Device for improving performance in kicking sports

Abstract

A device constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure may include one or more ball impact sensors operationally coupled to one or more tactile feedback components. The sensors may be positionable upon one or more surfaces of a shoe. The device may generate a tactile sensation when one or more sensors detect a ball impact.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/831,617, filed Jun. 6, 2013 by the present inventors.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to providing immediate feedback to athletes during sports training. Specifically, the disclosure relates to sports that involve kicking a ball. Some examples are soccer, American football, and rugby.

In a kicking sport such as soccer, there may be multiple kicking techniques. Each kicking technique may involve an athlete making contact with a ball using a specific surface of a shoe. However, a novice athlete may tend to make contact with the ball using a suboptimal surface of the shoe.

For example, in soccer, one such kicking technique is called a straight kick. In a straight kick, an athlete kicks a ball with a top surface of a shoe. An amateur athlete may attempt a straight kick but incorrectly strike the ball with a forward tip of the shoe. This may reduce the accuracy and power of the kick. In some cases, this may even cause injury to the athlete.

Many different devices have been proposed to train athletes to kick a ball with specific surfaces of a shoe. Prior devices may provide auditory feedback, visual feedback, or both auditory and visual feedback when an athlete uses an optimal surface of a shoe. Some devices that provide auditory feedback are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,711,043 (Johnson et. al), U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,437 (Dudley), U.S. Pat. No. 5,897,446 (Krause & Wiseman), and U.S. Pat. No. 6,808,462 (Snyder et. al).

However, auditory feedback may not provide physical reinforcement to aid kinesthetic learning. In other words, auditory feedback may not provide a physical sensation to help an athlete associate his or her method of performing a particular kicking technique with a correct execution of the kicking technique. Additionally, auditory feedback may be problematic in a group training setting. For example, auditory feedback from an athlete's device may confuse or distract other athletes who are practicing nearby.

Likewise, visual feedback may not provide physical reinforcement to aid kinesthetic learning. Additionally, visual feedback near an athlete's foot may encourage the athlete to look down at his or her foot after a kick. Looking down may be distracting and undesirable in many kicking techniques.

SUMMARY

To overcome these deficiencies, a device constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure may include one or more ball impact sensors, operationally coupled to one or more tactile feedback components. The sensors may be positionable on one or more surfaces of a shoe. The device may generate a tactile sensation when one or more sensors detect a ball impact.

A device constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure may include one or more ball impact sensors, operationally coupled to one or more circuits. The one or more circuits may generate a tactile sensation in response to a ball impact.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of enhancing performance in kicking sports may include recognizing a ball impact on one or more surfaces of a shoe, producing tactile feedback related to the ball impact, and conveying the tactile feedback to an individual.

A device constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure may produce tactile feedback, which may provide several advantages over auditory feedback or visual feedback. Tactile feedback may provide physical reinforcement to aid kinesthetic learning. In other words, tactile feedback may provide a physical sensation to help an athlete associate his or her method of performing a kicking technique with a correct execution of the kicking technique. Furthermore, tactile feedback may enable a discrete training experience, since tactile feedback may only be sensible to the athlete using the device. Additionally, the athlete may maintain concentration because he or she may not need to look down at his or her foot after the kick to receive feedback. Thus, tactile feedback may enhance an athlete's engagement and focus during a practice session.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top orthogonal view of a first device constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a bottom orthogonal view of the first device;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the first device operationally attached to a first soccer shoe;

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the first device in contact with a soccer ball;

FIG. 5 is a top orthogonal view of the first device and an enclosed first circuit;

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the first circuit;

FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the first circuit;

FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram of the first circuit;

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a second device, a second soccer shoe, constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a third device constructed in accordance with a third embodiment of the present disclosure and operationally attached to a top surface of the first shoe;

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the third device operationally attached to an outstep surface of the first shoe;

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the third device operationally attached to an instep surface of the first shoe;

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a fourth device constructed in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure and operationally attached to the first shoe;

FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of a fifth device constructed in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure and operationally attached to the first shoe;

FIG. 15 is a circuit diagram of a second circuit present in the fifth device;

FIG. 16 is a side perspective view of a sixth device constructed in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure and operationally attached to the first shoe;

FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of a seventh device constructed in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 is a back perspective view of the seventh device;

FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of the seventh device operationally attached to the first shoe;

FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of an eighth device constructed in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 21 is a back perspective view of the eighth device;

FIG. 22 is a circuit diagram of a third circuit present in the eighth device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Structure of the First Embodiment

FIGS. 1 through 8 show aspects of a device 1 constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 shows a top view of device 1. Device 1 includes an assembly 10 for releasably positioning device 1 on a shoe. Assembly 10 includes a pouch 11, a strap 12, and a strap 13. Strap 12 includes a top side 12a made of hook tape. Strap 12 connects to pouch 11. Pouch 11 is made of neoprene. Pouch 11 connects to strap 13. Strap 13 includes a top side 13a made of neoprene.

Assembly 10 may have many variations. Strap 12, strap 13, and pouch 11 may be manufactured with other materials such as leather, canvas, rubber, silicone, or plastic. Alternatively, strap 12, strap 13, and pouch 11 may be made entirely of hook and loop tape. Instead of hook and loop tape, assembly 10 may use snaps, buckles, or clips to create a releasable bond between straps 12 and 13. Alternatively, straps 12 and 13 may be replaced with one or more plastic zip ties or one or more hook and loop cable ties.

FIG. 2 shows a bottom view of device 1. FIG. 2 depicts strap 12 with a bottom side 12b made of neoprene. FIG. 2 depicts strap 13 with a bottom side 13b made of loop tape.

FIG. 3 shows device 1 operationally attached to a soccer shoe 20. Assembly 10 is releasably positioned on soccer shoe 20. Pouch 11 sits on a top surface 21a of shoe 20, above a shoelaces component 22. Straps 12 and 13 wrap around shoe 20. Top side 12a of strap 12 attaches to bottom side 13b of strap 13 under a sole 23 of shoe 20.

FIG. 4 shows pouch 11 in contact with a soccer ball 30.

FIG. 5 shows a top view of device 1. Pouch 11 is an enclosure, which holds a circuit 40. Circuit 40 includes a circuit board 40a. A tactile switch 41 is mounted on a top surface 40b of circuit board 40a.

FIG. 6 shows a top perspective view of circuit 40. Like FIG. 5, FIG. 6 depicts tactile switch 41 mounted on top surface 40b of circuit board 40a. Additionally, FIG. 6 partially shows a battery retainer 42 and a pancake style vibrating motor 43 mounted on a bottom surface 40c of circuit board 40a.

FIG. 7 shows a bottom perspective view of circuit 40. In addition to battery retainer 42 and vibrating motor 43, a capacitor 45, an NPN BJT transistor 46, and a resistor 47 are mounted on bottom surface 40c of circuit board 40a. Battery retainer 42 holds a coin cell battery 44.

FIG. 8 shows a circuit diagram of circuit 40. A positive terminal 44a of battery 44 connects to a terminal 41a of tactile switch 41 and a terminal 43a of vibrating motor 43. A terminal 41b of tactile switch 41 connects to a terminal 47a of resistor 47 and a positive terminal 45a of capacitor 45. A terminal 43b of vibrating motor 43 connects to a collector terminal 46a of NPN BJT transistor 46. A terminal 47b of resistor 47 connects to a base terminal 46b of transistor 46. A ground terminal 45b of capacitor 45 and an emitter terminal 46c of transistor 46 connect to a ground terminal 44b of battery 44.

Operation of the First Embodiment

To use device 1, an athlete first selects a kicking technique to practice. Then, the athlete attaches device 1 to a shoe, positioning pouch 11 on an optimal surface for the selected kicking technique. Next, the athlete performs the selected kicking technique, making contact with a ball. If the athlete kicks the ball using the optimal surface of the shoe, device 1 provides a tactile sensation as feedback. If the athlete kicks the ball using a suboptimal surface of the shoe, device 1 does not provide tactile feedback. Thus, the athlete is able to determine whether or not he or she executed the selected kicking technique using the optimal surface of the shoe. Without supplementary tactile feedback, the athlete may find it difficult to determine whether or not he or she executed the selected kicking technique using the optimal surface of the shoe.

If the athlete receives tactile feedback from a kick, he or she may attempt to receive tactile feedback from subsequent kicks. In order to continue receiving tactile feedback, the athlete may maintain his or her method of performing the selected kicking technique and may continue to kick the ball with the optimal surface of the shoe. If the athlete does not receive tactile feedback from a kick, he or she may attempt to receive tactile feedback from subsequent kicks. In order to receive tactile feedback, the athlete may modify his or her method of performing the selected kicking technique to use the optimal surface of the shoe. By repeatedly kicking the ball with the optimal surface of the shoe, the athlete may build proficiency in the selected kicking technique.

When an athlete performs a selected kicking technique, the ball may move along a certain flight path. Device 1 may be designed to minimally affect the flight path of the ball. If a device protrudes significantly from a shoe, it may alter the shape of the shoe's contact surfaces with the ball. Altering the shape of the shoe's contact surfaces may undesirably affect the flight path of the ball. Thus, it may be advantageous to minimize the protrusion of device 1 from the shoe. For example, device 1 may be manufactured to protrude no more than 0.75 inches from the shoe. Manufacturing device 1 with flexible materials may aid in minimizing the protrusion of device 1. Additionally, manufacturing device 1 with low-profile electronic components such as pancake-style vibrating motor 43 may further aid in minimizing the protrusion of device 1.

In FIG. 3, an athlete has attached device 1 to shoe 20 by positioning assembly 10 on shoe 20. Specifically, an athlete has wrapped straps 12 and 13 around the shoe and pressed hook tape surface 12a and loop tape surface 13b together to create a releasable bond. The hook and loop tape releasable bond makes assembly 10 adjustable to fit a plurality of shoe sizes. Other types of releasable bonds may also make assembly 10 adjustable to fit a plurality of shoe sizes.

In FIG. 3, the athlete has positioned pouch 11 on top surface 21a of shoe 20 in order to practice a soccer kicking technique called a straight kick. This positioning ensures that device 1 will provide tactile feedback when the athlete kicks a ball using top surface 21a of shoe 20. Other kicking techniques may use other surfaces of shoe 20. To practice other kicking techniques, the athlete may position pouch 11 on a different surface of shoe 20.

In FIG. 4, the athlete is in the midst of correctly executing a straight kick. Device 1 comes in contact with ball 30 at the approximate position of pouch 11. As shown in FIG. 5, circuit 40 and its mounted tactile switch 41 are located inside neoprene pouch 11. Since pouch 11 is made from a cushioning material such as neoprene, pouch 11 dampens the force of the ball impact on circuit 40 and its components. When device 1 comes in contact with ball 30, tactile switch 41 acts as a ball impact sensor. The contact with ball 30 depresses tactile switch 41. When depressed, the switch changes state from open to closed. This begins the electrical operation of circuit 40.

FIG. 8 shows tactile switch 41 in an initially open state. When the switch changes to a closed state, electric current flows into capacitor 45 and through resistor 47 into base terminal 46b of transistor 46. Because there are no components with significant resistance between positive terminal 44a of battery 44 and positive terminal 45a of capacitor 45, the capacitor quickly charges up to full capacity. A current on base terminal 46b of transistor 46 turns on the transistor and causes current to flow between collector terminal 46a and emitter terminal 46c. When current flows through transistor 46, current also flows into vibrating motor 43. Vibrating motor 43 acts as a tactile feedback component. When current flows through the vibrating motor, it vibrates. This creates a tactile sensation for the athlete.

After the momentary contact between pouch 11 and ball 30, the ball no longer depresses tactile switch 41 and the switch changes state from closed back to open. Then, capacitor 45 begins to discharge through resistor 47 into base terminal 46b of transistor 46. This keeps current flowing between collector terminal 46a and emitter terminal 46c of transistor 46 and through vibrating motor 43 for a short duration until capacitor 45 is discharged. This results in a short duration of tactile sensation for the athlete.

Many different circuits with different components than circuit 40 may be designed to produce similar results as circuit 40. For example, instead of using coin cell battery 44, a circuit may use a thin flexible battery or a cylindrical cell battery. Additionally, a circuit may use a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. Instead of using pancake style vibrating motor 43, a circuit may use a cylindrical vibrating motor. Instead of using a single tactile switch 41, a circuit may use multiple tactile switches. Instead of using one or more tactile switches, a circuit may use one or more piezoelectric sensors. Instead of using an NPN BJT transistor 46, a circuit may use a MOSFET transistor. Instead of using a circuit board to connect the components, a circuit may use wires to connect the components. Instead of using a circuit board to keep the components colocated, a circuit may use shrink tubing to keep the components colocated.

Furthermore, a circuit may be designed to produce different patterns of tactile feedback. For example, instead of producing a short duration of continuous vibrating feedback, a circuit may produce a short duration of intermittent vibrating feedback.

Additionally, while device 1 provides tactile feedback when an athlete kicks a ball using an optimal surface of a shoe for a selected kicking technique, device 1 may be adapted to provide tactile feedback when an athlete kicks a ball using a suboptimal surface of the shoe for the selected kicking technique. In this case, the athlete may interpret a tactile sensation as negative feedback. The tactile sensation may indicate that he or she should modify his or her method of performing the selected kicking technique in order to use the optimal surface of the shoe.

While device 1 has been illustrated in terms of improving performance in the sport of soccer, device 1 may be capable of improving performance in other kicking sports including, but not limited to, American football and rugby.

Structure of the Second Embodiment

FIG. 9 shows a shoe 50 constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Shoe 50 includes a top surface 51a, an outstep surface 51b, and an instep surface 51c. Shoe 50 further includes a tongue 52 specially adapted to hold circuit 40.

Operation of the Second Embodiment

Shoe 50 is adapted to practice a straight kick in soccer. When an athlete wearing shoe 50 strikes a ball using top surface 51a of shoe 50, the ball presses against tongue 52, which depresses tactile switch 41. Like in the operation of device 1, depressing tactile switch 41 triggers a short duration of tactile feedback for the athlete.

Shoe 50 may be adapted to practice additional kicking techniques by embedding circuit 40 or an equivalent circuit in additional surfaces of the shoe. For example, circuit 40 may be embedded in outstep surface 51b so that an athlete may practice outstep pass kicks. Similarly, circuit 40 may be embedded in instep surface 51c so that an athlete may practice instep pass kicks. If shoe 50 is adapted to not include a tongue 52, circuit 40 may be embedded directly in top surface 51a. Circuit 40 or an equivalent circuit may be embedded in other surfaces of shoe 50 for practicing other kicking techniques.

Structure of the Third Embodiment

FIGS. 10, 11, and 12 show a device 60 constructed in accordance with a third embodiment of the present disclosure. Device 60 includes a strap assembly 61 for releasably positioning device 60 on shoe 20. Strap assembly 61 is constructed with a stretchable material such as elastic, rubber, or silicone. Strap assembly 61 includes a strap 61a and a pouch 62 attached to strap 61a. Pouch 62 holds circuit 40.

Operation of the Third Embodiment

To use device 60, an athlete first selects a kicking technique to practice. Then, the athlete slides strap assembly 61 over shoe 20, positioning pouch 62 on an optimal surface of shoe 20 for the selected kicking technique. In FIG. 10, the athlete has positioned pouch 62 on top surface 21a of shoe 20 in order to practice a straight kick. When the athlete strikes a ball using top surface 21a of shoe 20, the ball presses against pouch 62, which depresses tactile switch 41. Like in the operation of device 1, depressing tactile switch 41 triggers a short duration of tactile feedback for the athlete.

Like device 1, device 60 may be positioned on different surfaces of shoe 20 in order to practice different kicking techniques. For example, in FIG. 11, the athlete has positioned pouch 62 on an outstep surface 21b of shoe 20 in order to practice an outstep pass kick. In FIG. 12, the athlete has positioned pouch 62 on an instep surface 21c of shoe 20 in order to practice an instep pass kick.

Structure of the Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 13 shows a device 70 constructed in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. Device 70 includes a strap assembly 71 for releasably positioning device 70 on shoe 20. Strap assembly 71 includes a stretchable strap 71a. Unlike strap assembly 61, strap assembly 71 includes a plurality of pouches 72a, 72b, and 72c. Each pouch 72a, 72b, and 72c is attached to strap 71a; each pouch is spaced apart from the other pouches, and each pouch holds an instance of circuit 40.

Operation of the Fourth Embodiment

Unlike an athlete using device 60, an athlete using device 70 does not select a single kicking technique to practice before using the device. Instead, the athlete properly positions device 70 and may practice straight kicks, outstep pass kicks, and instep pass kicks without repositioning device 70.

To properly position device 70, the athlete slides strap assembly 71 over shoe 20, positioning pouch 72a on top surface 21a of shoe 20. This positioning ensures that pouch 72b is positioned on outstep surface 21b of shoe 20, and pouch 72c is positioned on instep surface 21c of shoe 20.

When the athlete kicks a ball with top surface 21a of shoe 20, the ball presses against pouch 72a, causing the instance of circuit 40 inside pouch 72a to produce a short duration of tactile feedback. Similarly, when the athlete kicks the ball with outstep surface 21b, the instance of circuit 40 inside pouch 72b produces a short duration of tactile feedback. Similarly, when the athlete kicks the ball with instep surface 21c, the instance of circuit 40 inside pouch 72c produces a short duration of tactile feedback.

In one variation of device 70, each pouch may hold a different circuit. Pouch 72a may hold a first circuit; pouch 72b may hold a second circuit, and pouch 72c may hold a third circuit. Each circuit may be configured to produce a unique pattern of tactile feedback in response to a ball impact. The unique pattern of tactile feedback identifies a specific surface of shoe 20 that made contact with a ball. For example, the first circuit inside pouch 72a may produce one short pulse of vibration in response to a ball impact; the second circuit inside pouch 72b may produce two short pulses of vibration, and the third circuit inside pouch 72c may produce three short pulses of vibration.

Structure of the Fifth Embodiment

FIG. 14 shows a device 80 constructed in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. Device 80 includes a strap assembly 81 for releasably positioning device 80 on shoe 20. Strap assembly 81 includes a stretchable strap 81a. Similarly to strap assembly 71, strap assembly 81 includes a plurality of pouches. Strap assembly 81 includes a pouch 82a, a pouch 82b, and a pouch 82c.

As shown in FIG. 14, device 80 includes a circuit 84. Circuit 84 includes a circuit board 84a. Circuit 84 also includes a plurality of tactile switches 85, 86, and 87. Circuit 84 further includes a plurality of electrically conductive wires 83a, 83b, 83c, and 83d. Tactile switch 85 is mounted on circuit board 84a. Pouch 82a holds circuit board 84a and tactile switch 85; pouch 82b holds tactile switch 86, and pouch 82c holds tactile switch 87. Wires 83a, 83b, 83c, and 83d are located inside strap assembly 81. Wires 83a and 83b connect tactile switch 86 to circuit board 84a. Wires 83c and 83d connect tactile switch 87 to circuit board 84a.

FIG. 15 is a circuit diagram of circuit 84. Circuit 84 is similar to circuit 40. Like circuit 40, circuit 84 includes vibrating motor 43, battery 44, capacitor 45, transistor 46, and resistor 47.

Circuit 84 is also different than circuit 40. In circuit 40, positive terminal 44a of battery 44 connects to one tactile switch. In circuit 84, positive terminal 44a of battery 44 connects to three tactile switches, wired in parallel. Specifically, positive terminal 44a connects to a terminal 85a of tactile switch 85. Positive terminal 44a also connects to a terminal 86a of tactile switch 86 via wire 83a. Positive terminal 44a further connects to a terminal 87a of tactile switch 87 via wire 83c. A terminal 85b of tactile switch 85 connects to terminal 47a of resistor 47 and terminal 45a of capacitor 45. A terminal 86b of tactile switch 86 connects to terminal 47a of resistor 47 and terminal 45a of capacitor 45 via wire 83b. A terminal 87b of tactile switch 87 connects to terminal 47a of resistor 47 and terminal 45a of capacitor 45 via wire 83d.

Operation of the Fifth Embodiment

Similarly to device 70, device 80 may be used to practice straight kicks, outstep pass kicks, and instep pass kicks without repositioning the device. FIG. 14 shows device 80 properly positioned on shoe 20. To properly position device 80, the athlete slides strap assembly 81 over shoe 20, positioning pouch 82a on top surface 21a of shoe 20.

When the athlete kicks a ball with top surface 21a, outstep surface 21b, or instep surface 21c of shoe 20, the ball presses against pouch 82a, 82b, or 82c, respectively. The ball pressing against pouch 82a, 82b, or 82c depresses tactile switch 85, 86, or 87, respectively.

The electrical operation of circuit 84 is similar to the electrical operation of circuit 40. In circuit 40, when tactile switch 41 is depressed, electric current flows through the depressed switch, which causes vibrating motor 43 to vibrate for a short duration of time. Similarly, in circuit 84, when tactile switch 85, 86, or 87 is depressed, electric current flows through the depressed switch, which causes vibrating motor 43 to vibrate for a short duration of time.

Structure of the Sixth Embodiment

FIG. 16 shows a device 90 constructed in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. Device 90 includes a strap assembly 91 for releasably positioning device 90 on shoe 20. Strap assembly 91 comprises a pouch 92, a thin stretchable strap 91a, and a thin stretchable strap 91b. Pouch 92 holds circuit 40 and connects to strap 91a and strap 91b. Strap 91a wraps around shoe 20 between cleat 24a and cleat 24b. Strap 91b wraps around shoe 20 between cleat 24b and cleat 24c. Alternatively, straps 91a and 91b may wrap around shoe 20 between other cleats. Additionally, strap assembly 91 may comprise more than two straps.

Operation of the Sixth Embodiment

Device 90 comprises thin straps. An athlete may position thin straps between cleats, as shown in FIG. 16. Positioning straps between cleats allows the athlete to position device 90 on a variety of surfaces of shoe 20. Different surfaces of shoe 20 correspond to different kicking techniques. The athlete may position device 90 on a forward top surface 21d, a forward outstep surface 21e, and a forward instep surface 21f. The athlete may also position device 90 on top surface 21a, outstep surface 21b, and instep surface 21c. These surfaces serve as examples of possible locations for device 90. The athlete may also position device 90 on other surfaces of shoe 20.

In FIG. 16, the athlete has positioned device 90 for practicing a soccer kicking technique called dribbling. To dribble, the athlete moves forward with ball 30 by repeatedly tapping ball 30 using forward top surface 21d of shoe 20. If the athlete correctly taps the ball using forward top surface 21d of shoe 20, the ball presses against pouch 92 and momentarily depresses tactile switch 41. Depressing tactile switch 41 causes circuit 40 to produce a short duration of tactile feedback for the athlete. The tactile feedback indicates to the athlete that he or she has tapped the ball with a desirable surface of the shoe for dribbling.

Structure of the Seventh Embodiment

FIGS. 17, 18, and 19 show a device 100 constructed in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 17 shows a front perspective view of device 100. As shown in FIG. 17, device 100 includes an assembly 101 for releasably positioning device 100 on shoe 20. Assembly 101 comprises a rigid enclosure 101a. Enclosure 101a holds circuit 40 and encloses all components of circuit 40 except a button portion 41c of tactile switch 41. Button portion 41c protrudes from the surface of enclosure 101a. Assembly 101 may be made of plastic, metal, or other rigid materials.

FIG. 18 shows a back perspective view of device 100. As shown in FIG. 18, assembly 101 further comprises a clip 102. Clip 102 is attached to a back of enclosure 101a.

FIG. 19 shows device 100 operationally mounted on shoe 20. Clip 102 is attached to a shoelace section 22a of shoelaces 22. Specifically, shoelace section 22a resides between clip 102 and enclosure 101a.

Operation of the Seventh Embodiment

To use device 100, an athlete first selects a kicking technique to practice. For example, the athlete may select straight kicks, dribbling, or juggling to practice during a soccer training session. In FIG. 19, the athlete has mounted device 100 to practice straight kicks. The athlete has clipped device 100 to a middle shoelace section 22a of shoelaces 22. When the athlete kicks a ball using top surface 21a of shoe 20, the ball depresses button portion 41c of tactile switch 41, causing circuit 40 to produce a short duration of tactile feedback.

To practice dribbling or juggling, the athlete may clip device 100 to a forward section 22b of shoelaces 22. When the athlete kicks the ball using forward top surface 21d of shoe 20, device 100 produces a short duration of tactile feedback.

Structure of the Eighth Embodiment

FIGS. 20, 21, and 22 show a device 110 constructed in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present disclosure. Like device 100, device 110 includes assembly 101. Unlike device 100, device 110 includes a circuit 111 instead of circuit 40. Enclosure 101a of assembly 101 holds circuit 111 and encloses all components of circuit 111 except button portion 41c of tactile switch 41. Button portion 41c protrudes from the surface of enclosure 101a.

FIG. 22 shows a circuit diagram of circuit 111. Positive terminal 44a of battery 44 connects to terminal 41a of tactile switch 41, a drain terminal 114a of an N-channel MOSFET transistor 114, and a terminal 113a of a cylindrical vibrating motor 113. Terminal 41b of tactile switch 41 connects to a positive terminal 112a of a microcontroller integrated circuit 112. A source terminal 114c of transistor 114 also connects to positive terminal 112a of microcontroller 112. A ground terminal 112b of microcontroller 112 connects to ground terminal 44b of battery 44. An output terminal 112c of microcontroller 112 connects to a gate terminal 114b of transistor 114, a gate terminal 115b of an N-channel MOSFET transistor 115, and a terminal 116a of a resistor 116. A terminal 113b of vibrating motor 113 connects to a drain terminal 115a of transistor 115. A source terminal 115c of transistor 115 connects to ground terminal 44b of battery 44. A terminal 116b of resistor 116 connects to ground terminal 44b of battery 44.

Circuit 111 may comprise different components than the components illustrated in FIG. 22 to produce similar results. For example, motor 113 may be a pancake style vibrating motor like motor 43 in circuit 40. Motor 113 may also be a different type of vibrating motor. Additionally, transistors 114 and 115 may be NPN BJT transistors instead of N-channel MOSFET transistors. Circuit 111 may also be modified to use PNP BJT transistors, P-channel MOSFET transistors, or other types of transistors.

Operation of the Eighth Embodiment

Like device 100, depicted in FIG. 19, device 110 is clipped to a shoelace portion of shoe 20. Device 110 vibrates when the athlete kicks a ball using a surface of shoe 20 located near device 110.

Circuit 111 uses a different set of components than circuit 40 but performs a similar function as circuit 40. Like circuit 40, circuit 111 produces a short duration of tactile feedback when tactile switch 41 is momentarily depressed.

FIG. 22 shows tactile switch 41 in an initially open state. When the switch changes to a closed state, electric current flows into positive terminal 112a of microcontroller 112. This turns on microcontroller 112. As soon as microcontroller 112 turns on, it produces a high voltage on output terminal 112c. The high voltage is similar in value to the voltage across ground terminal 44b and positive terminal 44a of battery 44. The high voltage appears at gate terminal 114b of transistor 114, which causes transistor 114 to turn on. When transistor 114 turns on, current flows through transistor 114 from drain terminal 114a to source terminal 114c. When current flows through transistor 114, current flows from positive terminal 44a of battery 44 into positive terminal 112a of microcontroller 112. Thus, when tactile switch 41 changes back to an open state, microcontroller 112 remains in an on state.

The high voltage microcontroller 112 produces on output terminal 112c also appears at gate terminal 115b of transistor 115, which causes transistor 115 to turn on. When transistor 115 turns on, current flows from positive terminal 44a of battery 44, through motor 113, through drain terminal 115a and source terminal 115c of transistor 115, and to ground terminal 44b of battery 44. When current flows through motor 113, it vibrates.

Microcontroller 112 is programmed to keep output terminal 112c at high voltage for a short duration of time after it turns on. After the short duration of time elapses, microcontroller 112 produces a low voltage on terminal 112c. A low voltage on terminal 112c turns off transistors 114 and 115. When transistor 114 turns off, microcontroller 112 ceases to receive current at positive terminal 112a, so microcontroller 112 turns off. When transistor 115 turns off, electric current stops passing through motor 113, and motor 113 stops vibrating.

In short, when a ball impact momentarily depresses tactile switch 41, microcontroller 112 turns on. Then, microcontroller 112 outputs a high voltage on terminal 112c for a short duration of time. The high voltage on terminal 112c keeps microcontroller 112 in an on state and activates motor 113. After a short duration of time, terminal 112c drops to a low voltage, turning off microcontroller 112 and deactivating motor 113.

Because circuit 111 performs a similar function as circuit 40, circuit 111 may replace circuit 40 in any of the aforementioned embodiments in which circuit 40 is used. Specifically, circuit 111 may replace circuit 40 in devices 1, 50, 60, 70, 90, and 100.

Many different circuits with different components than circuit 111 may be implemented to produce similar results as circuit 111. For example, instead of using a single microcontroller integrated circuit, a circuit may use multiple integrated circuits such as a 555 timer and a counter to drive a vibrating motor for a short duration after a tactile switch is momentarily depressed.

In another variation of circuit 111, circuit 111 may be designed to use a piezoelectric sensor instead of tactile switch 41. A piezoelectric sensor may produce a signal representative of the magnitude of the force an athlete used to kick a ball. Microcontroller 112 may analyze the signal to determine the magnitude of the force. Microcontroller 112 may then turn on vibrating motor 113 for a duration of time proportional to the magnitude of the force. For example, when an athlete is dribbling, the athlete may strike the ball lightly, and microcontroller 112 may turn on vibrating motor 113 for a short duration of time. When the athlete is striking the ball toward a goal, the athlete may strike the ball with significant force, and microcontroller 112 may turn on vibrating motor 113 for a longer duration of time.

In yet another variation of circuit 111, circuit 111 may receive input from a plurality of sensors positioned on many different surfaces of a shoe. Each sensor may produce a signal routed to microcontroller 112. Microcontroller 112 may then analyze the sensor signals and cause vibrating motor 113 to produce tactile feedback based on an analysis of the signals. For example, microcontroller 112 may determine the first sensor that made contact with a ball, out of a plurality of sensors positioned on a top surface of a shoe. If the first sensor that made contact with the ball is positioned centrally on the top surface of the shoe, microcontroller 112 may cause vibrating motor 113 to produce a longer duration of vibrating feedback, indicating optimal contact with the ball. If the first sensor that made contact with the ball is positioned off-center from the top surface of the shoe, microcontroller 112 may cause vibrating motor 113 to produce a shorter duration of vibrating feedback, indicating suboptimal contact with the ball.

CONCLUSION

Thus, it should be clear that at least one embodiment of the present disclosure promotes a more engaging, focused, and productive kinesthetic learning experience for various kicking techniques. While the above description states many specific details, these details should not be interpreted as limitations on scope, but rather as examples of possible embodiments. Many other variations are possible. Accordingly, the scope should not be determined by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. A device for training various kicking techniques, comprising:

at least one sensor, positionable on at least one surface of a shoe, for detecting a ball impact; and

at least one tactile feedback component, operationally coupled to said at least one sensor, for generating a tactile sensation in response to said at least one sensor detecting said ball impact,

whereby said device provides tactile feedback to a user, and said feedback relates to said user's execution of said kicking techniques, and said feedback aids said user's training of said kicking techniques.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising an assembly for releasably positioning said device on said shoe.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein said assembly comprises at least one strap for releasably positioning said device on said shoe.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein said at least one strap comprises at least one stretchable strap for releasably positioning said device on said shoe.

5. The device of claim 2, wherein said assembly comprises at least one hook tape component and at least one loop tape component for releasably positioning said device on said shoe.

6. The device of claim 2, wherein said assembly comprises a clip for releasably positioning said device on said shoe.

7. The device of claim 2, wherein said assembly comprises a cushioning material for dampening the force of said ball impact on at least one of said at least one sensor and said at least one tactile feedback component.

8. The device of claim 2 wherein said assembly is adjustable to fit a plurality of shoe sizes.

9. The device of claim 1, further comprising at least one enclosure for holding at least one of said at least one sensor and said at least one tactile feedback component.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein said at least one enclosure comprises at least one pouch for holding at least one of said at least one sensor and said at least one tactile feedback component.

11. The device of claim 9, wherein said enclosure comprises a flexible material.

12. The device of claim 1, further comprising at least one circuit for operationally coupling said at least one sensor to said at least one tactile feedback component.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein said device is configured to minimally protrude from said shoe.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein said device is configured to protrude no more than 0.75 inches from said shoe.

15. The device of claim 1, wherein said at least one sensor comprises at least one tactile switch for detecting said ball impact.

16. The device of claim 1, wherein said at least one sensor comprises at least one piezoelectric sensor for detecting said ball impact.

17. The device of claim 1, wherein said at least one surface of said shoe comprises at least one of a top surface of said shoe, an outstep surface of said shoe, an instep surface of said shoe, a forward top surface of said shoe, a forward outstep surface of said shoe, and a forward instep surface of said shoe.

18. The device of claim 1, wherein said at least one tactile feedback component comprises at least one vibrating motor for generating said tactile sensation.

19. The device of claim 1, wherein said shoe is adapted for positioning said at least one sensor near said at least one surface of said shoe.

20. A powered device, positionable on a shoe, comprising:

at least one sensor for detecting a ball impact; and

at least one circuit, operationally coupled to said at least one sensor, for generating a tactile sensation in response to said ball impact.

21. The device of claim 20, wherein:

said at least one sensor is configured to produce at least one signal;

said at least one circuit is configured to perform an analysis of said at least one signal; and

said at least one circuit is configured to generate said tactile sensation based on said analysis.

22. The device of claim 20, wherein said at least one circuit comprises at least one tactile feedback component for generating said tactile sensation.

23. The device of claim 22, wherein said at least one circuit comprises at least one transistor for controlling said at least one tactile feedback component.

24. The device of claim 22, wherein said at least one circuit comprises at least one integrated circuit for controlling said at least one tactile feedback component.

25. The device of claim 20, further comprising at least one battery for powering said at least one circuit.

26. A method for improving performance in kicking sports, the method comprising:

recognizing a ball impact on at least one surface of a shoe;

producing tactile feedback, related to said ball impact; and

conveying said tactile feedback to an individual.

27. The method of claim 26, further comprising initially positioning at least one ball impact sensor on said at least one surface of said shoe.

28. The method of claim 26, further comprising said individual modifying a method of performing a kicking technique in response to said tactile feedback.

29. The method of claim 26, further comprising said individual maintaining a method of performing a kicking technique in response to said tactile feedback.