GB2546112A

GB2546112A - Batting training aid

Info

Publication number: GB2546112A
Application number: GB1600463.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mohammed Sohail
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-01-11
Filing date: 2016-01-11
Publication date: 2017-07-12
Also published as: GB201600463D0

Abstract

A batting training aid comprises a frame 102, a ball 106 attached to the frame by a tether 108 and a flexible ball return structure 104 attached to the frame and positioned to change the direction of motion of the ball impacting on it. The ball return structure may be adjustably mounted to the frame such that the tension may be adjusted. The ball, tether and ball return structure may be configured such that the ball impacts the ball return structure on an upward trajectory in use when the tether is taut. The tether may be releasably attached to the frame such that the tether detaches from the frame at a predetermined tension in the tether.

Description

Batting training aid

The present invention is concerned with a batting training aid. More specifically, the present invention is concerned with a cricket batting training aid.

Players in bat-and-ball sports benefit from respective training, or "drills". Such training improves reflexes and muscle tone to improve the player's performance during a game.

Batting training aids are known in the art. One such aid is show in GB833350. In this apparatus, a ball is suspended from a frame by a tether. The tether is slidably mounted to the cross bar of the frame. A batsman hits the ball towards a rigid plate. The tether contacts the plate and the ball swings upwardly to impact the plate rear. The intention is to retain the kinetic energy of the ball such that it returns to the batsman. A problem with this invention is that it is noisy (the ball hits a solid object), the ball will quickly be worn / damaged and the time taken to travel away from the batsman and back is significant.

Another aid is shown in GB2404526 in which a training device has a ball suspended from a frame by a cord. The intention is to provide a system in which the ball can move back and forth in a "pendulum type motion". A problem with this approach is that the ball will take time to be returned, making high speed "drills" impossible. Also, high forces applied to the ball would result in an out-of-control motion path which could be dangerous.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide a better training aid for batting which facilitates the performance of batting drills.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a batting training aid comprising a frame, a ball attached to the frame by a tether and a flexible ball return structure attached to the frame and positioned to change the direction of motion of the ball impacting thereon.

Advantageously, the provision of a flexible ball return structure allows some of the energy of the ball to be absorbed, thus returning the ball over a short distance in a controlled manner facilitating drill training. Therefore the ball can be hit with some force and returned to the batsman almost immediately for the next shot. The properties of the ball return structure can be selected to suit the batsman (a taut, highly elastic structure would provide a high speed / high frequency experience, with a less taut or looser structure being suitable for the less experienced batsman). The invention is also quieter than GB'350.

Preferably the tension of the ball return structure is adjustable. Advantageously, this allows the aid to be set up to suit the batsman or training style in question. To facilitate this, the ball return structure may be adjustably mounted to the frame to adjust the tension therein. For example, the ball return structure may comprise a plurality of openings through which a part of the frame can be inserted, in which inserting the part of the frame through a first opening provides a first tension, and inserting the part of the frame through a second opening provides a second tension greater than the first. For example, the ball return structure may be a net.

Preferably the ball return structure is angled downwardly in use. This suits sports such as cricket in which the general idea is to hit the ball upwardly to increase the distance travelled. It also provides a safety feature, as should the ball become detached during the stroke, it will be rebounded downwardly away from the batsman's face.

The ball has a range of motion having a periphery defined by the tether, and preferably the periphery of the range of motion intersects the ball return structure normal thereto. This ensures that the ball path remains predictable for repetitive training drills.

Preferably, the ball, tether and ball return structure are configured such that the ball impacts the ball return structure on an upward trajectory in use when the tether is taut.

Preferably, the tether is attached to the frame at a position vertically and horizontally offset from the ball return structure in use. This allows the ball to "hang free" until struck, facilitating easier starting of the batting drills.

Preferably the frame defines a concave shape in which the batsman can swing his or her bat. Preferably the frame defines a "V" shape. As such, the frame defines a support potion for engagement with the floor in use, and an upright portion extending from the support portion, in which the tether is attached to the upright portion.

Preferably the ball return structure is attached to the upright portion between the tether and the support portion. This ensures a simple and inexpensive structure.

Preferably, the upright portion defines two spaced-apart upright members, in which the ball return structure spans the spaced-apart upright members. This allows the structure to deform upon impact. Furthermore, the ball must be hit in a straight line with the full face of the bat in order for the ball to return to the player. Therefore, the invention helps the player develop the technique of "playing the ball straight", which is very important in the game of cricket in particular.

Preferably the frame defines a crossbar spanning the spaced apart upright members, in which the tether is connected to the crossbar.

Preferably the upright portion extends from the support portion at an angle of less than 90 degrees. This provides an "overhang" for the ball to be suspended from, thus allowing the ball to be hit in midair. Preferably the angle is between 40 and 80 degrees.

Preferably the tether is releasably attached to the frame such that the tether detached from the frame at a predetermined tension in the tether. This is a safety feature should someone be caught in the tether. It is envisaged that their bodyweight will release it. As such, the force level is selected to be in the region of 100N.

To facilitate this, preferably the tether is attached to the frame via a releasable clip. The releasable clip may be e.g. a resilient clip.

Preferably the frame is constructed from a plurality of frame members which are releasably attached to each other to permit assembly, disassembly and reassembly.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a batting training aid comprising a frame, a ball attached to the frame by a tether, in which the tether is releasably attached to the frame so as to detach at a predetermined force.

Preferably the material from which the ball return structure is constructed from a material with a Young's Modulus of greater than 0.1 GPa. Preferably it is also less than 5 GPa.

An example batting training aid will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a first perspective view of a batting training aid in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a second perspective view of the batting training aid of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a side view of the batting training aid of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a front view of the batting training aid of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is an exploded view of a part of the batting training aid of Figure 1;

Figures 6a and 6b are views of a part of the batting training aid of Figure 1;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a component of the batting training aid of Figure 1;

Figure 8 is an end view of the component of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a second batting training aid in accordance with the present invention; and,

Figure 10 is a view of a part of the batting training aid of Figure 9.

Referring to Figures 1 to 5, a batting training aid 100 comprises a frame 102, a ball return structure 104, a ball 106 and a ball tether 108.

Viewing Figure 5, the frame 102 is shown in exploded form. The frame 102 comprises a support portion 110 and an upright portion 112 extending therefrom. The portions 110,112 extend at an angle A to each other, and meet at a vertex 114 as shown in Figure 3. In this embodiment A = 67 degrees. The support portion bears on a horizontal surface (such as a floor) in use. As such, the upright portion extends 112 over the support portion 110 in use.

Turning back to Figure 5, the frame 102 is constructed from circular cross-section tubular elements. It comprises a first leg 116a and a second leg 116b, each of which are straight. At one end of each leg 116a, 116b a male lower diameter portion is provided.

The frame 102 comprises a vertex joint 118 which has a straight cross-piece 120 having a curved connector 122a, 122b at either end. The curved connectors are open at both ends and define the angle A. A first and second upright 124a, 124b are provided, each of which comprises a lower and upper tube section 124aa, 124ab, 124ba and 124bb respectively. Each section 124aa, 124ab, 124ba and 124bb defines a male lower diameter portion at one end. A cross-bar 126 is provided. The cross-bar is a unitary tube having both ends turn through 90 degrees to form parallel female openings. As such, the cross-bar is "U" shaped. The cross-bar 126 is the same length as the vertex joint 118.

The ball return structure 104 is a flexible net which changes the direction of the ball 106 when it impacts thereon. It will be noted that detail of the net structure is shown in Figures 2, 6a and 6b only. In this embodiment, the ball return structure 104 comprises a rectangular, planar piece of HDPE netting 128 surrounded by a border 130. The netting is constructed from 3mm braided HDPE twine in a 50mm square net formation. In this embodiment, the twine has can support a mass of 120 kg before breaking (i.e. a tensile load of 1.2kN). HDPE netting is flexible, and has has elastic properties, and as such the structure 104 is resilient. HDPE has a Young's Modulus of about 0.8 GPa.

The border 130 is constructed from an overlocking stich and incorporating a 4.5 mm diameter braided polypropylene cord. The cord can support a mass of 210 kilos (i.e. its tensile strength is 2.1kN). As such, the border is also flexible, but less extensible than the netting 128 (polypropylene has a Young's modulus of about 1.5 - 2 GPa).

Turning to Figures 6a and 6b, the ball return structure 104 is shown in more detail. In figure 6b, the ball return structure 104 is shown mounted to the uprights 124a, 124b.

The ball 106 is very similar (in this embodiment) to a cricket ball. The main difference is that the ball 160 defines an attachment formation for attachment of the tether. In this embodiment, the attachment formation is an open bore through the ball to allow the tether 108 to be secured thereto.

The tether 108 comprises an attachment 132 and a cord 134 attached thereto. Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the attachment 132 is a resilient clip constructed from a moulded plastics material. The attachment 132 comprises a base 134, a first arm 136a and a second arm 136b, forming a "U" shape. The base 134 is also "U"-shaped having a bore 137 therethrough for attachment of the tether 106. Extending from the base 134, the first and second arms 136a, 136b together define part of a circle-segment void in which a cylindrical object can be received (Figure 8). Each arm is elastically cantilevered from the base 134, and defines a respective return 138a, 138b at the free ends to assist reception of the cylindrical member. The arms 136a, 136b define a mouth of width W. When a member having a diameter larger than width W is introduced, as it bears on the returns 138a, 138b the arms 136a, 136b they are urged apart until the member is within the void where the arms 136a, 136b resile to hold the attachment 132 in place.

It will be noted that with application of sufficient force F, the attachment 132 can be pulled away from the cylindrical member (the arms 136a, 136b need to be elastically deformed to do so). F is selected to be about 100N to ensure that accidental entanglement of a person results in release.

The cord 134 is an elongate, flexible, substantially inextensible member. In this embodiment it is a synthetic fibre material.

The batting training aid 100 is assembled as follows.

As shown in Figure 5, the male formations of each leg 116a, 116b fit into the connectors 122a, 122b of the vertex joint 118. The respective sections 124aa, 124ab and 124ba, 124bb of the uprights 124a, 124b fit together and into the upwardly facing female bores of the connectors 122a, 122b of the vertex joint 118. Finally, the cross-piece is fitted onto the free ends of the uprights 124a, 124b.

The ball 106 is attached to the cord 134 (which has been attached to the attachment 132 via the bore 137). The attachment 132 is clipped to the cross-bar 126 as shown in Figure 8. The cord 134 limits a range of motion RM of the ball 106 as shown in Figure 3. The range of motion RM has an outer periphery P defined by the locus of the ball when the cord 134 is taut. In this example, the locus is a circle with a radius equal to the effective length L of the cord 134.

The ball return structure 104 is attached to the frame 102 before the cross-piece is attached to the uprights 124a, 124b. This is achieved by sliding the structure 104 over the upright 124a on a first side, and over the upright 124b on a second, opposite side such that the structure spans the frame 102. The upright 124a passes through a first opening and a second opening on a first side of the structure 104. The upright 124b passes through a third opening and a fourth opening on a second side of the structure 104. The structure is positioned to be in the path of the ball 106 (with the cord taut). Because the uprights 124a, 124b are straight and terminate in the cross-bar 126 where the cord 132 is clipped, the plane of the ball return structure 104 is perpendicular (normal) to periphery P. As the ball 106 usually travels along periphery P, this means that the ball is usually returned in a direction opposite to the direction of travel, which is beneficial for drill training.

The openings through which the uprights pass are selected to determine the tension of the ball return structure. The ball return structure is dimensioned such that its width at rest is less than the distance between the uprights 124a, 124b. As such, it needs to be stretched to span them. Therefore if the selected openings are far apart (at opposite top and bottom ends of the structure as shown in Figure 6b), the planar part of the structure is relatively loose. If the openings selected are close together, then the planar part of the structure is more taut. This allows the user to select the tension of the structure 104 to suit their needs. A loose structure will absorb a lot of the ball's energy, reducing the speed at which it returns to the batsman. A taut structure will return the ball at high speed, for more experienced players.

In use, the batsman stands with the ball between him and the structure 104. Fie hits the ball at the structure and it is returned in the manner determined by the tension of the structure. It will be noted that in cricket in particular, the ball 106 is struck with an upward motion in direction D (Figure 3). The ball return structure 104, by facing downwards, returns the ball 106 in a safe and controlled manner.

Turning to the embodiment of Figures 9 and 10, a batting training aid 200 comprises a frame 202, a ball return structure 204, a ball 206 and a ball tether 208.

The batting training aid 200 is similar to the batting training aid 100, and common features will not be discussed here. The main difference between the batting training aid 100 and the batting training aid 200 is a minor modification on the frame 202 and the ball return structure 204.

The frame 202 comprises a support portion 210 and an upright portion 212 extending therefrom. The support portion bears on a horizontal surface (such as a floor) in use. As such, the upright portion extends 212 over the support portion 210 in use.

The frame 202 comprises first and second upright 224a, 224b. The uprights 224a, 224b each define a protrusion 250a, 250b approximately halfway up.

The ball return structure 204 is a square, flexible, elastic, planar piece of material which changes the direction of the ball 206 when it impacts thereon. In this embodiment, the ball return structure 204 comprises a rectangular, planar piece of flexible material 228 surrounded by a border 230. The border is selected to be less elastic than the planar piece 228.

At two corners of the return structure 204 there are provided adjustable straps 252a, 252b. Each adjustable strap 252a, 252b comprises an elongate piece of material having a plurality of holes 254a, 254b therethrough.

At the other two corners of the return structure 204 there are provided clip straps 254a, 254b. Each clip strap comprises a first part 254aa, 254ba and a second part 254ab, 254bb. The first parts 254aa, 254ba each comprise an elongate strap of flexible material with a male clip part 256aa, 256ba at a free end. The male clip parts 256aa, 256ba can be adjusted along the length of the flexible material. The second parts 254ab, 254bb comprise a short section of material with a female clip part 256ab, 256bb. When the male and female clip parts are connected, each strap 254a, 254b forms a loop, which can be adjusted in size.

In figure 9, the ball return structure 204 is shown mounted to the uprights 224a, 224b. The clip straps 254a, 254b are looped around the frame 202 where the support portion 210 and the upright portion 212 meet. The straps are tightened to secure the bottom of the structure 204 in place. The adjustable straps are wrapped around the uprights 224a, 224b and the protrusions 250a, 250b passed through a selected one of the plurality of holes 254a, 254b. The choice of hole affects the tension of the structure 204. For example, selection of the hole nearest the planar piece 228 results in a high tension structure, and selection of the hole nearest the free end of the strap 252a, 252b results in lower tension. Therefore the tension of the structure 204 can be adjusted.

Variations fall within the scope of the present invention.

The ball 106 may be another type of ball- for example a baseball or softball. As such the invention may be easily adapted to these other sports.

The attachment formation may be a component attached to the ball 106, for example an eyelet.

The frame 102 may be constructed from a metal material (e.g. tubular steel, or aluminium) or a plastics or composite material.

Angle A may be varied from the above example of 65 degrees in other embodiments. It will be noted that to provide a reasonable distance between the ball 106 in a resting position, and the return structure 108, A is always less than 90 degrees, and preferably less than 80 degrees. Equally, to obtain a reasonable height for the cross-bar, A should be greater than 45 degrees.

The frame 102 may be provided with wheels on the supports portion 110 to aid transport when assembled.

The cross-bar 126 may be provided with a cover to obscure the clip 132 for aesthetic reasons.

Claims

1. A batting training aid comprising a frame, a ball attached to the frame by a tether and a flexible ball return structure attached to the frame and positioned to change the direction of motion of the ball impacting thereon.

2. A batting training aid according to claim 1, in which the tension of the ball return structure is adjustable.

3. A batting training aid according to claim 2, in which the ball return structure is adjustably mounted to the frame to adjust the tension therein.

4. A batting training aid according to claim 3, in which the ball return structure comprises a plurality of openings through which a part of the frame can be inserted, in which inserting the part of the frame through a first opening provides a first tension, and inserting the part of the frame through a second opening provides a second tension greater than the first.

5. A batting training aid according to claim 4, in which the ball return structure is a net.

6. A batting training aid according to claim 3 or 4, in which the ball return structure comprises at least one adjustable strap to vary the tension in the ball return structure.

7. A batting training aid according to claim 6, in which the strap comprises the plurality of openings.

8. A batting training aid according to claim 7, in which the frame comprises a protrusion for engaging at least one of the plurality of openings.

9. A batting training aid according to any preceding claim, in which the ball return structure is angled downwardly in use.

10. A batting training aid according to claim 9, in which the ball has a range of motion having a periphery defined by the tether, in which the periphery of the range of motion intersects the ball return structure normal thereto.

11. A batting training aid according to claim 9 or 10, in which the ball, tether and ball return structure are configured such that the ball impacts the ball return structure on an upward trajectory in use when the tether is taut.

12. A batting training aid according to any preceding claim, in which the tether is attached to the frame at a position vertically and horizontally offset from the ball return structure in use.

13. A batting training aid according to any preceding claim, in which the frame defines a concave shape.

14. A batting training aid according to claim 13, in which the frame defines a "V" shape.

15. A batting training aid according to any preceding claim, in which the frame defines a support potion for engagement with the floor in use, and an upright portion extending from the support portion, in which the tether is attached to the upright portion.

16. A batting training aid according to claim 15, in which the ball return structure is attached to the upright portion between the tether and the support portion.

17. A batting training aid according to claim 16, in which the upright portion defines two spaced-apart upright members, in which the ball return structure spans the spaced-apart upright members.

18. A batting training aid according to claim 17, in which the frame defines a crossbar spanning the spaced apart upright members, in which the tether is connected to the crossbar.

19. A batting training aid according to any of claims 15 to 18, in which the upright portion extends from the support portion at an angle of less than 90 degrees.

20. A batting training aid according to claim 19, in which the angle is between 40 and 80 degrees.

21. A batting training aid according to any preceding claim, in which the tether is releasably attached to the frame such that the tether detached from the frame at a predetermined tension in the tether.

22. A batting training aid according to claim 21, in which the tether is attached to the frame via a releasable clip.

23. A batting training aid according to claim 22, in which the releasable clip is a resilient clip.

24. A batting training aid according to any preceding claim, in which the frame is constructed from a plurality of frame members which are releasably attached to each other to permit assembly, disassembly and reassembly.

25. A batting training aid comprising a frame, a ball attached to the frame by a tether, in which the tether is releasably attached to the frame so as to detach at a predetermined force.

26. A batting training aid according to claim 25, in which the tether is attached to the frame via a releasable clip.

27. A batting training aid according to claim 26, in which the releasable clip is a resilient clip.

28. A batting training aid substantially as described herein with reference to, or in accordance with, the accompanying drawings.