Abstract:
Provided is a tennis training device for training a tennis player to hit a tennis ball to a targeted area with consistency. The device includes a target mat placeable on a surface for the tennis player to aim toward when hitting the tennis ball. The target mat includes a mat body and a detector coupled to the mat body. The detector is configured to detect contact between the tennis ball and the mat body and to generate a detection signal in response to said detection. The target mat further includes a transmitter in communication with the detector to receive the detection signal therefrom. The tennis training device includes a scoring device including a receiver in communication with the transmitter to receive the detection signal therefrom. A signaling device is in communication with the receiver and configured to generate a scoring signal in response to receipt of the detection signal.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not Applicable 
       STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0004]    The present invention relates generally to a tennis teaching device, and more specifically to a tennis teaching device configured to train a tennis player to strike a tennis ball with consistent precision and accuracy. 
         [0005]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0006]    Tennis is a hugely popular sport enjoyed by millions of players worldwide. The sport of tennis challenges the players both physically and mentally. As such, mastery of the game includes physical aspects as well as mental aspects. The physical aspects relate to the player&#39;s physical ability to make certain shots, i.e., serves, approach shots, volleys, etc at a high rate of success. Exemplary physical tools required for each shot include the player&#39;s grip of the racquet, the player&#39;s form and balance through the swing, and the player&#39;s swing speed. The mental aspects of the game relate to the player&#39;s ability to focus on the match and not be distracted by other external factors, such as the weather, intimidation by the opposing player, etc. The mental aspects of the game also include the player&#39;s ability to know which shots the player can hit with greater success, as well as the shots the player can hit with less frequent success. The mental aspects further relate to a player&#39;s ability to create a game plan before a match and implement that game plan during the match. In this regard, the game of tennis is not simply hitting the ball over the net. Rather, the game requires precision and accuracy, wherein a successful player can hit the ball to a specific targeted zone. 
         [0007]    Mastery of both the physical and mental aspects of the game requires practice and repetition of the various shots. Once a player has practiced a shot with repeated success, the player will gain confidence in his ability to successfully make the shot during competition. 
         [0008]    In view of the need for repetition to master one&#39;s shot making ability, several tennis training devices and techniques have been developed to aid in tennis training. One particular device that is commonly used by tennis players is a ball machine, which feeds the player tennis balls during training exercises. The ball machine allows the user to practice without a hitting partner and delivers the balls with reliable consistency. Therefore, the user can repeatedly practice a particular shot. 
         [0009]    Although the ball machine provides the player with certain advantages, the ball machine also suffers from certain deficiencies. In particular, the ball machine generally does not provide any feedback to the player. In this regard, if the player is focusing on hitting the balls into a specific target zone, such as the corners of the baseline, the ball machine does not monitor the player&#39;s success in hitting those zones, and thus, leaves the player wondering what his success rate is for hitting the ball into the intended target zones. 
         [0010]    Another tennis training technique that is commonly employed for targeted hitting is to set up tennis ball cans or traffic cones in the areas of the court which the player wants to target. For instance, the player may set up a can or cone in each corner of the baseline and aim his shots toward the cans or cones. The player will know that he has successfully targeted that area when the ball hits the can or cone. 
         [0011]    A problem with the targeted tennis ball can approach is that the tennis ball cans generally provide a very small target at which to aim. Furthermore, if the player is successful in knocking down the can, the player is generally required to interrupt his training session and reset the tennis ball can. 
         [0012]    As is apparent from the foregoing, there is a need in the art for an improved tennis training system which allows the player to repeatedly practice targeted shot making, and also provides the user with feedback as to the success of the player&#39;s shot making. The present invention addresses this particular need, as will be discussed in more detail below. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0013]    There is provided a tennis training device for training a tennis player to hit a tennis ball to a targeted area with consistency. The tennis training device includes a target mat placeable on a surface for the tennis player to aim toward when hitting the tennis ball. The target mat includes a mat body and a detector coupled to the mat body. The detector is configured to detect contact between the tennis ball and the mat body and to generate a detection signal in response to detection of contact between the tennis ball and the mat body. The target mat further includes a transmitter in communication with the detector to receive the detection signal therefrom. The tennis training device includes a scoring device including a receiver in communication with the transmitter to receive the detection signal therefrom. A signaling device is in communication with the receiver and configured to generate a scoring signal in response to receipt of the detection signal. 
         [0014]    The detector may be configured to detect an acoustic signal in response to the tennis ball contacting the mat body. As an alternative, the detector may be configured to detect a pneumatic signal in response to the tennis ball contacting the mat body. The mat body may define an internal reservoir filled with a fluid. 
         [0015]    The transmitter may be configured to wirelessly communicate the detection signal. The transmitter may be configured to communicate the detection signal over a WiFi communication network. The receiver may be in wireless communication with the transmitter. 
         [0016]    The signaling device may be configured to generate a visual scoring signal. The signaling device may also be configured to generate an acoustic scoring signal. 
         [0017]    The tennis training device may include one mat or more than one mat. In embodiments with more than one mat, the various mats may be operatively linked to define a training sequence, wherein the player attempts to land the tennis ball on the mats in a defined sequence, i.e., alternating shots in the base line corners. 
         [0018]    The present invention is best understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the following description and drawings, in which like numbers refer to like parts throughout, and in which: 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  is a schematic view of an embodiment of a tennis training system including a plurality of target mats placed on a tennis court, and a counter display box; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is another schematic view of one embodiment of the target mat and counter box; and 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is a schematic view of another embodiment of the target mat and counter box. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0023]    The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and sequences of steps for constructing and operating the invention. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments and that they are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the invention. 
         [0024]    Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for purpose of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present invention only, and not for purposes of limiting the same, there is shown a tennis training system  10  for use in training a tennis player  12  to hit a tennis ball  14  to a targeted area with reliable precision. When a tennis player  12  practices with the tennis training system  10 , the player  12  will gain confidence in his ability to make particular shots. The player  12  will also identify his strong shots, as well as his weak shots, while being able to statistically track their improvement. The training system  10  is configured to provide immediate feedback when a shot is hit well. The player  12  will be able to play with set goals in mind, and over time, have confidence that the goals are being achieved. After practicing with the training system  10 , the player  12  will develop a high level of confidence in his shot making abilities, which will improve his outlook of the game, as well as his ability to set up points. The training system  10  will develop the player&#39;s strength and allow the player  12  to build a game plan he can rely on when playing. 
         [0025]    Referring now specifically to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a player  12  practicing on a tennis court  16  with a plurality of target mats  18  strategically placed in areas which are commonly targeted during regular tennis competition. More specifically, target mats  18   a  and  18   b  are placed in the corners of the backcourt along the baseline  20 . Target mats  18   c  and  18   d  are placed in the corners of a first service box along the service line  22 , and target mats  18   e  and  18   f  are placed in the corners of a second service box along the service line  22 . The areas which the target mats  18   a - 18   f  are shown in  FIG. 1  are commonly targeted in all aspects of a regular match, including serves and ground strokes. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the locations of the target mats  18   a - 18   f  shown in  FIG. 1  are exemplary in nature only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. In this regard, the mats  18   a - 18   f  may be placed closer to the net to practice drop shots, or at other locations of the tennis court  16  to further improve the player&#39;s precision and accuracy to hit that area. Furthermore, the number of target mats  18   a - 18   f  shown in  FIG. 1  is exemplary in nature only, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that fewer mats  18  or more mats  18  may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In particular, as few as one target mat  18  may be used such that the player  12  may selectively position the single mat  18  at various locations throughout the court to practice hitting the tennis ball  14  to that specific area. Once the player  12  has confidence hitting the ball  14  to that area, the mat  18  may be positioned in another area for further practice. 
         [0026]    As will be explained in more detail below, when the player  12  successfully strikes the ball  14  such that the ball  14  lands on one of the target mats  18   a - 18   f , the target mat  18  detects the ball  14  landing on the mat  18  and generates a detection signal. The detection signal is communicated to a signaling device  24 , such as a counter display box  24   a  or a smart phone  24   b , to provide an indication to the user that the shot was successful. 
         [0027]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , there is shown one embodiment of a target mat  18  configured to detect vibrations within the mat  18  caused by the tennis ball  14  successfully landing on the mat  18 . Along these lines, the mat  18  includes a mat body  26  constructed to act as an acoustic sound board. The mat body  26  may be constructed out of any material that conducts acoustic waves, such as plastic, metal, fiber board, or other materials known by those skilled in the art. According to one embodiment, the mat body  26  is generally hollow with corrugations  28  disposed within the mat body  26  to provide strength to the mat body  26 . In this regard, the mat body  26  is configured to flex when the tennis ball  14  lands on the mat body  26  and then return to its normal state shortly after initial impact with the tennis ball  14 . 
         [0028]    In order to enhance the vibration of the mat  18  when the tennis ball  14  lands thereon, the mat  14  may include acoustic isolation feet  30  to mitigate vibration dampening by the court  16 . In other words, the acoustic isolation feet  30  may be connected to the mat body  26  to slightly elevate the mat body  26  over the court surface to allow the mat body  26  to vibrate freely, as opposed to being dampened by the court surface. 
         [0029]    The size of the mat body  26  may be varied, and may depend on the intended usage thereof, or the skill of the player  12 . For instance, a smaller mat body  26  may be used to practice serves, whereas a larger mat body  26  may be used to practice shots along the base line. Furthermore, more skilled players  12  may benefit more from a smaller mat body  26 , whereas a beginner player may benefit more from a larger mat body  26 . Along these lines, a smaller mat body  16  defines a smaller target area, which may provide a suitable challenge for a more experience player  12 , while the larger target area defined by a larger mat body  26  may be more suited to the skill level of a beginning player  12 . 
         [0030]    The mat  18  further includes an acoustic pickup  32  to detect vibrations in the mat  18  caused by the tennis ball  14  landing on the mat  18 . The acoustic pickup  32  is operative to generate an electrical detection signal in response to the vibration detection. The acoustic pickup  32  may include a dynamic microphone, condenser microphone, piezo electric sensor or any other transducer known in the art capable of converting vibrations into an electrical signal. 
         [0031]    The electrical detection signal generated by the acoustic pickup  32  is transmitted to an analog signal processing circuit  34 , which is in electrical communication with the acoustic pickup  32 . The analog signal processing circuit  34  is configured to amplify and filter the electrical signals from the acoustic pickup  32 . The processing circuit  34  may employ special filtering algorithms to reject unwanted sounds, such as sounds associated with passing aircraft, people speaking, or the tennis ball  14  landing on the tennis court  16  near the mat  18 . Thus, the signal received at the analog signal processing circuit  34  is filtered to remove portions of the signal that do not correspond to the vibrations associated with the tennis ball  14  hitting the mat  18 . A valid ball strike signal is generated by the analog signal processing circuit  34  which directly relates to the vibrations/sound generated from the tennis ball  14  landing on the mat  18 . The valid ball strike signal may be a simple electrical signal or a digital interface to further processing. 
         [0032]    The valid ball strike signal is communicated from the analog signal processing circuit  34  to the digital code encryption processor circuit  36 , which is operative to generate a unique digital pulse code. The unique digital pulse code may be transmitted by a wireless transmitter  38 . The unique digital code encryption circuit  36  mitigates other nearby target mats  18  from falsely affecting the score count of the intended target mat counter. In this regard, each target mat  18  is uniquely coded to correspond with a matching count receiver and display. Therefore, the training system  10  is not only capable of detecting a tennis ball  14  landing on a target mat  18 , but it can also identify the specific mat  18  on which the ball  14  landed. 
         [0033]    The wireless transmitter  38  is in operative communication with the digital code encryption circuit  36  to receive the signal therefrom and to covert the digital signal into a wireless signal. The wireless signal may be an RF signal at any frequency. The wireless signal may utilize amplitude modification, frequency modification or digital spread spectrum technology. Although the foregoing describes the wireless signal as being an RF signal, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that other wireless communication signals, such as, Bluetooth™ signals, WiFi™ signals, infrared signals, or other known wireless signals may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Furthermore, although the preferred embodiment includes a wireless transmitter  38 , it is also contemplated that other embodiments of the invention may employ wired transmission means. 
         [0034]    The signal transmitted by the transmitter  38  is received by a signaling device  24   a ,  24   b . The signaling device  24   a  includes a receiver  40 , preferably a wireless receiver. Once the signal is received by the receiver  40 , the signal is converted into an electrical signal that is communicated to a digital decode processor circuit  42 . The digital decode processor circuit  42  serves to decode the signal from the receiver  40  and generate a valid count trigger to be counted on the display  44 . This count trigger may be a simple electrical signal or a digital processor interface of any type. 
         [0035]    The counter box display  44  accepts the count signal from the digital decode processor circuit  42  and increments the count display for the user. The counter display box  44  defines a large numerical display that is readable in sunlight and that counts each valid ball trigger on the target mat  18 . The counter display box  44  may also include controls for resetting, incrementing or decreasing the count. 
         [0036]    Various embodiments of the present invention may also include an acoustic signaling device  46  configured to provide an audio feedback cue each time the target mat  18  registers a valid ball strike. The acoustic signal may include a beep, buzzer or artificial voice cue. The acoustic signaling device  46  may also include a mute option, as well as volume control. 
         [0037]    Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that although the various components comprising either the target mat  18  and the signaling device  24   a  are described above as being separate components, that any of the components may be combined into a signal component to simplify the final design. 
         [0038]    In addition to the foregoing, it is also contemplated that the wireless transmitter  38  may be configured to transmit a signal to signaling device  24   b , which is a remote electronic device, such as a smart phone, tablet computer, personal computer or the like. The transmission to the remote electronic device  24   b  may be in addition to the transmission to the signaling device  24   a , or as an alternative to the transmission to the signaling device  24   a.    
         [0039]    It is contemplated that the tennis training system  10  may be programmed to guide the user through a training sequence, wherein the user targets specific mats  18   a - 18   f  in a particular sequence. For instance, the player may alternate between mats  18   a  and  18   b  to train for base line rallies. Alternatively, the player may target mats  18   a , then  18   b , then  18   c , then  18   f , and repeat the sequence to attain a command of placing the ball at various locations throughout the court. As noted above, each mat  18  may generate a unique signal such that the signaling device  24   a ,  24   b  can identify the specific mat  18  which generated the signal. Thus, the signaling device  24   a ,  24   b  can track the success at which the user can target the various mats  18  through the sequence. The player may program the desired sequence into the signaling device  24   a ,  24   b . In this regard, the signaling device  24   a ,  24   b  may include on or more pre-programmed sequences which the user may select, or alternatively, the user may program the desired sequence into the signaling device  24   a ,  24   b . Therefore, with the sequence programmed into the signaling device  24   a ,  24   b , the signaling device  24   a ,  24   b  compares the sequence of signals received from the mats  18  with the sequence defined by the user. 
         [0040]    It is further contemplated that the mats  18  may include a target indicator, such as a light or sound, to guide the user through the sequence. In this regard, the mat  18  may illuminate the light or transmit the sound from the particular mat  18  that is next in the sequence. The target indicator may remain ON until the user strikes the mat  18 , or the target indicator may be ON for a certain period of time, i.e., 1-5 seconds, and then sequence to the next mat  18 . Thus, the mats  18  may be in communication with each other and the signaling device  24   a ,  24   b  to sequence the target indicator in accordance with the training sequence. 
         [0041]    Referring now specifically to  FIG. 3 , there is shown another embodiment of the tennis training system which utilizes pneumatic detection to determine when the tennis ball  14  successfully lands on the mat. According to one embodiment, the tennis training system  10  includes a pneumatic mat  50  having a mat body  52  defining an inner reservoir  54 . The inner reservoir  54  may be inflated or filled with a fluid, such as pressurized air or an inert gas. The mat  50  is constructed such that when the tennis ball  14  lands on the mat  50 , the momentum of the tennis ball  14  creates a pressure pulse within the pneumatic mat  50 . In other words, before the tennis ball  14  lands on the mat  50 , the pressure within the inner reservoir  54  is at a baseline pressure level. When the tennis ball  14  lands on the mat  50 , the pressure within the inner reservoir  54  spikes up before returning back to the baseline pressure level. 
         [0042]    The pneumatic mat  50  further includes a pressure transducer  56  which detects the pressure spike within the inner reservoir  54  and converts the detected pressure spike into an electrical signal. The electrical signal from the pressure transducer  56  is communicated to the analog signal processing circuit  58 . 
         [0043]    The analog signal processing circuit  34 , digital code encryption processor circuit  42 , wireless transmitter  38 , wireless receiver  40 , digital decode processor circuit  42 , and counter display box  44  shown in  FIG. 3  are similar to the analog signal processing circuit  34 , digital code encryption processor circuit  36 , wireless transmitter  38 , wireless receiver  40 , digital decode processor circuit  42 , and counter display box  44  shown in  FIG. 2 . Therefore, please refer to the above-discussion for a more in-depth explanation of the analog signal processing circuit  34 , digital code encryption processor circuit  36 , wireless transmitter  38 , wireless receiver  40 , digital decode processor circuit  42 , and counter display box  44 . 
         [0044]    When used, the tennis training system  10  offers more than conventional hit-at-a-spot tennis products. Indeed, the tennis training system  10  allows the user to practice with a purpose. In this regard, the player will be focused on hitting the ball  14  to a particular area, which during a match may be a winning shot, or may position the player for to take advantage of a poorly hit shot from the opponent. The player will gain confidence in his/her ability to make particular shots, identify their strong shots and weak shots, as well as obtain a statistical analysis of their improvement. The system  10  provides instant positive feedback when the tennis ball  14  is hit well. For instance, the counter box  44  may provide a visual and/or audible signal that the tennis ball  14  successfully landed on a target mat  18 . The system also allows the player to practice with set goals in mind and to monitor and track those goals over time. The feedback provided by the system  10  will foster player confidence in their shot making abilities. Moreover, the player will develop a new outlook of playing and setting up points. For instance, the player will develop, strengthen, and gain solutions to building a game plan that can be implemented when playing. 
         [0045]    The player&#39;s focus will also improve after practicing with the target tennis system  10 . In particular, the player will be able to focus on shot production, and should not be distracted by anything else when trying to achieve their targeted goals. When a player practices using the target tennis system  10 , the player will develop a mindset of hitting to areas on the court instead of worrying or focusing on the opponent. This allows the player to keep each point as important as any other and can help the player from outside distractions. Further, the player will obtain the best results utilizing the target tennis system  10  in practice sessions to simulate actual tennis match competition, i.e. “practice like you play and play like you practice”. This type of practice session can additionally help overcome nervousness typically encountered in match play since the same has already been encountered numerous times during the practice session. 
         [0046]    The target tennis system provides a measurable number related to the player&#39;s improvement of making particular shots. For instance, the system  10  may track the player&#39;s improvement of hitting ground strokes deep to the corners, cross court, or down the lines. The system  10  will also allow the player to quickly determine which shots the player can make at a high percentage and what shots the player can make at a low percentage (and thus, require additional practice). This type of information will also help the player make decisions during competition, i.e., the player will know to make the shot which he can make at a higher percentage. In addition, this type of information informs the tennis player which particular shots need more practice. 
         [0047]    The following section will discuss various tennis shots made during normal competition, and how the target tennis system  10  may be used to improve those shots. Turning first to the “approach shot,” a common reason players get passed at the net and lose the point is due to short approach shots. The tennis target system  10  will help a player correct this problem. In particular, the tennis target system  10  will improve the player&#39;s ability to take advantage of the opponent&#39;s short ball and gain consistency in driving the tennis ball  14  deep into the corners. As the player learns to strike the ball  14  with greater velocity, the opponent has less time to get to the ball  14 , the opponent has a much more difficult return shot, which will likely set up an easier volley to put the ball  14  away. 
         [0048]    Turning now to the “volley,” the tennis training system  10  will allow the player to gain confidence in his ability to hit a volley on the target which will help set up an easier second short or which may be an outright winner. By coming up to the net, the player will have much greater area of the court to gain an advantage over the opponent. The player will have more angles to make it more difficult for the opponent to reach the ball  14  and force the opponent to hit a more difficult shot. Therefore, the odds of winning a higher percentage of the shots will increase. 
         [0049]    The tennis training system  10  may also be used to improve a player&#39;s “serve.” Conventional methods of practicing service placement included placing a tennis ball  14  can at the desired location on the court. This conventional method was not preferred because it provided an extremely small target, and once the target was knocked down, the can needed to be replaced. 
         [0050]    The target tennis system  10  provides the player with an enhanced ability to practice and improve the player&#39;s serves, particular when compared to the conventional practicing methods described above. In particular, the target tennis system  10  will allow the player to aim for a spot, hit the target, have the shot counted, all without disrupting the practice session to reset the target. 
         [0051]    Additional modifications and improvements of the present invention may also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, the particular combination of components and steps described and illustrated herein is intended to represent only certain embodiments of the present invention, and is not intended to serve as limitations of alternative devices and methods within the spirit and scope of the invention.