WO2005123201A2

WO2005123201A2 - Soccer training device

Info

Publication number: WO2005123201A2
Application number: PCT/IB2005/052009
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael J. Beatty
Original assignee: Beatty Michael J
Priority date: 2004-06-18
Filing date: 2005-06-17
Publication date: 2005-12-29
Also published as: WO2005123201B1; US20050282664A1; WO2005123201A3

Abstract

Novel soccer training devices are disclosed herein, the device comprising a tether (40) secured to a stationary member or stake (70), and a ball enclosure (80) for carrying a soccer ball. The tether is secured to a swivel (30) that allows a soccer player to practice more effectively his kicking and throwing skills.

Description

Description SOCCER TRAINING DEVICE

[I] This application claims priority from U.S. Patent application serial no. 10/871,936, filed June 18, 2004, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[2] The present invention is directed to novel soccer training devices, in particular devices that can attach to a soccer ball to enable a player to practice his or her kicking and throwing skills. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[3] The soccer training device of the present invention comprises a ball enclosure configured to carry and maintain therein a soccer ball, said ball enclosure further having a cord extending therefrom, a stationary member, a tether having first and second ends for securing said ball enclosure to said stationary member, said first end of said tether secured to said stationary member, said tether further having a length, and a swivel, said swivel comprising a tether connecting element secured to said second end of said tether and a cord connecting element secured to said cord of said ball enclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[4] Fig. 1 is an enlarged perspective view of the soccer training device (without the soccer ball). [5] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the soccer training device similar to that shown in Fig. 1, further illustrating how the length of the tether component of the device may be adjusted. [6] Fig. 3 is a side view of the entire soccer training device illustrated in Fig. 1 (i.e. including the soccer ball enclosure). [7] Fig. 4 is a side view of the soccer training device showing a soccer player kicking the soccer ball enclosed within the ball enclosure. [8] Fig. 5 is a partial cross section view of one embodiment of the locking device that may be used to adjust the length of the tether and/or to lock the soccer ball within the ball enclosure. [9] Fig. 6 is a partial cross section view of the locking device illustrated in Fig. 5, showing the tether (or cord of the ball enclosure) secured therein. [10] Fig. 7 is a partial cross section view of another suitable locking device that may be used to adjust the length of the tether and/or to lock the soccer ball within the ball enclosure.

[II] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the soccer training device similar to that shown in Fig. 1, illustrating the use of a tie to constrain a loop of the tether. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[12] Referring now to Figs. 1 and 2, the inventive soccer training device 10 comprises a tether 40 having a first end 43 secured to a stationary member 70, such as a stake and a second end 42 secured to a swivel 30. The swivel 30, in turn, is connected to a cord 12 of a ball enclosure 80. Ball enclosure 80 may be a mesh bag sufficiently large to carry a soccer ball B.

[13] The swivel 30 comprises two components that may rotate about one another 360 degrees in the direction of the arrow A (both clockwise and counterclockwise). As shown, the tether connecting component 31 is secured to one end 42 of the tether 40, and the cord connecting element 32 is secured to the cord 12 of the ball enclosure 80. Any swivel design known by those of ordinary skill in the art may be employed in the current invention to pivotally or rotatably connect the tether 40 and the cord 12. As shown in Fig. 2, the cord connecting element 32 may have a ring or hook portion 32a integral with a post (i.e. male component of the swivel) 32b. The tether connecting element 31 may have a first ring or hook portion 31a integral with or terminating into a second ring portion (i.e. female component of the swivel) 31b configured to receive the post 32b of the cord connecting element. Alternatively, the tether connecting element 31 may contain the male component of the swivel, with the cord connecting element 32 containing the female component.

[14] Another swivel design (not shown) comprises each connecting element having a female component, with a free post engaged within each of the female components. The respective cord and tether connecting components freely rotate about the post. Such swivel designs are commonly known by those of ordinary skill in the art of swivels.

[15] As discussed above, and illustrated in the figures, the second end 42 of the tether 40 is connected to the tether-connecting element 31 of the swivel 30 while the first end 43 is secured to a stationary member 70, such as a stake. The first end 43 of the tether 40 may be secured directly to the stationary member 70, such as by tying or lassoing about the member 70. Alternatively, the first end 43 of the tether may be secured to a second swivel 35, as shown in Fig. 1. In this embodiment, the first end 43 of the tether 40 is secured to a tether connecting element 36, which in turn is rotatably secured to a clip 51. As shown, the clip 51 and tether connecting element 36 may rotate 360 degrees about a swivel post 37 (in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction). In the present embodiment, clip 51 may be removably fastened to a ring 60, which is moveably affixed to the stationary member 70. It is contemplated that swivel 35 may attach directly to stationary member 70 or ring 60, and that clip 51 may directly attach to stationary member 70. In still another embodiment, the first end 43 of the tether 40 may be secured directly to the clip 51, with the clip 51, in turn, being attached directly to the stationary member 70 or to a ring 60 affixed to the stationary member 70.

[16] As stated earlier, stationary member 70 may be a stake, as shown in the figures, having a piercing member 71 configured to penetrate the underlying ground G. It is contemplated that the piercing member 71 may be of any shape, including, for example, straight, curved, or helically shaped. In another embodiment, stationary member 70 may be a mass capable of preventing member 70 from moving when in use, such as, for example, a weight, a wall, or a pole (the size or weight of the mass may vary and depend upon the intended use of device 10). For indoor use, the stationary member 70 may include one or more suction cups, hooks, or eyelets that may be attached to the floor, wall, or any other mass.

[17] As discussed above, the cord connecting element 32 of the swivel 30 is secured to the cord 12 of the ball enclosure 80 (Fig. 3). Ball enclosure 80 may be a bag having an upper edge 81 that is folded over to form a tunnel (or cord enclosure) 82. The cord 12, in this embodiment, is threaded through the tunnel 82, and functions as a drawstring. The ball may be tightly secured within the bag by pulling upon the cord. The bag remains closed via a locking element 20 through which the cord 12 is threaded. A ball may be maintained in the bag by moving the locking element along cord 12 toward the top edge 81 of the bag. To remove the ball from the bag, the locking member 20 may be moved away from the bag toward the swivel 30. It will be appreciated by those or ordinary skill in the art that any suitable means for carrying or storing a soccer ball may be employed, such as, for example, mesh bags, tie straps, nets, and harnesses. Alternatively, the cord may be secured directly to a special practice soccer ball designed to have a cord attached directly to the ball. Such a soccer ball may have a ring or tether integrated with the outside surface to which the cord may be attached.

[18] In use, the inventive soccer training device 10 may be generally secured to the ground G or other stationary object via the stationary member 70. For outside play, a stake may be used and driven into the ground G (see Fig. 4) as discussed above. The desired length of the tether 40, as discussed in more detail below, is adjusted and the ball is placed within the ball enclosure 80. The ball may be kicked (Fig. 4) or thrown (not shown) by the soccer player P and can be easily retrieved by pulling along the tether 40, since the tether, once connected to the stake, prevents the ball from traveling any farther than the length of the tether. The inventive soccer training device not only allows the player P to practice straight kicks and throw-ins, but because of the incorporation of the swivel, the inventive device allows the player to place effective spins on the ball while kicking (i.e. "bending the ball") without twisting the tether about itself to inhibit the full effect of the spin. Similarly, the soccer player can practice putting "English" on the ball (i.e. spins) for in-bound throw-ins as well goalkeeper throws, without twisting the tether. Significantly, without the swivel attached to the tether, the tether will twist about itself, thereby limiting the spin that can be placed on the ball when kicked or thrown. One swivel may be used, such as, for example, swivel 30 or swivel 35. Swivel 30, for example, may be placed about 6 to about 14 inches away from the ball. Swivel 35 may be employed near the stationary member 70. As discussed above, for swivels 30, 35, any swivel design may be used, including those described and illustrated herein or equivalent designs commonly know by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[19] Other aspects of the present invention include a means for temporarily adjusting the length of the tether 40 prior to use. As used herein with reference to the tether component of the present invention, "length" means the distance between the first and second ends 43, 42 of the tether 40. In the present embodiment, a tether 40 may be of any desired length, such as, for example, 45 feet. One means for adjusting the length of tether 40 is shown more clearly in Figs. 1, 5 and 6, where tether 40 may be threaded through locking element 20 to form a loop portion 41. It is contemplated that tether 40 may be threaded once or more through locking element 20, depending upon the design of locking element 20 (such as, for example when containing single or double through- channels). Locking element 20 design may also be employed to tighten the cord 12 about the ball enclosure 80, as described above.

[20] In one embodiment, the locking element 20 includes a barrel 201 and spring-biased element (or member) 202 movably engaged therein. Both the spring-biased element 202 and the barrel 201 have a channel 205, 204 communicating therethrough, and through which the tether 40 is threaded. Channel 205 communicates through a vertical extension 203 of spring-biased element 202. When the spring-biased member 202 is depressed (in the direction of the arrow as shown in Fig. 5), the respective channels 204, 205 are in alignment, channels 204, 205 form a single through-channel within locking element 20 and allow tether 40 to move freely therein. It is contemplated that more than one through-channel may exist within locking element 20, which could allow tether 40 to pass through each through-channel only once and still form loop portion 41. When the spring-biased member 202 is released, the member 202 moves upward in the direction of the arrow, thereby causing the two channels 204, 205 to become out of alignment, thereby wedging a portion of the tether therebetween as shown in Fig. 6. In one embodiment, the tether 40 may be threaded through the two channels twice, such that a loop portion 41 of tether 40 is flush against the outside surface of the barrel (Figs. 1-3). To adjust the length of tether 40, the spring-biased member 202 is depressed as shown in Fig. 5 to release the loop portion 41 of tether 40. Shortening tether 40 enlarges the size of loop 41, while lengthening tether 40 reduces the size of loop 41. [21] Loop portion 41 can be conveniently gathered into a compact bundle to prevent any interference with other objects or end user P of device 10. A tie 90 can be wrapped around loop 41, or a portion thereof, in an effort to secure or constrain loop 41 in a compact or organized form. In one embodiment, the 90 may be a hook and loop fastener, such as a VELCRO brand fastener by Velcro Industries B.V. The hook and loop fastener makes it convenient for the player P to gather and release the loop portion 41. Other suitable ties or means for securing loop 41 may be used, including, but not limited to, string, wire, straps, clips, snaps, bands, belts, hooks, fabric, tape, knots, bags, pockets, and buckles.

[22] As shown in Fig. 2, the loop 41 may be secured to the stake, for example, thereby providing a shortened tether 40 and constraining loop 41. It will be readily appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that other means for attaching the loop portion 41 to the stake, if such attachment is desired, and other means for adjusting the length of the tether may be employed within the spirit of the invention. Moreover, other locking element designs may be employed to accomplish the same function, such as the design shown in Fig. 7, for example.

[23] Although the present invention has been described above in detail, the same is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present invention. It will thus become apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications of the embodiments detailed herein can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

[1] 1. A soccer training device comprising: a. a ball enclosure configured to carry and maintain therein a soccer ball, said ball enclosure further having a cord extending therefrom; b. a stationary member; c. a tether having first and second ends for securing said ball enclosure to said stationary member, said first end of said tether secured to said stationary member, said tether further having a length; and d. a swivel, said swivel comprising a tether connecting element secured to said second end of said tether and a cord connecting element secured to said cord of said ball enclosure.

[2] 2. The soccer training device of claim 1, wherein said ball enclosure is a bag having a top edge and a drawstring engaging tunnel formed about the top edge, and wherein said cord is a drawstring engaged within said tunnel.

[3] 3. The soccer training device of claim 1, further comprising a locking element positioned between said swivel and said ball enclosure, wherein said cord is threaded through said locking element, such that when said locking element is disengaged, said locking element may be moved toward said ball enclosure and substantially flush therewith to secure said ball therein.

[4] 4. The soccer training device of claim 1, further comprising a locking element secured to said tether and oriented between said swivel and said first end of said tether, said locking element comprising a barrel having a transverse channel extending through each side of said barrel, and wherein said tether is threaded through the channel of said barrel such that a portion of said tether is looped around one side of the barrel, when said locking element is disengaged to allow movement of said tether therein, said portion of said tether may be lengthened to form a loop, such that the larger said loop, the shorter said distance is created, and the smaller said loop, the longer said distance is created.

[5] 5. The soccer training device of claim 4, further comprising means for holding the loop compactly.

[6] 6. The soccer training device of claim 4, further comprising a tie for holding the loop compactly.

[7] 7. The soccer training device of claim 4, wherein said locking element includes a spring-biased element movably engaged with said barrel, said spring biased element having a longitudinal member extending distally therefrom, said longitudinal member having a transverse channel communicating therethrough and through which said tether is threaded, wherein said spring-biased channel is in registration with said barrel channel when said spring-biased element is depressed, and wherein when said spring biased portion is released, said channels are offset, thereby maintaining said tether therein to prevent said tether from moving within said locking element.

[8] 8. The soccer training device of claim 1, further comprising a means for adjusting said distance between said ball enclosure and said stationary member.

[9] 9. The soccer training device of claim 1, wherein said first end of said tether is secured to a clip, said clip configured to engage said stationary member.

[10] 10. The soccer training device of claim 9, wherein said stationary member includes a tether engaging member extending from said stationary member, said tether engaging member comprising a ring to which said clip may be engaged.

[11] 11. The soccer training device of claim 1, wherein said first end of said tether is secured to said stationary member via a second swivel, said second swivel having a stationary member connecting element and a tether connecting element secured to said first end of said tether.

[12] 12. The soccer training device of claim 11, wherein said stationary connecting element of said second swivel is a clip for engaging said stationary member.

[13] 13. The soccer training device of claim 1, wherein said cord is at least about 6 inches in length.

[14] 14. The soccer training device of claim 1, wherein said cord is from about 6 inches to about 14 inches in length.

[15] 15. A soccer training device comprising: a. a cord having a first end configured for attachment to a soccer ball; b. a tether having a first end configured for attachment to said stationary member; and c. a swivel, said swivel comprising a tether connecting element secured to said second end of said tether and a cord connecting element secured to a second end of said cord.

[16] 16. The soccer training device of claim 15, wherein said stationary member is a stake, said stake having a distal piercing end configured to be driven into an underlying ground area, said stake further having a proximal end extending above ground when said stake is driven into said ground, whereby said first end of said tether is secured to a portion of said proximal end.

[17] 17. A soccer training device comprising: a. a cord having a first end configured for attachment to a ball enclosure designed to carry and maintain therein said soccer ball; b. a tether having a first end configured for attachment to said stationary member and a second end; and c. a swivel, said swivel comprising a tether connecting element secured to said second end of said tether and a cord connecting element secured to a second end of said cord.

[18] 18. The soccer training device of claim 17, further comprising a ball enclosure secured to said cord.

[19] 19. The soccer training device of claim 17, wherein said stationary member is a stake, said stake having a distal piercing end configured to be driven into an underlying ground area, said stake further having a proximal end extending above ground when said stake is driven into said ground, whereby said first end of said tether is secured to a portion of said proximal end.

[20] 20. A method for adjusting the distance between said ball enclosure and said stationary member of the soccer training device described in claim 1, wherein said distance is less than the maximum length of said tether, said method comprising: a. moving said tether through said locking device to form said loop about said locking device; and b. securing said loop to said stationary member.