U.S. patent application number 13/936541 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-09 for athletic training system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Steve Trombley. Invention is credited to Steve Trombley.
Application Number | 20140011612 13/936541 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49878932 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140011612 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Trombley; Steve |
January 9, 2014 |
Athletic Training System
Abstract
A training system which includes a simulated goalkeeper device
that is easily assembled and is free standing from the sport goal.
The system may be operated via a remote control system, via radio
frequency or an automated control system including a sensing loop
in line with an activation system, or any other state of the art
control system. The system also includes a unique backstop
mechanism to further enhance the training process by keeping game
pieces in play.
Inventors: |
Trombley; Steve; (Penn Yan,
NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Trombley; Steve |
Penn Yan |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49878932 |
Appl. No.: |
13/936541 |
Filed: |
July 8, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61668593 |
Jul 6, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/446 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 71/022 20130101;
A63B 63/06 20130101; A63B 2220/803 20130101; A63B 69/002 20130101;
A63B 2071/026 20130101; A63B 2071/0683 20130101; A63B 2210/50
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/446 |
International
Class: |
A63B 69/00 20060101
A63B069/00 |
Claims
1. An athletic training system comprising: a first frame comprising
a plurality of members extending inwardly towards a sports goal; a
second frame comprising a plurality of members, pivotally attached
to the plurality of members of the arcuate frame; a goalkeeper
figure attached to the members of the second frame; and a guide
system attached to a bottom back of the figure.
2. The athletic training system of claim 1, wherein the first frame
comprises a substantially arcuate or linear construction to allow
for lateral movement.
3. The athletic training system of claim 1, further comprising a
remote control and a corresponding radio frequency receiver system
disposed to control the position of the goalkeeper figure.
4. The athletic training system of claim 1, further comprising a
motion sensor attached to the goalkeeper figure and connected to a
programmable chip and a prime mover.
5. The athletic training system of claim 4, wherein the goalkeeper
figure moves and adapts to the location of the shooter.
6. The athletic training system of claim 1, wherein the first and
second frames comprise a metallic material.
7. The athletic training system of claim 1, wherein the goalkeeper
figure can be interchanged to adapt to the variety of sports.
8. The athletic training system of claim 1, wherein the guide
system comprises: a plurality of wheels disposed to roll along the
first frame; and a loop cable in communication with the plurality
of wheels and a prime mover system disposed to control the motion
of the figure.
9. The athletic training system of claim 5, wherein the electronic
system is powered by a battery.
10. The athletic training system of claim 1, wherein the plurality
of members of the second frame extend toward a top back and a
bottom back of the figure.
11. The athletic training system of claim 1, wherein the second
frame contains a prime mover to allow vertical movement of the
goalkeeper figure either in predetermined steps or via a remote
control.
12. An athletic object containment system comprising: an pole
mechanism comprising a top and a bottom portion; a spring system in
translational communication with the bottom portion of the pole
mechanism; a support system attached to an end of the spring
system; a plurality of hooks attached at a top end of the pole
mechanism; and a net apparatus.
13. The athletic object containment system of claim 8, wherein the
adjustable pole comprises two members wherein a first member fits
inside a second member creating adjustable heights.
14. The athletic object containment system of claim 9, wherein the
first member comprises a plurality of circular push pins fitting
into a plurality of circular holes on the second member.
15. The athletic object containment system of claim 8, wherein the
support system further comprises a plurality of arms.
16. The athletic object containment system of claim 11, wherein the
plurality of arms fold upwards towards the top end of the pole.
17. The athletic object containment system of claim 8, wherein the
plurality of arms are pivotally attached to a plurality of u-shaped
brackets.
18. The athletic object containment system of claim 8, further
comprising a plurality of L-shaped brackets attached to the bottom
end of the pole wherein the spring system is fastened to the
L-shaped brackets.
19. The athletic object containment system of claim 8, further
comprising a beam welded to the C-brackets wherein the beam is
fastened to the spring system.
20. The athletic object containment system of claim 8, wherein the
pole mechanism is substantially adjustable.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of and takes priority
from U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/668,593, filed on Jul. 6,
2012, incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a training system for all
sports to train offensive players in scoring.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A variety of devices are known for training athletes and may
include a simulated goalkeeper movable in different positions.
[0004] The concurrent training systems are not adaptable to a wide
variety of sports and are difficult to install. The concurrent
systems require the simulated goalkeeper to either be suspended
from a ceiling or buried into the ground. In addition the simulated
goalkeeper in the concurrent systems travels along the front of the
goal through a guide integrated into the goal frame.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] It is therefore an object of this system to provide a
training system with a simulated goalkeeper and backstop net
mechanism that is adaptable to a variety of sport goals and an
adjustable ball containment system.
[0006] It is a further object of this system to provide a training
system with a simulated goalkeeper that is easily assembled and is
free standing from the sport goal.
[0007] The subject system results from the realization that the
difficulties in training athletes in offensive shooting skills are
addressed in a training system with a simulated goalkeeper creating
targets for athletes and an accompanying collapsible, adjustable
net system.
[0008] The device features a training system for athletes with a
simulated goalkeeper in conjunction with a ball containment system.
The device can be used for sports in which an object is shot into a
goal. These sports include, but are not limited to soccer,
lacrosse, field hockey, ice hockey, and hurling. The simulated
goalkeeper is attached to an arcuate frame by a second frame having
a plurality of members. The goalkeeper moves along the arcuate
frame via a plurality of guides attached to the bottom back end of
the goalkeeper figure. The goalkeeper figure can be interchanged to
adapt to the changes in goal net size that are present in the
various types of sports. Various sizes of goalkeeper figures can be
used to simulate a goalkeeper with pads and a stick, such as in ice
hockey, or a goalkeeper without any accessories, such as in
soccer.
[0009] The device may incorporate a primary battery operated motor,
which moves the goalkeeper figure laterally and secondary battery
operated motor, which moves the goalkeeper figure vertically.
[0010] The training system may be free standing and can be adapted
to a variety of sport nets. The goalkeeper figure may be controlled
remotely via a remote control and powered by the primary motor
attached to the figure. Stepper motors may be used for the lateral
and vertical movement however the device is not limited to a
stepper motor, other motors such as a servo motor may also be used.
Furthermore, the device can be adapted to include a motion sensor
coupled to the motor to detect the position of the shooter and move
the goalie so that the goalie is positioned in front of the
shooter. The motion sensor can be coupled to a PIC microcontroller
in conjunction with a motor. The PIC can be programmed to respond
to changes in the field of view and relay this information to the
motor controlling the goalkeeper figure.
[0011] The system also features a ball containment system that may
be height adjustable and collapsible. The main pole may possess two
parts with one pole fitting into a second pole, allowing for height
adjustments. The height of the pole may be adjusted by a push-pin
system along the poles. At the top of the pole may be a steer horn
net hanging hook. At the bottom of the pole may be a spring system.
The spring system may attach to the pole by L-brackets bolted onto
the pole and springs. The bottom end of the spring system may be
fastened to a beam. The beam may be welded to two C-brackets
housing the support system. The support system may comprise a
plurality of arms fastened to the C-brackets. The arms may
pivotally attach to the C-brackets, allowing for the arms to fold
towards the top of the main pole.
[0012] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more
important features of the sports goal apparatus and the several
embodiments in order that the detailed description thereof that
follows may be better understood, and in order that the present
contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are
additional features of the invention that will be described
hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims
appended hereto.
[0013] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment
of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited in its application to the details of
construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in
the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The
invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced
and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that
the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose
of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0014] These together with other objects of the invention, along
with the various features of novelty, which characterize the
invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed
to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better
understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the
specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to
the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are
illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a front view of the simulated goalkeeper attached
to the arcuate frame.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a side profile of the simulated goalkeeper
attached to the arcuate frame.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a back view of the simulated goalkeeper attached
to the arcuate frame.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic perspective view illustrating one
embodiment of the simulated goalkeeper contained within a preferred
environment.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the ball containment system.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the ball containment system
illustrating the system in a collapsible form.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a plan view of the spring system of the ball
containment system.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a side view of the spring system of the ball
containment system.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a plan view of an assembled ball containment
system.
[0024] FIG. 10 is a flow chart of the motion sensor coupled with a
PIC microcontroller and a motor.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] The detailed description set forth below is intended as a
description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention and
does not represent the only forms in which the present invention
may be construed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the
functions and the sequence of the steps for producing the system
and accompanying apparatus. However, it is to be understood that
the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished
by different embodiments also intended to be encompassed within the
scope of the invention.
[0026] One of the unique characteristics of the subject system and
accompanying apparatus is the ability to train athletes in
offensive skills in a variety of sports without the use of a living
human goalkeeper.
[0027] The subject system and accompanying apparatus may include a
training system comprising a frame 8, which may include a linear or
substantially arcuate construction and may also encompass a
plurality of members extending inwardly towards the sport goal 6.
Further, the linear construction would encompass a single linear
track where the goalkeeper figure only moves laterally. A second
frame 10 comprising a plurality of members pivotally attached to
the inwardly extending members of the arcuate frame. A goalkeeper
FIG. 2, or likeness thereof is attached to the members of the
second frame 10 by fasteners. The lower portion of the second frame
comprises a guide system 12, moving the goalkeeper figure around
the arcuate frame either in an arc or in a linear matter.
[0028] In a preferred embodiment a remote control and a
corresponding radio frequency receiver system may be used to
control the movement of the goalkeeper figure. The frames of the
training system are preferably made of steel or a material of
similar properties.
[0029] In another embodiment a motion sensor 14 may be attached to
the center of the goalkeeper FIG. 2 to sense the location of the
shooter. This would be connected to the primary motor 12 to
position the goalkeeper figure in front of the shooter. This
enables the goalkeeper FIG. 2 to always be in position with regard
to the shooter to ensure adequate training of the athlete's
offensive skills. The motion sensor 14 outputs a set of data to a
microcontroller representing the position of interruptions in the
field of view. The microcontroller processes the set of data and
outputs position coordinates to the motor to center the
interruption. The motor moves the goalkeeper FIG. 2 along the track
8 until the interruption is centered. The process is repeated to
ensure that the interruption (shooter) is always centered.
[0030] In another embodiment, the guide system may possess a
plurality of wheels and a cable running from the wheels up to an
electronic system used to control the movement of the figure in an
arc or laterally. A prime mover such as a stepper motor coupled
battery, AC, DC, or other conventional means may power the
electronic system.
[0031] In another embodiment, the second frame 10 may possess a
prime mover such as a stepper motor to move the goalkeeper FIG. 2
along a vertical track attached to the back of the goalkeeper FIG.
2. This movement may also be controlled remotely using a remote
control.
[0032] An athletic training system comprising, a first frame 8
comprising a plurality of members 6 extending inwardly towards a
sports goal 16, a second frame 10 comprising a plurality of
members, pivotally attached to the plurality of members of the
arcuate frame 8; a goalkeeper FIG. 2 attached to the members of the
second frame 10; and a guide system 8 attached to a bottom back of
the FIG. 2.
[0033] Thus the instant system may further comprise an athletic
training system with a guide system comprising, a plurality 12 of
wheels disposed to roll along the first frame 8 and a loop cable in
communication with the plurality of wheels and a prime mover system
disposed to control the motion of the FIG. 2.
[0034] The present system and accompanying apparatus includes an
athletic object containment system 17 to allow athletes to easily
retain or secure an object or a ball after shooting it at the
goalkeeper figure. The athletic object containment system may have
an adjustable pole 18 with a support system at the bottom of it 22.
Between the support system 22 and the adjustable pole 18 there may
be positioned a recoil spring system 24. At the top of the pole may
be a hook system 20 to hold the nets.
[0035] In a preferred embodiment the pole may have two members
fitting into each other. The height may be adjusted by a push-pin
system where one pole may have a push-pin and the other pole may
comprise a plurality of holes for receiving the push-pin.
[0036] In a further embodiment, the support system may comprise a
plurality of arms that pivotally attach to the spring system by
C-brackets 26 held with fasteners. The fasteners may be a bolt or a
similar fastener. The arms may fold up towards the pole for storage
of the system. The C-brackets 26 may be welded to a beam housing
the spring system 24. The spring system may be fastened to the pole
by L-brackets. Finally, the system may be fixed or portable,
depending on the structure and configuration required by the
user.
[0037] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more
important features of the versatile athletic training system in
order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be
better understood, and in order that the present contribution to
the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of
the system that will be described hereinafter and which will form
the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
[0038] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment
of the system in detail, it is to be understood that the system is
not limited in its application to the details of construction and
to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following
description or illustrated in the drawings. The system is capable
of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in
various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and
terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting.
[0039] These together with other objects of the system, along with
the various features of novelty, which characterize the system, are
pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming
a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the
system, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained
by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings
and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred
embodiments of the system.
* * * * *