Tethered Projectile Patents (Class 473/423)
  • Patent number: 11546104
    Abstract: Embodiments of this disclosure provide a communications method, device, and system. The method includes: generating cell selection information, where the cell selection information is associated with a configuration parameter of a reference signal of a cell; and sending the cell selection information. In the embodiments of this disclosure, the cell selection information associated with the configuration parameter of the reference signal of the cell is generated and sent, so that a terminal can perform cell selection based on the cell selection information. Therefore, terminals supporting different reference signal configurations can be deployed in a network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hong Wang, Li Chai, Jian Zhang, Zheng Yu
  • Patent number: 11198048
    Abstract: A ball return assembly is configured to return a ball to a user. The ball return assembly has a base arranged on a ground surface with a first opening and a second opening. An elastic cord is threaded through the first opening and the second opening. A cord lock is joined to the cord first end, preventing the cord from being pulled from the base. A ball is joined to the cord. A frame is arranged proximate the base. The ball, upon contacting the frame, is pulled by the cord toward the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Inventor: Fritz Johnson
  • Patent number: 11185752
    Abstract: A base assembly for a batting tee includes a base having a base guide path formed in an upper surface of the base, and a track plate positioned such that the track plate covers at least a portion of the upper surface of the base. The track plate includes a first segment and a second segment that surrounds at least a portion of the first segment. A position of the first segment relative to a position of the second segment defines a track plate guide path that extends between the first segment and the second segment such that the track plate guide path has a same shape as the base guide path and is positioned above the base guide path. Alignment of the track plate guide path and the base guide path form a non-linear track, such that the track is configured to slidably receive a portion of a tee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Dick's Sporting Goods, Inc.
    Inventors: Lucas Ferrari, Charles P. Larson
  • Patent number: 10543888
    Abstract: A buoy assembly for use in water activities includes a shell that defines an interior space. The interior space is substantially empty so that the shell is buoyant. A net is positioned around and coupled to the shell. Each of opposing ends of a line is coupled to the net. A fastener, which is slidably coupled to the line, defines a wrist loop that is positioned distal from the shell. The fastener is selectively fixedly couplable to the line so that the fastener is positioned to be selectively slid on the line toward a wrist of user that is positioned in the wrist loop. The fastener is positioned to fixedly couple to the line to couple the shell to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Inventor: Crystal Garbarek
  • Patent number: 10207167
    Abstract: A sport training device for players practicing with balls that includes a support arm assembly having an arm post, a pivot assembly coupled to the arm post and comprising a claw assembly that supports a ball, and a clamp coupled to the arm post. The claw assembly is movable to a raised position, and the clamp is configured to engage the pivot assembly when the claw assembly moves to the raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Inventor: Rodney Downing
  • Patent number: 9789360
    Abstract: An embodiment of an exercise monitoring apparatus is shown. Herein, the exercise monitoring apparatus comprises a casing, a fastening member, a first laser device and a second laser device. The first laser device is oriented so that, when actuated, the device outwardly projects a first light beam in a direction substantially perpendicular to a top surface of the casing. The first light beam visually produces a line of light. The second laser device is oriented so that, when actuated, the device outwardly projects a second light beam in a direction substantially perpendicular to one of the sidewalls of the casing and substantially perpendicular to the first light beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Inventor: Gary L. Schaffer
  • Patent number: 9387367
    Abstract: A prolate spheroidal inflatable game ball in the form of a football is provided with a segmented panel having stripes formed by attaching stripe pieces to adjacent segments. In one embodiment, the stripe pieces have beveled edges and the edges of adjacent segments have corresponding beveled edges. The component pieces of the panel can be joined to the stripe pieces using stitching to securely fasten the components of the segmented panel together. A segmented panel of this construction can allow different materials having different characteristics to be used for various portions of the segmented panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE Inc.
    Inventor: Mark McNamee
  • Patent number: 9227121
    Abstract: A self-supporting pocket molding device for lacrosse sticks includes a weight ballasted hollow base, a support portion atop the base, and at least a hemisphere approximately the size of lacrosse ball at the top distal end. The base is preferably of a conical shape and the end sphere is attached up from the ground for ergonomic considerations of ease of use in a standing or sitting position. The shape of the self-supporting pocket molding device insures totally unencumbered access to the top surface of the sphere where the netting is easily forced down at the desired location to stretch the net forming a pocket. Both hands of the user are free to be used to hold the lacrosse stick or head; which also affords the ability to tilt the head as desired to stretch the netting in any sideways direction to correct any local deformation of the netting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Robert Laurie, Joseph Gabrysiak and Roy Ragusa, a partnership
    Inventors: Robert Laurie, Joseph Gabrysiak
  • Patent number: 9205317
    Abstract: A training device to aid improving proper form and measuring directional accuracy when performing a training kicking. The device includes a base and a ball holder assembly coupled to the base. The ball holder assembly is configured to receive an attachable ball used for performing simulation kicks. A direction pointer is coupled either the ball holder assembly or the ball and is spaced from a direction template that is used to indicate a relative accuracy of the simulation kick. The device also includes a brake assembly that receives the direction pointer during the training kick to bring the ball holder assembly and the ball to a complete stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Inventor: Peter D. Ragen
  • Patent number: 8956253
    Abstract: A ball travel-modifying device comprising a sail and a strikeable object modifies a travel distance and a rate of travel of a struck or thrown object and returns the strikeable object to an initial rest position after each hit or throw. The shape of the sail is triangular, quadrilateral, or other shapes and may be symmetric or asymmetric. The sail may be formed with a flat or curved surface and straight or curved edges. Multiple sails of the same or varying size and shape may be slidably adjusted along a suspension line. One or more apertures may be formed in the sail to modify a speed or a direction of a moving strikeable object. An adjustable aperture permits adaptation to various strikeable objects having a variety of sizes and weights or to cause a strikeable object to move in a preferred direction or with a preferred rate of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Inventor: Steven Glen Chandless
  • Patent number: 8932155
    Abstract: A sports ball training assembly for repetitively practicing sporting techniques in a small area, such as, hitting a golf ball, kicking a soccer ball, or batting a baseball. A telescoping arm attaches to the ball, extending and retracting to create different positions to strike the ball. A spring attaches to the telescoping arm. The spring has sufficient elasticity to return the ball to equilibrium position after the ball is propelled forward. The elasticity of the spring and the elevation of the ball can be adjusted by enclosing various sections of the spring with a tube that slides along the longitudinal axis of the spring. As the rigid tube moves along the spring, the spring's characteristics change. A second spring portion enhances stability and control of the ball, and allows the ball to return to the user. A base and a base shaft provide structure to the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventor: Richard Moore
  • Patent number: 8900075
    Abstract: A hitting apparatus is provided, including a supporting unit, at least a linking unit, and an attaching device. The apparatus includes foldable supporting legs, an adjustable supporting rod, an adjustable hanging arm, an adjustable extension arm, connection elements, attaching elements and attaching ball. The adjustable extension arm is flexible, which can be adjusted at any direction by hand, or foreign force. The connections between connection elements are detachable and releasable upon hit by bat or other subjects. The hanging arm is engaged to the top of supporting rod, and adjustable in length and angles and easy to be detached from the support rod to become a hand held hitting training apparatus. The attaching parts of hook/loop, magnets, adhesive or rubbers holding the ball with minimum detaching releasable force required, The present invention can enhance the focus of the batter on the ball and have a clear hit on the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventor: Fan Gu
  • Patent number: 8899589
    Abstract: A paddleball toy having a paddle, a bounceable play ball, and an elastic tethering means. The paddle has an impact surface and an elongate handle with a handle longitudinal axis. The paddle has a front side and a back side. The handle connects to the impact surface at a lower end of the impact surface. The impact surface has a direction-switch slot extending from a slot bottom at an interior point of the impact surface to an exterior edge of the impact surface. The elastic tethering means tethers the play ball at a first end of the tethering means to a tether spot on the impact surface adjacent the slot bottom of the direction-switch slot so as to permit the tethering means to pass through the direction-switch slot as the play ball passes the impact surface from front side to back side, or back side to front side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Active People Limited
    Inventor: Rene Isidor Kueng
  • Publication number: 20140274480
    Abstract: A ball travel-modifying device comprising a sail and a strikeable object modifies a travel distance and a rate of travel of a struck or thrown object and returns the strikeable object to an initial rest position after each hit or throw. Devices built in accordance with the invention are particularly suited for use with strikeable objects which are various kinds of balls. A separation distance between the strikeable object and the sail is adjustable. A separation distance between the strikeable object and a surface upon which a player stands may also be adjustable. In some embodiments, the strikeable object may be replaced with a strikeable object having a different size or weight. The shape of the sail is triangular, quadrilateral, or other shapes and may be symmetric or asymmetric. The sail may alternatively be formed with a flat or curved surface and straight or curved edges. One or more apertures may be formed in the sail to modify a speed or a direction of a moving strikeable object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Steven Glen Chandless
  • Patent number: 8814727
    Abstract: This present invention is a baseball training device for practicing hitting, comprising a swing member supporting either a ball member or a weighted ball member comprising a ball member attached to a weighted member by an elastic member. The swing member, supported by a base member, is restored to its equilibrium position in hitting practice mode by gravity. As the weighted member is always suspended in air in hitting practice mode, its tension restores its ball member to its equilibrium position. The oscillation of the swing member aids in the dissipation of force imparted to the device in hitting practice mode, making the device stable and stationary, portable and lightweight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventor: Krishna Ramcharan
  • Patent number: 8814728
    Abstract: A training and coordination device including a projectile member such as a ball or sack secured to an elastic string is described. The first end of the elastic string is attached to a location and the second end is connected to the projectile member. At least an end portion of the elastic string secure to the projectile member comprises multiple strands of an odd number. The multiple strands of the elastic string in conjunction with the elasticity of the string generate a random motion of the sack when the sack moves relative to the string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventor: Jeremy A. Safran
  • Patent number: 8784240
    Abstract: The present invention is a device to be used to practice hitting a ball. The device according to the invention suspends a ball at a variety of positions movable along three axes. The ball is removably connected to a flexible line having a first side magnet thereon. The user can select if the first-end magnet will rise or fall when the removable ball is struck and the first-end magnet is hit and/or swings a predetermined amount by using either a counterweight or a connector-magnet attached to an adjustment peg fixedly attached to a vertical support. When using the connector-magnet, the user can also select the amount of force required to dislodge the connector-magnet from a metallic component on the vertical support. The present invention is also the ball having metallic components inside which can be safely used with or without the device. The device is safer than existing devices and it produces better results due to its configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventors: Ronald Buono, Eric Buono
  • Patent number: 8771106
    Abstract: A device for training and rehabilitation includes a ball with a plurality of holes placed at predetermined locations. Each hole is adapted to receive and retain a receptor apparatus. The receptor apparatus contains a key receptor. A tether apparatus has a key fitting piece adapted for insertion into the key receptor. The key fitting piece is used to selectively lock the tether apparatus within the receptor apparatus. The tether apparatus includes a loop. A rope attaches to the loop, and the free end of the rope is frayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Inventors: Todd M. Boulanger, John Bordelon, Earl Perrin
  • Patent number: 8753233
    Abstract: The present invention provides for the first time a swing trainer having a sheath with a core end and a protective end, the core end of the sheath has a cover attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventor: William Coleman Lay
  • Publication number: 20140121039
    Abstract: A batting tee that may have an adjustable height. The batting tee may include a base and a riser mounted to the base in a substantially vertical position. A support member may extend laterally from the riser and may support a ball and a stopper. The ball may be attached to the support member by a cord. When a user hits the ball, the ball may rotate and hit the stopper. The stopper prevents the ball from continuing to rotate and the ball may fall back to its original position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventors: Donald James Robinson, James Douglas Hall
  • Publication number: 20130344997
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and a method for training a throwing technique. The apparatus includes an elongated member, a weighted element, and a flexible joining means. The apparatus may further include a placement means. The elongated member includes a lower end, an upper end, and a body portion. The weighted element has an attachment point, and is movable from a starting position to an ending position. The flexible joining means includes a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion. The flexible joining means has a predetermined length, is secured about upper end of elongated member, has second end that is secured at attachment point of weighted element, and is movable from a starting position to an ending position. The method includes the steps of: placing the apparatus, balancing on pitching leg, taking an extended stride or lunge toward target, and explosively rotating upper torso rotationally downward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventor: Frank Lawrence DiMichele, JR.
  • Publication number: 20130337945
    Abstract: A variable gravity training device allows a user to train skills in controlling a sports device. The training device has a stationary base, a movable support bar, and a sports device, for example, a ball, a badminton birdie, or a volley ball affixed to the end of the bar. The support bar is weighted, so that the amount of force required to move the sports device is reduced. The weighted bar also reduces the speed with which the sports device returns to its home position. The force adjustment means is adjustable, so that, with training, weights may be removed, so that the conditions governing the sports device correspond to real playing conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: Variable Gravity Patents, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Marks, Steven Leen
  • Patent number: 8585516
    Abstract: The present invention is a device to be used to practice hitting a ball. The device according to the invention suspends a ball at a variety of positions movable along three axes. The ball is removably connected to a flexible line having a first side magnet thereon. The user can select if the first-end magnet will rise or fall when the removable ball is struck and the first-end magnet is hit and/or swings a predetermined amount by using two of three alternative ways to connect a connector on a second-side of the flexible line, either a counterweight or a connector-magnet attached to an adjustment peg fixedly attached to a vertical support. The present invention is also the ball having metallic components inside which can be safely used with or without the device. The device is safer than existing devices and it produces better results due to its configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventors: Ronald Buono, Eric Buono
  • Publication number: 20130267354
    Abstract: A lacrosse practice ball having a tether extending from the ball and attaching to a lacrosse stick to enable practicing of cradling or other short-range maneuvers is disclosed. In some embodiments, the tether extends from the ball by between 12-24 inches. The ball can have two channels passing through the middle of the ball and offset from one another by an angle, and the tether can pass through the channels. The tether forms a loop that can be knotted to secure the tether to the ball with the knot positioned within one of the channels. The practice ball can secure to any portion of the lacrosse stick using the tether.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Trevor Rubel, Kiva Hartfield
  • Patent number: 8535179
    Abstract: A swing training device. A plurality of legs is pivotally connected to a base. A bottom support tube is rigidly connected to the base. A height adjustment tube is inserted into the bottom support tube. The height of the height adjustment tube is controlled by a height adjustment controller. A lower band holder is rigidly connected to the upper end of the height adjustment tube. A band tube is positioned between the lower band holder at its lower end and an upper band holder at its upper end. A plurality of elastic bands are connected between the lower band holder and the upper band holder. A pivot piece is rigidly connected to the upper band holder. A rotation stick having a hittable ball is pivotally connected to the pivot piece. The bottom support tube, the height adjustment tube and the band tube form a rotation axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventors: David Kanner, Anthony C. Fick
  • Publication number: 20130237347
    Abstract: A sports training apparatus includes a base for mounting onto a support. A rod is attached to the base in a manner in which at least part of the rod can extend beyond the base so that when the base is mounted on the support, the rod extends above the support. An elastic cord is attached to the rod at one end. A ball is attached to another end of the cord. The rod is positioned so that when a tension is set up in the cord as a result of movement of the ball away from the support in one direction, the rod and the cord can cooperate to facilitate the return of the ball over the support in an opposite direction when the cord contracts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventor: Bill Icim
  • Patent number: 8523712
    Abstract: A training and coordination device including a projectile member such as a ball or sack secured to an elastic string is described. The first end of the elastic string is attached to a location and the second end is connected to the projectile member. At least an end portion of the elastic string secure to the projectile member comprises multiple strands of an odd number. The multiple strands of the elastic string in conjunction with the elasticity of the string generate a random motion of the sack when the sack moves relative to the string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Jeremy A. Safran
  • Publication number: 20130178314
    Abstract: A batting practice device has a baseball attached to a rope with a strap attached to one end of the rope. The strap can be used to attach the batting practice device to a batting tee so that a user can practice hitting without having to have a large backstop or having to retrieve the hit ball from a field. The ball can be hit off the tee and is stopped by the rope, allowing the user to pick it up and hit again. In some embodiments, the strap can be anchored to the ground to allow a user to do soft toss hitting practice if desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventor: John Michael Raimonda
  • Publication number: 20130059700
    Abstract: A training device 10 is disclosed, which includes a ball 12 and an anchored connecting structure 14 that is anchored to the ball 12. A distal portion 16 of the anchored connecting structure 14 is a connector 20, extending from a distal portion 18 of the ball 12, that is capable of connecting with a motion resisting device 15. A proximate portion 22 of the anchored connecting structure 14 extends into an inner volume 24 of the ball 12, whereby resistance is provided to twisting and pulling motions between the anchored connecting structure 14 and the ball 12, resulting from torsion and thrust loading during training.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: Marty Gilman, Inc.
    Inventor: Neil F. Gilman
  • Publication number: 20130053188
    Abstract: A sports ball training assembly for repetitively practicing sporting techniques in a small area, such as, hitting a golf ball, kicking a soccer ball, or batting a baseball. A telescoping arm attaches to the ball, extending and retracting to create different positions to strike the ball. A spring attaches to the telescoping arm. The spring has sufficient elasticity to return the ball to equilibrium position after the ball is propelled forward. The elasticity of the spring and the elevation of the ball can be adjusted by enclosing various sections of the spring with a tube that slides along the longitudinal axis of the spring. As the rigid tube moves along the spring, the spring's characteristics change. A second spring portion enhances stability and control of the ball, and allows the ball to return to the user. A base and a base shaft provide structure to the assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: Richard Moore
  • Patent number: 8262516
    Abstract: A device is disclosed to improve the accuracy of a sport participant in the kicking or handling of a ball. A first version includes a ball attached by a tether to a vertical pole. The pole and tether limit the ball's freedom and allows the ball to rotate about the pole and return to a trainee after being struck by the trainee. A second version provides a frame mounted on the pole whereby the tether is attached to a top section of the pole. A third version includes a frame that rotates about the pole and may accept a plurality of tether attachments. Another version includes a single or double loop attached to the ball through which the tether extends. Yet another version includes a harness that encircles a ball. The ball may be a soccer ball, a baseball, a volleyball, an American football, a medicine ball or a basketball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventor: Jose Fuentes
  • Publication number: 20120225740
    Abstract: A basketball rebound training system includes a ball device having an outer surface having thereon basketball indicia including one or more basketball seams and a surface texture of a basketball, and being of an official basketball size. The ball device includes an inner cavity and an anchor system disposed at least partially within the inner cavity of the ball device. An attachment ring is affixed to the anchor system and is further adapted for attachment to a resistance machine to provide rebound training to an athlete when the ball device is pushed or pulled downward. The outer surface may be made of leather or of a synthetic material such as rubber, and has a pebbled texture thereon. The inner cavity may be filled with pressurized air, ambient air, or a solid material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: James Gibadlo
  • Patent number: 8257203
    Abstract: The present invention is a volleyball training system that allows a user to practice hitting a ball without the inconvenience of retrieving the ball. The ball is connected to the user's body so that once hit, the ball will not travel far distances requiring retrieval by the user. The system includes a volleyball tethered to a band that is secured to the user's body. The first end of the tethering cord is secured to the volleyball with a plug. The cord runs through the ball, secured to the second side of the ball with a plug, while the second end of the cord is secured to the band, which is secured to the user's body on either wrist. A portion of the cord runs through the diameter of the ball such that the cord is attached to opposite ends of the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Inventor: Mike Rasmussen
  • Publication number: 20120172154
    Abstract: A ball training apparatus includes an elastic cord. A fastener is capable of being at least partially received between a bladder and a sheath of an inflatable ball, the fastener being configured to permit an end of the elastic cord to be attached to the fastener. The elastic cord is configured so that, when the ball is struck, the ball is capable of sufficient travel for a user to observe the flight of the ball and of returning to a position in which retrieval of the ball is facilitated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventor: BILL ICIM
  • Publication number: 20120094786
    Abstract: A baseball training system to teach proper swing technique comprising a first tee adapted to support a baseball and a second tee adapted to support a baseball, a tee support configured to hold the first tee and a second tee vertically and separated from each other by a horizontal distance, d, a rod, and a belt configured to be worn around a user's stomach and to hold the rod in an approximate horizontal position across the front of the user's stomach.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: Matthew J. Spallina
  • Publication number: 20120040782
    Abstract: The modifications to the ball allow the ball to be tethered to a control rope with snap fittings. The rod or tube rod permit the ball to rotate when hit and prevent the twisting of the control rope which keeps the ball under control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventor: Walter Richard Grabner
  • Patent number: 8100783
    Abstract: A tennis skill training device having grip emulating a tennis racquet grip sized to be held by a user. The device includes a grip, a single flexible umbilical having a first and second ends, the first end being attached to and emanating from the distal end of the grip, and a weight attached to the second end of the umbilical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventor: Lisa Dodson
  • Publication number: 20110319202
    Abstract: A football training device and system is presented that simulates game-time conditions wherein players of the opposite team attempt to strip the ball carrier of the ball. The football training device has a football with at least one cord attached to each end of the football. The cord is connected to a housing which is attached to the player's body by a strap. As the player carries the football a remote control device is used to activate the housing to retract the cord which acts to strip the football from the players hands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Daniel J. Heffron, Damon D. Boyd
  • Patent number: 7998003
    Abstract: A volleyball practice system that includes a support frame with an attached reduced size volleyball practice net, a catch net, a removable and selectively positionable suspended ball attached to the support frame by a plurality of tethers, and a selectively removable electronic speed sensor and indicator device attached to the support frame for indicating the speed of the volleyball as it travels transversely to a vertical planar surface of the practice net.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventor: Troy J. Orr
  • Publication number: 20110165969
    Abstract: A hitting apparatus is provided, including a supporting unit, at least a linking unit, and an attaching device. The apparatus includes foldable supporting legs, an adjustable supporting rod, an adjustable hanging arm, an adjustable extension arm, connection elements, attaching elements and attaching ball. The adjustable extension arm is flexible, which can be adjusted at any direction by hand, or foreign force. The connections between connection elements are detachable and releasable upon hit by bat or other subjects. The hanging arm is engaged to the top of supporting rod, and adjustable in length and angles and easy to be detached from the support rod to become a hand held hitting training apparatus. The attaching parts of hook/loop, magnets, adhesive or rubbers holding the ball with minimum detaching releasable force required, The present invention provide batter a safer, easy adjust, use, carry around and store multi functions batting apparatus with minimum hitting resistance on ball after hitting by bat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventor: Fan Gu
  • Publication number: 20110152012
    Abstract: A device (10) for practicing throwing a ball (24) includes an elongated bag (12) having an opening (14) at one end thereof with a second end (16) of the bag being closed. A flexible sleeve (18) is fixed to the bag around a perimeter of the opening of the bag. The flexible sleeve and the opening in the bag allow a hand (26) of a person to pass through the sleeve and the opening. A cinching strap (20) provided with a hook and loop fastening system (22) is fixed to the sleeve. A ball is placed inside the bag, and a hand of a person is passed through the sleeve into the bag. The device is secured to a forearm or wrist of the person such that the device will not become separated from the person when the person has his hand in the bag with a ball grasped by his hand and releases the ball from his grasp when making a throwing motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: James Christopher Dowdell, Travis Paul Leap
  • Publication number: 20110143867
    Abstract: A training and coordination device including a projectile member such as a ball or sack secured to an elastic string is described. The first end of the elastic string is attached to a location and the second end is connected to the projectile member. At least an end portion of the elastic string secure to the projectile member comprises multiple strands of an odd number. The multiple strands of the elastic string in conjunction with the elasticity of the string generate a random motion of the sack when the sack moves relative to the string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: Jeremy A. Safran
  • Patent number: 7959527
    Abstract: A ball hitting practice assembly with acoustic return mechanism is provided for use by a ball hitter. The ball hitting practice assembly includes a rigid vertical shaft, having a first and second end; a weighted and/or anchored base coupled to the vertical shaft at said shaft's second end; a rigid horizontal shaft, having a first and second end, coupled at its first end to the vertical shaft's first end; a ball which is suspended from a cord, having a first and second end, said first end being attached to the horizontal shaft's second end, said ball being attached to said cord's second end; and a horizontal acoustic return mechanism that sounds when struck by the ball in practice of the present invention and then returns the ball to the hitter after each hit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventor: Ken Pitre
  • Publication number: 20110070978
    Abstract: A ball travel-modifying device comprising a sail and a strikeable object modifies a travel distance and a rate of travel of a struck or thrown object and returns the strikeable object to an initial rest position after each hit or throw. Devices built in accordance with the invention are particularly suited for use with strikeable objects which are various kinds of balls. A separation distance between the strikeable object and the sail is adjustable. A separation distance between the strikeable object and a surface upon which a player stands may also be adjustable. In some embodiments, the strikeable object may be replaced with a strikeable object having a different size or weight. The shape of the sail is triangular, quadrilateral, or other shapes and may be symmetric or asymmetric. The sail may alternatively be formed with a flat or curved surface and straight or curved edges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventor: Steven Glen Chandless
  • Patent number: 7824282
    Abstract: A volleyball approach and hit trainer mountable upon a volleyball net provided with a ball coupled to a cord coupled to a frame at a connection point. The ball retained above and offset forward of the top of the volleyball net, rotatable around the connection point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Inventor: Lester Elmer Wycoff
  • Publication number: 20100240476
    Abstract: A hockey puck and sports ball training device for practicing puck or ball control, dribbling, shooting, passing and pass receiving is disclosed. The hockey puck or the sports ball uses a spring powered retracting mechanism which provides a retracting force on the tether and to automatically return the puck or ball to location of the retracting mechanism. In another embodiment of this invention, the retracting mechanism is built inside the hockey puck and the puck is attached to the hockey stick by a tethering device. The tethering device and puck can be easily attached or removed from the hockey stick. This invention is intended to improve players' stick handling, shooting, passing and pass receiving skills. Also to strengthening arm and writs of players' shots and passes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventor: Mark Steven Des Roches
  • Publication number: 20100210378
    Abstract: A training and coordination device including a projectile member such as a ball or sack secured to an elastic string is described. The first end of the elastic string is attached to a location and the second end is connected to the projectile member. At least an end portion of the elastic string secure to the projectile member comprises multiple strands of an odd number. The multiple strands of the elastic string in conjunction with the elasticity of the string generate a random motion of the sack when the sack moves relative to the string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Jeremy A. Safran
  • Patent number: 7775912
    Abstract: A soccer training device for enhancing ball-handling and physical coordination of a soccer player, includes a base member, a rotary member, an elongated arm having a free distal end and a proximal end pivotally attached to a top portion of the base member via the rotary bearing, wherein the elongated arm is adapted for pivotal movement in at least one axis of direction about the point of attachment, an articulated member extending from the distal end of the elongated arm, wherein the articulated member is adapted for movement from a rest position in any axis of direction independent of the elongated arm, a biasing mechanism operatively associated with the articulated member for biasing the articulated member into alignment with the elongated arm, and a ball retaining member operatively associated with the free end of the articulated member for retaining a soccer ball thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventor: Javier R. Aguirre
  • Patent number: 7775913
    Abstract: Tennis balls are releasably connected to a string depending from a support. When the user strikes the ball, the ball releases from the string and the string automatically retracts into the support to reduce interference of the string with a user's subsequent stroke. The system is fully adjustable to replicate shots ranging from a ground shot to an overhead service. The system is lightweight, portable, and adaptable to a plurality of sports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventor: Dennis W. Woods
  • Publication number: 20100130312
    Abstract: A device is disclosed to improve the accuracy of a sport participant in the kicking or handling of a ball. A first version includes a ball attached by a tether to a vertical pole. The pole and tether limit the ball's freedom and allows the ball to rotate about the pole and return to a trainee after being struck by the trainee. A second version provides a frame mounted on the pole whereby the tether is attached to a top section of the pole. A third version includes a frame that rotates about the pole and may accept a plurality of tether attachments. Another version includes a single or double loop attached to the ball through which the tether extends. Yet another version includes a harness that encircles a ball. The ball may be a soccer ball, a baseball, a volleyball, an American football, a medicine ball or a basketball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventor: Jose Fuentes