GB2522427A

GB2522427A - A training device

Info

Publication number: GB2522427A
Application number: GB1401108.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gavin Johnson
Original assignee: NATALIE MCGREGOR
Current assignee: NATALIE MCGREGOR
Priority date: 2014-01-23
Filing date: 2014-01-23
Publication date: 2015-07-29
Anticipated expiration: 2034-01-23
Also published as: GB201401108D0; GB2522427B

Abstract

A training device comprising a stand comprising a base 3 and pole 11. There is at least one arm 2with a ball 1 secured to its second end, and connected to the pole substantially horizontally at its first end and the ball is spaced apart from the stand. The arm may be extendable. There may be a finger 4 extending from the arm at an adjustable angle to the longitudinal axis of the arm. The base may have a triangular footprint, which may comprise a hollow device to be filled with a fluid like substance to weight the device down. The pole may be fitted to the base with a resiliently deformable member 5. The arm may be removably connected in an articulated manner with a locking mechanism.

Description

A TRAINING DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a training device, in particular a device for training with racquet sports; more particularly but not exclusively a device for practising strokes for racquet sports like tennis.

Background

Increasingly training regimes can be focussed upon repetition of strokes. Repetition of exercises or strokes in ball-sports leads to muscle-memory activation and instinctive movements in a user.

The user in racquet sports in particular will need to repeat strokes aiming at a ball that is substantially or exactly in a same position, as the striking of a ball exercises and involves multiple body parts, muscle groups and movements.

As a consequence the stroke can only be effectively practised and the body trained to muscle-memory standards when the environment and ball is conducive to allow the user to avoid differences between strokes.

Ball sports in particular require a ball that is delivered to or present at the same position and for the user to be enabled to strike from the same position.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: Granted European patent EP 2 332 620 (LESNIEWICZ) discloses a device for practicing tennis ball rebounds comprising a supporting structure connected with an arm that the ball is fastened to, characterized by an arm of the device made up of an element of a high elasticity, and the end of the arm lying opposite the ball is fastened to the supporting structure by a torsion working element; moreover, there is a joint, situated between the surface area determined by the frame of the supporting structure and the arm end lying opposite the ball, of a subunit for adjusting a height of the arm position, a subunit for setting the deviation of the work trajectory of the arm with the ball and a subunit for adjusting the angle of inclination of the torsion working element to a vertical axis, whereas the torsion working element comprises a subunit for adjusting a force and dynamics of work of the arm, the ball is fastened to the arm by a non-invasive clamping subunit.

United States patent application US 4 460 172 (HOGAN) discloses an apparatus for practicing tennis strokes, especially ground strokes, provides a support for holding a tennis ball at an initial predetermined position while allowing for a rotation of this ball about a horizontal axis of the support, this horizontal axis support being allowed to move along a predetermined ideal longitudinal axis and being biased to return to its initial position, whereby an irregular stroking of the tennis ball results in a less than ideal operation of the apparatus which is readily detected.

United States patent application US 4 042 237 (MORARU) discloses a tennis trainer comprising a telescoping shaft assembly having a plurality of shafts slidable with respect to each other, a tennis ball and means for mounting said tennis ball to a first one of said shafts, support means, means for mounting a second one of said shafts to said support means, said first shaft being relatively slidable with respect to said second shaft, at least one intermediate shaft fitting within said second shaft and over said first shaft and being relatively slidable with respect to both said first and second shafts, first resilient means located within said second shaft for stopping the sliding movement of the said first shaft and said intermediate shaft and for imparting return movement to said first shaft and said intermediate shaft.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a training device comprising in use: a stand comprising a base and pole, the pole arranged to support at least one arm extending horizontally from a first proximal end, wherein a ball is secured at a second distal end.

The, or each, arm extends from the pole so as to space apart the ball in use from the pole and aid free hitting.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a training device comprising: a stand comprising a base and pole; and at least one extendable arm comprising a ball secured to a second end thereof, in which the pole is arranged in use to support the at least one extendable arm at a first end thereof such that the arm extends from the pole substantially horizontally and the ball and the second end of the arm are spaced apart from the stand The second end and the ball may be located distally from the stand.

Preferably the ball is secured on a finger extending from the arm. The finger may deviate substantially from the arm. In some embodiments the arm and finger may comprise a continuing deviation, however in preferred embodiments the arm comprises an axis, and the finger deviates from the axis.

Advantageously therefore the ball is spaced from the stand in a manner in order that a user is enabled to strike the ball freely, such as with a racquet, with minimal likelihood of striking the arm or pole with the racquet during striking; and in turn minimal likelihood of the user's feet coming into contact with base during footwork arrangements related to striking.

Preferably the base has a triangular footprint to further limit contact possibilities.

Preferably each arm is non-rotatably connected to the pole, such that the arm(s) are not permitted to rotate once the arms are connected to the stand. In addition the stand may also minimise any possibilities of rotation or returns automatically to its original position after rotation.

Advantageously therefore even after the user has struck the ball, the ball remains in a defined, standardised position to permit repeatable training exercises. This in turn improves training value of the device. The user is enabled to repetitively practice moves or strokes, having clarity over feet positioning and footwork. The user therefore is able to train repetitively, effectively, and without complication.

Preferably the pole is fitted, with respect to the base, in a resiliently deformable manner comprising a resiliently deformable fitting. Such fitting is arranged to allow the pole to bend and turn at the fitting and thereby absorb impacts to the ball. This fitting preferably comprises a metal compression spring, which allows bending between the pole and base or in some embodiments intermediate along the pole length.

Preferably the device includes at least two arms, extending from the pole substantially horizontally for ground strokes and substantially vertically for practising overhead strokes. In this way the device is advantageously appropriate for training of all major strokes in a racquet sport such as tennis, namely smash, serve, backhand or forehand. Typically three arms are arranged on the device in use to allow these strokes to all be practised simultaneously.

Preferably the arms are adjustably connected to the device, for example to the pole, in such a manner as to allow height or attitude of the aims to be adjusted with respect to the stand to accommodate different height users and/or reflect different ball heights. For example, the device may be arranged to allow multiple adjustments of the arm relative to the device, for example relative to the pole before use to allow for example allowing height, rake, reach and angle of the arms to be adjusted, such as during assembly or construction of the device, wherein the stand and arms have a plurality of different ways to be constructed or assembled. Typically a locking mechanism is used to consolidate the construction.

In other embodiments, the device may be adjustable in or during use, for example by adjustment of relative parts; the balls to the fingers, the fingers to the arms, and/or the arms to the stand.

In some embodiments the parts may have articulated attachment means therebetween, for example arms have articulated attachment means to the pole, which articulation allows angle and attitude adjustments in use, and wherein for example the attachment means is capable of adjustment as to height on the pole.

In other embodiments the parts may be adjustable in and of themselves wherein the parts may be segmented and/or articulated.

In some embodiments the pole is preferably adjustable in length, for example formed at least in part by telescopic sections. In other embodiments displaceable parts may be assembled to increase length of the pole.

In some embodiments the arms may be at least in part telescopic. In some embodiments the arms include me or more forks or multiple ends allowing fastening of more than one ball to each arm. Such ends are provided on multiple fingers or arm segments, wherein the segments or fingers in some further embodiments may be dislocated from the arms.

Preferably the arms can be displaced or disconnected from the stand, for example in some embodiments being detachable from the pole or the stand connection means.

Preferably the pole can be detached from its fitting and/or the fitting detached from the base.

Preferably therefore the device may be collapsed or dismantled for transport or storage.

Preferably the arms comprise substantially rigid material such as tubular metal or plastics. Ideally a degree of flexion may be preferred in the material.

Preferably the base includes a hollow part, which part can be filled with water, fluid or sand in use to weight the base, and thereby prevent movement in use of the device or base.

Preferably the arm is deviated to create a finger onto which the ball is secured, wherein the deviation spaces the ball towards the user in use, or more particularly ensures that the finger extends substantially along the axis of striking during use with the ball foremost. The deviation therefore is typically in the range of 45 degrees and degrees.

In some embodiments the deviation may be adjusted or adjustable in use. For example the deviation may be provided by a hinge or articulation such as a ball-and-socket joint, ideally having multiple lockable positional points. These points may be locked in position by screwthread, catch or clip.

Preferably the device includes a locking mechanism for locking the arms into place on the pole, and/or pole onto the base in addition or the alternative.

Said mechanism ideally ensures that adjustments to the height, angle or attitude of the arms may be locked, in order that during use there is minimal chance of dislocation of balls, in order that the training is standardised. Preferably the balls are fastened to the fingers semi-permanently. The balls are typically fastened to or perforated by clamps or studs depending from the ends. This may be at manufacture, retail or in use.

In preferred embodiments the balls are arranged to accept impact, for example being perforated to dampen forces, or pressurised to replicate normal conditions.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an exploded isometric view of a preferred embodiment of a device according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows a front view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figures 4 show plan views of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; and Figures 5 and 6 show sketches of detail views of arms connecting to the stand.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures the balls 1 are fastened to the fingers 4, in turn deviating from the aims 2. In the pictured embodiment the fingers 4 and arms 2 are continuous and of a piece. The material allows some flexing in use and is ideally synthetic plastic in a girder format. The cross section of the arms is designed for strength and mould-ability. Ribbing 13 at intervals increases the strength in the arms.

The arms 2 terminate at connection means 12, which include castellation to prevent rotation, as shown in sketches Figures 5 and 6. The connection means also comprises a seat 14, into the pole section 11.

The stand is formed from pole sections 11, joined at polymer grips 9 so as to allow for height adjustment. The pole has a top lock 8, which locks the arms and pole together.

The pole has a resiliently deformable fitting 5 to the base 3, also comprising collars 10. The fitting 5 primarily comprises a compression spring.

The base includes a hollow centre which is accessed at a lacuna 6, with a screwfit bung 7.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.

With respect to the specification therefore, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention, with variation and implementation obvious and clear on the basis of either common general knowledge or of expert knowledge in the field concerned. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims. a

Claims

Claims 1. A training device comprising in use: a stand comprising a base and pole, the pole arranged to support at least one arm extending horizontally from a first proximal end, wherein a ball is secured at a second distal end.
2. A training device comprising a stand comprising a base and pole; and at least one extendable arm comprising a ball secured to a second end thereof, in which the pole is arranged in use to support the at least one extendable arm at a first end thereof such that the arm extends from the pole substantially horizontally and the ball and the second end of the arm are spaced apart from the stand.
3. A device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the ball is secured on at least one finger extending from the arm, in which said finger(s) extends at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the arm.
4. A device according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the base has a triangular footprint.
5. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein each arm is rotatably fixed once the arms are connected to the stand.
6. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pole is fitted, with respect to the base, in a resiliently deformable manner at a resiliently deformable fitting.
7. A device according to claim 6 wherein the fitting comprises a metal compression spring.
8. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the device includes at least two arms, arranged in use to extend from the pole substantially horizontally.
9. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the arms are adjustably connected to the stand to allow height and/or attitude of the arm(s) to be adjusted with respect to the stand.
10. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the arm(s) are connected to the stand at an articulated attachment means.
11. A device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a locking mechanism to connect the arm(s) to the stand.
12. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the arm(s) is removably connected to the stand.
13. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the base includes a hollow part, arranged to be filled with water, fluid or sand in use to weight the base.
14. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the arm(s) comprises at least one portion extending at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the arm(s) to provide at least one finger onto which the ball is secured.
15. A device as claimed in claim 14, in which said angle is arranged such that the ball is arranged in use to be located substantially along the axis of striking with the ball foremost.
16. A device according to either of claims 14 and 15 comprising an angle in the range of 45 degrees and 135 degrees.
17. A device according to any of the preceding claims 14 to 16 wherein the angleis adjustable.
18. A training device substantially as described herein with reference to the figures.