U.S. patent application number 14/229993 was filed with the patent office on 2015-10-01 for sports training device.
The applicant listed for this patent is John Charles Marcin, Robert Henri Schenkkan. Invention is credited to John Charles Marcin, Robert Henri Schenkkan.
Application Number | 20150273296 14/229993 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54188915 |
Filed Date | 2015-10-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150273296 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Marcin; John Charles ; et
al. |
October 1, 2015 |
Sports Training Device
Abstract
A sports training device is disclosed. The sports training
device is a portable and flexible practice target which can be used
to direct a player's eyes in practice to improve aim. The sports
training device can be attached to many different locations within
a goal, and be used with or without a goal tending player.
Inventors: |
Marcin; John Charles;
(Huntington Beach, CA) ; Schenkkan; Robert Henri;
(Corona, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Marcin; John Charles
Schenkkan; Robert Henri |
Huntington Beach
Corona |
CA
CA |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54188915 |
Appl. No.: |
14/229993 |
Filed: |
March 31, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/446 ;
29/407.01; 29/428 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2071/0694 20130101;
Y10T 29/49764 20150115; A63B 63/003 20130101; A63B 63/004 20130101;
Y10T 29/49826 20150115; A63B 2209/10 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 63/00 20060101
A63B063/00; A63B 69/00 20060101 A63B069/00 |
Claims
1. A sports training device comprising: a sheet of elastomeric
material, having: a planar surface and a depth, the planer surface
having a top edge, a bottom edge, and one or more side edges, the
one or more side edges of the planar surface, oriented
perpendicular to an external lateral surface when viewed
perpendicular to the depth, and a property of remaining essentially
planar when held vertically by a portion of one of the side edges;
and wherein, the sheet of elastomeric material comprising: a target
face portion; a target arm portion adjacent to the target face
portion; and a mounting surface portion adjacent to the target arm
portion and also adjacent to one or more side edges, wherein the
mounting surface portion comprises at least one hole; and an
attachment, configured to pass through the at least one hole of the
mounting surface portion of the sheet of elastomeric material to be
held vertically by one of the side edges and to remain planer when
held vertically by one of the side edges.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the sheet of elastomeric material
is selected from a group comprising polyurethane, latex, natural
rubber, polychloroprene, ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber,
polyethylene, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, fluoropolymer
elastomer, and thermoplastic elastomer.
3. The device of claim 1 wherein the sheet of elastomeric material
comprises a durometer.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the sheet of elastomeric material
further comprises a fiber matrix.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the sheet of elastomeric material
is a foam.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the sheet of elastomeric material
further comprises a filler.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the sheet of elastomeric material
is a continuous sheet of elastomeric material.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein one of the target face portion,
the target arm portion and the mounting surface portion is a
different durometer from the remaining portions.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein the target face is substantially
circular or oval.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein: a first portion of the
attachment is configured to be in contact with a first surface of
the mounting surface portion and a second portion of the attachment
is configured to be in contact with a second surface of the
mounting surface portion, and the first surface of the mounting
surface portion is opposite the second surface of the mounting
surface portion.
11. The device of claim 10, wherein the attachment comprises a
fastener selected from a group consisting fabric hook and loop,
buckle, snap buckle and hook.
12. The device of claim 1, wherein the attachment further comprises
a strap.
13. The device of claim 1, further comprising a visual aid
positioned on a surface of the elastomeric material.
14-20. (canceled)
21. A sports training device comprising: an elastomeric target
element having a front target face and an opposing rear target
face; an elastomeric target arm connected to the target element; an
elastomeric mounting surface connected to the target arm and
configured to be attached laterally to a vertical post; and a
flexible attachment strap connected to the mounting surface.
22. The device of claim 21, wherein the target element and the
target arm form at least a portion of a sheet of elastomeric
material.
23. The device of claim 21, wherein the target arm and the mounting
surface form at least a portion of a sheet of elastomeric
material.
24. The device of claim 21, wherein the target element, target arm
and the mounting surface form at least a portion of a sheet of
elastomeric material.
25. The device of claim 21, wherein the target element, target arm,
the mounting surface and the attachment strap form at least a
portion of a sheet of elastomeric material.
26. The device of claim 21, wherein the target element is
configured to remain essentially planar and perpendicular to an
external lateral surface when held vertically on one side by the
flexible attachment strap.
27. The device of claim 26, wherein an entirety of the target
element is configured to bend less than 15 degrees from an axis
normal to the ground when the target element is held by a portion
of the mounting surface portion adjacent to a side edge and when
the target element is heated to 130.degree. F. for one hour.
28. The device of claim 27, wherein a length of the portion of the
mounting surface is 5-15% of a length of the target element, and a
width of the portion of the mounting surface is 5-15% of a width of
the target element.
29. A sports training device comprising: a target face portion; a
target arm portion adjacent to the target face portion; and a
mounting surface portion adjacent to the target arm portion and
configured to be attached laterally to a vertical post, wherein at
least a portion of the target arm portion is flexible.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a sports training
device. In particular, it relates to a portable elastic sports
training device which can be attached to a sports goal at a variety
of locations, and methods related thereto.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In many sports such as hockey, soccer, lacrosse and water
polo, it is desirable for a player to accurately throw, kick, hit
or shoot a projectile to a specific location in a goal during a
game to score more effectively. For example, in soccer, there are
locations in a goal which are very difficult for the goal tending
player to block a ball from entering the goal and scoring.
Consequently, it is desirable for athletes to improve their
throwing, kicking or shooting accuracy by practicing aiming at a
physical practice target which visually focuses their attention to
one or more such particular locations within the goal.
[0003] Such a practice target is typically a sports training device
and not used in actual game play. The practice target is
transported to the practice setting and attached to the goal in one
or more places during a practice session. The target may be
reattached during the session to practice aiming at different
locations in the goal. Therefore, portability in terms of both
weight and size and the ease of attachment and reattachment are
important.
[0004] Beyond the portability and ease of use, the practice target
device should to be safe to use. Athletes moving at fast speeds may
accidentally collide with the practice target and injure themselves
if the practice target device has hard or rigid parts. Goal keepers
typically play near the front plane of the goal with their backs to
the goal, so they would be especially prone to collision with any
practice target attached to the goal posts. Therefore, targets with
rigid frames or planes can be quite unsafe for the players.
[0005] A practice target which has all of the above attributes is
needed by players of many goal-based sports. Many practice targets
have been developed, but none of these practice targets is flexible
for safety to the players yet able to support itself in many
locations within the goal, as well as tough, small, light, and can
be easily attached to and removed from almost all portions of the
goal.
[0006] Many examples of these previously developed practice targets
comprise rigid frames, faces, or both, rendering them unsafe for
use. For example, U.S. Pat. 7,252,604 B2 issued to Birss on Aug. 7,
2007 describes a target with a frame "preferably comprised of
rounded steel bar" (col. 15, line 18) which can easily injure the
players.
[0007] Other examples suffer from limited placement locations
within the goal thus limiting effectiveness and utility.
Specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 8,187,123 B2 issued to Pettys et al, on
May 29, 2012 describes a target hung from hooks only from the "top
horizontal crossbar of the soccer goal," and cannot be mounted to
the side posts or the net, preventing its use for practicing shots
in the important lower corners or along the middle of the side
posts.
[0008] Yet other targets are difficult to use. For example, U.S.
Pat. No. 4,245,843 issued to Griggs on Jan. 20, 1981 describes a
target which must be reassembled after each hit, increasing the set
up time significantly.
[0009] For widespread adoption of a sports practice target device
to occur, the target device must be safe, effective, portable and
easy to use. The prior art offers no such device, and a solution is
still needed. The present disclosure describes a safe, effective,
portable, and easy to use practice target device which addresses
this pressing need.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention relates to generally to a sports
training device. More specifically, it relates to a portable and
flexible practice target device which can be attached to a sports
goal at a variety of locations to enable an individual to practice
and improve throwing, kicking or shooting accuracy of balls, pucks
or other projectiles with or without goal keeper and other players
participating in practice.
[0011] In one embodiment a sports practice device is disclosed. The
sports practice device comprising: a sheet of elastomeric material,
having: a planar surface and a depth, an edge of the planar
surface, oriented perpendicular to an external lateral surface when
viewed perpendicular to the depth, and a property of remaining
essentially planar when held by a portion of the sheet proximate to
the edge; and a detachable attachment, connected to the elastomeric
material.
[0012] According to a second embodiment of the invention a method
of designing a sports practice target is described. The method
comprising: providing a target goal size and a target aiming
distance from the goal; determining a target face diameter based on
the target goal size and target aiming distance; selecting a sheet
of elastomer material with suitable durometer and thickness for the
target face diameter; constructing a test sample; testing the
mechanical strength of the test sample for a property of remaining
essentially planar and perpendicular to an external lateral surface
when held by a portion of the test sample proximate to the edge and
selecting an attachment.
[0013] In a different aspect of the invention, a method of
manufacturing a sports practice target is described. The method
comprising: forming a target from an elastomer material; placing a
visual aid on a target face portion; and attaching a detachable
attachment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 shows a front view of an embodiment of the sports
training device of the present disclosure mounted horizontally in
an upper right corner of a sports goal.
[0015] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the
sports training device with an exemplary attachment.
[0016] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the
sports training device with an exemplary attachment and two visual
aids on the front surface.
[0017] FIG. 4 shows a front view of the exemplary sports training
device of FIG. 2
[0018] FIG. 5 shows a top view of the exemplary sports training
device of FIG. 2 as strapped to a post.
[0019] FIG. 6 shows a flow chart of a method of designing a device
of the present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an exemplary test
configuration for assessing an elastomeric material for use in the
sports training device of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] The present disclosure describes a sports training device.
The device is an elastic portable target which can be easily
attached to and removed from a sports goal at many perimeter or net
locations for the purpose of practicing aim and improving accuracy
of shot.
[0022] The sports training device of the present disclosure is not
limited in utility to mounting on a sports goal, nor is it limited
for use during practice. The device can also be mounted to any
designated location such as a pole where a person wishes to mark
for aim such as in Frisbee golf or a game of horse.
[0023] As a training device, the sports training device can be
carried to a practice location, attached and used, then removed and
carried away at the end of the practice session. Therefore, it is
desirable for the device to be small in size and weight for
portability and also easily and quickly attachable and removable
from various portions of the goal to facilitate ease and range of
use.
[0024] The training device functions more effectively and safely if
it is flexible but tough, durable, and tear-resistant enough to
withstand multiple contacts with the players and projectiles such
as balls or pucks. It is also desirable for the device to be
resistant to environmental hazards such as wind, water, ice,
chlorine, salt, sunlight, heat and cold. It should not crack or
fade after reasonable use.
[0025] The training device of the present disclosure is able to
address these needs of safety, ease of use, portability and
effectiveness through one or more of specific material selection,
target configuration, and target marking.
[0026] Referring now to FIG. 1, shown is a front view of an
embodiment of the sports training device, or portable target device
(herein referred to as "target" or "device") of the present
disclosure. The target 10 is depicted as mounted horizontally to a
vertical goal post 30 of a water polo goal as an example. Also
shown in FIG. 1 is the water polo goal net 20.
[0027] The target 10 may be attached with horizontal or vertical
orientation onto various portions of the vertical or horizontal
goal post. For example, the target can be attached to the lower
portion of the vertical goal post, the center or edge part of the
horizontal goal post, the upper right corner of the net, or the
lower left corner of the net. The target 10 can also be attached to
various portions of the goal net 20. The range of possible
attachment location and orientation for the target makes the device
very effective in addressing aim within a goal.
[0028] The device, at least the portions which are projected out of
the goal post, is flexible. Unlike many targets in the prior art,
the target does not have rigid parts or frame around or near the
target face.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 2, shown herein is a perspective view
of an embodiment of the target 10. The target 10 comprises a target
face portion 40, a target arm portion 50, a mounting surface
portion 60, and an attachment 80.
[0030] The target can be made of one or more sheets of elastomeric
material. If more than one sheet is used, the sheets can be
laminated, glued, stitched or otherwise attached together. All or
parts of one or more of the target face portion 40, the target arm
portion 50, and the mounting surface portion 60, can be made from
the sheet of elastomeric material.
[0031] For example, the target face portion 40, the target arm
portion 50, and the mounting surface portion 60 of the target 10
may be one single continuous sheet of elastomeric sheet material.
This configuration may be lower in manufacturing cost due to
simpler construction.
[0032] However, it is possible for at least parts of any of the
abovementioned portion to be manufactured separately and then
combined. For example, the target face portion 40 which may be
integrated with the target arm portion 50 as one continuous piece,
with the mounting surface portion 60 made separately then stitched
or glued or otherwise attached together. In another example, a
second reinforcement sheet may be glued or laminated on the target
arm portion 50 to improve toughness, mechanical stability, and tear
resistance.
[0033] As yet another example, the target face portion 40, the
target arm portion 50, and the mounting surface portion 60 may all
be integrated as one continuous piece with the same or different
thickness and/or material properties. In other embodiments, all or
portions of the target face portion 40, the target arm portion 50
and the mounting surface portion 60 may be made from more than one
piece of material then attached.
[0034] The target face portion 40, the target arm portion 50, and
the mounting surface portion 60 of the target 10 may be of same or
different thickness and/or material properties such as durometer.
Any portion of the target face portion 40, the target arm portion
50, and the mounting surface portion 60 may have one or more
additional sheets of elastomeric or other material attached to it
by gluing, lamination, stitching or other methods.
[0035] Similar to the prior example where a second reinforcement
sheet may be glued or laminated on the target arm portion 50 to
improve toughness and tear resistance, reinforcement may be
provided by increasing the durometer of the target arm portion
during the formation of the sheet. Yet a third method of
reinforcing the target arm portion 50 may be by inserting a fiber
matrix or foam insert.
[0036] The mounting surface portion 60 of the target 10 may have
one or more attachment holes 70 that allow an attachment 80 to pass
though the interior of the mounting surface portion 60. FIG. 2
shows a specific example of three (3) slot shaped attachment holes
70 spaced unequally in one row. The attachment holes can be long
slots, round, oval, or other shapes. More than one row of
attachment holes may be used.
[0037] The attachment holes 70 do not all have to be the same
shape, nor do all rows of attachment holes 70 have to be the same.
The attachment holes can be positioned symmetric about a center
line of the mounting surface portion 60 as shown in FIG. 2.
[0038] The mounting surface portion 60 and the attachment 80 of the
target 10 do not have to be made of elastomeric material since it
is not intended to extend beyond the goal post when mounted.
Therefore, the mounting surface portion 60 and attachment 80 may be
made of rigid materials as long as there are no dangerous
protrusions or sharp corners. The mounting surface portion 60 may
be made of a softer or thinner material to better conform to a goal
post.
[0039] The example attachment 80 shown in FIG. 2 has an adjustable
webbing strap with a large hook and eye closure. However, the
attachment 80 can have zero, one or more straps. An example of an
attachment 80 with no separate strap uses the mounting surface
portion 60, itself, as the strap by stitching fabric hook and eye
closure (e.g. Velcro.RTM.) at two ends of the mounting surface
portion 60. The mounting surface portion 60 would wrap around a
goal post and be held in position by the fabric hook and eye
closure.
[0040] The strap of the attachment 80 can be adjustable in length
and/or be elastic to fit on various sizes of posts or netting, or
other places to attach the target 10. The strap can be made of
leather, polymer such as rubber or silicone, fabric such as nylon,
polyester, polypropylene, cotton or any combination thereof. The
strap can be of many forms, such as tubing, belt, rope or
webbing.
[0041] The attachment 80 can include one or more securing device
such as a buckle, fabric hook and eye closure (e.g. Velcro.RTM.),
hook, tie or other. The attachment 80 can also include loops,
guides, etc. to for adjustments in length and for managing excess
strap.
[0042] One or more of the target face portion 40, the target arm
portion 50, and the mounting surface portion 60 of the target 10
may be primarily made of an elastomer. An elastomer is defined as a
polymer which can reversibly extend 5-700%.
[0043] The measure of mechanical strength, hardness, and resistance
to deformation (elastic modulus) for elastic polymer can be
quantified by the Shore durometer or durometer reading. The term
refers to the measurement as well as the instrument itself.
Durometer A and durometer D are different scales for targeting
elastomers for different uses. A larger force is applied during a
measurement of durometer D compared to durometer A, thus durometer
D scale values indicate more resistant or harder material for the
same reading as durometer A. Within each scale, a larger number
indicate harder or more resistant material.
[0044] Elastomers with a durometer type A readings of approximately
80A to 120A or a durometer D reading of 35D to 70D are suitable for
the target of the present disclosure. Some examples of elastomers
with durometers within this range include Polyurethane, Latex
(natural or synthetic rubber emulsion), natural rubber,
polychloroprene such as Neoprene.RTM., EPDM rubber (ethylene
propylene diene monomer (M-class) rubber), Polyethylene, CSPE
(chlorosulfonated polyethylene) synthetic rubber (CSM) such as
Hypalon.RTM., synthetic rubber and fluoropolymer elastomers such as
Viton.RTM., and TPE (thermal plastic elastomers) such as
Santoprene.RTM.. The elastomer may be a solid film, molded foam or
other.
[0045] Proper selection of target planar dimensions combined with
the elastomer material, thickness, and durometer, enable the
formation of a target of the present disclosure with suitable size
and shape. The target is sized for visibility from typical playing
distance as well as player experience level.
[0046] Typically a circular disk shaped target face portion 40 of a
diameter of 4 inches to 12 inches is preferred for portability and
visibility. A circular disk shaped target face portion 40 is shown
in FIG. 2. A circular type of target face is the simplest to
construct. Square, rectangular shapes with length equal target face
diameter can also be used. The rectangular or square shapes may
have rounded corners or dual semicircle ends. Since sharp corners
may present some dangers to players, rounded edges are
preferred.
[0047] Oval shapes can also be used, with maximum diameter equal to
the circular target face diameter. Oval or rounded rectangular
shaped target face may be useful in covering a desired aiming area
in rectangular goals with large aspect ratios while keeping weight
lower than a circular shape with the same maximum diameter.
[0048] The target face portion 40 and at least the target arm
portion 50 should have enough elasticity to be durable and safe.
The elasticity should be high enough such that the target does not
hurt the body when the target face portion 40 is contacted at
typical player speeds. The target 10 also is elastic enough to be
durable to withstand at least thousands of contacts with the
players' ball, puck or other projectile aimed at the target 10.
Finally, the target face portion and the target arm portion 50 may
have enough hardness and rigidity, as indicated by the shore
durometer reading, to support the target face when horizontally
mounted on a post or vertically mounted on a net without
folding.
[0049] The target can be easily attached, such as by strapping to a
vertical goal post, horizontal crossbar, or other rigid mounting
structure within seconds. The target can also be attached to the
net of the goal, or other structures which is the focus of aim.
[0050] One or more of the target face portion 40, the target arm
portion 50, and the mounting surface portion 60 of the target 10
may be produced from a sheet of elastomeric material by molding,
cutting, punching, or stamping. One or more of the target face
portion 40, the target arm portion 50, and the mounting surface
portion 60 of the target 10 may have additional designs, logos,
advertisement, drawings, etc. on its surface or punched out for
effectiveness, usability, or other reasons.
[0051] Visual aids can be painted, laminated, colored, punched,
stamped or otherwise rendered visible on various portions of the
target to increase its visibility and effectiveness. For example a
bull's eye circle may be painted on the target face portion 40 for
increased visibility, the bull's eye might be cut out to reduce
weight, or a logo may be placed on the target for advertisement
purposes.
[0052] The elastomeric material for the target is best to have
reasonable tolerance of environmental hazards such as wind, water,
ice, chlorine, salt, sunlight, heat and cold. It should not crack
or fade after reasonable use. For ease of manufacturing, the
material can be easily colored and cut. It can be stable over
temperature such that it does not droop or fold in a hot summer day
or to turn hard and brittle on a cold winter day. Other properties
such as tear resistance and toughness are also important. Other
components may be integrated in the elastomer material to improve
its mechanical properties for use. For example, clothe or fiber
matrix, such as cotton, polyester, or fiberglass may be formed
within an elastomer material of any of the abovementioned base
elastomers for improving tear resistance of the fabricated target
of the present disclosure.
[0053] The elastomer thickness and durometer, combined with the
target shape and dimensions, may be adjusted separately or in
combination for various target sizes or functions. Different
targets may be differently engineered for different sport or even
different aspects of the sport. For example, a water polo target
may have a different shape; smaller size, thinner material, and
lower durometer than a soccer target since water polo balls are
thrown with arm rather than kicked with foot so tend to be of
shorter range. In addition, desired accuracy and precision levels
even within a single sport may be different for beginner,
intermediate and expert level player thus requiring different size,
durometer, or visual aid level.
[0054] Therefore, the size and configuration would be optimized for
each specific use, for example water polo, soccer, lacrosse and
hockey. The size and configuration would then lead to the choice of
elastomeric material, durometer and thickness for each portion of
the target 10.
[0055] Referring now to FIG. 6, shown herein is a flow chart of a
method 100 to design a sports practice target device of the present
disclosure. The method includes providing a goal size and an aiming
distance in a step 110. The provided goal size and aiming distance
would depend on the type of sport and the skill level of the
athlete. A soccer goal is quite large at 24 feet wide by 8 feet
high with player kicking the ball in at large distances. A hockey
goal is much smaller at 6 feet wide and 4 feet high.
[0056] The method includes a step 120: determining a target face
diameter by the goal size and aiming distance indicated by the
skill level of the athlete. Larger target face diameter is
indicated by larger goal farther aiming distance, and more novice
players. Typical target face diameter would be 2-15% of the goal
width, although for larger goals, target face diameters of 1-5% of
goal width may be more appropriate to maintain portability. 4'' to
12'' are the typical target face diameter ranges, although for
beginner players, even larger targets may be more suitable. A good
target face diameter to start would be 5% of goal width. The
determined target face diameter can also be applied to the maximum
diameter of an oval target face or the length of a rounded
rectangle or square target face.
[0057] In a next step 130, the method includes selecting an
elastomeric material and starting target depth or thickness. Based
on the target face diameter, an elastomeric material and thickness,
or target depth is chosen. Polyurethane is a good starting material
with a durometer A reading of 100A and thickness of 1/16''. The
durometer and thickness is chosen based on the projected weight of
the target at the determined diameter. To preserve portability, the
target can be smaller than 36'' and weighing less than a pound. The
target is preferred to weigh less than a half of pound.
[0058] Density of the elastomeric material may be a selection
criterion. Typical elastomeric films have densities of 0.9-1.5
g/cc. For lower density and thus lower weight in larger targets,
elastomeric foams such as polyurethane foam may be used. Selected
inserts or fillers may be incorporated to increase stiffness or
weight in one or more portions of the target. Such inserts or
fillers may be uniformly distributed or concentrated in one or more
areas. Fillers, such as filler bead may be added to increase or
decrease density or fibers to add tear resistance. Stiffeners may
include polycarbonate sheet insert. Fillers, fibers, and stiffeners
may be incorporated into elastomer sheets or elastomer foam by the
use of molds or molding.
[0059] In a next step 140, the method further includes constructing
a test sample with a target arm length equal to target arm width
equal to target face diameter as shown in FIG. 7. The target face
diameter is used as an approximate size scale. A pre-determined
length of mounting surface 60 can be added to the target arm
length. The length of the target arm 50 of FIG. 2 is expected to be
zero to .about.1 times the target face diameter. Targets with arm
length significantly larger than the target face diameter are not
as stable. The width of the target arm is expected to be about
20-70% of the target face diameter but may be up to 100%.
[0060] Target arms with larger length and width can be visually
distracting and may have blackout visual aid on them. For the
initial test, a test sample is constructed by cutting or molding
the selected elastomeric material with the determined target face
diameter and a target arm with length and width equal to the target
face diameter and a pre-determined length of mounting surface 60.
As shown in FIG. 7, slots do not need to be cut for the test
sample, thus the target arm and mounting surface may be
interchangeable portions of the test sample. The non-circular
portion of the test sample that is clamped or tied against the post
would be the mounting surface and the exposed portion would be the
target arm.
[0061] In a following step 150, the weight of the test sample is
measured. If the weight is too high, in excess of a pound for a
typically sized target, the target may not be portable enough for
use. A new elastomeric material with higher durometer is chosen in
a step 155 and a new target thickness and density is selected for
the new material by returning to step 130.
[0062] Flexibility of the test sample is also tested in step 150
although it is not shown explicitly in FIG. 6. Flexibility or
elasticity of the test sample is important for safety. The sample
is considered flexible enough if it deflects perceptibly with the
human eye and touch when 3 pounds of force is applied to any point
or area of the mounted target arm or face.
[0063] If the weight and the flexibility of the test sample are
acceptable, then the test sample is tested for mechanical stability
in a step 160. The test is conducted at 130 deg F with the mounting
surface 60 of the test sample 200 clamped to a vertical post 30 by
a portion of the mounting surface and/or target arm. A suitable,
"passing" sample is characterized by sufficient hardness and
rigidity to support the target face to present a substantially
planar configuration without folding.
[0064] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an example testing
configuration. The test sample 200 is attached, by a clamp 210,
strap or other methods holding a portion of the mounting
surface/target arm 50 and 60 and exposing a desired target arm
length 15. Only a small portion of the mounting surface 60 placed
against the vertical post 30 is held by the clamp 210 for this
test, about 5-15% of its total width and length. The portion of the
mounting surface 60 extending beyond the vertical post 30 does not
contribute to the test, thus the clamp holds a portion of the
sample which would be proximate to the lateral edge of the sample
200.
[0065] Although FIG. 7 shows the clamp 210 as being position toward
the top half of the test sample 200, the test is performed with the
clamp preferably positioned closer to the center line of the test
sample to detect sample folding.
[0066] The test sample is held such that an edge 42 of target face
plane 40 is oriented perpendicular to an external lateral surface
220 (e.g. table, gym floor, pool water level or playing field
ground) when viewed perpendicular to the thickness or depth of the
test sample. The target face 40 plane is perpendicular the external
lateral surface 220 and parallel to the vertical mounting post 30.
The initial target face plane is considered to be vertical at 90
deg perpendicular to the external lateral surface 220.
[0067] The test sample 200 is oriented with the target arm 50
positioned lateral to the target face 40 instead of above or below.
This lateral asymmetric configuration is found to be a good
mechanical test for the elastomeric material.
[0068] The length of the target arm 15 in the test sample 200 can
be reduced by clamping portions of the target arm 50 against the
mounting surface to effectively reduce the target arm length all
the way to zero. This is a way to test different effective target
arm length 15 without actually cutting the sample. The mechanical
test of step 160 starts with a target arm length 50 of zero.
[0069] If the elastomeric material of the test sample 200 is not
hard or rigid enough, the target face 40 plane will not remain
planar and perpendicular to the external lateral surface 220
(ground) during the test. Instead the material will fold,
especially when heated to 130 deg F for 1 hour. If the sample folds
anytime at or before the end of the 1 hour testing at 130 deg F
then the sample is considered to have failed this test. Folding is
defined as a bending of any portion of the test sample of more than
15 degrees from vertical or less than 75 degrees from the external
lateral surface 220.
[0070] The temperature on a hot playing field can get above 100 deg
F and it is well known that polymer materials can creep under heat.
The stability of the planar configuration without fold is also
important since the target may be used under windy conditions and
the goal may be shaken. Thus, the test set up may be shaken to
ensure the test sample 200 remains planar. The test described here
is a test of mechanical stability and hardness for the elastomeric
sheet utilizing the material's own weight and is specifically used
to determine if the elastomeric material is suitable for the use
described in the present disclosure.
[0071] If the test sample 200 fails the mechanical test of step 160
and folds, then a thicker sheet is selected or reinforcement
material, such as a fiber matrix, is added and a new test sample is
constructed by returning to step 140.
[0072] If the test sample 200 passed the mechanical test of step
160 with a target arm length 15 of zero, then further testing can
be done with increased target arm length 15 to determine the
maximum target arm length 15 allowable by the material to select
the elastomeric material, target depth, and maximum target arm
length in a step 170.
[0073] In a step 180, target arm width 35 is decreased by cutting
an increment from both sides. FIG. 6 shows an example increment
where a total reduction of 25% is used each time. The mechanical
test at 130 deg F in step 160 is repeated until the test sample 200
fails and a minimum target arm width 35 is determined.
[0074] In a last step 190, the prior arm width is selected and an
attachment is also selected. Optionally and not shown in FIG. 6, a
visual aid can be designed.
[0075] Referring now to FIG. 3, a perspective view of another
embodiment of the target 10 is shown have a target face thickness
24, a target arm thickness 25 and a mounting surface thickness 26.
Any two or all three of the target face thickness 24, the target
arm thickness 25 and the mounting surface thickness 26 may be the
same or different. If all three thicknesses are the same as shown
in FIGS. 2 and 4 and the durometer required is the same, the target
may be fabricated from a continuous piece of elastomer.
[0076] If different mechanical property is required of the target
face portion 40, the target arm portion 50 and the mounting surface
60, the three portions can still be fabricated from one continuous
piece of elastomer. For example, additional pieces of materials,
which can be elastomers, can be laminated or glue to one or more
portions to change the mechanical property of that portion. FIG. 3
shows an additional piece of elastomer 25 attached to the target
arm portion of the target 10. The additional strengthening piece
may be used to increase target arm length, where longer length is
desired.
[0077] In FIG. 3, a visual aid filled circled is shown painted on
the center of the target face portion of the target to form a
bull's eye. A striped black out pattern is shown on the target arm
portion. Such pattern can be used to reduce the visual registration
for that portion of the target and to focus attention on the target
face portion. Other visual aids may include logos, cutouts, or
blacking out various portions of the target to make the target face
portion more prominent. The target face portion can be colored by a
highly visible color such as yellow.
[0078] Referring now to FIG. 4, shown is a front view of the
embodiment of the practice target in FIG. 2 next to a goal post 30
of FIG. 1. The target face portion 40 of FIG. 2 has a round shape
with a target face diameter 14 based on the visibility and size
requirement of the sport. A pre-determined aim distance from the
goal post constrains the length 15 of the target arm portion 50 as
well as the target arm thickness 25 and durometer of the target arm
50 as described by the design method in FIG. 6. Longer target arm
length 15 may be enabled by attaching additional strengthening
piece such as shown in FIG. 3. The minimum and maximum typical
diameter of the goal post and attachment hole 7 requirements can be
used to determine the mounting surface length 16. The target face
thickness 24 and durometer of the target can be specified as to
make the target as flexible for safety reasons, but strong enough
to present a flat target face portion 40 that does not droop or
fold under its own weight tested by the method shown in FIG. 6.
[0079] In an embodiment of the sports training device for water
polo use, the target face 40 is substantially round and the target
face diameter 14 is 5-9 inches, the elastomer material is a 120A
durometer polyurethane sheet of about 1/16-1/4 inches thick. The
target arm portion 50, mounting surface portion 60, and the target
face portion 40 are constructed as a single continuous piece. The
target arm portion 50 is 0-4 inches long and 3 inches wide. These
parameters result in a target arm portion 50 soft and flexible
enough to absorb the shock of a projectile hit and not hurt players
should they contact the target, yet strong enough to present a flat
target face portion 40 without drooping or folding due to its own
weight.
[0080] The radius of curvature 18 for the transition between the
target face portion 40 and target arm portion 5 in this example
embodiment is 1.5 inches. A larger radius minimizes the stress
density between target face portion 40 and the target arm portion
50 when a projectile hits the target face portion 40 and reduces
the likelihood of tearing. The transition radius can be much
smaller than 1.5 inches but having higher radius can improve the
tear strength.
[0081] In the embodiment, the mounting surface length 16 is in the
range of 4-6 inches with a width of about 3 inches. FIG. 5 shows a
top view of the embodiment of the target 10 where the mounting
surface length 16 is large enough to secure the target 10 to the
goal post 30, and short enough preferably to not overlap itself by
being longer than the perimeter of the goal post 30. The attachment
device 80 can goes through attachment holes 70 in the mounting
surface portion 60 and around the goal post 30, securing the target
10 into position.
[0082] Methods of Manufacture
[0083] One affordable method to manufacture this invention is to
form the targets from a sheet or roll of elastomer material. The
forming can be as simple as cutting with shears, or cutting can be
done by more complex machinery such as stamp, laser, die punch or
other machine cutting. Since the target face can be integrated with
the target arm which can be integrated with the mounting surface, a
one-piece elastic target can be produced with one punch.
[0084] Molding is another method to affordably manufacture this
invention. If the target face is integrated with the target arm and
the mounting surface, a one-piece elastic target can be produced
with a single mold. Molding is also a good way to produce a sample
with various thicknesses thus allowing for thicker perimeter or
target arm to increase rigidity. Another advantage of molding is
the ease with which a second material such as filler, foam insert
or stiffener can be added to specific portions of the target for
optimized mechanical properties.
[0085] To improve the tear resistance of the integrated elastomer
target, the elastomer material can include clothe or fibers such as
cotton, polyester, and fiberglass. Clothe or fibers are commonly
included in elastomer sheets and molded products to improve tear
resistance.
[0086] Methods of Use
[0087] To use the target of the present disclosure, an athlete can
place the target mounting surface 60 against the goal post 30 as
show in FIG. 4. The athlete then fastens the attachment 80 around
the goal post 30 as shown in FIG. 1, securing the target into
practice position. The target can be attached and removed from many
different positions of the goal. The target can be attached and
removed from the net. After practicing, the users can un-attach the
target and conveniently store in little space for transportation.
The target may be rolled for storage.
[0088] Some specific embodiments of the present invention have been
described herein; however, it should be understood that the
embodiments are illustrative examples of the present invention and
many possible specific embodiments can represent applications of
the principles of this invention. While certain components are
shown and preferred for the sports training device of this
invention, it is foreseeable that functionally-equivalent
components could be used or subsequently developed to perform the
intended functions of the disclosed components.
[0089] It is also to be understood that the disclosure is not
limited to particular methods or systems, which can, of course,
vary. For example, the person skilled in the art will understand
that the number steps or components shown is only indicative and
that the method can occur in more or fewer steps and that the
system may contain more or less components according to the various
embodiments. It is also to be understood that the terminology used
herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments
only, and is not intended to be limiting.
[0090] Various modifications pertaining to this present invention
by one skilled in the art are deemed within the spirit and scope of
this invention as defined in this detailed description and claims.
Therefore, while the invention has been described in terms of some
embodiments, it is apparent that other forms could be adopted by
one skilled in the art, and the scope of the invention is to be
limited only by the following claims.
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