WO2017054048A1

WO2017054048A1 - Ball training apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2017054048A1
Application number: PCT/AU2016/050916
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nana DONTOH
Original assignee: Dontoh Nana
Priority date: 2015-10-01
Filing date: 2016-09-29
Publication date: 2017-04-06

Abstract

A ball training apparatus is provided having an imitation ball (600) and a tethering line (200). The imitation ball (600) has a main body (602) and hollow core (604) extending longitudinally and axially through the main body (602) of the imitation ball (600) from end to end, defining openings (605) at either end of the imitation ball (600). The tethering line (200) adapted to be tethered to a user and/or structure, the tethering line (200) passing via the openings (605) through the hollow core (604).

Description

Ball training apparatus

Related Applications

[0001] This application is related to Australian Provisional Patent Application

No. 2015903996 entitled "Ball training apparatus" and filed on 1 October 2015 in the name of Nana Dontoh, the entire content of which is incorporated as if fully set forth herein.

Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a ball training apparatus for practising throwing or kicking a ball. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a ball training apparatus for use with oval shaped balls, such as are used in the sports of rugby union, rugby league, Australian rules football and American football, as well as other similarly shaped balls that can be thrown or kicked in an axially spinning fashion.

Background of the Invention

[0003] Ball sports such as rugby union, rugby league, Australian rules football and

American football involve players passing or kicking the ball from one player to another in accordance with various rules associated with each of the different games.

[0004] Particular techniques of passing the ball have developed over time and one particular technique of passing the ball is known as a spin pass, which involves the player spinning the ball about its longitudinal axis as the ball is thrown in a generally longitudinal direction. Also known as the spiral pass, the spin pass is one of the most frequently used passes in the game of rugby union due to its wide range of uses. The ball travels over a longer distance at a faster speed when in a spin pass compared to most other passes. The spin pass is executed by a player holding the ball and flicking his outside fingers (using the hand facing the direction of where the ball is travelling) and generating force and speed with his arms across his body. This requires complex co-ordination of movements to achieve the desired result of the ball travelling in an axial direction while spinning about its longitudinal axis. This has the effect of reducing drag on the ball as it moves through the air and allows the player to control the accuracy of the pass. It also allows the receiving player to accurately predict where the ball will arrive and in what orientation the ball will be received, making the task of catching the ball easier. [0005] The term 'spin pass', as it is used in this specification, is intended to encompass any technique of throwing a ball that results in the ball spinning about a longitudinal axis while travelling generally in the same longitudinal direction, or more scientifically, such that the tangential velocity is generally normal to the linear velocity at any point in time.

[0006] Spin passes are commonly thrown laterally in rugby union and rugby league, as well as overhead in rugby union for a set piece play known as a 'line out throw', and are thrown single-handedly overhead in American football. However, there are many different techniques for throwing the spin pass and each one requires long hours of training to perfect.

[0007] Other than targets that players can aim at when practising the spin pass, there is limited equipment that can assist a player in mastering this technique.

[0008] Further, when a player is practising alone, the ball must be retrieved before it can be passed or kicked again. If the player is practising with another player, then errant passes or kicks, which are common when learning, mean that one of the players must retrieve the ball before practising can continue. This wastes valuable practice time and can also result in players developing a lack of enthusiasm for practising these skills.

Object of the Invention

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the above disadvantages, or to provide a useful alternative.

Summary of the Invention

[0010] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a ball training apparatus

comprising:

an imitation ball having a central axis, wherein the imitation ball has a main body and hollow core extending longitudinally and axially through the main body of the imitation ball from end to end, defining openings at either end of the imitation ball;

a tethering line adapted to be tethered to a user and/or structure, the tethering line passing via the openings through the hollow core.

[0011] Preferably, the ball training apparatus further comprises a harness and/or strap for securing an end of the tethering line to a user or structure.

[0012] In one optional embodiment, the ball training apparatus further comprises a shoulder harness and a loop strap. [0013] In another optional embodiment, the ball training apparatus further comprises at least one waist harness.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the imitation ball imitates an official game ball of a regulated ball game, having generally the same weight, dimension and surface features as the official game ball.

[0015] Preferably, the imitation ball imitates an official game ball from rugby union, rugby league, Australian rules football or American football.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the main body of the imitation ball is formed about a cylindrical tube.

[0017] Preferably, the imitation ball has a pair of generally cylindrical end collars provided at either end of the hollow core to protect the opening at either end of the hollow core from damage.

[0018] Further preferably, each end collar has at least one radially projecting rib, projecting into the main body of the imitation ball and resisting removal of the end collar from the imitation ball.

[0019] Further preferably, each end collar has a flared outer end, wrapping around the main body of the imitation ball at either end and protecting the ends of the main body of the imitation ball.

[0020] Preferably, the main body of the imitation ball is formed from an inflatable bladder and an outer skin layer. Alternatively, the main body of the imitation ball is solid and, optionally, the main body is formed from an expanded polyurethane foam.

[0021] In one optional embodiment, the ball training apparatus further comprises a pole, the pole having a base at one end and an eyelet at an opposite end, the tethering line being adapted to connect to the eyelet to secure one end of the tethering line to the pole.

[0022] In another optional embodiment, the ball training apparatus further comprises a ball stopper having an attachment lug and a base, the base having a dimension that is greater than an inside diameter of the openings. Preferably, the base is formed from a resiliently deformable material. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of specific example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Fig. 1 depicts an imitation ball of a ball training apparatus;

[0025] Fig. 2 is a side view of the imitation ball of Fig. 1;

[0026] Fig. 3 is an end view of the imitation ball of Fig. 1;

[0027] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the imitation ball of Fig. 1;

[0028] Fig. 5 depicts an end collar of the imitation ball of Fig. 1;

[0029] Fig. 6 depicts a tethering line of the ball training apparatus;

[0030] Fig. 7 depicts a waist harness of the ball training apparatus;

[0031] Fig. 8 depicts a loop strap of a ball training apparatus;

[0032] Fig. 9 depicts a shoulder harness of a ball training apparatus;

[0033] Fig. 10 depicts an embodiment of the ball training apparatus;

[0034] Fig. 11 depicts a further embodiment of the ball training apparatus;

[0035] Fig. 12 depicts a ball stopper of the ball training apparatus;

[0036] Fig. 13 depicts a pole of the ball training apparatus;

[0037] Fig. 14 depicts a base and an eyelet attachment of the pole of Fig. 13;

[0038] Fig. 15 is an underside view of the base of Fig. 14;

[0039] Fig. 16 depicts another embodiment of an imitation ball of a ball training apparatus;

[0040] Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the imitation ball of Fig. 16; and

[0041] Fig. 18 depicts an end collar of the imitation ball of Fig. 16. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

[0042] The present disclosure provides a ball training apparatus in which a ball is able to be used in passing and kicking training, while being retained on a tethering line. The ball training apparatus includes an imitation ball, examples of which are depicted in Figs. 16 to 18 and Figs. 1 to 5, having a hollow axial core through which a tethering line passes to retain the imitation ball on the tethering line during use.

[0043] In one embodiment, depicted in Figs. 16 to 18, the imitation ball 600 has a generally cylindrical hollow core 604 extending longitudinally and axially through an inflatable main body 602 of the imitation ball 600 from end to end and defining

openings 605 at either end of the imitation ball 600.

[0044] As best shown in Fig. 17, the inflatable body 602 is typically formed by an inflatable bladder 603, which is bonded to a cylindrical tube 606, such as an ultra-low density polyethylene tube, to create the hollow core 604. An outer skin 614 extends around the inflatable bladder 603. At either end of the cylindrical tube 606 of the hollow core 604, the imitation ball 600 has an end collar 608, shown in isolation in Fig. 18 and typically formed from polyurethane. Each end collar 608 is generally cylindrical having an inner flared end 610, an outer flared end 611, and at least one radially projecting rib 612, projecting into the main body 602 of the imitation ball 600 and resisting removal of the end collar 608 from the imitation ball 600.

[0045] The outer flared end 611 of each end collar 608 provides a protective cuff that wraps around the end of the imitation ball 600 to protect the bladder 603 and outer skin 614 from wear and damage in the region adjacent to the end collar 608.

[0046] In another embodiment, depicted in Figs. 1 to 5, the imitation ball 100, has a solid main body 102 with a generally cylindrical hollow core 104 extending longitudinally and axially (along the X-X axis shown in Fig. 2) through the imitation ball 100 from end to end and defining openings 105 at either end of the imitation ball 100.

[0047] As best shown in Fig. 4, the solid body 102 is typically formed from expanded polyurethane foam bonded around a cylindrical tube 106, such as an ultra-low density polyethylene tube, to create the hollow core 104. At either end of the cylindrical tube 106 of the hollow core 104, the imitation ball 100 has an end collar 108, shown in isolation in Fig. 5 and typically formed from polyurethane. Each end collar 108 is generally cylindrical having flared ends 110 and at least one radially projecting rib 112, projecting into the main body 102 of the imitation ball 100 and resisting removal of the end collar 108 from the imitation ball 100.

[0048] In order to imitate the feel of an official game ball, the imitation ball 600, 100 is provided with an outer skin layer 614, 114, typically an elastomerised polyvinyl chloride layer. This outer skin layer 614, 114 is typically provided with a dimpled and/or spotted surface akin to official game balls used in professional rugby union, rugby league, and American football.

[0049] Optionally, the imitation ball 600, 100 may have a number of depressions formed in the outer surface. The depressions facilitate spinning of the imitation ball 600, 100 by the user. Further, the imitation ball 600, 100 is typically designed to have the same dimensions and weight as an official ball in order to imitate weight, size and feel of the game ball as accurately as possible. In alternative embodiments, the imitation ball is heavily weighted for fitness and strength training.

[0050] The ball training apparatus also includes a tethering line 200, depicted in Fig. 6, that passes via the openings 605, 105 through the hollow core 604, 104 of the imitation ball 600, 100 and can be tethered to one or more users and/or a structure. The tethering line 200 has clips 202 at either end to attach to users and/or structures. Typically, the tethering line 200 is formed from elastic cord.

[0051] Embodiments of the ball training apparatus 10 are depicted in Figs. 10 and 11 using the embodiment of imitation ball 100 depicted in Figs. 1 to 5. In each of these apparatus and any other arrangement, the embodiment of the imitation ball 600 depicted in

Figs. 16 to 18 can be substituted for the imitation ball 100 without altering the functioning of the ball training apparatus 10.

[0052] When tethered to a user, the apparatus further includes one or more harnesses for the user to wear. A waist harness 310, for use in lateral pass training between two users, is depicted in Fig. 7 and the assembled apparatus 10 is depicted in full in Fig. 10. A shoulder harness 320, for use in overhead throwing training, is depicted in Fig. 9 and a loop strap 330, for various applications, is depicted in Fig. 8. The loop strap 330 can be attached to an arm or leg of a user or to a post or other such structure. Each harness 310, 320, 330 is provided with D-loop attachment points 350, to which the ends of the tethering line 200 can be attached by way of the clips 202. [0053] By way of example, as depicted in Fig. 10, the assembled apparatus 10 includes a waist harness 310 attached at either end of the tethering line 200. Each user wears one of the waist harnesses 310 and the users can then practise laterally spin passing the imitation ball 600, 100 between each other.

[0054] By way of further example, as depicted in Fig. 11, the assembled apparatus 20 may include a shoulder harness 320, and a loop strap 330 attached at either end of the tethering line 200. This is particularly useful for line out throwing training, during which a user would wear the shoulder harness 320 and attach the loop strap 330 to a post, pole or other such target structure. This allows the user to repeatedly practise throwing the imitation ball at the target structure.

[0055] In either of the above examples, the imitation ball 600, 100 will only pass along the tethering line 200 if it is thrown correctly. If the imitation ball 600, 100 is not thrown such that it travels in a generally longitudinal axial direction, then the imitation ball 600, 100 will foul on the tethering line 200 and its trajectory will be arrested. This helps to ensure that the imitation ball 600, 100 is being passed correctly during training.

[0056] Fig. 12 depicts a ball stopper 400 having a base 402 and an attachment lug 404. The base 402 is typically made of a light-weight resiliently deformable material, such as rubber or polyvinyl chloride, and is dimensioned to be at least wider than the hollow core 604, 104 of the imitation ball 600, 100. In use, the ball stopper 400 is attached to a distal end of the tethering line 200, with a proximal end of the tethering line 200 attached to the user by way of a harness 310, 320, 330. When the user throws or kicks the imitation ball 600, 100, it travels along the tethering line 200 until it engages the ball stopper 400. When the imitation ball 600, 100 engages the ball stopper 400, the tethering line 200 stretches and the ball stopper 400 resiliently deforms. Then, the combined resilient recoil of the tethering line 200 contracting and the ball stopper 400 resiliently returning to its usual state propels the imitation ball 600, 100 back along the tethering line 200 towards the user.

[0057] For solo training and particularly for practising line out throwing, the apparatus may include a pole 500, as shown in Fig. 13. The pole 500 has an elongate shaft 502, comprising multiple threaded and/or telescopic pole sections 504, a threaded eyelet attachment 506 at the top of the shaft 502 and a base 508 at the bottom of the shaft 502.

[0058] The base 508 is depicted in further detail in Figs. 13 and 14. The base 508 has detachable, screw-threaded suction cup feet 510 for securing the base 508 on a smooth flooring surface for indoor use. The base 508 also has pivotally retractable pegs 512 for pegging the base 508 into the ground for outdoor use. Clips 514 in the base 508 secure the pegs 512 in a retracted position when not in use. A threaded socket 516 is also provided in the base 504 to receive the threaded end of a pole section 504 or the threaded end of the eyelet attachment 506. In this way, the length of the pole 500 can be customised by adding or removing pole sections 504, as desired.

[0059] By attaching a distal end of the tethering line 200 directly to the eyelet

attachment 506 of the pole 500, a user can practise throwing the imitation ball 100 at the top of the pole 500 whether indoors or outdoors.

[0060] The ball training apparatus can also be used or integrated with digital recording devices to determine, record and transmit motion characteristics such as the spin rate, distance travelled and trajectory of the imitation ball.

[0061] It is also envisaged that the imitation ball may be fitted with a sensor device for recording attribute data such as rotational and linear velocity, orientation, release angle, distance travelled, and trajectory. The sensor device may be implemented using one or more accelerometers, geo-location devices, and the like. The sensor device may be attached to the imitation ball in a thin patch of rubber or other material. The sensor device may include a wireless transmitter adapted to transmit the attribute data. The attribute data may be transmitted wirelessly to a mobile computing device for display, computation, and/or analysis of the various attribute data recorded. A social media platform may be used to store the data and/or display the data to the user.

[0062] By using the ball training apparatus of the present disclosure, a user can practise throwing lateral spin passes, line out throws, and other ball throwing and kicking techniques either on their own or with another user, while having the ball tethered to themselves to prevent the ball running away when thrown or kicked.

[0063] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A ball training apparatus comprising:

2. The ball training apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a harness and/or strap for securing an end of the tethering line to a user or structure.

3. The ball training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the ball training apparatus further comprises a shoulder harness and a loop strap.

4. The ball training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the ball training apparatus further comprises at least one waist harness.

5. The ball training apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the imitation ball imitates an official game ball of a regulated ball game, having generally the same weight, dimension and surface features as the official game ball.

6. The ball training apparatus of claim 5, wherein the imitation ball imitates an official game ball from rugby union, rugby league, Australian rules football, or American football.

7. The ball training apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main body of the imitation ball is formed about a cylindrical tube.

8. The ball training apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the imitation ball has a pair of generally cylindrical end collars provided at either end of the hollow core to protect the opening at either end of the hollow core from damage.

9. The ball training apparatus of claim 8, wherein each end collar has at least one radially projecting rib, projecting into the main body of the imitation ball and resisting removal of the end collar from the imitation ball.

10. The ball training apparatus of claim 8 or claim 9, wherein each end collar has a flared outer end, wrapping around the main body of the imitation ball at either end and protecting the ends of the main body of the imitation ball.

11. The ball training apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the main body of the imitation ball is formed from an inflatable bladder and an outer skin layer.

12. The ball training apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the main body of the imitation ball is solid.

13. The ball training apparatus of claim 12, wherein the main body is formed from an expanded polyurethane foam.

14. The ball training apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a pole, the pole having a base at one end and an eyelet at an opposite end, the tethering line being adapted to connect to the eyelet to secure one end of the tethering line to the pole.

15. The ball training apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a ball stopper having an attachment lug and a base, the base having a dimension that is greater than an inside diameter of the openings.

16. The ball training apparatus of claim 15, wherein the base is formed from a resiliently deformable material.