GB2543564A

GB2543564A - Training aid

Info

Publication number: GB2543564A
Application number: GB1518781.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Weir Ross
Original assignee: Basketball England; YOUTH SPORT DIRECT Ltd
Current assignee: Basketball England; YOUTH SPORT DIRECT Ltd
Priority date: 2015-10-23
Filing date: 2015-10-23
Publication date: 2017-04-26
Also published as: GB201518781D0

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a training aid 100, a method of assembling a training aid and a kit of parts for assembling a training aid. The training aid is particularly suitable for improving a child's playing ability in relation to ball sports, for example football and basketball. The training aid comprises plurality of units 10 that can be stacked one on top of the other and that define a plurality of apertures 20 for receiving a ball. Each stackable unit engages another through reinforcing members that are configured to resist the compressive load exerted by an adjacent unit. A coupler is used to aid the engagement process and to help resist relative rotation between units. An internal passageway 12 may allow a ball to travel through the middle of the training aid 100. An extension 60 may be attached for deflecting or receiving a ball.

Description

Training Aid

FIELD

[01] The present disclosure relates to a training aid, particularly, although not exclusively suitable for ball sports such as basketball and football.

BACKGROUND

[02] When learning how to play a new sport, a player acquires the prerequisite skills through both practice and play activities. This is important when introducing children to a new sport. In order to help a child develop the prerequisite skills, training aids are used. Known training aids are normally directed to a single type of sport, for example basketball or football only. When learning to play basketball at a young age, modified hoops (with or without nets) are available that tend to make scoring easier. For example, the hoops may be height-adjustable in order to bring the height of the hoop closer to the height of the player or the hoop may have a much larger opening compared to the size of the ball.

[03] One of the drawbacks with known training aids is that a child is not exposed to multiple sports using the same training aid. The known aids are sport-specific and lack versatility.

[04] It is therefore desirable to provide an improved training aid. It is an aim to provide a training aid that allows a child to broaden their general playing ability. It is a further aim to provide a training aid that is adaptable for use with multiple sports.

SUMMARY

[05] According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus, method and kit of parts as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

[06] A training aid for ball sports is provided. The training aid includes two or more stackable units that can be stacked one on top of the other in any order. The plurality of units (i.e. the stackable units) define two or more apertures (e.g. recesses, cutaways, openings) suitable for receiving a ball, such that the ball can at least partially pass through the aperture. In order to allow the units to be stacked, each unit comprises a reinforcing member that is configured to be engaged with a reinforcing member of an adjacent unit. The reinforcing member acts as a structural support and helps maintain the shape of the training aid. A reinforcing member is a load-bearing member in that it is configured to resist the compressive load exerted on it by the adjacent unit stacked above. The training aid further comprises a coupler that is configured to allow a reinforcing member to engage with another. The coupler is also configured to counteract any rotation forces between the units such that relative rotation is resisted. Advantageously, the training aid is reconfigurable because the stackable units can be arranged in any order. Such a modular approach allows the training aid to be re-arranged by swapping units around. The at least two apertures provide multiple targets for a user of the training aid.

The height of the apertures can be varied depending on how the units are arranged. The coupler allows positive positioning of adjacent units for ease of assembly because a predefined engagement direction is provided. This helps to reduce or remove installer anxiety and increase the speed of assembly and/or disassembly. A further advantage is that the training aid may be portable such that it is not permanently fixed to the ground or a structural object.

[07] The reinforcing members may be coaxially stackable such that their longitudinal axes align when engaged. That is, when a stackable unit is placed on top of another, the reinforcing members are substantially parallel and each is provided as an extension to the other. This allows the combined reinforcing members to be effectively provided as a single, continuous reinforcing member that extends between units and preferably along the length of the entire training aid.

[08] When engaged (i.e. joined together as one), the stackable units may define distinct layers defined by each coupler. However, the coupler may provide a seamless joint, in that the connection faces are at least partially concealed. The coupler may be a push fit arrangement. Such a push fit connection allows ease of use and reduce the assembly and/or disassembly time. The push fit connection may be achieved manually. Each stackable unit may have a male and female member for engaging with a female and male member in another unit, respectively. The reinforcing members may comprise a male and/or female member. The interaction between a male and female member may constitute a coupler. Alternatively, a single unit may comprise two male members or two female members.

[09] Each unit may be engagingly interchangeable with another. This allows each unit to be the unit supporting an adjacent unit or be the unit supported by an adjacent unit. The units may be connectable in a plurality of orientations. For example, an adjacent unit may be rotated about a first axis so that two at least two positions of engagement are possible. The adjacent unit may be rotatable about a second axis between at least two positions of engagement. The first and second axes may be orthogonal. Advantageously, the individual units of the training aid are reconfigurable with respect to each other between several orientations. This provides user flexibility so that several arrangements are possible. Conveniently, the apertures of the training aid may be interchanged in order to provide different challenges for someone interacting with training aid.

[10] The training aid may provide an internal passageway for receiving a ball. That is, at least part of the training aid is hollow and may form a tunnelled or channelled structure. The periphery of a stackable unit may enclose an internal space which may constitute the internal passageway. The space may have at least one open end such that communication into and out of the space is possible. The passageway may be arranged in that the ball can only leave the passageway from the point of entry. Alternatively, the internal passageway may extend between at least two apertures of the training aid. If a ball follows a path of the internal passageway, a ball entering the passageway may move towards a different aperture which allows the ball to exit the passageway. The internal passageway may be comprised within a single stackable unit or between a plurality of units. A deflector may be provided with the internal passageway to direct a ball towards an aperture.

[11] The training aid may be configured to form a main stack or tower having a substantially continuous cross-section, such that the footprint of each unit is substantially equal. That is, when looking along the longitudinal axis of the training aid, the peripheral outline of some units may be hidden from view. The main stack itself may be longer than it is wide or deep so that the longitudinal axis is determined by the direction extending between units. The shape of the main stack may be determined by the interaction of the removable reinforcing members. A plurality of main stacks may be joined together. The connection may be made by an intermediate member.

[12] An extension member may be attachable to the main stack. The extension member may be arranged to deflect or receive a ball. For example, the extension member may be a removable hoop (or ring) or backboard. At least one flexible member may be attached to the hoop (or ring). For example, a net (made of fabric or chains) may be attached to the hoop in order to absorb the passing of a ball. Furthermore, the extension member may be arranged as a deflector in order to guide a ball towards an aperture of the internal passageway. The deflector may be engageable with an adjacent unit by the use of a reinforcing member.

[13] A stackable unit may comprise a panel having an aperture. A single panel may straddle a plurality of stackable units. The panel may comprise the reinforcing member such that the reinforcing member is a portion of the panel. Each panel may be interchangeable. Here, the reinforcing member may have a greater resistance to compression in a longitudinal direction than the rest of the panel in the same direction. For example, the reinforcing member may resist buckling under the weight of an adjacent unit, whereas the rest of the panel may not. The reinforcing member and panel may be integral such that the reinforcing member is manufactured as part of the panel and cannot be separated without damage. A stackable unit may be moulded. The reinforcing member may be moulded as part of the unit. The panel may be a lightweight but rigid member. The density of the panel may be less than or equal to 3000kg/m3. Preferably, the density of the panel is less than or equal to 1500kg/m3.

[14] The reinforcing member may be an elongate member which may be at least partially hollow. The elongate members may be stanchions that are generally vertically disposed when the training aid is erected. At least one portion of the elongate member may be tubular in order to accommodate another reinforcing member inserted therein. Elongate members may be engaged through a coupler which may be a push-fit connection or interlock using a detent. Furthermore, the elongate members may be threaded so that relative rotation between elongate members secures the elongate members in position. The coupler may prevent relative twisting between elongate members. The elongate member may be shaped like a rod, pole or tube. The tubes may be made from metal and may be formed by rolling metal.

[15] A stackable unit may comprise at least two panels and two elongate members, wherein each panel may comprise an aperture for receiving a ball. The panels may be detachably coupled to the elongate members through engagement members. The panels may be substantially planar. The engagement member may be a nut or bolt or any other fastening means suitable for securing the elongate member and panel together and preventing movement relative to each other. Each elongate member may have a plurality of extensions or flanges that may allow the engagement member to fasten to. The extensions or flanges may be removable. The elongate members may act as a frame to hold each panel in place. Opposing sides of the panels may be fastened to elongate members.

[16] The training aid may have a substantially similar cross-section along the longitudinal axis (i.e. the direction of stacking the stackable units). That is, each stackable unit may be similarly shaped in plan view. Therefore, the training aid may be provided as a generally square, rectangular or triangular column. Furthermore, the cross-section of the training aid may be shaped like a regular polygon. Alternatively, or additionally, the training aid may have a cross-section that is at least partially curved. The training aid may be a generally closed or open tube or column.

[17] The number of elongate members in a stackable unit may be at least the number of panels. Furthermore, the number of panels in at least one unit may equal the number of elongate members in the same unit. For example, a stackable unit may have three or more reinforcing members and three or more panels. Preferably, a stackable unit has four reinforcing members (i.e. elongate members) and four panels. At least one stackable unit may be provided as a number of elongate members without panels. Therefore, the training aid may be effectively provided on stilts.

[18] The training aid may comprise a stabiliser configured to return the training aid to a rest position after the force from a moving ball is exerted on the training aid. The stabiliser may be a base on which the training aid is disposed. The base may comprise a container for receiving a stabilising mass, such as water or sand or a combination of water and sand. The stabilising mass may therefore be removable and may be secured within the base using a lid. Alternatively, several stabilisers may be provided between the ground and the reinforcing member of the lowermost stackable unit. Such feet could be fitted on the ends of elongate members for example. The feet may protect the ends or tips of the elongate members that would normally be in contact with the ground. The stabiliser may be attached to a stackable unit through a push-fit connection. The stabiliser may be roto-moulded. Alternatively, the stabiliser may comprise ropes and pegs or may comprise rigid bracing legs that are inclined between the training aid and ground. The stabiliser may be provided as a counterbalance. The stabiliser may be constructed from elongate members that can accommodate or carry additional mass. For example, the additional mass may be a user’s bag, water bottles or equivalent masses derived from the user. Preferably, the stabiliser may itself be modular and made from a series of stabilisers that can be combined. Advantageously, the combined stabiliser can be reduced down into segments that are easier to transport and store. The combined stabiliser may comprise a plurality of segment stabilisers that are arranged to be connected together to form the combined stabiliser of the training aid.

[19] At least one aperture of the training aid may include an arcuate portion. For example, an aperture may be circular, part circular, oval-shaped, or part oval-shaped. The apertures may have a minimum diametrical distance of at least 0.2m or 0.3m. Alternatively, the minimum diametrical distance may be between 0.2m and 0.3m. The apertures may be sized to allow a standard sized football (at least in diametric distance), rugby ball or basketball to pass through. The apertures may be parallel or orthogonal to each other. The apertures may be different in size. The apertures may occupy at least 50% of the panel area on the same face. An aperture may be provided as a recess or a through-hole.

[20] The training aid may comprise a flexible member extending over at least one aperture, such that the flexible member is configured to absorb more energy from a moving ball than the reinforcing member. The flexible member may be a mesh-like member or an elastically deformable membrane. The flexible member may provide a rebound surface for a ball that is struck against the membrane. The flexible member may be a fabric and may be taught when arranged across the aperture.

[21] The components of the training aid are not limited by the type of material as long as the material serves the function of the component as previously described. For example, the components may be comprised of metal, composite materials, plastics or wood. Furthermore, the stackable units may comprise two dimensional or three dimensional graphics that provide visual aids or targets to help improve the interaction with the training aid.

[22] A kit of parts for assembling a training aid for ball sports is provided. The kit of parts is configured to define a plurality of apertures for receiving a ball comprising a plurality of stackable units and a coupler. Each stackable unit comprises a reinforcing member engageable with a reinforcing member of an adjacent unit and is configured to resist the compressive load exerted by the adjacent unit such that the reinforcing members are configured to engage by the use of a coupler such that the coupler is arranged to resist relative rotation between units.

[23] A method of assembling a training aid for ball sports is provided. The method comprising taking a plurality of stackable units each having a reinforcing member and engaging a unit with an adjacent unit through engagement of the reinforcing members using a coupler, such that the reinforcing members are configured to resist the compressive load exerted by the adjacent unit and the coupler is arranged to resist relative rotation between units.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[24] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: [25] Figure 1 shows a training aid configured as a reconfigurable tower; [26] Figure 2 shows a stackable unit configured to support or be supported by adjacent units comprising panels interconnected with tubes; [27] Figure 3 shows an individual tube of Figure 2 having tabs for connecting the panels and male and female portions for engagement with tubes of adjacent units or a base of the tower; [28] Figure 4 shows a base of the tower shown in Figure 1; [29] Figure 5 shows a deflector of the tower shown in Figure 1.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[30] A training aid 100 is shown in Figure 1. The training aid 100 comprises a plurality of stackable units 10 that are positioned in a substantially vertical arrangement. Each unit 10 is at least supported by or supports another unit 10. Each unit 10 comprises panels 40 and tubes 30 that are detachably engaged with one another. In this example, four panels 40 and four tubes 30 are shown in each stackable unit 10, wherein adjacent tubes 30 engage through a push fit connection. That is, the tubes 30 are coupled through a sliding arrangement in an axial direction. Advantageously, the weight of each unit 10 positioned above ensures that the units 10 remained coupled. In use, stackable units 10 may be assembled individually before the units 10 are coupled together.

[31] Each unit 10 is shown with an aperture 20 that is either a circle A, an oval C or part oval B. That is, an aperture 20 may comprise arcuate and/or linear portions. The training aid 100 comprises a plurality of apertures 20. In this example, a panel 40 comprises a single aperture 20. However, a panel 40 may comprise a plurality of apertures 20 arranged in a regular or irregular manner. The apertures 20 of the training aid 100 shown in Figure 1 are either orthogonal or parallel to each other. The centre of each aperture 20 may or may not be central to the panel 40 within which the aperture 20 is formed.

[32] The combination of stackable units 10 form an internal passageway 12 to allow a ball to travel through the middle of the training aid 100. For example, a ball may hit a deflector 60, which is provided as an extension to a unit 10 and fall into the internal passageway 12. The arrangement and number of apertures 20 define the routes through which a ball may enter or leave the internal passageway 12. Advantageously, when the training aid 100 is used outdoors and is subjected to external environmental forces, such as the wind, the apertures 20 and internal passageway 12 are used to allow the wind to flow through the training aid 100 so that the training aid 100 is minimally affected by the environmental forces.

[33] In the arrangement shown, the stackable units 10 are provided on a base 50, which provides a stabilisation effect. Therefore, when the training aid 100 is struck by a ball, the base 50 counteracts the forces involved and attempts prevent the training aid 100 from toppling. In plan view, the base 50 extends outwardly from the main stack of the training aid 100. The base 50 increases the contact area with the ground in order to distribute the force of the training aid 100 and reduce the contact pressure with the ground. The main stack is provided in substantially the centre of the base 50 so that the best possible amount of stabilisation is provided. Although not shown, the base is a hollow member that is suitable for containing a removable stabilising mass such as water and/or sand. Alternatively, the base 50 may itself be the stabilising mass. Additional solid weighted members may be attached to the base 50 in order to increase the stabilisation effect.

[34] Each stackable unit 10 is interchangeable with the next. This allows an adjacent unit 10 to be rotated in a horizontal and/or vertical direction in order to provide a different configuration. The orientation of each panel 40 within a unit 10 may be altered in order to change the positioning of the aperture 20 relative to the ground. Therefore, the training aid 100 is reconfigurable and can be provided is many different arrangements.

[35] When viewed from above, the main stack of the training aid 100 substantially forms a square and is arranged in the centre of the base 50. Therefore, the training aid 100 is provided as a column or tower structure which is taller than it is wide. When assembling the training aid 100, each stackable unit 10 is first formed. The tubes 30 and panels 40 are attached together and the tubes of adjacent units 10 are engaged. Therefore, the tower can be built up in segments in a vertical. If assembled in a horizontal direction, the tower may then be rocked into a vertical position. For such a purpose, the engagement between tubes 30 would need to be sufficient as to prevent disengagement during the rocking movement. A ball and detent or a threaded arrangement may be used in this instance. When a threaded arrangement is used, an adjacent stackable unit 10 may be formed by engaging the tubes first and then attaching the panels to the tube 30.

[36] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, an individual stackable unit 10 and tube are shown, respectively. The unit 10 stands on male members 32, which push into (i.e. fit within) complementary female members 34 when engaging with an adjacent unit 10. The panels 40 are assembled to the tubes 30 through the use of flanges 36, which are provided as tabs extending from the tubes 30. A fastening member, such as a bolt is then secured between the flange and the panel 40. Although there may be more tubes 30 than panels 40, in the example shown the number of tubes 30 and panels 40 is equal. Each panel 40 is different from another. For example, a blank panel 42, i.e. a panel without an aperture, is provided. This may be used as a backboard to an opposing aperture 20 so that when a ball enters the opposing aperture 20 it rebounds back towards the aperture 20. The three apertures 20 shown in Figure 2 are different but all have arcuate portions. The apertures 20 may have a continuous side wall or may not. Any gaps that are too small to receive a ball (i.e. gaps that have diameters less than 0.05m) do not constitute what is meant by an aperture.

[37] Figure 4 shows the base of the training aid 100. The base 50 is provided as a substantially domed member. The base 50 comprises female portions to receive the male members 32 of the stackable unit 10 placed onto it. The base 50 raises the training aid 100 above the ground and provides a ramp so that a ball can run away from the internal passageway 12. The base may be made from a material with a density twice that of the panels.

[38] Figure 5 shows a deflector 60 positioned at the top of the main stack. The deflector is an extension of the training aid 100 and may be used as a target or redirecting member. The deflector 60 may be a panel without an aperture. The deflector 60 is attached to two tubes 30 arranged at opposite sides of the deflector 60. These tubes 30 engage with tubes 30 of a stackable unit 10 positioned below.

[39] Although a few preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A training aid for ball sports comprising a plurality of stackable units defining a plurality of apertures for receiving a ball, each unit comprising a reinforcing member engageable with a reinforcing member of an adjacent unit and configured to resist the compressive load exerted by the adjacent unit, wherein reinforcing members are configured to engage each other by the use of a coupler such that the coupler is arranged to resist relative rotation between units.

2. The training aid according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcing members are coaxially stackable such that when a stackable unit is placed on top of another, the reinforcing members are axially aligned.

3. The training aid according to any preceding claim, wherein the stackable units are interchangeable such that a unit may support or be supported by the adjacent unit.

4. The training aid according to any preceding claim, comprising an internal passageway extending between at least two apertures for allowing the ball to enter, move along and exit the passageway.

5. The training aid according to any preceding claim, wherein the training aid is configured to form a main stack having a substantially continuous cross-section, such that the footprint of each unit is substantially equal.

6. The training aid according to claim 5, wherein an extension is attachable to the main stack for deflecting or receiving a ball.

7. The training aid according to any preceding claim, comprising a deflector configured to guide the ball to an aperture of the passageway.

8. The training aid according to any preceding claim, wherein the coupler is a push fit connection.

9. The training aid according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one unit comprises a panel having an aperture.

10. The training aid according to claim 9, wherein the panel is comprises the reinforcing member.

11. The training aid according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the reinforcing member is an elongate member.

12. The training aid according to claim 11, comprising removable panels attachable to each elongate member.

13. The training aid according to claim 12, wherein the number of panels in at least one unit equals the number of elongate members in the same unit.

14. The training aid according to any preceding claim, comprising a stabiliser configured to return the training aid to a rest position after the force from a moving ball is exerted on the training aid.

15. The training aid according to any preceding claim, comprising a flexible member extending over at least one aperture, such that the flexible member is configured to absorb more energy from a moving ball than the reinforcing member.

16. A stackable unit according to any preceding claim.

17. A kit of parts for assembling a training aid for ball sports, the kit of parts configured to define a plurality of apertures for receiving a ball comprising a plurality of stackable units and a coupler, each unit comprising a reinforcing member engageable with a reinforcing member of an adjacent unit and configured to resist the compressive load exerted by the adjacent unit, wherein the reinforcing members are configured to engage by the use of a coupler such that the coupler is arranged to resist relative rotation between units.

18. A method of assembling a training aid for ball sports, the method comprising taking a plurality of stackable units each having a reinforcing member and engaging a unit with an adjacent unit through engagement of the reinforcing members using a coupler, such that the reinforcing members are configured to resist the compressive load exerted by the adjacent unit and the coupler is arranged to resist relative rotation between units.