CA2941569A1

CA2941569A1 - Mechanical goaltender

Info

Publication number: CA2941569A1
Application number: CA2941569A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Zach Lieberman; Matthew Xie; Jiaye Li (Jason)
Original assignee: 2464533 Ontario Ltd dba Chataway Sports Technolog
Current assignee: 2464533 Ontario Ltd dba Chataway Sports Technolog
Priority date: 2016-09-13
Filing date: 2016-09-13
Publication date: 2018-03-13
Also published as: CA2978931A1; US20180071605A1

Abstract

A mechanical goaltender comprises two portions that are capable of being connected so as to be angularly offset from one another. Each portion comprises at least one stationary board comprising at least one stationary opening and at least one rotating board comprising at least one orbiting opening. The rotating board is affixed to the stationary board such that the rotating opening periodically comes into alignment with the stationary opening. When the mechanical goaltender is positioned to block an opening of a goal net and the rotating boards are activated, a user can shoot a projectile into the goal net only when the orbiting opening comes into alignment with the stationary opening.

Description

MECHANICAL GOALTENDER
FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention generally relates to sports practice and training apparatus.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A goaltender, also referred to as "goalie," "goalkeeper," "tender" and by other related names, is arguably the most important and valuable player in any team sport that involves a projectile passing through or into a guarded net. The primary objective of these types of team sports (e.g. hockey and lacrosse) is to score more goals or points than the other team, and the goaltender's role is to occupy and protect the net in order to prevent the other team from scoring. Without a goaltender, a team can neither practice nor play the game properly.
Yet goaltenders are a rare commodity. On a team of 17 to 22 players, goaltenders represent at most 2 or 3; and being human, they cannot always attend, they can suffer from fatigue and they can be injured. So it is quite common for teams to practice or play without a goaltender. Additionally, players like to practice their shooting on their own time, not just at designated team practices, and finding a goalie for such situations can be challenging. In these frequently occurring situations, teams and players resort to using various methods to replicate the challenge and fun of shooting on a goaltender.
There are many ways to emulate the presence of a goaltender. One way is to put a large object, like a garbage can, into the net. Doing so forces players to shoot around the object in order to score. While this may be beneficial for young and/or beginner players, this presents an important disadvantage in that a goaltender is not stationary;
he or she can move and block a projectile with their body, limbs, and/or stick.
Additionally, the available scoring areas when such an object is in the net are much larger than those actually available in a game situation (making it much easier to score goals), and this method does not scale or allow for variable difficulty when players of different skill levels are practicing. Accordingly, blocking the net with a

- 2 -still object does not accurately emulate the challenge of scoring a goal in a game situation.
Another way to emulate the presence of a goaltender is to affix targets to or in the net, such that a player must hit a target with the puck in order to score. The targets can be made of foam (as used in National Hockey League skill competitions) or plastic, be ring-like objects which a puck, ball or other projectile can pass through, or even a front-loading washing machine as Sidney Crosby used as a young child. Such targets are somewhat effective because they force a player to aim for a specific area of the net, thus developing the player's accuracy. They also are available in different sizes, for players of different skill levels, a smaller target being more difficult to hit.
However, as in the case of a still object placed in the net, such targets lack movement, so they do not accurately emulate this very important aspect of a real goaltender.
Also, because the targets are stationary, the target locations can be memorized, so a player does not need to keep their head-up and look for an open area in order to score.
Keeping one's head up is a key skill for successful goal scoring in a real game situation.
Another known way to emulate the presence of a goaltender is a category of devices sometimes known as a "shooter tutor." Such devices attach to a net and cover a large portion of the net opening, often feature the image of a goaltender, and have cut-out holes in the common scoring areas (typically the four corners and an area between the goaltender's legs) through which a projectile can pass. Shooter tutors can be made of material such as netting, vinyl, hard plastic or wood, and while they provide more restrictive scoring areas than simply placing an object in the net, they similarly suffer from the key disadvantage that they are stationary. Additionally, teams and players report that these devices tear or break after frequent use.
Like targets, shooter tutors help with aim, but only in a limited capacity, as the scoring locations can be memorized. Finally because shooter tutors are two-dimensional, resting flat in or against the net, they fail to effectively replicate the presence of a person (or three-dimensional object), which affects a shooter's

- 3 -perspective on the available scoring areas and the actual size and difficulty of ensuring that a projectile is able to pass through the scoring areas.
It general, it can be seen that current shooter tutors and similar devices suffer from a variety of disadvantages: they do not move, and therefore do not accurately represent or simulate the presence of a goaltender; they are not scalable or adjustable for different skill levels; they lack durability; and they do not require players to practice the key skills required to score goals.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In drawings that illustrate an embodiment of the invention by way of non-limiting example, Figure 1 is a top front perspective view of a mechanical goaltender embodying the invention.
Figure 2 is a rear elevational view of the mechanical goaltender of Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of the mechanical goaltender of Figure 1 showing the interface between the two main portions.
Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the mechanical goaltender of Figure 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a mechanical goalie or 'shooter tutor' that is dynamic, in order to best replicate the experience of shooting on a human goaltender, allowing players and teams to practice more effectively and find more enjoyment in the game.
Such an apparatus can enhance an athlete's shooting performance; replace a human goaltender in practice or game situations; allow players to practice their shot realistically in the absence of a human goaltender; and force players to keep their head up, time their release appropriately and improve the accuracy of their shots.
In a preferred embodiment the apparatus of the invention can be tailored or adjusted to match the skill level of the player using it, and can be adjusted to rebound projectiles

- 4 -realistically and at adjustable angles. The apparatus of the invention can also be used to provide feedback to players and/or their coaches on their shooting performance.
Thus the mechanical goaltender of the present invention has scoring areas that change in size and shape, thus more accurately replicating the challenge and fun of shooting on a goaltender; can be built to be sufficiently durable as to repeatedly withstand the force of a puck being shot at over 100mph; has an easy method of adjusting the speed and orientation of the scoring areas, so it can be used by players and teams of all skill levels;
is portable and readily transported; and is capable of being battery-operated.
As illustrated in Figures 1 to 4 the apparatus comprises two main portions each comprising a frame 10 supporting rotating boards 22 disposed behind stationary boards 21. The stationary boards 21 are connected to frames 10 by mounting brackets 13, and the two rotating boards 21 are mounted to the respective motor shafts (not shown) of the motors 31, preferably between the frame 10 and the stationary boards 21, at mounting ports 14.
The stationary boards 21 each comprise at least one opening 21a, preferably a plurality of openings 21a, serving as targets for the shooter, disposed at strategic locations for purposes of training and challenging the shooter. The openings 21a through each stationary board 21, cooperating with the openings 22a through each rotating board 22, limit the available scoring areas to create scoring opportunities that emulate those which would arise through the movement and presence of a real goaltender.
The rotating boards 22 each comprise at least one orbiting opening 22a which orbit about the motor shaft, preferably a plurality of orbiting openings 22a, and are mounted behind the stationary boards 21 such that the orbiting opening(s) 22a through the rotating boards 22 pass the stationary opening(s) 21a through the stationary boards 21. Thus, when a orbiting opening 22a is in alignment with a stationary board opening 21a a direct path into the net through the aligned openings 21a, 22a is provided to the shooter. To score requires that the projectile (e.g. a puck) reaches the mechanical goalie at the time both the stationary and orbiting openings

- 5 -21a, 22a are in alignment, at the position where both openings 21a, 22a overlap, requiring accuracy of both aim and timing.
The frame 10, best seen in Figure 2, may be formed from components 11 extruded from aluminum as shown. However, any material that has strong tensional rigidity may be used for the frame 10, including other metals, plastic and wood, and depending upon the material(s) used the frame components 11 may be formed by means other than extrusion. Preferably the frame 10 is made from a material that is relatively light-weight and durable and that resists corrosion.
The frame 10 comprises supporting brackets 12 which affix the frame components together to provide stability and structure to the apparatus, provide mounting points for the rest of the components of the apparatus, and absorb the shooting load (momentum) of projectiles which strike a stationary board 21 or a rotating board 22.
Mounting brackets 13 are connected to the stationary boards 21, distributed about the periphery of the frame 10, supporting the stationary boards 21 and transferring the shooting load to the frame 10. The supporting brackets 12 are located at each intersection of the extruded aluminum frame components 11 to bond and strengthen the entire structure. Preferably one or more cross-members 11a are provided for additional strength and rigidity, and to support mounting ports 14 for the motors 31 that rotate the rotating boards 22.
The stationary and rotating boards 21, 22 may be composed of a polycarbonate material such as Lexan (Trademark) or any other suitably strong material. The two stationary boards 21 may feature a decal with the image of a goaltender to add to the realism of the experience, and the colours and graphics on the goaltender can be customized for each individual apparatus. The decal can be printed on vinyl and affixed to the stationary boards 21, or the image could be printed on other materials and/or directly onto the scoring boards themselves. Where the stationary boards 21 are transparent, the decal may be affixed to the backs of stationary boards 21.

- 6 -The rotating boards 22 may optionally feature colours around the borders of the openings 22a, assisting an individual in visually differentiating each of the openings 22a as it passes an opening 21a in the respective stationary board 21. Each opening on a rotating board 22 could be outlined with a different colour, although preferably colours are selected in order to improve visibility to those who are colour blind.
Coloured outlines can also optionally be provided around the borders of openings 21a of the stationary boards 21. The coloured outlines on 21 and/or 22 can be created using a variety of materials, including lights such as (without limitation) LEDs.
The openings 21a in the stationary boards 21 may be of different sizes and/or shapes. The openings 22a in the rotating boards 22 may also be of different sizes and/or shapes, however preferably the openings 22a are as large as the largest opening 21a so that when an opening 22a is in complete alignment with an opening 21a the shooter only sees the opening 21a, unoccluded by the opening 22a behind it.
The stationary boards 21 and rotating boards 22 may be demounted and replaced, to provide a different geometry, positioning, spacing etc. of openings 21a, 22a, respectively, to increase the challenge and/or variety of playing and practicing with the mechanical goalie.
In the embodiment illustrated each half-portion of the apparatus is self-contained, and hinges 17 are provided allowing the centre edge 19a of one half portion (i.e.
the edge that becomes the horizontal centre of the assembled apparatus) to be raised slightly, butted up against the centre edge 19b of the other half portion and dropped into position to hingedly lock the two portions for use. Alternatively the hinges may be permanent, so no assembly is required. In either case the portions may be angularly offset, as shown in Figure 1, to adjust the rebound angle of the apparatus.
The motor 31 comprises an actuator with an electric motor and a gear box. The motor 31 terminals (not shown) may be connected to the controller. The function of the motor 31 is to drive the mounted rotating board 22 in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction at the desired speed, preferably constantly although intermittent operation is also contemplated. The motor terminals are connected to the

- 7 -controller in circuit housing with a pair of extension wires and the drive shaft (not shown) is connected in rotationally fixed relation to the rotating board 22.
In some embodiments the maximum speed of the rotating boards 22 is 36 RPM. In some embodiments the speed of the rotating boards 22 can be adjusted, and the rotating boards 22 can perform clockwise and counterclockwise movement.
The motor 31 itself may be mounted to the body frame 10, for example at the upper cross-member 11a shown in the drawing. The controller 33 is a structure with three components connected by wires. The controller 33 is preferably a combination of a switch, a speed adjusting knob, and a circuit housing with control circuit inside, however various shapes of the knobs, the switch and the circuit box may be utilized for the controller and these components may be housed and mounted separately.
The controller may include two pairs of wires, each respectively connected to the battery pack 41 and to the motor 31.
The controller 33 allows the user to adjust the speed and the direction of motor 31 (and thus rotating board 22) and to connect the battery pack 41 to the motor 31. The switch may thus be a 3-way switch with forward, reverse and off positions to control the motor 31. In other embodiments the switch may contain fewer or more settings, for example an additional position that allows for intermittent rotation of the rotating board 22. The controller may be mounted on the body frame 10 with a cover panel to cover the wires. The electric motor may have a 24V input to allow for both battery and mains power supply connection (in the latter case via a suitable adapter).
In the embodiment shown the motors 31 each have an output of 36w and a torque of 1.7 N/m, with an initial motor spinning speed of 320 RPM geared down to 36 RPM by the gearbox. The motor can be any kind of the motor as long as it carries the rotation board to spin, preferably (but not necessarily) at minimum of 36 RPM. The control unit is connected to the motor 31 to control the speed and the direction of the motor motion. It can also shut down the motor system if requested by the user, and/or upon overload or overheating. The knob can control the speed of the motor 31 and the circuit housing protects the control circuit. The controller can be any variation of the

- 8 -controller, as long as the controller can properly control the speed and direction of the motor motion.
Motors 31 with higher power output may be used to increase the maximum speed of the rotating boards 22. Motors 31 with lower power may alternatively be used to decrease the power consumption from the battery pack 41. The gear box 32 on the motors 31 can also be changed in order to change the speed and/or rotational forces.
The control unit 30 can also be changed to a more complicated version with PCBs and microcontroller due to the increasing data handling demand.
Alternatively, in some embodiments the invention can operate using a simple switch, it being appreciated that this may limit the versatility of the apparatus as a shooting target and the ability to challenge the shooter.
In some embodiments the apparatus of the invention provides a safety system, preferably a combination of one or more distance sensors 44 mounted at a suitable location to sense the area in front of the mechanical goaltender, an Arduino unit (not shown), LED lights and a power relay (not shown). Various shapes of motion sensors, Arduino chips, LED lights and power relays may be utilized for the safety system.
The safety system may include a battery pack 41 to support Arduino unit and the operation of the safety system overall. The function of the safety system is to temporarily suspend the movement of the rotating boards 22 when a person gets too close to the device, to ensure the safety of the device itself and the users.
The safety system would be connected to the motor 31 input wires and the system is mounted on the body frame 10 with a protective box covering the entire system. When the apparatus is activated, the distance sensors will sense if anyone is approaching the apparatus and send a signal to the Arduino unit. The Arduino unit will process the signal and send a signal to motor 31 to stop rotating the rotating board 22, if necessary, without interrupting other systems. The power relay will support necessary power to the motor 31 and shut it off. The two LED lights can indicate if the system is on and in-use. The safety system could be securely mounted to the frame 10 and protected by the circuit housing.

- 9 -The battery pack 41 may be a heavy duty Li-ion battery. Battery pack 41 size may be either increased or decreased to meet the design requirements. For example, the battery size may be either increased to have a longer battery life or decreased to reduce the weight of the apparatus. The type of battery may also be changed to meet design requirements. For example, a super-capacitive battery may be installed to protect the environment and increase performance. Additionally, more sensors may be added to the system to ensure the apparatus and its users are kept safe.
A remote control system that can control the machine through a smart phone or tablet, or a dedicated remote controller, may be provided. The apparatus may also feature a scoring detection and measurement system, which will measure the shooting accuracy and/or speed of an individual player and/or group of players, which may also contain a data acquisition and transmitting system to collect a player's shooting speed and accuracy data and send it to the cloud for player review and analysis. The machine may also include a laser system to detect shooters' motions and positions.
In use of the illustrated embodiment, the user assembles the two sides together by connecting hinges 17 on the frame.
Once the frame is assembled, the user then places the apparatus in or in front of the goal net (not shown), with the outside parts of the frame 10 generally aligned with the goal posts, and fastens the frame 10 to the goal net securely to ensure no relative movement. Releasable ties (for example cords, straps equipped with Velcro, grommets or other releasable fastening devices, etc.) may be provided for this purposes.
When the apparatus is secured to the goal net, the user can then turn on the apparatus using the switches 34, which may be located at the top of each side of the apparatus (or a single switch may be provided to control both motors 31), and select the desired direction (clockwise or counterclockwise). This activates the two motors 31 to drive the two rotating boards 22 at the minimum speed. The user may then adjust the speed of the motors 31 by turning the speed adjust knobs, which may also be located at the top of each side of the apparatus, to the desired rotating speed. The user can then start

- 10 -to use the apparatus to practice. When the user has run out of pucks or the hockey goal is full of the pucks, the user can switch off the device using the switch(es) 34, unfasten one side of the device from the net, and move/rotate the apparatus such that they can retrieve the pucks from the goal net. To continue use, the apparatus is re-secured to the goal net and reactivated as described above.
When the user is finished they can shut down the apparatus via the switch 34, untie the apparatus from the goal net, disconnect the left and right hand portions, and stow the apparatus back for transport or storage.
Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A mechanical goaltender, comprising two portions being connected so as to be angularly offset from one another, each portion comprising at least one stationary board comprising at least one stationary opening, and at least one rotating board comprising at least one orbiting opening, affixed to the stationary board such that the at least one orbiting opening periodically comes into alignment with the at least one stationary opening, whereby when the mechanical goaltender is positioned to block an opening of a goal net and the rotating boards are activated, a user can shoot a projectile into the goal net only when the at least one orbiting opening comes into alignment with the at least one stationary opening.