Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B43/00—Balls with special arrangements
  • A63B43/002—Balls with special arrangements with special configuration, e.g. non-spherical
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B41/00—Hollow inflatable balls
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B41/00—Hollow inflatable balls
  • A63B41/08—Ball covers; Closures therefor
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B43/00—Balls with special arrangements
• • 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
  • A63B69/36—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf
• • 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
  • A63B69/36—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf
  • A63B69/3623—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf for driving
  • A63B69/3655—Balls, ball substitutes, or attachments on balls therefor
• • 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
  • A63B69/36—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf
  • A63B69/3676—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf for putting
  • A63B69/3688—Balls, ball substitutes, or attachments on balls therefor
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B43/00—Balls with special arrangements
  • A63B2043/001—Short-distance or low-velocity balls for training, or for playing on a reduced area
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
  • A63B71/0054—Features for injury prevention on an apparatus, e.g. shock absorbers
  • A63B2071/0063—Shock absorbers
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
  • A63B71/0054—Features for injury prevention on an apparatus, e.g. shock absorbers
  • A63B2071/0072—Limiting the applied force, torque, movement or speed
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B2102/00—Application of clubs, bats, rackets or the like to the sporting activity ; particular sports involving the use of balls and clubs, bats, rackets, or the like
  • A63B2102/32—Golf
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B2209/00—Characteristics of used materials
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B2243/00—Specific ball sports not provided for in A63B2102/00 - A63B2102/38
  • A63B2243/0025—Football
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B2243/00—Specific ball sports not provided for in A63B2102/00 - A63B2102/38
  • A63B2243/0066—Rugby; American football
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B2243/00—Specific ball sports not provided for in A63B2102/00 - A63B2102/38
  • A63B2243/0066—Rugby; American football
  • A63B2243/007—American football
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B41/00—Hollow inflatable balls
  • A63B41/02—Bladders

Definitions

• SPORT TRAINING DEVICE FIELD OF THE INVENTION relates to sports training devices for sports that utilise a ball.
• the invention relates to a sports ball for stroke training which includes an optimal point of impact for a chosen stroke technique.
• Repetitive drills are a common learning technique used in teaching sport. Drills help players to develop the muscular motions and hand or foot and eye coordination necessary for proper actions in that sport. Various teaching aids have been developed for assisting a player to develop the necessary skills. However, most such teaching aids don't give instant feedback to the user if not used correctly and with the proper technique.
• kicking is a fundamental and versatile technique used for passing, shooting and scoring in a number of ball sports. Especially in the field of professional sports, the ability to kick a ball with accuracy and efficiency on a reproducible level is vital. Moreover, there is an urgent need for precision training equipment which suits a variety of kicking techniques. However, there is a paucity of available precision training equipment for kicking. Balls for kicking training have conventionally involved balls which are heavier than match balls or incorporated colours or diagrams on the outside skin of the sports ball however these types of training devices are limited in scope and do not assist with precision training for particular kick techniques.
• a sports ball for stroke training comprising:
• one or more designated energy-absorbing zones and one or more energy-responsive zones adjacent the one or more designated energy-absorbing zones;
• the one or more energy-responsive zones are positioned at one or more sweet spots of the sports ball, such that a stroke that strikes an energy-responsive zone results in the sports ball travelling further than the sports ball will travel from a similar stroke that strikes an energy-absorbing zone.
• the invention resides in a modified Australian Rules
• Football ball for kicking training comprising:
• one or more designated energy-absorbing zones and one or more energy-responsive zones adjacent the one or more designated energy-absorbing zones;
• the one or more energy-responsive zones are positioned at one or more sweet spots of the sports ball, such that a stroke that strikes an energy-responsive zone results in the sports ball travelling ⁇ further than the sports ball will travel from a similar stroke that strikes an energy-absorbing zone.
• the invention resides in a modified American
• Rules ball for kicking training comprising:
• one or more designated energy-absorbing zones and one or more energy-responsive zones adjacent the one or more designated energy-absorbing zones;
• the one or more energy-responsive zones are positioned at one or more sweet spots of the sports ball, such that a stroke that strikes an energy-responsive zone results in the sports ball travelling further than the sports ball will travel from a similar stroke that strikes an energy-absorbing zone.
• the invention resides in a modified soccer ball for kicking training, comprising:
• one or more designated energy-absorbing zones and one or more energy-responsive zones adjacent the one or more designated energy-absorbing zones;
• the one or more energy-responsive zones are positioned at one or more sweet spots of the sports ball, such that a stroke that strikes an energy-responsive zone results in the sports ball travelling further than the sports ball will travel from a similar stroke that strikes an energy-absorbing zone.
• the invention resides in a modified rugby ball for kicking training, comprising:
• one or more designated energy-absorbing zones and one or more energy-responsive zones adjacent the one or more designated energy-absorbing zones;
• the one or more energy-responsive zones are positioned at one or more sweet spots of the sports ball, such that a stroke that strikes an energy-responsive zone results in the sports ball travelling further than the sports ball will travel from a similar stroke that strikes an energy-absorbing zone.
• the modified rugby ball is selected from a modified rugby Union ball and a rugby League ball.
• a modified golf ball comprising:
• one or more designated energy-absorbing zones and one or more energy-responsive zones adjacent the one or more designated energy-absorbing zones;
• the one or more energy-responsive zones are positioned at one or more sweet spots of the sports ball, such that a stroke that strikes an energy-responsive zone results in the sports ball travelling further than the sports ball will travel from a similar stroke that strikes an energy-absorbing zone.
• the sports ball of the present invention is an inflatable sports ball and more preferably, an inflatable sports ball for kicking training.
• the sports ball of the present invention is a not inflatable. More preferably, the non inflatable sports ball is a golf ball for golf stroke or shot training.
• the invention resides in a modified sports balls for stroke training.
• the sports ball or modified ball of any one of the aforementioned forms is an elliptical shape or a round shape.
• the one or more sweet spots are located towards a first narrow end and/or a second narrow end of the elliptical shaped sports ball and more preferably, the one or more sweet spots are about 4 inches above a first narrow end and a second end. In other preferred embodiments that relate to an elliptical shaped inflatable ball, the one or more sweet spots are located about a substantially central point between a first narrow end and a second narrow end.
• the one or more sweet spots are located about a substantially central point between a first narrow end and a second narrow end.
• the invention resides in use of a sports ball or a modified sports ball according to any one of the aforementioned forms, for stroke and preferably, kicking training or golf stroke training.
• the kicking training is for a football code selected from the group consisting of soccer, Australian Rules Football, American Football, Rugby Union and rugby League.
• the kicking training is for a kicking technique selected from the group consisting of a drop punt, a torpedo punt a curve kick and a spiral punt.
• the invention resides in a method for sports stroke training, which method includes the step of striking one or more energy-responsive zones positioned at one or more sweet sport on a sports ball such that a stroke that strikes an energy-responsive zone results in the sports ball travelling further than the sports ball will travel from a similar stroke that strike one or more designated energy-absorbing zones adjacent the one or more energy-responsive zones on the sports ball.
• the sports ball is the sports ball or the modified sports ball of any one of the aforementioned forms.
• FIG. 1A is a sectional side view of a sports ball according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 1 B is a rear view of a bladder of the sports ball shown in FIG. 1A;
• FIG. 2 is a rear view of a bladder according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention
• FIG. 3 is an top end view of the bladder shown in FIG. 2;
• FIG. 4 is a rear view of a bladder according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 5 is a side view of the bladder shown in FIG. 4.
• FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a sports ball according to another embodiment of the present invention.
• This invention relates generally to training balls and more particularly precision training sports balls for stroke training, which are constructed to create an optimal point of impact positioned strategically for the specific sport and chosen technique or method within a particular sport. Therefore in one broad aspect, the invention relates to a modified sports training ball. In preferred embodiments, the invention relates to an inflatable sports ball which has particular use for kicking training. In other preferred embodiments that relate to a non-inflatable sports ball that may be used for, for example, stroke or shot training in golf.
• a stroke is any action of hitting a ball inclusive of a hitting a ball by a body part such as a foot (such as a kick) or a hand, or hitting a ball with a sports apparatus such as a golf club, racquet and the like.
• FIG. 1A being a sectional side view of an inflatable sports ball 10 according to a preferred embodiment that may be used as a training device for kicking techniques used in Australian Rules Football, rugby Union, rugby League or American Football (otherwise known as 'NFL'). These sports game balls are of virtually the same elliptical shape but of different measurements.
• the inflatable sports ball 10 comprises an outer carcass 1 and a bladder 14 disposed within the interior of the outer carcass 11.
• the outer carcass 1 1 includes a durable outer cover and exterior lining (not shown). It will be understood that the outer carcass 11 is manufactured from a material that is suited for the particular sports ball.
• an outer carcass 11 of an NFL ball typically includes leather, although without limitation thereto.
• the outer carcass 11 further includes a valve 12 for inflation or deflation of an inner core 15 of the bladder 14.
• the valve 12 is the insertion point of an inflation needle of an air pump apparatus (not shown).
• the valve 12 comprises a valve nipple 13a which projects out from the outer carcass 1 1 and acts as a stabilisation point for insertion needle.
• Extending from the valve nipple 13a and through the outer carcass 11 is the valve stem 13b which is an access guide for the insertion needle to the valve hole 13c located on the inner bladder 14.
• the valve 12 includes a soft sealing mechanism that prevents escape of air in the bladder 14 via the valve stem 13b (not shown).
• FIG. 1B showing the bladder 14 of an inflatable sports ball 10 designed for training of a drop punt kick.
• the drop punt or pooch kick is the most accurate kick in Australian Rules Football and NFL.
• the drop punt is used in Australian Rules Football for goal kicking but is the least used properly and the most difficult to teach correctly by coaches.
• For a drop punt kick the ball is held vertically, dropped and kicked before it hits the ground thus resulting in the ball spinning backwards, end over end. This is the preferred technique for goal kicking in Australian Rules Football and is more accurate and easier to mark than the punt kick, which is held flat and when kicked, spins on its horizontal axis.
• the bladder 14 is designed for holding pressurized air as is known in the art and should be able to withstand repeated blows from a kick without rupturing or breaking loose.
• the bladder 14 is manufactured from or composed of a resilient material that allows energy that is introduced to the bladder 14 to be returned. It will be understood that the material from which the bladder 14 is synthesised will have elastic properties.
• designated energy-absorbing zones 16 each in the form of a region of material such as foam, rubber, polymer-based materials or any other nominated material that is able to absorb energy as are known in the art.
• the thickness of the material forming the energy-absorbing zone will be as required to absorb sufficient energy in the present invention.
• the designated energy-absorbing zones 16 are thus 'dead spots' on the bladder 14 which absorb the force of a kick.
• the dead spots may be designed into the bladder 14, which is applicable to embodiments of the invention generally this applies to the invention generally. If the bladder 14 is at least partially struck in at least one designated energy-absorbing zones 16, the ball will propel incorrectly through the air or not propel at all, which thus results in a sub-optimal outcome.
• the designated energy-absorbing zones 16 may be adhered either directly or indirectly to the outer surface 19 or alternatively, may be in adhered directly or indirectly with the interior surface of the outer carcass 11.
• the placement of the designated energy-absorbing zones 16 in association with the bladder 14 creates an optimal impact zone 18 (otherwise known as "sweet spot") for a desired kicking technique, and in this preferred embodiment a drop punt or pooch punt. Therefore it will be appreciated that the sweet spot is formed from the material of the bladder or in alternative embodiments, may be formed from another material that has energy-responsive properties.
• the optimal impact zone is about four inches above each end point of an inflatable sports ball 10. The kicker's foot should follow through and contact the ball the optimal impact zone 18 for optimal impact and accuracy.
• the optimal impact zone 18 is an energy-responsive zone which allows the energy introduced into the zone to be returned (as opposed to absorbed).
• the optimal impact zone 18 is a region on the bladder 14 which is thus energy resilient.
• one or more energy-responsive zones may be created by application of a suitable material (other than the bladder material) that has resilience. Therefore it will be appreciated that the one or more energy-absorbing zones in combination with the one or more energy-responsive zones creates a zone of impact which, if contacted or struck, results in an optimal outcome or performance.
• the inflatable bladder 14 thus herein described will create the normal shape of a chosen sports ball ideally without adding any weight or creation of imbalance in the ball.
• FIGs 2 and 3 show a bladder 20 modified according to the present invention for training of a torpedo or spiral punt.
• the torpedo punt which is used in American Football, is a kicking technique implemented to enhance the distance the ball is kicked.
• a similar but not identical technique is also used in in AFL, rugby Union and rugby League.
• the ball spins about its long axis instead of end over end (as the drop punt does), making the flight of the ball aerodynamic, but more difficult to catch. With extra distance, this type of kick is also more difficult to accurately kick and judge depth.
• the bladder 20 includes two (2) designated energy-absorbing zones 21 in association with one or more energy responsive zones in the form an optimal zone of impact for a torpedo or spiral punt 22.
• the optimal zone of impact for a torpedo or spiral punt 22 is typically located in the middle of the ball or slightly to the left or right of the middle if the user of the sport ball is left or right footed.
• the user's foot should come into contact with the optimal zone of impact for a torpedo or spiral punt 22 and release with the desired trajectory.
• the user's foot will at least partially contact at least one designated energy-absorbing zones 21 (otherwise known as a 'dead spot'), the ball will propel incorrectly through the air or not propel at all, which thus results in a sub-optimal outcome and providing the user with instant feedback that an improper technique or kicking style was employed.
• FIGs 4 and 5 show a preferred embodiment relating to training of a curve kick for use in soccer.
• the bladder 30 comprises a designated energy-absorbing zone 31 in combination with two energy-responsive zones in the form of an optimal zone of impact 32 (otherwise referred to as a sweet spot) for a curve kick.
• the optimal zone of impact 32 is located on the bottom right or left on the underside of the ball when facing the direction of the target choice by user.
• the inside or outside foot of user should come into contact with the optimal zone of impact 32. Once the foot has connected, the energy exchange between the user's foot and the optimal zone of impact 32 will result in the ball flying with near • perfection from the foot in the air.
• FIG 6 depicts a preferred embodiment of the present invention relating to a sports ball for stroke training in golf.
• the golf ball 40 comprises designated energy-absorbing zones 41 in combination with energy-responsive zone 42.
• the optimal point of impact (otherwise known as a sweet spot) is in the form of the energy-responsive zone 42 which comprises two bands 43 that pass around the circumference of the golf ball 40 at right angles and intersect at two junctions 44.
• the width of each band is between about 5mm and about 20mm.
• the width of each band is about 5mm, 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 11mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 15mm, 16mm, 17mm, 18mm, 19mm and 20mm.
• the designated energy-responsive zone 42 is made from normal golf ball cover material. It would be appreciated by a person of skill in the art that the ultimate aim when hitting a golf ball is that once struck, the ball flies straight without going off course.
• the club When using the correct technique for chosen shot i.e driving, chipping and putting, the club will come into contact with the energy responsive zone 42 and the ball will fly off the club allowing the user to feel the ball hit the sweet spot if the user uses the wrong technique i.e dropping the shoulder, lifting their head then the club will come into contact with the designated energy-absorbing zone 41 and give the user instant feedback that the proper technique was not used.
• a sports training device that is useful for all ages and gender.
• the training device can be tailored for each chosen sport or chosen technique.
• the aim has been to describe the preferred embodiments of the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. It will therefore be appreciated by those of skill in the art that, in light of the instant disclosure, various modifications and changes can be made in the particular embodiments exemplified without departing from the scope of the present invention.

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• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
• Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)

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• 2011
  • 2011-02-15 WO PCT/AU2011/000156 patent/WO2012109692A1/en active Application Filing
  • 2011-02-15 AU AU2011359601A patent/AU2011359601A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2011-02-15 CN CN201180070068.1A patent/CN103608072A/zh active Pending
  • 2011-02-15 US US13/985,295 patent/US20140038741A1/en not_active Abandoned

Patent Citations (3)

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