GB2424191A - A target for a ball game - Google Patents

Abstract

A target for a ball game comprises a circular target 5 supported by an annular frame 2. The target is attached to the frame by fasteners 8 fitted into holes 71 in both the frame and the target mat. Alternatively the target may have a central target area (51, fig 3c) attached to the outer ring by springs (9, fig 3c). A further embodiment comprises segments in the target mat which may be flipped from an 'open' to a 'closed' position when struck by the ball.

Description

A Traininci Device The present invention relates to a training device, in

particular a target tailored to improve a footballer's ball placement ability.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a modular target suitable for attaching to a goal frame such that the player can improve their ability to place the ball in a predetermined location within the goalmouth, for example, a corner.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a training device for practising ball skills, comprising an outer annular frame having attachable thereto a target module. The target module, being attachable and detachable from the outer annular frame provides a target arrangement that is interchangeable to suit a particular application.

Preferably, a first target module is made up of a rebound mat and annular member.

The rebound mat may comprise a casing at its perimeter, into which casing the annular member is inserted. Accordingly, the annular member is preferably a discontinuous member such that one end can be fed into the casing. When fully inserted, a suitable joining member may be applied to join both ends together to form a continuous annular member.

Preferably, when assembled the first target module comprises a rebound mat that is sufficiently tensioned such that when attached to the outer annular frame and it is struck with a ball or similar object the ball/object is returned to substantially the same location from which it was delivered.

Alternatively, a second target module may be attached to the outer annular frame.

Preferably, the second target module comprises a rebound mat that is sized smaller than an inner circle defined by the annular member. The rebound mat may comprise a reinforced edge. Preferably, each of the reinforced edge and the annular member comprise a corresponding number of holes thereon. Each hole on the annular member aligns diametrically with a corresponding hole on the reinforced edge of the rebound mat. Preferably, a resilient member, such as a spring, connects each hole on the annular member with a corresponding hole on the reinforced edge of the rebound mat. Preferably, the spring or other resilient member is subject to sufficient tension to cause the rebound mat to be sufficiently taut to provide the desired rebound effect when struck with a ball or similar object.

Preferably, in the second target module the annular member comprises a second set of holes, which correspond in number to a number of holes provided on the outer annular frame. The training device is assembled by aligning each hole of the second set of holes on the annular member with a corresponding hole on the outer annular frame and applying a suitable fastener through each hole such that outer annular frame and target module are joined together.

A training device comprising either of the first target module or the second target module is particularly advantageous when one person is practising ball skills because the ball/object, on striking the target, is returned; little effort is required in retrieving the ball.

Alternatively, a third target module may comprise an annular member having a plurality of movable arms connected thereto, which movable arms accommodate an inner circle defined by the annular member, each one of the plurality of movable arms is connected to the annular member by a corresponding resilient member such that the arms are movable between a first and second position, wherein movement from the first to second position is effected by striking at least one of the movable arms and the reciprocal movement, from open to closed is effected by the resilient member.

Preferably, in the assembly of each of the training devices described above the annular member is sized to overlap with at least a portion of the outer annular frame.

Each of the outer annular frame and the annular member have a corresponding number of holes provided thereon, each hole on one of the outer annular frame and the annular member aligning with a corresponding hole on the other to facilitate assembly of the training device. A suitable fastener is inserted through each of the corresponding holes such that the first, second or third target modules attach to the outer annular frame.

Examples of suitable fasteners are conventional metal fasteners such as screws, nuts and bolts. Alternatively, plastic fasteners may be used such as canoe rivets, snap rivets or screw-on rivets. The list of fasteners is not intended to be exhaustive.

Advantageously, temporary fasteners are preferred such that the target modules are easily interchangeable.

The fasteners need to be suitable to withstand frequent application of load due to the impact of a ball or similar object striking the target module. The load taken by the fasteners is somewhat reduced in the second and third target modules, which comprise movable components. Due to the arrangement of the first target module, the annular member, therefore the fasteners, carry more of the impact load/force when the target is struck by a ball or similar object.

Preferably, the outer annular frame is provided by an annular disc comprising a recessed portion into which the first, second or third target module abut. The arrangement produces a planar face on one side of the training device. Alternatively, the outer annular member may be an annular disc to which the first, second or third target module abuts, wherein a step is produced on both faces of the annular disc.

Alternatively, the training device comprises a reinforcement module having recesses formed therein to receive the outer annular frame and the first, second or third target module.

The training device may further comprise at least one support member attachable to at least the outer annular frame. The support member facilitates connecting the training device to a suitable support structure, for example a goal post or cross bar of a goal frame. The support member may be in the form of a clamp for suspending the training device from, for example the cross bar of a goal frame. Alternatively, the support member may be connectable to a stand such as an a-frame to support the training device in a substantially free-standing arrangement.

Preferably, the training device comprises two support members. The support members may be arranged such that they both connect to one of the cross bar or post of a goal frame. Alternatively, the two support members may be arranged substantially perpendicular to each other such that one support member is attachable to a vertical member, for example the cross bar and the other support member is attachable to a horizontal member, for example the post. Advantageously, the latter arrangement provides a training device, which is less likely to swing when struck with a ball or similar object.

Preferably mounting points are provided on the outer annular frame such that the support member locations are adjustable for particular applications.

Preferably, the component parts making up the training device are manufactured from modern materials, such as moulded reinforced plastics. The rebound mat may be of any suitable tensional material, for example canvas or plastic mesh.

The invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure Ia illustrates a front view of a training target comprising a first target module and a single support member attached thereto; Figure lb illustrates the target of figure la having a pair of support members attached thereto, which support members are arranged perpendicularly to each other is such that one connects to a horizontal member and the other connects to a vertical member; Figure Ic illustrates the target of figure Ia having a pair of support members attached thereto, which support members are shown in the orientation to connect to a horizontal member; Figure 2a, 2b and 2c illustrate a training target comprising a second target module; Figure 3a illustrates an exploded view of the target of figure 1; Figure 3b shows examples of plastic fasteners; Figure 3c shows a third target module; and Figure 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d show, in cross-section, examples of how the training targets of figures 1 to 3 may be assembled.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3, wherein there is illustrated a training target 1, which comprises an outer annular frame 2 to which a first target module 4 is attachable.

Figures 1, 2 and 3c illustrate three different types of target module 4; 41; 411.

Figures la to ic show an assembled training target 1 which comprises a rebound mat 5 as part of the first target module. The rebound mat 5 is marked in a traditional manner to highlight the centre of the target 1.

The rebound mat 5 is preferably mounted on a reinforcing annular member, which facilitates tensioning the rebound mat 5 whilst also facilitates connecting the rebound mat 5 to the outer annular frame 2. The reinforcing annular member is preferably io discontinuous in form; having two ends to facilitate inserting the reinforcing annular member into a casing provided on the perimeter of the rebound mat 5. When assembled a suitable joining member may join the two ends together to form a continuous annular member such that the annular member is retained within the casing and the rebound mat 5 is taut.

Preferably, the rebound mat 5 is sufficiently taut/tensioned such that when a ball or similar object strikes the assembled training target I it will rebound and return substantially towards the location from which it was delivered.

The rebound mat 5, annular member and outer annular frame 2 each have a corresponding number of holes 7, 71, for example eight, uniformly spaced on the same pitch circle diameter near the outer edge. Assembly of the training target 1 is by aligning the holes 7 on the rebound mat 5 with those 71 on the outer annular frame 2 and fastening with suitable fasteners 8.

An alternative training device utilises a second target module 41 comprising a rebound mat 51 as illustrated in figure 3c. The rebound mat 51 is smaller in dimension than the inner circle defined by the reinforcement annular member 61. The rebound mat 51 may have a strengthened edge, which has a number of holes 71, for example eight, uniformly spaced on a pitch circle diameter near the outer edge. In this embodiment, the annular member 61 has two sets of holes 72, 73, provided thereon. One set corresponds in number to the number of holes 71 provided on the reinforced edge of the rebound mat 51, the other set corresponds in number to the number of holes 71 provided on the outer annular frame 2. Preferably, each of the rebound mat 51, reinforcement annular member 61 and the outer annular frame 2 has a corresponding numbers of holes provided thereon.

The second target module 41 is assembled by diametrically aligning each hole 71 on the rebound mat 51 with a corresponding one of the innermost set of holes 72 on the annular member 61. The holes 71, 72 are connected to each other by a spring 9, in tension, such that the rebound mat 51 is tensioned sufficiently to return a ball in the direction of the location from which it was delivered.

Aligning the holes 71 on the outer annular frame 2 with the outermost set of holes 73 on the annular member 61 and inserting suitable fasteners 8 assembles the training device 1.

The rebound mat 5; 51 may be of any suitable durable material. Preferably, the material is such that it can withstand numerous strikes with a football or similar object and can consistently rebound/return the ball. Suitable materials may be canvas, plastic sheeting or a durable mesh fabric.

A third target module 411 as illustrated in figures 2a to 2c comprises an annular frame 611, which is divided equally into sixteen segments with every second segment accommodated by a target-flip 10. The target-flips 10 are each connected to the annular member 611 by fastening means that allow the target-flip 10 to move under load. A spring or other suitable resilient member 11 biases the target flips 10 in a closed position, as shown in figures 2a to 2c.

The target-flips 10 may be made of any suitable material. In the preferred embodiment, they are made of a heavy-duty moulded plastic, which is capable of withstanding the loads applied when struck repeatedly with a ball or similar object.

The third target module operates by, for example, the user kicking, throwing or heading the ball towards the target device 1. On striking one or more of the target- flips 10, the target-flips 10 move simultaneously to an open position, wherein the ball/object passes through the centre of the target device 1. The reciprocal movement of the target-flips 10, from open to closed, is effected automatically by the spring or other resilient member 11.

As with the first and second target module arrangements described above, the third target module's annular member 611 and the outer annular frame 2 have a corresponding numbers of holes 71, 74 provided thereon. Aligning the holes 71 on the outer annular frame 2 with the holes 74 on the annular member 611 and inserting s suitable fasteners 8 assembles the training device 1.

Mechanical fasteners such as screws or nuts and bolts may secure the frames together to produce the finished target. Alternatively, plastic fasteners such as canoe rivets 12, snap rivets 13 or screw-on rivets 14, as illustrated in figure 3b, may be used to secure the pieces together.

The training targets 1 illustrated herein are assembled with the annular outer frame 2 and the target module 4; 41; 411 being arranged in face-toface contact; there is an overlapping portion of the annular frame 61; 611 and the outer annular frame 2 (see figures 4a to 4c).

Alternatively, the target modules may be sized to fit inside the inner circle defined by the outer annular frame 2. The fasteners joining the target module 4; 41; 411 and the outer annular frame 2 together may be inserted from the outer perimetric edge of the outer annular frame 2 into a hole provided on the outer edge of the target module 4; 41; 411 to retain the target module 4; 41; 411 in place (see figure 4d). Accordingly, each of the annular frame 61; 611 and the outer annular frame 2, have radial holes provided around their edges such that the each hole in the outer annular frame 2 aligns with a corresponding radial hole on the annular frame 61; 611.

In its simplest form, see figure 4b, the training target 1 comprises an outer annular frame 2 in the form of a flat annular disc having the target module 4; 41; 411 abutting against one face and being fixed thereto by suitable fasteners 8.

The preferred arrangement, see figure 4a, is where the outer annular frame 2 has a recessed portion which has a diameter and depth that correspond with the outer diameter and width respectively of the target module 4; 41; 411. The rear face of target module 4; 41; 411 abuts against the face of the recessed portion such that the front face 4F of the target module 4; 41; 411 is flush with the front face 2F of the outer annular frame 2.

A more complex arrangement is illustrated in cross-section in figure 4c. A plastic moulding 16 is provided to which the outer annular member 2 and target module 15 attach to recesses provided therein.

In its preferred embodiment, the training target I is attached to a goal frame (not illustrated). Therefore, support members 18; such as clamps (see figures la to lc, 2a to 2c and 4a) may be attached, at least, to the outer annular frame 2 by suitable means. Preferably, two support members 18 are attached to the training target 1 to enhance stability of the training target 1, when in use. Using a single support member 18 allows the target to be attached to either the cross bar or post. If two support io members 18 are used (see figures Ib, Ic, 2b and 2c) they may be arranged such that both attach to the same support structure, for example the cross bar or post.

Alternatively, as illustrated in figures lb and 2b, the support members 18 may be arranged perpendicularly such that one is connectable to the cross bar and one is connectable to the post; therefore, the training target 1 is prevented from swinging when struck with a ball or similar object.

The use of the training target is not limited to being suspended from a goal frame.

The support members may be attachable to a suitable stand (not illustrated) thereby, providing a target 1 that is freestanding. A freestanding target may help develop the skill in ball placement by means of throw-ins or corner kicks.

Claims (14)

1. A training device for practising ball skills comprising an outer annular frame, and a target module attachable to the outer annular frame.

2. A training device according to claim 1, wherein the target module is accommodated within an inner circle defined by the outer annular frame.

3. A training device according to claim 1, wherein the target module and outer annular frame are assembled in face to face contact.

4. A training device according to claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein each of the outer annular frame and the target module comprise a corresponding number of holes thereon such that when assembled each hole on the outer annular frame aligns with a corresponding hole on the target module.

5. A training device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the target module comprises a rebound mat and annular member.

6. A training device according to claim 5, wherein the rebound mat comprises a reinforced perimetric edge.

7. A training device according to claim 6, wherein the reinforced perimetric edge forms a casing which houses the annular member.

8. A training device according to claim 5, wherein the rebound mat is sized smaller than an inner circle defined by the annular member and is connected to the annular member by a plurality of resilient members.

9. A training device according to claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the annular member comprises a plurality of movable arms connected thereto, which movable arms accommodate an inner circle defined by the annular member, each one of the plurality of movable arms is connected to the annular member by a corresponding resilient member such that the arms are movable between a first and second position, wherein movement from the first to second position is effected by striking at least one of the movable arms and the reciprocal movement, from open to closed is effected by the resilient member.

10. A training device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one support member attachable to at least the outer annular frame.

11. A training device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising two support members attachable at least to the outer annular frame.

12. A training device according to claim 11, wherein each of the two support members is arranged perpendicularly relative to the other.

13. A training device according to claim 11, wherein one of the two support members is axially aligned with the other.

14. A training device substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings hereof.