Abstract:
Exemplary embodiments of a training device are disclosed. The training device is a container that can include a net attached to the top of the container and a sloped surface dividing the container into a top section that returns lacrosse balls to the ground and a bottom section that can be used to stabilize the device. The training device can allow a user to practice precision shooting, cradling, and scooping skills without needing a practice field or a companion to practice with. A method of practicing shooting accuracy and other athletics skills using the training device is also disclosed.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    Lacrosse is a game that requires players to be able to precisely shoot a ball into a goal or to another player&#39;s stick, maintain control of the ball within the pocket of a lacrosse stick, and scoop ground balls into the pocket of a lacrosse stick. Developing the shooting, scooping, and cradling skills necessary to play lacrosse requires a substantial amount of practice. Most lacrosse training takes place on a practice field or other facility with other players to practice skills with. 
         [0002]    This manner of training presents a number of challenges when a person wishes to engage in lacrosse skills practice whether inside or outside of a typical training facility. While setting up a lacrosse goal in a yard or field is possible, the size of a typical lacrosse goal is not amenable to practicing precision shooting. Scooping drills typically require multiple players to practice reaction time and fundamentals. Additionally, cradling drills often use multiple players to practice retention of a ball in the pocket of a lacrosse stick when a player is changing direction and another player is attempting to knock the ball out of the stick. Thus, a device that allows a user to practice lacrosse skills on or away from the practice field may be desired. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    An exemplary embodiment of a training device may be described. The device may be a freestanding device made to resemble a barrel, cuboidal or other container. The training device may contain a sloped surface and a closeable opening that allows balls to fall onto the ground. In some exemplary embodiments, the sloped surface may divide the barrel or other container into a top portion for returning balls to the ground and a bottom portion that can be filled with heavy materials to promote stability; in other exemplary embodiments, the bottom portion can be used to store water bottles and other items, which act as a weight to stabilize the device. In some exemplary embodiments, a net can be mounted on a removable frame having back supports; in other exemplary embodiments, a net can be mounted on a removable frame having two support poles and no back support. In yet another exemplary embodiment, a net can be mounted on a removable frame having two vertical members and a horizontal member. 
         [0004]    Additionally, a method of practicing shooting accuracy and various other sports skills is disclosed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]    Advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments. The following detailed description should be considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures in which: 
           [0006]      FIG. 1  is a side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a training device that may be used to practice sports. 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a training device. 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  is a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a training device. 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a training device. 
           [0010]      FIG. 5  is a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a training device. 
           [0011]      FIG. 6  is a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a training device. 
           [0012]      FIG. 7  is a rear elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a training device. 
           [0013]      FIG. 8  is a sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a training device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0014]    Aspects of the present invention are disclosed in the following description and related figures directed to specific embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention. 
         [0015]    As used herein, the word “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance or illustration.” The embodiments described herein are not limiting, but rather are exemplary only. It should be understood that the described embodiments are not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Moreover, the terms “embodiments of the invention”, “embodiments” or “invention” do not require that all embodiments of the invention include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation. 
         [0016]    Generally referring to  FIGS. 1-8 , an athletic training device is disclosed. The training device  100  may be a portable device that may be weighted down when in use. Container  102  and attachable net and frame  104  may generally define the size and structure of training device  100 . Container  102  may be made from plastic, or any other desired material, including, but not limited to metals, composites, and the like. In some exemplary embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , container  102  may be cylindrically shaped; in other exemplary embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 4-8 , container  102  may be shaped as a rectangular box or any other desired three-dimensional shape. Training device  100  may be any size reasonably understood to function as provided. In some exemplary embodiments, the container portion  102  may be of a 5 gallon or 8 gallon size. In other exemplary embodiments, the container portion  102  may be approximately 15 inches in length, approximately 15 inches in width, and approximately 17 inches in height. More specifically, the base of container  102  may be a substantially cuboidal shape of approximately 15.5 inches long, approximately 15.5 inches wide, and approximately 16.75 inches tall. The net and frame portion  104  may vary in size based on the size of container  102 , in order to allow training device  100  to function as desired. In an exemplary embodiment, net and frame  104  may be approximately 15.5 inches wide and approximately 27 inches tall. It should be noted that these dimensions are exemplary and should not be read as limiting. Training device  100  may be any size as would be reasonably understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. When attachable net and frame  104  are removed in some exemplary embodiments, at least two containers  102  may be stacked together. 
         [0017]    Container  102  may have a ruggedized lip  106 , which can be made from rubber or any other desired material, including, but not limited to, polymers or foams. Ruggedized lip  106  may be bent or graded toward the interior of the training device. In some exemplary embodiments, a handle may be attached to container  102  for a user to carry the device; in other exemplary embodiments, a strap may be attached to container  102  to allow a user to transport the device. Handle  140  may be integrally formed in a sidewall of container  102 , as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . Training device  100  may have wheels disposed on container  102 . The wheels may be affixed to facilitate transportation of training device  100  by allowing training device  100  to be pushed or pulled. In one exemplary embodiment, two wheels may be rotatably affixed on opposite sides of container  102  proximate a bottom edge of container  102  so that when training device is tilted, the wheels become the training device&#39;s  100  only point of contact with the ground. Further, the net and frame portion  104  may be used as a handle for pushing or pulling training device  100  when on its wheels. In some exemplary embodiments, the training device may be coupled to the ground or otherwise any other surface using any attachment device known in the art, including, but not limited to, stakes, bolts, or other appropriate attachment devices. A lid may be included to seal training device  100  and allow training device  100  to be used as a carrying case for a variety of equipment. Training device  100  may have a closeable or removable door member for blocking or sealing apertures in the sidewall, so that objects are secure when training device  100  is being used as an equipment case. Some exemplary embodiments may have a separate ballast or container that can be inserted in container  102 . This removable ballast or container may be filled with equipment or weighting material, such as water or sand. A plurality of targets may be attached on container  102  and on various spots on net and frame  104 . In some exemplary embodiments, the targets may break on impact with a shot ball; in other exemplary embodiments, the targets may be made from a resilient material and remain unbroken after impact. The exterior surface of container  102  may be adapted for additional use as an advertising tool. 
         [0018]    Still referring to  FIGS. 1-8 , training device  100  may have a ball return opening  110  and a ball return door  150 . Balls projected into training device  100  may fall onto ramp  114  and roll out of training device  100  through ball return opening  110 . When in a closed position, ball return door  150  may prevent balls from exiting through ball return opening  110 . In an exemplary embodiment, the lower end of ramp  114  and ball return opening  110  may be positioned opposite the front of the net; however, it may be recognized that ramp  114  and ball return opening  110  may be positioned to return the ball at any other point. Ramp  114  may be positioned at any angle inside container  102  such that a ball or other device projected into container  102  may be guided through ball return opening  110 . In another exemplary embodiment, multiple ball return openings  110  may be provided around the sides of container  102  and ramp  114  may be formed to funnel toward each ball return opening  110  from an apex. It may also be recognized that ramp  114  can be extended beyond the perimeter of container  102 . In an exemplary embodiment, ramp  114  may be made from a generally shock absorbent material to prevent balls from bouncing out of container  102 . In exemplary embodiments that may have a ballast container, the lid or top of the ballast container may be formed to act as ramp  114 . In other exemplary embodiments having a ballast container, the ballast container including its lid or top may fit under a removable embodiment of ramp  114 . 
         [0019]    Still referring to  FIGS. 1-8  an exemplary embodiment of a training device may have a fillable chamber for weighting purposes. Training device  100  may have a bottom weighting chamber  116  that can be filled with water, sand, or any other desired material to weigh down the device. Weighting chamber  116  may be accessed through loading aperture  108  and sealed with removable cap  118 . To weigh down the training device  100 , a user may remove cap  118  and fill weighting chamber  116  with any desired material. When it is no longer desired to weigh down the training device  100 , a user may remove cap  118  and empty weighting chamber  116 . In other exemplary embodiments, it may be appreciated that the filling and emptying openings may be separated. It may further be appreciated that weighting chamber  116  could have insulation and a dispensing spigot for additional use as a beverage cooler. 
         [0020]    It may be recognized that an alternative exemplary embodiment of a training device may have a storage chamber for weighting purposes. Training device  100  may have a door covering said storage chamber. Said door may be sized such that a user can store a variety of objects in the storage chamber. To weigh down the training device  100 , a user may open said door and fill said storage chamber with various weighted items, including, but not limited to, water bottles or lacrosse balls. When training device  100  no longer needs to be stabilized, a user may open said door and remove the items stored in said storage chamber. In an exemplary embodiment, said storage chamber may be opened by sliding said door along grooves on the inside of said storage chamber. It may be appreciated that a sliding door may have an indentation to provide a gripping surface to slide the door open. In other exemplary embodiments using a sliding door, said door may have a raised surface that a user may use to open said storage chamber. In still other exemplary embodiments, it may be appreciated that said storage chamber may be sealed using a hinged door, removable panel, or any other opening panel or door as desired. 
         [0021]    Referring still to  FIGS. 1-8 , exemplary embodiments of attachable nets are disclosed. Side poles  122  may be made of plastics, composites, or any other appropriate material, and may be attached to container  102  with clips  130  or any other appropriate attachment mechanisms, as known in the art. An exemplary embodiment of side poles  122  may comprise 0.75 inch PVC piping. In some exemplary embodiments, side poles  122  may be a fixed size; in other exemplary embodiments, side poles  122  may be telescoping members allowing the user to adjust the size of the net. 
         [0022]    Referring specifically to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary embodiment of a training device having an attachable net and frame  104  with rear supports  120  is disclosed. Rear supports  120  may be attached to container  102  with clips. In some exemplary embodiments, net and frame  104  and rear supports  120  may be oriented to face any direction about the top of container  102 . In exemplary embodiments where side poles  122  may be a fixed size, rear supports  120  may also be of a fixed size; in other exemplary embodiments where side poles  122  may be height-adjustable, the length of rear supports  120  may also be adjustable such that attachable net and frame  104  may remain perpendicular to the surface of container  102 . In some exemplary embodiments, net  124  may be sleeved around side poles  122  and not wrap around rear supports  120 . In other exemplary embodiments, it may be recognized that net  124  may wrap around rear supports  120  to form a net of a similar shape to that used in lacrosse, soccer, or other sports using a goal structure. It may also be recognized that net  124  may be attached to side poles  122  using other appropriate attachment devices, including, but not limited to, hooks, string, cord, rope or other fasteners. 
         [0023]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , an exemplary embodiment of a training device having an attachable net and frame  104  with two side poles  122  and a crossbar support  128  is disclosed. Net  124  may be sleeved around side poles  122  and crossbar support  128 . Net  124  may also have attachable sleeve portions coupled to the edges of net  124  for attaching to side poles  122  and crossbar support  128 . It may also be recognized that net  124  may be attached to side poles  122  using other appropriate attachment devices, including, but not limited to, hooks or other fasteners. 
         [0024]    In another exemplary embodiment, a training device may have an attachable net and frame  104  with two side poles  122  and a taut line connecting the tops of said side poles. Net  124  may be attached to the taut line and sleeved around side poles  122 . It may also be recognized that net  124  may be attached to side poles  122  using other appropriate attachment devices, including, but not limited to, hooks or other fasteners. 
         [0025]    A method of sports training using training device  100  is disclosed. A user obtains a training device  100 , which may include a container  102 , attachable net and frame  104 , internal ramp  114 , and ball return opening  110 . Said user may propel a ball or other object in the direction of said training device, and specifically towards net and frame  104 . Using the net and frame to decelerate the ball or other object, the user may propel the ball or other object onto internal ramp  114 . Using internal ramp  114 , the user may direct the ball or other object to pass through ball return opening  110  and fall on the surface proximate to training device  100 . 
         [0026]    A method of sports training using the training device  100  is also disclosed. A plurality of targets may be coupled to net  124 , inside container  102 , and on ramp  114 . To practice accuracy for shots taken from a distance, a user may shoot a ball or any other object at the various targets coupled to net  124  from various distances. To practice accuracy for shots taken at close range, a user may aim for targets coupled to container  102  or on ramp  114 . After shooting a ball or any other object toward the training device, the user may practice scooping and cradling techniques by retrieving the ball or other object from the ground and returning to a predetermined spot. 
         [0027]    A method of playing a variety of games directed to athletics training using training device  100  is also disclosed. Games using training device  100  may be played one-on-one or with multiple players and may be played in any appropriate venue. First, a user may set up training device  100 , which may include container  102 , frame and net  104 , internal ramp  114 , and ball return opening  110 . Any number of users may participate by propelling a ball or other object toward frame and net  104 . In some exemplary embodiments, points may be earned by propelling a ball or other object into frame and net  104 ; in other exemplary embodiments, points may be earned by propelling a ball or other object into targets coupled to frame and net  104 . Further, in some exemplary embodiments, users may lose points by not hitting the ball or other object into the frame and net  104  or missing targets coupled to said frame and net. The winner may be determined by the number of points accrued through the course of the game. 
         [0028]    The foregoing description and accompanying figures illustrate the principles, preferred embodiments and modes of operation of the invention. However, the invention should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed above. Additional variations of the embodiments discussed above will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. 
         [0029]    Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that variations to those embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.