U.S. patent application number 15/162573 was filed with the patent office on 2017-09-14 for training device and method of using same.
The applicant listed for this patent is Soccer Wave, LLC. Invention is credited to Behnam Mazloompour.
Application Number | 20170259148 15/162573 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59788645 |
Filed Date | 2017-09-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170259148 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mazloompour; Behnam |
September 14, 2017 |
TRAINING DEVICE AND METHOD OF USING SAME
Abstract
A training device is described having a net and a frame. The
frame has a first side frame, a second side frame defining a net
receiving area. The frame includes an adjustable cross-bar with a
first section coupled to the first side frame, and a second section
coupled to the second side frame. The first section is movable
relative to the second section for moving a first portion of the
first side frame and a second portion of the second side frame
between a net tensioning position a first distance apart and an
assembly position a second distance apart. The second distance is
less than the first distance. The first distance is a predetermined
distance that properly stretches and tensions the net. The net is
supported and tensioned to form a concave ramp surface when the
adjustable cross-bar is in the net tensioning position.
Inventors: |
Mazloompour; Behnam;
(Edmond, OK) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Soccer Wave, LLC |
Edmond |
OK |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
59788645 |
Appl. No.: |
15/162573 |
Filed: |
May 23, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62165561 |
May 22, 2015 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 1/00 20130101; A63B
2225/093 20130101; A63B 2210/50 20130101; A63B 71/023 20130101;
A63B 2225/09 20130101; A63B 2243/0025 20130101; A63B 69/0097
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 69/00 20060101
A63B069/00 |
Claims
1. A training device, comprising: a net having a predetermined
design; and a frame having a first side frame, a second side frame,
a top end and a bottom end defining a net receiving area, the frame
comprising an adjustable cross-bar, the adjustable cross-bar
comprising a first section coupled to the first side frame, and a
second section coupled to the second side frame, the first section
being movable relative to the second section for moving a first
portion of the first side frame and a second portion of the second
side frame between a net tensioning position a first distance apart
and an assembly position a second distance apart, the second
distance less than the first distance and the first distance being
a predetermined distance that properly stretches and tensions the
net; and wherein the net is supported and tensioned by the first
side frame and the second side frame within the net receiving area
to form a concave ramp surface when the adjustable cross-bar is in
the net tensioning position.
2. The training device of claim 1, wherein the frame further
comprises at least one fixed cross bar connected to the first side
frame and the second side frame, and extending laterally between
the first side frame and the second side frame.
3. The training device of claim 2, wherein the fixed cross bar and
the adjustable cross-bar are in a parallel relationship.
4. The training device of claim 2, wherein the at least one fixed
cross bar is lower than the adjustable cross-bar.
5. The training device of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the
first side frame is a first upper end, and the second portion of
the second side frame is a second upper end.
6. The training device of claim 1, wherein the first section of the
adjustable cross-bar includes a first support component connected
to a second support component, the first support component movably
connected to the first side frame and the second support component
movably coupled to the second section of the adjustable
cross-bar.
7. The training device of claim 6, wherein the second support
component of the first section of the adjustable cross-bar overlaps
the second section of the adjustable cross-bar.
8. The training device of claim 7, wherein the second support
component is a U-shaped channel that is sized to receive the second
section of the adjustable cross-bar.
9. The training device of claim 6, wherein the second support
component is pivotally connected to the second section of the
adjustable cross-bar.
Description
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0001] The present patent application claims priority to the
provisional patent application identified by U.S. Ser. No.
62/165,561 and filed on May 22, 2015, the entire content of which
is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Field of the Invention
[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to a training
device, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to an
improved training device having an adjustable top cross-bar to
facilitate mounting a net at a known tension for returning a ball
to a user and methods of using same.
[0004] Brief Description of Related Art
[0005] Sports training aides have been developed to assist a player
while practicing a particular sport. Many sports, such as soccer,
are considered "team sports" and thus generally require at least
two players to practice and/or participate in a game. However, a
player may wish to practice his sport without the availability or
desire of an additional player.
[0006] Many training devices are ball return devices and are
predicated on a rebounding system. These training aides are used by
individuals practicing a sport, such as soccer, without the
presence of an additional player. Existing ball return training
aides include spring-loaded nets having a metal stand-up frame.
Spring-loaded nets allow an individual to practice a sport, such as
soccer, so that when the individual kicks a soccer ball into the
net, the ball is returned to the individual so that the individual
can immediately kick the ball again. The ball is typically returned
to the individual in a manner such that the individual can
anticipate the location in which the ball will land when it is
returned. Some of the existing ball return training aids allow a
ball to be returned at the ground level.
[0007] Many sports, such as soccer, require the effective use of
various parts of a player's body such as, for example, the head,
shoulders, chest, legs, and feet, for controlling and trapping the
ball as well as passing and taking shots. To return a ball at a
level consistent with a person's head, shoulders and chest using a
conventional net, the net must be supported in a curved
configuration and highly tensioned. Existing ball return training
aides require assembly of multiple pieces to form a frame upon
which the net is applied. Assembling one of these training aids
becomes challenging, however, due to the high tension that must be
applied to the net.
[0008] Therefore, a need exists for an improved training device
having a curved net at a sufficient tension to permit return of a
ball at head height and/or chest height that has a frame designed
to permit a straightforward and simple application of the net to
the frame. It is to such a device and method that the present
disclosure is directed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary training
device constructed in accordance with the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the training device of
FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective exploded view of a frame of the
training device of FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the frame of the
training device of FIG. 3.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a top elevation view of the frame of the training
device of FIG. 3.
[0014] FIG. 6A is a front elevation view of an exemplary adjustable
crossbar of the frame of the training device of FIG. 3 placed in
net tensioning position.
[0015] FIG. 6B is a front elevation view of the adjustable crossbar
depicted in FIG. 6A placed in an assembly position.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the adjustable crossbar of FIGS.
6A and 6B.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of another embodiment of
the training device constructed in accordance with the present
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Specific embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed
herein will now be described in detail with reference to the
accompanying drawings. Further, in the following detailed
description of embodiments of the present disclosure, numerous
specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough
understanding of the disclosure. However, it will be apparent to
one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments disclosed
herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other
instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to
avoid unnecessarily complicating the description.
[0019] Unless expressly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an
inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A
or B is satisfied by anyone of the following: A is true (or
present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not
present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or
present).
[0020] In addition, use of the "a" or "an" are employed to describe
elements and components of the embodiments herein. This is done
merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the inventive
concept. This description should be read to include one or at least
one and the singular also includes the plural unless otherwise
stated.
[0021] The terminology and phraseology used herein is for
descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in
scope. Language such as "including," "comprising," "having,"
"containing," or "involving," and variations thereof, is intended
to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter,
equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited or
inherently present therein.
[0022] As used herein any references to "one embodiment," "an
embodiment," or "some embodiments" means that a particular element,
feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with
the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The
appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in
the specification may not refer to the same embodiment.
[0023] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG.
1, a training device 10 constructed in accordance with the present
invention is shown positioned on a ball support surface 12.
Examples of ball support surfaces include a ground, a floor, or any
ball support surface 12 suitable for positioning the training
device 10 thereon. The training device 10 is used for practicing
various sporting activities such as, for example, soccer, and
similar sporting activities involving the practice of various
sporting techniques without the aid of an additional individual
and/or player.
[0024] The training device 10 includes a frame 14 formed of a
suitable material, such as, for example, plastic, metal, or any
material sufficiently durable for the uses described herein.
Broadly, the frame 14 includes a curved end 16, a flat end 18, a
first side 19, a second side 20, a top end 21, and a bottom end 22.
In one embodiment, the curved end 16, the flat end 18, the first
side 19, the second side 20, the top end 21, and the bottom end 22
cooperate to define a first net receiving area 23 and a second net
receiving area 24. The curved end 16, the first side 19, the second
side 20 and the top end 21 support a first net 26 in the first net
receiving area 23. The flat end 18, the first side 19, the second
side 20, the top end 21 and the bottom end 22 supports a second net
28 in the second net receiving area 24. The frame 14 can be secured
to the ball support surface 12 via stakes or the like for providing
stabilization and/or weight to the training device 10.
[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, the first net 26 is configured to form a
concave ramp surface 30. The concave ramp surface 30 has a lower
edge 32, an upper edge 34, a first lateral edge 36, and a second
lateral edge 38. The concave ramp surface 30 is shown to extend
from the lower edge 32 to the upper edge 34 along a direction of
extent (represented by line 40 in FIG. 1).
[0026] The lower edge 32 is shown to be perpendicular to the
direction of extent 40. However, it should be appreciated that the
lower edge 32 may be oriented at a variety of angles relative to
the direction of extent 40 of the concave ramp surface 30. In one
embodiment, the concave ramp surface 30 has a uniform width
extending between the first lateral edge 36 and the second lateral
edge 38.
[0027] The lower edge 32 is positionable on the ball support
surface 12 so that when a ball (not shown) is put in motion along
the ball support surface 12 (FIG. 1), the ball is receivable onto
the concave ramp surface 30 via the lower edge 32. The lower edge
32 is configured to define a thin edge so that when the training
device 10 is placed on the ball support surface 12, the lower edge
32 is substantially flush with the ball support surface 12 so that
the ball has a smooth transition from the ball support surface 12
to the concave ramp surface 30.
[0028] The upper edge 34 of the concave ramp surface 30 is
vertically spaced from the lower edge 32, and the concave ramp
surface 30 is formed to have an angle of curvature greater than 90
degrees from the lower edge 32 to the upper edge 34 such that the
ball traveling along the concave ramp surface 30 from the lower
edge 32 to the upper edge 34 is directed or looped back over the
lower edge 32 and toward the user or a training area located in
front of the lower edge 32. The upper edge 34 is shown to be at a
non-perpendicular angle relative to the angle of extent 40 and
non-parallel with the lower edge 32. In the example shown, the
upper edge 34 at the second lateral edge 38 is vertically higher
relative to the upper edge 34 at the first lateral edge 36 so that
an exit angle of the ball traveling along the concave ramp surface
30 varies depending upon where the ball exits the first net 26.
[0029] Between the lower edge 32 and the upper edge 34, the radius
of curvature of the concave ramp surface 30 varies and becomes
greater from the first lateral edge 36 to the second lateral edge
38. The radius of curvature of the concave ramp surface 30 between
the lower edge 32 and the upper edge 34 should be of sufficient
magnitude to permit the ball to travel smoothly along the angle of
curvature thereby transitioning from lower edge 32 to the upper
edge 34 without prematurely projecting from the first net 26 of the
training device 10. That is, the radius of the concave ramp surface
30 between the lower edge 32 and the upper edge 34 should be
sufficiently sized such that the ball travels along the angle of
curvature until exiting the training device 10 via the upper edge
34.
[0030] The concave ramp surface 30 is formed to define a ball
receiving section 44 extending from the lower edge 32 to a
horizontal plane (designated by a line 46) extending normal to the
concave ramp surface 30 and a ball return section 48 extending from
the horizontal plane 46 to the upper edge 34 of the concave ramp
surface 30. In one embodiment, the ball receiving section 44 of the
concave ramp surface 30 has a constant radius so as to provide a
gradual incline from the ball support surface 12. The radius of the
ball return section 48 preferably is variable. For example, in
using the training device 10 for practicing the sport of soccer,
the radius of the ball return section 48 is preferably about 18-20
inches in length. It should be understood, however, that other
radiuses may be employed and that the radius of the ball return
section 48 may be any radius desired, constant or variable, so as
to allow the training device 10 to perform in accordance with the
intended function described herein.
[0031] To permit the ball to exit the upper edge 34 at different
angles relative to the ball support surface 12 and thereby return
to the user at different trajectories, the angle of curvature of
the concave ramp surface 30 between the lower edge 32 and the upper
edge 34 is variable between the first lateral edge 36 and the
second lateral edge 38 of the first net 26. As discussed above, the
upper edge 34 of the concave ramp surface 30 is formed to be in a
non-perpendicular relationship with respect to the direction of
extent 40 of the concave ramp surface 30 and the upper edge 34 in a
non-parallel relationship with respect to the lower edge 32.
However, it should be understood that the upper edge 34 may be in a
parallel relationship with respect to the lower edge 32 while the
upper edge 34 remains in a non-perpendicular relationship with
respect to the direction of extent of the concave ramp surface 30
should the lower edge 32 be oriented in a non-perpendicular
relationship with respect to the direction of extent 40.
[0032] Due to the angled orientation of the upper edge 34 relative
to the direction of extent 40 of the concave ramp surface 30, the
angle of curvature of the concave ramp surface 30 between the lower
edge 32 and the upper edge 34 varies from the first lateral edge 36
of the first net 26 to the second lateral edge 38 thereof. A ball
exiting the upper edge 34 at or near the first lateral edge 36 of
the first net 26 will exit at a steeper angle greater than a ball
exiting the upper edge 34 at or near the second lateral edge 38
thereof resulting in the ball being directed at a steeper angle
which in turn may permit the user to receive the ball at, for
example, at or below the waist of the body. In contrast, a ball
exiting the upper edge 34 at or near the second lateral edge 38 of
the first net 26 will be received by the user, for example, the
head and shoulder areas of the body. As shown in FIG. 1, the upper
edge 34 may be arcuate or substantially straight. Therefore, the
angle of curvature of the concave ramp surface 30 varies from the
first lateral edge 36 of the concave ramp surface 30 to the second
lateral edge 38 thereof.
[0033] The first net 26 and the second net 28 are supported by the
frame 14 at a predetermined tension so as to function to reliably
return balls in the manner specified herein. With respect to the
first net 26, the first net 26 may be provided with four pockets
50-1, 50-2, 50-3 and 50-4 that may be located at the corners of the
first net 26 that receive parts of the frame 14 that are adjacent
to the first net receiving area 23. To tension other parts of the
first net 26, a plurality of bungee cords can be used to draw the
first net 26 towards the frame 14. The second net 28 can be
connected to the frame 14 utilizing any suitable connection
methodology. For example, a plurality of bungee cords can be used
to connect the second net 28 to the frame 14.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 3, an example of the frame 14 is shown
with the first net 26 and the second nets 28 removed. The frame 14
is provided with a first side frame 54, a second side frame 56, a
plurality of lower or fixed cross-bars 58-1, 58-2 and 58-3, a
cross-bar 59-1, and an adjustable cross-bar 59-2. The lower
cross-bars 58-1, 58-2 and 58-3, the cross-bar 59-1, and the
adjustable cross-bar 59-2 extend laterally between the first side
frame 54 and the second side frame 56. In the example shown, the
lower cross-bars 58-1, 58-2 and 58-3, the cross-bar 59-1, and the
adjustable cross-bar 59-2 are connected to the first side frame 54
and the second side frame 56 and supported in a parallel
relationship. Although, it should be understood that the lower
cross-bars 58-1, 58-2 and 58-3, the cross-bar 59-1, and the
adjustable cross-bar 59-2 could be supported by the first side
frame 54 and the second side frame 56 in a non-parallel
relationship.
[0035] In the example shown, the first side frame 54 and the second
side frame 56 are similar in construction and function and may be
mirror images, with the exception that the second side frame 56 may
be constructed to support the upper edge 34 at the second lateral
edge 38 of the first net 26 at a vertical height higher than the
first side frame 54 supports the upper edge 34 at the first lateral
edge 36. For purposes of clarity only the second side frame 56 will
be described in detail hereinafter. It should be understood, that
like elements may be designated on the first side frame 54 by a
same reference numeral and an alphabetic suffix.
[0036] An example of the second side frame 56 is shown in FIG. 4.
The second side frame 56 is provided with a first base member 60, a
second base member 62, a first net support member 64, a second net
support member 66, a brace 68, a first tab 70, a second tab 72, a
third tab 74, and a fourth tab 76. The first base member 60 is
provided in an arcuate shape and has a first end 78 that is sized
and configured to be positioned in the pocket 50-3 to support a
portion of the first net 26. The first base member 60 is also
provided with a second end 80 that is connected to the first net
support member 64 via welding, for example. The first net support
member 64 is connected to the second base member 62 via any
suitable manner, such as a male/female connection that is
reinforced with a pin. The second base member 62 extends away from
the second end 80 in an oblique angle and in a downwardly direction
so as to form V-shape to have a lower portion 81 that is coplanar
with the first end 78 for engaging the ball support surface 12. The
second net support member 66 is connected to the second base member
62 and extends vertically upward therefrom for supporting the
second net 28. The brace 68 extends between and is connected to the
second base member 62 and the second net support member 66 and
serves to provide structural support to the second net support
member 66 to keep the second net support member 66 from
substantially flexing when a ball contacts the second net 28.
[0037] The first net support member 64 has a first end 84 connected
to the second base member 62 such that the first net support member
64 and the second base member 62 are in a linear relationship. The
first net support member 64 also extends away from and over the
first base member 60 generally to form an arcuate angle between the
first net support member 64 and the first base member 60. The first
net support member 64 terminates in a second end 86 (i.e., upper
end of the second frame member 56) that is sized and configured to
be disposed in the pocket 50-2 of the first net 26.
[0038] The first tab 70 is connected to and extends downwardly from
the first base member 60 and terminates at a position about
coplanar with the first end 78 and the lower portion 81 for
engaging the ball support surface 12. The first tab 70 is connected
to and may support the lower cross-bar 58-1 in a fixed and
non-movable configuration until the first tab 70 is disassembled
from the lower cross-bar 58-1. The second tab 72 is connected to
and extends away from the first net support member 64 in a
direction generally opposite from the first net receiving area 23.
The second tab 72 may be movably connected to the adjustable
cross-bar 59-2 to permit the adjustable cross-bar 59-2 to move
relative to the first net support member 64 for placing the pocket
50-2 onto the second end 86, tensioning the first net 26, and
removing the pocket 50-2 from the second end 86 to disassemble the
training device 10.
[0039] The third tab 74 is connected to and extends downwardly from
the second base member 62 and terminates at a position about
coplanar with the first end 78 and the lower portion 81 for
engaging the ball support surface 12. The third tab 74 is connected
to and may support the lower cross-bar 58-2 in a fixed and
non-movable configuration until the third tab 74 is disassembled
from the lower cross-bar 58-2. The fourth tab 76 is connected to
and extends downwardly from the second base member 62 adjacent to
the first end 84 of the first net support member 64. The fourth tab
76 is connected to and may support the lower cross-bar 58-3 in a
fixed and non-movable configuration until the fourth tab 76 is
disassembled from the lower cross-bar 58-3.
[0040] Referring now to FIGS. 6A, 6B and 7, an example of the
adjustable cross-bar 59-2 is shown. The adjustable cross-bar 59-2
is provided with a first end 100 and a second end 102. The
adjustable cross-bar 59-2 is designed such that the first end 100
and the second end 102 are movable relative to each other. In a net
tensioning position shown in FIG. 6A, the first end 100 and the
second end 102 are a first distance 104 apart. In an assembly
position shown in FIG. 6B, the first end 100 and the second end 102
are a second distance 106 apart. In the net tensioning position,
the first end 100 and the second end 102 may be apart a
predetermined distance that properly stretches and tensions the
first net 26. In other words, the first distance 104 may be
preselected based upon a predetermined design of the first net 26
and sizing of the components of the frame 14 to provide an amount
of tension in the first net 26 to return balls in a consistent and
predetermined manner. In the assembly position, the first end 100
and the second end 102 are closer together to permit the pockets
50-1 and 50-2 of the first net 26 to be applied to and/or removed
from the second end 86 of the first net support member 64 of the
second side frame 56, and a second end 86a (i.e., upper end of the
first frame 56) of a first net support member 64a of the first side
frame 54.
[0041] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B and 7, the
adjustable cross-bar 59-2 has a first section 120 and a second
section 122, which may be at least partially formed of tubular
components as shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B and 7. The first section 120
has a first end 124 and a second end 126. The first end 124 is
movably connected to the second tab 72. For example, the first end
124 can be pivotally connected with a pin or bolt extending through
the second tab 72, and the first section 120 adjacent to the second
end 126 overlaps the second section 122. As shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B
and 7, the first tab 72 can have a connection portion 127-1
configured to be movably connected to the first end 124. For
example, the connection portion 127-1 can be provided with a
U-shape having a void receiving the first end 124. The first
section 120 is movably connected to the second section 122 to
permit at least one of the first end 100 and the second end 102 of
the adjustable cross-bar 59-2 to be moved between the net
tensioning position and the assembly position. The second section
122 can be movably connected to the second tab 72a, as shown for
example in FIGS. 3, 6A, 6B and 7. The second tab 72a can have a
connection portion 127-2 configured to be movably connected to the
second section 122. For example, the connection portion 127-2 can
be provided with a U-shape having a void receiving an end of the
second section 122. The end of the second section 122 can be
pivotally connected with a pin or bolt extending through the second
tab 72a and second section 122. As shown in FIG. 2, the connection
portions 127-1 and 127-2 can have two legs that are spaced a
distance apart along a length of the second tabs 72 and 72a. In
another embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the connection portions 127-1
and 127-2 can have two legs that are spaced a distance apart along
a width of the second tabs 72 and 72a. It should be understood that
the connection portions 127-1 and 127-2 can be provided at the same
orientation so that the pivot connections are provided in parallel
and will not bind upon simultaneous movement of the first section
120 and the second section 122. Further, the connection portions
127-1 and 127-2 can be provided at other orientations relative to
the length and/or width of the second tabs 72 and 72a.
[0042] As shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B and 7, the first section 120 may
include a first support component 128-1 connected to a second
support component 128-2. The first support component 128-1 may be
tubular, and the second support component 128-2 may be a U-shaped
channel that is sized to receive the second section 122. As shown,
the second support component 128-2 of the first section overlaps,
partially surrounds and overlies the second section 122. The second
support component 128-2 may be movably connected to the second
section 122. For example, in the embodiment shown, the second
support component 128-2 has two lateral openings 130 and 132. The
second support component 128-2 may be pivotally connected to the
second section 122 by placing a component such as a pin or bolt
through the lateral opening 130 and the second section 122. The
lateral opening 132 may receive a pin or bolt that is designed to
be easily removable without destruction of the pin or bolt for
securing the first section 120 relative to the second section 122
in the net tensioning position.
[0043] To mount the first net 26 on the frame 14, a user places the
pockets 50-3 and 50-4 on the first end 78 and the first end 78a,
places either one of the pockets 50-1 and 50-2 on the second end 86
or 86a, and then removes the pin or bolt from the lateral opening
132. Once the pin or bolt is removed from the lateral opening, the
second support component 128-2 is moved away from the second
section 122 to move the first end 100 and the second end 102 closer
together. Then, a remaining one of the pockets 50-1 or 50-2 is
placed over the second end 86 or 86a, and the second support
component 128-2 is moved towards the second section 122 to move the
first end and the second end 102 apart. The second support
component 128-2 acts as a lever to stretch and tension the first
net 26 as the second support component 128-2 is moved to the second
section 122. Once the lateral opening 132 is aligned with a
corresponding opening in the second section 122, then the pin or
bolt can be replaced to secure the adjustable cross-bar 59-2 in the
net tensioning position.
[0044] As mentioned above, the training device 10 is used to
practice sporting activities played with a ball, such as, for
example, soccer. In use, the frame 14 is placed on the ball support
surface 12 so that the lower edge 32 is positioned on the ball
support surface 12. A ball is kicked or otherwise projected along
the ball support surface 12 toward the lower edge 32 of the concave
ramp surface 30 so as to cause the ball to be received on the
concave ramp surface 30 and to travel along the concave ramp
surface 30 via the upper edge 34 whereby the ball is directed or
looped back over the lower edge 32 and toward a user allowing the
user to manipulate the ball in a desired manner.
[0045] The ball may be projected along the ball support surface 12
toward the lower edge 32 in any manner or motion desired such as,
for example, by a user kicking, rolling, hitting, pushing, sliding,
and the like, so as to cause the ball to be received on the concave
ramp surface 30 or the ball may be projected by another individual
or automatically by a machine. The ball may be directed at a
selected location of the lower edge 32 of the concave ramp surface
30 and at a velocity selected by the user to achieve a desired
trajectory.
[0046] Manipulation of the ball upon receipt by the user is based
upon the user's identification of the trajectory of the ball once
the ball exits the upper edge 34 of the concave ramp surface 30.
Examples of such manipulation depend upon the desire and decision
of the user. Areas of contact the user may choose to engage the
ball upon receipt include, the head, shoulders, chest, knees, feet,
or anywhere desired by the user.
[0047] Although an example of the adjustable cross-bar 59-2 is
shown and described having the first section 120 and the second
section 122 being pivotably connected, it should be understood that
other manners of moving the first end 100 and the second end 102
relative to each other can be used. For example, the adjustable
cross-bar 59-2 can be implemented utilizing multiple telescoping
cross-bar members with multiple holes and a pin or multiple snap
buttons to permit selective movement of the cross-bar members
relative to each other; utilizing multiple cross-bars that are
threadingly engaged so permit selective movement of at least one of
the cross-bars relative to the other by rotating at least one of
the cross-bars; utilizing a turnbuckle connecting at least two
cross-bar members together, or utilizing any form of a lever or
handle for moving the cross-bar members relative to each other.
[0048] From the above description, it is clear that the present
invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and attain the
advantages mentioned herein, as well as those inherent in the
invention. While a presently preferred embodiment of the invention
has been described herein for purposes of this disclosure, it will
be understood that numerous changes may be made which will readily
suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and which are
accomplished within the spirit of the invention disclosed.
* * * * *