U.S. patent application number 14/789656 was filed with the patent office on 2015-10-22 for sports training device.
The applicant listed for this patent is John D. Lindsey, Scott M. Rix. Invention is credited to John D. Lindsey, Scott M. Rix.
Application Number | 20150297971 14/789656 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47021758 |
Filed Date | 2015-10-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150297971 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lindsey; John D. ; et
al. |
October 22, 2015 |
SPORTS TRAINING DEVICE
Abstract
An athletic training device trains athletes to observe the
collision between a ball and bat, club, racquet, or the like. The
training device may provide a unique event, such as a flashing
light, at the moment of the collision. Athletes can be trained to
watch the ball, bat, club, racquet or the like, to note the flash
of light, thereby focusing the attention of the athlete to "keep
their eye on the ball". The training device of the present
invention can provide a unique event that attracts and induces
anticipation from the collision point itself. The unique event can
be a light flash, multiple light flashes, colored light flashes, or
the like.
Inventors: |
Lindsey; John D.;
(Alexandria, VA) ; Rix; Scott M.; (Fairfax
Station, VA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Lindsey; John D.
Rix; Scott M. |
Alexandria
Fairfax Station |
VA
VA |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
47021758 |
Appl. No.: |
14/789656 |
Filed: |
July 1, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13450415 |
Apr 18, 2012 |
9079074 |
|
|
14789656 |
|
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|
|
61477811 |
Apr 21, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/220 ;
473/409; 473/463 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 43/06 20130101;
A63B 69/38 20130101; A63B 2208/0204 20130101; A63B 2225/76
20200801; A63B 59/40 20151001; A63B 59/50 20151001; A63B 37/12
20130101; A63B 2102/16 20151001; A63B 2102/20 20151001; A63B
37/0003 20130101; A63B 2102/18 20151001; A63B 69/36 20130101; A63B
2102/02 20151001; A63B 2220/833 20130101; A63B 2220/53
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 69/36 20060101
A63B069/36; A63B 69/38 20060101 A63B069/38 |
Claims
1. A training device comprising: an impact sensing mechanism
adapted to sense an impact with or by the training device; a logic
circuit receiving a signal from the impact sensing mechanism when
the impact sensing mechanism senses the impact; and a light
generating mechanism receiving an illumination signal from the
logic circuit to cause an illumination event comprised of one or
more flashes of at least one light for a combined duration of less
than 1,000 milliseconds.
2. The training device of claim 1, wherein the training device
prevents the subsequent illumination of the at least one light for
a predetermined period of time following the illumination
event.
3. The training device of claim 1, wherein each illumination event
is adapted to illuminate the at least one light in at least one of
a selected color and a pattern, wherein the selected color or
pattern is selected from one of a plurality of available colors or
patterns.
4. The training device of claim 1, wherein the at least one light
includes a plurality of lights disposed about an outer periphery of
a ball.
5. The training device of claim 1, wherein the at least one light
includes an illuminating central region of a ball surrounded by a
transparent or translucent outer periphery.
6. The training device of claim 1, wherein the training device
generates light on a ball at the time of impact with a striking
object.
7. The training device of claim 1, wherein the training device
generates a light on a striking device at the time of impact with a
ball.
8. A training device comprising: an impact sensing mechanism
adapted to sense an impact with or by the training device; a logic
circuit receiving a signal from the impact sensing mechanism when
the impact sensing mechanism senses the impact; and a light
generating mechanism receiving an illumination signal from the
logic circuit to cause at least one light to illuminate, wherein
each illumination event is adapted to illuminate the at least one
light in at least one of a selected color and a pattern, wherein
the selected color or pattern is selected from one of a plurality
of available colors or patterns.
9. The training device of claim 8, wherein the training device
prevents the illumination of the at least one light for a
predetermined period of time following the impact.
10. The training device of claim 8, wherein the at least one light
includes a plurality of lights disposed about an outer periphery of
a ball.
11. The training device of claim 8, wherein the at least one light
includes an illuminating central region of a ball surrounded by a
transparent or translucent outer periphery.
12. The training device of claim 8, wherein the training device
generates light on a ball at the time of impact with a striking
object.
13. The training device of claim 8, wherein the training device
generates a light on a striking device at the time of impact with a
ball.
14. A method for training athletes to watch a ball at a point of
impact with an object used while playing a sport, the method
comprising: impacting the ball with the object; determining a color
for lighting at least one light on either the ball or the object;
and producing an illumination event including at least one flash of
light in the at least one light at an impact time.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein the illumination event occurs
for a duration of less than 1,000 milliseconds.
16. The method of claim 14, further comprising focusing on the
impact to identify the color of the at least one flash of light in
the at least one light.
17. The method of claim 14, further comprising flashing lights
positioned in at least six different, equidistant-spaced locations
on a periphery of the ball.
18. The method of claim 14, wherein the at least one light
illuminates a central region of a ball surrounded by a transparent
or translucent outer periphery.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/450,415, filed Apr. 18, 2012 and granting
as U.S. Pat. No. 9,079,074 on Jul. 14, 2015, which claims the
benefit of priority of U.S. provisional patent application No.
61/477,811, filed Apr. 21, 2011, the contents of which are herein
incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to sports training devices
and, more particularly, to a device that uses a flash of light
produced at a precise moment to train focus and concentration at
the point of impact to facilitate hitting an object, such as a
baseball, softball, golf ball, tennis ball, and the like.
[0003] Athletes may take their eyes off the ball prior to
completing an athletic movement or sequence, such as swinging a
bat. For instance, baseball hitters may not follow the entire
trajectory of a baseball and actually observe the collision between
the baseball and bat. It is well known in the art that watching the
baseball as it is being struck facilitates effective hitting.
Athletes need something that can help focus their concentration at
a precise moment and place to train them to observe the point of
impact.
[0004] Numerous conventional drills, devices and tools are used to
train athletes of several sports, such as baseball, golf and
tennis, to keep their eyes on the ball and observe the collision.
Athletes are coached to hit a round ball squarely with the sweet
spot of the bat, club, racket, or the like. They must do this
during a collision that takes place in an instant. Conventional
devices and tools, that do not provide a unique event that attracts
and induces anticipation from the collision point itself, do not
adequately address the problem of athletes not observing the
collision.
[0005] As can be seen, there is a need for a training tool to
attract and induce anticipation of the collision point in an
athletic motion or sequence, such as a bat, club or racquet
striking a ball.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In one aspect of the present invention, a training device
comprises an impact sensing mechanism adapted to sense an impact
with or by the training device; a logic circuit receiving a signal
from the impact sensing mechanism when the impact sensing mechanism
senses the impact; and a light generating mechanism receiving an
illumination signal from the logic circuit to cause an illumination
event comprised of one or more flashes of at least one light for a
combined duration of less than 1,000 milliseconds.
[0007] In another aspect of the present invention, a method for
training athletes to watch a ball at a point of impact with a
striking object comprises detecting an impact between the ball and
the striking impact; determining a color for lighting at least one
light on either the ball or the striking object; and producing at
least one flash of light in the at least one light at an impact
time; wherein the at least one flash of light in the at least one
light occurs for a combined duration of less than 1,000
milliseconds.
[0008] In a further aspect of the present invention, a training
device comprises an impact sensing mechanism adapted to sense an
impact with or by the training device; a logic circuit receiving a
signal from the impact sensing mechanism when the impact sensing
mechanism senses the impact; and a light generating mechanism
receiving an illumination signal from the logic circuit to cause at
least one light to illuminate, wherein each illumination event is
adapted to illuminate the at least one light in at least one of a
selected color and a pattern, wherein the selected color or pattern
is selected from one of a plurality of available colors.
[0009] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with reference to
the following drawings, description and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram describing various components
in the training device according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is an exemplary impact sensing mechanism of the
training device of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 3 is an electrical schematic diagram showing the
electrical design for impact sensing and light generation in the
training device of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a flow chart describing an operational cycle for a
logic circuit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a side view of a conventional training baseball in
the prior art;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional construction view of a ball
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a detailed cross-sectional construction view of
the ball of FIG. 6;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing light placement and
orientation in a ball according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a side view of a ball having a plurality of lights
for illuminating during an impact, according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a side view of a ball having an illumination
mechanism in a transparent or translucent central housing
surrounded by a transparent or translucent layer, according to an
alternate embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the ball of FIG. 10;
[0021] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a golf club having a
light-producing impact sensor, according to an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention; and
[0022] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a tennis racquet having a
light-producing impact sensor, according to an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] The following detailed description is of the best currently
contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the
invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense,
but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general
principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is
best defined by the appended claims.
[0024] Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides an
athletic training device that trains athletes to observe the
collision between a ball and bat, club, racquet, or the like. The
training device may provide a unique illumination event, such as a
flash of light, at the moment of the collision. Athletes can be
trained to watch the ball, bat, club, racquet or the like, to note
the flash of light, thereby focusing the attention of the athlete
to "keep their eye on the ball". The training device of the present
invention can provide a unique event that attracts attention and
induces anticipation from the collision point itself. The unique
illumination event can be a light flash, multiple light flashes,
colored light flashes, or the like. A coach may ask players to
identify the light, for example, by its color, to help focus the
attention of the players.
[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary embodiment of a training
device can include an energy storage means 10, an impact sensing
means 12, a logic means 14, a switching means 16, and a light
generating means 18.
[0026] The energy storage means 10 provides electrical power for
the circuitry of the training device. The energy storage means 10
includes, for example, three AAAA style 1.5 volt alkaline batteries
wired in series to provide a nominal 4.5 volt supply. Other energy
storage means may be substituted, including batteries with
different form factors, chemistries, voltages, and configurations.
Alternately, a capacitor, supercapacitor, or rechargeable battery
might be used. The training device might also incorporate a means
to transform mechanical energy from motion or impact into
electrical energy to power the circuitry, using common techniques
known in the art, such as piezoelectric and/or magnet and coil
means.
[0027] The impact sensing means 12 provides a mechanism to detect
acceleration of a magnitude sufficient to infer that a mechanical
strike, hit, or impact has occurred. As shown in FIG. 2, the impact
sensing means 12 of the present invention employs an
electrically-conductive cantilevered spring 20 with a coaxial
electrical-conductive header pin 22. In an exemplary embodiment,
both the cantilevered spring 20 and the header pin 22 are attached
at one end to a circuit board 24. Mechanical shock resulting from
striking, hitting, or impacting the preferred embodiment causes the
cantilevered spring 20 to flex and contact the header pin 22. The
cantilevered spring 20 contacting the header pin 22 provides an
electrically conductive path between the two components that
operates as a momentary switch. As shown in circuit diagram in FIG.
3, the header pin 22 is electrically connected to an input of the
logic means 14 that is biased with a resistor, such as a 100 kOhm
resistor, to the circuit positive potential. When mechanical
acceleration causes the cantilevered spring 20 to contact the
header pin 22, the input to the logic means 14 changes from the
circuit positive potential to the circuit ground potential.
[0028] The cantilevered spring 20 may oscillate after a mechanical
impact, but returns to the open switch state once the training
device is at rest. The sensitivity of the impact sensing means 12
may be tuned by using a different length, geometry, or material for
the cantilevered spring 20.
[0029] There are many suitable alternatives available in the art
for measuring and detecting mechanical acceleration and impact,
including mechanical, piezoelectric, piezoresistive, capacitive,
and/or MEMS accelerometers as well as springs in other geometries
and orientations.
[0030] As outlined in FIG. 1, the logic means 14 receives a signal
from impact sensing means 12, determines the necessary flash
parameters, and controls the output of the light generating means
18 through the switching means 16. As shown in circuit schematic of
FIG. 3, the logic means in an exemplary embodiment is a PIC10F200
programmable 8-bit microcontroller, sold by Microchip Technology
Inc., 2355 West Chandler Blvd., Chandler, Ariz., USA 85224.
[0031] There are many alternatives available to substitute for the
logic means 14. Analog components, discrete logic components, or
other microprocessors or microcontrollers are all contemplated
within the scope of the present invention. Any component or network
of components that can cause a flash or sequence of light in one or
more colors and/or durations in response to a detected acceleration
or impact is suitable.
[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, the switching means 16 uses
electrical signals from the logic means 14 to switch elements of
the light generating means 18 on and off. As shown in FIG. 3, the
logic means 14 provides three switching output signals (one for
red, one for green, and one for blue) to the switching means 16,
which includes three separate PNP transistors combined with three
current-limiting resistors. The transistors are model 2N2907 sold
by Radio Shack of 300 RadioShack Circle, Fort Worth, Tex.
76102.
[0033] It is also possible to substitute other switching means know
in the art, or to use the electrical output from the logic means 14
to provide power directly to the light generating means 18,
eliminating the need for a separate component for the switching
means 16.
[0034] The light generating means 18 of an exemplary embodiment of
the training device includes six three-color light emitting diodes
(LEDs), or LEDs 26. The LEDs 26 are model 276-028 sold by Radio
Shack of 300 RadioShack Circle, Fort Worth, Tex. 76102. As shown in
FIG. 3, Each LED 26 includes a common anode and three cathodes (one
for red, one for green, and one for blue). The color cathodes from
each of the LEDs 26 are connected in parallel to the corresponding
color control transistor in the switching means 16 through a
current limiting resistor. Connected as shown, each transistor in
the switching means 16 controls the on off status a single color of
light (red, green, or blue) for all the LEDs.
[0035] There are many alternate methods to generate light available
in the art. Although the above exemplary embodiment includes three
colors, any variation in color, intensity, frequency, pattern, and
duration of light flashes are contemplated within the scope of the
present invention.
[0036] The operational cycle of the logic means 14 is shown FIG. 4.
In an exemplary embodiment, the logic means 14 determines and
controls the time, duration, and color of light flashes in response
to a detected impact or acceleration. To conserve electrical power,
the logic means 14 can remain in a sleep mode 30 while waiting for
a signal resulting from an acceleration or impact. The sleep mode
is a low power state provided as a feature of the microprocessor
used in an exemplary embodiment. The logic means is configured to
enter wake mode 34 whenever a signal level changes on the input pin
connected to the impact sensing means 12, indicating that an impact
was detected 32 (as described earlier).
[0037] Once the logic means enter wake mode 34, the processor
determines the next color 36 for the flash of light that will be
used for this cycle. In each cycle, one color (red, green, or blue)
is used in a single flash. In an exemplary embodiment, the logic
means 14 uses a stored array of 64 pseudo-random two-bit numbers to
obfuscate the color sequence, making it difficult for an athlete to
predict the next color under typical usage. During each wake cycle,
the logic means 14 retrieves the next color in the stored sequence.
Many alternate methods may be also used to create random,
pseudo-random, or difficult-to-predict colored flashes. Likewise,
signal flashes are not limited to single pulses of red, green, or
blue light, but may include pulse sequences and flash patterns of
one or more colors. It is also possible to provide a means to let a
coach or other training personnel preselect a color and/or pattern
of the flash prior to use.
[0038] After determining which color of light to use, the logic
means 14 outputs a signal to the switching means 16 that produces a
color flash 38 by the light generating means 18. The duration of
the flash (the illumination event) in an exemplary embodiment is
less than 1,000 milliseconds (ms), typically less than 500 ms,
often the duration may be approximately 100 ms, although longer and
shorter intervals are also contemplated within the scope of the
present invention. The duration of the pulse is designed to ensure
that visual focus must be directed toward the point of impact to
see the flash unambiguously. Making the sequence of colors and/or
patterns of light difficult to predict helps eliminate a tendency
to guess, reinforcing the ability of a coach or training personnel
to confirm that the athlete correctly witnessed the flash.
[0039] After producing a color flash, the logic means enters a lock
out mode 40. The lock out mode prevents the logic means 14 from
generating another color flash due to oscillations in the impact
sensing means 12. The lockout mode duration is set according to the
use anticipated. In an exemplary embodiment, a lock out mode
duration of approximately 2 seconds can be used. During the lockout
mode, no new color flashes are generated, regardless of the
magnitude of the accelerations or impacts on the device.
[0040] Once the lockout mode 40 is completed, the logic means 14
enters sleep mode 42, and returns to the beginning of the
operational cycle.
[0041] The training device according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention may be incorporated into an existing training
baseball 50, shown in FIG. 5. The training baseball 50 used for in
this exemplary embodiment is sold by Jugs Sports at 11885 SW Herman
Rd., Tualatin, Oreg. 97062. Similar training baseballs available
from other manufacturers could also be used. The training baseball
50 is designed to be used in ball-throwing machines, and is more
durable than standard baseballs. The training baseball 50 is
constructed of a uniform-density, semi-rigid polymer with a
substantially similar size and weight of a standard baseball.
[0042] FIG. 5 shows a cross section of the training baseball after
it is prepared for installation of the preferred embodiment. Six
LED mounting holes 52 (four shown) are drilled along orthogonal
axes of the training baseball 50. A separate, larger access hole 54
is drilled to the center of the training baseball 50. Using the
access hole 54, a void 56 is carved out from the interior of the
training baseball 50. The void 56 connects the LED mounting holes
52 and the access hole 54, but leaves a semi-rigid outer shell of
the original training baseball 50.
[0043] One LED 26 is inserted into each of the six LED mounting
holes 52 as shown in FIG. 7. Lead wires 58 from the LEDs 26 pass
through the mounting holes to connect to the rest of circuit
described previously (see FIG. 3). FIG. 8 shows the placement and
orientation of the six LEDs 26 around the surface of the training
baseball 50. In the preferred embodiment, the LEDs 26 are arranged
such that it is possible to view a flash of light when the training
baseball 50 is in any orientation relative to the athlete.
[0044] After the LEDs 26 are mounted and electrically connected to
the rest of the circuit, the remainder of the components (energy
storage means 10, impact sensing means 12, logic means 14, and
switching means 16) are inserted through the access hole 54 into
the void 56 (see FIG. 6). The cantilevered spring 20 of the impact
sensing means 12 is covered, to prevent its motion from being
restricted. The entire void 56 is filled with an epoxy resin to
secure the enclosed components in a rigid form. The LED mounting
holes 52 are also filled with epoxy resin from the void 56 during
this process, securing the LEDs 26 and lead wires 58. The access
hole 54 is filled with epoxy resin and plugged with a thin slice of
the outer skin of the training baseball 50. (The plug can be
retained from the original drill process to create a more cosmetic
finish). The finished assembly is shown FIG. 9.
[0045] An alternate embodiment is shown in FIG. 10. In this
embodiment, functional components of the training device are
reduced in size and incorporated within a transparent or
semi-transparent rigid housing, or housing 60. The housing 60 is
molded into the center of a ball 62 that is composed of a
transparent or semi-transparent material 64. FIG. 11 shows the
approximate location of the rigid housing within the ball 60. The
light generating means 12 component within the housing 60 will
transmit through to the exterior of the ball 62.
[0046] To assist with training, the present invention may be
usefully incorporated into any sports object that is struck or hit,
including (but not limited to): golf balls, tennis balls, hockey
pucks, baseballs, softballs, cricket balls, table tennis balls,
squash balls, and racket balls.
[0047] The present invention is not limited to being installed on a
sports object that is struck (such as a ball or puck). The present
invention may also be attached to or incorporated into sports
implements that are used to strike or hit objects including (but
not limited to): golf clubs, tennis rackets, hockey sticks,
baseball bats, cricket bats, table tennis paddles, squash rackets,
and racket ball rackets.
[0048] For example, FIG. 12 shows an embodiment included in a
housing 70 that is attached to a golf club 72. The location of the
housing 70 allows a flash of light to occur approximately near the
location where the club face strikes a ball during a swing,
accomplishing a similar function as if the embodiment were
incorporated into the ball itself. Similarly, FIG. 13 shows a
tennis racket 74 with a housing 76 that includes an embodiment is
affixed to the racket strings.
[0049] It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing
relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that
modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *