drawings and the detailed description of the invention, infra.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG.
1
(
a
): Top plan view of base of AB challenger invention (hereinafter invention).
FIG.
1
(
b
): Partial front view of invention.
FIG.
2
: Partial front view of invention with horizontal supports.
FIG.
3
: Partial side view of invention, with base, hand grip, vertical foot support bar, upwardly protruding basketball hoop support bar, and lateral basket support bar.
FIG.
4
: Partial front view of horizontal base bar, basketball hoop vertical rigid upwardly protruding supports and horizontal foot stand support bar.
FIG.
5
: Front closeup view of T-joint and horizontal basketball hoop support bar with metal pin.
FIG.
6
: Partial front view of base, basketball hoop upwardly protruding vertical support bars and vertical basketball hoop height adjustors.
FIG.
7
: Partial view of base, horizontal base bar, and vertical basketball hoop height adjustors.
FIG.
8
: Bottom plan view of base illustrating rubber grips.
FIG.
9
: Top plan view of base with upwardly protruding hollow cylindrical joints and accompanying support pads.
FIG.
10
(
a
): Front view of invention illustrating isolated swivel attachment.
FIG.
10
(
b
): Closeup view of swivel attachment with screw members and teeth tightened.
FIG.
10
(
c
): Closeup view of swivel attachment when loosened.
FIG.
11
: Front view of horizontal foot stand support bar and base and horizontal basketball hoop support bar.
FIG.
12
: Schematic partial front view of color coding bands.
FIG.
13
: Top plan view of center basketball hoop and anterior-posterior adjustor.
FIG.
14
(
a
): Front view of horizontal basketball hoop support bar with vertical height adjustors. FIG.
14
(
b
): Isolated front view of vertical basketball hoop height adjustor with adjacent upwardly protruding basket stand support bar.
FIG.
14
(
c
): Schematic representations of each vertical basketball hoop height adjustor bar with two linear sets of pinholes.
FIG.
14
(
d
): Schematic representation of metal pines aligned is with corresponding pinholes within each vertical basketball hoop adjustor bar.
FIG.
15
(
a
): Top plan view of basketball hoop with spring attachment and backboard.
FIG.
15
(
b
): Side view of basketball rim with ball, spring attachment and backboard.
FIG.
15
(
c
): Top plan view of spring attachment within basketball hoop base.
FIG.
16
(
a
): Top plan view of center basketball hoop with adjustable anterior-posterior attachment.
FIG.
16
(
b
): Front cutaway view of how pin penetrates hollow cylindrical support bar and anterior-posterior adjustor bar.
FIG.
17
(
a
): Isolated side view of basketball hoop mechanism for lateral adjustment.
FIG.
17
(
b
): Isolated front view of clasp connecting basketball hoop to front surface of corresponding backboard.
FIG.
18
(
a
): Isolated view of foot stand horizontal bar and vertical upwardly protruding foot stand adjustors.
FIG.
18
(
b
): Closeup view of pin alignment through two pinholes in vertical footstand support bar and vertical footstand height adjustor.
FIG.
19
(
a
): Schematic top plan view of upwardly protruding cylindrical hollow joints on base upper surface showing symmetry by phantom drawing on opposite side.
FIG.
19
(
b
): Isolated top plan view of joints for foot stand attachment, arm rest attachment and arm pad.
FIG.
19
(
c
): Isolated upper plan view of posterior base with upwardly protruding hollow cylindrical joints.
FIG.
19
(
d
): Isolated upper plan view of horizontal base bar with appending T-joints at each end of bar.
FIG.
20
(
a
): Front view of two upwardly protruding basketball hoop vertical support bars comprising vertical basketball hoop height adjustor bars within, and horizontal basketball hoop support bar.
FIG.
20
(
b
): Isolated view of lower support bar beneath upper anterior-poster support bar with common stem.
FIG.
21
: Isolated closeup front view of armstand and armgrip with base components in phantom.
FIG.
22
: Isolated view of vertical rigid upwardly protruding basketball hoop support bar and adjacent contacting upwardly protruding basket stand bar.
FIG.
23
: Front isolated view of upwardly protruding rigid basketball hoop height adjustor bars with pin/pinhole mechanism.
FIG.
24
(
a
): Side detailed view of swivel mechanism for lateral basketball hoop movement.
FIG.
24
(
b
): Side detailed view of joint and screw member structure.
FIG.
25
: Partial side view of anterior-posterior pinhole/pin mechanism for center basketball hoop.
FIG.
26
(
a
): Top plan view of upwardly protruding hollow cylindrical joint for hand grip(shown in phantom), elbow pad, and upwardly protruding hollow cylindrical rigid joint for foot stand.
FIG.
26
(
b
): Isolated side view of how arm grip pivots on two angled joints.
FIG.
27
: Isolated front view of horizontal foot stand bar and attached vertical height adjustor with pin/pinhole mechanism.
FIG.
28
(
a
): Isolated closeup partial front view of three basketball hoops with anterior-posterior length adjustor bar, common stem and lower anterior-poster support bar.
FIG.
28
(
b
): Isolated closeup front view of three prongs of basketball hoop attachment, horizontal support bar, and lower anterior-posterior support bar.
FIG.
29
: Schematic isolated representation of basketball hoop pivoting in an approximately vertical manner.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
My invention
1
(AB Challenger) is an amazing versatile exercise device which is assembled manually by color coded bands. Moreover, my invention is adjustable in two planes and fits easily within a small space, such as a room within an apartment.
My invention
1
has a base
2
with components comprising upwardly protruding vertical basketball hoop support bars
41
a
,
41
b
and upwardly protruding hollow cylindrical joints (generically
50
). There are also elbow pads
16
a
,
16
b
, vertical foot stand support bars
79
a
,
79
b
. Vertical basketball hoop support stands
83
a
,
83
b
which resist excessive posterior forces on my invention. There are also pivoting arm grip supports
75
a
,
75
b.
The second portion of my invention consists of rigid horizontal support bars which fit within specialized joints and attachments. There are also vertical and posterior-anterior height and/or length adjustors, as well as backboards
20
a
,
20
b
,
20
c
. There are basketball hoops
21
a
,
21
b
,
21
c
and attachments of basketball hoops
21
a
,
21
b
,
21
c
to horizontal basketball hoop support bar
19
. FIG.
1
(
b
) is a front view of the preferred embodiment of my AB Challenger
1
.
In the preferred embodiment of my invention
1
as seen in FIG.
1
(
a
), there is a base
2
. Elbow pads
16
a
,
16
b
are located on upper surface
3
s of lateral base support bars
13
a
,
13
b
. Rubber grips for wall protection
7
a
,
7
b
are located at posterior ends
5
a
,
5
b
of each of two connecting base segment members
3
c
,
3
cc
. As seen in FIG.
1
(
b
), elbow pads
16
a
,
16
b
are located anteriorly to upwardly protruding vertical basketball hoop support bars
41
a
,
41
b.
Hand grips
75
a
,
75
b
also appear anteriorly upon parallel anterior-posterior base bars
3
a
,
3
b
. Base bar
4
is integrally attached to parallel anterior-posterior base bars
3
a
,
3
b
with T-joint connectors
6
a
,
6
b
respectively.
Referring again to FIGS.
1
(
a
) and
1
(
b
), angled portions
12
a
,
12
b
of parallel anterior-posterior base bars
3
a
,
3
b
provides lateral support for entire base
2
and invention
1
generally. The significance of color banding
90
is to properly assemble appropriate parts of the invention , as discussed infra.
Again referring to
FIG. 1
, parallel anterior-posterior base bars
3
a
,
3
b
are integrally attached to horizontal base bar
4
.
Each upper surface
3
s of parallel anterior-posterior base bars
3
a
,
3
b
comprises rigid cylindrical upwardly protruding joints, generically referred to herein as upwardly protruding hollow cylindrical joints
50
.
Each rigid cylindrical hollow upwardly protruding joint
50
reversibly holds upwardly protruding vertical components of my invention, by securing at least one end of that component. Each rigid cylindrical upwardly protruding joint
50
is in turn a component of a generic t-joint connector
51
as seen in FIG.
1
(
a
). Each T-joint connector
51
is frictionally held in a predetermined location on base
2
or uponon other components, see infra.
Also integrally connected to ends
5
a
,
5
b
of each parallel anterior-posterior base bar
3
a
,
3
b
respectively, are T-joint connectors
5
c
,
5
d
respectively. Each T-joint connector
5
c
,
5
d
gives entire base
2
additional lateral support. Each of two second angled segments
12
a
,
12
b
further comprise elbow pads
16
a
,
16
b
as seen in FIG.
1
(
a
). Each parallel anterior-posterior base bar
3
a
,
3
b
has a first end
3
c
,
3
cc
and a second end
3
d
,
3
dd
respectively. Vertical footstand support bars
77
a
,
77
b
are also seen in FIG.
1
(
a
).
As seen in
FIG. 2
, adjustable horizontal footstand bar
22
with two opposing ends
22
a
,
22
b
connect to vertical footstand support bars
77
a
,
77
b
respectively by T-joints connectors
51
. Frictionally attached within each cylindrical upwardly protruding hollow joints
9
a
,
9
b
on each side of base
2
are upwardly protruding vertical rigid basketball hoop support bars
41
a
,
41
b
respectively, as seen in FIG.
3
.
Each vertical upwardly protruding basketball hoop support bar
41
a
,
41
b
, comprises vertical basketball hoop height adjustors
59
a
,
59
b
indicated in FIG.
1
(
b
). These adjustors change the vertical height of basketball hoops
21
a
,
21
b
,
21
c
, as explained infra.
Again referring to FIG.
1
(
b
), each upwardly protruding basketball hoop vertical support bar
41
a
,
41
b
has a T-joint connector
42
c
,
42
d
respectively at each upper end thereof. Between these two upper T-joint connects
42
c
,
42
d
is horizontal basketball hoop support bar
19
, which is parallel to supporting surface
8
.
FIG. 8
is a plan view of lower surface
2
c
of base
2
. In this view one still sees elbow pads
16
a
,
16
b
and horizontal base bar
4
. Hand grips
16
a
,
16
b
are comprised of foam rubber in the preferred embodiment. However, other appropriate materials such as generic velcro® or plastic are within the scope of my invention.
Horizontal footstand support bar
22
is approximately 3.125 feet in length and 3.25 feet from supporting surface
8
. Horizontal footstand support bar
22
has its first end
22
a
attached at first T-joint connector
51
and its second end
22
b
attached at second T-joint connector
51
.
All vertical components and base
2
are made of the same material in the preferred embodiment, which is off the shelf polyvinylchloride (PVC) piping. However, other materials, such as plastic, aluminum, stainless steel and wood are satisfactory and within the scope of my invention
1
.
Elbow pads
16
a
,
16
b
each are approximately 5 and ½ inch in length, seven(7) inches in width, and approximately 11(eleven) inches in depth.
FIG. 21
illustrates arm stand
75
d
and arm grip
75
a
.
FIG. 22
illustrates the relationship between vertical basketball stand support bar
75
d
and basketball hoop stand support bar
77
a.
FIG. 2
illustrates a second partial front view of my invention
1
in my preferred embodiment. There is a partial view of base
2
, as well as curved hand grips
75
a
,
75
b
which reach towards horizontal base bar
4
. Such vertical poles or bars are connected to base
2
by male-female joints
50
.
These vertical supports, in turn support horizontal basket stand support bar
19
, horizontal foot stand bar
22
and arm grips
75
a
,
75
b.
Referring again to FIG.
1
(
a
), integrally connected to and located interiorly and laterally from parallel anterior-posterior base bars
3
a
,
3
b
are doubled-angled extensions
13
a
,
13
b
. Double angled extensions
13
a
,
13
b
bend exteriorly at
17
a
,
17
b
to terminate in upwardly protruding rigid cylindrical joints
15
a
,
15
b
for horizontal footstand bar
22
.
At most anterior ends
3
d
,
3
dd
angled segment
12
a
,
12
b
are contiguously connected to, but located exteriorly to anterior-posterior parallel base bars
3
a
,
3
b
. Angled segments
12
a
,
12
b
give additional lateral support to invention
1
. Angled segments
12
a
,
12
b
give additional lateral support to invention
1
.
FIG. 9
is a plan view of upper surface
3
s of base
2
of my preferred embodiment. There are hollow cylindrical rigid upwardly protruding joints
50
, which in turn are physically integral components of prefabricated connectors for polyvinyl chloride piping. Hollow cylindrical rigid upwardly protruding joints
50
can be prefabricated as generic T-joints
51
. Connectors
51
and other connectors and fittings for polyvinylchloride pipe construction are available from:
Hollow cylindrical rigid upwardly protruding joints
50
can also be made of aluminum, other light metals, plastics with sufficient rigidity and strength, or other appropriate materials. Hollow rigid cylindrical upwardly protruding joints
50
are approximately four inches to six inches in height and approximately 1 and ½ inch in diameter in the preferred embodiment.
However, my invention also encompasses other heights and diameters of hollow cylindrical rigid upwardly protruding joints
50
. The requirement is that such joints
50
reversibly, but firmly receive a particular component in a male-female relationship. In the most preferred embodiment upwardly protruding hollow cylindrical joints
50
are components of these conventional prefabricated T-joint connectors
51
. Please see FIG.
9
.
PVC piping is generally hollow and approximately one and one quarter (1 and ¼″) inches in inner diameter in the preferred embodiment. However, such piping need not be hollow if it is not cumbersome or cost-prohibitive. Polyvinychloride (PVC)piping for the preferred embodiment can be purchased at:
Each PVC pipe comprising anterior-posterior base parallel bars
3
a
,
3
b
in my most preferred embodiment is approximately 18(eighteen) inches in length, and with a hollow inner diameter of 2 and ½ inches. However, diameters of different pipes in the structure of my invention may range from approximately 1 and ½ inches to approximately 1(one) inch.
Other prefabricated connectors include angled joints
52
for hand grips
81
a
,
81
b
,
80
a
,
80
b
, and four-member connectors
53
for other horizontal connections, as well as straight extension connectors
54
. Each prefabricated joint
52
has an angle of approximately 45 degrees at approximately the center of the connector.
The length of upwardly protruding vertical basketball hoop support bars
41
a
,
41
b
are approximately 11.25 inches. However, other lengths are acceptable in the preferred embodiments and other embodiments of my invention if:
(1) the baskets remain at an appropriate predetermined height and
(2) remain at the appropriate predetermined angle.
As seen in FIG.
1
(
a
), horizontal base bar
22
is connected to parallel anterior-posterior base bars
3
a
,
3
b
by angled segments
5
a
,
5
b
. Angled segments
5
a
,
5
b
are both approximately 10 and ½ inches long.
Each T-joint connector
51
is approximately 7(seven)½ inches long. Angled segments
5
a
,
5
b
are also reversibly physically connected to horizontal base bar
4
by 45 degree angled joint connectors
6
a
and
6
b
. Each angled segment
5
a
,
5
b
has one rubber grip
7
a
,
7
b
respectively for wall protection, and is comprised of PVC piping.
As seen in
FIG. 9
, end connectors
3
d
,
3
dd
of parallel anterior-posterior base bars
3
a
,
3
b
comprise rigid hollow cylindrical upwardly protruding joints
8
a
,
8
b
. Joints
8
a
,
8
b
support angled basketball hoop support stands
79
a
,
79
b
(not seen)respectively.
FIG. 9
also represents a top plan view of base
2
of my preferred embodiment without any vertical or upper horizontal members attached. The diameter of each rigid upwardly protruding rigid hollow cylindrical joint
50
is approximately 1 and ½ inches. Each upwardly protruding cylindrical rigid hollow joint
50
is approximately four to six inches in height.
Each anterior-posterior parallel base bar
3
a
,
3
b
also comprises at least one upwardly protruding cylindrical hollow joint
9
a
,
9
b
, and a third upwardly protruding cylindrical hollow joint
10
a
,
10
b
(in addition to upwardly protruding cylindrical hollow joints
8
a
,
8
b
).
As seen in
FIG. 3
in side view, immediately anterior to upwardly protruding hollow cylindrical rigid joints
9
a
,
9
b
respectively are upwardly protruding cylindrical rigid hollow joints
10
a
,
10
b
for hand grips
75
a
,
75
b
. Upwardly protruding rigid cylindrical joints
10
a
,
10
b
connect each hand grip
75
a
,
75
b
with two consecutive 45 degree angle joints
52
(specifically
80
a
,
80
b
,
81
a
,
81
b
). Each hand grip
75
a
,
75
b
also comprises an angled connector at the most distal end
75
c
,
75
d
as well.
Referring again to
FIGS. 3 and 9
, each of two bunge cords
11
a
,
11
b
respectively encircle each respective series of cylindrical hollow rigid hollow upwardly protruding joints:
8
a
,
9
a
,
10
a
, and
8
a
,
9
b
,
10
b
on parallel anterior-posterior base bars
3
a
and
3
b
respectively. Bunge cord
11
a
,
11
b
each is approximately ½ inch thick in the most preferred embodiment.
As seen in
FIG. 3
, each bunge cord
11
a
,
11
b
further comprises a hooks
11
e
,
11
f
, which connects ends
11
h
,
11
g
(not seen).
Each bunge cord
11
a
,
11
b
maintains posterior base
2
a
and anterior base
2
b
rigidly aligned. Bunge cords
11
a
,
11
b
further resist forces which tend to disrupt the invention's configuration. Heavy duty rubber bands are also satisfactory, but bunge cords with hooks is the most preferred choice.
FIG. 4
illustrates the relationship among: horizontal base bar
4
, horizontal cylindrical rigid upwardly protruding joints
15
a
,
15
b
, and upwardly protruding basketball rim vertical support bars
41
a
,
41
b.
Upwardly protruding vertical support bars
41
a
,
41
b
have upper ends term terminating as T-joint connectors
42
c
,
42
d
. The length of lower horizontal foot stand support bar
22
is approximately 3 and ¼ feet in my preferred embodiment. However, other lengths are also acceptable and within the scope of my invention. Specifically the length of horizontal foot stand
22
can vary according to the dimensions and weight of other components and still remain within the scope of my invention.
Each upwardly protruding cylindrical rigid hollow joint
15
a
,
15
b
is immediately adjacent to, but not physically connected with, upwardly protruding vertical basketball hoop support bars
41
a
,
41
b
. Each vertical foot stand support bar
77
a
,
77
b
is approximately one foot tall.
FIG. 6
is an isolated front view of upwardly protruding rigid hollow cylindrical joints
15
a
,
15
b
which connect to horizontal foot stand support bar
22
. Also seen are upwardly protruding vertical basketball hoop support bars
41
a
,
41
b
. Upwardly protruding vertical basketball hoop support bars
41
a
,
41
b
are each approximately 27 and ½ inches in height. Each upwardly protruding vertical basketball hoop support bar
41
a
,
41
b
is hollow and contains a vertical basketball hoop height adjuster
59
a
,
59
b
within.
FIG.
19
(
a
) illustrates the bilateral symmetry of the structure and design of base
2
as indicated in phantom. FIG.
19
(
b
) also illustrates the relationship between upwardly protruding hollow cylindrical joint
10
a
,
10
b
and upwardly protruding hollow cylindrical joints
15
a
,
15
b
. Joints
15
a
,
15
b
reversibly receive ends
22
a
,
22
b
of horizontal footstand support bar
22
with T-joint connectors
51
.
FIG.
19
(
c
) illustrates a portion of parallel base bar
3
a
with two upwardly protruding hollow cylindrical joints
50
within separate T-joint connectors
51
. FIG.
19
(
d
) illustrates a portion of the connecting structure of horizontal base bar
4
with extension connectors
53
and T-joint connectors
51
. Angled connectors
52
(at 45 degrees) are not seen in this view.
FIG. 8
illustrates base
2
in bottom plan view with location of circular rubber grips
63
a
,
63
b
,
63
c
, etc.(generically circular grips
63
). Each circular rubber grip
63
is approximately 1.5 inches in diameter in the preferred embodiment.
Each grip
63
is permanently affixed to lower surface
3
t
of base
2
with a suitable adhesive. The adhesive in the most preferred embodiment is known as P
4
PVC Cement, can be purchased from:
William H. Harvey Company
4334 South 67th Street
Omaha, Nebr. 68117-1019
Phone:402-331-1175; 1-800-228-9681
As of Jun. 1, 1999, P
4
PVC cement(product name HV P-4 Regular PVC Cement, chemical name PVC solvent cements)manufactured by William H. Harvey Company has the following physical characteristics:
1. boiling point: 146 degrees Fahrenheit
2. vapor pressure(mm. Hg): 86
3. vapor density(air=1)2.5
4. solubility in water: moderate
5. appearance and odor: slightly viscous clear liquid with ketone odor
6. specific gravity(H20=1): 0.9000
7. Melting point: NI
8. Evaporation rate(butyl acetate=1)5.7 Components of P
4
PVC cement comprise, but not exclusively, tetrahydrofuran, methyl ethyl ketone, and cyclohexanone.
However, other diameters and other shapes of such rubber grips are within the scope of my invention
1
. More or few rubber circular grips
63
are also within the scope of my invention. Circular rubber grips
63
prevent damage to furniture, floors and walls in a small residential living room in which my invention
1
may be located.
FIG. 11
illustrates base
2
, horizontal base bar
4
, horizontal basketball support bar
19
, horizontal footstand bar
22
, and arm grips
75
a
,
75
b.
Arm grips
75
a
,
75
b
each have two upper angled joints
80
a
,
80
b
and
81
a
,
81
b
respectively, and lower ends
82
a
,
82
b
respectively. Lower ends
82
a
,
82
b
rest on supporting horizontal surface
8
. Upper angled joints
81
a
,
81
b attach to straight segments
86
a
,
86
b
which in turn are inserted into upwardly protruding rigid cylindrical hollow joints
10
a
,
10
b
. Please see also FIGS.
26
(
a
),
26
(
b
). Arm grips
75
a
,
75
b
are oriented posteriorly towards horizontal base bar
4
.
As seen in
FIG. 3
, projecting upward from each anteriorposterior parallel bar
3
a
,
3
b
are upwardly protruding vertical basketball hoop support bars
41
a
,
41
b
with height adjustors
58
a
,
58
b
(not seen)respectively. Height adjustors
59
a
,
59
b
change the distance from horizontal surface
8
for basketball hoops
21
a
,
21
b
,
21
c
in a vertical up/down direction. Horizontal footstand support bar
22
also has mechanisms for vertical adjustment, see discussion infra.
Horizontal basketball rim support bar
19
is approximately 3 and ⅛ feet in length.
FIG. 6
is the front view of my preferred embodiment and how horizontal basket ball hoop support bar
19
is attached to upwardly protruding vertical basketball hoop bars
41
a
,
41
b
each by T-joint connectors
42
a
,
42
b
respectively. In
FIG. 22
, upwardly protruding vertical basketball hoop support bars
41
a
,
41
b
are seen in side isolated view.
Basketball hoop support stands
79
a
,
79
b
statically contact bars
41
a
,
41
b
, and oppose forces upon bars
41
a
,
41
b
respectively, thus maintaining equilibrium within my invention.
Referring to
FIGS. 4 and 11
, horizontal rigid basketball hoop support bar
19
lies beneath anteriorly protruding common stem
29
. Common stem
29
in turn comprises a pre-fabricated four sided connector
53
. Referring now to FIGS.
16
(
a
),
28
(
a
) and
28
(
b
). There are three prongs
31
,
32
,
33
, a central basketball hoop
21
b
, and two lateral basketball hoops
21
a
,
21
c
. Attached posteriorly to each basketball hoop is backboard
20
a
, backboard
20
b
, and backboard
20
c
, respectively.
As seen in
FIGS. 5 and 23
, T-joint connectors
42
c
,
42
d
are at either ends a,
42
b
(not seen) of horizontal basketball hoop support bar
19
. Screws with threaded stems
60
completely penetrate each T-joint connector
42
c
,
42
d
and each end respectively of horizontal basketball hoop support bar
19
. By penetrating each T-joint connector
42
c
,
42
d
and horizontal basketball hoop support bar
19
completely, screws with threaded stems
60
provide additional frictional resistance to downward forces on horizontal basketball hoop support bar
19
.
As best seen in FIGS.
28
(
a
) and
28
(
b
) my preferred embodiment comprises three basketball hoops
21
a
,
21
b
,
21
c
. Hoops
21
a
,
21
b
,
21
c
are indirectly attached to basketball hoop horizontal support bar
19
(not seen). Each basketball hoop
21
a
,
21
b
,
21
c
is connected to one prong
31
,
32
,
33
respectively through extension bars
35
a
,
35
b
,
35
c
respectively.
Each prong
31
,
32
,
33
in turn is physically attached to common stem
29
through a four opening prefabricated joint
53
. Anterior-posterior adjustment bar
95
moves central basketball hoop
21
b
linearly backwards and forwards (anteriorly and posteriorly). There is also swiveling means
70
for adjusting basketball hoop angular divergence for lateral basketball hoops
21
a
,
21
c.
As seen in FIG.
20
(
a
), each upwardly protruding vertical basketball rim support bar
41
a
,
41
b
comprises an adjustment bar
59
a
,
59
b
respectively for changing vertical height of basketball hoops
21
a
,
21
b
,
21
c
(not seen). FIG.
20
(
b
) illustrates in side view how common stem
29
and basketball hoop prongs
31
,
32
,
33
are supported by U-shaped lower basketball hoop support bar
67
.
FIG.
16
(
a
) is a top plan view of center basketball hoop
21
b
in my preferred embodiment
1
. Center basketball hoop
21
b
is retracted posteriorly or extended anteriorly with anterior-posterior adjustment bar
95
, shown here in closeup.
Referring to FIGS.
15
(
a
) and
15
(
b
), each of the three basketball hoops
21
a
(not seen),
21
b
,
21
c
(not seen), comprise a spring device
21
f
located at the bottom
21
g
of each basketball net
21
e
. Spring attachment
21
f
prevents a ball
100
from bouncing from any basketball hoop
21
a
,
21
b
,
21
c
and disrupting the routine of the operator.
As seen schematically in FIG.
15
(
c
), electric tape
21
k
secures and fastens spring attachment f onto elastic band
21
n
. Band
21
n
forms base
21
g
of basketball hoop
21
a
,
21
b
,
21
c
. Elastic band
21
n
comprises upper side
21
j
of velcro® to maintain elastic band
21
n
intact. Velcro can be purchased from:
Velcro U.S.A., Inc.
406 Brown Ave.
Manchester, N.H. 03103
Telephone: 1-800-225-0180
Fax: 1-800-835-2761
Velcro hook material generally comprises a base sheet material with stemlike projections. Suitable hook materials generally comprise approximately 300 to about 1000 hooks per square inch, preferably from about 700 to about 900 hooks per square inch.
Hooks have a height of from about 0.015 inch, preferably from about 0.024 inch to about 0.035 inch. The lower surface of the tape has a self-adhesive application.
Referring again to
FIG. 4
, each upwardly protruding vertical basketball hoop support bar
41
a
,
41
b
has upper ends
41
c
,
41
d
to which horizontal support bar
19
is connected by T-joint connectors
42
c
,
42
d
. Common stem
29
is physically oriented at approximately a right angle to horizontal basketball hoop support bar
19
.
Referring again FIGS.
28
(
a
) and
28
(
b
), common stem
29
(comprised primarily of four member prefabricated connector
53
) branches anteriorly into three prongs:
31
,
32
,
33
. Each prong
31
,
32
,
33
is hollow, and comprises further lateral attachments at their most distal ends. Each basketball hoop
21
a
,
21
b
,
21
c
is physically attached to each backboard
20
a
,
20
b
,
20
c
respectively by a particle board square
44
which is approximately ¾ inch thick. Basketball hoops
21
a
,
21
c
are adjustable vertically and horizontally. Central basketball hoop
21
b
is adjustable vertically and in a posterior-anterior direction.
Referring now to FIG.
17
(
a
), physically attaching each backboard
20
a
,
20
b
,
20
c
to extension bars
35
a
,
35
b
,
35
c
respectively are brackets
40
a
,
40
b
,
40
c
respectively.
A plastic clasp
48
a
,
48
b
,
48
c
is screwed into each backboard
20
a
,
20
b
,
20
c
respectively to attach each plastic basketball hoop
21
a
,
21
b
,
21
c
respectively securely thereto. Please see FIG.
17
(
b
). Each backboard
20
is attached to outward reaching extensions
35
a
,
35
b
,
35
c
respectively at each of their most posterior ends
36
a
,
36
b
,
36
c
. Please also see FIG.
24
(
a
).
FIG. 13
illustrates center basketball hoop
21
b
with backboard
20
b
. Prongs
31
,
32
,
33
are visible as well as anterior-posterior adjustor bar
95
.
Upwardly protruding vertical basketball hoop support bars
41
a
,
41
b
and horizontal footstand support bar
22
are adjustable in a vertical direction.
FIG. 5
illustrates vertical upwardly protruding basketball hoop support bar
41
a
, common stem
29
and horizontal basketball hoop support bar
19
. Common stem
29
protrudes anteriorly across horizontal basketball hoop support bar
19
.
FIG. 5
additionally illustrates a closeup front view of T-joint connectors
42
c
which is at ends
42
a
of horizontal basketball hoop support bar
19
. The same is true of end
42
b
with T-joint connector
42
d
in symmetrical orientation and construction.
Again referring to
FIG. 5
, common stem
29
physically traverses approximate midpoint
52
(not seen) of horizontal basketball hoop support bar
19
.
T-joint connectors
42
c
,
42
d
(not seen) provide resistance to downward force from common stem
29
. As seen in
FIG. 22
, lower ends
41
f
,
41
g
of upwardly protruding vertical basketball hoop support bars
41
a
,
41
b
reversibly yet tightly fit into cylindrical rigid hollow upwardly protruding joints
9
a
,
9
b.
FIGS.
7
(
a
) and
7
(
b
) illustrate a partial front isolated view of my basketball hoop vertical height adjuster bars
59
a
,
59
b
which are each are approximately 15(fifteen) inches in length.
FIG. 23
also illustrates a front view of vertical basketball hoop height adjustor bars
59
a
,
59
b
. Vertical height basketball hoop adjustor bars
59
a
,
59
b
are cylindrical bars, each with two sets of generic pinholes
57
,
55
and
58
,
56
respectively. Please also see FIGS.
14
(
a
) and
14
(
b
).
Generic pinhole sets
57
,
55
, and
58
,
56
are approximately 180 degrees apart in two linear alignments along the length of each adjustor bar
59
a
,
59
b
respectively. Each adjustor bar
59
a
,
59
b
, also slides into and from each upwardly protruding vertical basketball hoop support bar
41
a
,
41
b
, respectively. Each adjustor bar
59
a
,
59
b
has upper end
42
h
,
42
i
respectively, firmly but reversibly attached within interior
44
of each T-joint connector
42
c
,
42
d
. In addition, each adjustor bar
59
a
,
59
b
can be pulled from or pushed into interior
44
of each T-joint connector
42
c
,
42
d
in which each adjustor bar
59
a
,
59
b
terminates.
FIG.
7
(
a
) and FIG.
7
(
b
) is a front view of basketball hoop vertical height adjustor
59
a
,
59
b
. As seen in
FIG. 23
, each vertical basketball hoop height adjustor bar
59
a
,
59
b
is itself a bar with linearly and vertically aligned pinholes
57
.
55
and
58
,
56
approximately ½ inch apart. Each vertical basketball hoop adjustor bar
59
a
,
59
b
is slidably attached to hollow T-joint connectors
42
a,
42
b
and upper ends
41
j
,
41
k
of vertical upwardly protruding basketball hoop support bars
41
a
,
41
b.
Each vertical basketball rim height adjustor
59
a
,
59
b
contains pinholes
57
a
,
57
b
,
57
c
,
57
d
,
57
e
,
57
f
or
57
g
, etc. (generically pinholes
57
),
58
a
,
58
b
,
58
c
,
57
c
,
58
d
,
58
e
, etc. respectively (generically pinholes
58
),
55
a
,
5
b
,
55
c
,
55
e
,
55
f
, etc. (generically pinholes
55
) or
56
a
,
56
b
,
56
c
,
56
d
,
56
e
, etc.(generically pin holes
56
). Please see FIGS.
14
(
c
) and
14
(
d
). The opposite side of pinholes
57
comprise pinholes
55
a
,
55
b
,
55
c
,
55
d
,
55
e
, etc.(generically pinholes
55
), for example. in adjustor bar
59
a.
Vertical basketball hoop adjustors
59
a
,
59
b
are pulled vertically from within upwardly protruding vertical basketball hoop support bars
41
a
,
41
b
respectively.
Pinholes
57
,
55
, or
58
,
56
(generically) in each vertical basketball hoop adjustment bar
59
a
,
59
b
are approximately ½ inch apart in each linear vertical alignment. Each pair of pinholes
57
,
55
or
58
,
56
are approximately 180 degrees apart in linear vertical alignment on each adjustor bar
59
a
,
59
b
. Lower ends
41
e
,
41
f
of vertical upwardly protruding basketball hoop support bars
41
a
,
41
b
always remain within upwardly protruding hollow cylindrical joints
9
a
,
9
b
. More or fewer corresponding pinholes
57
,
55
, or
58
,
56
are also within the scope of my invention.
As seen in FIG.
7
(
b
) each corresponding vertical height adjustment bar
59
a
,
59
b
(not shown) is pulled to a predetermined desired vertical height. Referring now to FIG.
14
(
a
), to obtain this new predetermined vertical height, horizontal basketball hoop support bar
19
must be raised the same number of pinholes (assuming pinholes are as evenly spaced as possible and linearly aligned)on each upwardly protruding vertical basketball hoop support bar
41
a
,
41
b.
For example vertical basketball hoop adjustor bar
59
a
is manually lifted from upwardly protruding basketball hoop vertical support bar
41
a
, until the two appropriate pinholes in adjustor bar
59
a
appear just above upper end
42
i
of upwardly protruding vertical basketball hoop support bar
41
a.
The same procedure is followed for upwardly protruding vertical basketball hoop support bar
41
b.
A long metal pin with a rounded tip d is then manually applied and penetrates both pinholes
57
,
55
, or
58
,
56
in each adjustor bar
59
a
,
59
b
. In this position, each pin d rests upon each upper edge
41
i
and
42
j
of each upwardly protruding vertical basketball hoop support bar
41
a
,
41
b
. In this alignment, one metal pin
101
on each side of my invention is sufficiently strong to withstand the weight of horizontal basketball hoop support bar
19
as well as its attachments. Please see
FIGS. 14
d
,
14
e.
When height is to be increased or decreased to a new predetermined position, vertical basketball hoop adjustor bars
59
a
,
59
b
are again manually raised or lowered until appropriate pinholes
57
,
55
or
58
,
56
reach just above upper ends
41
i
,
41
j
of upwardly protruding vertical basketball hoop support bars
41
a
,
41
b
. Please see also
FIG. 23
(isolated front view of vertical basketball rim height adjustors
59
a
,
59
b
).
Again referring to
FIG. 23
, lower ends
41
e
,
41
f
of vertical upwardly protruding cylindrical support bars
41
a
,
41
b
are within upwardly protruding rigid hollow cylindrical joints
9
a
,
9
b.
With the aid of screws
6
, one of which is within each T-joint connectors
42
a
,
42
b
, horizontal basketball hoop support bar
19
, is now held at a new predetermined height.
FIG. 23
also illustrates how screws
60
are inserted through T-joint connectors
42
c
,
42
d
, and horizontal basketball support bar
19
for reinforcement at either end
42
a
,
42
b.
FIG.
10
(
a
) is a front isolated view of lateral basketball hoop
21
a
attachments. The same lateral attachment description applies to lateral basketball hoop
21
c
. Attached to each prong
31
,
33
is swivel member
70
which rotates lateral basket ball rims
21
a
up to approximately 90 degrees. Swivel member
70
comprises a swivel mechanism
73
which rotates basketball hoop
21
a
,
21
c
to a desired predetermined position. Extension bars
35
a
,
35
c
are physically contiguous with swivel adjuster
70
a
or
70
c
and slide reversibly into and exteriorly to swivel adjustor
70
a
or
70
c.
Each of the two swivel members
70
can rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to mechanically rotate basketball hoops
21
a
or
21
c
, as the case may be, to a new predetermined position. As seen in FIG.
10
(
b
) swivel member
73
has an upper surface
71
a
and a lower surface
71
b
. Screw member
74
a
is securely fastened to lower surface
71
b
. Screw member
74
a
penetrates lower surface
71
b
and upper surface
71
a
with its threaded stem
74
c.
When screw member
74
a
is manually twisted to become tighter in upper surface
71
a
and lower surface
71
b
, interlocking tooth members
72
a,
72
b
lock tightly together. Screw member
74
a
is loosened by manual rotation in the opposite direction. As screw member
74
a
progressively disengages from upper surface
71
a
and lower surface
71
b
, tooth members
72
a
,
72
b
disengage and allow slippage. Each screw member
74
a
loosens to allow extension bar
35
a
or
35
c
to rotate with screw stem
74
a
to a predetermined position for each lateral basketball hoop
21
a
,
21
c.
FIG.
17
(
a
) is an isolated side view of swivel adjustors
70
for either of each lateral basketball hoop
21
a
,
21
c
. Seen at the extreme left is prong
31
and common stem
29
. Common stem
29
is comprised of pre-fabricated four-member joint
53
, with each member having a hollow cylindrical interior
29
a
. Prongs
31
,
33
each extend from one joint member
29
b
or
29
bb
, and each enters a enters a 45 angle joint connector
52
and continues to swivel adjuster attachment
78
.
Swivel adjustor attachment
78
is bound firmly with electrical tape
72
b
, and four screws
29
f
,
29
g
,
29
h
,
29
i
(not seen) to swivel member
70
. Each swivel member
70
has a moveable joint
71
and tooth members
74
a
,
74
b
, described supra, for loosening joint
71
from a predetermined position.
FIGS.
24
(
a
) and
24
(
b
) illustrate in side view swivel attachments
70
for basketball hoops
21
a
or
21
c
. FIGS.
24
(
a
) a nd
24
(
b
) also indicate anterior posterior movement of extension bars
35
a
,
35
c
when screw
74
b
is tightened or loosened. Screw
75
loosens swivel adjustor
70
to allow extension bar
35
a
,
35
c
to slip from within swivel adjustor
70
to change anterior-posterior position.
An adjustable nylon flag bracket is adapted as the swivel and angle adjustors and can be purchased from Yard Works, Inc. Electrical tape can be purchased from:
Gam Pack Products Corporation
475 Blay St.
Hillside, N.J. 07205
The most preferred tape from Gam Pack is 7 millimeter premium grade all weather electrical tape which is ¾ inch by seven thousands inch by 66 fee.
Again referring to FIG.
17
(
a
) head screw
75
b
loosens to extend or retract extension bars
35
a
,
35
c
(with manual force). Screw
75
b
can then be tightened to keep basketball hoops
21
a
,
21
c
and backboards
20
a
rigidly in place in their new anterior-posterior positions.
FIG.
18
(
a
) is partial isolated view of horizontal foot stand support bar
22
and base
2
. Generic pinholes
61
,
62
in each vertical footstand adjustor support bar
63
,
64
respectively tare in vertical linear alignment. Consecutive pinholes
61
,
62
in alignment are approximately ½ inch apart in the preferred embodiment. Please also see FIG.
27
. Horizontal footstand bar
22
is approximately 36 and ¼ inches in length in the most preferred embodiment.
Each of two T-joint connectors
51
physically attach horizontal footstand support bar
22
to each upper end
63
a
,
64
a
of each vertical footstand adjustor
63
,
64
. Vertical footstand height adjustor support bars
63
,
64
are each approximately fifteen inches long vertically. Each vertical footstand adjustor bar
63
,
64
has vertically aligned pinholes
61
a
,
61
b
,
61
c
, etc.(generically
61
) and
62
a
,
62
b
,
62
c
, etc.(generically
62
)respectively. Universal pinholes
65
a
,
65
b
, are apertures drilled through each front and lateral side
64
a
,
64
b
respectively of each vertical footstand support bar
77
a
,
77
b
respectively.
Referring now to FIG.
18
(
b
), to modify the height of horizontal footstand support bar
22
, each vertical footstand adjuster bar is manually pulled from within each vertical footstand support bar
77
a
,
77
b
, to a new height.
At the desired predetermined height, one pinhole
61
,
62
emerging from each vertical footstand support bar
77
a
,
77
b
will align with two universal pinholes
65
a
,
65
b
. At the correct predetermined height, pin
101
a is thrust through universal pinholes
65
a
,
653
b
as well as the appropriate pinhole
61
,
62
on each respective vertical footstand height adjustment bar
63
,
64
.
In sum, each of two round ended elongated pins
101
mechanically align:(i) two universal pinholes, approximately 180 degrees apart on each vertical foot stand support bar
77
a
,
77
b
with; (ii) a single pinhole
61
,
62
within each footstand vertical height adjustor bar
63
,
64
respectively. Round ended elongated metal pin
101
prevents slippage of horizontal footstand support bar
22
by supporting T-joint connectors
51
on either end of horizontal footstand support bar
22
.
Referring now to
FIG. 12
, there are circular color coded bands (generically
90
) upon upwardly protruding cylindrical hollow joints
50
and other components of my invention
1
. The user matches correctly colored ends of individual components to upwardly protruding rigid hollow cylindrical sockets
50
and other appropriate connecting means. My most preferred embodiment comprises the following color code:
Red tape color banding is
90
;
Black tape color banding is
91
Blue tape color banding is
92
;
Green tape color banding is
93
.
As seen schematically in
FIG. 12
, joints with vertical members will correctly display a double band of the same color.
As seen in
FIG. 25
, anterior-posterior position adjustor bar
95
is the portion of my invention
1
which moves central basketball hoop
21
b
in an anterior-posterior direction. As illustrated in FIG.
16
(
a
), has pin
102
a
to stabilize anterior-posterior adjustor bar
95
.
Universal pinholes
104
a
,
104
b
, are aligned approximately 180 degrees from each other approximately ¼ inch from edge
104
c
of protruding opening
106
of four-membered prefabricated joint
53
. As seen in FIG.
16
(
b
), a set of vertically and linearly aligned pinholes
98
a
,
98
b
,
98
c
, etc.(generically
98
) and
99
a
,
99
b
,
99
c
,
99
d
, etc.(generically
99
) respectively are drilled through anterior-posterior adjustor bar
95
at approximately 180 degrees from each other.
Anterior-posterior adjustor bar
95
within cylindrical elevated support bar
96
slidably moves when manually pushed into or exteriorly to a new predetermined position.
To move central basketball hoop
20
b
posteriorly, anterior-posterior adjustor bar
95
is manually pushed backwards. As seen in FIGS.
16
(
a
) and
16
(
b
), at the desired pre-determined distance, two groups of linearly aligned pinholes
98
,
99
are congruent with universal pinholes
104
a
,
104
b
. At this predetermined position metal pin
102
a
(seen at pinhole
104
a
,
104
b
) penetrates pinholes
98
,
99
in anterior-posterior adjustor bar
95
and universal pinholes
104
a
,
104
b
, all in a congruent manner.
Pin
104
a
is then inserted through pinholes
99
,
99
,
102
a
,
102
b
, and so mechanically holds common stem
19
and anterior-posterior adjustment bar
96
together. Please see also FIG.
16
(
b
). Pin
104
a
pierces four-member joint
53
(stem
29
), as well as anterior-posterior elevated support bar
96
and anterior-posterior adjustor bar
95
. A second pin
104
b
pierces a second set of single pinholes
109
a
,
109
b
through second four member joint
53
at posterior end
110
, to stabilize the anterior-posterior adjustment mechanism.
Extension bars
35
a
,
35
b
,
35
c
are rigid and supports backboards
20
a
,
20
b
,
20
c
and basketball rims
21
a
,
21
b
,
21
c
respectively. Each backboard
20
a
,
20
b
,
20
c
and basketball rim
21
a
,
21
b
,
21
c
are respectively and reversibly connected to extension bars
35
a
,
35
b
,
35
c.
Common stem
29
at its most posterior joint
53
is rigidly attached to posterior lower basketball hoop support bar
67
, as seen in FIG.
16
(
b
).
FIG. 11
illustrates a front view of the right side basketball hoop
21
a
prong-attachment
25
c
,
25
d
,
25
e
. As seen in
FIG. 29
, each basketball hoop
21
a
,
21
b
,
21
c
can be pivoted upward along hinged plastic clasp
48
a
,
48
b
,
48
c
respectively on anterior
20
ff
surface of each backboard
20
a
,
20
b
,
20
c
. Each clasp
48
a
,
48
b
,
48
c
comprises a hinged hoop which is an asset for safety and easy storage.
Each lateral side basketball hoop
21
a
,
21
c
is approximately sixty degrees from center basketball hoop
21
b
in the preferred embodiment. However, lateral basketball hoops
21
a
,
21
c
are adjustable to more or less than a sixty degree angle and still remain within the scope of my invention.
Springs for each spring attachment
21
f
in my preferred embodiment can be purchased from: Prime Line Products Company, San Bernadin, Calif. 92407. The company's “handyman springs” are recommended and are ¼ inch×one and ⅞ inches×0.035 inch in thickness. Insulation used for armpads and a back support can by purchase from Industrial Thermo Polymers Ltd. specifically, tundra energy saving pipe insulation.
Baskets with appropriate backboards, hoops, and all purpose hinged hardware included can be purchased from:
Good Stuff Corporation
47-00 33rd St.
Long Island City, N.Y. 11101
Specifically recommended is the “Looney Tunes Basketball Set” with soft basketballs.
Shepherd Hardware Products(3 Oaks, Mo, 49128, Phone 1-616-756-3830) produces “surface guard”—non-stick, self adhesive foam pads for the lower base surface of my invention.
The first exercise using the preferred embodiment is for the abdominal muscles. The person initially reclines upon a on a mat facing basketball rims
21
c
,
21
b
,
21
c
. The person next raises the upper body and places ball
100
in center basketball rim
21
b
using backboard
20
b
. The user gain reclines upon the mat while extending both arms to pull ball
100
from the bottom of basketball net
21
g.
The user repeats this exercise with left side basketball hoop
21
c
, returns to center basketball hoop
21
b
, and repeats this exercise with right basket
21
a.
The third exercise initially involves more agility. The user reclines on mat facing basketball hoops
21
a
,
21
b
,
21
c
, and with feet placed upon horizontal foot stand bar
22
. The user raises the upper body while completing a figure eight motion with ball
100
between the legs. The user then places ball
100
into center basketball hoop
21
b
and again reclines upon the mat.
The user then extends both arms to pull ball
100
from the bottom
21
g
of basket net
21
g
. The user repeats this third exercise with left side basket
21
c
, returns to center basket
21
b
, and finally repeats this same movements to right side basketball hoop
21
a.
My AB Challenger apparatus in the preferred embodiment or other embodiments, is light, easily collapsible, inexpensive, and easily assembled used in a small space such as an apartment. In addition to all these advantages, the exercises which can be done are truly remarkable in improving stomach muscles. Importantly, cylindrical rigid hollow upwardly protruding joints
50
do not require adhesive, nails or screws.
Claims
- 1. An exercise apparatus for strengthening muscles, said exercise apparatus comprising:(A) a base, said base comprised of rigid cylindrical components, said cylindrical components spaced along a flat rigid horizontal supporting surface and interconnected to balance said exercise apparatus, said base comprising (1) at least two parallel anterior-posterior base bars, each said parallel anterior-posterior base bar having an upper surface and a lower surface, (2) a horizontal base bar, said horizontal base bar having a first end and a second end, said horizontal base bar connected to each said parallel anterior-posterior base bars by said first end and said second end, said horizontal base bar resting upon said supporting rigid horizontal surface, (3) at least two upwardly protruding vertical basketball hoop support bars, (a) each said upwardly protruding vertical basketball hoop support bar having an upper end and a lower end, (b) each said lower end frictionally and reversibly attached in a vertical perpendicular orientation to a corresponding parallel anterior-posterior base bar along said upper surface, (B) an adjustable horizontal footstand bar, said footstand bar comprising a first end and second end, (1) said adjustable horizontal footstand bar supported at said first end and said second end by a first adjustable vertical footstand support bar and a second corresponding adjustable vertical footstand support bar, (C) a second portion of said exercise apparatus, said second portion further comprising (2) a horizontal basketball hoop support bar, said horizontal basketball hoop support bar having a first end and a second end, each said end attached to an upper end of a corresponding upwardly protruding vertical basketball rim support bar, (3) at least two devices for reversibly adjusting the vertical height of said horizontal basketball hoop support bar, above said rigid horizontal flat supporting surface, (4) a common stem, (a) said common stem being at approximately a right angle to said horizontal basketball hoop support bar, (b) said common stem protruding anteriorly across said horizontal basketball hoop support bar, said common stem connected to said horizontal basketball hoop support bar, (5) a plurality of prongs, each said prong connected to said common stem, (6) a plurality of basketball hoops, each said basketball hoop attached to a corresponding backboard, each said backboard connected to a corresponding said prong, each said basketball hoop comprising (a) a spring attachment, each said spring attachment preventing a ball from bouncing from said basketball hoop, (7) swivel members, each said swiveling member connected to a corresponding said prong, each said swivel member rotating a said basketball hoop laterally, (8) an anterior-posterior length adjustor bar, said anterior-posterior length adjustor bar connected to said common stem, said anterior-posterior length adjustor bar reversibly adjusting the anterior-posterior position of a basketball hoop, Whereby said base is attached to said upwardly protruding vertical basketball hoop support bars, said upwardly protruding basketball hoop vertical support bars supporting said horizontal basketball hoop support bar and providing adjustment of vertical height of said basketball hoops, said common stem functionally connected to swiveling members and said anterior-posterior adjustor bar, by which said basketball hoops are adjusted to a predetermined position.
- 2. The exercise apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said exercise apparatus is comprised of polyvinyl chloride angled connectors, removable tee-joint connectors and polyvinyl chloride cylindrical piping, said polyvinyl chloride cylindrical piping comprising color coding for proper assembly, said joints being disconnected from said cylindrical components for portability of said exercise apparatus.
- 3. The exercise apparatus as described in claim 2 wherein said swiveling mechanism within said swivel member comprises an upper surface and a lower surface, said swiveling mechanism further comprising a screw and interlocking teeth, said screw penetrating said lower surface and said upper surface, said screw tightening or loosening said interlocking teeth to loosen or tighten said basketball hoops.
- 4. The exercise device as described in claim 3, wherein said common stem and said basketball hoop prongs are connected to a U-shaped lower basket ball hoop support bar.
- 5. The exercise device as described in claim 4, wherein said each spring attachment is attached at the bottom of each said corresponding basketball net.
- 6. The exercise device as described in claim 5 wherein each said basketball hoop vertical height adjustor bar comprises a length and an upper end and a lower end, each said basketball hoop vertical height adjustor bar further comprising(A) two generic pinhole sets in two linear alignments along the length of each said basketball hoop vertical height adjustor bar respectively and between said upper end and said lower end, (B) each said basketball hoop vertical height adjustor bar being slidably attached within one said hollow t-joint connectors at said upper end of each said upwardly protruding basketball hoop vertical support bar, (1) each said basketball hoop vertical height adjustment bar being adjusted manually by pulling vertically from within each upwardly protruding vertical basketball hoop support bar to a second predetermined vertical height, (2) said horizontal basketball support bar being raised approximately the same number of pinholes on each upwardly protruding vertical basketball hoop support bar during said manual adjustment, (a) said second predetermined vertical height being mechanically maintained by a long metal pin within each said basketball hoop vertical height adjustor bar, (b) each said long metal pin penetrating said predetermined pinholes within each corresponding basketball hoop vertical height hoop adjustor bar.
- 7. The exercise device as described in claim 6 wherein said horizontal basketball hoop support bar is connected to said upwardly protruding basketball hoop vertical support bars by a combination of threaded screws and said tee-joint connectors.
- 8. The exercise device as described in claim 7 wherein said swivel member is physically contiguous with a single swivel adjustor,(A) each said prong entering a 45 degree joint connecter, each prong contiguous with a corresponding swivel adjuster attachment, (B) each said swivel member further comprising a moveable joint and tooth members for loosing said joint member from a predetermined position.
- 9. The exercise device as described in claim 8 wherein each said vertical footstand support bar comprises a vertical footstand adjustor bar,(a) each said vertical footstand adjustor bar further comprising two sets of generic pinholes in vertical linear alignment, (b) each said vertical footstand adjustor bar comprising an upper end, (c) each vertical footstand adjustor bar being adjustable by the user manually pulling each said vertical footstand support bar to a new predetermined height, (d) each said vertical footstand support bar comprising an elongated rounded end pin, (i) said elongated rounded end pin being thrust through said corresponding pinholes along each corresponding vertical footstand height adjustment bar, (ii) said round ended elongated metal pins preventing slippage of said horizontal footstand support bars by at least two supporting t-joint connectors on either said end of said horizontal footstand support bar.
- 10. The exercise device as described in claim 9 wherein each said basketball hoop pivots upwardly along a corresponding hinged clasp on each anterior surface of each said backboard.
- 11. An exercise apparatus for strengthening muscles, said exercise apparatus comprising:(A) a base, said base comprised of rigid cylindrical components, said cylindrical components spaced along a flat rigid horizontal supporting surface and interconnected to balance said exercise apparatus, said base further comprising: (1) at least two parallel anterior-posterior base bars, said anterior-posterior base bars each comprising an upper surface and a lower surface, said parallel anterior-posterior base bars resting upon a horizontal flat rigid supporting surface, (2) a plurality of upwardly protruding hollow cylindrical joints, said joints attached at an approximate right angle to said upper surfaces, (3) a horizontal base bar, said horizontal base bar having a first end and a second end, said horizontal base bar connected to each said parallel anterior-posterior base bars by said first end and said second end respectively, said horizontal base bar resting upon said supporting flat rigid horizontal surface, (4) two upwardly protruding vertical basketball hoop support bars, (a) each said upwardly protruding vertical basketball rim support bar having an upper end and a lower end, (b) each said lower end frictionally attached in a vertical male/female orientation to each said parallel anterior/posterior base bar within a corresponding upwardly protruding cylindrical hollow joint, (i) each said upper end at an approximate right angle to said parallel anterior/posterior base bars, (ii) each said upwardly protruding vertical basketball hoop support bar comprising one vertical basketball hoop adjustor bar at each said upper end, (B) an adjustable horizontal footstand bar, said footstand bar comprising a first end and second end, (a) said adjustable horizontal footstand bar connected and supported at its first end and its second end by a first corresponding vertical footstand support bar and second corresponding vertical footstand support bar, (b) each said vertical footstand support bar being vertically adjustable by a vertical footstand adjustor bar, each said vertical footstand support bar connected to said horizontal footstand bar by a corresponding tee-joint connector, each said vertical footstand support bar connected to a corresponding said anterior-posterior bar, (C) a second portion, said second portion comprising, (2) a horizontal basketball hoop support bar, said horizontal basketball hoop support bar having a first end and a second end, each said end attached to an upper end of a corresponding upwardly protruding vertical basketball hoop support bar, (3) a common stem, said common stem comprising a four member prefabricated connector, (a) said common stem rigidly positioned at and connected to, at approximately a right angle, said horizontal basketball hoop support bar, (b) said common stem protruding anteriorly across said horizontal basketball hoop support bar at approximately said midline of said horizontal basketball hoop support bar, (4) at least three prongs, said prongs attached to said common stem through said four member prefabricated connector, said prongs protruding anteriorly to said horizontal basketball hoop support bar, each said prong connected to one corresponding extension bar, (5) at least two lateral basketball hoops and one central basketball hoop, (a) each said basketball hoop being attached to one backboard, (b) each said backboard connected to one corresponding said extension bar, (c) each said extension bar being connected to one corresponding said prong, each said prong attached to said four member prefabricated connector, (6) at least three swiveling members, each said swiveling member attached to a corresponding said prong, each said swiveling member designed to laterally rotate each said lateral basketball hoop to a second predetermined position, (7) an anterior-posterior length adjustor, said anterior-posterior length adjustor attached to said common stem, said posterior/anterior length adjustor reversibly adjusting the anterior/posterior position of said central basketball hoop, said anterior posterior length adjustor comprising a series of linearly aligned openings through which a pin is inserted, Whereby said base attaches to said vertical footstand support bars which support said horizontal footstand bar, said horizontal footstand, said horizontal footstand bar supporting a user's feet during use, said upwardly protruding vertical football hoop support bars supporting said horizontal basketball hoop support bar, said common stem attached to said horizontal basketball hoop support bar connected to said basketball hoops through said four member prefabricated connector, said prongs attached to said swiveling members, and said posterior-anterior length adjustor, so that said basketball hoops can be manually adjusted vertically, laterally, and posteriorly-anteriorly.
US Referenced Citations (10)