The United States Patent and Trademark Office recently issued an exciting new patent to Pop-A-Shot Enterprise LLC, a company widely recognized as the pioneer of electronic arcade basketball shooting games. Officially granted on June 2, 2026, U.S. Patent No. 12,643,024 protects a “Fold-up frame for a portable basketball game and portable basketball game with fold-up frame.” This design introduces a highly optimized structural arrangement that resolves long-standing issues surrounding the mobility, safety, and physical footprint of home arcade entertainment systems.
Developed by Pop-A-Shot Enterprise LLC, the mechanical design introduces a unique multi-component framework consisting of a base, a rear brace frame, and a backboard brace frame. By utilizing a synchronized front and rear leg structure, the apparatus can easily transition from an open, playable configuration into a compact, space-saving vertical storage mode without necessitating full tool-based disassembly. Thanks to its remarkable consumer utility and elegant structural engineering, this technology was proudly named the Illinois State Patent of the Month for July 2026.
What Makes the Fold-Up Frame So Innovative?
Traditional arcade-style basketball games have historically been plagued by their immense, unyielding physical footprints. Standard models require permanent space commitments, making them impractical for smaller residential spaces, multi-purpose rooms, or compact commercial venues. Prior attempts at creating foldable frames often resulted in cumbersome knockdown procedures, requiring extensive tools, hardware removal, and significant physical effort to disassemble and reassemble the units. Furthermore, many early folding designs suffered from poor structural rigidity, creating a significant safety risk if the unit tipped over or wobbled during intense gameplay. Pop-A-Shot Enterprise LLC completely revolutionized this category by engineering a system that transitions rapidly and safely. The integration of a robust base frame with specialized rear and backboard brace assemblies means players can enjoy the structural integrity of a heavy-duty arcade unit while retaining the freedom to reclaim floor space in seconds. It ensures total stability during high-impact play while offering a lightweight, secure folding trajectory that can be operated easily by a single individual without any component disassembly.
Why It Won Illinois State Patent of the Month July 2026
The Illinois State Patent of the Month award honors exceptional technological advancement, industrial design, and commercial creativity originating within the state. For July 2026, the committee selected Patent No. 12,643,024 due to its outstanding blend of manufacturing practicality and consumer-focused mechanical design. Pop-A-Shot Enterprise LLC, maintaining operations in Illinois, continues a rich tradition of local innovation in sports entertainment equipment. The selection committee highlighted how this invention addresses modern real estate and living constraints, where maximizing multi-functional space is highly valued by consumers. By delivering a commercial-grade sports product that fits seamlessly into suburban garages, basements, or compact urban apartments, this patent demonstrates how localized engineering directly solves widespread consumer demands. The award also recognized the rigorous safety and stability testing embedded within the design, making it a stellar representation of Illinois manufacturing ingenuity.
U.S. R&D Tax Credit Eligibility for Practical Applications
The practical development and engineering activities required to bring this patented fold-up basketball frame to life represent classic examples of activities eligible for the U.S. Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit under IRC Section 41. To satisfy the statutory four-part test, Pop-A-Shot Enterprise LLC engaged in a systematic process of experimentation aimed at eliminating technical uncertainty regarding the structural capabilities and mechanical folding methods of the frame. The company relied on principles of mechanical engineering and physics to model weight distribution, pivot mechanics, and stress tolerances to ensure that a collapsible frame could withstand the repeated impact of basketballs and heavy use. The design of the custom front and rear leg structures required developing multiple iterations of functional prototypes, evaluating alternative latching and locking mechanisms, and performing rigorous durability simulations. By documenting these iterative design phases, safety evaluations, and engineering trials, the development of the commercial product directly qualifies as qualified research activities, making the company eligible to claim valuable tax credits to offset their research expenditures.
