US20170087432A1 - Sports training device and implementation thereof - Google Patents
Sports training device and implementation thereof Download PDFInfo
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- US20170087432A1 US20170087432A1 US15/283,463 US201615283463A US2017087432A1 US 20170087432 A1 US20170087432 A1 US 20170087432A1 US 201615283463 A US201615283463 A US 201615283463A US 2017087432 A1 US2017087432 A1 US 2017087432A1
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B63/00—Targets or goals for ball games
- A63B63/004—Goals of the type used for football, handball, hockey or the like
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
- A63B24/0021—Tracking a path or terminating locations
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B63/00—Targets or goals for ball games
- A63B63/003—Targets or goals for ball games non-electronic means for locating the point of impact on a target or the point of entry in the goal
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
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- A63B69/002—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for football
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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- A63B24/0021—Tracking a path or terminating locations
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- A63B2024/0034—Tracking the path of an object, e.g. a ball inside a soccer pitch during flight
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- A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
- A63B2220/80—Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor
- A63B2220/83—Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor characterised by the position of the sensor
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- A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
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- A63B2225/50—Wireless data transmission, e.g. by radio transmitters or telemetry
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- A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
- A63B69/0002—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for baseball
Definitions
- FIG. 14 depicts an elevation view of the side of the target member of FIG. 13 ;
- the frame 102 can allow the device 100 to achieve the various configurations.
- the frame 102 may include one or more articulating joints to allow parts of the frame 102 to move relative to one another.
- the articulating joints may facilitate rotation of parts of the frame.
- Other examples can include telescoping features, e.g., wherein the frame members include a plurality of pieces that interleave with one another to allow lateral movement of the pieces relative to one another.
- FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate constructions for the frame members (e.g., members 106 , 108 , 110 , 112 of FIG. 1 ) of the frame 302 .
- the construction can form a conduit 392 that can house a wiring harness 394 .
- the conduit 392 serves to protect the wires of the wiring harness 394 .
- These wires can extend to the target members ( FIGS. 6 and 7 ) to exchange power and signals to the sensor member 386 ( FIGS. 8 and 9 ).
- FIG. 11 depicts an example in which the frame members integrate one or more conductors 396 that form electrical “traces” throughout the frame assembly. These electrical “traces” can couple with complementary features to exchange signals with the sensors members 386 ( FIGS.
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Aiming, Guidance, Guns With A Light Source, Armor, Camouflage, And Targets (AREA)
Abstract
Embodiments of a sports training device that incorporates structure to facilitate installation and transport. These embodiments include a frame with one or more articulating sections that can change the configuration of the frame. The different configurations can change the dimensions of the sports training device, e.g., reducing the dimensions for transport and increasing the dimensions to match the opening of a goal.
Description
- This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/193,919, filed on Feb. 28, 2014, and entitled “SPORTS TRAINING DEVICE AND IMPLEMENTATION THEREOF,” the content of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
- The subject matter disclosed herein relates to athletics and sports technology with particular discussion about training devices that position targets proximate a goal.
- Many sports utilize a projectile that participants try to deliver into a goal. In soccer, participants use the foot (or feet) to strike a ball. In other sports like hockey, lacrosse, and field hockey, participants use a stick to carry, strike, and/or launch the projectile.
- Athletes that are successful typically train for many hours to develop skills particular to their respective endeavors. This training can take many forms. For example, athletes may participate in drills and exercises that focus on certain facets of a sport. Some drills may incorporate equipment of particular design that serves to further the development of the skills. This equipment may include one or more targets, which athletes attempt to hit with the projectile. Training with these targets can help improve the accuracy with which athletes can deliver the ball or projectile.
- In many respects, training with targets and related devices emphasizes repetition of an act or acts to enhance muscle memory and coordination. While desirable for purposes of improving skills, use of these devices can become monotonous, thereby causing athletes to lose interest in training. Insufficient interest can, in turn, reduce the effectiveness of both the training device and the drill that the athlete is to engage in during the training exercise.
- Conventional devices are known to deploy targets for accuracy training. Many of these devices are designed for use with firearms and/or archery equipment, providing a centralized frame structure that displays the target. This configuration positions the targets in a way that the end user can safely fire projectiles to attempt to hit the targets. For sports training, some of the available devices utilize individual target members that secure to locations on the goal. On the other hand, those devices that include a centralized frame structure often fail to account for installation, removal, and transport of the structure in the design.
- This disclosure describes embodiments of a sports training device with structure that facilitates installation and transport. These embodiments find use as part of a training system with interactive features that can retain the interest of an end user. As discussed more below, these embodiments include a frame with one or more articulating sections that can change the configuration of the frame. The different configurations can change the dimensions of the sports training device, e.g., reducing the dimensions for transport and increasing the dimensions to match the opening of a goal.
- Reference is now made briefly to the accompanying figures, in which:
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FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a sports training device in position proximate a goal; -
FIG. 2 depicts a front, elevation view of the sports training device ofFIG. 1 to illustrate a first set of configurations for the frame of the device; -
FIG. 3 depicts a front, elevation view of the sports training device ofFIG. 1 to illustrate a second set of configurations for the frame of the device; -
FIG. 4 depicts a front, elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a sports training device to show one construction of the device that can change the configurations of the frame; -
FIG. 5 depicts a top, perspective view of the sports training device ofFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 6 depicts a front, elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a sports training device that illustrates one arrangement for target members on the device; -
FIG. 7 depicts the sports training device ofFIG. 6 in an exemplary configuration with a central panel member to simulate an obstruction; -
FIG. 8 depicts a detail view of the target members on the device ofFIGS. 5 and 6 in a first orientation; -
FIG. 9 depicts the target member ofFIG. 8 in a second orientation; -
FIG. 10 depicts a cross-section view of the frame of the device ofFIGS. 6 and 7 with one configuration of a wiring harness disposed therein; -
FIG. 11 depicts a cross-section view of the frame device ofFIGS. 6 and 7 with one configuration of a conductor integrated with the frame; -
FIG. 12 depicts a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a sports training device as part of an example of a training system; -
FIG. 13 depicts an elevation view of the front of an example of a target member for use on the device ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 14 depicts an elevation view of the side of the target member ofFIG. 13 ; and -
FIG. 15 depicts a plan view from the top of the target member ofFIG. 13 in use on a frame. - Where applicable like reference characters designate identical or corresponding components and units throughout the several views, which are not to scale unless otherwise indicated.
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FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a sports training device 100 (also “device 100”) that is useful for athletic training. The embodiment includes a frame assembly with aframe 102 that at least partially circumscribes aframe opening 104. Theframe 102 has one or more frame members (e.g., afirst frame member 106, asecond frame member 108, athird frame member 110, and a fourth frame member 112). Thedevice 100 also includes a target assembly with atarget member 114 that is configured to couple with theframe 102 on, for example, one of the 106, 108, 110, 112. Theframe members target member 114 includes atarget 116 that extends into the frame opening 104. Thedevice 100 is shown inFIG. 1 proximate, but spaced apart from, agoal 118. Examples of thegoal 118 have a goal frame with a pair ofupright posts 120 and acrossbeam 122. Although the dimensions of the goal opening 124 may change, this construction of thegoal 118 is typical of most structures for use in soccer, lacrosse, hockey, field hockey, etc. At the front, or “goal face,” the goal frame defines agoal opening 124 through which athletes attempt to deliver the projectile to score a “goal.” - Broadly, the
device 100 can assume various configurations that make the device easy to install, remove, and transport. These configurations include, for example, a first configuration that readies thedevice 100 to install on thegoal 118 at the goal face. In the first configuration, thedevice 100 can couple with the goal frame, e.g., by securing one or more of the 106, 108, 110, 112 to theframe members upright posts 120 and thecrossbeam 122. The configurations can also include a second configuration in which thedevice 100 is sized and configured in a way that is different from the first configuration. The second configuration makes thedevice 100 more readily portable, e.g., to transport to and from a location remote from thegoal 118. In one example, the size of thedevice 100 in the second configuration is smaller than the size of thedevice 100 in the first configuration. - The
device 100 can also be configured to receive and/or exchange outputs from a common connection. Examples of this common connection may include a device with one or more connectors that offer an interface for one or more peripheral devices (e.g., a monitor, a digital readout, etc.) In some implementations, the target members may couple together to form an integrated array that can receive inputs/outputs from the common connection. The integrated array may utilize a wiring harness, which winds through one or more of the 106, 108, 110, 112 of the frame assembly. In lieu of the wiring harness, examples of the frame assembly may include elements (e.g., theframe members 106, 108, 110, 112) that integrate conductive material that can conduct signals (e.g., electrical signals) between the common connection and the target members of the integrated array. This configuration with the conductive “traces” can further simplify the design of theframe members device 100 to alleviate issues with wire fatigue and/or failure. In some aspects, construction might require the use of various connectors that couple one or more of the conductive “traces” together to complete an electrical circuit. - In one implementation, the
device 100 mounts onto thegoal 118 in position for athletes to direct the projectile towards thegoal 118 and hit thetarget member 114. This feature imparts rigidity to thedevice 100, thus allowing the frame assembly to retain the necessary degrees of freedom and/or “flexibility” to achieve the different configurations contemplated herein. Thedevice 100 may also include a fastening assembly to secure thedevice 100 to thegoal 118. The fastening assembly may include one or more fastening devices that engage the members of theframe 102 and the members of the goal frame. These fastening devices may include fasteners (e.g., nuts, bolts, screws) alone and/or in combination with one or more components (e.g., brackets, straps, etc.). The fastening devices can securely connect thedevice 100 to thegoal 118 to effectively align the frame opening 104 with thegoal opening 124. As shown inFIG. 1 , alignment between the 104, 124 can locate theopenings target member 114 at the periphery of the goal face with thetarget 116 extending into thegoal opening 124. - Examples of the
target member 114 can operate in response to contact by the projectile. This response may, for example, activate an audible alert, a visual alert, and/or other response that could indicate contact. As explained further below, other response may cause operation of a monitor and/or display that is configured to provide some identifier (e.g., a score or tally) of contact of the projectile with the target. - While various constructions are contemplated, the
target member 114 may be configured to change orientation in response to contact from the projectile. The different orientations are useful to register contact to provide, in one implementation, a scoring mechanism that tallies and/or rates the ability of the athlete to hit thetarget member 114. As noted more below, the target assembly can include a plurality of target members (e.g., target member 114) in an arrangement about theframe 102. The arrangement can locate target member at positions on theframe 102 that correspond to various areas of thegoal opening 124. These positions may be found at the periphery of thegoal opening 124, which helps the athlete develop skills to accurately deliver the projectile to certain areas of thegoal opening 124 that will likely result in success. -
FIGS. 2 and 3 offer a front, elevation view of thedevice 100 to illustrate several configurations that are amenable to use with a goal. Several components have been removed from the drawings both for clarity and to focus the discussion on certain features of the embodiment presented therein. InFIG. 2 , thedevice 100 has afirst center plane 126 that bisects theframe 102 between thefirst frame member 106 and thesecond frame member 108. Theframe 102 has afirst configuration 128 and a second configuration, shown generally in phantom lines and denoted by the numeral 130. The 126, 128 define a frame member distance; for example, one or more outer dimensions that establish the outer boundaries of theconfigurations device 100. In one example, these outer dimensions are measured between thefirst frame member 106 and thesecond frame member 108. The frame member distance includes a firstframe member distance 132 and a secondframe member distance 134, which correspond to, respectively, thefirst configuration 128 and thesecond configuration 130 for theframe 102. In the example ofFIG. 3 , thedevice 100 has asecond center plane 136, which bisects theframe 102 between thethird frame member 110 and thefourth frame member 112. Theframe 102 in this example also can assume athird configuration 138 and a fourth configuration, also shown generally in phantom lines and denoted by the numeral 140, each of which correspond to a thirdframe member distance 142 and a fourthframe member distance 144, respectively. - The
device 100 can change in size and/or shape for an end user to deploy and re-deploy, as desired. The first and 128, 138, for example, arrange thethird configurations device 100 to install onto the front of a goal (e.g.,goal 118 ofFIG. 1 ) to position the targets about the periphery of the goal face. On the other hand, the second and 136, 140 can reduce the size of thefourth configurations device 100 for easy stowage and transport. These configurations reduce at least one of the frame dimensions (e.g., the second and 134, 144 are smaller than the first andfourth frame dimensions third dimensions 132, 142). This feature makes thedevice 100 favorable as part of daily training and practice regimen, wherein embodiments of thedevice 100 can be readily fit onto the goal for practice and removed after athletes complete the training segment that involves thedevice 100. Likewise, the various configurations allow thedevice 100 to be packed and set-up for use in various recreational settings (e.g., home, parks, etc.). - Construction of the
frame 102 can allow thedevice 100 to achieve the various configurations. Theframe 102 may include one or more articulating joints to allow parts of theframe 102 to move relative to one another. In one example, the articulating joints may facilitate rotation of parts of the frame. Other examples can include telescoping features, e.g., wherein the frame members include a plurality of pieces that interleave with one another to allow lateral movement of the pieces relative to one another. -
FIGS. 4 and 5 depict a front view (FIG. 4 ) and a perspective view (FIG. 5 ) of an exemplary embodiment of asports training device 200 with one construction of articulating joints that is useful for thedevice 100 to change between configurations discussed herein. InFIG. 4 , theframe 202 includes several sections (e.g., acentral section 246, a firstperipheral section 248, and a second peripheral section 250). Theframe 202 also has one or more articulating joints (e.g., a first joint 252, a second joint 254, a third joint 256, and a fourth joint 258) that, in the present example, couple thecentral section 246 with the 248, 250. Examples of theperipheral sections 252, 254, 256, 258 can include hinges, rotatable couplings, and like elements that have at least one at least one degree of freedom. As best shown injoints FIG. 5 , the 252, 254, 256, 258 can allow thejoints 248, 250 to move (e.g., rotation R) relative to theperipheral sections central section 246. In this way, theframe 202 can change configurations from, for example, the first configuration 228 (FIG. 4 ) to the second configuration 230 (FIG. 5 ). -
FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a front, elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of asports training device 300 to discuss further aspects of the proposed designs. InFIG. 6 , the target assembly includes a plurality of target members (e.g.,target member 114 ofFIG. 1 ) arranged about theframe 302 and denoted generally with the 360, 362, 364, 366, 368, 370, 372, 374, 376, 378.numerals FIG. 7 shows a configuration for the embodiment that also includes adevice input panel 379 and acentral panel member 380 that covers at least part of theframe opening 304. Examples of thecentral panel member 380 can comprise a panel of material (e.g., plastic, fabric, etc.) that couples with theframe 302 to position the panel in theframe opening 304. As noted above, the target assembly can arrange the target members to correspond with areas of the goal opening (e.g., goal opening 124 ofFIG. 1 ). The arrangement inFIGS. 6 and 7 , for example, positions the target members about the periphery of the goal opening to allow the athlete to develop skills that accurately place the projectile in these areas. Thetarget member 378 and thecentral panel member 380 can provide an obstacle to entry of the projectile into the goal, thus simulating a player (also a “goalie” or “goalkeeper”) that is present in the goal face. - Embodiments of the
device 300 may also include a transport assembly to facilitate transport of thedevice 300. The transport assembly may include operative elements (e.g., casters, wheels, etc.) that secure to the frame assembly, for example, to one or more of the frame members. The transport assembly may further include a handle or like implement. In one implementation, the end user can grasp the handle to move the device 300 (in the folded configuration), leveraging the motive feature (e.g., rolling, sliding, etc.) of the operative elements in lieu of picking thedevice 300 off of the ground to transport to another location. -
FIGS. 8 and 9 show a detail view of a target member (e.g.,target member 362 ofFIG. 7 ) to illustrate one construction of the target member for use on the devices disclosed herein. This construction allows the target member to assume a plurality of orientations in response to contact by the projectile on thetarget 316.FIG. 8 illustrates the target member in a first orientation with thetarget 316 substantially forward-facing and/or substantially parallel to a plane tangent to points on the frame 302 (FIG. 7 ) and, in one example, tangent to a point on a first frame member (e.g.,frame member 106 ofFIG. 1 ) and a point on a second frame member (e.g.,frame member 108 ofFIG. 1 ). Thetarget member 362 includes a bracket assembly with, in this example, abracket member 382 and a targetjoint member 384. The bracket assembly couples thetarget 316 to theframe 302 at, e.g., thefirst frame member 306. The target member can also include asensor member 386 with afirst sensor element 388 and asecond sensor element 390. Examples of thesensor member 386 can include optical and magnetic sensors in which the 388, 390 form an emitter-detector arrangement. Examples of the emitter-detector arrangements include one element (the “emitter”) that generates a signal (e.g., light, magnetic waves, etc.) and one element (the “detector”) that senses the signal.sensor elements -
FIG. 9 illustrates the target member in a second orientation that can occur after contact by the projectile. In the second orientation, thetarget 316 is disposed at an angle to a plane across the goal face. This angle separates thefirst sensor member 388 from thesecond sensor element 390, which can cause thesensor member 386 to indicate (e.g., via an output) contact between the projectile and thetarget 316. In one example, the targetjoint member 384 can include a biasing element (e.g., a spring) that causes the target member to automatically (or by default) assume an orientation. For purposes of the present example, the targetjoint member 384 includes a spring that returns the target member to the first orientation. This feature readies thedevice 300 for impact by the projectile. - The cross-sections of
FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate constructions for the frame members (e.g., 106, 108, 110, 112 ofmembers FIG. 1 ) of theframe 302. InFIG. 10 , the construction can form aconduit 392 that can house awiring harness 394. Theconduit 392 serves to protect the wires of thewiring harness 394. These wires can extend to the target members (FIGS. 6 and 7 ) to exchange power and signals to the sensor member 386 (FIGS. 8 and 9 ).FIG. 11 depicts an example in which the frame members integrate one ormore conductors 396 that form electrical “traces” throughout the frame assembly. These electrical “traces” can couple with complementary features to exchange signals with the sensors members 386 (FIGS. 8 and 9 ). Examples of theconduit 392 can include tubing of various materials (e.g., plastics, metals, composites, etc.) and shapes (e.g., rectangle, square, circular, etc.). This disclosure does, however, also contemplate configurations of theconduit 392 that do not exhibit a contiguous outer boundary. That is, theconduit 392 may have only three sides and/or or two sides. In such configurations, the design may include one or more devices that can couple the wires of thewiring harness 394 to theconduit 392. -
FIG. 12 depicts a schematic diagram of an example of atraining system 400 that incorporates an embodiment of a sports training device (e.g., 100, 200, 300). Thedevices system 400 include acontrol device 402 and adisplay 404, the combination of which may be part of a terminal 406. Examples of the terminal 406 can include a variety of computing devices (e.g., personal computers, workstations, laptop computers, tablet computers, smartphones, etc.) that an end user can utilize to interface with the training device via, for example, a software program, an application, and like configuration of executable instructions (e.g., software, firmware, combinations of hardware and firmware) that can instruct operation of the training device and/or thesystem 400 in general. In one embodiment, thesystem 400 can communicate with anetwork system 408 that has anetwork 410 that can deploy various wired and wireless constructions, as desired, to facilitate the exchange of data and information among the components. In one implementation, thenetwork system 408 may incorporate one or moreexternal data servers 412. In one embodiment, thesystem 400 may include one ormore power source 414 that provide power, e.g., to the target device and/or thecontrol device 402. Thepower source 414 may be integrated into the respective device as, for example, a battery, power cell, solar array, etc. In other constructions, thepower source 414 may embody a remote supply that connects with components of thesystem 400 via a cord and/or other implement that is useful to conduct electrical signals. - Examples of the
control device 402 can provide various processing capabilities that are useful for operation of the target device. These examples may include circuitry with components to receive and/or generate inputs and outputs. The components can embody one or more processors, one or more memories, and one or more executable instructions in the form of software, hardware, and/or firmware. In one implementation, the circuitry couples with the target device to register the change in orientation of the target members on thedisplay 404. Thecontrol device 402 may provide power, e.g., by way of a cable and/or other electrical conductor that can transmit power and signals through a wiring harness to sensors on the target members. The display may, in turn, register changes in state of the sensors from, for example, a first state at a first voltage and a second state having a second voltage that is different from the first voltage. - During operation, one or both of the
control device 402 and display 404 couples with the training device via the device input panel (e.g.,device input panel 379 ofFIG. 7 ). This configuration allows these components to exchange inputs and outputs in the form of signals and/or information. In this way, thesystem 400 registers contact between the projectile and the target members on the target device. This feature may take the form of a tally or score, which displays on thedisplay 404. - In one implementation, the
control device 402 can instruct the operation of the device to dictate the way in which the score is compiled. These instructions can cause thesystem 400 to operate among a plurality of operating modes that can enhance use of the training device. These operating modes can define certain scoring protocols, wherein the scoring protocols assign and/or awards points to the end user that successfully hits the target members with the projectile. The scoring protocols may also configure the training device to require the end user to hit the target members in a certain sequential order. In this way, the end user can utilize thesystem 400 to implement various, different training regiments and/or games. -
FIGS. 13, 14, and 15 show another construction for a target member (e.g.,target member 362 ofFIG. 7 ) for use on the devices disclosed herein. This construction provides a “inwardly” facing design to position thetarget member 316 at an angle relative to the face or plane of the goal. This angle may be 90°, although other angles from 0° (shown inFIG. 8 , for example) to 90° may be useful for practice and other purposes. In use, this type of construction may be useful for players to practice certain types of shots, including “wrap-around” shots in which the player advances from behind the goal and shoots the ball (often leaping or in the air) toward the opposite side of the goal. - As shown in
FIGS. 13 and 14 , the design leverages aretainer member 398 that can affix to the back of thetarget 316. Theretainer member 398 may couple with thebracket member 382, itself coupled to the joint that allows the entire assembly to rotate when struck by the projectile. Theretainer member 398 can be offset from the center of thetarget 316, as shown, in order to locate part of thetarget member 316 on the “inside” of the goal plane. The structure of theretainer member 398 may be monolithic or integral withtarget 316. For example, these two pieces may be formed together from a single block or billet of material, may be “printed” as unitary structure in an additive manufacturing process (e.g., 3-D printing), or by some other technique (e.g., welding). This disclosure does not foreclose, however, that the structure may be separate pieces for assembly using fasteners (e.g., screws). -
FIG. 15 shows this construction of the target member disposed as part of the sports training device as found on a goal. Thetarget 316 is in position extending across the goal plane (GP) and into the goal. In one implementation, thetarget 316 may extend past theupright 120, although this is not always necessary. In use, the device can rotate R inwardly to separate the 388, 390 in response to the projectile striking thesensors target 316, typically on the face F. - In light of the foregoing, embodiments of the sports training device, and implementation thereof, incorporate features to facilitate installation, use, and transportation of the training device. These embodiments utilize structure that can change the configuration of the training device, thus rendering a design that can change the size and/or shape of the training device for easy transport and set-up.
- As used herein, an element or function recited in the singular and proceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural said elements or functions, unless such exclusion is explicitly recited. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of the claimed invention should not be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.
- This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.
Claims (20)
1. A sports training device, comprising:
a frame at least partially circumscribing a frame opening, the frame comprising a top frame member, a bottom frame member, and a pair of peripheral frame members including a first peripheral frame member and a second peripheral frame member, one each coupled to opposite sides of the top frame member and the bottom frame member, wherein each of the first peripheral frame member and the second peripheral frame member include joints that are configured to permit the top frame member and the bottom frame member to rotate inwardly toward a center plane of the frame; and
a target assembly coupled with the frame, the target assembly comprising a first target member that is configured to couple with either the first peripheral frame member or the second peripheral frame member, the first target member having a target disposed in the frame opening,
wherein rotation at the joints configures the frame to assume a first frame configuration and a second frame configuration that is different from the first frame configuration,
wherein the first frame configuration and the second frame configuration define a frame member distance between the top frame member and the bottom frame member, and
wherein the frame member distance has a first frame member distance in the first frame configuration and a second frame member distance in the second frame configuration that is less than the first frame member distance.
2. The sports training device of claim 1 , wherein the target member is configured to assume a first orientation and a second orientation, wherein the first orientation positions the target substantially parallel to a plane that is tangent to a point on the first peripheral frame member and a point on the second peripheral frame member, and wherein the second orientation positions the target at an angle to the plane.
3. The sports training device of claim 3 , wherein the target member comprises a biasing element that is configured to move the target member from the second orientation to the first orientation.
4. The sports training device of claim 3 , wherein the target member is configured to generate an output that indicates the orientation of the target.
5. The sports training device of claim 4 , wherein the target member comprises a sensor member that is configured to generate the output.
6. The sports training device of claim 1 , wherein the target assembly comprises a first set of target members disposed on the first peripheral frame member and a second set of target members disposed on the second peripheral frame member.
7. The sports training device of claim 6 , further comprising a device input coupled with the frame and a wiring harness coupled with the device input and extending along the frame, the wiring harness comprising wires that couple the first set of target members and the second set of target members to the device input.
8. An apparatus, comprising:
a frame forming an opening and foldable in at least two places;
a target assembly comprising a first target member and a second target member coupled to the frame, one each disposed on opposite sides of the opening of the frame, the first target member and the second target member having a target with at least one orientation that configures the target at an angle to a plane that is tangent to at least two points on the frame.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the frame has a first configuration and a second configuration that define an outer dimension for the frame, and wherein the outer dimension in the first configuration is greater than the outer dimension in the second configuration.
10. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the frame comprises a plurality of frame members circumscribing the opening.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the target members comprise a target articulating joint with a biasing element that returns the target member to a first orientation from a second orientation disposed at the angle.
12. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the target members comprise a sensor member that is configured to generate the output.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the frame members are hollow.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the target assembly comprises a wiring harness with wires that are disposed inside of the hollow frame members and that are coupled with the sensor member.
15. The apparatus of claim 11 , further comprising conductors that are disposed in the frame members and that are coupled to the sensor member.
16. The apparatus of claim 10 , further comprising:
a control device that is configured to connect with the device, the control device configured to generate an output that instructs operation of the device between a number of operating modes that define a scoring protocol for the device.
17. A method, comprising:
on a frame forming an opening:
arranging frame members of the frame to fold inwardly toward a center plane of the frame; and
coupling targets to the frame members so that the targets travel inwardly with the frame members, the targets having at least one orientation that configures the target at an angle to a plane that is tangent to at least two points on the frame.
18. The method of claim 17 , further comprising:
disposing sensors proximate the targets, the sensors configured to generate a signal in response to the at least one orientation of the target.
19. The method of claim 18 , further comprising:
connecting the sensors with a terminal to register a change in orientation of the target on a display.
20. The method of claim 18 , further comprising:
coupling the sensors with a display to indicate a tally for each change in orientation of the target.
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US15/283,463 US20170087432A1 (en) | 2014-02-28 | 2016-10-03 | Sports training device and implementation thereof |
| US16/165,308 US20190046855A1 (en) | 2014-02-28 | 2018-10-19 | Sports training device and implementation thereof |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US14/193,919 US9457249B2 (en) | 2014-02-28 | 2014-02-28 | Sports training device and implementation thereof |
| US15/283,463 US20170087432A1 (en) | 2014-02-28 | 2016-10-03 | Sports training device and implementation thereof |
Related Parent Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| US14/193,919 Continuation-In-Part US9457249B2 (en) | 2014-02-28 | 2014-02-28 | Sports training device and implementation thereof |
Related Child Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| US16/165,308 Continuation US20190046855A1 (en) | 2014-02-28 | 2018-10-19 | Sports training device and implementation thereof |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| US20170087432A1 true US20170087432A1 (en) | 2017-03-30 |
Family
ID=58406311
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| US15/283,463 Abandoned US20170087432A1 (en) | 2014-02-28 | 2016-10-03 | Sports training device and implementation thereof |
| US16/165,308 Abandoned US20190046855A1 (en) | 2014-02-28 | 2018-10-19 | Sports training device and implementation thereof |
Family Applications After (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| US16/165,308 Abandoned US20190046855A1 (en) | 2014-02-28 | 2018-10-19 | Sports training device and implementation thereof |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (2) | US20170087432A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN109186354A (en) * | 2018-09-27 | 2019-01-11 | 朱德坤 | Catapult electronic counting target |
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| US1989484A (en) * | 1930-10-10 | 1935-01-29 | Enterprise Mfg Co | Bait casting practice device |
| US3642282A (en) * | 1970-04-28 | 1972-02-15 | Arnold Frischman | Foldable goal structure |
| US4072295A (en) * | 1976-03-01 | 1978-02-07 | Roberts Darrel V | Foldable backstop and like structure |
| US4842283A (en) * | 1987-05-05 | 1989-06-27 | Lebel Kenneth | Target assembly |
| US5054791A (en) * | 1991-03-11 | 1991-10-08 | Ball Alan F | Background shield for soccer practice |
| US6575851B1 (en) * | 1999-08-26 | 2003-06-10 | Catherine B. Lamberti | Rebound wall for ball sports |
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Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US20190046855A1 (en) | 2019-02-14 |
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