Sports training apparatus

Abstract

This invention is a sports training target apparatus for training an individual in the throwing of a ball or other projectile. The apparatus is comprised of a wheeled frame, a support frame portion hingably attached to the wheeled frame, and a target frame portion hingably attached to the support frame. A preferred embodiment of the invention is further characterized by a hoop or net which provides a specific target for the user to assist in a convenient and effective target for practicing throwing a ball. The invention has particular utility in the training of football or soccer players. The device further includes the capability of adjusting the horizontal base portion and vertical upright portion such that the structure may be folded down onto itself for ease in portability, or for storage.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to an apparatus for assisting in the training of an individual to play a sport. Specifically, this invention is directed to assisting an individual to perfect the art of throwing a ball such as a football, or otherwise projecting a ball or sports article, such as kicking a soccer ball.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

We all know that in order to gain proficiency in sports, an athlete must practice his or her critical skills over and over again. Essentially, the old adage of “practice makes perfect” is very applicable to sports training. For many sports played on both the professional level and amateur and high school level, the critical performance characteristic required is the ability to throw or otherwise propel a ball with great accuracy. In training for football specifically, passing skills are crucial. A football quarterback will generally need to practice throwing skills over and over again for months or even years in order to really master the art. In addition, soccer is another sport in which a ball must be propelled with great accuracy, this time kicking the ball, of course. Once again, it will be necessary for a player to practice this effort over and over again in order to improve performance.

Sports training often begins in high school, especially for the male population, and it is important that a young player be encouraged to master throwing skills. One conventional means that has often been used is for a player to practice throwing accuracy by attempting to pass a football through an automobile tire hanging from a tree by a rope. Of course, after one pass is made, the player must run to where the ball landed to retrieve the football before it can be tried again. Otherwise, practicing throwing skills for a football generally entails two players passing the ball to each other. Of course, when a player desires to practice alone or does not have a colleague ready to catch the ball, throwing skills are often neglected.

As a result of the increased emphasis being placed on throwing skills for training young athletes, many devices have been constructed to assist in propelling or catching the ball. Many of these devices are inadequate in construction, durability, portability, or ease of use, as will be described in the next section. Accordingly, the driving force behind the invention of the present device is the need to create a portable and flexible sports training apparatus which is easy to use and assemble, and is yet durable enough to withstand the rigors imposed by use in a school setting.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Over the years, many different prior art devices have been directed to a system or apparatus for training an athlete. In the sports of football, baseball, and soccer, an assortment of devices have been directed to catching or retrieving a ball after it is thrown or kicked. Among these devices, many have been constructed of components that are portable in the sense that they are easy to assemble and disassemble. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,888,153 by Masin shows a portable plastic frame with a net material arranged to catch a ball. The device further includes a small net to assist in training and aiming in the driving of a hockey puck in particular. Other portable sports training devices are found with U.S. Pat. No. 5,580,064 by Childers, U.S. Pat. No. 5,351,949 by Thomas and U.S. Pat. No. 6,435,512 B1 by Beckwith, Sr. Each of these devices includes a portable lightweight frame assembly which may be disassembled. Generally speaking, the inventions are directed to a frame constructed of multiple hollow plastic tubes which aid in portability.

Looking specifically at football applications, a number of patents over the years have been directed to quarterback training or passing proficiency. Some examples of patents that seek to improve throwing accuracy are U.S. Pat. No. 5,330,199 by Vand, U.S. Pat. No. 6,659,466 B2 by Searles et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,936,578 by Hudson, Sr. and others. U.S. Pat. No. 4,826,166 by Baker et al. is more narrowly tailored to improving the training of quarterbacks, and similar such devices are found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,516,115 by McLain et al and U.S. Pat. No. 5,037,095 by Nedwick.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,643,423 by Wright discloses a screen apparatus with a target supported by a self supporting frame in conjunction with a trough, arranged such that baseballs which are thrown against the screen will fall down into the trough. U.S. Pat. No. 4,183,524 by Kifferstein et al, discloses a tennis practice system which is designed to be attached to a garage door and serves to rebound tennis balls that are knocked into the tent.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,823,939 by Bottorff claims a football training apparatus comprised of a net for catching the ball, anchored on a rail such that the net may travel along the rail. This enables one to practice timing, football passing, and throwing since the user is required to throw the ball into a moving target. Accordingly, the device simulates more closely the passing conditions encountered during a football game. Another football training device which requires the user to focus on accuracy is U.S. Pat. No. 6,736,738 B1 by Taa. The Taa device consists of a tubular upright structure with a pair of cavities disposed in the structure which are appropriately sized for a football. Accordingly, the user is challenged to precisely aim the football such that it will pass through the cavity in the upright stand.

A number of patents in the art are directed to net assemblies for catching a ball as it is thrown or propelled. These patents include U.S. Pat. No. 5,722,905 by Bidelton. Although these are assemblies are useful for many situations, they are generally not as portable as desired in most sports training scenarios. Accordingly, the need exists for a sports training apparatus which can be easily transported from one location to another and which is durable enough to be used in a school or college setting.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In light of the forgoing disadvantages inherent in the pre-existing methods and devices for assisting to train an athlete in propelling a ball or other objects, the present invention provides a significant improvement. Accordingly, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new and improved apparatus for assisting in the development and training of an individual seeking to improve ones throwing capabilities for a variety of sports activities.

In order to achieve this general objective, the present invention consists essentially of a sports training target apparatus comprising a wheeled frame, a support frame portion hingably attached to the wheeled frame, and a target frame portion hingably attached to the support frame. The sports training apparatus is intended to provide a convenient and effective target for practicing throwing a ball or other such object. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the target frame portion of the invention is further characterized by a hoop or net, which provides a specific target for the user. The target hoop on the target frame portion of the apparatus may be partially or fully bordered by a panel, which once again provides a convenient target for the user.

In another aspect of the present invention, the sports training target apparatus may include the capability of adjusting the angle between the target frame portion and support frame portion in a range from 0 to 360 degrees. The ability to change the angular relationship between the support frame and target portion serves the advantage of allowing the device to be fully folded down for easy storage and portability. It also enables user to simulate a number of alternative target practice options. For example, if the target frame is moved to a 30 degree angle with respect to the horizontal wheeled frame, more skill will be required for the user to throw a ball to the correct location, of course.

The preferred embodiment of the sports training apparatus may include a wide assortment of means for adjusting the height of the target frame portion, and for locking in a particular height setting. The adjustment means may include a screw shaft and crank assembly, for example.

In a second embodiment of the present invention, the target frame portion may include a simple net arrangement without the use of a bordering support frame. This will serve to make the device more lightweight and flexible in moving from site to site.

The present invention serves an assortment of functional improvements, including improved flexibility of the device as it is easily moved from location to location. This may enable the device to experience wide utility in a school setting, for example, where the apparatus could be moved many times on a daily basis.

As discussed above, the method and device of the present invention overcomes the disadvantages inherent in prior art methods and devices. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Accordingly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this invention is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the design of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit of the present invention.

Furthermore, the purpose of the foregoing Abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially including the practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection, the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The Abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, nor is it intended to be limiting to the scope of the invention in any way. It is intended that the application is defined by the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Additional utility and features of the invention will become more fully apparent to those skilled in the art by reference to the following drawings, which illustrate the primary features of two preferred embodiments.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a front view of a first preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the sports training apparatus standing upright.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein the target frame portion has been folded downward.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein the target frame portion and support frame have been fully folded down onto the wheeled support frame for movement of the assembly.

FIG. 6 shows a front view of a second preferred embodiment of the present invention in a fully upright position.

FIG. 7 shows a side view of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention fully assembled standing fully upright a side view of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention of the target support frame portion folded down onto the front of the vertical support member.

FIG. 8 shows a side view of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein the target frame portion is folded down onto the front of the vertical support member.

FIG. 9 shows a side view of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein the target frame and support structure have been fully folded downward onto the wheeled support frame for facilitation of movement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The detailed description set forth below is intended to describe the preferred embodiments of the invention and explain the utility of the current invention. It should be noted and understood that a variety of other arrangements are also possible for a sports training apparatus constructed according to the present invention, which is defined by the claims of the patent and not limited in scope to the preferred embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. The frame for the sports training apparatus is constructed essentially of steel for durability purposes, although other materials may be used as well. The apparatus begins with a horizontally disposed frame portion 10 as shown in FIG. 1. Horizontal frame 10 is generally rectangular in shape and constructed of four angle iron members bolted or otherwise attached to each other. As further shown in FIG. 1, the frame is disposed upon four wheels 12 which are shown to generally be caster type wheels in this embodiment. Each wheel 12 fully swivels in any direction to assist in ease of mobility with the structure, and one or more of wheels 12 may include means to lock the wheel in place such as to prevent it from rolling while in use. The apparatus further consists of two pairs of vertically disposed support frame portions identified by numerals 16 and 24 in FIG. 1, and shown more fully in FIG. 2. Support frames 16 and 24 are generally constructed of steel although other materials may be used. Support frames 16 and 24 are designed such that top frame portions 24 may be raised with respect to the lower vertical frames 16, which serves to raise or lower the target frame 34. The apparatus further consists of horizontal support braces 18, 20 and 22, which serve to provide structural rigidity to the frame.

Upon the vertical frame members, a target frame portion is hingably attached, and is generally shown as item 34 in FIG. 1. The target frame portion 34 further comprises a steel perimeter frame and a steel mesh 36 extending throughout the outer reaches of target frame 34. Target frame 34 further includes an open target area defined by an interior perimeter border 38. A net for catching a football or other object in the training apparatus is further shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 as 40. The device may be raised or lowered by any number of conventional means including an adjustable lead screw 26 which is disposed within steel tubing 17 and generally serves to raise or lower the upper support frame portion 24 as the adjustable lead screw 26 is rotated by its handle. Upon raising frame portions 24, they may be locked into place with respect to lower vertical frames 16 by any conventional means such as the use of cotter pins.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the first preferred embodiment of this invention. As shown, the sports training apparatus consists of a wheeled horizontal frame 10 with vertical support frames 16 and 24 along with target frame portion 34 mounted at the top. FIG. 3 also shows support strut 30 which is used to maintain vertical frame 16 in a fixed relationship with horizontal frame 10. Support strut 30 is removable for the purpose of allowing the vertical support frame to hinge downward onto horizontal frame 10. FIG. 3 also shows hinges 11 which serve as the pivot point when the vertical frame 16 is lowered onto horizontal frame 10. Furthermore, FIG. 3 shows receiving retainers 33 which are arranged to receive and hold the vertical frame members as they are folded down onto the horizontal frame 10.

Net 40 for catching the football or other projectile is more clearly shown in FIG. 3 along with the hinge 28 used to adjust and fold down target frame portion 34. In addition, FIG. 3 also shows an optional handle bar 32 which may be attached to the rear of horizontal frame 10 for use in pulling the apparatus from place to place.

FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 show how the first preferred embodiment of this invention may be easily broken down into compact form for ease in moving the device from location to location or for storage. As shown in FIG. 4, target frame portion 34 has been hinged backward such as to fold onto vertical support frames 16 and 24. (Net 40 has been removed in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 for ease in illustration). After the target frame portion 34 is folded completely down, support strut 30 may be removed from horizontal frame 10 and lifted up as shown in FIG. 4. Next, the entire vertical support structure consisting of vertical risers 16 and 24 along with target frame portion 34 may be hinged downward onto horizontal base frame 10 by operation of hinge 11. FIG. 5 shows the complete vertical support structure as it is folded onto horizontal frame 10 and readied for movement.

FIG. 6 shows a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, and constitutes a simplified and lightweight version of the sports training apparatus in a situation in which the sports training apparatus needs to be moved more often, such as in a high school setting where many individuals or teams may be desiring to use the apparatus during a single day. The essential structure of this assembly is the same as with the first embodiment, and specifically, the device consists of horizontal frame 60 which is generally rectangular in shape and made be constructed of four rectangular tubing members bolted or otherwise attached to each other. Four wheels 62 are mounted under horizontal frame 60 and are preferably caster-type wheels that fully swivel in any direction for ease in mobility. The device is further comprised of vertical support member 66 as further shown in FIG. 6, Unlike the first embodiment described above, the vertical support member 66 in this embodiment is not adjustable. Upon the top of vertical support member 66, a target frame portion 86 is hingably mounted. Target frame portion 86 consists essentially of a rigid frame 84 which supports a preferably netted interior fabric.

In order to provide a more meaningful target training experience, target frame portion 86 is further characterized by an internal border 88 which outlines a specific target region. Disposed within this target region is open net 90 which is used to catch the ball or other projectile.

The sports training apparatus of the second embodiment is adjustable by means of locking hinge 73. By means of this hinge, target frame portion 86 may be folded down such that the entire apparatus become portable for ease in movement or storage.

FIG. 7 shows a side view of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the drawing, the device consists of horizontal support frame 60 disposed upon four caster-type wheels 62, and further characterized by vertical support structure 66. Vertical support structure 66 is held in a fixed relationship to support frame 60 by means of support strut 80 as shown.

FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 show the method by which the vertical support members of the second preferred embodiment may be folded down onto vertical frame 60 for portability. As shown in FIG. 8, target frame portion 84 (with net 90 removed for clarity of illustration) is folded forward by hinge 73 onto vertical support frame 66. Next, the entire vertical support apparatus may be folded downward onto horizontal frame 60 as shown. At that point, the entire structure may be easily moved from location to location, using handle 82 as shown. The apparatus is easy to assemble and disassemble, and yet is durable enough to withstand the rigors imposed by use in a school setting.

Claims

1. A sports training target apparatus, comprising:

a) a wheeled frame portion;

b) a support frame portion hingably attached to said wheeled frame portion; and

c) a target frame portion hingably attached to said support frame portion.

2. The sports training target apparatus of claim 1, wherein;

said target frame portion further comprises a target hoop.

3. The sports training target apparatus of claim 2, wherein;

said target hoop is at least partially bordered by a panel.

4. The sports training target apparatus of claim 2, wherein;

a net is attached to said target hoop.

5. The sports training target apparatus of claim 1, wherein means are provided for fixing said target frame portion and said support frame portion in angular relationship to each other from 0 to 360 degrees.

6. The sports training target apparatus of claim 5, wherein said means for fixing comprises;

a) at least one pair of plates,

b) one plate of each said pair being rigidly fixed to said target frame portion and

the other plate of each said pair being rigidly fixed to said support frame portion,

c) said plates being oriented perpendicular to the axis of said hinge and parallel to each other,

d) said plates having at least one aperture through each of them, said apertures being of essentially the same diameter,

e) said apertures aligning with each other when said target frame portion and said support frame portion are at a prescribed angle, wherein

f) placing a pin through said apertures fixes said frame portions at said prescribed angle.

7. The sports training target apparatus of claim 1, wherein;

means is provided for adjusting the distance between where the target frame portion is hingably attached to said support frame portion and where said support frame portion is hingably attached to said wheeled frame portion.

8. The sports training target apparatus of claim 7, wherein said means comprises;

a) a sub-frame slidably mounted on said support frame portion,

b) said target frame portion being hingably attached to said sub-frame of said support frame portion, and;

c) means for moving said slidably mounted sub-frame.

9. The sports training target apparatus of claim 8 wherein said means for moving said slidably mounted sub-frame comprises;

a) a screw shaft and crank mounted on said support frame portion;

b) a nut fixed on said slidably mounted sub-frame;

c) wherein said screw shaft threads through said nut, and;

d) whereby turning said crank and screw shaft moves said nut and sub-frame along said support frame portion.

10. The sports training target apparatus of claim 8 wherein said means for moving said slidably mounted sub-frame comprises;

a) a reel mounted on said support frame portion,

b) a cable attached to and wrapped around said reel,

c) wherein the other end of said cable is attached to said slidably mounted sub-frame, and;

d) whereby turning the reel increases or decreases the amount of said cable payed out between said support frame portion and said sub-frame portion.

11. The sports training target apparatus of claim 1, wherein;

means is provided to vary the angle between said wheeled frame portion and said support frame portion.

12. The sports training target apparatus of claim 11, wherein said means comprises;

a) at least one brace between said wheeled frame portion and said support frame portion, said brace having an aperture through each end;

b) at least two devises fixed to said wheeled frame portion per each said brace;

c) multiple apertures through said support frame portion;

d) wherein said brace runs generally from one of said devises to one of said apertures in said support frame portion and is fixed there with pins therethrough, and;

e) whereby gross adjustments are made by moving said brace from one of said clevises to another and lesser adjustments are made by moving said brace from one of said apertures to another.

13. The sports training target apparatus of claim 1, wherein;

a gas charged spring cylinder is pivotally attached at its first end to said wheeled frame portion and at its second end to said support frame portion and said support frame portion is nearly vertical when said gas charged spring cylinder is extended and horizontal when said gas charged spring cylinder is compressed.

14. The sports training target apparatus of claim 1, wherein;

an elongated handle is pivotally attached to said wheeled frame portion.

15. The sports training target apparatus of claim 4, wherein;

a) an elongated handle is pivotally attached to said wheeled frame portion, and

b) a chord may be run from said handle to said net to extend said net from said target frame portion.