Patent ID: 7309234
Filing Date: 2007-12-18
Classification: A63B

Abstract:
1. A device to assist in the training of athletes and the playing of athletic games, the device comprising: a case; a first plurality of signaling elements for emitting a first signal, said first plurality of signaling elements being disposed on an outer surface of the case, wherein each element has an on state in which it emits the first signal, and an off state in which it does not emit the first signal; a second plurality of signaling elements for emitting a second signal, said second signal being distinguishable from the first signal, said second plurality of signaling elements being disposed on an outer surface of the case, wherein each element has an on state in which it emits the second signal, and an off state in which it does not emit the second signal; a plurality of device states, wherein combinations of the first signal and the second signal define said device states; a first dial, said first dial setting a mean frequency of transitions between device states; a second dial, said second dial setting a minimum hold time spent in each device state before a transition to another device state is permitted; a plurality of switches, said switches setting a time occupancy for each device state, said occupancy values determining the average time spent in each device state; a controller for driving said signaling elements, wherein said controller is disposed within the case, and wherein said controller drives the first plurality of signaling elements and the second plurality of signaling elements to produce a continuous series of device states which are always unpredictable in sequence and duration, and wherein the actions of said controller are specified by its internal program, the first dial, the second dial, and the switches; whereby random variation is continuously introduced into the training of athletes and the playing of athletic games.