EP3981479A1

EP3981479A1 - Training device to simulate a goal

Info

Publication number: EP3981479A1
Application number: EP20200472.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Matteo Del Curto; Jean-François Carrel
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-10-07
Filing date: 2020-10-07
Publication date: 2022-04-13

Abstract

A training device to simulate a football goal including a net (5) which defines a goal area (50), a support frame (130) for said net and a support base (30) resting on the ground, wherein the net extends flush with the ground and the inclination of the net respect to the ground is continuously adjustable by means of a telescopic bar (14).

Description

Filed of application

The present invention relates generally to the field of sports training devices and more particularly to a device which simulates a goal, for example a goal as used in the game of football.

Prior art

Football is a very popular sport which is practised nowadays all over the world and an increasingly large number of teenagers from a young age aspire to become professional footballers. It is well known that the improvement of technical skills requires a constant training and the most effective training is performed in a team. However, still exists the need to personal training when, for any reason, it is not possible to meet up with teammates.
The market offers devices to facilitate individual training which essentially simulate a goal, albeit with reduced dimensions compared to standard size goals, comprising an elastic net and a suitable support structure. Thanks to these devices, the user can practise shooting at a goal, using the net as a target, additionally, the user can practise catching ("receiving") the ball which is rebounded off the net of the device.
These devices are appreciated to those who practise football or any other sports which involve shooting at a goal, both at an amatorial and professional level, unfortunately, they have several limitations and drawbacks.
In particular, a limitation of the available devices regards the rebound trajectory of the ball which is generally directed at the same height of the shot. As a consequence, the training is less effective because the return trajectory of the ball is predictable. It would be preferable to have a device which can rebound the ball at a different height depending on the shooting angle so as to train-reflex actions and techniques such as stopping the ball with the chest, headshots, etc. and simulate more closely a real match situation. Moreover, the net of the devices of the known type is generally supported by a frame which surrounds the net along the four sides and consequently there is a crosspiece running along the ground, being part of the support frame, which interferes with the trajectory of the ball in the case of ground shots.
The patent US6209877 B1 partially solves this problem by teaching how to realise a training device with a net having an adjustable inclination between a few predetermined positions so as to modify the response of the net and the trajectory of the ball. However, this solution is not entirely satisfactory due to the limited number of positions in which the net can be arranged, which consequently limits the training possibilities, and due to fact that the device is bulky and costly to manufacture.
It is therefore desirable to provide a training device which overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks, which is manageable, practical to use, not bulky when not in use, inexpensive to produce and which allow training effectively by realistically simulating the playing conditions.

Summary of the invention

The objects are achieved with a device in accordance with claim 1. Preferred embodiments are subject of the dependent claims.
The device includes a net which acts as a target surface towards which the shot is directed. The device comprises a support frame for said net and a ground support base. The support frame has a first lateral upright, a second lateral upright, a top crosspiece, and has no bottom crosspiece so that the bottom side of the net is substantially arranged to flush with the ground when the device is in a ready to use position. The support frame is hinged with the ground support base such that the support frame, and therefore the net supported by it, can be tilted relative to the support base. Additionally, the inclination of the support frame relative to the support base is continuously adjustable between predefined end-of-stroke positions.
The possibility of continuously adjusting the inclination of the net over the ground makes the device particularly versatile. By changing the inclination of the net, the response of the device to the shot and the trajectory/height of the return ball can be varied. Furthermore, the absence of a crosspiece and the net arranged to flush with the ground allows the device to correctly receive the ground shots, thus realistically emulating a football goal.
The front surface of the net can be defined as a target or rebound surface since it is the zone which is "targeted" during the shot and which reacts elastically by returning the ball. Preferably, for this purpose, the net is elastically fastened to the support frame, as will be better explained below.
In the following description, reference is made mainly to use for football training, although the device is to be understood as not limited to such use.

Preferred embodiments

The inclination of the support frame is preferably continuous adjustable in inclination between a position wherein the device is closed and a fully opening position. In the closed position the net may be substantially parallel to a support plane which is defined by the support base. In the fully opened position preferably the net forms an inclination angle of 90° relative to the plane defined by the support base.
The inclination angle of the net may be defined as the angle being comprised between the plane defined by the support base (ground plane) and the plane in which the net lies. The angle is measured starting from the opposite side respect to the front user side. Consequently, when the net is tilted at an angle lower than 90 degrees, the front surface of the net faces upwards.
It should be noted that the response of the device, i.e. the rebound trajectory which is given to the ball by the net, varies depending on the inclination of the net respect to the support base. When the net is tilted at 90° or close to 90° (perpendicular to the ground), the ball is bounced at a height which is similar to the height of the shot. By reducing the inclination angle to a substantially lower value, for example 70°, the ball is bounced at a higher elevation than the previous case, allowing the user for example to improve the headshot and the "high catch" skills. The versatility of the device is evident since the inclination of the net can be precisely and continuously changed.
When the inclination angle is null the device is in a fully folded closed position and can be easily stored away, occupying a small amount of space, for example in a storeroom or a garage.
The top crosspiece of the support frame may be hinged or welded to the two lateral uprights. The support base may be hinged together with said first and second uprights of the frame by means of joints, hinges or bolted brackets or the like, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.
In a preferred embodiment, adjustment of the inclination of the support frame and the net is made possible by means of a telescopic system. For this purpose, the device preferably comprises at least one telescopic bar which connects the support frame to the support base. The bar is telescopically extendable and comprises a first end fastened to the support base and a second end fastened to the support frame. The telescopic lengthening or shortening of said bar determines the inclination of the support frame respect to the support base. The telescopic sliding axis of the bar is typically a longitudinal axis.
The device may comprise a device for locking the telescopic bar in a telescopically extended position selected by the user. In this way, the net remains stably in the desired inclined position. Said locking device preferably is in the form of a locking knob which clamps two telescopically sliding elements together.
The telescopic bar can be separated from the support frame or the support base to allow the device to be folded.
For example, the telescopic bar comprises an outer tube connected to the support base and an inner tube connected to the support frame, the inner tube being telescopically slidable inside the outer tube, and the locking device comprises a locking knob associated with the outer tube and acting on the inner tube to lock the telescopic sliding movement thereof.
The support base preferably includes a front crosspiece and a rear crosspiece. The outer tube of the telescopic bar is preferably fastened to said rear crosspiece. Fastening is advantageously performed with a hinge such that the telescopic bar can rotate in respect to the support base.
The support base is preferably shaped so as to ensure a stable support during use without being fixed to the ground. This simplifies the use and makes the device more easily displaceable.
The net support frame and the support base are preferably made with a tubular structure. For example, both the support frame and the support base may comprise aluminium tubes which make the device strong and light. An aluminium tube with a diameter of about 40-50 mm may be appropriate. As an alternative to the tubes with a circular cross-section, elements with a different cross-sectional shape, for example square or rectangular, may be used. As an alternative to aluminium, other suitably light and resistant materials, such as PVC or composite materials, may be employed.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the net is fastened to the support frame by means of a plurality of elastic cords which form mesh connectors. For example, the device comprises a top mesh connector, a right-hand mesh connector and a left-hand mesh connector which elastically fasten the net to the support frame.
It should be noted that the response of the device may be adjusted by modifying the tension of the elastic cords. A tensioned net tends to return more energy to the ball (elastic behaviour), while a looser net tends to absorb the energy of the shot (non-elastic behaviour). Consequently, there is a different rebound response with a device which is more or less "reactive" depending on the tension of the net. Obviously, the inherent elasticity of the net may contribute to the response of the device.
In a preferred embodiment the support frame comprises a series of rings which are arranged along the uprights, and the crosspiece and the elastic cords pass through said rings and around the net to form the mesh connector. In a further embodiment a removable fastening system for fastening the cords to the support frame is provided. For example, a removable fastening system for the cord and frame may be realised by passing the cord inside an S-shaped connector which is in turn hooked to the ring of the upright or the crosspiece.
The net may have a surface area smaller than the front surface area which is enclosed by the support frame, due to the presence of the described mesh connectors. In an alternative embodiment, however, the net could be fastened directly to the support frame and essentially cover the entire area delimited by said frame.
The net may be made of a suitable metallic, plastic, polymeric, plant-based or synthetic material. The person skilled in the sector knows how to combine the materials together so as to obtain a material which has an optimum elastic value. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the net may be made of nylon, jute or hemp or a combination thereof.
In a preferred embodiment the device has the following dimensions: an overall width of 1500 to 2000 mm, preferably between 1600 and 1800 mm, more preferably 1700 mm; a height between 600 and 1000 mm, preferably between 700 and 800 mm; a depth of between 700 and 800 mm.
The device according to the invention can be used both on natural grass terrain and on a synthetic terrain. When used on synthetic terrain the device may be equipped with suitable rubber brakes. Advantageously, the net may be removed from its support frame and replaced by the user.
Further characteristic features are described below with reference to a preferred and non-limiting embodiment.

Description of the drawings

Fig. 1 is a front view of a device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the device according to Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 is a side view of the device.

Detailed description of the drawings

The device 10 shown in the figures simulates a small-size football goal and comprises essentially: a support frame 130 formed by a first lateral upright 1, a second lateral upright 2 and a top crosspiece 3; a support base 30; a net 5 elastically fastened to the support frame 130.
The lateral uprights 1 and 2 may be regarded as being the "posts" of the goal simulated by the device 10. During use, the support base 30 is in contact with a surface 15 which may be a floor or the ground.
The net 5 defines a target surface 50. Said target surface defines the spatial region where the hitting ball can rebound in the opposite direction and return to the user.
The net 5 has a flat rectangular shape and comprises a top edge 6, bottom edge 7, left-hand edge 8 and right-hand edge 9. In the present embodiment the net 5 includes square-shaped meshes 105, although it can be made with differently shaped meshes.
The net 5 is elastically fastened to the frame 130 by means of mesh connectors 11, 12 and 13 which connect the edges 6, 8 and 9 of the net 5 to the two lateral uprights and to the crosspiece of the frame. More precisely, the connector 11 connects the edge 6 to the crosspiece 3, the connector 12 connects the edge 8 to the right post 2; the connector 13 connects the edge 9 to the left post 1.
Each of the connectors 11, 12 and 13 is formed by an elastic cord which passes around the meshes of the net 5 and around a series of rings or eyelets which are fixed to the uprights 2 and to the crosspiece 3. In one embodiment it is possible to provide a fastening system which may be easily disassembled, by passing the cord inside S-shaped connectors which are hooked to the rings.
It should be noted that the frame 130 does not have a bottom crosspiece, thus allowing the bottom edge 7 (or bottom side) of the net 5 to extend substantially at ground level, i.e. flush with the support plane 15 on which the device is placed.
In a particularly preferred embodiment, the device also comprises a pair of additional uprights 16, 17 which are parallel to the lateral uprights 1, 2.
More specifically, said additional uprights 16 and 17 are located inside the frame 130 and behind the net 5. Each of the two additional uprights is spaced from the respective lateral upright 1 or 2 by a distance 101.
The top ends of the additional uprights 16, 17 can be fixed to the crosspiece 3 by means of welded connections 100, 110.
The bottom ends of the additional uprights 16, 17 define further fastening points 80, 90 which are available for the net 5 at ground level. These additional uprights consequently ensure more stable and precise support of the net.
The support base 30 (Fig. 2) essentially comprises lateral tubular elements 22, 23; a front crosspiece 24; a rear crosspiece 26. The base thus defines a support area 300.
The lateral tubular element 22 is hinged to the upright 2 at a joint 18; the lateral tubular element 23 is hinged with the lateral upright 1 at a joint 25. Consequently, the frame 130 is tiltable respect to the support base 30 (thanks to the two hinges) and if necessary, can be folded upon onto the same support base 30 to store the device.
The front crosspiece 24 is preferably set back at a distance 500 from the plane of the net 5. Said set-back distance 500 is preferably less than half the length of the lateral tubular elements 22-23, for example the crosspiece is located at a distance comprises between a quarter and a third of the length of the lateral tubular elements.
The device is substantially symmetrical relative to a vertical central axis A-A.
The device further comprises a telescopic bar 14 which has one end connected to the support base 30 and an opposite end connected to the support frame 130. Advantageously, at least one of the two ends can be separated from the support base or the frame, to be able to completely fold the device for storage when not in use.
In the embodiment shown, the telescopic bar 14 comprises an outer tube 140 connected via a hinge 19 to the rear crosspiece 26 of the support base 30 and an inner tube 150 connected via a hinge 20 to the top crosspiece 3 of the frame 130. Advantageously said hinge 20 is removable to separate the telescopic bar 14 from the top crosspiece 3.
The inner tube 150 is telescopically slidable inside the outer tube. The outer tube 140 includes a locking knob 21 which can be tightened against the inner tube 150 to lock the bar in a desired extended condition.
It should be noted that the variable length of the telescopic bar 14 allows adjusting the inclination of the net 5 respect to the plane of the base 30 and consequently respect to the plane of the supporting surface 15. It should also be noted that the telescopic bar 14 acts as a central support strut for the net.
In other embodiments a plurality of telescopic elements may be provided, although the illustrated embodiment having a single central bar is preferred.
Fig. 3 by way of example shows the net 5 substantially perpendicular to the ground, i.e. it shows the device in a configuration where the plane containing the frame 130 and the net 5 forms an angle of 90° with the ground plane. As is clear, the net 5 can have a different angle respect to the ground depending on the extension condition of the telescopic bar 14.
Fig. 3 also illustrates (dashed lines) by way of example the closing operations of the device, which are the following:

unhooking the telescopic bar 14 from the top crosspiece 3;
collapsing the telescopic bar 14 to its minimum length by sliding the inner tube until it stops;
folding the telescopic bar forwards;
folding the front frame 130 backwards.

Assembly is performed in a similar way, opening the frame 130 and positioning the telescopic bar 14, the top end of which is then fixed to the crosspiece 3.
The device thus described achieves the objects of the invention, allowing training to be performed in different conditions both indoors and outdoors; it is more versatile than the known devices; it is also easy to manufacture, light and it does not occupy huge space when folded.
Finally, it should be noted that the device is configured advantageously to simulate a football goal used, but it may serve to train also for other sports.

Claims

Training device (10) configured to simulate a goal, comprising:
a net (5) which defines a target shooting surface (50);

a support frame (130) of said net;

a ground support base (30);

wherein the support frame (130) has a first lateral upright (1), a second lateral upright (2) and a top crosspiece (3) and does not have a bottom crosspiece;

wherein the net is fastened to the lateral uprights (1, 2) and to the top crosspiece (3) of the support frame (130) and has a bottom edge (7) substantially flush with the ground when the device is in a position of use;

wherein the support frame (130) is tiltable respect to the support base (30);

and wherein the inclination of the support frame (130) respect to the support base (30) is continuously adjustable.
Device according to claim 1, comprising a telescopic bar (14) which connects the support frame (130) to the support base (30), wherein the telescopic lengthening or shortening of said bar (14) determines the inclination of the support frame (130) respect to the support base (30).
Device according to claim 2, comprising a device for locking the telescopic bar (14) in a user-selectable telescopically extended position.
Device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the telescopic bar (14) can be separated from the support frame or the support base to allow the device to be folded.
Device according to claims 2 to 4, wherein the bar comprises an outer tube (140) connected to the support base (30) and an inner tube (150) connected to the support frame (3), the inner tube (150) being telescopically slidable inside the outer tube (140), and wherein the locking device comprises a locking knob (21) associated with the outer tube (140) and acting on the inner tube (150) so as to lock the telescopic sliding movement thereof.
Device according to claim 5, wherein fastening of the outer tube (140) to said rear crosspiece (26) comprises a first hinge (19); the inner tube (150) is connected to the support frame (130) by means of a second hinge (20); the inner tube can be disengaged from said hinge to allow separation of the telescopic bar (14) from the top crosspiece (3).
Device according to any one of the previous claims, having a fully opened position in which the net (5) forms an angle of 90° respect to a plane in which the support base (30) lies.
Device according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the net is elastically fastened to the support frame (130).
Device according to claim 8, wherein the net is fastened to the support frame by means of elastic cords which form mesh connectors.
Device according to claim 9, wherein said mesh connectors extend along the lateral edges and the top edge of the net.
Device according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the net (5) is made with a material chosen among from: a metallic or plastic or polymeric or plant-based or synthetic material, preferably nylon, jute or hemp or a combination thereof.
Device according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the support frame and the support base are tubular structures.
Device according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the net (5) has a rectangular or substantially rectangular shape.
Device according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the device is foldable into a position, when not in use, in which the net is substantially parallel to the support frame.
Device according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the net is removable from the support frame for replacement.