SPORTS TRAINING SYSTEM AND APPARATUS

Disclosed is a sports training system and apparatus configured for changing the position of longitudinal members extending between two support structures, including a body having a longitudinal axis with one or more apertures formed in the body along the longitudinal axis such that the apertures are configured to attach to one of the two support structures. The system and apparatus further includes a support member extending from the first end of the body such that the support member is configured to support the longitudinal member and hold the longitudinal member in a designated position.

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Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e), this application claims priority from, and hereby incorporates by reference for all purposes, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/191,599, entitled “Sports Training System and Apparatus,” filed Jul. 13, 2015.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a sports training system and apparatus, and, more particularly to a sports training system and apparatus to help train athletes to learn to keep their center of gravity low to the ground.

BACKGROUND

In various sports it is advantageous for athletes to maintain a low center of gravity. Maintaining a low center of gravity generally entails the player moving in a squatted position keeping the player's body weight low to the ground such that the player moves at a height lower than their normal height. A low center of gravity creates stability and tends to create the most force production of athletic stances. Sports training systems and apparatuses can be useful in training athletes to move in a squatting position thereby keeping their center of gravity low. Athletes, such as basketball players, may benefit from training systems requiring them to maintain a low center of gravity by conducting dribbling or defensive sliding drills while keeping the core of the body centered and low to the ground, mimicking and training the preferred sports techniques. Mimicking and training a low center of gravity may further be beneficial to track athletes who are working on staying low to the ground as they come out of their starting blocks.

SUMMARY

In a first embodiment, an apparatus for changing the position of longitudinal members extending between two support structures is presented. The apparatus includes a body having a longitudinal axis with a number of apertures formed in the body along the longitudinal axis such that the number of apertures is configured to attach to one of the two support structures. The apparatus further includes a support member extending from the first end of the body, with the support member configured to support the longitudinal member and hold the longitudinal member in a designated position.

In certain aspects, the body is substantially rectangular and is shaped similar to a comb.

In some aspects, the body has a first side, a second side, a top side, and a bottom side, wherein the longitudinal axis extends between the first and second sides.

In other aspects, the shape of the number of apertures corresponds to a shape of a protrusion extending from at least one of the two support structures.

In yet other aspects, the shape of apertures is round, square, or rectangular.

In certain aspects, the apertures are slots with openings that open to a bottom side of the body.

In some aspects, the support member is a clamp operable to clamp around a portion of the longitudinal member.

In other aspects, the apparatus further comprises a stabilizing aperture formed in the body and operable to prevent movement of the body relative to one of the two support structures.

In a second embodiment, a sports training system includes a support structure having a first side member and a second side member, a first adjustment mechanism, and a second adjustment mechanism. The first adjustment mechanism is configured to be removeably coupled to the first side member of the support structure, with the first adjustment mechanism having a body with a longitudinal axis and a number of apertures formed in the body along the longitudinal axis. The second adjustment mechanism is configured to be removeably coupled to the second side member of the support structure, with the second adjustment mechanism having a body with a longitudinal axis and a number of apertures formed in the body along the longitudinal axis.

In certain aspects, the support structure further includes a top member connected to both the first and second side members, with the top member having a generally rounded shape.

In some aspects, the system further comprises a first support member extending from the body of the first adjustment mechanism, the first support member operable to support a first longitudinal member, wherein the first support member and the first adjustment mechanism are operable to move the first longitudinal member laterally relative to the first side member of the support structure; and a second support member extending from the body of the second adjustment mechanism, the second support member operable to support a second longitudinal member, wherein the second support member and the second adjustment mechanism are operable to move the second longitudinal member laterally relative to the second side member of the support structure.

In other aspects, the system further comprises a first longitudinal member coupled to the first side member of the support structure, wherein a position of the first longitudinal member is capable of being adjusted laterally relative to the first side member of the support structure; and a second longitudinal member coupled to the second member of the support structure, wherein a position of the second longitudinal member is capable of being adjusted laterally relative to the second side member of the support structure.

In yet other aspects, each of the number of apertures formed in the body of the first adjustment mechanism is configured to attach to the first side member of the support structure, allowing the body of the first adjustment mechanism to move laterally relative to the first side member of the support structure, and wherein the number of apertures formed in the body of the second adjustment mechanism is configured to attach to the second side member of the support structure, allowing the body of the second adjustment mechanism to move laterally relative to the second side member of the support structure.

In certain aspects, the body of the first adjustment mechanism and the body of the second adjustment mechanism are shaped like a comb.

In a third embodiment, a sports training system includes a first support structure having a first side member and a second side member, a second support structure having a first side member and a second side member, a first swivel connector, and a second swivel connector. The system further includes a first longitudinal member extending between the first side member of the first support structure and the first swivel connector; a second longitudinal member extending between the first swivel connector and the first side member of the second support structure; a third longitudinal member extending between the second side member of the first support structure and the second swivel connector; and a fourth longitudinal member extending between the second swivel connector and the second side member of the second support structure.

In certain aspects the system further comprises attachment mechanisms for connecting to the side members of the support structures and the longitudinal members.

In some aspects, the attachment mechanisms further comprise support members for supporting one end of the longitudinal members.

In other aspects, the first and second swivel connectors have a first leg and a second leg, and wherein the first leg and the second leg swivel relative to each other.

In yet other aspects, the first leg and the second leg include openings for receiving an end of the longitudinal members.

In certain aspects, the first leg and the second leg can swivel up to about 270 degrees relative to each other.

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, including additional features, objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sports training system according to an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a gate used in the sports training system of FIG. 1 shown in a vertically collapsed position.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the gate used in the sports training system of FIG. 1 shown in a vertically extended position.

FIG. 4A is a front view of an adjustable member shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4B is a top view of the adjustable member shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 5 is a front view of another embodiment of an adjustable member that may be used in the sports training system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a front view of another embodiment of an adjustable member that may be used in the sports training system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a front view of another embodiment of an adjustable member that may be used in the sports training system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a gate according to one embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a swivel connector and two longitudinal members.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a sports training system utilizing a swivel connector according to an illustrative embodiment.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the description that follows, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same reference numerals. The drawings may not be to scale and certain features may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form in the interest of clarity and conciseness.

FIG. 1 illustrates a sports training system 100 for training athletes to move in a manner that mimics a preferred sports technique, such as moving in a squatted position to maintain a low center of gravity. The sports training system 100 may include one or more gates or support structures 102 that may be used alone or combined in a number of ways to create a tunnel 108 having a pathway 109.

The support structures 102, in some embodiments, are adjustable in height, which may accommodate various height differences between athletes or otherwise be adjusted to account for different drills or different training techniques. Attached to the support structures 102 are one or more brackets or adjustable members 104. The adjustable members 104 are operable to move laterally relative to the support structure 102 and are configured to support one of a plurality of longitudinal members 106. The adjustable members 104 may be moved laterally relative to the support structure 102, causing the longitudinal members 106 to move laterally relative to the support structure 102 to effectively change the width, w, of the tunnel 108. Changing the width, w, of the tunnel 108, in some embodiments, accommodates various size differences between athletes or may otherwise be adjusted to account for different drills or different training techniques.

The sports training system 100 is modular in that it may include one or more gates or support structures 102, one or more adjustable members 104, one or more longitudinal members 106 or any combination thereof to create different shaped tunnels 108 having various pathways 109 so that athletes can train in a number of different ways. For example, the support structures 102 can be arranged in a number of different ways to create various pathways 109 such that the pathways 109 form a zigzag, an angled path, a straight path, or any other suitable path.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, the support structure 102 includes a first side member 110, a second side member 112, and a top member 114 connected to both the first side member 110 and the second side member 112. In one aspect, the support structure 102 includes the first and second side member 110, 112 but not the top member 114. In some aspects, the support structures 102 include feet 144 to provide stability for the support structure 102. The feet 144 are attached to each of the first and second side members 110, 112.

The support structure 102 may be any suitable shape. In one embodiment, the support structure is shaped like an inverted “U.” In some aspects, the first and second side members 110, 112 are substantially straight and the top member 114 has a generally rounded shape. The support structure 102 may be integrally formed such that the first side member 110, the second side member 112 and the top member 114 are formed as a single piece. In other aspects, the support structure 102 may be pieced together such that the first side member 110 is connected to one end of the top member 114 and the second side member 112 is connected to an opposite end of the top member 114. The first side member 110, the second side member 112, and a top member 114 may be connected using a number of connectors 116.

The support structure 102 may be made of any suitable material. In some aspects the support structure 102 is made from plastic, rubber, metal, fiberglass, composite, or any combination thereof. The support structure 102 is generally lightweight for easy storage and for easy maneuverability into different configurations.

FIG. 2 illustrates the support structure 102 in a vertically collapsed position. FIG. 3 illustrates the support structure 102 in a vertically extended position. The support structure 102 may be adjusted vertically to accommodate a number of different heights. The first and second side members 110, 112 may be hollow or tubular allowing an extension member 118 to slide within the first and second side members 110, 112 to adjust the height of the support structure 102. A number of coupling mechanisms 120 maybe positioned on the first and second side members 110, 112 to hold the extension member 118 at a designated height, thereby holding the support structure 102 at a designated height. As previously mentioned, the overall height of the support structure 102 may be adjusted based on a number of factors such as, for example, the height of the athlete, different drills, and different training techniques. Adjusting the height of the support structure 102 up or down can change how low the user or athlete must squat in order to fit underneath the support structure 102 or the tunnel 108 formed by one of the support structures 102 or a combination of support structures 102. The extension member 118 may collapse or fit completely inside the first and second side members 110, 112 for storage, or the support structure 102 may be otherwise used in the collapsed position.

The first and second side members 110, 112 may include a protrusion 122 extending therefrom configured to engage the adjustable members 104. The protrusion 122 may be round, square, rectangular or any other suitable shape. Other types of connecting mechanisms other than, or in addition to, the protrusions 122 may be utilized to removably connect and secure the adjustable members 104 to the first and second side members 110, 112. In some aspects, multiple protrusions 122 may extend from the first and second side members 110, 112 in a vertical arrangement such that the adjustable members 104 may be moved vertically relative to the first and second side members 110, 112. In this aspect, the adjustable members 104 may be adjusted both vertically and laterally relative to the first and second side members 110, 112.

A bracket 124 extends from the top member 114 and is configured to hold or support one or more of the longitudinal members 106. The bracket 124 may be any suitable shape for holding the longitudinal member 106, and, in some embodiments, the bracket 124 may have a semicircular shape. The bracket 124 may be hingedly attached to the top member 114 or may be otherwise configured to detach and reattach to the top member 114.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, with continued reference to FIGS. 1-3, an embodiment of the adjustable members 104 is presented. The adjustable members 104 include a body 126 having a support member 128 extending therefrom. The adjustable member 104 is operable to be moved laterally relative to the first and second side members 110, 112 to adjust the width of the tunnel 108 or path 109. In some aspects, the adjustable member 104 is operable to be adjusted vertically relative to the first and second side members 110, 112 to adjust the height of the tunnel 108. The support member 128 is positioned internal to the first and second side members 110, 112 such that the support members 128 are positioned between the first and second side members 110, 112 and beneath the top member 114. The adjustable members 104 help define the tunnel 108 and/or the path 109 by positioning the longitudinal members 106 horizontally or vertically internal to the support structure 102.

The body 126 has a first side 130, an opposing second side 132, a top side 134, and an opposing bottom side 136 with a longitudinal axis 138 extending between the first side 130 and the second side 132. The body 126 includes one or more apertures 140 formed therein. The apertures 140 may be formed along the longitudinal axis 138 of the body 126, with each aperture 140 extending from the bottom side 136 toward the top side 134. In some embodiments, the apertures 140 also extend along a width W1 of the body 126. The apertures 140 are each individually configured to attach to the first and second side members 110, 112 of the support structure 102. Specifically, the apertures 140 are each individually configured to attach to the protrusion 122 extending from the first and second side members 110, 112.

The body 126 of the adjustable member 104 may be any suitable shape. In some aspects, the body 126 is substantially rectangular. In yet some aspects, the body 126 is shaped similar to a comb in that the body 126 has a substantially rectangular shape with several teeth 142 extending from the top side 134 of the body 126. In this embodiment, the apertures 140 may be slots or notches 146 that extend into the body 126 from the bottom side 136 toward the top side 134. The slots 144 are slidably positioned on the protrusion 122 that extend from the first and second side members 110, 112.

The support member 128 extends from the body 126 and is configured to hold or otherwise support one or more longitudinal members 106. In some embodiments the support member 128 has a hook shape, forms a cup, is semicircular, or is another suitable shape and is operable to support one or more longitudinal members 106. In one aspect, the shape of the support member 128 matches a portion of the profile of a longitudinal member 106. For example, if the longitudinal member 106 is tubular, then the support member 128 may have any suitable shape, such as a hook shape or semicircular shape, so that the support member 128 matches a portion of the profile of the longitudinal member 106. In another example, if the longitudinal member 106 has a square profile, then the support member 128 may also be shaped to conform to the square shape of the square longitudinal member 106.

FIG. 4B illustrates a top view of the adjustable member 104 as illustrated in FIG. 4A. The support member 128 has a width W2 that may be greater than the width W1 of the body 126. In some aspects, the increased width W2 of the support member 128 provides greater surface area for supporting the longitudinal member 106. In some aspects the support member 128 may have a width W2 of two to twelve inches. In other aspects, the support member 128 may have a width W2 less than two inches or greater than twelve inches. In some embodiments, the width W1 of the body 126 may not exceed the width W2 of the protrusion 122 that extends from the first or second side member 110, 112.

The longitudinal members 106 are held or supported by the adjustable members 104 and generally extend between two support structures 102 such that one end of the longitudinal members 106 is held by a first support structure 102 and a second opposing end of the longitudinal members 106 is held by a second support structure 102 positioned a distance away from the first support structure 102. The longitudinal members 106 may have various lengths. In some embodiments the longitudinal members 106 may be between four and twenty feet in length. In yet some embodiments, the longitudinal members 106 may be less than four feet or greater than twenty feet in length.

In some embodiments, the longitudinal members 106 may be shaped like pipes or tubes. In some embodiments, the longitudinal members 106 are hollow. The longitudinal members 106 may be made of foam, rubber, plastic, metal, fiberglass, composite, or other suitable material. In one exemplary embodiment, the longitudinal members 106 have an inner plastic core surrounded by soft foam material. In some embodiments, the longitudinal members 106 are configured to be bendable or flexible such that when the longitudinal members 106 extend between two support structures 102, longitudinal members 106 may be arranged to cause the path 108 to be nonlinear. In one embodiment, the longitudinal members 106 may be bendable or flexible and shaped into a rounded, curved, angled, or other suitable shape to define the tunnel 108 with the path 109 between the support structures 102. In this aspect, the path 109 takes a shape defined by the longitudinal members 106. The longitudinal members 106, in some embodiments, may function as a side rail to prevent the user from moving outside the tunnel 108 created by the support structures 102 and the longitudinal members 106 extending therebetween.

In operation, the sports training system 100 includes a first gate or support structure 102 and a second gate or support structure 102 positioned apart from each other. Each of the support structures 102 includes a first side member 110 and a second side member 112. A first adjustment mechanism 104 is attached to each of the first side members 110 and a second adjustment mechanism 104 is attached to each of the second side members 112. The adjustment mechanisms 104 are configured to be removably coupled to the side members 110, 112 of the support structure 102. The adjustment mechanisms 104 include the body 126 having the longitudinal axis 138 with one or more apertures 140 formed in the body 126 along the longitudinal axis 138. One or more of the apertures 140 formed in the body 126 of the adjustment mechanism 104 is coupled to the protrusion 122 extending from the side members 110, 112. The support member 128 extends from the body 126 of the adjustment mechanism 104 such that the support member 128 is operable to support the longitudinal member 106. Moreover, the adjustable member 104 is operable to move the longitudinal member 106 laterally relative to the side members 110, 112 of the support structure 102. Hence, a first longitudinal member 106 extends between a first side member 110 of a first gate 102 and a first side member 110 of the second gate 102, while a second longitudinal member 106 extends between a second side member 112 of the first gate 102 and a second side member 112 of the second gate 102.

The first and second side members 110, 112 may be moved up or down allowing the extension members 118 to raise or lower the height of the support structure 102. Similarly, the adjustable members 104 may be moved laterally relative to the first and second side members 110, 112 to effectively make the tunnel 108 wider or narrower. In some embodiments, the adjustable members 104 may also be moved vertically relative to the first and second side members 110, 112 to effectively raise or lower the longitudinal members 106.

Referring now to FIG. 5, another embodiment of an adjustable member 204 is presented. The adjustable member 204 is similar to the previously disclosed adjustable member 104 as illustrated in FIG. 4A-B except that the adjustable member 204 illustrated in FIG. 5 includes a clamp member 205. The adjustable member 204 includes a body 226 and a support member 228 extending from the body 226. The support members 228 have a semicircular shape or other suitable shape for supporting the longitudinal members 106. The clamp member 205 is operable to secure the longitudinal member 106 against the support member 228. In some embodiments, the support member 228 and the clamp member 205 completely surround one end of the longitudinal member 106. The clamp member 205 may be hingedly connected to the body 226. In other aspects a fastener 227 may secure the clamp member 205 to the body 226.

Referring now to FIG. 6, another embodiment of an adjustable member 304 is presented. The adjustable member 304 is similar to the previously disclosed adjustable member 104 as illustrated in FIG. 4A-B. The adjustable member 304 includes a body 326 having a support member 328 extending therefrom. The body 326 includes a first side 330, an opposing second side 332, a top side 334 and a bottom side 336. A longitudinal axis 338 extends between the first side 330 and the second side 332. A number of apertures 340 are formed within the body 326 and completely enclosed by the body 326. The apertures 340 are illustrated as being round, however, it should be appreciated that the apertures 340 may be any suitable shape, which may include square or rectangular shapes. The number of apertures 340 maybe positioned on or otherwise coupled to the protrusions 122 extending from the first and second side members 110, 112. The protrusions 122 and the apertures 340 may have similar shapes. In some embodiments, a fastener (not shown) may be positioned through one or more of the apertures 340 and into the first and second side members 110, 112 to fasten the adjustable members 304 to the first and second side members 110, 112. In some embodiments, this prevents the adjustable members 304 (or members 104, 204, or 404) from detaching from the respective first and second side members 110, 112.

Referring now to FIG. 7, another embodiment of an adjustable member 404 is presented. The adjustable member 404 is similar to the previously disclosed adjustable member 104 as illustrated in FIG. 4A-B. The adjustable member 404 includes a body 426 having a support member 428 extending therefrom. The body 426 includes a first side 430, an opposing second side 432, a top side 434, and a bottom side 436. A longitudinal axis 438 extends between the first side 430 and the second side 432. An aperture 440 is formed as a rectangular slot within the body 426 and is enclosed by the body 426 along the top, bottom, and ends of the aperture 440. The adjustable member 404 may be laterally adjusted relative to the first and second side members 110, 112. The aperture 440 may be positioned on or otherwise coupled to the protrusions 122 extending from the first and second side members 110, 112. In other aspects, a fastener (not shown) may be positioned through the aperture 440 and into the first and second side members 110, 112 to fasten the adjustable member 404 to the first and second side members 110, 112.

Referring now to FIG. 8, another embodiment of a sports training system 500 is presented. FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a support structure 502 according to one embodiment. The support structure includes a first side member 510, a second side member 512, and a top member 514 connected to the first and second side members 510, 512.

The system 500 further includes adjustable members 504 connected to the side members 510, 512. In this embodiment, there is an adjustable member 504 positioned on both sides of the first and second side members 510, 512 such that an adjustable member 504 is positioned on either side (front and back) of the first side member 510 and an adjustable member 504 is positioned on either side (front and back) of the second member 512. The adjustable members 504 positioned on either side of the first and second side members 510, 512 are coupled to each other. Adjacent adjustable members 504 may be coupled together by one or more couplers 592 to provide added stability to the coupled pair of adjustable members 504. Additionally, the adjustable members 504 may include one or more stabilizing apertures 594 formed therein, and a stabilizing bar 596 that attaches to the stabilizing aperture 594 and the side members 510, 512. The stabilizing aperture 594 and the stabilizing bar 596 are configured to keep the adjustable member 504 from rotating about a protrusion 522.

A bracket 524 extends from the top side member 514 and is operable to support the longitudinal member 106. Fasteners 511 may be used to attach the bracket 524 to the top side member 514. The support structure 502 is shown in the collapsed position, however, it should be appreciated that extension members 518 may extend from the first and second side members 510, 512 to adjust the height of the support structure 502.

FIG. 9 illustrates a swivel connector 680 that is operable to connect at one end to the longitudinal members 106. Swivel connector 680 includes a hinge portion 682, a first leg 684, and a second leg 686. The first and second legs 684, 686 are connected to each other via the hinge portion 682. The first leg 684 and the second leg 686 are operable to swivel relative to each other via the hinge portion 682. In some aspects, the first leg 684 and the second leg 686 can swivel up to about 270 degrees relative to each other. In other aspects, the first leg 684 and the second leg 686 may swivel less than or greater than about 270 degrees relative to each other. The first leg 684 has a first opening 688 configured to receive one end of the longitudinal member 106. The second leg 686 has a second opening 690 configured to receive one end of the longitudinal member 106. The first and second leg 684, 686 may be between two and twelve inches long. In some aspects, the first and second leg 684, 686 may have a length less than two inches or greater than twelve inches. The length of the first and second leg 684, 686 may provide support to longitudinal members 106 such that the longitudinal members 106 fit into the first and second leg 684, 686 up to the given length of the first and second leg 684, 686. In some embodiments, the length of the first and second leg 684, 686 may help prevent the longitudinal members 106 from sagging between the swivel connector 680 and a corresponding support structure 102. The swivel connector 680 may be made of any suitable material. In some embodiments, the swivel connector 680 may be made of plastic, rubber, composite, fiberglass, or metal.

FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of a sports training system 600 that includes swivel connectors 680. In this embodiment, the sports training system 600 includes a first support structure 102 and a second support structure 102 spaced apart from the first support structure 102. Each of the support structures 102 includes a first side member 110 and a second side member 112. Attached to each of the first and second side members 110, 112 is an adjustable member 104, and attached to the top member 114 of the support structure 102 is the bracket 124. The adjustable members 104 support one end of the lateral longitudinal members 106A, and the brackets 124 support one end of a top longitudinal member 106B. As shown in FIG. 10, the top longitudinal members 106B generally have a height greater than the two lateral longitudinal members 106A. In the illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal members 106A extend between the adjustable members 104 and are connected at one end by the swivel connector 680. The sports training system 600 forms a tunnel 608 with a path 609 that is angled due to the swivel connectors 680. The swivel connectors 680 allow for adjustments to the tunnel 608 and the corresponding path 609 by moving the first and second legs 684, 686 relative to each other, which causes the longitudinal members 106 to move relative to each other.

In the foregoing description of certain embodiments, specific terminology has been resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes other technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as “outer” and “inner,” “upper” and “lower,” “first” and “second,” “internal” and “external,” “above” and “below,” and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

In addition, the foregoing describes only some embodiments of the invention(s), and alterations, modifications, additions and/or changes can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments, the embodiments being illustrative and not restrictive.

Also, the various embodiments described above may be implemented in conjunction with other embodiments, e.g., aspects of one embodiment may be combined with aspects of another embodiment to realize yet other embodiments. Further, each independent feature or component of any given assembly may constitute an additional embodiment.

Although specific embodiments have been described in detail, those skilled in the art will also recognize that various substitutions and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for positioning one or more longitudinal members extending between two or more support structures to define a tunnel having a pathway, the apparatus comprising:

a body having a longitudinal axis with one or more apertures formed in the body along the longitudinal axis, wherein the one or more apertures are configured to attach to one of the two or more support structures; and
a support member extending from a first end of the body, the support member configured to support the longitudinal member and hold the longitudinal member in a designated position to define the tunnel having the pathway.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body is substantially rectangular and has a comb shape.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body has a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a top side, and a bottom side opposite the top side, wherein the longitudinal axis extends between the first side and the second side.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more apertures each have a shape that corresponds to a shape of a protrusion extending from at least one of the two or more support structures.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the shape of each of the one or more apertures is round, square, or rectangular.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more apertures include slots with openings that open to a bottom side of the body.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support member is a clamp operable to clamp around a portion of the longitudinal member.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a stabilizing aperture formed in the body and configured to prevent movement of the body relative to one of the two support structures.

9. A sports training system comprising:

a support structure having a first side member and a second side member;
a first adjustment mechanism configured to be removeably coupled to the first side member of the support structure, the first adjustment mechanism having a body with a longitudinal axis and one or more apertures formed in the body along the longitudinal axis; and
a second adjustment mechanism configured to be removeably coupled to the second side member of the support structure, the second adjustment mechanism having a body with a longitudinal axis and one or more apertures formed in the body along the longitudinal axis.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the support structure further includes a top member connected to both the first and second side members, and wherein the top member has a generally rounded shape.

11. The system of claim 9 further comprising:

a first support member extending from the body of the first adjustment mechanism, the first support member configured to support a first longitudinal member, wherein the first support member and the first adjustment mechanism are configured to position the first longitudinal member laterally relative to the first side member of the support structure; and
a second support member extending from the body of the second adjustment mechanism, the second support member configured to support a second longitudinal member, wherein the second support member and the second adjustment mechanism are configured to position the second longitudinal member laterally relative to the second side member of the support structure.

12. The system of claim 9 further comprising:

a first longitudinal member coupled to the first side member of the support structure, wherein a position of the first longitudinal member is capable of being adjusted laterally relative to the first side member of the support structure; and
a second longitudinal member coupled to the second member of the support structure, wherein a position of the second longitudinal member is capable of being adjusted laterally relative to the second side member of the support structure.

13. The system of claim 9, wherein each of the one or more apertures formed in the body of the first adjustment mechanism is configured to attach the first adjustment mechanism to the first side member of the support structure, and to position the body of the first adjustment mechanism laterally relative to the first side member of the support structure, and wherein each of the one or more apertures formed in the body of the second adjustment mechanism is configured to attach the second adjustment mechanism to the second side member of the support structure, and to position the body of the second adjustment mechanism laterally relative to the second side member of the support structure.

14. The system of claim 9, wherein the body of the first adjustment mechanism and the body of the second adjustment mechanism each have a comb shape.

15. A sports training system comprising:

a first support structure having a first side member and a second side member;
a second support structure having a first side member and a second side member;
a first swivel connector;
a second swivel connector;
a first longitudinal member extending between the first side member of the first support structure and the first swivel connector;
a second longitudinal member extending between the first swivel connector and the first side member of the second support structure;
a third longitudinal member extending between the second side member of the first support structure and the second swivel connector; and
a fourth longitudinal member extending between the second swivel connector and the second side member of the second support structure.

16. The system of claim 15, further comprising one or more attachment mechanisms configured for connecting to the side members of the support structures and the longitudinal members.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein each of the one or more attachment mechanisms further comprise a support member for supporting one end of one of the longitudinal members.

18. The system of claim 15, wherein the first and second swivel connectors each have a first leg and a second leg, and wherein the first leg and the second leg swivel relative to each other.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the first leg and the second leg each include openings for receiving an end of one of the longitudinal members.

20. The system of claim 18, wherein the first leg and the second leg are configured to swivel about 270 degrees or less relative to each other.

Patent History
Publication number: 20170189747
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 13, 2016
Publication Date: Jul 6, 2017
Inventor: DONALD WAYNE BEACHAM (Grand Prairie, TX)
Application Number: 15/209,140
Classifications
International Classification: A63B 23/04 (20060101); A63B 69/00 (20060101);