For Game Using Apertured Or Pocketed Goal Or Target (e.g., For Hockey, Soccer, Polo, Lacrosse, Etc.) Patents (Class 473/446)
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Publication number: 20030199342Abstract: A hockey field goal apparatus comprises a frame providing a rigid structure including a pair of spaced apart and vertically oriented lateral legs and also a central vertical leg. The legs define an open face of the goal apparatus. A net is fixed to the frame for defining a defensive space within the goal apparatus. A plurality of relatively small target nets are selectively engaged with the legs of the rigid structure, wherein each of the target nets is positioned within the defensive space. The target nets each provide a biasing spring adapted for absorbing the energy of a puck received at high velocity within the target net during puck shooting practice.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2002Publication date: October 23, 2003Inventor: Arthur Birss
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Patent number: 6605010Abstract: A ball/puck automatic shooter apparatus for varying the directions from which the balls/pucks are being launched. The ball/puck automatic shooter apparatus includes a conventional base member, a conventional ball/puck release magazine including a first motor and rollers for holding and launching balls/pucks, a conventional power source, and a conventional vertically-disposed ball/puck feeder member being attached to the ball/puck release magazine, wherein the improvement comprises a dispensing chute being rotatably attached to a dispensing end of the ball/puck release magazine; and also includes an assembly for rotating and positioning the dispensing chute; and further includes an assembly for selective launching of the balls/pucks from the ball/puck release magazine.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2002Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Inventor: Donald Rydza
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Publication number: 20030119611Abstract: A practice goal apparatus comprises a box-like structure having an open face and providing plural interior faces adapted to rebound a resilient ball upon impact. The plural interior faces are set at selected angles such that the resilient ball, upon forcefully entering the box-like structure through the open face, from any direction will rebound in a manner resulting in forceful exit from the box-like structure back to the kicker. The apparatus has a hollow base that may be filled with water or sand to anchor it in place.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2001Publication date: June 26, 2003Inventors: Thomas William Lytle, Fred Saldana
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Publication number: 20030108852Abstract: An assembly includes a track having a length; a goalie structure; and a base that supports the goalie structure on top of the track. The base has wheels and a motor cooperating with at least one of the wheels for moving the goalie structure along the length of the track. A player, for example, a hockey player or a soccer player, can practice scoring goals against the goalie structure. The goalie structure is preferably inflatable, and the track is preferably constructed from a plurality of track sections. The track preferably has grooves and the base preferably has flanges that cooperate with the grooves to keep the base secured in the track when the player bumps into the goalie structure. All of the components of the assembly can be provided as a kit that can be assembled and disassembled as desired.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2002Publication date: June 12, 2003Inventors: Simon Berdugo, Andrew Small
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Patent number: 6569041Abstract: A device for significantly enhancing the ability of ice hockey players of all experience levels for developing stick control and correct shooting movements while also increasing strength, balance and accuracy thereof which includes a framework defining a practice zone thereunder wherein a flexibly resilient member is secured to uniquely configured apertures defined in the blade of the training hockey stick to encourage correct stick movement and to discourage incorrect stick handling and shooting movements. The apertures are preferably located in the heel, the toe and/or the tip of the blade of the stick and are attached to the resilient member for building up strength and providing resistance thereto.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2002Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Inventor: Erik Riivald
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Publication number: 20030096666Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a first embodiment having a straight line apparatus consisting of tubular channels 18 that pass through risers 20 that elevate the channels off the ground. The end risers 22 provide a port 24 on one distal end that allows the user to attach other succeeding lengths of channel 30 to the main structure via couplers 26 that are inserted into the end port 24. The second embodiment 34 provides a curved apparatus, consisting of main tubular channels 32 that pass through main risers 34 that elevate the channels 32 off the ground. The main end risers 42 of the main structure provide ports on one distal end to allow the user to attach other units, via main couplers 40, to expand the apparatus to a larger size. The side channels 36 and risers 38 can be removed and snapped together in a stacked fashion for easy storage and transportation of the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2001Publication date: May 22, 2003Inventor: Mark Zielinski
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Patent number: 6565461Abstract: A head protecting apparatus comprises a protective body, at least one cushioning member, and a friction member. The protective body is adapted to be worn on a soccer player's head. The body includes an interior portion adapted to fit against a portion of the player's head and an exterior portion adapted for impact with the soccer ball. The protective body includes a generally rigid guarding member adapted to cover at least a portion of the player's head when the player is wearing the protective body. The cushioning member is positioned between the guarding member and the player's head when the player is wearing the protective body. The cushioning member is adapted to absorb shock caused by impact between exterior portion of the protective body and the soccer ball when the player is heading the soccer ball. The friction member is mounted on the exterior portion of the protective body. The friction member includes an impact surface adapted for impact with the soccer ball.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 1998Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Inventor: Stuart E. Zatlin
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Publication number: 20030092513Abstract: A Hockey cage comprises a structure frame and a net, the structure frame comprises an upper pipe, a lower pipe connected to the upper pipe by a pair of supporting pipes, and a pair of connecting pipes, respectively. The connecting areas of each pipe are formed with either springs nod or locating holes for connection, the net comprises four soft pads on each end to be inserted through the upper pipe, the lower pipe and the supporting pipes, respectively, to spread the net evenly along the structure frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2001Publication date: May 15, 2003Inventor: Ting-Hsing Chen
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Publication number: 20030054904Abstract: A dummy for practicing hockey checking composed of a base, an upper body, and a mechanism for controlling the dummy's motion. The generally cylindrical base has a foundation, an upwardly-extending column, and is weighted. The weight can be a solid weight or a removable material, such as sand or water, in a hollow container in the base. The upper body core is a column that slides onto or into the base column. A torso and a head is composed of a hard but resilient material. Rolled foam arms optionally have bendable wires for retaining the arms in a desired position. The upper body is covered with standard hockey clothing and equipment and a stick is secured to the gloves. The height of the dummy is adjustably by sliding and locking the base and upper body columns relative to each other. The undersurface of the base is smooth or has wheels or knobs in order to easily slide along the playing surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2002Publication date: March 20, 2003Inventor: Michael S. Getchell
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Patent number: 6514162Abstract: The present invention relates to a hockey training device. In its broadest context, the present invention includes a hollow vertical housing with both a loading end and a discharge end. The intermediate extend of the housing is adapted to store a number of hockey pucks. A discharge device, such as a solenoid actuated plunger or spring urged driving bar, is employed in forcing pucks out through the discharge end of the housing. In this manner, the device can be used in driving pucks, one at a time, vertically and flat across the ice.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2000Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Inventor: John J. Karellas
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Patent number: 6511390Abstract: A net assembly which allows a user to easily and conveniently practice the launching, throwing or kicking of sports balls (such as baseballs, soccer balls and footballs) in a limited and/or indoor area, and is easily carried, kept or installed. In the net assembly, the net is appropriately tensioned, thus effectively stopping flying balls without failure. The net assembly has a U-shaped base pipe unit laid on a support surface. A main support pipe is mounted to an end of each side arm of the base pipe unit. The support pipe extends upwardly and is inclined outwardly relative to the side arm at an angle of 45°±10°. First and second tension pipes are coupled to each other using a joint, thus forming a tension pipe unit with a holding pin being provided at an outside end of the tension pipe unit for holding a net. The tension pipe unit is mounted to the support pipe at the lower end thereof.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2001Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Inventor: Bae-Kyun Kim
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Patent number: 6508729Abstract: A goal shot training system for dividing the plane of goal into a plurality of zones for targeting shots on the goal. The goal shot training system provides a system for training shots on a goal of the type having a pair of laterally-spaced, substantially vertically oriented upright members and a substantially horizontally oriented cross member extending between the upright members, with the upright members and the cross member defining a goal plane. The system comprises a first strap for suspending from the cross member of the goal for dividing the goal plane into horizontally-separated zones and a second strap for extending between the upright members for dividing the goal plane into vertically-separated zones. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, a pair of the first straps and a pair of the second straps are included.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2001Date of Patent: January 21, 2003Inventors: Warren V. Coltrane, Michael D. Sink
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Publication number: 20020198069Abstract: A training shoe for soccer includes a pressure-responsive sensor mounted with respect to a soccer shoe at a selected location, for example at the instep or along the laces at the top of the shoe. When a soccer ball is kicked at the selected location, the sensor provides an electrical signal to a microprocessor, causing selection logic in the microprocessor to choose one of several control words. The selected control word is provided to a voice playback circuit to select one of several digital data sets, each set corresponding to a different sound. The playback circuit provides an analog electrical control signal to a speaker, thereby generating a selected sound corresponding to the selected digital data set. System components can be mounted permanently to a shoe, or to a cover or strap arrangement releasably mounted to the shoe.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2002Publication date: December 26, 2002Inventors: Gregory P. Snyder, Matthew R. Ellavsky, Richard S. Little, Michael Nordquist
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Publication number: 20020193186Abstract: A net assembly which allows a user to easily and conveniently practice the launching, throwing or kicking of sports balls (such as baseballs, soccer balls and footballs) in a limited and/or indoor area, and is easily carried, kept or installed. In the net assembly, the net is appropriately tensioned, thus effectively stopping flying balls without failure. The net assembly has a U-shaped base pipe unit laid on a support surface. A main support pipe is mounted to an end of each side arm of the base pipe unit. The support pipe extends upwardly and is inclined outwardly relative to the side arm at an angle of 45°±10°. First and second tension pipes are coupled to each other using a joint, thus forming a tension pipe unit with a holding pin being provided at an outside end of the tension pipe unit for holding a net. The tension pipe unit is mounted to the support pipe at the lower end thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2001Publication date: December 19, 2002Inventor: Bae-Kyun Kim
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Publication number: 20020151386Abstract: A hockey practice device which provides physiological memory training to the user includes a low, short open bottom housing having a variable resistance striker puck which slides in a slot in the top of the housing, the puck being secured to a slider beneath the top which is secured to a variable tension extensible and retractable spring member having one end fixed to the housing and the other end to the slider, the entire assembly being only about five feet long or less so as to be usable indoors or outdoors in a minimal space.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2001Publication date: October 17, 2002Inventor: Scott A. Williams
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Publication number: 20020151387Abstract: An improved sports targeting apparatus for use with a support structure is provided. The improved sports targeting apparatus has different sized openings each opening having a pocket for receiving a sports object such as a hockey puck or a ball.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2001Publication date: October 17, 2002Inventor: Scott C. Henson
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Publication number: 20020142867Abstract: A method of play and soccer skill training device that is played outdoors. The device can be used to develop basic soccer skills such as ball handling, passing, and shooting accuracy as well as advanced skills such as strategy and teamwork. The method and apparatus of the invention which can be used with a soccer ball comprises a plurality of arches extending upwardly from the ground level through which a soccer ball is passed with the feet or head.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2001Publication date: October 3, 2002Inventors: David P. Peterson, Herbert J. Peterson
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Patent number: 6458050Abstract: An athletic shooting aid adapted to be detachably mounted directly on the goal of a sporting event to provide a target at which the player aims and strikes with the game piece in order to improve the form and accuracy of the player's shooting. The device comprises a clamp which is removably attachable to the goal having a substantially straight elongated member extending from the clamp with a ball or target of material attached to the elongated member to serve as the target at which the player aims when shooting the game piece. The elongated member is adapted and configured to allow the ball to move when struck by the game piece in such a manner that the game piece deflects the ball without substantially affecting the trajectory of the game piece and to allow the ball to be repositioned after the game piece has passed through the goal.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2001Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Assignee: Sports Scoring Aides Ltd.Inventor: Richard E. Barry
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Publication number: 20020111234Abstract: A sports target for practicing baseball throwing, hockey shots or the like comprises a hoop; a net loosely suspended from the hoop and spanning its interior, and a pair of elastic straps for suspending the hoop from a crossbar or the like. The straps splay outwardly to provide an anti-rotation bias to the structure. An inner hoop and net may be suspended within an outer hoop and net for more advanced target practice.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2002Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventor: Kevin MacNichol
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Patent number: 6425834Abstract: A flying ball stopping net device having a plurality of legs arranged side by side one ht ground. The legs extend in one direction substantially horizontal with a frame extending upward away from the legs. The frame has supports that support lower portions of the frame body at longitudinally intermediate portions of the legs. A net surrounds the outer edge of the frame body to which it is attached. Each support includes a first support pipe projecting upward from the longitudinal intermediate portion of the leg. A second support pipe projects downwardly from the lower portion of the frame body and is removably fitted to the first support pipe for relative turning movement around the axis thereof. An elastic locking body having one end fitted in one of the first and second support pipes and is locked therein. The other end of the elastic body is removably fitted in the other one of the first and second support pipes to be pressed against the inner peripheral surface thereof.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2000Date of Patent: July 30, 2002Assignee: Toa Sports Machine IncorporatedInventor: Kazu Nozato
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Patent number: 6402641Abstract: A target device is positionable in an infinite number of positions within a sports goal having left and right upright members and a crossbar connecting the upright members. The device includes a main body generally comprised of a sheet material. A pair of spaced apart adjustable straps engaging an upper portion of the main body and are used for suspending the main body from the crossbar of the goal. An elastic cord extends through a lower portion of the main body and has first and second ends for attaching to the left and right upright members, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Inventor: William J. Lee
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Patent number: 6394917Abstract: The football goal post of the present invention includes a cross bar that allows the spacing of the uprights to be selectively adjusted by the user of the goal post. A variety of embodiments are disclosed showing different arrangements for adjusting the spacing of the uprights. In some of the embodiments, the uprights are simultaneously adjusted by a single actuator. In other embodiments, the uprights may be manually adjusted while in other embodiments the uprights may be adjusted from a remote location. The invention also provides an adjustable ground sleeve that allows the goal post to be raised and lowered and rotated about the x, y, and z axes so that it may be precisely aligned with the football field during and after installation.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2000Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: P.A.T. Technologies, LLCInventors: Thomas Aquinas Chiappini, Brooks Ewing Weingart, Kevin Todd Reynolds
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Publication number: 20020032084Abstract: A sports training device for rebounding a puck travelling on a playing surface comprising a resilient body formed of tire chips held together with adhesive. The body has a vertical side edge or face for rebounding a puck at substantially the same velocity with which the puck is shot against it.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2001Publication date: March 14, 2002Inventor: L. Bradley Hammett
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Publication number: 20020013187Abstract: A method and apparatus for a portable flat faced rebounding soccer training goal includes trapezoid spring tension and edge spring tension.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2001Publication date: January 31, 2002Inventor: Dan Y. Grunfeld
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Patent number: 6328666Abstract: The totally adjustable hockey stick weight (known commercially as ‘THE ORIGINAL STICK WEIGHT’®) is a training device designed for quick attachment to and removal from hockey sticks (ice or roller). It is used exclusively for practice, warm-ups, or training. The totally adjustable hockey stick weight is manufactured from aircraft aluminum: 6061/6063 T-5 or any comparable grades thereof. The aluminum itself can be machined from raw billets or drawn through a die into the specifically designed shapes of the wide variety of the adjustable hockey stick weight(s) themselves holding their controlled, fixed dimensions. The totally adjustable hockey stick weight comprises of two main components: a main body, and a face plate. It is manufactured (as mentioned previously) in a variety of sizes, shapes, and weights. In addition, all the various shapes and sizes adhere to the integrity and configuration of the original design.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 1999Date of Patent: December 11, 2001Inventor: Marc A. Manory
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Patent number: 6319157Abstract: A bat has a grip portion and an elongate, rotationally symmetric playing surface. The playing surface continuously increases in diameter towards its outer end, and the outer end is the widest part of the bat. The surface can be covered with a friction-enhancing material. The bat can be used, together with a conventional soccer ball, as a soccer practice aid.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 1999Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Inventor: Carl Wayne Broadbent
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Patent number: 6312348Abstract: A playing field for playing where the field includes marked sidelines, goal lines and cross-lines at a distance from the goal lines. The playing field includes a total of four goal structures, rather than the conventional two goal structures and thus there are two goal structures located along each goal line spaced from each other along that goal line. The overall soccer field complies with the international regulations governing the dimensions of the field and of the goal structures, however, a new and different game with enhanced excitement is possible with the use of the additional goal structure located along each goal line.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 1999Date of Patent: November 6, 2001Inventor: Timo Aulis Sandell
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Patent number: 6312349Abstract: A training aid and method for basketball and other sports having a large hoop or “halo” supported on a vertical post for adjustment. The vertical post is mounted on a T-shaped base which supports the large hoop in such a way that a player can take shots through the hoop without contacting the base. Training a player to properly shoot a basketball begins with teaching the proper method of holding the ball over the player's head and using the legs for a small, quick jump. Using the shot training aid, the player jumps and takes a shot with a high arc at the goal. With other sports, the angle and height of the device can be adjusted as desired, but the dominant feature in the invention is that proficiency in all sports requiring projectiles to be accurately impelled toward a target can be improved.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1999Date of Patent: November 6, 2001Inventor: T. Sanford Roberts
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Publication number: 20010034274Abstract: A portable soccer goal includes a net portion suspended within a flexible spring frame which stretches the net across its area to form a back portion as a suitable goal surface. A base portion is attached to the back portion, and a pair of side panels extend between the back portion and base portion. The expanded frame, with the net portion, base portion, and side panels extended therebetween, is stabilized by support rods inserted into sleeves extending between the upper portion of the back and the front portion of the base. Upper and lower sleeves cover the ends of the rods to prevent exposure to the players. Stakes and/or sand pockets may be used to secure the apparatus to the ground.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2001Publication date: October 25, 2001Inventors: Victor Tulipani, Marty Mendick
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Patent number: 6290619Abstract: The present invention is a street hockey ball for use in games on hard surfaces. The ball has a core of a low rebound material, and a hard, tough covering material. This invention provides for the height of contact between the ball and the stick to approximate the height of contact between the hockey puck and the stick, and the weight of the ball is likewise designed to approximate a puck. In this way the ball of the present invention simulates the feel and action of a hockey puck, for example providing ice hockey players with a viable training device off the ice.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2000Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Inventor: Bruce Allen Mayer, II
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Patent number: 6264572Abstract: Equipment for use in training penalty taking. The equipment for use with a goal comprising goal posts and a cross bar defining a goal area. The goal area is partially occluded by a transparent or translucent barrier the areas harder to reach by a goalkeeper remaining unoccluded.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1999Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Inventors: Alistair Dominic Matheson, Andrew Michael Matheson
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Patent number: 6261196Abstract: A sports goal for minimizing injury to a player striking thereupon that includes a frame and a net that extends across the frame. The frame is tubular and includes four posts that extend vertically upwardly from a surface, at four corners of an imaginary rectangle, a front cross member that extends horizontally across the uppermost ends of a forwardmost pair of posts of the four posts of the frame. The forwardmost pair of posts of the four posts of the frame are releasably attached to the front cross member of the frame, which allows the forwardmost pair of posts of the four posts of the frame to break away from the front cross member of the frame when struck by the player for preventing injury thereto, while the remainder of the frame remains erect. Each end of the front cross member of the frame has a pin that depends therefrom that is releasably received in a blind bore that extends axially in the uppermost ends of the forwardmost pair of posts of the four posts of the frame.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1999Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Inventor: Anthony Caruso
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Patent number: 6220865Abstract: A simulated training method in which groups of users interactively control user controllable images to make idiosyncratic, simulated physical movements. Preferred embodiments include user controllable images executing simulated physical movements in competition, opposition, coordination and sport activities. Means are provided to evaluate relative effectiveness of movements between groups of users.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1997Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Inventors: Vincent J. Macri, Paul Zilber, Robert O. Magaw
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Patent number: 6200235Abstract: A net set for a swing set and method for attaching the net set which enables the swing set to be used as a soccer goal, comprising: a back net piece with at least two substantially vertical side edges and one substantially horizontal top edge; two side net pieces each attached to the back piece along at least one of the side edges; a net top piece attached to the back piece along the top edge; and one or more ties or straps for removably attaching one or more of the net pieces to the swing set.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 1999Date of Patent: March 13, 2001Inventor: Mary Jane Gembarowicz
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Patent number: 6190270Abstract: An athletic shooting aid adapted to be detachably mounted directly on the goal of a sporting event to provide a target at which the player aims and strikes with the game piece in order to improve the form and accuracy of the player's shooting. The device comprises a clamp which is removably attachable to the goal having a substantially straight elongated member extending from the clamp with a ball or target of material attached to the elongated member to serve as the target at which the player aims when shooting the game piece. The elongated member is adapted and configured to allow the ball to move when struck by the game piece in such a manner that the game piece deflects the ball without substantially affecting the trajectory of the game piece and to allow the ball to be repositioned after the game piece has passed through the goal.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 1998Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Sports Scoring Aides Ltd.Inventor: Richard E. Barry
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Patent number: 6174248Abstract: A hockey stick training device to be attached to the shaft of a hockey stick includes a shield and a connector. The shield blocks a player's view of most of the blade of the hockey stick when the player carries the hockey stick forcing the player to rely on feel to handle and/or shoot rather than by sight.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1998Date of Patent: January 16, 2001Assignee: Puckhandler Inc.Inventors: Robert W. Lawlor, Steve Davidson, Scott Vickers
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Patent number: 6168539Abstract: An apparatus for soccer kicking practice comprises a means of attaching a tether comprising a cord and elastic strip to a soccer ball in a manner allowing the ball to freely rotate with respect to the tether providing kicking and spinning of the ball and return of the ball to the user in a controlled manner.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Inventor: Ryan Maina
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Patent number: 6099420Abstract: A portable hockey practice system for increasing a hockey player's skill in shooting and catching a hockey puck along with developing quicker and better reflexes. The inventive device preferably includes three track sections each having a slot, a plurality of connecting members that connect the three track sections with conventional fasteners, a first end plate and a second end plate at opposing ends of the connected track sections, a first spring and a second spring attached to opposing end plates, and a puck attached to spacer slidably positioned within the slot of the connected track sections. The user engages the puck with a conventional hockey stick driving the puck towards the first spring. The first spring rebounds the puck towards the user. The user has the option of either catching the puck or letting the puck pass through where after it engages the second spring that rebounds the puck back to the user to stop with their back hand motion.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1998Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Inventor: Mukhtar S. Nandra
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Patent number: 6059673Abstract: A goalie training system for providing a realistic training system that accommodates a goalie and a plurality of shooters at different angles. The inventive device includes a goalie zone and a plurality of shooting lanes extending from the goalie zone at various angles. The goalie zone is comprised of a center member, a pair of side members adjacent the center member, a center surface above the center member, and a pair of side surfaces above the side members. The center surface, the side surfaces and the lane surface are comprised of a synthetic ice material that allows conventional ice skates to be utilized. The plurality of shooting lanes are comprised of at least one lane member and at least one lane surface positioned above the lane member. A goal is positioned behind the goalie zone for simulating a realistic hockey rink. At least one shooter is able to utilize the shooting lane for shooting pucks at the goal which the goalie attempts to deflect within the goalie zone.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 1999Date of Patent: May 9, 2000Inventor: Donald D. Mason
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Patent number: 6012994Abstract: The present invention consists of an ice hockey training dummy adapted to be installed onto a playing field to simulate the presence of either a teammate or an adverse party player and comprising in combination a generally flat body having a general outline of a player and attached at its lower part to a support via cylindrical spring clips, the support maintaining the dummy support to maintain the dummy in upright position. One hand of the dummy is built in the body while the second lower hand extends out from said body. The upper part of a hockey stick is built in the body and extends between both hands. The lower freely protruding part of the hockey stick is attached to the dummy via a spring link allowing enough flexibility for the stick lower part to be slightly deflected about the spring link when hit.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 1996Date of Patent: January 11, 2000Inventor: Serge Beluse
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Patent number: 5993334Abstract: A practice backdrop for hockey and other sports includes a flexible backdrop sheet, e.g. vinyl plastic impregnated cloth. Connectors support the backdrop sheet from its upper edge. An impact-dampening weight is connected to the backdrop sheet near its lower edge to help the backdrop sheet absorb the impact of a hockey puck or ball which strikes it. A removable and replaceable target sheet that has a frontal area which is smaller than the backdrop and can be formed from cloth is overlaid against the front surface of the backdrop to serve as an object for a player to shoot at and to help cushion the impact of shots fired at the backdrop. Lifting cords elevate and simultaneously fold both the backdrop and target into contiguous horizontally extending accordion folds in which horizontal folds of the target are lapped between horizontal folds of the backdrop material.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 1998Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Inventor: Patrick E McNamara
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Patent number: 5961403Abstract: A training device for soccer for placement on a field and for allowing a soccer ball to be rebounded thereoff, kicked therethrough, and played therearound by a soccer player. The device includes a pair of identical supports for placement on a field and a plurality of planks that extend between the pair of supports. The pair of identical supports are inverted U-shaped. The plurality of planks include a plurality of top planks that extend longitudinally from one support to the other support, at their tops. The plurality of top planks are affixed to each support by top carriage bolts that depend through each top plank, through a respective support, and through top washers and threadably engage top nuts, with the plurality of top planks completely closing the training device for soccer, at its top. The plurality of planks further include a plurality of side planks that extend longitudinally from one support to the other support, at their sides.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 1998Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Inventor: Anthony Caruso
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Patent number: 5947845Abstract: A combination of a pair of soccer shoes and a soccer ball wherein each of the shoes and the ball have an exterior surface marked with selected areas of differing shapes and colors. The markings on the shoes correspond in shape and color to the markings on the exterior of the ball in order to instruct a user where to strike the ball with which portion of his or her foot in order to make the ball move in desired directions.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 1998Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Inventor: Carlos Canelas
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Patent number: 5928093Abstract: A practice area for children to sharpen their soccer skills, preferably taking place in an indoor arena or recreation room. A soccer goalkeeper is positioned in an aesthetically pleasing and inviting environment which will entice children to participate. For example, a castle can be erected having an entranceway to the castle which is actually a practice soccer goal. The goal may be varied in shape and size with varied net structures. A goalkeeper is positionable in front of a goal of the castle in an infinite number of positions. The arms, legs and torso of the simulated goalkeeper, in the form of a mannequin or a remotely controlled robot, can be varied in position so as to present various defensive postures. Once positioned, the soccer goalkeeper will maintain this position until manually repositioned or electrically manipulated to occupy a different position.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1997Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Inventor: Kong Thomas Lai
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Patent number: 5902194Abstract: A particularly flexible soccer goal target can be formed by using a plurality of fasteners or clips to attach together a plurality of strips of netting into a target assembly. The plurality of strips of netting are fastened or clipped together, edge to edge, to form a net assembly having sufficient width and height to extend across a substantial portion of the entrance of the soccer goal. The strips of netting, which are fastened or clipped together to form the target assembly, may be easily disconnected by unclipping them at different locations of the goal entrance to provide openings in the target assembly at different positions in the goal that will serve as targets for practice. Further, both the soccer net and flexible soccer goal may be provided at their peripheries with a plurality of spaced permanently attached cord-formed attachment means.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 1996Date of Patent: May 11, 1999Inventor: Joseph B. Wade
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Patent number: 5897446Abstract: A soccer training aid uses a conforming fabric upper attached to a soccer shoe with straps passing between the cleats. The upper provides a foundation for colored targets indicating proper kicking points for soccer.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1997Date of Patent: April 27, 1999Inventors: Katherine O. Wiseman, Carrie Krause
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Patent number: 5895330Abstract: A modified sports goal is adapted for training a sports player to direct objects into preferred target areas. A modified goalpost frame is formed in the shape of a preferred target area of a standard sports goal. A net is coupled to the goalpost frame. The goalpost and net capture objects, such as hockey pucks, directed into the preferred target area, and allow misdirected objects which otherwise would have been captured by the standard sports goal to pass thereby. In this manner, a participant is rewarded with the feeling of achieving a goal only if the object enters the target areas. Otherwise, the object passes by the goal. This goal reduces the need for goaltenders during practice sessions, mitigating the possibility of goaltender injury and improving the shooter's ability to develop skills.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 1997Date of Patent: April 20, 1999Inventor: Francis J. Reilly, Jr.
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Patent number: 5888153Abstract: In practising various sports such as hockey, it is known to provide a target in a desired position such that the shooter strikes or otherwise directs a projectile at the target. In this invention, the target is portable and can be connected to a fixed object such as the frame of a hockey net. The target is a band of steel or other sturdy material and of any desired shape. A pocket is connected to the perimeter of the target for catching a hockey puck, ball or other object which is directed through the perimeter of the target. A spring is, at one end, connected to the target and, at its opposite end, connected to a clamping device such that the target, spring and clamping device, can be connected to a fixed object such as the goal post or crossbar of a hockey net. The shot target assembly can be easily connected to and removed from a wide variety of objects.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1996Date of Patent: March 30, 1999Assignee: Sporting Tech 99 Inc.Inventor: James Steven Masin
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Patent number: 5857928Abstract: A sports goal comprises a goal frame, including substantially vertically oriented first and second goal posts each having a top end and a bottom end and a cross-bar interconnecting the first and second goal posts at their respective top ends. The bottom ends of the first and second goal posts define a goal line spanning therebetween. A ground contacting base is connected to the first and second goal posts at respective first and second fixed points adjacent the bottom ends of the first and second goal posts, so as to securely interconnect the first and second goal posts. The ground contacting base extends rearwardly behind the goal line to provide upright stability for the sports goal. The first and second goal posts are tiltably movable between a upright position and an impacted position disposed angularly rearwardly of the upright position. A net is secured to the goal frame and the ground contacting base.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1997Date of Patent: January 12, 1999Inventor: Thomas Edward Stewart
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Patent number: 5846086Abstract: In an apparatus and method for teaching motor skills to a human subject, learning by a student is based upon imitation of a teacher's motion. The teacher's motion is sensed by a motion sensing device, is digitized by a computer, and is then recorded in memory. The computer generates a virtual image sequence of the teacher on the computer display of the teacher interacting in the computer-generated virtual environment for the student to view and imitate. The same motion sensing device used to record the teacher's movement tracks the student's movement and the computer creates a virtual image sequence on the display corresponding to the student's movement and its interaction with the virtual environment in real-time, simultaneously providing an image sequence of the teacher's movement. The student's task is to imitate the teacher's movement. This process is repeated until the teacher's and student's trajectories match well in space and time.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 1996Date of Patent: December 8, 1998Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Emilio Bizzi, Ferdinando A. Mussa-Ivaldi, Reza Shadmehr