Abstract:
A training system which includes a simulated goalkeeper device that is easily assembled and is free standing from the sport goal. The system may be operated via a remote control system, via radio frequency or an automated control system including a sensing loop in line with an activation system, or any other state of the art control system. The system also includes a unique backstop mechanism to further enhance the training process by keeping game pieces in play.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of and takes priority from U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/668,593, filed on Jul. 6, 2012, incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a training system for all sports to train offensive players in scoring. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    A variety of devices are known for training athletes and may include a simulated goalkeeper movable in different positions. 
         [0004]    The concurrent training systems are not adaptable to a wide variety of sports and are difficult to install. The concurrent systems require the simulated goalkeeper to either be suspended from a ceiling or buried into the ground. In addition the simulated goalkeeper in the concurrent systems travels along the front of the goal through a guide integrated into the goal frame. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    It is therefore an object of this system to provide a training system with a simulated goalkeeper and backstop net mechanism that is adaptable to a variety of sport goals and an adjustable ball containment system. 
         [0006]    It is a further object of this system to provide a training system with a simulated goalkeeper that is easily assembled and is free standing from the sport goal. 
         [0007]    The subject system results from the realization that the difficulties in training athletes in offensive shooting skills are addressed in a training system with a simulated goalkeeper creating targets for athletes and an accompanying collapsible, adjustable net system. 
         [0008]    The device features a training system for athletes with a simulated goalkeeper in conjunction with a ball containment system. The device can be used for sports in which an object is shot into a goal. These sports include, but are not limited to soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, ice hockey, and hurling. The simulated goalkeeper is attached to an arcuate frame by a second frame having a plurality of members. The goalkeeper moves along the arcuate frame via a plurality of guides attached to the bottom back end of the goalkeeper figure. The goalkeeper figure can be interchanged to adapt to the changes in goal net size that are present in the various types of sports. Various sizes of goalkeeper figures can be used to simulate a goalkeeper with pads and a stick, such as in ice hockey, or a goalkeeper without any accessories, such as in soccer. 
         [0009]    The device may incorporate a primary battery operated motor, which moves the goalkeeper figure laterally and secondary battery operated motor, which moves the goalkeeper figure vertically. 
         [0010]    The training system may be free standing and can be adapted to a variety of sport nets. The goalkeeper figure may be controlled remotely via a remote control and powered by the primary motor attached to the figure. Stepper motors may be used for the lateral and vertical movement however the device is not limited to a stepper motor, other motors such as a servo motor may also be used. Furthermore, the device can be adapted to include a motion sensor coupled to the motor to detect the position of the shooter and move the goalie so that the goalie is positioned in front of the shooter. The motion sensor can be coupled to a PIC microcontroller in conjunction with a motor. The PIC can be programmed to respond to changes in the field of view and relay this information to the motor controlling the goalkeeper figure. 
         [0011]    The system also features a ball containment system that may be height adjustable and collapsible. The main pole may possess two parts with one pole fitting into a second pole, allowing for height adjustments. The height of the pole may be adjusted by a push-pin system along the poles. At the top of the pole may be a steer horn net hanging hook. At the bottom of the pole may be a spring system. The spring system may attach to the pole by L-brackets bolted onto the pole and springs. The bottom end of the spring system may be fastened to a beam. The beam may be welded to two C-brackets housing the support system. The support system may comprise a plurality of arms fastened to the C-brackets. The arms may pivotally attach to the C-brackets, allowing for the arms to fold towards the top of the main pole. 
         [0012]    There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the sports goal apparatus and the several embodiments in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. 
         [0013]    In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
         [0014]    These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty, which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  is a front view of the simulated goalkeeper attached to the arcuate frame. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a side profile of the simulated goalkeeper attached to the arcuate frame. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a back view of the simulated goalkeeper attached to the arcuate frame. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a diagrammatic perspective view illustrating one embodiment of the simulated goalkeeper contained within a preferred environment. 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is a plan view of the ball containment system. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a plan view of the ball containment system illustrating the system in a collapsible form. 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is a plan view of the spring system of the ball containment system. 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the spring system of the ball containment system. 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  is a plan view of an assembled ball containment system. 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  is a flow chart of the motion sensor coupled with a PIC microcontroller and a motor. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0025]    The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention and does not represent the only forms in which the present invention may be construed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of the steps for producing the system and accompanying apparatus. However, it is to be understood that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the invention. 
         [0026]    One of the unique characteristics of the subject system and accompanying apparatus is the ability to train athletes in offensive skills in a variety of sports without the use of a living human goalkeeper. 
         [0027]    The subject system and accompanying apparatus may include a training system comprising a frame  8 , which may include a linear or substantially arcuate construction and may also encompass a plurality of members extending inwardly towards the sport goal  6 . Further, the linear construction would encompass a single linear track where the goalkeeper figure only moves laterally. A second frame  10  comprising a plurality of members pivotally attached to the inwardly extending members of the arcuate frame. A goalkeeper  FIG. 2 , or likeness thereof is attached to the members of the second frame  10  by fasteners. The lower portion of the second frame comprises a guide system  12 , moving the goalkeeper figure around the arcuate frame either in an arc or in a linear matter. 
         [0028]    In a preferred embodiment a remote control and a corresponding radio frequency receiver system may be used to control the movement of the goalkeeper figure. The frames of the training system are preferably made of steel or a material of similar properties. 
         [0029]    In another embodiment a motion sensor  14  may be attached to the center of the goalkeeper  FIG. 2  to sense the location of the shooter. This would be connected to the primary motor  12  to position the goalkeeper figure in front of the shooter. This enables the goalkeeper  FIG. 2  to always be in position with regard to the shooter to ensure adequate training of the athlete&#39;s offensive skills. The motion sensor  14  outputs a set of data to a microcontroller representing the position of interruptions in the field of view. The microcontroller processes the set of data and outputs position coordinates to the motor to center the interruption. The motor moves the goalkeeper  FIG. 2  along the track  8  until the interruption is centered. The process is repeated to ensure that the interruption (shooter) is always centered. 
         [0030]    In another embodiment, the guide system may possess a plurality of wheels and a cable running from the wheels up to an electronic system used to control the movement of the figure in an arc or laterally. A prime mover such as a stepper motor coupled battery, AC, DC, or other conventional means may power the electronic system. 
         [0031]    In another embodiment, the second frame  10  may possess a prime mover such as a stepper motor to move the goalkeeper  FIG. 2  along a vertical track attached to the back of the goalkeeper  FIG. 2 . This movement may also be controlled remotely using a remote control. 
         [0032]    An athletic training system comprising, a first frame  8  comprising a plurality of members  6  extending inwardly towards a sports goal  16 , a second frame  10  comprising a plurality of members, pivotally attached to the plurality of members of the arcuate frame  8 ; a goalkeeper  FIG. 2  attached to the members of the second frame  10 ; and a guide system  8  attached to a bottom back of the  FIG. 2 . 
         [0033]    Thus the instant system may further comprise an athletic training system with a guide system comprising, a plurality  12  of wheels disposed to roll along the first frame  8  and a loop cable in communication with the plurality of wheels and a prime mover system disposed to control the motion of the  FIG. 2 . 
         [0034]    The present system and accompanying apparatus includes an athletic object containment system  17  to allow athletes to easily retain or secure an object or a ball after shooting it at the goalkeeper figure. The athletic object containment system may have an adjustable pole  18  with a support system at the bottom of it  22 . Between the support system  22  and the adjustable pole  18  there may be positioned a recoil spring system  24 . At the top of the pole may be a hook system  20  to hold the nets. 
         [0035]    In a preferred embodiment the pole may have two members fitting into each other. The height may be adjusted by a push-pin system where one pole may have a push-pin and the other pole may comprise a plurality of holes for receiving the push-pin. 
         [0036]    In a further embodiment, the support system may comprise a plurality of arms that pivotally attach to the spring system by C-brackets  26  held with fasteners. The fasteners may be a bolt or a similar fastener. The arms may fold up towards the pole for storage of the system. The C-brackets  26  may be welded to a beam housing the spring system  24 . The spring system may be fastened to the pole by L-brackets. Finally, the system may be fixed or portable, depending on the structure and configuration required by the user. 
         [0037]    There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the versatile athletic training system in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the system that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. 
         [0038]    In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the system in detail, it is to be understood that the system is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The system is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
         [0039]    These together with other objects of the system, along with the various features of novelty, which characterize the system, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the system, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the system.