PORTABLE BASKETBALL SHOOTING MACHINE

Abstract

A ball return system for returning balls shot at a target to a user of the ball return system includes an ejector adapted to accelerate balls out of the ball return system toward a target destination. The ball return system also includes a mast disposed on a base on which the ejector is disposed. The ball return system further includes a collapsible net support adapted to transition between a collapsed state and an expanded state. The collapsible net support is connected to the mast by a joint that enables the collapsible net support to transition between: a first orientation in which a length of the collapsible net support is aligned with a length of the mast, and a second orientation in which the collapsible support net is stacked on top of the ejector.

Description

BACKGROUND

Players of many different types of sports may desire to practice their sport. Practicing a sport may be a time and energy intensive task.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a ball return system for returning balls shot at a target to a user of the ball return system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention includes an ejector adapted to accelerate balls out of the ball return system toward a target destination. The ball return system also includes a mast disposed on a base on which the ejector is disposed. The ball return system further includes a collapsible net support adapted to transition between a collapsed state and an expanded state. The collapsible net support is connected to the mast by a joint that enables the collapsible net support to transition between: a first orientation in which a length of the collapsible net support is aligned with a length of the mast, and a second orientation in which the collapsible support net is stacked on top of the ejector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Certain embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the accompanying drawings illustrate only certain aspects or implementations of the invention by way of example and are not meant to limit the scope of the claims.

FIG. 1.1 shows a side view diagram of a ball return system in a transportation state in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1.2 shows an isometric view version of the diagram of FIG. 1.1.

FIG. 1.3 shows a rear view version of the diagram of FIG. 1.1.

FIG. 1.4 shows a diagram of a collapsible net support in a collapsed state in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1.5 shows a diagram of a collapsible net support in an expanded state in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2.1 shows a side view diagram of a ball return system in a first intermediate state in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2.2 shows an isometric view version of the diagram of FIG. 2.1.

FIG. 2.3 shows a rear view version of the diagram of FIG. 2.1.

FIG. 3.1 shows a side view diagram of a ball return system in a second intermediate state in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3.2 shows an isometric view version of the diagram of FIG. 3.1.

FIG. 3.3 shows a rear view version of the diagram of FIG. 3.1.

FIG. 4.1 shows a side view diagram of a ball return system in a ball return state in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 4.2 shows an isometric view version of the diagram of FIG. 4.1.

FIG. 4.3 shows a rear view version of the diagram of FIG. 4.1.

FIG. 5.1 shows a side view diagram of a ball return system supporting a net in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 5.2 shows an isometric view version of the diagram of FIG. 5.1.

FIG. 5.3 shows a side view diagram of a ball return system supporting a net and disposed by a basketball goal in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 6 shows a side view diagram of a computing device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Specific embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the following description, numerous details are set forth as examples of the invention. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that one or more embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without these specific details and that numerous variations or modifications may be possible without departing from the scope of the invention. Certain details known to those of ordinary skill in the art are omitted to avoid obscuring the description.

In the following description of the figures, any component described with regard to a figure, in various embodiments of the invention, may be equivalent to one or more like-named components described with regard to any other figure. For brevity, descriptions of these components will not be repeated with regard to each figure. Thus, each and every embodiment of the components of each figure is incorporated by reference and assumed to be optionally present within every other figure having one or more like-named components. Additionally, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention, any description of the components of a figure is to be interpreted as an optional embodiment, which may be implemented in addition to, in conjunction with, or in place of the embodiments described with regard to a corresponding like-named component in any other figure.

In general, embodiments of the invention relate to systems, devices, and methods for providing ball return services. Ball return services may include (i) capturing balls that are directed towards a target area and (ii) returning the captured ball to a predetermined area. The predetermined area may be set to, for example, return captured balls to a user. For example, the ball return service may be used in conjunction with a basketball hoop to unable a user to practice shooting skills.

To provide ball return services, a ball return system may be positioned at a location in which balls shot at a target (i.e., a hoop) are likely to fall (e.g., the area proximate to the hoop). For example, the ball return system may be placed near a basketball goal. When so placed, the ball return system may capture the balls shot toward the goal and direct them towards a location of one or more persons shooting the ball toward the goal.

To facilitate positioning and transportation of the ball return system, the ball return system may be transitioned between a transportation state and a ball return state. When in the transportation state, the ball return system may be compact in size and easily transportable. Consequently, a person may be able to easily move the ball return system between different locations.

In contrast, when in the ball return state, the ball return system may be of a large size to better capture balls shot at the target (e.g., by a supporting a net over a larger area). For example, when in the ball return state, the ball return system may be able to capture balls shot at a target over a larger area by supporting a wide net.

The ball return system may include a number of components that enable the ball return system to transition between the transportation and ball return states. These components may enable a single person to transition the ball return system between these states. Consequently, a single person may be able to transport the ball return system between different locations (e.g., between a storage location and a court having a basketball hoop) and transition the ball return system between its states.

Additionally, the components may be arranged in a manner that makes the ball return system less susceptible to move due to forces applied to it by captured balls. As will be discussed below, the components of the ball return system may be arranged in a manner that lowers the center of gravity of the ball return system when compared to other arrangements of such components. Consequently, when a ball is captured by the ball return system, the ball return system may be less likely to rock, move, or otherwise respond in an undesired manner to forces applied to it by captured balls. The ball return system may be free standing.

FIG. 1.1 shows a side view diagram of ball return system (100) in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. The ball return system (100) may include collapsible net support (110), ejector (120), base (130), and mast (140). Each of these components is discussed below. In FIG. 1.1, ball return system (100) is illustrated in a collapsed states. FIG. 1.2 shows an isometric view diagram of ball return system (100) in the collapsed state and FIG. 1.3 shows a rear view diagram of ball return system (100) in the collapsed state.

Collapsible net support (110) may be a physical device usable to capture balls and provide the captured balls to ejector (120). Specifically, collapsible net support (110) may provide support for a net (not shown, refer to FIGS. 5.1 and 5.2 for examples of a net supported by collapsible net support (110)). The net may be attached to collapsible net support (110). Consequently, the shape of collapsible net support (110) may define the shape of a net thereby enabling the net to be deployed in a desired manner with respect to a target (e.g., a basketball hoop) and place an exit of the net proximate to a predetermined location on ejector (120). By doing so, when balls are captured by a net, the balls may be directed on to a predetermined location on ejector (120).

Collapsible net support (110) may be a reversibly expandable and collapsible device. Specifically, collapsible net support (110) may be able to transition between a collapsed state (e.g., illustrated in FIGS. 1.1-1.3) and an expanded state (e.g., illustrated in FIGS. 4.1-4.3.

In the collapsed state, the size of collapsible net support (110) may be greatly reduced thereby enabling ball return system (100) to be moved between locations. For example, various portions of collapsible net support (110) may be telescoping and/or retractable. Accordingly, the length, width, and depth of collapsible net support (110) may be reduced when in the collapsed state.

In the expanded state, the size of collapsible net support (110) may be greatly increased thereby enabling ball return system (100) to support a net in a manner consistent with catching balls shot toward a target using the net. For example, telescoping portions of collapsible net support (110) may be extended, retractable portions of collapsible net support (110) may be expanded, and/or other types of physical changes with respect to the components of collapsible net support (110) may occur to place collapsible net support (110) into the expanded state.

For additional details regarding the expanded state and collapsed state of collapsible net support (110), refer to FIGS. 1.4-1.5.

Ejector (120) may be a mechanical device that accelerate balls out of the ball return system toward a target destination. Ejector (120) may be implemented using any acceleration technology without departing from the invention. For example, Ejector (120) may be implemented using accelerator wheels, throwing arms, and/or other types of mechanical devices. Ejector (120) may receive balls from a net supported by collapsible net support (110) and accelerate the balls towards a predetermined area.

To accelerate balls, ejector (120) may require that balls be placed at a predetermined location on it. For example, if ejector (120) is implemented using a throwing arm, then the balls may need to be placed in a catch or other type of receiving device. Collapsible net support (110) may support a net in a manner that causes the exit of the net to place balls directly in this predetermined location.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the balls may be placed in the catch of ejector (120) by dropping them downwardly through the exit in the net. Consequently, the balls may be placed directly into ejector (120) via the net rather than through intermediary devices such as ramps, guides, etc.

Ejector (120) may be operably controlled by a computing device. For example, ejector (120) may include an actuator controllable by a computing device. The computing device may orchestrate actuation of ejector (120) using any number of sensors (not shown). These sensors may include any number and type of sensors. For additional details regarding a computing device, refer to FIG. 6.

The computing device may be integrated into ejector (120) and/or may be a separate device operably connected to an actuator of ejector (120).

Base (130) may be a physical device on which other components of ball return system (100) are disposed. For example, base (130) may be implemented using a plate or other type of physical structure. Ejector (120) may be rotatably disposed on base (130). Consequently, the direction which balls are accelerated by ejector (120) may be set by rotating ejector (120) with respect to base (130).

Mast (140) may be a physical device disposed on base (130). Mast (140) may be implemented using, for example, a length of tubing or other type of physical structure. A first end of mast (140) may be attached to base (130). A second end of mast (140) may be attached to a joint (150).

Mast (140) may generally be orthogonal to the place in which base (130) lies. As used herein, generally orthogonal means that the long dimension of mast (140) is intended to generally be directed away from the plane in which base (130) lies. Due to manufacturing tolerances, mast (140) may deviate from being exactly orthogonal to base (130).

Any number of mast supports (e.g., 142) may be utilized to reinforce the structural integrity of mast (140). The mast supports may be implemented using any suitable structure (e.g., tubes, sheet stock, etc.) without departing from the invention.

Mast (140) may generally be disposed at one end of base (130) while ejector (120) may be disposed closer to a center of base (130). By doing so, the weight of base (130) and ejector (120) and the size of base (130) may enable forces transmitted through mast (140) to be distributed in a manner that makes it unlikely ball return system (100) with rock, shudder, or otherwise respond to balls captured by a supported net in an undesired manner.

Joint (150) may enable collapsible net support (110) to rotate between two orientations. In a first orientation, as illustrated in FIG. 1.1, collapsible net support (110) may be stacked directly on top of ejector (120). For example, collapsible net support (110) may be generally parallel to the plane in which base (130) resides and may be perpendicular to a length of mast (140). Consequently, the height of ball return system (100) may be greatly reduced when compared to when collapsible net support (110) is in a second orientation.

In the second orientation, (refer to FIGS. 2.1-2.3) collapsible net support (110) may generally be aligned with a length of mast (140) and may be generally orthogonal to the plane in which base (130) resides. Consequently, when various portions of collapsible net support (110) are expanded, these portions may extend to predetermined locations with respect to ejector (120). Accordingly, when these portions support a net, the net may be positioned in a manner that causes captured balls to be deposited at a predetermined location on ejector (120).

Turning to FIG. 1.4, FIG. 1.4 shows a diagram of collapsible net support (110) in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. In FIG. 1.4, only two collapsible arms (190) are illustrated for clarity. However, collapsible net support (110) may include additional arms. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1.1, collapsible net support (110) may include four arms spaced rotationally around crown bar (165, FIG. 165). For example, in FIG. 1.1, the collapsible arms are approximately placed at 0°, 60°, 120°, and 180° about the crown bar.

Returning to FIG. 1.4, collapsible net support (110) may be an expandable and collapsible structure for supporting a net. By transitioning between its expanded state and collapsible state, collapsible net support (110) may support a net for capturing balls while in the expanded state and enable the ball return system to be effectively transported while in the collapsed state.

Collapsible net support (110) may include lower crown (160), crown bar (165) upper crown (170), linkage bars (180), any number of collapsible arms (e.g., 190), and rotary joints (162, 172, 192). Each of these components is discussed below.

Lower crown (160) may be a physical structure such a block, cap, or other structure. A rotary joint (e.g., 162) corresponding to each collapsible arm (190) may be disposed on lower crown (160). Lower crown may be directly attached to joint (150, FIG. 1.1) and to mast (140, FIG. 1.1) via joint (150, FIG. 1.1).

Lower crown (160) may be directly attached to crown bar (165). Crown bar (165) may be a physical structure disposed between lower crown (160) and upper crown (170). The length of crown bar (165) may be adjustable between two predetermined lengths. When the crown bar (165) has a first length (e.g., a shorter length), collapsible net support (110) may be in the collapsed state. Increasing the length of crown bar (165) to its second predetermined length may transition collapsible net support (110) to its expanded state. In FIG. 1.4, crown bar (165) is illustrated having its shorted predetermined length. Crown bar (165) is illustrated having its second predetermined length (e.g., longer length) in FIG. 1.5.

To facilitate transitioning between these two lengths, crown bar (165) may be implemented as a telescoping structure (e.g., telescoping pipe) with two stops. The stops may prevent the length of crown bar (165) from exceeding these length limits.

Crown bar may also include click locks or other features that reversibly lock the length of crown bar (165) when extended to the first (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 1.3) or second (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 4.3) predetermined lengths. Consequently, once collapsible net support (110) is transitioned to the expanded or collapsed state, the length of crown bar (165) may become fixed until a person unlocks it thereby enabling collapsible net support (110) to transition between its states.

Upper crown (170) may a physical structure such a block, cap, or other structure, similar to lower crown (160). Upper crown (170) may be attached to a second end of crown bar (165). Like lower crown (160), rotary joints (172) may also be disposed on upper crown. The number of rotary joints (172) disposed on upper crown (160) may be the same as the number of collapsible arms.

Linkage bars (180) may be physical structures such as bars, rods, tubes, etc. that interconnect upper crown (170) and corresponding collapsible arms (e.g., 190). Linkage bars (180) may have a length set in conjunction with the extensibility of crown bar (165) to place the ends of the collapsible arms (190) at predetermined locations in space. As will be seen with respect to FIG. 1.5, when crown bar (165) extends outward, one end of each of collapsible arms (190) is driven away from upper crown (170) and crown bar (165). Thus, by extending crown bar (165), all of the collapsible arms (e.g., 190) may be automatically extended away from upper crown (170) and crown bar (165) by virtue of the application of force applied to them by linkage bars (180).

A first end of each linkage bar (180) may be attached to a rotatory joint (e.g., 172) of upper crown (170). A second end of each linkage bar (180) may be attached to a rotary joint (e.g., 192) disposed a long the length of a corresponding collapsible arm (e.g., 190).

The collapsible arms (e.g., 190) may be physical structures usable to support a net. The collapsible arms (e.g., 190) may be implemented using, for example, telescoping tubes or other reversibly extendable structures (e.g., multiple slide bars, stackable structures, etc.). One of the ends of each collapsible arm (190) may be attached to corresponding rotary joint (e.g., 162) disposed on lower crown (160). Consequently, each collapsible arm may rotate about its end attached to rotary joints (162). Accordingly, when the length of crown bar (165) is extended, the other end of each collapsible arm (190) may rotate away from upper crown (170) and crown bar (165) and may rotate about lower crown (160).

Turning to FIG. 1.5, FIG. 1.5 shows a diagram of collapsible net support (110) after it has transition from the collapsed state (as illustrated in FIG. 1.4) to its expanded state in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. As seen in FIG. 1.5, crown bar (165) has extended thereby exposing crown bar extension (167) (which was previously hidden from view inside of crown bar).

Extending crown bar (165) resulted in the ends of the collapsible arms (e.g., 190) not attached to lower crown bar (160) moving away from upper crown (170) and crown bar (165) while rotating about the lower crown (160).

Additionally, the extensible portions (e.g., 194) of the collapsible arms have been extended thereby further moving the ends of the collapsible arms not attached to lower crown bar (160) moving away from upper crown (170), crown bar (165), and lower crown (160). In this configuration, these ends of the collapsible arms may be disposed at predetermined locations usable to support a net for ball capture purposes.

Returning to FIG. 1.1, as noted above, ball return system (100) may be adapted to be transportable and to provide ball return services. To do so, the structure of the ball return system (100) may be transitioned between its transportation state (e.g., illustrated in FIG. 1.1) and its ball capture state (e.g., illustrated in FIGS. 4.1-4.3.

FIGS. 2.1-3.3 show diagrams of intermediate states when transitioning between the transport state and the ball capture state.

Turning to FIG. 2.1, FIG. 2.1 shows a side view diagram of a first intermediate state of ball return system (100) in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. FIG. 2.2 shows a similar isometric view diagram of the first intermediate state of ball return system (100) and FIG. 2.3 shows a rear view diagram of the first intermediate state of ball return system (100).

As seen in FIG. 2.1, in the first intermediate state, collapsible net support (110) has been rotate about joint (150) so that it is generally aligned with mast (150) and orthogonal to the plane in which base (130) resides. In this configuration, all actuatable components of collapsible net support (110) are easily reachable by a person standing next to ball return system (100). Consequently, a person may easily increase a length of a crown bar as well as extend the collapsible arms of collapsible net support (110).

Turning to FIG. 3.1, FIG. 3.1 shows a side view diagram of a second intermediate state of ball return system (100) in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. FIG. 3.2 shows a similar isometric view diagram of the second intermediate state of ball return system (100) and FIG. 3.3 shows a rear view diagram of the second intermediate state of ball return system (100).

As seen in FIG. 3.1, in the second intermediate state, collapsible arms (e.g., 190) have been extended thereby moving one end of each collapsible arm (e.g., 190) away from the crown bar (165), upper crown (not shown), and lower crown (not shown). In this configuration, these ends may be sufficiently high to place a net at a desired height with respect to a target such as a basketball hoop. By placing these ends at the height seen in FIG. 3.1, it may be more likely that balls will be captured by a net supported by the collapsible net support (110).

To complete the transition to the ball capture state, the ends of the collapsible arms (e.g., 190) may be moved away from each other by actuating the crown bar (165). Specifically, by increasing the length of the crown bar (165) thereby actuating the linkage bars (not shown) which, in turn, cause the collapsible arms (e.g., 190) to rotate about the lower crown (not shown). FIGS. 4.1-4.3 show diagrams of the ball return system when in the ball capture state.

Turning to FIG. 4.1, FIG. 4.1 shows a side view diagram of ball return system (100) in a ball capture state in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. FIG. 4.2 shows a similar isometric view diagram of the second intermediate state of ball return system (100) and FIG. 4.3 shows a rear view diagram of the second intermediate state of ball return system (100).

As seen in FIG. 4.1, the ends of the collapsible arms (e.g., 190) not attached to the lower crown (not shown) have moved away from each other. In this configuration, these ends delineate an area in which a supported net will capture balls.

As seen from FIG. 4.1, by utilizing collapsible arms and keeping the lower crown at a lower location (e.g., approximately at the same height as the top of ejector (120)), the center of gravity of ball return system (100) is kept low. By doing so, forces transmitted to the collapsible arms (e.g., 190) by a net when a ball is captured are less likely to cause the ball return system (100) to be negatively impacted by the forces.

In contrast, consider a system where the mass of the crowns, crown bar, and/or other mechanical portions are moved upward with respect to the base (130). In such a scenario, the center of gravity of ball return system (100) may be raised. Due to a higher center of gravity, ball return system (100) may move, jostle, rock, or otherwise move in an undesired manner when a ball is captured by a net supported by the collapsible arms (e.g., 190).

In some embodiments of the invention, the collapsible arms (190) may be formed from a pliable material such as fiber glass reinforced materials. In such embodiments, the length of the collapsible arms (e.g., 190) may dissipate forces received from a supported net further reducing the likelihood that the ball return system (100) may move in an undesired manner when a ball is captured.

To further clarify the use and support of a net in the ball return system, illustrations of a net being supported by ball return system (100) are shown in FIGS. 5.1-5.3.

FIG. 5.1 shows a side view diagram of ball return system (100) supporting net (200) in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. FIG. 5.2 shows a front view diagram of ball return system (100) supporting net (200) in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

As seen in FIG. 5.1, net (200) may be supported by collapsible net support (110). Specifically, the collapsible arms of collapsible net support (110) may be attached to net (200). For example, the ends of the collapsible arms may attach to corresponding portions of net (200). The ends of the collapsible arms may be attached to predetermined locations on net (200) to position and orient net (200) with respect to ball return system (100).

Net (200) may have an exit (202) out of which balls may exit. Exit (202) may located on net (200) at a location that causes balls to be deposited at a predetermined location on ejector (120) when they traverse exist (202). This location may coincide with the return mechanism implemented by ejector (120).

For example, if ejector (120) is implemented using a throwing arm, the predetermined location may be the catch or other structure in which balls are to be disposed prior to being accelerated by ejector (120). Alternatively, if ejector (120) is implemented using throwing wheels, then the predetermined location may be in inlet port for the throwing wheel.

Turning to FIG. 5.3, FIG. 5.31 shows a side view diagram of ball return system (100) supporting net (200) and being disposed near a hoop (310) in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. Specifically, FIG. 5.3 depicts a scenario in which ball return system (100) is disposed proximate to a basketball hoop goal disposed on a pole (320). The basketball hoop may include backboard (300) and hoop (310) supported by the pole (320).

In this configuration, when balls are shot toward hoop (310) the balls may be captured by net (200) and directed toward ejector (120). When a ball is received by ejector (120), the ball may be returned to a user of ball return system (100).

By doing so, a user of ball return system (100) may repeatedly take shots at hoop (310) without having to manually retrieve the ball. Rather, the ball may be automatically returned to the user.

When the user has completed his or her training, the user may transition ball return system (100) to the transport state as illustrated in FIG. 1.1. Once complete, the user may easily transport ball return system (100) to a storage location.

For example, consider a scenario where a user is a high school basketball player. The user may not have access to a personal basketball court. To improve the player's performance, the player may utilize the ball return system (100) to regularly practice shooting. To do so, the player may retrieve the ball return system (100) from their storage place such as a closet where they live.

The player may load the ball return system (100) into a vehicle and transport it to a local public basketball court. At the public basketball court, the player may position the ball return system with respect to an open basketball hoop. After positioning, the player may rotate the collapsible net support upright and then expand the collapsible arms into position by extending the collapsible arms and moving the upper crown away from the lower crown via a single movement. Once the upper crown is locked into position, the player may begin to use the ball shooting system for practice.

After practice, the player may transition the ball return system (100) back into its transportation stock by unlocking the upper crown, moving it towards the lower crown and locking, collapsing the collapsible arms, and rotating the collapsible net support back down to stack on top of the ejector. Once in the transportation state, the player may take the ball return system back to is storage location.

As discussed above, embodiments of the invention may be implemented using computing devices. FIG. 6 shows a diagram of a computing device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. The computing device (600) may include one or more computer processors (602), non-persistent storage (604) (e.g., volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), cache memory), persistent storage (606) (e.g., a hard disk, an optical drive such as a compact disk (CD) drive or digital versatile disk (DVD) drive, a flash memory, etc.), a communication interface (612) (e.g., Bluetooth interface, infrared interface, network interface, optical interface, etc.), input devices (610), output devices (608), and numerous other elements (not shown) and functionalities. Each of these components is described below.

In one embodiment of the invention, the computer processor(s) (602) may be an integrated circuit for processing instructions. For example, the computer processor(s) may be one or more cores or micro-cores of a processor. The computing device (600) may also include one or more input devices (610), such as a touchscreen, keyboard, mouse, microphone, touchpad, electronic pen, or any other type of input device. Further, the communication interface (612) may include an integrated circuit for connecting the computing device (600) to a network (not shown) (e.g., a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, mobile network, or any other type of network) and/or to another device, such as another computing device.

The processors (602) may execute program code stored in the persistent storage (606) that cause the processors (602) to perform the functionality of the ball return system (100) discussed throughout this application. For example, executing the program code may cause the processors to obtain any type and quantity of information from any number of sensors, use the obtained information to ascertain when to activate actuators of the ejector, active the actuators, and/or perform other functionalities.

In one embodiment of the invention, the computing device (600) may include one or more output devices (608), such as a screen (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display, touchscreen, cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor, projector, or other display device), a printer, external storage, or any other output device. One or more of the output devices may be the same or different from the input device(s). The input and output device(s) may be locally or remotely connected to the computer processor(s) (602), non-persistent storage (604), and persistent storage (606). Many different types of computing devices exist, and the aforementioned input and output device(s) may take other forms.

One or more embodiments of the invention may be implemented using instructions executed by one or more processors of a computing device. Further, such instructions may correspond to computer readable instructions that are stored on one or more non-transitory computer readable mediums.

While the invention has been described above with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having the benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments can be devised which do not depart from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be limited only by the attached claims.

Claims

1. A ball return system for returning balls shot at a target to a user of the ball return system, comprising: an ejector adapted to accelerate balls out of the ball return system toward a target destination;a mast disposed on a base on which the ejector is disposed;a collapsible net support adapted to transition between a collapsed state and an expanded state;wherein the collapsible net support is connected to the mast by a joint that enables the collapsible net support to transition between: a first orientation in which a length of the collapsible net support is aligned with a length of the mast, anda second orientation in which the collapsible support net is stacked on top of the ejector.

2. The ball return system of claim 1, wherein the collapsible net support comprises: a lower crown directly connected to the joint;an upper crown;a crown bar, directly connected to the lower crown and the upper crown, that defines a spacing between the lower crown and the upper crown; anda collapsible arm directly connected to the lower crown and connected to the upper crown by a linkage bar.

3. The ball return system of claim 2, wherein the crown bar is adapted to change its length which modifies the spacing between the lower crown and the upper crown.

4. The ball return system of claim 3, wherein, when the collapsible net support is in the first orientation, a length of the crown bar is parallel to a length of the mast.

5. The ball return system of claim 3, wherein the collapsible mast support is transitioned from the collapsed state to the expanded state by increasing the length of the crown bar.

6. The ball return system of claim 3, wherein the collapsible mast support is transitioned from the expanded state to the collapsed state by decreasing the length of the crown bar.

7. The ball return system of claim 2, wherein a first end of the linkage bar is directly connected to the upper crown and a second end of the linkage bar is directly connected to a fixed point along a length of the collapsible arm.

8. The ball return system of claim 2, wherein the linkage bar rotatable with respect to the collapsible arm and the upper crown.

9. The ball return system of claim 2, wherein the collapsible arm rotates about a first end of the collapsible arm directly connected to the lower crown when the collapsible net support transitions between the expanded state and the collapsed state.

10. The ball return system of claim 9, further comprising: a second collapsible arm directly connected to the lower crown and connected to the upper crown by a second linkage bar.

11. The ball return system of claim 10, wherein the second collapsible arm rotates about a first end of the second collapsible arm directly connected to the lower crown when the collapsible net support transitions between the expanded state and the collapsed state.

12. The ball return system of claim 11, wherein transitioning the collapsible net support from the collapsed state to the expanded state comprises: moving a second end of the collapsible arm away from a second end of the second collapsible arm.

13. The ball return system of claim 12, wherein transitioning the collapsible net support from the collapsed state to the expanded state comprises: increasing a spacing between the lower crown and the upper crown.

14. The ball return system of claim 2, wherein the lower crown comprises a plurality of rotatory joints connected to the collapsible arm and a plurality of other collapsible arms.

15. The ball return system of claim 14, wherein the upper crown comprises a second plurality of rotatory joints connected to the linkage bar and a plurality of other linkage bars.

16. The ball return system of claim 15, wherein the linkage bar and plurality of other linkage bars connect the upper crown to the collapsible arm and the plurality of other collapsible arms.

17. The ball return system of claim 16, wherein increasing the spacing between the lower crown and the upper crown causes rotation of all of the collapsible arm and the plurality of other collapsible arms with respect to the lower crown.

18. The ball return system of claim 17, wherein the rotation separates a plurality of ends of the collapsible arm and the plurality of other collapsible arms.

19. The ball return system of claim 18, wherein the a plurality of ends are adapted to connect to a net.

20. The ball return system of claim 18, wherein the net is adapted to directly deposit the balls at a predetermined location on the ejector.