US20040266563A1 - Soccer training apparatus - Google Patents
Soccer training apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20040266563A1 US20040266563A1 US10/493,014 US49301404A US2004266563A1 US 20040266563 A1 US20040266563 A1 US 20040266563A1 US 49301404 A US49301404 A US 49301404A US 2004266563 A1 US2004266563 A1 US 2004266563A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- rocker arm
- contact member
- visual indicator
- chassis
- user
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
- A63B69/002—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for football
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
- A63B69/0053—Apparatus generating random stimulus signals for reaction-time training involving a substantial physical effort
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a soccer training apparatus.
- it relates to a device for improving and assessing the skill and reactions of soccer players.
- a soccer training apparatus including a chassis and a plurality of contact members on the chassis arranged, in an operable configuration, to at least partially surround a user, each contact member having a visual indicator associated therewith capable of being activated by a user in accordance with a random or preset sequence, switch means associated with each contact member operable to deactivate said associated visual indicator when a contact member is kicked by the user and control means for detecting when a visual indicator has been deactivated and for activating the next visual indicator in the sequence, wherein each contact member is attached to a rocker arm pivotally mounted to the chassis and the switch means comprises an actuator on the rocker arm and a sensor on the housing such that, when a contact member is kicked by a user, movement of the actuator is detected by the sensor to deactivate the visual indicator.
- the senor comprises an optical sensor and the actuator comprises a blocking element, the arrangement being such that the blocking element moves to interrupt a beam of light generated by the sensor in response to a ball pad being kicked, said interruption being detected by the sensor.
- the rocker arm includes biasing means to bias it into a rest position in which the blocking element does not interrupt the light beam.
- the biasing means may conveniently comprise a resiliently compressible member disposed between the rocker arm and the chassis.
- a stop is provided to limit rebound of the rocker arm after a ball pad has been kicked.
- the stop is a rod upstanding from the chassis through an aperture in the rocker arm and rocker arm restraint means mounted on the rod.
- the rod is threaded and the rocker arm restraint means comprises a nut threadingly received on a portion of the rod that protrudes through the aperture in the rocker arm.
- the rocker arm is normally biased against the nut by the compressible member.
- a damping member is disposed between the nut and the rocker arm.
- the contact member preferably has a foamed polyurethane core.
- the apparatus is advantageously formed from a plurality of releasably attachable modules, each module including at least one contact member.
- the modules co-operate together to partially surround a user in an arcuate configuration.
- co-operating means is provided at each end of a module for attachment to an adjacent module.
- the co-operating means preferably comprises a tenon on one module that dovetails with a mortise on an adjacent module.
- control means is a control unit releasably attachable to the free end of one module.
- the control unit preferably comprises a computer processor, a memory for storing one or more computer programs and a use interface for selecting a program stored in the memory.
- the present invention also provides a computer program for use with a soccer training apparatus comprising a chassis and a plurality of contact members on the chassis each having a visual indicator, the program being operable, when run on a computer processor, to activate the visual indicators in a random or preset sequence, switch means associated with each contact member being operable to deactivate an associated visual indicator when a contact member is kicked by a user, the program also being operable to activate the next visual indicator in the sequence.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of the assembled device according to the invention
- FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a single module forming part of the assembled device shown in FIG. 1;
- FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the single module shown in FIG. 2;
- FIG. 4 illustrates a section through the module shown in FIG. 2;
- FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective cut-away view of the module shown in FIG. 2.
- a reflex and reaction training system for soccer players 1 comprises a body 2 having five mutually spaced contact members in the form of ball pads 3 mounted thereon and a visual indicator in the form of a light 4 mounted within the body adjacent to each ball pad 3 .
- the body 2 comprises a plurality of discrete modules 5 (see FIG. 2) which interlock so that the ball pads 3 are disposed in an arcuate configuration and so as to partially surround a user of the device who would generally stand in the region of the area marked X in FIG. 1.
- Each module 5 has a central hub portion 6 with a pair of spacing arms 7 , 8 that protrude at an angle from either side of the central hub 6 so as to partially surround a single ball pad 3 disposed in front of the central hub 6 .
- a control module 50 is attached to the free end of one module 5 through which the user can control the operation of the apparatus and so that he may obtain an indication of his score via an LCD display.
- the control module 50 houses the electronics and software required to control various different programs that light the ball pads 3 up in a predetermined or random sequence. It also receives a signal from each ball pad 3 when it has been kicked so that the next pad 3 in the sequence is illuminated. Power is supplied to the control unit 50 and each module via a mains supply or battery pack (not shown) and each module 5 is electrically connected to its adjacent module through electrical connectors (not shown) disposed in the end of the arms 7 , 8 .
- the module 5 is formed in two main parts comprising an upper housing portion 9 and a chassis 10 to which the upper housing portion 9 is attached.
- the upper housing portion 9 incorporates the central hub 6 and has elongate apertures 11 therein on its top edge adjacent to the central hub 6 .
- the visual indicators 4 that locate in these apertures each comprise an array of LEDs 12 and an associated reflector 13 .
- the LEDs 12 and reflector 13 are covered by a coloured lens 14 that clips into the aperture 11 .
- the hub 6 has a flat front facing surface 15 in which is formed a pair of slots 16 for reasons which will become apparent.
- One end of the housing portion 9 has a tenon or projecting portion 17 that dovetails with a co-operating mortise or recess in an adjacent module 5 (not shown) to attach a series of modules together to form the arcuate configuration of FIG. 1.
- One such recess or mortise 18 is formed at the opposite end of the module 5 .
- the chassis 10 is formed from a generally planar sheet. Mounting bosses 40 are received in apertures 41 as shown in FIG. 3. Rods (not shown) may be inserted through these bosses 40 and into the ground beneath the surface on which the device is placed to hold it more securely in place.
- the chassis 10 also has an elongate mounting plate 19 attached to it in a region beneath the central hub 6 . The plate 19 protrudes through the slots 16 in the facing surface 15 of the hub 6 and has upturned longitudinal edges 20 . Axially aligned apertures 21 are provided in the upturned edges 20 adjacent one end of the plate 19 remote from the hub 6 .
- An elongate L-shaped rocker arm 22 sits on the plate 19 and has downwardly depending lateral edges 23 which locate over the longitudinal edges 20 of the plate 19 .
- the rocker arm 22 extends through the slots 16 in the front face 15 of the central hub 6 .
- the upper wall of the rocker arm 22 has an opening 24 therein to receive part of the front face 15 between the slots 16 .
- a pair of tabs 25 each having holes 26 therein depend from the lateral edges 23 such that when the rocker arm 22 is placed on the plate 19 , the apertures 21 and the holes 26 are all in axial alignment.
- a pin (not shown) is inserted through these holes to mount the rocker arm 22 to the plate 19 and allow it to pivot about a pivot axis 27 .
- the rocker arm 22 has an upstanding front wall portion 28 to which is attached a ball pad 3 which is designed to resemble a football.
- the pad 3 has a leather or plastic outer shell 29 with a foamed polyurethane inner core 30 . A portion of the pad 3 is removed to enable its attachment to the front wall portion 28 of the rocker arm 22 so that it sits in front of the central hub 6 as most clearly shown in FIG. 2.
- rocker arm 22 remote from the pivot axis 27 extends into the hub 6 and its underside rests on a resilient compressible member or damping block 31 .
- a rebound restraint rod 32 is mounted to the chassis 10 and upstands therefrom through an aperture in the upper wall of the rocker arm 22 .
- a nut 33 and anti-knock rubber washer 34 is mounted to the end of the rod 32 over the rocker arm 22 .
- An actuator or blocking member 35 protrudes from the end of the rocker arm 22 inside the hub 6 .
- An optical sensor 36 is also mounted on a sensor support post 37 which upstands from the chassis 10 . The sensor 36 is positioned so that it interacts with the actuator 35 when the rocker arm 22 pivots about axis 27 , as will now be explained.
- the damping block 31 biases the rocker arm 22 back to its original rest position. Excessive movement of the rocker arm 22 is prevented by the rebound restraint rod 32 and its associated ant-knock rubber 34 that dampens vibration of the rocker arm 23 .
- an optical sensor 36 is not essential and could be replaced with another type of sensor device.
- a Hall type sensor element could be used.
- the control module 50 may additionally house a sound generator capable of generating an audible tone whenever a ball pad 3 has been successfully struck by the player.
- the present invention provides a versatile training device for soccer players who wish to improve their timing and reflexes.
- the apparatus is controlled by one or more computer programs which in the preferred embodiment include at least one program that enables the user to monitor his or her performance at different levels of difficulty, thereby giving the user a fixed scale against which they can compete through repeated use of the training device. For example, it may be possible to vary the number of ball pads 3 which must be struck in a given length of time, the higher the skill level selected, the more ball pads 3 that must be kicked successfully to obtain a high score. For example, an amateur would select an easy skill level in which 60 pads must be kicked in one minute whereas an experienced player may select a higher skill level in which, for example, 120 pads must be kicked in one minute.
- a second program may enable the user to assess the speed of his or her reactions.
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Abstract
A soccer training apparatus (1) is disclosed and includes a chassis (10) and a plurality of contact members (3) arranged, in an operable configuration, to partially surround a user. Each contact member (3) has a visual indicator (4) associated with it capable of being activated by a user in accordance with a random or preset sequence. Switch means (35, 36) is associated with each contact member (3) and is operable to deactivate a visual indicator (4) when a contact member (3) is kicked by the user and control means (50) detects when a visual indicator (4) has been deactivated and activates the next visual indicator (4) in the sequence. Each contact member (3) is attached to a rocker arm (22) pivotally mounted to the chassis (10) and the switch means comprises an actuator (35) on the rocker arm (22) and a sensor (36) on the chassis (10) such that, when a contact member (3) is kicked by a user, movement of the actuator (35) is detected by the sensor (36) to deactivate the visual indicator (4).
Description
- The present invention relates to a soccer training apparatus. In particular, it relates to a device for improving and assessing the skill and reactions of soccer players.
- Many sports require the participant to perform a number of different movements quickly and in rapid succession. In soccer, for example, passing, tackling and winning of the ball requires a substantial degree of skill and quick thinking if the participant is to successfully play the game. Usually, the proficiency of the participant in carrying out the type of movements which frequently occur when playing soccer depends upon their coordination, reflexes, balance, speed and fitness and it can take a considerable length of time, experience and intensive training to learn these skills and obtain the necessary levels of fitness before a sufficient level of competence is reached.
- The primary form of training involves actually playing soccer as often as possible as no other type of training is sufficiently realistic or directed specifically at developing the necessary skills. However, the opportunity to play on a regular basis does not always arise and so other forms of general fitness training must be undertaken instead. Although this results in an improvement in the overall fitness of the player, it generally does not develop the essential skills that a soccer player must possess if they are to quickly improve their technique and abilities.
- Furthermore, it is impossible for a soccer player to accurately monitor and assess their performance over a period of time and thereby enable them to pinpoint their strengths and weaknesses and give them an indication of areas in which improvement and further training might be required to fully develop their skills in all areas of the game.
- It is an object of the present invention to overcome or substantially alleviate the problems mentioned above.
- According to the present invention, there is provided a soccer training apparatus including a chassis and a plurality of contact members on the chassis arranged, in an operable configuration, to at least partially surround a user, each contact member having a visual indicator associated therewith capable of being activated by a user in accordance with a random or preset sequence, switch means associated with each contact member operable to deactivate said associated visual indicator when a contact member is kicked by the user and control means for detecting when a visual indicator has been deactivated and for activating the next visual indicator in the sequence, wherein each contact member is attached to a rocker arm pivotally mounted to the chassis and the switch means comprises an actuator on the rocker arm and a sensor on the housing such that, when a contact member is kicked by a user, movement of the actuator is detected by the sensor to deactivate the visual indicator.
- In a preferred embodiment, the sensor comprises an optical sensor and the actuator comprises a blocking element, the arrangement being such that the blocking element moves to interrupt a beam of light generated by the sensor in response to a ball pad being kicked, said interruption being detected by the sensor.
- Preferably, the rocker arm includes biasing means to bias it into a rest position in which the blocking element does not interrupt the light beam.
- The biasing means may conveniently comprise a resiliently compressible member disposed between the rocker arm and the chassis.
- Preferably, a stop is provided to limit rebound of the rocker arm after a ball pad has been kicked.
- In one embodiment, the stop is a rod upstanding from the chassis through an aperture in the rocker arm and rocker arm restraint means mounted on the rod.
- Advantageously, the rod is threaded and the rocker arm restraint means comprises a nut threadingly received on a portion of the rod that protrudes through the aperture in the rocker arm.
- In a preferred embodiment, the rocker arm is normally biased against the nut by the compressible member.
- Advantageously, a damping member is disposed between the nut and the rocker arm.
- The contact member preferably has a foamed polyurethane core.
- The apparatus is advantageously formed from a plurality of releasably attachable modules, each module including at least one contact member. The modules co-operate together to partially surround a user in an arcuate configuration.
- In one embodiment, co-operating means is provided at each end of a module for attachment to an adjacent module.
- The co-operating means preferably comprises a tenon on one module that dovetails with a mortise on an adjacent module.
- In a preferred embodiment, the control means is a control unit releasably attachable to the free end of one module.
- The control unit preferably comprises a computer processor, a memory for storing one or more computer programs and a use interface for selecting a program stored in the memory.
- The present invention also provides a computer program for use with a soccer training apparatus comprising a chassis and a plurality of contact members on the chassis each having a visual indicator, the program being operable, when run on a computer processor, to activate the visual indicators in a random or preset sequence, switch means associated with each contact member being operable to deactivate an associated visual indicator when a contact member is kicked by a user, the program also being operable to activate the next visual indicator in the sequence.
- Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
- FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of the assembled device according to the invention;
- FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a single module forming part of the assembled device shown in FIG. 1;
- FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the single module shown in FIG. 2;
- FIG. 4 illustrates a section through the module shown in FIG. 2;
- FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective cut-away view of the module shown in FIG. 2.
- Referring now to the drawings, a reflex and reaction training system for soccer players1 is shown and comprises a
body 2 having five mutually spaced contact members in the form ofball pads 3 mounted thereon and a visual indicator in the form of alight 4 mounted within the body adjacent to eachball pad 3. - The
body 2 comprises a plurality of discrete modules 5 (see FIG. 2) which interlock so that theball pads 3 are disposed in an arcuate configuration and so as to partially surround a user of the device who would generally stand in the region of the area marked X in FIG. 1. Eachmodule 5 has a central hub portion 6 with a pair of spacing arms 7,8 that protrude at an angle from either side of the central hub 6 so as to partially surround asingle ball pad 3 disposed in front of the central hub 6. - A
control module 50 is attached to the free end of onemodule 5 through which the user can control the operation of the apparatus and so that he may obtain an indication of his score via an LCD display. Thecontrol module 50 houses the electronics and software required to control various different programs that light the ball pads 3 up in a predetermined or random sequence. It also receives a signal from eachball pad 3 when it has been kicked so that thenext pad 3 in the sequence is illuminated. Power is supplied to thecontrol unit 50 and each module via a mains supply or battery pack (not shown) and eachmodule 5 is electrically connected to its adjacent module through electrical connectors (not shown) disposed in the end of the arms 7,8. - As can be seen from the exploded view of FIG. 3, the
module 5 is formed in two main parts comprising an upper housing portion 9 and achassis 10 to which the upper housing portion 9 is attached. The upper housing portion 9 incorporates the central hub 6 and has elongate apertures 11 therein on its top edge adjacent to the central hub 6. Thevisual indicators 4 that locate in these apertures each comprise an array ofLEDs 12 and anassociated reflector 13. TheLEDs 12 andreflector 13 are covered by acoloured lens 14 that clips into the aperture 11. The hub 6 has a flatfront facing surface 15 in which is formed a pair ofslots 16 for reasons which will become apparent. One end of the housing portion 9 has a tenon or projectingportion 17 that dovetails with a co-operating mortise or recess in an adjacent module 5 (not shown) to attach a series of modules together to form the arcuate configuration of FIG. 1. One such recess ormortise 18 is formed at the opposite end of themodule 5. - The
chassis 10 is formed from a generally planar sheet.Mounting bosses 40 are received inapertures 41 as shown in FIG. 3. Rods (not shown) may be inserted through thesebosses 40 and into the ground beneath the surface on which the device is placed to hold it more securely in place. Thechassis 10 also has anelongate mounting plate 19 attached to it in a region beneath the central hub 6. Theplate 19 protrudes through theslots 16 in the facingsurface 15 of the hub 6 and has upturnedlongitudinal edges 20. Axially alignedapertures 21 are provided in theupturned edges 20 adjacent one end of theplate 19 remote from the hub 6. An elongate L-shaped rocker arm 22 sits on theplate 19 and has downwardly dependinglateral edges 23 which locate over thelongitudinal edges 20 of theplate 19. As with theplate 19, therocker arm 22 extends through theslots 16 in thefront face 15 of the central hub 6. The upper wall of therocker arm 22 has an opening 24 therein to receive part of thefront face 15 between theslots 16. A pair oftabs 25 each havingholes 26 therein depend from thelateral edges 23 such that when therocker arm 22 is placed on theplate 19, theapertures 21 and theholes 26 are all in axial alignment. A pin (not shown) is inserted through these holes to mount therocker arm 22 to theplate 19 and allow it to pivot about apivot axis 27. - The
rocker arm 22 has an upstandingfront wall portion 28 to which is attached aball pad 3 which is designed to resemble a football. Thepad 3 has a leather or plasticouter shell 29 with a foamed polyurethaneinner core 30. A portion of thepad 3 is removed to enable its attachment to thefront wall portion 28 of therocker arm 22 so that it sits in front of the central hub 6 as most clearly shown in FIG. 2. - The opposite end of the
rocker arm 22 remote from thepivot axis 27 extends into the hub 6 and its underside rests on a resilient compressible member ordamping block 31. Arebound restraint rod 32 is mounted to thechassis 10 and upstands therefrom through an aperture in the upper wall of therocker arm 22. Anut 33 andanti-knock rubber washer 34 is mounted to the end of therod 32 over therocker arm 22. - An actuator or blocking
member 35 protrudes from the end of therocker arm 22 inside the hub 6. Anoptical sensor 36 is also mounted on asensor support post 37 which upstands from thechassis 10. Thesensor 36 is positioned so that it interacts with theactuator 35 when therocker arm 22 pivots aboutaxis 27, as will now be explained. - Operation and use of the training device will now be explained. When a user is to commence use of the device, they stand facing the array of
ball pads 3 in the position marked X in FIG. 1, having first selected a program via thecontrol unit 50. When alight 4 adjacent to aball pad 3 illuminates, the user kicks the associatedpad 3 as quickly as possible to extinguish thelight 4 and cause a signal to be sent to thecontrol module 50 so that a successful hit is recorded and another light is activated. If the player is too slow, the light is extinguished without any hit being recorded. Thelights 4 may be illuminated either in a random pattern or in accordance with a pre-set sequence. A player may also optionally select a “ball-bias” so that thelights 4 towards one side are activated more frequently than those on the other side so that a use may attempt to improve his weaker foot. - The triggering of the sensor when a
ball pad 3 is kicked will now be explained. When aball pad 3 is kicked by a user, therocker arm 22 to which it is attached pivots in the direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 4 about thepivot axis 27. This causes theactuator 35 to move downwardly in an arcuate path indicated by arrow B in FIG. 4. Theactuator 35 interrupts or breaks a light beam generated by theoptical sensor 36 thereby registering the kick by sending a signal to amain control unit 50 which identifies whichball pad 3 the signal was sent from. Thesensor 36 can also be adapted to record additional information such as timing and velocity. As therocker arm 22 pivots, the resilient dampingblock 31 is compressed. After theactuator 35 has broken the light beam, the dampingblock 31 biases therocker arm 22 back to its original rest position. Excessive movement of therocker arm 22 is prevented by therebound restraint rod 32 and its associated ant-knock rubber 34 that dampens vibration of therocker arm 23. - It will be appreciated that by tightening the
nut 33 on therestraint rod 32, the freedom of movement of therocker arm 23 may be adjusted. The exact position of therocker pivot axis 27 could also be adjustable to accommodate different objectives, feel and responses when theball pad 3 is kicked. - It will be appreciated that an
optical sensor 36 is not essential and could be replaced with another type of sensor device. For example, a Hall type sensor element could be used. - The
control module 50 may additionally house a sound generator capable of generating an audible tone whenever aball pad 3 has been successfully struck by the player. - As will be appreciated from the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, the present invention provides a versatile training device for soccer players who wish to improve their timing and reflexes.
- As explained above, the apparatus is controlled by one or more computer programs which in the preferred embodiment include at least one program that enables the user to monitor his or her performance at different levels of difficulty, thereby giving the user a fixed scale against which they can compete through repeated use of the training device. For example, it may be possible to vary the number of
ball pads 3 which must be struck in a given length of time, the higher the skill level selected, themore ball pads 3 that must be kicked successfully to obtain a high score. For example, an amateur would select an easy skill level in which 60 pads must be kicked in one minute whereas an experienced player may select a higher skill level in which, for example, 120 pads must be kicked in one minute. A second program may enable the user to assess the speed of his or her reactions. - It is envisaged that there are many modifications and variations of the device that have not been described but will still fall within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (19)
1. A soccer training apparatus comprising:
a plurality of chassis, the chassis being arrangeable, in an operative configuration, to at least partially surround a user;
a rocker arm pivotally mounted to each chassis; and
a contact member attached to each rocker arm, each contact member having:
a visual indicator associated therewith capable of being activated by a user in accordance with one of a random and preset sequence,
switch means associated with each contact member operable to deactivate said associated visual indicator when a contact member is kicked by the user, wherein the switch means includes an actuator on the rocker arm and a sensor on the chassis such that, when a contact member is kicked by a user, movement of the actuator is detected by the sensor to deactivate the visual indicator, and
control means for detecting when a visual indicator has been deactivated and for activating the next visual indicator in the sequence.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises an optical sensor and the actuator is a blocking element, wherein as the blocking element moves to interrupt a beam of light generated by the sensor in response to the contact member being kicked, said interruption being detectable by the sensor.
3. Apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the rocker arm includes biasing means to bias it into a rest position in which the blocking element does not interrupt the light beam.
4. Apparatus according to a claim 3 , wherein the biasing means is a resiliently compressible member disposed between the rocker arm and the chassis.
5. Apparatus according to claim 4 , including a stop to limit rebound of the rocker arm after a contact member has been kicked.
6. Apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein said stop comprises:
a rod upstanding from the chassis to extend through an aperture in the rocker arm; and
rocker arm restraint means mounted on the rod.
7. Apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the rod is threaded and the rocker arm restraint means comprises a nut threadingly received on a portion of the rod that protrudes through the aperture in the rocker arm.
8. Apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the rocker arm is normally biased against the nut by the compressible member.
9. Apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein a damping member is disposed between the nut and the rocker arm.
10. Apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the contact member has a foamed polyurethane core.
11. Apparatus according to claim 1 , comprising a plurality of releasably attachable modules, each module including at least one contact member.
12. Apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein co-operating means is provided at each end of a module for attachment to an adjacent module.
13. Apparatus according to claim 12 , wherein the co-operating means comprises a tenon on one module that dovetails with a mortise on an adjacent module.
14. Apparatus according to claim 12 , wherein the co-operating means incorporates an electrical connector.
15. Apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the control means is a control unit releasably attachable to the free end of one module.
16. Apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the modules co-operate together to partially surround a user in an arcuate configuration.
17. Apparatus according to claim 15 , wherein the control unit comprises a computer processor, a memory for storing one or more computer programs and a user interface for selecting a program stored in the memory.
18. Apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control means includes a computer program, the computer program being operable, when run on a computer processor, to activate the visual indicators in one of the random and preset sequences, the computer program being operable to activate the next visual indicator in the sequence.
19. A training apparatus, comprising:
at least one module including:
a chassis,
a housing portion attachable to the chassis,
a rocker arm operatively mounted to the chassis;
a contact member operatively connected to the rocker arm;
at least one visual indicator operatively associated with the housing portion;
and
switch means operatively associated with the rocker arm and the at least one visual indicator the switch means being configured to deactivate the at least one visual indicator upon striking of the contact member by the user, wherein the switch means includes an actuator on the rocker arm and a sensor on the chassis such that when a contact member is struck by a user, movement of the actuator is detected by the sensor to deactivate the visual indicator; and
control means operatively associated with the at least one module, the control means being configured to detect when a visual indicator has been deactivated and to activate a subsequent visual indicator.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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GB01248160 | 2001-10-16 | ||
GB0124816A GB2380948A (en) | 2001-10-16 | 2001-10-16 | A football training apparatus |
PCT/GB2002/004611 WO2003033082A1 (en) | 2001-10-16 | 2002-10-10 | Soccer training apparatus |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20040266563A1 true US20040266563A1 (en) | 2004-12-30 |
Family
ID=9923936
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/493,014 Abandoned US20040266563A1 (en) | 2001-10-16 | 2002-10-10 | Soccer training apparatus |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20040266563A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1436049A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2005505389A (en) |
BR (1) | BR0213315A (en) |
GB (1) | GB2380948A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2003033082A1 (en) |
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US20110148039A1 (en) * | 2007-08-23 | 2011-06-23 | Ralf Klinnert | Interactive sporting apparatus |
US20120329584A1 (en) * | 2011-06-22 | 2012-12-27 | Pinezich John D | Soccer passing trainer apparatus and games |
US20130344998A1 (en) * | 2012-06-21 | 2013-12-26 | Wayne P. Adema | Soccer Training Device, Method of Use and System |
US20140235374A1 (en) * | 2013-02-15 | 2014-08-21 | Robert S. Armell | Soccer rebounder |
US20150005110A1 (en) * | 2013-06-28 | 2015-01-01 | Procontrol Inc. | Method for playing, scoring and judging individual players in a soccer related game |
US9266002B2 (en) * | 2014-04-04 | 2016-02-23 | Alex H. Dunser | Soccer training apparatus |
USD783742S1 (en) | 2012-08-16 | 2017-04-11 | Procontrol Inc. | Anchoring device |
US20170113114A1 (en) * | 2005-03-29 | 2017-04-27 | Richard Joseph John Nugent | Sports Training Apparatus and Method |
US20180185728A1 (en) * | 2017-01-04 | 2018-07-05 | Conrad Bear | Hockey Face Off Training Device |
US10112094B1 (en) * | 2017-04-21 | 2018-10-30 | Anthony D. Odorisio | Soccer training arena |
US10926145B2 (en) * | 2017-06-05 | 2021-02-23 | Chatem Llc | Soccer training devices, systems, and methods |
US11534671B2 (en) | 2018-05-09 | 2022-12-27 | Goal Station Aps | Computer implemented American soccer training and evaluation method and system |
WO2024037066A1 (en) * | 2022-08-18 | 2024-02-22 | 陆文进 | Football training target and football training system applying same |
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WO2005004999A1 (en) * | 2003-07-14 | 2005-01-20 | Fusion Sport International Pty Ltd | Sports training and testing methods, apparatus and system |
GB2444707A (en) * | 2006-11-08 | 2008-06-18 | Playdale Playgrounds Ltd | Event generating playground apparatus |
EP2011550A1 (en) * | 2007-07-04 | 2009-01-07 | Christian Güttler | Training device for ball players and method for training various movement sequences |
US8708842B2 (en) | 2010-10-04 | 2014-04-29 | Eden Variety Products, Llc | Soccer training apparatus |
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- 2002-10-10 JP JP2003535879A patent/JP2005505389A/en active Pending
- 2002-10-10 BR BR0213315-6A patent/BR0213315A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2002-10-10 EP EP02801379A patent/EP1436049A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2002-10-10 WO PCT/GB2002/004611 patent/WO2003033082A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
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US4440400A (en) * | 1977-05-21 | 1984-04-03 | Conpaten, Ltd. | Playing or training device |
US4627620A (en) * | 1984-12-26 | 1986-12-09 | Yang John P | Electronic athlete trainer for improving skills in reflex, speed and accuracy |
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US20170113114A1 (en) * | 2005-03-29 | 2017-04-27 | Richard Joseph John Nugent | Sports Training Apparatus and Method |
WO2006103423A1 (en) * | 2005-03-29 | 2006-10-05 | Richard Joseph John Nugent | Sports apparatus |
US20110148039A1 (en) * | 2007-08-23 | 2011-06-23 | Ralf Klinnert | Interactive sporting apparatus |
US8771073B2 (en) * | 2007-08-23 | 2014-07-08 | Funky Moves Ltd | Interactive sporting apparatus |
US20120329584A1 (en) * | 2011-06-22 | 2012-12-27 | Pinezich John D | Soccer passing trainer apparatus and games |
US8882612B2 (en) * | 2011-06-22 | 2014-11-11 | John D. Pinezich | Soccer passing trainer apparatus and games |
US20130344998A1 (en) * | 2012-06-21 | 2013-12-26 | Wayne P. Adema | Soccer Training Device, Method of Use and System |
US9272197B2 (en) * | 2012-06-21 | 2016-03-01 | Procontrol, Inc. | Soccer training device, method of use and system |
USD783742S1 (en) | 2012-08-16 | 2017-04-11 | Procontrol Inc. | Anchoring device |
US20140235374A1 (en) * | 2013-02-15 | 2014-08-21 | Robert S. Armell | Soccer rebounder |
US20150005110A1 (en) * | 2013-06-28 | 2015-01-01 | Procontrol Inc. | Method for playing, scoring and judging individual players in a soccer related game |
US20160166906A1 (en) * | 2014-04-04 | 2016-06-16 | Alex H. Dunser | Soccer training method |
US20160166905A1 (en) * | 2014-04-04 | 2016-06-16 | Alex H. Dunser | Soccer training apparatus and method |
US9266002B2 (en) * | 2014-04-04 | 2016-02-23 | Alex H. Dunser | Soccer training apparatus |
US10039967B2 (en) * | 2014-04-04 | 2018-08-07 | Alex H. Dunser | Soccer training apparatus and method |
US20180185728A1 (en) * | 2017-01-04 | 2018-07-05 | Conrad Bear | Hockey Face Off Training Device |
US10272311B2 (en) * | 2017-01-04 | 2019-04-30 | Conrad Bear | Hockey face off training device |
US10112094B1 (en) * | 2017-04-21 | 2018-10-30 | Anthony D. Odorisio | Soccer training arena |
US10926145B2 (en) * | 2017-06-05 | 2021-02-23 | Chatem Llc | Soccer training devices, systems, and methods |
US11351432B2 (en) | 2017-06-05 | 2022-06-07 | Chatem Llc | Soccer training devices, systems, and methods |
US11534671B2 (en) | 2018-05-09 | 2022-12-27 | Goal Station Aps | Computer implemented American soccer training and evaluation method and system |
US11833401B2 (en) | 2018-05-09 | 2023-12-05 | Goal Station Aps | Computer implemented American soccer training and evaluation method and system |
WO2024037066A1 (en) * | 2022-08-18 | 2024-02-22 | 陆文进 | Football training target and football training system applying same |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB0124816D0 (en) | 2001-12-05 |
BR0213315A (en) | 2004-10-13 |
WO2003033082A1 (en) | 2003-04-24 |
JP2005505389A (en) | 2005-02-24 |
GB2380948A (en) | 2003-04-23 |
EP1436049A1 (en) | 2004-07-14 |
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Legal Events
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BIRCHILL LIMITED, UNITED KINGDOM Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:YOUNG, GEORGE R.;REEL/FRAME:015526/0566 Effective date: 20040517 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |