WO2020023442A1

WO2020023442A1 - Ball sport training device

Info

Publication number: WO2020023442A1
Application number: PCT/US2019/042928
Authority: WO
Inventors: William KRIVAK; Rex CARRIKER; Steven Moon
Original assignee: Robo Point Guard Llc
Priority date: 2018-07-24
Filing date: 2019-07-23
Publication date: 2020-01-30

Abstract

A ball receiving and passing device and related methods are disclosed. The device has a ball receiving mechanism, a housing for housing a ball passing mechanism, and a user interface and controls for adjusting a speed of a ball. The ball receiving mechanism has a net and structure configured to guide a ball towards the housing. The ball passing mechanism has a passing wheel and a motor and is responsive to the user interface and controls to adjust the speed of the ball between a first speed and a second speed different from the first speed.

Description

TITLE: BALL SPORT TRAINING DEVICE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/702,878 filed on July 24, 2018 and entitled“Ball Sport Training Device,” the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated for all proper purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[002] This invention is related to athletic training devices. Specifically, but not intended to limit the invention, embodiments of the invention are related to basketball training devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[003] A number of ball sport training devices are known to exist. However, many devices currently available are geared towards large entities, such as colleges or high school teams, resulting in devices that are largely intended for permanent placement that have numerous features, such as shot counters or player monitors, resulting in very expensive products. At the opposite end of the spectrum, for the home player or individual trainer, the currently-available devices are very simplistic, with netting that routes balls back to the shooter but no pass return.

[004] There remains a need in the industry for a ball sport training device that offers high-speed repetitive shooting, hitting, and/or passing opportunities for the individual and/or other new and innovative features.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[005] An exemplary ball receiving and passing device has a ball receiving mechanism, a ball passing mechanism, and a user interface for adjusting a setting of the ball passing mechanism. The ball receiving mechanism is configured to guide a ball towards the ball passing mechanism. The ball passing mechanism has a passing wheel, a ball advancing system for feeding the ball to the passing wheel, and a ball ejecting track for guiding a direction of ejection of the ball. The ball passing mechanism is responsive to the user interface and is configured to adjust an ejection speed of the ball between a first speed and a second speed different from the first speed. The ball ejecting track is responsive to the user interface and is configured to move between a first orientation and a second orientation relative to the passing wheel whereby the ball ejecting track is configured to adjust an ejection direction of the ball between a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction.

[006] An exemplary method of basketball training includes providing a ball passing and receiving device, positioning at least a portion of a distal portion of the ball receiving mechanism beneath a basketball net, throwing a basketball in a vicinity of the basketball net, using the ball receiving mechanism to guide the ball towards the housing, using the ball passing mechanism to return the ball to the user at a first speed.

[007] BRIEF DESCRIPTION ON THE DRAWINGS

[008] FIG. l is a perspective view of an exemplary basketball training device according to some embodiments;

[009] FIG. 1 A is a perspective view of the device in Fig. 1 in another orientation;

[0010] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the device in Fig. 1 in another orientation;

[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of some components of the exemplary device of Fig. 1;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of some components of the exemplary device of Fig. 1; and [0013] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method.

PET ATT /ED DESCRIPTION

[0014] As previously described, there remains a need in the industry for a training device that is low in cost while still providing critical features for a player, such as a basketball player, a soccer player, or a volleyball player. The training device 100 disclosed herein provides a device 100 with a user interface for adjusting at least one of a speed or direction of a ball ejected therefrom.

[0015] Turning now to Fig. 1, an exemplary ball receiving and passing device 100, or simply device 100 for short, is described. The device 100 in Fig. 1 has a ball receiving mechanism 102, a ball passing mechanism 104, and a user interface 106 for adjusting a setting of the ball passing mechanism 104. The ball receiving mechanism 102 may include a net 108 and structure 110 configured to guide a ball 200, such as a basketball as illustrated, towards the ball passing mechanism 104. The net 108 may be coupled to or below a basketball net 202 or a soccer ball or volleyball supply (not illustrated.

[0016] With simultaneous reference now to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the ball passing mechanism 104 may include a passing wheel 112 and a ball advancing system 114 for feeding one or more balls 200 to the passing wheel 112. A ball ejecting track 116 for guiding an ejection or passing direction of the ball 200 may also be provided and positioned on an opposing side of the passing wheel 112. The ball passing mechanism 104 may be responsive to a user interface 106 to adjust an ejection speed of balls 200 between a first speed and a second speed slower than the first speed.

[0017] The ball ejecting track 116 may be responsive to the user interface 106 to move between a first orientation and a second orientation relative to the passing wheel 112 whereby the ball ejecting track 116 is configured to adjust an ejection direction of the ball 200 between a first direction A and a second direction B different from the first direction A. In some embodiments, the ball ejecting track 116 may be rotatable relative to the housing 122 and/or the frame 121, the ball advancing system 114, and/or a surface 300 upon which the device 100 is placed. The first direction A may be parallel to the surface 300. To effectuate a pass in the second direction B, a distal portion 124 of the ball advancing system 1 16 may be positioned higher than is a proximal portion of the ball advancing system 116.

[0018] With continued reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a motor 126 may be provided and operatively coupled to the passing wheel 112. The motor 126 may be responsive to the user interface 106 to adjust a speed passing setting of the passing wheel 112. The user interface may include a downloadable or downloaded mobile application. The motor 126 may include a wired connection or a wireless connection to the user interface 106.

[0019] The ball receiving mechanism 102 may include at least one of a fastener 118 or a positioner such as a hook or frame for positioning a distal opening 120 of a net 108 adjacent a basketball net 202.

[0020] Continuing now with reference to Fig. 1, a housing 122 may be provided to house the ball passing mechanism 104. The ball receiving mechanism 102 may be detachable from the housing 122. In some embodiments, a frame (not illustrated) is provided, to which housing walls may be coupled so as to form an enclosure or housing 122. In some embodiments, the frame provides a mounting point for one or more subsystems of the device 100, and may do so substantially as is known by those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, the ball passing mechanism 104 is directly coupled to the frame. The ball receiving mechanism 102 may be directly coupled to the frame. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other components may be directly coupled to the frame for strength and stability while maintaining a relatively light weight. The frame may be made of a material that is different from a material forming the walls. For example, the frame may be made of a strong metal such as steel while the walls may be made of a lighter weight sheet metal such as aluminum or plastic.

[0021] With reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, in some embodiments, the user interface 106 includes a lever operated assembly 128 to move the ball ejecting track 116 between a first orientation and a second orientation. The lever operated assembly 128 may be a mechanically-linked system responsive to a lever 130. In the first orientation, the ball ejecting track 116 may be horizontal to pass the ball 200 in the first direction A; that is, the distal portion 124 may be substantially at a same height as is the proximal portion (not illustrated in Fig. 1), as shown in Fig. 1. In the second orientation, the distal portion 124 of the ball ejecting track 116 may be further from the surface 300 than is the proximal portion (not illustrated), to direct the ball upwards, as illustrated in Fig. 1 A. In the second orientation, the distal portion 124 may be higher than the proximal portion (not illustrated), as so as to effectuate an overhead or high pass.

[0022] In some embodiments, the lever operated assembly 128 is configured to move the ball ejecting track 116 between the first orientation, the second orientation, and a third orientation. In the third orientation, the ball 200 may be passed in a third direction C different from the first direction A and the second direction B.

[0023] In some embodiments, the third direction C may be configured to simulate a bounce pass, as illustrated in Fig. 1B. In the third orientation, the distal portion 124 of the ball ejecting track 116 may be closer to the surface 300 than is the proximal portion (not illustrated), or the distal portion 124 may be lower than the proximal portion (not illustrate) so as to effectuate a bounce pass.

[0024] In some embodiments, such as where the device 100 is configured for volleyball practice, the distal portion 124 of the ball ejecting track 116 may be above the proximal portion in each of the first, second, and third orientations.

[0025] In some embodiments, a first one of the first, second, or third orientations is a substantially horizontal orientation; a second one of the first, second, or third orientations is a raised orientation wherein a distal portion 124 of the ball ejecting track 116 is above a proximal portion of the ball ejecting track 116, and a third one of the first, second, or third orientations is a lowered orientation wherein a distal portion 124 of the ball ejecting track 116 is below a proximal portion of the ball ejecting track 116.

[0026] With continued reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the device 100 may have a housing drive assembly 132 with a drive wheel 134 and a housing drive motor 136. The housing drive assembly 132 may be configured to drive the device 100 and/or housing 122 in a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction. For example, the housing drive assembly 132 may be configured to drive the device 100 or housing 122 back and forth so as to pass the ball 200 to a player from a plurality of locations as the device 100 is moved in an alternating manner. The plurality of locations may be along a linear path. The plurality of locations may be along a non linear path.

[0027] The drive wheel 134 may be positioned on a drive axle 136 and opposing another wheel 138. The other wheel 138 may be locked relative to the drive wheel 134 so as to effectuate a linear motion as the device 100 is driven back and forth by the drive wheel 134. One or more castors 140 may be provided to support the device 100 and/or enable or improve a rolling motion of the device 100. In some embodiments, one or more of the castors 140 and/or wheels 134, 138 may be rotatable or adjustable and lockable in a particular orientation so as to force a non-linear motion as the device 100 is driven back and forth by the drive wheel.

[0028] In some embodiments, one or more of the castors 140 and/or wheels 134, 138 may be lockable so as to prevent the device 100 from rolling.

[0029] With reference now to Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, in some embodiments, the device 100 may have a sensor 142 operatively coupled to the housing 122 to detect an object (not illustrated) in a path of travel of the device 100. The sensor 142 may emit a signal to the housing drive motor 136 to halt or reverse movement of the device 100. The sensor 142 may be a radar sensor or any sensor suitable for detecting an approaching object.

[0030] In some embodiments, the user interface 106 includes a power switch 144 for turning the device off or on, a speed control switch 146 for adjusting the ejection speed, and a display unit 148 for displaying the ejection speed selected. In some embodiments, the device 100 may be coupled to an external power source (not illustrated). In some embodiments, the device 100 may include a power source 152 such as a rechargeable battery pack sized to provide enough power for the device 100 to operate for a predetermined length of time. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the display unit 148 and other components of the user interface 106 may be positioned on or coupled to the housing 122 or other components of the device 100, such as by a wired connection between the speed control switch 146, or one or more components of the user interface 106 may be detachable and wirelessly connected to control the device.

[0031] For example, the user interface 106 may include or engage with a wireless control mechanism (not illustrated,) such as an application on a mobile device. The application may enable the user to control the device 100 and/or receive data from the device 100.

[0032] Another switch 150 may be provided to allow a user to start or stop the drive axle 136 while the passing wheel 112 continues to pass balls 200.

[0033] With reference now to Fig. 4, a method 500 of training is described. The method 500 may include providing 502 a device substantially as described in any embodiment herein. The method 500 may also include one or more of (a) positioning 502 at least a portion of a distal portion of the ball receiving mechanism beneath a basketball net; throwing 504 a basketball in a vicinity of the basketball net; using 506 the ball receiving mechanism to guide the ball towards the housing; or using the ball passing mechanism to return 510 the ball to the user at a first speed.

[0034] The method 500 may include using the ball passing mechanism to return 512 the ball to the user at a second speed slower than the first speed.

[0035] The method 500 may include adjusting a position of the housing relative to the distal portion of the ball receiving mechanism, adjusting a speed passing setting of the passing wheel, and/or adjusting a lever operated assembly to move the ball ejecting track between the first orientation and the second orientation. The method 500 may include adjusting the lever operated assembly to move the ball ejecting track between the first orientation, the second orientation, and a third orientation. A first one of the first, second, or third orientations may be a substantially horizontal orientation. A second one of the first, second, or third orientations may be a raised orientation wherein a distal portion of the ball ejecting track is above a proximal portion of the ball ejecting track. A third one of the first, second, or third orientations may be a lowered orientation wherein a distal portion of the ball ejecting track is below a proximal portion of the ball ejecting track.

[0036] The method 500 may include causing the housing drive assembly to drive the housing in a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction.

[0037] Although the device 100 has been illustrated and substantially described in relation to a basketball training concept, those skilled in the art will recognize that the device 100 is suited to other sports. For example, the device 100 may be configured to receive and pass soccer balls or volleyballs. The distal portion 120 of the net 108, for example, may be coupled to a soccer ball or volleyball supply. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, for soccer, the passing wheel 112 may be configured to pass balls at faster speeds not expected in basketball. The ejecting track 116 may be configured with other orientations suitable for soccer or volleyball. For example, where the device 100 is configured for volleyball, the passing directions A, B, C may all be upward without a horizontal or downward direction. Other sports are contemplated herein, and the description above is not intended to limit to the above-referenced sports or ball types.

[0038] Each of the various elements disclosed herein may be achieved in a variety of manners. This disclosure should be understood to encompass each such variation, be it a variation of an embodiment of any apparatus embodiment, a method or process embodiment, or even merely a variation of any element of these. Particularly, it should be understood that the words for each element may be expressed by equivalent apparatus terms or method terms— even if only the function or result is the same. Such equivalent, broader, or even more generic terms should be considered to be encompassed in the description of each element or action. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which this invention is entitled.

[0039] As but one example, it should be understood that all action may be expressed as a means for taking that action or as an element which causes that action. Similarly, each physical element disclosed should be understood to encompass a disclosure of the action which that physical element facilitates. Regarding this last aspect, the disclosure of a“receiving mechanism” should be understood to encompass disclosure of the act of“receiving”— whether explicitly discussed or not— and, conversely, were there only disclosure of the act of“receiving”, such a disclosure should be understood to encompass disclosure of a“receiving mechanism”. Such changes and alternative terms are to be understood to be explicitly included in the description.

[0040] Moreover, the claims shall be construed such that a claim that recites“at least one of A, B, or C” shall read on a device that requires“A” only. The claim shall also read on a device that requires“B” only. The claim shall also read on a device that requires“C” only.

[0041] Similarly, the claim shall also read on a device that requires“A+B”. The claim shall also read on a device that requires“A+B+C”, and so forth. [0042] The claims shall also be construed such that any relational language (e.g. perpendicular, straight, parallel, flat, etc.) is understood to include the recitation “within a reasonable manufacturing tolerance at the time the device is manufactured or at the time of the invention, whichever manufacturing tolerance is greater”.

[0043] Those skilled in the art can readily recognize that numerous variations and substitutions may be made in the invention, its use and its configuration to achieve substantially the same results as achieved by the embodiments described herein.

[0044] Accordingly, there is no intention to limit the invention to the disclosed exemplary forms. Many variations, modifications and alternative constructions fall within the scope and spirit of the invention as expressed in the claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A ball receiving and passing device, comprising: a ball receiving mechanism; a ball passing mechanism; and a user interface for adjusting a setting of the ball passing mechanism; wherein the ball receiving mechanism is configured to guide a ball towards the ball passing mechanism; the ball passing mechanism comprises a passing wheel, a ball advancing system for feeding the ball to the passing wheel, and a ball ejecting track for guiding a direction of ejection of the ball; the ball passing mechanism is responsive to the user interface and is configured to adjust an ejection speed of the ball between a first speed and a second speed different from the first speed; and the ball ejecting track is responsive to the user interface and is configured to move between a first orientation and a second orientation relative to the passing wheel whereby the ball ejecting track is configured to adjust an ejection direction of the ball between a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein: the ball receiving mechanism comprises at least one of a fastener or a positioner for positioning a distal opening of the ball receiving mechanism adjacent a basketball net; and the ball is a basketball.

3. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a housing for housing the ball passing mechanism; and wherein the ball receiving mechanism is detachable from the housing.

4. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a motor operatively coupled to the passing wheel, the motor responsive to the user interface and configured to adjust a speed passing setting of the passing wheel.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein: the user interface comprises a lever operated assembly configured to move the ball ejecting track between the first orientation and the second orientation.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein: the lever operated assembly is configured to move the ball ejecting track between the first orientation, the second orientation, and a third orientation, a first one of the first, second, or third orientations comprising a substantially horizontal orientation, a second one of the first, second, or third orientations comprising the ball ejecting track is above a proximal portion of the ball ejecting track, and a third one of the first, second, or third orientations comprising a lowered orientation wherein a distal portion of the ball ejecting track is below a proximal portion of the ball ejecting track.

7. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a housing for housing the ball passing mechanism; and a housing drive assembly comprising a drive wheel and a housing drive motor, the housing drive assembly configured to drive the housing in a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction.

8. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a sensor operatively coupled to the housing and configured to detect an object in a path of travel of the device, the sensor further configured to emit a signal configured to at least one of halt or reverse movement of the device.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein: the user interface comprises a power switch for turning the device off or on, a speed control switch for adjusting the ejection speed, and a display unit for displaying the ejection speed selected.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein: the housing comprises a frame and a wall coupled to the frame; and the ball passing mechanism is directly coupled to the frame.

11. A method of basketball training, comprising; providing a ball passing and receiving device comprising a ball receiving mechanism, a ball passing mechanism, and a user interface for adjusting a setting of the ball passing mechanism, wherein the ball receiving mechanism comprises a net and structure configured to guide a ball towards the ball passing mechanism, the ball passing mechanism comprises a passing wheel, a ball advancing system for feeding one or more balls to the passing wheel, and a ball ejecting track for guiding a direction of ejection of the one or more balls, the ball passing mechanism is responsive to the user interface and is configured to adjust an ejection speed of the one or more balls between a first speed and a second speed different from the first speed, and the ball ejecting track is responsive to the user interface and is configured to move between a first orientation and a second orientation relative to the passing wheel whereby the ball ejecting track is configured to adjust an ejection direction of the one or more balls between a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction; positioning at least a portion of a distal portion of the ball receiving mechanism beneath a basketball net; throwing a basketball in a vicinity of the basketball net; using the ball receiving mechanism to guide the ball towards the housing; using the ball passing mechanism to return the ball to the user at a first speed.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: adjusting a position of the housing relative to the distal portion of the ball receiving mechanism.

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising: adjusting a speed passing setting of the passing wheel.

14. The method of claim 11, further comprising: adjusting a lever operated assembly to move the ball ejecting track between the first orientation and the second orientation.

15. The method of claim 15, further comprising: adjusting the lever operated assembly to move the ball ejecting track between the first orientation, the second orientation, and a third orientation, a first one of the first, second, or third orientations comprising a substantially horizontal orientation, a second one of the first, second, or third orientations comprising a raised orientation wherein a distal portion of the ball ejecting track is above a proximal portion of the ball ejecting track, and a third one of the first, second, or third orientations comprising a lowered orientation wherein a distal portion of the ball ejecting track is below a proximal portion of the ball ejecting track.

16. The method of claim 11, further comprising: providing a housing for housing the ball passing mechanism; providing a housing drive assembly comprising a drive wheel and a housing drive motor; and causing the housing drive assembly to drive the housing in a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction.

17. The method of claim 11, further comprising: providing a sensor operatively coupled to the housing and configured to detect an object in a path of travel of the device, the sensor further configured to emit a signal configured to at least one of halt or reverse movement of the device.

18. The method of claim 11, wherein: the user interface comprises a power switch for turning the device off or on, a speed control switch for adjusting the ejection speed, and a display unit for displaying the ejection speed selected.