BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the present invention, it is believed the same will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, in a non-limiting fashion, the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention, and in which like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the Figures, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable basketball goal incorporating one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2A is an exploded view of a water level indicator according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2B is a top view of a water level indicator according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2C is a cross sectional view of a water level indicator according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a water level indicator according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3B is a circuit diagram of a water level indicator according to the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 3A.
FIGS. 3C and 3D are cross sectional views of a water level indicator according to the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 3A.
FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate another embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the Figures in which various embodiments of the present invention are shown. The subject matter of this disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable basketball goal incorporating one embodiment of the present invention. The basketball goal 10 may include a backboard assembly 18 which may be mounted to an upper portion of a support pole 20 by a plurality of support struts 22 in a conventional manner. The backboard assembly 18 may include a basketball rim/net assembly 24 secured to, and extending outwardly from, a backboard 26. The bottom portion of the support pole 20 may be rigidly mounted to a fillable portable base 30 using any conventional means of attaching known to one of skill in the art.
While base 30 is illustrated as having a rectangular shape with a top, a bottom and four sides, it is contemplated that base 30 may also be formed to have any shape and size. Wheels 28 may be attached to base 30 to assist a user in moving the goal 10 to different locations, as discussed above. While two fixed wheels are illustrated in FIG. 1, it is contemplated that any number of wheels may also be utilized without deviating from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Further, it is contemplated that one or more of the wheels 28 may be retractable or detachable.
Base 30 may be configured to be at least partially hollow to receive a ballast material. While the present disclosure refers to water as the ballast material, it should be noted that base 30 may also be filled with other ballast material such as sand or rocks or may be filled with a combination of more than one ballast materials. As discussed above, the ballast material provides sufficient weight so as to anchor the basketball goal 10, preventing the goal 10 from tipping or moving during game play.
In one embodiment of the present invention, base 30 may include a cap 50 placed at any point on base 30. The cap 50 may be used for filling base 30 with ballast material and for removing ballast material from base 30. In one embodiment, cap 50 may include a water level indicator, which is described in detail with respect to FIGS. 2A to 3D. While FIG. 1 illustrates the use of a cap 50 having a water level indicator, it is also contemplated that the water level indicator may be attached to the top of base 30 at a separate location from cap 50. Thus, it should be realized that the present disclosure is not meant to be limited to a water level indicator integrated into the cap 50 of base 30, as illustrated in the figures.
FIG. 2A is an exploded view of a water level indicator 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As discussed above, the water level indicator 200 may be integrated into a cap which may be attached to base 30. The water level indicator 200 may include a top portion 210 having an elongated opening 205, a threaded portion 202 for engaging with a corresponding threaded portion (not shown) in base 30 and abutments 206 having notches 207. Top portion 210, opening 205 and threaded portion 202 may be formed from any common material including, but not limited to, injection molded plastic, blowmolded plastic, machine cast plastic and metal. Further, while the FIGS. illustrate the use of a threaded portion 202, it is contemplated that the water level indicator 200 may be configured to attach to base 30 using a press fit or other common type of attachment.
The water level indicator 200 may also include a lever arm 220 having a lower arm 224, a connector portion 225, pin sections 227, an upper arm 223 and an arrow portion 222. In one embodiment, the different portions 222, 223, 224, 225 and 227 of lever arm 220 may be integrally formed from any common material including, but not limited to, injection molded plastic, blowmolded plastic, machine cast plastic, metal, wire and stamped steel. In alternative embodiments, each portion 222, 223, 224, 225 and 227 may be formed separately from plastic or metal and attached using any conventional methods for attaching mechanical pieces including, but not limited to, mechanical means of attachment, adhesive and welding. Additionally, the water level indicator 200 may include a floating portion 230 which may be formed from a buoyant material including, but not limited to, cork, foam or rubber.
Finally, the water level indicator 200 may include a clear covering 240 which may be attached to top portion 210 of the water level indicator. In one embodiment, the covering 240 may be formed from clear plastic however any materials known to those of skill in the art are also contemplated. The covering 240 may be attached to top portion 210 using a snap fit, screws or any other means for attachment known to those of skill in the art. As shown in the figures, the covering 240 may prevent water held within base 30 to escape through opening 205 but may also be formed so as to protect the water level indicator from the elements and any direct hits during game play. However, it should be noted that covering 240 may also permit a user to see through the covering to obtain an immediate reading of the level of water in base 30.
The water level indicator 200 may be assembled by inserting pin sections 227 into notches 207 in abutments 206 so that pin sections 227 may be held by abutments 206 but still permitted to rotate within abutments 206. In one embodiment of the present invention, pin sections 227 may be snap fit into notches 207. In alternative embodiments, pins or screws may be used to rotatably hold pin sections 227 in notches 207. In conjunction with the attachment of pin sections 227 to abutments 206, arrow portion 222 may be inserted into opening 205 so that it may be visible from above the water level indicator 200. This arrangement is shown in greater detail in FIG. 2B. Finally, floating portion 230 may be attached to lower arm 224 of lever arm 220. This attachment may be accomplished using any conventional means for attachment including, but not limited to, screws, pins or a press fit.
FIG. 2B is a top view of water level indicator 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As mentioned above, once water level indicator 200 is assembled, arrow portion 222 may be received by opening 205 so that arrow portion 222 may be seen from above the water level indicator 200. The remaining portions 223, 224, 225 and 227 of lever arm 220 and the floating portion 230 may be located below top portion 210. As illustrated in FIG. 2B, top portion 210 of water level indicator 200 may include a visual indicator 250 which may be used in conjunction with arrow portion 222 to indicate the water level of base 30 to a user. More specifically, the visual indicator 250 may alert a user when the water level in base 30 reaches a predetermined level at which the base may not have enough weight to be capable of safely supporting a basketball goal during game play. In one embodiment, visual indicator 250 may be a decal which may be stuck to top portion 210 using adhesive. In other embodiments, visual indicator 250 may be etched, or formed using another means, directly onto top portion 210.
FIG. 2C is a cross sectional view of water level indicator 200 attached to base 30. As illustrated in FIG. 2C, floating portion 230 may be configured to float along the top surface of the water 270 contained within base 30. Therefore, as the water level increases or decreases, floating portion 230 may remain along the top surface of the water 270, moving lower arm 224 in the directions of Arrow B. Because pin portions 227 of lever arm 220 are rotatably connected to abutments 206, as lower arm 224 moves in the directions of Arrow B, upper arm 223 and arrow portion 222 may move a corresponding distance in the directions of Arrow A, as illustrated in FIGS. 2B and 2C. The movement of indicator 222 in the directions of Arrow A may therefore provide an indication of the level of water 270 in base 30 to a user.
When water 270 is at the top of, or close to the top of, base 30, floating portion 230 may force lower arm 224 upwards in the direction of Arrow B shown in FIG. 2C. This movement, in turn, may force upper arm 223 and arrow portion 222 to move (to the right in FIG. 2C) in the direction of Arrow A. Arrow portion 222 may then appear adjacent to a “full” indication on visual indicator 250, as illustrated in FIG. 2B. Thus, by glancing at water level indicator 200 on base 30, a user may be provided with an indication that base 30 is full of water 270.
In the event that the level of water 270 in base 30 drops, floating portion 230 may force lower arm 224 downwards in the direction of Arrow B. This movement, in turn, may force upper arm 223 and arrow portion 222 to move (to the left in FIG. 2C) in the direction of Arrow A. Arrow portion 222 may then appear adjacent to a “fill” indication on visual indicator 250, as illustrated in FIG. 2B. Thus, by glancing at water level indicator 200 on base 30, a user may be alerted that the level of water 270 in base 30 has dropped and should be filled.
In another embodiment of the present invention (not shown), visual indicator 250 may provide a measurement of the depth of water 270 in base 30. In this embodiment, lower arm 224 may be configured to be of a sufficient length so that floating portion 230 may float on top of water 270 at any depth. Thus, a user may be provided with an exact measurement of the depth of the water in base 30. This may allow the user to judge whether the water level is sufficient for game play in addition to being provided with a measurement of the exact amount of water in the base (or, conversely, an exact measurement of any decrease in the water level).
Additionally, while the embodiments of the present invention discussed above with reference to FIGS. 2A-2C may utilize a lever arm configured to pivot, it is contemplated that the lever arm may also be attached in alternative manners. For example, lever arm 220 may be configured as a straight arm slidably attached to the body of the water level indicator. In this embodiment, as the level of water in base 30 increases or decreases, the floating portion may move up or down, causing the arm to move up or down with respect to the body of the water level indicator. This, in turn, may cause the arrow portion to move up or down.
In this embodiment, the visual indicator may be configured as a vertical indicator, placed along a pole or other structure attached to base 30. In one embodiment, the visual indicator may be placed on support pole 20, with the water level indicator attached to base 30 at or near the bottom of the support pole 20. As one of ordinary skill in the art will realize, as the arrow portion moves up or down, it may indicate the level of water by appearing adjacent to different indicators on the visual indicator, as discussed above.
FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a water level indicator 300 according to another embodiment of the present invention. As discussed above, the water level indicator 300 may be integrated into a cap which may be attached to base 30. The water level indicator 300 may include a top portion 310, a threaded portion 302 for engaging with a corresponding threaded portion (not shown) in base 30, a first metal probe 320 and a second metal probe 330. Top portion 310 and threaded portion 302 may be formed any common material including, but not limited to, injection molded plastic, blowmolded plastic, machine cast plastic and metal. Metal probes 320 and 330 may be attached to top portion 310 using screws, adhesive or any other conventional means known to one of skill in the art.
Top portion 310 may include an indicator 305 for providing a user with a visual indication of the level of water in base 30. The indicator 305 may include an LED, a buzzer or a similar electronic device capable of giving differing visual or audible indications known to one of skill in the art. The indicator 305 may be attached to the top portion 310 or may be contained within top portion 310 and presented through a hole in top portion 310. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the indicator 305 may be located elsewhere on the basketball goal (such as on the support pole 20) and connected to the water level indicator using electrical wires which may be hidden within the various components of the basketball goal.
FIG. 3B is a circuit diagram of water level indicator 300 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Water level indicator 300 may include a power source 340, an LED 305, a transistor 380 and two sounding wires 360 and 370. Power source 340 may be any suitable power source including, but not limited to, a watch battery or a 9-volt battery. LED 305, transistor 380 and sounding wires 360 and 370 may be any commercially available off-the-shelf component commonly used in electrical circuits. Alternatively, LED 305 may be customized to provide a desired visual indication, as discussed below with reference to FIGS. 3C and 3D.
While the power source 340 is not illustrated in FIG. 3A, it is contemplated that the power source 340 may be contained within the body of water level indicator 300. As such, water level indicator 300 may include a door with a latch or similar access device known to those of skill in the art for accessing and replacing the power source 340.
As illustrated in FIG. 3B, sounding wires 360 and 370 may be electrically connected to metal probes 320 and 330, respectively. Sounding wire 370 may be connected to transistor 380. Transistor 380 may, in turn, be connected to both LED 305 and the negative connection of power source 340. Sounding wire 360 may be connected to the LED 305 and the positive connection of power source 340. In alternative embodiments, amplifiers may be connected at various points in the circuit to amplify the signal in the event that there is insufficient current to enable LED to light flowing through the circuit.
The circuit illustrated in FIG. 3B takes advantage of the scientific fact that water conducts electricity better than air. The probes may be manufactured at a predetermined length such that when water is contacting the probes, the base may have sufficient weight to safely support a basketball goal during game play. As illustrated in FIG. 3C, when the level of water 380 in base 30 is at a level such that it contacts probes 320 and 330, the electrical circuit illustrated in FIG. 3B may be completed. As such, current provided by power source 340 may flow throughout the circuit, allowing LED 305 to light. In one embodiment, the LED may have a specific color or words indicating that the circuit is completed and, as such, the level of water 380 in the tank 30 is sufficient for game play.
As illustrated in FIG. 3D, when the level of water in tank 30 drops below a certain point in tank 30 and no longer contacts probes 320 and 330, the circuit may be broken and current may be prevented from flowing. This may cause the status of LED 305 to change, providing a visual indication (such as a color or words) that the level of water 380 in tank 30 has dropped below a certain level and may need to be filled.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, it is contemplated that the water level indicator may be configured to be a combination of mechanical and electrical components, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B. In this embodiment of the present invention, the water level indicator may include a sensor portion 400 (illustrated in FIG. 4A) and an indicator portion 450 (illustrated in FIG. 4B). As illustrated in FIG. 4A, the sensor portion 400 may include a body 410 having a threaded portion 401 for engaging with a corresponding threaded portion in base 30. Body 410 and threaded portion 402 may be formed from any common material including, but not limited to, injection molded plastic, blowmolded plastic, machine cast plastic and metal. Further, while FIG. 4A illustrates the use of a threaded portion 402, it is contemplated that body 410 may be configured to attach to base 30 using a press fit or other common type of attachment.
The sensor portion 400 may include a lever arm having a lower arm 424 and an upper arm 423. Lower arm 424 may be integrally formed from any common material including, but not limited to, injection molded plastic, blowmolded plastic, machine cast plastic, metal, wire and stamped steel. Upper arm 423 may be integrally formed from any conductive material including, but not limited to, metal, wire and stamped steel. Each arm 423 and 424 may be connected to one another using any conventional means for attaching and may be pivotally connected to body 410 at pivot point 427.
As illustrated in FIG. 4A, lower arm 424 may also be connected to a floating portion 430 which may be formed from a buoyant material including, but not limited to, foam, cork or rubber. Upper arm 423 may also be connected to a variable resistor 420. The variable resistor 420 and the upper arm 423 may also be electrically connected to different elements in the indicator portion 450, as shown in FIG. 4B.
The indicator portion 450 may include a power source 440, a bimetallic strip 470, a heating coil 455, a linkage 480, a visual indicator 460 and an arrow portion 490 pivotally attached to the visual indicator 460. Power source 440 may be any suitable power source including, but not limited to, a watch battery or a 9-volt battery. The bimetallic strip 470 may be formed by combining two different types of metal. The metals may be any common metal known to those skilled in the art but each metal should have a different rate of expansion and contraction. The linkage 480 may be formed from any conventional material including plastic or metal.
During operation of the water level indicator according to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the floating portion 430 may float along the top surface of water 495. As the level of water 495 drops, the floating portion 430 may remain along the top surface of the water 495, moving lower arm 424 in the direction of Arrow D. Because upper arm 423 is connected to lower arm 424, and because both arms 424 and 423 are pivotally connected to body 410 at point 427, the movement of lower arm 424 in the direction of arrow D may cause upper arm 423 to move in the direction of Arrow C.
As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the upper arm 423 may be electrically connected to variable resistor 420 and heating coil 455. Heating coil 455 may also be electrically connected to power source 440. The power source 440 may also be connected to the resistor 420. As such, the movement of upper arm 423 in the direction of Arrow C may cause the location of the connection between upper arm 423 and resistor 420 along resistor 420 to change, thus changing the amount of resistance in variable resistor 420. This, in turn may adjust the amount of current that flows through the entire circuit by adjusting the amount of resistive material the current must pass through. Therefore, when floating portion 430 is near the top of base 30, the resistance may be relatively small and a relatively large amount of current may pass through the circuit. As the level of water 495 drops (and floating portion 430 follows), the resistance may increase and the amount of current passing through he circuit may decrease.
As the current passing through variable resistor 420 is adjusted, the amount of current passing through heating coil 455 is also adjusted. As illustrated in FIG. 4B, heating coil 455 may be wrapped around, or located near, bimetallic strip 470. Bimetallic strip 470 may then, in turn, be connected to linkage 480 which may also be connected to arrow portion 490. Because of the different rates of contraction and expansion of the metals used to form the bimetallic strip 470, when strip 470 is heated by the current passing through the circuit, one metal may expand more than the other and the strip 470 may be forced to curve or straighten. This may cause strip 470 to push or pull on the linkage 480 which may then cause arrow portion 490 to pivot about point 485. As such, the level of the water 495 in base 30 may be indicated to a user by the location of the arrow portion 490 on the visual indicator 460.
In alternative embodiments, it is contemplated that a microprocessor (not shown) may be used to read the amount of current passing through variable resistor 420. The microprocessor may then indicate the level of water 495 in tank 30 to a user using a visual indicator.
It should be noted that it is contemplated that the indicator portion may be located within body 410 so that sensor portion 400 and indicator portion 450 are collocated within one enclosure. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the sensor portion 400 may be located on or in base 30, as illustrated in FIG. 4A and the indicator portion 450 may be located at any point on the basketball goal, as discussed above with reference to FIGS. 3A-3D.
The water level indicator according to the various embodiments of the present invention may be incorporated into existing basketball goals having a fillable base. Because the indicator may be incorporated into a cap (such as cap 50 illustrated in FIG. 1), a manufacturer may provide a consumer with the ability to purchase a replacement cap having a water level indicator. Additionally, because the water level indicator according to the embodiments of the present invention may be cheaply and easily manufactured due to the simple construction, replacement of a broken indicator by a manufacturer or consumer is relatively inexpensive and simple.
Finally, in addition to using the water level indicator of the present invention with a portable base for supporting a basketball goal, it is envisioned that the present invention can be utilized with a portable base for other types of goals or support poles. This may include support poles for portable volleyball nets, portable soccer goals, portable flagpoles or the like. Thus, the use of the present invention with a basketball goal is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. While the embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention, various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use are also possible. The scope of the invention is to be defined only by the claims appended hereto, and by their equivalents.
Patent Application
20080081712
