Enhanced Adaptive Basketball Shooting Devices
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept introduces a series of direct improvements and enhancements to the original adaptive basketball shooting devices, focusing on increased safety, efficiency, and user experience.
Background and Problem Solved
The original adaptive basketball shooting devices, while innovative, had limitations in terms of speed, direction, and ball control. These limitations restricted the accessibility and enjoyment of wheelchair basketball for athletes with limited arm strength or control. This inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing adjustable conveyor belt speed and direction, ball-tracking sensors, ball-orientation mechanisms, and adjustable angular momentum shooter wheels.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new claims introduce a system for adaptive basketball shooting, comprising a frame mounted on a wheelchair, with a platform attached via armrest supports. The conveyor system is enhanced with adjustable speed and direction, allowing for efficient ball retrieval and shooting. Additionally, a ball-tracking sensor ensures accurate ball detection and orientation. The control panel enables users to customize conveyor belt speed and direction, as well as ball trajectory and speed. Furthermore, the shooter wheel with adjustable angular momentum provides controlled ball ejection. These enhancements improve the overall user experience, making the device more accessible and enjoyable for athletes with limited arm strength or control.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a significant inventive step by incorporating adjustable conveyor belt speed and direction, ball-tracking sensors, and ball-orientation mechanisms, which were not present in the original patent. These additions provide a substantial improvement in safety, efficiency, and user experience, making the new inventive concept novel and non-obvious compared to the original patent.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include variations in conveyor belt design, sensor types, and control panel interfaces. Additionally, the device could be adapted for use in other adaptive sports, such as wheelchair tennis or wheelchair volleyball.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced adaptive basketball shooting devices have significant commercial potential in the adaptive sports industry, particularly in wheelchair basketball. The device could be marketed to wheelchair basketball teams, adaptive sports organizations, and rehabilitation centers, providing a new level of accessibility and enjoyment for athletes with limited arm strength or control.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A63 | A63B71/0009 |
| A | A63 | A63B47/021 |
| A | A63 | A63B69/0071 |
| A | A63 | A63B69/406 |
| A | A63 | A63B2071/0018 |
| A | A63 | A63B2225/09 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Adaptive Sports Equipment and Assistive Technologies for Athletes with Physical Disabilities, focusing on wheelchair-based sports equipment design and mechanical assistance systems
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A mechanical engineer or sports equipment designer with expertise in adaptive technologies, familiar with wheelchair mechanics, mechanical conveyance systems, and assistive device design principles. Possesses knowledge of biomechanical constraints and user interaction with adaptive sports equipment.
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable engineering improvements to the source patent's adaptive basketball shooting device. The additional features like adjustable conveyor speed, ball-tracking sensors, and customizable trajectory are logical extensions of the original mechanical retrieval and shooting concept. These enhancements represent standard design iterations that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to optimize the device's functionality for users with varying physical capabilities.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,859 |
|---|---|
| Title | Adaptive basketball shooting devices |