WO2013022893A1

WO2013022893A1 - Tennis, golf and basketball training device having an adjustable hoop

Info

Publication number: WO2013022893A1
Application number: PCT/US2012/049864
Authority: WO
Inventors: Charles E. SWINGLE; Wilhelm Behrens
Original assignee: Arc Global, Inc.
Priority date: 2011-08-09
Filing date: 2012-08-07
Publication date: 2013-02-14
Also published as: US20130040762A1

Abstract

A portable framing device (1, 80, 80-1 ) to be used, during sports and non-sports related practice activities. The training device includes a stand (5, 82) to rest on a surface, an adjustable hoop (3, 84} through which an object is moved during practice, and a hoop support (86) extending between the stand and the hoop. The adjustable hoop (3, 84) is rotatable between a vertical position, standing upwardly from and in axial alignment with the hoop support (86), and a horizontal position, facing the flat surface in perpendicular alignment with the hoop support. The length of the hoop support (86) is adjustable so that the distance between the hoop (3, 84) and the stand (5. 82) can be correspondingly adjusted to meet the needs of the user.

Description

TENNIS, GOLF A B BASKETBALL TRAINING

DEVICE HAV ING AN ADJUST ABLE HOOP

BACKGROUND OF Π Ϊ Η INVENTION

L Technical Field

This invention relates to an adjustable training device to be used by those wishing to practice playing tennis, golf, basketball as well as a variety of other sports and non-sports-rekted activities. 1 ne training device has a hoop that can be elevated or lowered, and rotated between vertical and horizontal positions to enable the player to hit, throw, kick or shoot a ball through the hoop at different locations above the ground and thereby practice a variety of different shots and techniques,

Ϊβθβ2| 2. B cJ grOT Art

it is known that tennis and golf players wishing to prac tice their game will u se a target to which a ball is hit. In the case of teams, a player wi ll stand on one side of the tennis net and move the target to the opposite side of the net. T he player tries to hit a tennis bah over the net so as to land close to the target. In the case of golf, a player will place the target on the green or fairway at a particular distance and then try to hit a golf ball so as to land close to the target.

[ 003| Although the player may be able to hit his tennis or golf bail close to the target, there is nothing between the player and the target to help the player improve the fundamentals of his game. For example, despite the tennis player being able to hit his tennis ball to a designated target on the court, there is no way to ensure the proper form and bail location during the player's serve, ground strokes, volley, etc. relative 10 the net. Likewise, there is nothing to enable the golfer to improve the form of his strokes and the flight of the ball while pitching, driving, etc.

[0004 f Therefore, what would be advantageous is a portable- practice device to be used with and without a target and by both tennis players and golfers, where the practice device is adjustable so that the players can hit their tennis and golf bails towards the device in order to practice different strokes and hitting techniques over different distances and thereby improve their form,

[0005_.1 In general terms and according to a first preferred embodiment, a portable tennis and golf training device is disclosed to be used to enable a player to practice his tennis and golf strokes by hitting a tennis or golf ball through an adjustable hoop. The training device has a stand with a set of collapsible and extendable legs to enhance stability when the device is laid on a tennis court, grass or other flat surface. A hollow tubular lower height-adjustment member is coupled to and extends vertically upward from the stand. A hollow tubular intermediate height-adj ustment member is telescopic-ally received by and siidable through the lower height-adjustment member. A hollow tubular upper height-adj ustment member is teieseopica!iy received by and siidable through the intermediate height-adjustment member. The lower, Intermediate and upper height- adjustment members can be pulled upwardly and outwardly so as to stand in vertical end-to-end alignment one above the other. Threaded compression nuts surround and interlock the overlapping ends of the lower, intermediate and upper height-adjustment members so as to maintain the vertical end-to-end alignment thereof above the stand. [0006] The practice device includes an adjustable hoop thai is coupled to and rotatable relative to the upper hdght-adjustment member by means of a hoop carrier. The hoop is preferably circular, but may include one or mors flat, sides or a plurality of arcuate sides that are dstachahi connected together. One end of the hoop carrier is pivotahy connected to the upper height- adjustment member. A mounting sleeve having a channel running longitudinally therethrough is fixedly connected to the opposite end of the hoop carrier. The adjustable hoop is received by and retained within the channel through the mounting sleeve. A curved guide rail is detac-hab!y connected to the top of the upper height-adjustment member. The hoop earner is adapted to rotate over the curved guide rail to cause a corresponding rotation of the mourning sleeve and the hoop that is retained by the mounting sleeve so that the position of the hoop is adjustable through an arc which extends between a vertical position facing the player and a horizontal position facing the ground. Once the position of the hoop Is selected, a fastener (e.g., a pull pin) is removably inserted through axia!ly-a!i ued holes formed in the hoop carrier and the guide rail to prevent a displacement of the hoop carrier and the hoop which is carried thereby,

I_. 07J In operation, once the position of the hoop is selected and locked in place by the fastener, the stand of the practice device Is stationed as desired on a tennis court adjacent the net or on a green or fairway of a golf course. The tennis or golf player practices his stroke and form while attempting to hit a tennis bail or golf ball through the hoop which extends above the stand. f^'0008] According to another preferred embodiment, a portable training device is disclosed to he used for a variety of sports (e.g., basketball) and non-sports related activities. The training device has a collapsible stand with a set of folding legs thai are rotatable between horizontally extended and vertically collapsed positions. Lower, intermediate and upper height adjustment members are teleseopically received arid slidable one within the ethe so as io stand vertically upward between the stand and a rotaiab!e hoop. An end cap surrounds the top of each of the lower and intermediate height adjustment members. Each end cap has a locking collar through which the intermediate and upper height adjustment members are pulled or pushed to adjust the elevation of the hoop above the ground. A locking bolt is manipulated to compress each of the locking collars and thereby hold the lower, intermediate and upper height adjustment members in end-io-end alignment with one another,

|0OO9] The rotas.able hoop is pivotally connected to and detachable from the top of the upper height adjustment member by means of a hoop connector. A threaded, locking pin is pushed through the upper height adjustment member and the hoop connector to be connected to a threaded knob and thereby establish an axle around which the hoop can rotate between vertical and horizontal positions depending upon the activity io be practiced. That is, the position of the rotatabie hoop is selectively adjustable above the stand both vertically (by means of raising or lowering the lower, intermediate and upper height adjustment members) and horizontally (by rotating the hoop at the hoop connector relative to the height adjustment members).

[00101 The rotatabie hoop can be separated (i.e., pulled off) from the upper height adjustment member at the hoop connector, in this case, one end of a horizontal cross bar is detachahiv connected to the top of the upper freight adjustment member by means of a first elbow joint, A vertical suspension bar is detacaably connected to the opposite end of the horizontal cross bar by means of a second elbow joint so that the suspension, bar depends downwardly from the cross bar towards the ground. The rotatabk hoop is BOW deiachabiy connected to the suspension bar at the hoop connector, whereby the hoop is suspended from and held by the suspension bar above the ground. The elevation of the rotatable hoop off the groimd can be selectively adjusted by means of raising or lowering the lower, isiterniediste and upper height adjustment members above the stand. RIE hDhS ^'RIP^'IIC (>liT ]E,I¾ AWI ¾S

0011] FIG. ! shows a training device having a position adjustable hoop according to a first preferred embodiment of this invention located adjacent a tennis net for use by a tennis player;

[0012 f FIG. 1A shows a variation of the adjustable hoop from the training device illustrated in FIG. 1 wherein the hoo has at least one flat side; fOG13j FIG. 2 shows an enlargement of the training device of FIG. 1 with the adjustable hoop standing above a hoop support and a stand and being roiaiabie relative to the hoop support between vertical and horizontal positions;

|0014] FIGs. 3 and 4 sho a rotatabk- hoop earner to which the adjustable hoop of the practice device of FIG. 1 is attached;

[OOISJ FIGs. 5 arsd 6 show an optional c!ip-on serve toss ring to be deiachabiy connected to the adjustable hoop of the training device of FIG. 1 ; [001.61 FIGs. 7 and 8 show a modified collapsible hoop to be used by the training device of FIG. i ;

[0017} FIG. 9 shows the training device with adjustable hoop according to a second, preferred embodiment located at a golf course for use by a golfer;

[001 S} FIG. 10 shows a training device having a stand and a position adjustable hoo according to a third preferred embodiment to be used for a variety of sports and non-sports related activities;

10019] FIG. 1 1 shows the training device of FIG. .1 with the stand thereof having folding legs that are rotated to a collapsed condition;

[0020] FIG. 12 shows details of the folding legs of the stand of the training device of FIG. 10 being pivotaliy connected to the bottom of a set of height adjustment members of the training device;

[0021 ] FIG. 13 shows details of the positional adjustable hoop being pivotaliy and dctachabiy connected to the set of height, adjustment members of the training device of FIG. 1.0;

[00221 FIGs, 14- 17 show the training device of FIG. 1 with the position of the hoop thereof adjusted above the stand for use in practicing different sports; 100231 FIG. 18 is an exploded view of a training device ^'having a stand and a position adjustable hoop which is a modification of the training device o f FIG . 10;

|00241 FIG. 19 shows details of the adjustable hoop being suspended above the ground by means of a horizontal cross bar and a vertical suspension bar deiackably connected to the stand of the training device of FIG. 18; and

£0025f FIGs. 20 and 21 show the training device of FIG. 18 with the position adjustable hoop thereof suspended above the ground for use in both sports and non-sports related activities.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED E BODIMEN

(0026] Referring initially to FIG. 1 of the drawings, there is shown a portable tennis training device I according to a first preferred embodiment of this invention. The tennis training device 1 is ideally positioned adjacent a net 50 of the kind typically .found on a tennis court, However, the tennis training device 1 of this invention can also he used on any tlat surface without a net or with any suitable barrier having a height which simulates the height of the usual tennis net. The tennis training device 1 is preferably used in combination with a movable target 60 which is laid on the tennis court behind the tennis net 50. The training device 1 and target 60 can be stationed on the tennis court to lie at either the same or opposite sides of the tennis net 50.

[0027] As will be described in greater det l hereinaf er, the tenuis training device 1 includes a hoop 3 at the top thereof The position of the hoop 3 can be selectively adjusted relative to the tennis net 50 in both linear (i.e., vertical) and rotational directions so that a tennis player can practice his form and strokes while hitting a tennis bah through the hoop. The player can use the tennis training device I with or without the target 60, In ihe case where the target 60 is employed, the position of the hoop 3 and the location of the target 60 can be adjusted relative to one another so that ihe player practices hittmg a tennis bail through the hoop to land close to the target,

1002 S I The adjustable hoop 3 enables the player to practice his volley shots while standing close to the hoop and/or his serve and ground strokes standing away from the hoop. At the same time, the position of the hoop 3 above the net 50 can be selectively adjusted depending upon the age and height of the player. n any ease, the hoo 3 of training device I helps the player practice hitting a tennis ball to a particular location and elevation above the net 50 so as to reach the target 60. For more advanced players, the player can also practice applying spin to a ball and the arc along which the tennis ba must travel to pass through the hoop 3 from different positions on the tennis comt. What is more, the hoop 3 can be lowered so that the bottom, thereof lies below the top of the tennis net 50. This will cause the player to practice bitting the tennis ball through a smaller hoop area lying close to and just above the top of the net 50 which is desirable in many game si uations,

10029] The hoop 3 of tenuis training device 1 is shown in FIG. I as being circular, ^'in this case, it has been found that a hoop diameter of about 31 inches is ideal for practicing most tennis snots. It is to be understood that the hoop 3 can have a variety of different configurations and shapes. By way of example, a circular hoop 3-1 can be manufactured with a flat (i.e., straight} bottom 4 like that shown in FIG. 1 A for an advantage that will be described when referring to FIGs. 3 and 4, By way of another example, the hoo 3 can have flat rather than round sides. The hoop 3 is preferably manufacture from any suitable impact-resistant material such as plastic, metal, wood, or the like.

[9030] Referring now to FIG. 2 of the drawi ngs, details are provided of the teams training device I that was described while referring to FIG. 1. The training device I includes a stand 5 to be seated upon the tennis court adjacent the net 50 as shown in FIG. 1 . he stand 5 has a set of collapsible legs 7 thai are common to a tripod to enhance the stability of the device L The legs 7 are coupled to a hollow tubular lower height-adjustment member 9 of a hoop support by means of hinges 10. Thus, the legs 7 are adapted to be folded (i.e., rotated) at the hinges 10 relat ve to the lower height-adjustment member 9 from an outstretched position, as shown, to a collapsed position in axial alignment with the lower height-adjustment member to facilitate storage or transport of the training device 1. As an option, each of the legs 7 of the stand 5 may have a retractable extension 12 that is siidab!y received within the leg 7.

1_.0031] The hoop support of the ten is training device 1 also includes a hollow tubular intermediate height-adjustment member 14. The intermediate height-adjustment member 14 is shaped and sized (i.e.. with a smaller diameter) so as to be siida y and teiescopiea!iy received within the hollow tubular lower height-adjustment member 9. The intermediate height- adjustment member 14 can be pulled outwardly or pushed inwardly of the lower height- adjustment member 9 as is needed in order to correspondingly adjust the height above the base 5 of the hoop 3 that Is carried at the top of the training device 1. ]0Θ32] FIG. 2 shows the intermediate height-adjustment member 14 pulled upwardly and outwardly from the lower height-adjustment member 9 so as to he in vertical end o-end alignment therewith. In its upstanding position as shown, the lower or bottom end of the intermediate height-adjustment member 14 is received inside and releasably attached to ihe upper end or top of the lower height-adjustment member 9,

[0033] A well-known threaded compression nut 16 which surrounds the intermediate height- adjustment member 14 is rotated into mating engagement with a correspondingly threaded portion of the lower height-adjustment member 9 so tha the overlapping ends of the lower height-adjustment member 9 and the intermediate height-adjustment member 14 will be held in place standing vertically one above the other. Rather than the aforementioned threaded nut 16. a removable locking pin (not shown) can be inserted through axial!y-aligned locking holes (also not shown) in order to hold the intermediate and lower height-adjustment members 14 and 9 one above the other. By way of example, a suitable locking pin can be any of a spring-loaded plnnge pin, hitch pin. pull ring pin. or the like.

|0034| The hoop support of the tennis training device 1 also includes a hollow tubular upper height-adjustment member 18, The upper height- adjustment member 18 is shaped and ske (i.e., with a smaller diameter) to be shdably and ieleseopically received within the intermediate height-adjustmen member 14. The upper height-adjustment member 18 can be pulled outwardly or pushed inwardly of the intermediate height-adj ustment member 14 as is needed to correspondingly adjust the height above ihe base 5 of the hoop 3 that is carried at the top of the training device 1. FIG, 2 shows the upper height-adjustment member IS pulled upwardly and outwardly from the intermediate height-adjustment member 14. In its upstanding position as shown the lower end or bottom of the upper height-adj ostment member 18 is received inside and releasabiy attached to the upper end or top of the intermed ate height-adjustment member 14,

100351 A threaded compression, nut 20 which surrounds the upper height-ad ustment member 18 is rotated into mating engagement with a correspondingly threaded portion of the intermediate height-adj stment member 14 so that the overlapping ends of the upper and intermediate height- adjustment members 18 and 1 will be held in place standing upwardly one above the other. The threaded nut. 20 which holds the overlapping ends of the height-adjustment members 14 and I S may be identical to that described when referring to the end-to-end engagement of the intermediate hei ht-adj ustmein member 14 to the lower height-adj ustment member 9. 0036} The previously described adjustable hoop 3 is coupled to the top of the hollow upper height-adjustment member S of the training device 1 so that the hoop 3 can he rotated continuously relative to member 1 8 through an arc of about 90 degrees from a vertical position, in axial alignment with the upper height-adjustment .member 18, to a horizontal position, m perpendicular alignment with member 18, In its vertical position, the central opening through the hoop 3 will race the player io enable serves, volleys, ground strokes, etc. to be practiced. In its horizontal position, the central opening through the hoop 3 will be parallel to the ground to enable dropshois to be practiced. As will soon be explained, the adjustable hoop 3 can. be rotated to any location between the vertical ana horizontal positions described above depending upon the training activity of the player. 0037) The adjustable hoo 3 is coupled to the upper height-adj ustment member 1 8 by means of a hoop carrier having a pair of spaced, parallel -aligned arms 24. Turning to FIGs. 3 and 4 of the drawings, first ends of the hoop carrier arms 24 are shown p-votally connected to the upper height-adjustment member IS by a fastener 26. The fastener 26 extends through axi ally-aligned openings (now shown) formed through the first ends of the hoop carrier arms 24 and the top of the upper height-adjustment member 18 located therebetween such that the hoop carrier anus 24 are rotatable through the aforementioned 90-degree are relative to member 1.8. It is preferable that the fastener 26 is deiachably connected to and removable from the upper height-adjustment member IS so that the hoop carrier arms 24 can be separated from the training device 1 to facilitate ihe transport and compact storage thereof.

[0038] A mounting sleeve 28 having a channel 29 running longitudinally therethrough is affixed to the opposite ends of the hoop carrier arms 24. The size and shape of t e channel 29 through the mounting sleeve 28 corresponds to the size and shape (i.e., cross-section) of the hoop 3, The hoop 3 is received through and retained in frictionai engagement with the sleeve 28 so that the sleeve is rolatahfe above the upper height-adj ustment member 18 of practice device 1 by means of the hoop carrier arms 24. To this end and as was previously explained, the hoop 3 can he manufactured with a straight bottom (designated 4 in FIG. 1 A) to be located within and make a tight f t with the channel 29 through the mounting sleeve 28,

[0039 guide rail 30 having a curved body and stops 31-1 and 31-2 projecting outwardly from opposite ends of the body is connected to the top of the upper height-adjustment member 18. A fastener 32 (of FIG. 4) extends through the guide rail 30 for receipt by a plug (not shown) located within the top of the hollow upper height-adjustment member I S by which to secure the gi5j.de rail 30 atop member I S. It is preferable that the fastener 32 be defachahly connected to and removable from the upper height-adj ushnant member IS so that the guide rah 30 can be separated from the training device 1 to facilitate the transport and compact storage thereof.

101340) A series of angle adjustment holes 36 are spaced from one another through the curved body of the guide rail 30, An angle retention hole 38 is formed through each of the pair of rotatable hoop carrier arms 24. The hoop carrier arms 24 are simultaneously rotated along the carved body of guide rail 30 for correspondingly rotating the hoop 3 through the arc between the vertical and horizontal positions (as shown in FIG, 2) relative to the upper height- adjustment member 18. The outwardly-projecting stops 1-1 and 31 -2 at the opposite ends of the guide rail 30 are sized so as to be able to engage the mounting sleeve 28 and thereby prevent an over- rotation of the hoop carrier arms 24 past the vertical and horizontal positions,

[0041] The hoop carrier arms 24 are rotated to a desired position over the guide rail 30 until the hoop 3 thai is retained by the mounting sleeve 28 is correspondingly rotated as desired between the vertical and horizontal positions of FIG. 2. A pull ring pin 40 (of FIG, 4} or any other suitable fastener is pushed through the angle retention hole 38 of each of the hoop carrier arms 24 and an axialiy-aligned one of the angle adjustment holes 36 of the guide rail 30 to prevent a further rotation of the hoop carrier arms 24 and a corresponding displacement of the hoop 3. However, should it be necessary to change the position of the hoop 3 during training, the pull ring pin 40 is pulled out of the angle adjustment and angle retention holes 36^" and 38 to allow the hoop carrier arms 24 to again be rotated along the guide rail 30 as is necessary. |β9 2| FiGs. 5 and 6 of -he drawings show an optional feaiisxe of the tennis training device 1 that was described while referring to FIGs, 1-4 to enable the player to practice his serve toss. A clip- on serve toss ring 44 is detaehably connected to the hoop 3 of the training device I after the hoop has first been rotated (by means of the hoop carrier amis 24} to the vertical position of FIG. 5 standing upwardly from the upper height-adjustment member 18. The serve toss ring 44 has a pair of well-known clip fasteners 46. Each clip fastener 46 includes a pair of flexible grasping fingers 48 having a spring memory so that the fingers are urged to close towards one another. The serve loss ring 44 is coupled to the top of the hoop 3 when the hoop is in its vertical position so that the ring 44 projects horizontally outward and in perpendicular alignment therewith by moving the clip fasteners 46 until the hoop is received between the pairs of tlexibie grasping fingers 48. The serve toss ring 44 has a diameter of about 12 inches to enable the player to practice over time tossing a tennis bail above his head and out in front so that the ball will drop through the ring to simulate a serve.

[00431 FIGs. 7 and 8 of the drawings show a modified collapsible hoop 70 which can be substituted for the hoop 3 of the tennis training device of FIG. 1. The hoop 70 is formed by a plurality of arcuate hoop segments 72-1 . , ..^'72- that are coupled to one another by means of fasteners 74, The fasteners may be removed horn the hoop 70 to permit the hoop segments 72- 1...72-4 to be separated from each other and enable the hoop 70 to be more easily attached to the mounting sleeve 28. Alternatively, the fasteners 74 can be simply loosened to permit the hoop segments 72-1...72-4 to rotate around the fasteners and collapse together to reduce the size of the hoop 70 and thereby facilitate transport and a compact storage package. |0 44] FIG. 9 of the drawings shows the identical portable training device 1 that was earlier described for use by a tennis player now being used by one practicing his golf swing and technique according to another preferred embodiment of this invention. The stand 5 of the golf training device 1 can be moved to any suitable position at a golf course to enable the player to hit bis golf bail through the hoop 3 towards a target SO (e.g., a flag). In this ease, the golfer can adjust the position of the hoop 3 in the manner previously disclosed to practice the line and height of his shots (e.g.. drives, pitches, wedge shots, etc,) through the hoop as the practice device is moved to different distances from the target 80,

| 045] FiGs. 1 and 1 1 of the drawings show a portable and adjustable training device 80 according to a third preferred embodiment of this invention. As will be described when referring hereinafter to FiGs. 14-17, the training device SO may be used to enable players to practice a variety of different activities. However, by virtue of its easily-adjustable nature, the training device 80 has the versatility to be used by the same individual or different individuals for both sporting (e.g., basketball) and non-sporting events. Moreover, the adjustable training device SO can be used both indoors and outside on any suitable play surface including a wooden floor, concrete or grass.

10046] Like the training device 1 described while referring to FiGs. 1-9, the training device 80 includes a collapsible stand 82 and a rotatable hoop 84. A set 86 of telescoping height- adjustment members extends between the collapsible stand 82 and the rotatable hoop 84. As will soon be explained, the position of the hoo SO can be selectively adjusted relative to the stand 84 in both linear {i.e., vertical) and rotational {i.e., horizontal) directions depending upon the activity to be completed,

|i?0471 The collapsible stand 82 of the training device 80 has a set of folding legs 88, whereby the stand can be manipulated between a deployed condition {best shown in FIG, 10) during use of the training device 80 and a collapsed condition (best shown in FIG. .1 1 ) to form a compact assembly for transport or storage when the training device is not being used. A first end of each folding leg 88 is connected to a flat loot 90. The fiat feet 90 of the folding legs 88 are rotatable so as to lay flat upon or be rotated relative to the play surface and thereby maximize the stability of the training device §0 during practice.

[0048] The opposite end of each folding leg 88 is pivotaUy coupled to a pair of leg brackets 92 so as to lie therebetween and be rotatable relative thereto. Each pair of leg brackets 92 extends outwardly from a base 94 that lies in surrounding engagement with the bottom of the set 86 of height-adjustment members. For the training device SO of FIGs. 10 and 11 , a total of three folding legs 88 are shown. Therefore, the collapsible stand SO includes a corresponding three pairs of leg brackets 92 between which respective ones of the folding legs 88 are pivoially connected.

10049} The folding legs 88 of the col lapsible stand 82 are preferably hollow elongated tubes or posts. Referring to FIG, 12 of the drawings, each folding leg 88 is shown pivoiaily coupled between a pair of parallel- aligned leg brackets 92 by means of an axle (e.g., a threaded bolt 90) which runs laterally through the pair of leg brackets 92 and the hollow folding leg 88. A .fastener (e.g., a threaded nut 98} is rotated into mating engagement with the threaded bo 96 to hold the boll in place so thai the folding leg 88 can be rotated therearound as the stand 82 is manipulated between the deployed and ihe collapsed conditions,

{00501 A first pair of retractable spring-loaded lock-release snap pins 100-1 and 100-2 projects outwardly from one side of each of the hollow folding legs 88 of the collapsible stand 82. A second pair of 'retractable snap pins (not shown) projecis from the opposite side of each ibiding leg 82. The pair of snap pins 100-1 and 100-2 are connected to one another so as to move relative to the leg 82 in unison in response to a pushing force applied thereto. A lower first pair of locking holes 102 are axialiy aligned with one another through each pair of locking brackets 92 to which a folding leg 88 is pivotally coupled. An upper second pair of locking holes 103 are axial.lv aligned with one another through each pair of locking brackets 92. An intermediate thi d pair of locking holes 104 are axialiy aligned with one another through each pair of locking brackets 92, f 00511 With the collapsible stand 82 of the training device 80 in. its deployed condition of FIG. 10, the collapsible legs 88 are outstretched generally horizontally from the base 94 from which the set 86 eight-adj ustment members is upstanding. In this ease, ihe pair of retractable spring- loaded lock-release snap pins 100-1 and 100-2 are urged outwardly from each side of a hollow folding leg 88 by means of a spring (not shown) located inside the leg so that a first of the pair of snap pins 100-2 is received and captured by the intermediate locking hole 104 formed in one of the pair of leg brackets 92, The receipt of the snap pin 100-2 by the locking hole 104 locks the folding legs 88 i their outstretched position of FIG. 12 to hold the collapsible stand 82 m its deployed condition.

[0052] When ii is desirable to manipulate the collapsible stand 82 to its collapsed condition of FIG. 11 , a pushing force is applied to the second of the pair of retractable snap pins 100-1 at each side of the hollow folding leg 88, The pushing force causes snap pin 100-1 to retract inwardly of its leg 88. The retraction of snap pin 100-1 causes the first snap pin 100-2 to simultaneously move out of its locking receipt by the locking hole 104 and inwardly relative to ts leg 88. The folding leg 88 is now free to be rotated upwardly around the bolt (i.e., axle) 96 in the direction of reference arrow 1.06 from its outstretched horizontal, position of FIG. 12 to a vertical position shown in FIG. 1 1 lying in generally side~by-si.de parallel alignment with the set 86 of heighi- adj ustnien members. f 00531 As the folding leg 88 is rotated upwardly towards the set 86 of height-adjustment members, the lock-release snap pins 100- 1 and 100-2 are correspondingly rotated until the first snap pin 1.00-2 is received and captured by the upper locking hole 103 formed in leg bracket 92. That is, the pair of spring-loaded lock-release snap pins 100- 1 and 100-2 will be once again urged outwardly from the folding leg 88 so thai snap pi 1 0-2 moves through locking hole 103, whereby to lock the folding leg 88 in its vertical position of FIG. 1 1 to enable a compact and space-efficient collapsed condition for the training device 80. This process is repeated until all of the folding legs 88 of the collapsible stand 82 are rotated and held, in place vertically and alongside the set 86 of height-adjustment members. j^'00541 The same process may be followed by applying a pushing force to the second lock- release snap pin 100-1 at each side of the folding leg 88 by which to enable the kg to rotate downwardly in a direction opposite to that of the reference arrow 106 until the first snap pin 100- 2 is received in and captured by the lower locking hole 102. Thus, the folding leg 88 of stand 82 will be angled downwardly from the brackets 92 (not shown) to lift the sei 86 of height- adjustment members higher above the ground.

(0055) Like the previously-disclosed training device 1 of FIGs. 1-9, the set So of die height- adjustment members of the adjustable training device 80 of FIGs. 10 and Π which extends between the collapsible stand 82 and the rotatabie hoop 84 includes a lower height-adjustment member 1 12, an upper height-adjustment member 1 14_? and an intermediate height-adjustment member 1 16. Although the set 86 includes three hei ght-adj ustment members 112, 1 14 and 116, this Is for the purpose of example only, and more or less than the aforementioned three members may be used depending upon how high the hoop 84 will be raised above the stand 82. f0056) Each of the height-adjustment members 1 12, 1 14 and 1 16 is preferably an upstanding hollow tube or post extending one above the other. The lower height-adjustment member 1 12 is attached to the collapsible stand 82 at the base 94. fOOS?] The intermediate height-adjustment member 1 16 is shaped and sized (i.e., with a smaller cross section) so as to be shdabiy and telescopically received within the hollow lower height- adjustment member 1 12. The intermediate height-adjustment member 1 16 can be pulled outwardly or pushed inwardly of the lower height-adjustment member 1 12 as is needed in order to correspondingly adjust the height of the hoop 84 that is carried at the top of the set 86 of height-adjustment members. The intemiediate height-adjustment member 116 can be pulled upwardly and outwardly from the lower height-adjustment member 1 12 so as to lie in vertical end.-to-end. alignment therewith. In its upstanding position as shown in FIG. 14, the bottom of the intermediate height-adjustment member 116 is received inside and releasably attached to the top of the lower height-adjustment member 1 12,

[0058] The upper height-adjustment member 114 is shaped and sized (i.e.. with a smaller cross section) to be slidably and telescopic-ally received within the intermediate height-adjustment member 1 16, The upper height-adjustment member 114 can be pulled outwardly or pushed inwardly of the intemiediate height-adjustment member .1 16 as is needed to correspondingly adjust the height of the hoop 84 above the stand 82 of the training device SO, FIG, 14 shows the upper height-adj ustniei member 1 14 palled upwardly and outwardly from the intermediate height-adjustment member 1 6. In its upstanding position, the bottom of the upper height- adjustment member 114 is received inside and releasably attached to the top of the intermediate height-adjustment member 116.

|O059f As is best shown in FIG, 13 of the drawings, an end. cap 118-1 lies in surrounding engagement with the top of the lower height-adjustment member 1 12, A flexible locking collar 120-1 having an open gap 121 running between adjacent portions thereof is eo-extensively connected to and located above the end cap 1 18-1. The locking collar 120-1 surrounds the intermediate height-adjustment member 1.16 near the top thereof. A pair o.f cylindrical ax i ally- aligned bolt sleeves 1.22 and 124 are spaced from one another along one side of the flexible locking collar 120-1 so that the sleeves lie at opposite sides of the gap 121 in the collar 120-1 which surrounds the intermediate height-adjustment member 1 16, A threaded locking bolt 126 extends through the cylindrical bolt sleeves 122 and 124. A threaded locking knob 128 is rotated into mating engagement with one end of the threaded locking bolt 126, such that a rotational force applied to the locking knob 128 applies a pulling force to and a corresponding linear displacement of the locking bolt 126 through the axially-ahgned bolt sleeves 122 and 124.

100601 As earlier described, the intermediate height-adjustment member 1 16 is shdabie through the lower height-adjustment member 1 12. However, when the locking knob 1.28 is rotated and the locking boh 126 is pulled through the bolt sleeves 122 and 1 4 towards the locking knob, a compressive force is generated by the locking collar 120-1 at the gap 1.21. In this ease, the gap 121 is closed, and the locking collar 120-1 is tightened around the intermediate height- adjustment member 1 16 to prevent the intermediate member from sliding into or out of the lower height-adjustment member 1 1.2, Thus, the intermediate height- adjustment member 1 1 is held in place relative to the lower height-adjustment member 1 12 either retracted therewithm as shown in FIG, 13 or extended outwardly therefrom as shown m FIG. 14, By rotating the locking knob 128 in an opposite direction, the locking bolt 1 6 is loosened within the bolt sleeves 122 and 124 to reduce the compressive force applied by the locking collar 120-1 so as to perniii an adjustment of the intermediate height-adjustment member 116 relative to the lower height-adjustment member 1 12. In this case, the knob 128 can be rotated and separated from the locking bolt 26 so that the holt can he pushed out of and separated from the boh sleeves 122 and 124, {006.11 An end cap 1 18-2 lies in surrounding engagement with the top of the upper height- adjustment member 114. A flexible locking collar 120-2 having a gap 130 formed therein is co- extensively connected to and located above the end cap 1 18-2. The locking collar 120-2 surrounds the upper hei ght-adjusiment member 1 14 near the top thereof. A pair of cylindrical, axiaHy-ahgned bolt sleeves 132 and 134 are affixed to and spaced from one another along one side of the flexible locking collar 120-2 which surrounds the upper height-adjustment member 1 14. A threaded locking bolt 136 extends through the cylindrical bolt sleeves 132 and 134. A threaded locking knob 1 38 is rotated into mating engagement with one end of the threaded looking bolt 136, such that a rotational force applied to the locking knob 1 38 applies a pulling force to and a corresponding linear displacement of the locking bolt 136 through the axially- aiigned bolt sleeves 1 2 and 134 and towards the knob 138.

[Θ062] As was also previously described, the upper height-adjustment member 1 14 is slidab!e through the intermediate height-adjustment member 1 16. When the locking knob 138 is rotated and the locking bolt 136 is pulled through the boh sleeves 132 and 134, a compressive force is generated by the locking collar 120-2 at the gap 130, whereby the gap is closed and locking collar is tightened around the upper height-adjustment member 1 16. When the locking knob 138 is rotated in an opposite direction, the locking pin 136 is loosened within the bolt sleeves 1 2 and 134 to reduce the compressive force being applied by the locking collar \ 20-2. Increasing or reducing the compressive force generated by the locking collar 120-2 around the upper height- adjustment .member 114 by rotating the lockmg knob 138 allows the adjustment of the upper height-adjustment member 1 14 relative to the intermediate height-adjustment member 1 16 between retracted and extended positions. |0Θ631 Continuing to refer to FIG. 13, the rotaiable hoop 84 of the training device SO is shown connected to the upper hei ghi-adj iisiment member 1 14 by means of a pivotal hoop connector 144. The hoop 84 is preferably round, although the precise shape and dimensions thereof may vary depending upo the nature of the practice activity. A pair of hollow receptacles 1 0 of the hoop 84 receive respective opposite ends of a flat head portion 142 of the hoop connector 144, The pivotal hoop connector 144 sits atop and is deiachabfy connected to upper height-adj ustment member 1 14. A removable threaded locking pin 146 extends through the upper height- adjustment member 1 14 and a pair of ears 1.48 that depend downwardly at opposite sides of the hoop connector 144 so as to lie against opposite sides of member 1 14. A threaded locking knob 150 is rotated into mating engagement with one end of the threaded locking pin 138. A slit 152 is formed in each ear 148 of the hoop connector 144 so as to communicate with the locking pin 146 extending through the ears,

(00641 The locking pin 1 6 functions as an axle around which the detachable hoop connector 144 can pivot in order to cause a corresponding rotation of the hoop 84 through an arc of 180 degrees relative to the set 86 of height-adjustment members (of FIG. 1 ) to a particular position that depends upon the activity being practiced. That is, a rotational force applied to the locking knob 150 causes a pulling force to be applied to and a corresponding linear displacement of the locking pin 1 towards the. knob. Depending upon the direction in which the locking knob 150 is rotated, the ears 148 of the hoop connector 144 will be either tightened against or loosened with respect to the upper height-adjustment member 1 14 to either lock the rota table hoop 84 in place or permit the hoop to rotate with the hoop connector 144 around the locking pin 146. |0065j By virtue of the detachable nature of the hoop connector 144, the rotatabie hoop 84 can be sepamted from the set 86 of height-adjustment meraber (of FIG. 10) to maximize the versatility of the training device 80. That is, the rotatabie locking knob 150 is rotated so that the locking pin 146 can be loosened and removed from its engagement with the upper height- adj ustment member 1 14 and the pair of ears 148 which extend from the hoop connector 144, After the locking pin 146 is removed, the detachable hoop connector 144 may be pulled upwardly and off the top of the upper height-adjustment member 114. In tbe alternative, once the locking pin 146 has been loosened (but not removed), an. upward pulling force applied to the hoop 84 will cause the hoop connector 144 to be simply pulled off the pin 1 6 via the slit .152 that is formed i the ears 148 of connecto 144. Tbe advantage of being able to separate the hoop 84 and the hoop connector 144 from the set 86 of height adjustment members will be explained while referring to FIG. 1.8.

[0066] FIGs. 14-1 7 of me drawings illustrate examples of different activities with which the training device 80 can be used during practice. For many sports, the training device 80 can be used to help a player visualize and practice the midpoint trajectory to ultimately land a shot in or near tbe final goal or target. Thus, the training device SO ideally functions as a midway target to help the player properly and more often have his shot reach the final goal or target Advanced athletes get the ball to the target with just the right amount of spin and arc (trajectory}. As an intermediate training aid. the training device 80 teaches the player the correct wa.y to repeatedl and successfully make a shot. In FIG. 14, the training device 80 is used by a basketball player with a conventional basketball stand, backboard and rim. In mis case, the lower, intermediate and upper height~adj ustment members 112, 1 .16 and 1 14 are fully extended and locked in end-to- end axial alignment with one another so as to raise the hoop 84 to an elevation above the stand 82 as is necessary to enable a basketball player to practice the arc at which he shoots a basketball towards the rim. The rotatable hoop 84 of training device SO is rotated (at the pivotal hoop connector 144) to an adjustable angle depending upon the distance between the device 80 and the basketball rim,

(0067J in FIG. 15, the training device 80 is used by a baseball player to practice pitching a baseball to a target or to another player. In this case, the set 86 of height-adjustment members are telescopically received one inside the other, and the rotatable hoop 84 stands verticall and upwardly from the hoop connector 144. Thus, the hoop 84 is held relatively close to the stand 82 and in axial alignment hh respect to the set 86 of height-adjustment members by which to enable the player to throw the baseball through the hoop,

£O068| h* FIG. 16, the training device 80 is used by a soccer player to practice kicking a soccer ball through the rotatable hoop 84 to improve the accuracy of his kicks. In FiG. 17, the training device 80 is used by a lacrosse player to practice hurling a bail into a net that is carried by the rotatable hoop 84. Regardless of the practice activity, the length of the set 86 of height- adjustment members and the angle of the rotatable hoop 84 relative to the members can be selectively adjusted during practice according to the skill and needs of the player.

}^'0069J FIGs. 18 and 19 of the drawings illustrate the versatility of the training device herein disclosed to be used in different activities. As was explained while referring to FiG. 13, the rotatabk hoop 84 is detachable at the pivotal hoo connector 144 thereof from the set 86 of height-adjustment members 1 12, 114 and 1 16 that stand vertically upward from the base 94 of the collapsible stand 82, FIG. 18 shows a modified training device 80-1. after the hoop 84 is detached from the upper height-adjustment member 1 14. Identical reference numerals are used to refer to parts of the modified training device 80-1 of FIGs. 18 and 19 which are the same as parts of the training device 80 of FIGs. 10-17.

{90701 The training device 80-1 includes first and second L-shaped elbow joints 1 54 and 1.56, a horizontal cross bar 158, and a vertical suspension bar 1 0, The first elbow joint 154 includes a hollow receptacle 1.62 at one end and a slotted hollow receptacle 1.64 (best shown in FIG. 19} at the opposite end. A first end of the horizontal cross bar 158 is removably received by the hollow receptacle 162 of the elbow joint 154, whereby the cross bar 158 and joint 154 are detachably connected together. The second elbow joint 156 includes a pair of hollow receptacles 166 and 168 at opposite ends thereof. The opposite end of the horizontal cross bar 158 is removably received by one hollow receptacle 1.66 of the elbow joint 156, whereby the cross bar 158 and joint 1.56 are detachably connected together, A first end of the vertical suspension bar 160 is removably received by the other hollow receptacle 1.68 of the elbow joint 1 6, whereby the suspension bar 160 and joint 156 are detachably connected together.

10071 The top of the upper height-adjustment member 1 14 is removably received, within the slotted hollow receptacle 164 of the elbow joint 154 so that the upper member 114 and the joint 154 are detachably connected together. A threaded locking screw 170 is inserted through a hole formed in the upper height-adjustment member 1 14 and a slot formed in the receptacle 1.64 of elbow joint 154, A threaded rotatable locking knob 1 71 is then rotated into releasable mating engagement with one end of the threaded locking screw 1 70. Accordingly, the horizontal cross bar 158 is held between elbow joints 154 and 156 above the ground, and. the vertical suspension bar 160 that is connected to elbow joint 1 56 depends downwardl therefrom towards the ground.

|0072| The rotatable hoop 84 of training device 80- 1 is detachabiy connected to and suspended frora the free end of the vertical suspension bar 160 in the same manner in which the hoop is connected to the upper height-adjustment member 1. 14 of the training device SO in the manner described while referring to the training device SO of FIG. 13. Tha is, the pivotal hoop connector 144 is seated on the bottom of the suspension bar 160 such thai the opposing slotted ears 14S of connector 144 are disposed adjacent opposite sides of the bar 160, A threaded locking screw 172 is inserted through the suspension bar 160 and the ears 148 of the hoop connector 144. A threaded locking knob 174 is then rotated into releasable mating engagement with one end of the threaded locking screw 172. The locking screw 172 functions as an axle around which the hoop connector 144 can pivot when the locking knob 174 is loosened to cause a corresponding adjustable rotation of the rotatable hoop 84. With the pivotal hoo connector 144 detachabiy connected to the bottom of the vertical suspension bar 160, the hoo 84 is held by the suspension bar 160 a distance away from the set 86 of height-adjustment members to be suspended above the ground. The hoop connector 144 can be separated from the vertical suspension bar 160 in the same manner as shown in FIG. 13.

[0O?3| The versatility of the training device 80-1 is m ximized when the hoop connector 144, the vertical suspension bar 160, the horizontal cross bar 158, and the set 86 of heigki-aciustrnent members are disconnected from one another. Not only is the disassembly compact to transport and store, but the hoop connector 144 may be connected directly to the upper height adj ustment member 1 14 (as shown in FIG, 10).

[007 1 FIGs. 20 and 21 of the drawings show examples of different applications of the training device 80- i of FIG. I S. The elevation of the rotatabie hoop 84 held by the suspension bar 160 above the ground may be selectively adjusted by correspondingly adjusting the positions of the height-adjustment members 1 12, 114 and l td relative to one another as previously described while referring to FIG. 13. in FIG. 20. the training device 80- 1 is used in another sports activity to enable a golfer to practice his golf shots by hitting a golf ball towards a target after the hoop 84 is moved to different elevations above the ground. In FIG, 21 , the training device 80-1 is used in a non-sports related activity as an exercise or training aid for a pet jumping through the hoop 84 after the hoop is moved to different elevations above the ground,

Claims

1. A training device (1, SO, 80-1 }, comprising:

a stand (5, 82) to lay on a surface;

a hoop (3. 84) having an opening through which to hit, throw or move an object by a user of the training device; and

a hoop support (18, 86) having a length and extending between said stand and said hoop to hold said hoop above said stand, said hoop coupled, to said hoop sup rt such that said hoop is rotatabte relative to said hoop support from a first vertical position axially- aiigned with and standing upwardly from said hoop support to a second position,

2. The training device (1. 80, 80- 1 ) recited in Claim 1 , wherein the length of said hoop support (18, 86) is adjustable between said stand and said hoop,

3. The training device (1, 80, 80-1 ) recited in Claim 2, wherein said hoop support includes at .least a hollow first height adjustment member (9, 1 12) interconnected with said stand (5, 82) and a second height adjustment member (18, 1 14) interconnected with said hoop (3, 84), said second, height adjustment member being siidable inwardl and out of said hollow

WO 2013/022893 ^;> ' PCT/US2012/049864 first height adjustment member to correspondingly adjust the length, of said hoop support between said stand and said hoop.

4. The training device ( } recited in Claim 4, further comprising means for coupling said hoop (3) to said hoop support (18), said coupling means including a sleeve (28) having a channel (29) running therethrough, said hoop being received through and retained by said sleeve at said channel thereof.

5. The training device ( 1) recited in Claim 4, wherein, said hoop (3-1 ) as at least one flat side (4) to be received by the channel (29) of said sleeve (28) by which hoo is retained by said sleeve.

6. The training device ( !) recited in Claim 4, wherein said coupling means also includes a hoop carrier arm (24) extending between said sleeve (2%) and said hoop support (181, said hoop carrier arm being pivotally connected and rotatab!e relative to said hoop support to cause a corresponding rotation of said sleeve and said hoop (3) retained by said sleeve,

7. The training device (.1) recited in Claim 6, wherein said, coupling means also includes a guide rail (30) connected to said hoop support ( 18) and having first and second stops ( 1 -1 ,

31 -2} located at opposite ends of said guide rail, said hoop carrier ami (24} rotating alon said guide rail between the first and second stops thereof

8. The training device (1) recited m Claim 7, wherein each of said hoop carrier mm {24} and said guide rail (30) has a hole (36, 38) extending therethrough, said coupling means also including a fastener (40) located through the holes of said hoop carrier arm and said guide Tail to prevent the rotation of said hoop carrier arm along said guide rail.

9. The training device (I ) recited in Claim K further comprising a serve, toss ring (44) including at least one clip (48), said serve toss ring de!achably connected to said hoop (3) by .means of said clip so that said serve toss ring extends in perpendicular alignment with said hoop.

10. A training device (80, 80-1 ), comprising:

a stand ( 82) to lay on a surface;

a hoop (84) a in an opening through which an object is moved by one using the training device;

WO 2013/022893 ~ ~^' PCT/US2012/049864 a hoop support (86) extending between said stand and said hoop to hold said hoop above said stand, said hoop coupled io said hoop support such that said hoo is rotatabie relative to said hoop support from a first location to a second location; and

a hoop connector (144) pivotaliy connected between said hoo support and said hoop so that said hoop is rotatabie relative to said hoop support at said hoop connector, said hoop connector being det&chab y connected to said hoop support so that said hoop is correspondingly detachable from said hoop support,

1 1 , The training device (80, 80- 1 ) recited n Claim 10, wherein said stand (82) has a vertical upstanding member (94) and a plurality of legs (88), aid legs being rotatabie relative to said vertical upstanding member f om a first position (FIG. 10) extending outwardly .from said m mber to a second position (FIG. 1 1 ) extending alongside said member, and

wherein each of said plurality of legs (88) is pivotal iy connected to the vertical upstanding member (94) of said stand ( 82) by way of at least one leg bracket (92), said leg bracket having a set of locking holes ( 102, 103, 104) formed therein, and each leg having at least one spring biased locking pin (100-2) extending therefrom to be urged into removable receipt by different ones of said set of locking holes of said bracket when said legs are rotated relative to said vertical upstanding member between said first and said second positions.

WO 2013/022893 ^" ~^" PCT/US2012/049864

12. The training device (80, 80-1 } recited in Claim 10. wherein said hoop support (86) inclttd.es at feast a hollo first height-adjustment member {1 16} interconnected with said stand (82} and a second height-adjustment memb (1 14) interconnected with said hoop (84), said second height-adj ustment member being s^'Jidable inwardly and out of said hollow first height-adjttshrsent member to correspondingly adjust the length of said hoop support between said stand and said hoop, said training device further comprising a flexible locking collar ( 120-2) surrounding said second height-adjustment member ( 1 14) and coupled to said first height-adjustment member 0.16), said flexible locking collar adapted to apply a compressive force to said second .height-adjustment member to prevent a displacement of said second height-adjustment member relative to said first height-adjustment member.

1.3- The training device (80, 80-1} recited in Claim 12, further comprising an end cap (1 18-2) connected to said first height-adjustment member (1 16), said flexible locking collar (120-2) coupled to said first height-adjustment member at said end cap thereof to prevent the displacement of said second height-adjustment member ( 114) relative to said first height- adjustment member (11 ) by means of the compressive force applied by said flexible locking collar to said second height-adjustment member.

14, The training device (80, 80-1 ) recited in Claim 13, wherein said end cap (1 18-2) is disposed below said flexible locking collar ( 120-2) and in surrounding engagement with said first heigl -adjusirneni member (1 16).

15, The training device (80. 80- 1 ) recited in Claim 12. wherein there is an open gap ( 130) running through said flexible locking collar (120-2) so thai a first pari of said locking collar is spaced from aw adjacent part by said open gap, said training device farther comprising m ans ( 132, 134. 136) to apply the compressive force to said flexible locking collar such that said open gap between the first and adjacent parts of said flexible locking collar is closed to tighten said flexible locking collar around said second heigln-adj«st?oem member (114).

1 , The training device (80, 80-1) recited in Claim 15, wherein the mea ns for applying the compressive force to said flexible locking collar (120-2) includes a pair of spaced, axia unaligned sleeves (132, 1 4) respectively connected to said locking collar at die flrst and adjacent parts thereof said framing device further comprising a fastener ( 1.36) moving through said spaced sleeves to pull said sleeves together and close the open gap (130) between the first and adjacent parts of said flexible locking collar and a knob (138) connected to one end of said fastener (136), such that a rota don of said knob causes said fastener to move through said spaced sleeves to thereby pull said sleeves together and close said gap.

1 7. The training device (SO) recited in Claim 10, wherein said hoop connector ( 144 ; includes a first end connected to said hoop (84) and an opposite end, said training device farther comprising a pivot pin ( 146) extending laterally through said hoop support (1 1 }, the opposite end of said hoop connector being pivotal ty connected to said hoop support at said pivot pin so that said hoop is ro atable relative to said hoo support.

I S. The training device (SO) recited in Claim 17. wherein the first end of said hoop conrtector (144) includes a head (142) having first and opposite projections, and said hoop (84) includes a pair of receptacles ( 140) thai are spaced from one another, the first and opposite projections at the head of said hoop connector being received by respective ones of the pair of receptacles of said hoop, whereby said hoop is connected to said hoop connector.

19. The training device (80) recited in Claim 1 7, wherein said hoop connector (1 4) includes a pair of ears ( I4S) located adjacent opposite sides of said hoop support (1 14), said pivot pin (146) extending through said pair of ear and said hoop support (1 14} located therebetween, each of said pair of ears having a slit (152) formed therein, said hoop connector ^'being detached from said hoop support in response to a palling force applied to

said hoop cormector ΐο cause said hoop connector to be pulled off said pin by way of the slits formed in said ears.

20. The training device (8(5-1 ) recited m Claim 10, wherein said hoop support includes a first vertical member ( 1 14) standing upwardly from s id stand (82), a horizontal mem er (1581 extending outwardly from said first vertical member, and a second vertical member (160) extending downwardly from said horizontal member, said hoop connector (144) being detachabiy connected to said second vertical member ( 160) such that said hoo (84) is suspended by said second vertical member above the stand.

2.1. The training device (80-1 ) recited in Claim 20, lurcher comprising a first elbow joint (154 } by which to connect said first vertical member ( .1 14) to one end of said horizontal member (158), and a second elbow joint (156) by which to connect said second vertical member ( 160) to the opposite end of said horizontal member ( 1 58).

22. The training device ($0-1 ) recited in Claim 20, wherein said hoop connector (144) is pivotally and detachable connected to said second vertical member (160 } by means of a pin (1 72) removably received through each of said hoop connector and said second vertical member.