Sports training system

A sports training device includes a glove with a main body. The main body has a palm portion and a back portion. The main body is configured to receive a hand of a user. A plurality of finger receptacles is disposed on the main body. Each finger receptacle of the plurality of finger receptacles has a proximal end disposed adjacent to the main body and a distal end disposed opposite the proximal end. The plurality of finger receptacles includes a thumb receptacle, a first finger receptacle, and a second finger receptacle. Each of the distal end of the thumb receptacle, the distal end of the first finger receptacle, and the distal end of the second finger receptacle are open. A sensor is disposed on the glove and is configured to monitor a release of an object to be thrown.

FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a sports training device and, more particularly, to a sports training device to be worn on a hand of a user for monitoring a release of an object.

INTRODUCTION

Sports are an integral part of almost every society. Many people, young and old, amateur and professional, enjoy the competitive atmosphere and the physical health benefits provided by sports, and are always looking for ways to improve their game. While hard work and practice are certainly important with respect to improving performance of any task, there are many technical aspects of every sport that need to be understood and rehearsed in order to optimize training sessions and gain an edge above the competition.

For example, in many sports in which a ball or other sporting equipment must be held, thrown, and released, athletes must understand and practice an optimal way of holding, throwing, and releasing the ball in order to truly excel at their sport of choice. As one example, a number of factors go into perfecting a basketball shot including footwork, hand and wrist position and orientation, and grip and hand position relative to the basketball. The importance of perfecting these technical aspects of the game cannot be understated, and often athletes must practice very specific techniques in order to take their game to a most competitive level.

In basketball, for example, it is known to use different devices to help athletes acquire technical skills related to shooting the basketball and, after extensive practice, to perform the movements of the sport relying on muscle memory developed during use of those devices. In one example, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,437,776 to Brown, a basketball training glove adapted to maintain a position of the thumb relative to the index finger during a training session is described. In a related example, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,729,979 to Sullivan, a basketball shooting trainer device includes a wedge adapted to spread out the fingers of a user. However, existing devices fall short of addressing each technical element involved in holding, throwing, and releasing a ball or other sporting equipment, and do not provided useful feedback to the user that would allow the user to make corrections during the training session.

Accordingly, there is a continuing need for a sports training device that allows a user to focus on multiple technical aspects of holding, throwing, and releasing a ball or other sporting equipment during a training session. Desirably, the sports training device would be easy to wear, easy to clean, and provide useful feedback immediately after performing a specific task during a training session, as well as more detailed feedback for evaluation after a training session.

SUMMARY

In concordance with the instant disclosure, a sports training device that allows a user to focus on multiple technical aspects of holding, throwing, and releasing a ball or other sporting equipment during a training session, and that is easy-to-wear, easy to clean, and provides useful feedback immediately after performing a specific task during a training session, as well as more detailed feedback for evaluation after a training session, has surprisingly been discovered.

In certain embodiments, a sports training device to be worn on a hand of user includes a glove with a main body. The main body has a palm portion and a back portion. The main body is configured to receive the hand of the user. A plurality of finger receptacles is disposed on the main body. Each finger receptacle of the plurality finger receptacles has a proximal end disposed adjacent to the main body and a distal end disposed opposite the proximal end. The plurality of finger receptacles includes a thumb receptacle, a first finger receptacle, and a second finger receptacle. Each of the distal end of the thumb receptacle, the distal end of the first finger receptacle, and the distal end of the second finger receptacle are open. A sensor is disposed on the glove. The sensor is configured to monitor a release of an object by the hand of the user.

In certain embodiments, a sports training system to be worn on a hand of a user includes a glove with a main body. The main body has a palm portion and a back portion. The main body is configured to receive the hand of the user. A plurality of finger receptacles is disposed on the main body. Each finger receptacle of the plurality of finger receptacles has a proximal end disposed adjacent to the main body and a distal end disposed opposite the proximal end. The plurality of finger receptacles includes a thumb receptacle, a first finger receptacle, and a second finger receptacle. Each of the distal end of the thumb receptacle, the distal end of the first finger receptacle, and the distal end of the second finger receptacle are open. A sensor is disposed on the glove. The sensor is configured to monitor a release of an object by the hand of the user. The sports training system further includes a controller in communication with the sensor and a remote device adapted to receive a set of data from the controller.

In certain embodiments, a method of improving a release of an object comprises a first step of providing a sports training device to be worn on a hand of a user. The sports training device includes a glove with a main body. The main body has a palm portion and a back portion. The main body is configured to receive the hand of the user. A plurality of finger receptacles is disposed on the main body. Each finger receptacle of the plurality of finger receptacles has a proximal end disposed adjacent to the main body and a distal end disposed opposite the proximal end. The plurality of finger receptacles includes a thumb receptacle, a first finger receptacle, and a second finger receptacle. Each of the distal end of the thumb receptacle, the distal end of the first finger receptacle, and the distal end of the second finger receptacle are open. A sensor is disposed on the glove. The sensor is configured to monitor a release of an object to be thrown. A controller is in communication with the sensor. A second step includes putting the glove on the hand of the user. Additional steps can include one or more of: receiving, by the controller, a set of data from the sensor; determining, using the controller, if the set of data falls in a predetermined category, the predetermined category including an acceptable range and an unacceptable range; displaying whether the set of data is in the acceptable range or the unacceptable range to the user on the visual interface; activating an activation mechanism in communication with the controller; selecting a desired function of the sports training device to be used during a training session to collect and process data; performing a specific movement during a training session; collecting the data from the sensor during the specific movement; and evaluating the data on a visual interface of the glove.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference toFIGS.1-3, a sports training device100to be worn on a hand of a user is shown. The sports training device100may include a glove102according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. The glove102may be configured to be worn on a shooting, throwing, or releasing hand of the user. Accordingly, the glove102is understood to be either left-handed or right-handed, as required by the user. In certain embodiments, however, the glove102may be adapted for use on both a left hand and a right hand of the user. The glove102may come in a variety of sizes for both adults and children. In certain embodiments, the glove102may be adjustable and flexible such that it may be worn on a range of hand sizes.

In certain embodiments, the glove102may be fabricated from a flexible, stretchable material. Desirably, the material may be lightweight, durable, easy to clean, and resistant to tears. According to certain embodiments, the material may have antimicrobial properties. As a non-limiting example, copper may be woven into the material in order to provide the antimicrobial properties. As another non-limiting example, in certain embodiments, the material of the glove102may be treated with an antimicrobial product. The material of the glove102may be a breathable material adapted to keep the user dry during activity, according to certain embodiments. Materials including cotton, spandex, elastane, nylon, polyester, polyester-vinyl, vinyl, and/or rayon may be used to fabricate the glove102. The glove102may be formed using a solid panel of material, a material having one or more openings, a mesh material, or any desirable combination of materials, weaves of material, and openings. A skilled artisan may select any suitable material or combination of materials for the glove102, as desired.

In certain embodiments, and with renewed reference toFIGS.1-3, the glove102may have a main body104defined by a palm portion106and a back portion108. In one embodiment, as shown inFIGS.3and5B, the main body104may be configured to receive the hand of the user and a wrist of the user. In another embodiment, as shown inFIG.5A, the main body104may be configured to receive the hand of the user, the wrist of the user, and a forearm of the user. The main body104may have one or more fit adjusting mechanisms110for customizing and adjusting the size and fit of the glove102on the user's hand, wrist, and forearm. As non-limiting examples, an adjustable strap, flap, zipper, button, elastic element, hook-and-loop fastener, or tie may be used to tighten or more securely fasten and hold the glove102in place, as desired. Likewise, in certain embodiments, a gripping surface (not shown) or other textured surface may be disposed on or integral with one or more portions of the glove102, for example, an inner surface (not shown) of the glove102, in order to secure the glove102on the user's hand, wrist, and forearm.

In certain embodiments, the main body104may have one or more finger receptacles112. Each finger receptacle112may be in communication with the main body104and configured to receive a finger of the user. Each finger receptacle112may have a proximal end114disposed adjacent to the palm portion106and back portion108of the glove102, and a distal end116disposed opposite the proximal end114. Each finger receptacle112may be integral with the glove102or removably connected to the glove102.

In certain embodiments, the glove102may include a thumb receptacle118, a first finger receptacle120, a second finger receptacle122, a third finger receptacle124, and a fourth finger receptacle126. In certain embodiments, each of the thumb receptacle118, the first finger receptacle120, and the second finger receptacle122may be open at the distal end116. Accordingly, a tip128of each of a thumb130of the user, a first finger132of the user, and a second finger134of the user may be exposed when the glove102is worn, as shown inFIGS.1and3, such that each of the tips128of the thumb130and the first and second fingers132,134of the user may make direct contact with a ball140or other sporting equipment.

In certain embodiments, each of the third finger receptacle124and the fourth finger receptacle126may be closed at the distal end116, such that a third finger136and a fourth finger138of the user do not make direct contact with the ball140or other sporting equipment. A skilled artisan may select any tip128of one or more of the thumb130and the first, second, third, and fourth fingers132,134,136,138to be exposed or covered, as desired. In certain embodiments, a portion of each finger receptacle112or all of each finger receptacle112may be adjustable or removable, as determined by one with skill in the art.

It should be appreciated that certain embodiments of the sports training device100are specifically configured to train the user in a three-finger shooting method for basketball. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, it is particularly advantageous to allow only the thumb130, the first finger132, and the second finger134to contact the ball140during a training session. The glove102may allow the user to focus the training session on the three-finger shooting method. In other embodiments, one or more of the thumb receptacle118and the first, second, third, and fourth finger receptacles120,122,124,126may be open, closed, or any combination of the two at the distal end116to accommodate other shooting, throwing, or releasing styles according to the desired end use of the glove102.

In certain embodiments, the glove102may have a finger anchor142, for example, as shown inFIGS.1and2. The finger anchor142may be disposed on the palm portion106of the glove102, or any other suitable portion of the glove102, as desired. The finger anchor142may be integral with the glove102or permanently or removably connected to the glove102. Any suitable element or combination of elements made from any suitable material or combination of materials may be used to form the finger anchor142. As non-limiting examples, a strap, a snap or button, or a hook-and-loop connector may be used. In certain embodiments, the finger anchor142may be repositionable on different portions of the glove102or removable, as desired by the user. The finger anchor142may be adjustable to fit one or more of the thumb130and the first, second, third, and fourth fingers132,134,136,138.

In certain embodiments, the finger anchor142may be adapted to hold one or more of the user's thumb130and the first, second, third, and fourth fingers132,134,136,138in a particular position during the training session. For example, the finger anchor142may be used to secure one or more of the user's the thumb130and the first, second, third, and fourth fingers132,134,136,138in a position that is not in contact with the ball140or other sporting equipment during use of the glove102.

In a more particular embodiment, the finger anchor142may include one or more loops144disposed adjacent to the proximal end114of each of the third finger receptacle124and the fourth finger receptacle126. Each loop144may be configured to selectively receive one of the third finger136and the fourth finger138, for example, as shown inFIG.2. The user may insert the third finger136and the fourth finger138through the loops144of the finger anchor142, thereby securing the third finger136and the fourth finger138in a position away from the ball140or other sporting equipment during use. Advantageously, the finger anchor142may be used to ensure that the user is using only the desired fingers during the training session. In a more specific embodiment, the user may only use the thumb130, the first finger132, and the second finger134during a training session, as a non-limiting example. It should be appreciated that any finger anchor142adapted to anchor and secure one or more of the user's fingers in a desired position based on a particular end use of the glove102may be used, as determined by one of skill in the art.

With renewed reference toFIGS.1-3, the glove102may be configured to receive a wedge146. The wedge146may be adapted to position the hand or a portion of the hand of the user in a desired position. As one non-limiting example, the wedge146may be used to position one or more of the thumb130and the first, second, third, and fourth fingers132,134,136,138in a desired position relative to one another or relative to a palm of the hand. The wedge146may be any suitable size, shape, and configuration, as determined by one of skill in the art. In certain embodiments, a rigid or semi-rigid material such as plastic, rubber, or silicone, as non-limiting examples, may be used to form the wedge146. The wedge146may be integral with or permanently or removably attached to the glove102. Any suitable means for connecting the wedge146to the glove102in a desired position may be used, as desired. In certain embodiments, the wedge146may be configured to move to one or more desired locations on the glove102, as determined by the user. It should be appreciated that the wedge146may be separate from the glove102and adapted to directly connect to one or more of the thumb130and the first, second, third, and fourth fingers132,134,136,138of the user, independent from the glove102, in certain embodiments.

In a more particular embodiment, the wedge146may be disposed between the first finger receptacle120and the second finger receptacle122. More particularly, in certain embodiments, the distal ends116of the first finger receptacle120and the second finger receptacle122may each have an outer surface148including a wedge receiving element150for receiving the wedge146. In a more particular embodiment, the wedge146may have a wedge connecting means152disposed on one or both sides of the wedge146, the wedge connecting means152adapted to engage with the wedge receiving element150on each of the first and second finger receptacles120,122.

It should be appreciated that, in certain more particular embodiments, the wedge146may be configured to create a predetermined distance154between the first finger132and the second finger134. The predetermined distance154may be determined, for example, by the three-finger shot training method for basketball, as one non-limiting example. The predetermined distance154may allow the user to develop a proper shooting form. It should be further appreciated that cooperation of the first and second finger receptacles120,122in combination with the wedge146may militate against the first finger132and the second finger134sliding too far apart and too close together, during use. A skilled artisan may select any suitable wedge146having any desired size, shape, and configuration in combination with the glove102, as determined by the end use of the glove102.

In certain embodiments, the glove102may include or be configured to receive a palm riser156. The palm riser156may be fabricated using any suitable material. In certain embodiments, as non-limiting examples, the palm riser156may be a made using a rigid or semi-rigid material such as plastic, rubber, or silicone. Alternatively, in certain embodiments, the palm riser156may be made using a flexible component such as a packet filled with any suitable material such as a gel or liquid, or an inflatable packet filled with air, as non-limiting examples. Advantageously, the palm riser156may aid the user by positioning the ball140or other sporting equipment at a predetermined location on the shooting hand of the user. As one non-limiting example, in a more particular embodiment of the present disclosure, the palm riser156may position the ball140higher up on the palm of the user's hand. In certain embodiments, the location of the palm riser156may be movable and adjustable on the main body104of the glove102, and, where the palm riser156is removable, it should be appreciated that the user may remove the palm riser156, as desired. In certain embodiments, the palm riser156may be integral with the glove102. A skilled artisan may select any suitable palm riser156according to the end use of the glove102.

In certain more particular embodiments, as shown inFIG.1, the palm riser156may be received by a pocket158formed in the palm portion106of the glove102. The pocket158may be a slit, an opening, a cavity, a removable strap, a mesh or flexible covering, or any other suitable component adapted to receive the palm riser156.

According to certain embodiments, the main body104of the glove102may include a sleeve160. The sleeve160may extend along the wrist and/or the forearm of the user. In certain embodiments, the sleeve160may be fabricated from a flexible, semi-rigid material, a stretchable material, or a combination of materials. Desirably, the material may be lightweight, durable, and resistant to tears. According to certain embodiments, the material may have antimicrobial properties. As a non-limiting example, copper may be woven into the material in order to provide the antimicrobial properties. As another non-limiting example, in certain embodiments, the material of the sleeve160may be treated with an antimicrobial product. The material of the sleeve160may be breathable and easy to clean according to certain embodiments. Materials including silicon, plastic, rubber, cotton, spandex, nylon, polyester, polyester-vinyl, vinyl, and/or rayon may be used to fabricate the sleeve160. The sleeve160may be formed from solid material, material having one or more openings, mesh material, or any desirable combination of materials, weaves of material, and openings. A skilled artisan may select any suitable material or combination of materials for the sleeve160, as desired. The sleeve160may be integral with the main body104of the glove102, or removably connected to the main body104of the glove102.

In certain embodiments, the sleeve160may have one or more fit adjusting mechanisms110for adjusting the size of the sleeve160to fit the user's wrist and forearm. As non-limiting examples, an adjustable strap, flap, zipper, button, elastic element, hook-and-loop, tie, or other adjustable fit adjusting mechanism110may be used to tighten or more securely fasten or hold the sleeve160on the wrist and forearm, as desired. Likewise, in certain embodiments, a gripping surface or other textured surface may be disposed on or integral with a portion of the sleeve160, for example, an inner surface (not shown) of the sleeve160, in order to hold the sleeve more securely160on the user's wrist and forearm.

In certain embodiments, and with reference now toFIGS.1,3,5A, and5B, the sports training device100may include one or more sensors162. The sensor162may be configured to monitor one or more specific movements during the training session. Likewise, the sensor162may be configured to evaluate contact with the ball140or other sporting equipment during the training session. As one non-limiting example, the sensor162may be configured to determine a number of shots taken during the training session. It should be appreciated that the sensor162may be integral with the glove102or removably or permanently attached to the glove102. Likewise, where more than one sensor162is used, certain sensors162may be in communication with one another and certain sensors162may operate independently from one another. In certain embodiments, the sensor162may be positioned and repositioned by the user according to a desired end use of the glove102or the specific movements to be monitored. A person skilled in the art may select any suitable sensor162or combination of sensors162, for example, the sensor162can include one or more inertial sensors for measuring an inertial measurement unit (IMU), and which are capable of detecting a position of the user's hand, wrist, and forearm during specific movements. The sensor162may include one or more gyroscopes, accelerometers, magnetometers, and/or any other suitable components used to measure various aspects of the user's hand, wrist, and forearm position, specific movements, and interactions with the ball140or other sporting equipment. As non-limiting examples, single sensors162or combinations of sensors162can include BNO055 IMU sensors and/or VCNL4040 proximity sensors, available from Adafruit Industries (New York, N.Y.) may be used. In certain embodiments, one or more of the sensors162may be housed in a sensor case (not shown) adapted to protect the sensors162while the glove102is being used.

In certain embodiments, as shown inFIG.1, a third finger sensor164may be disposed on the third finger receptacle124and a fourth finger sensor166may be disposed on the fourth finger receptacle126in order to monitor whether and to what extent the third and fourth fingers136,138of the user are contacting the ball140or other sporting equipment during a training session or, more particularly, a specific movement. In yet another embodiment (not shown), a thumb sensor may be disposed on the thumb receptacle118, a first finger sensor may be disposed on the first finger receptacle120, and a second finger sensor may be disposed on the second finger receptacle122. The first, second, and third finger sensors may monitor when the basketball is released from each of the thumb130and the first finger and second fingers132,134, relative to a movement of the user's wrist. Additionally, the thumb sensor and first and second finger sensors may also monitor the contact between the user and the ball140or other sporting equipment, and advantageously, the thumb sensor and the first and second finger sensors may provide feedback as to how accurately the user is utilizing the three-finger shot method.

In certain embodiments, the glove102may include sensors162adapted to monitor an alignment of one or more of the hand, the wrist, the forearm, and an elbow of the user, as well as a position of the hand and wrist of the user relative to one another at various points throughout the release of the object by the user (e.g., a basketball shot) or other specific movement or action. In certain more particular embodiments, a first movement sensor168may be disposed adjacent one or both of the proximal ends114of the first and second fingers132,134of the user. The first movement sensor168may be adapted to determine a position of the user's hand relative to a second movement sensor170. In certain more particular embodiments, the second movement sensor170may be disposed on or in the glove102adjacent the wrist or the forearm of the user such that the alignment and position of the hand relative to the wrist, the forearm, and the elbow may be determined at various points throughout a training session, or more specifically, during and through the release of the object by the user, such as when making a shot with a basketball, or other specific movement or action.

In a more particular embodiment, a first relative angle172may be measured using the first movement sensor168and the second movement sensor170when the user's hand rotates backwards prior to releasing the ball140or other sporting equipment, and a second relative angle174may be measured using the first movement sensor168and the second movement sensor170when the user's hand rotates forwards during or after releasing the ball140or other sporting equipment. It should be appreciated that any relative angle may be measured between any two or more sensors disposed on the glove102during any desired action or specific movement for which the user would like feedback.

In certain embodiments, one or more sensors162included with the glove102may use Euler angles to display one or more relative angles between two body parts, for example, the fingers and the wrist of the user. More specifically, a relative angle anywhere up to a greatest point of flexion, as shown inFIG.5A, and a relative angle anywhere up to a greatest angle of extension, as shown inFIG.5B, may be measured. Relative angles showing different lateral bending angles, rotation of the hand and wrist, movement of the fingers, and any other desired movement may also be measured using sensors162on the glove102, as desired by the end use of the glove. Relative angles showing ranges of motion may be measured between the forearm and the hand of the user and the wrist and the hand of the user, as non-limiting examples. Additionally, quaternions may be used to represent orientations and track relative angles between the sensors162on the glove102. Quaternions may describe a “hyper-sphere”, or four-dimensional object that may describe an orientation of the user's hand, wrist, and forearm in a three-dimensional space. Coordinate x, y, and z components refer to an axis about which a rotation will occur along with a “w” component which represents magnitude of rotation about the described axis. Common terms describing these x, y, z, and w components may include vectors and floats. The four components are combined to create a matrix. In a quaternion matrix, the three axis will have both a real and imaginary component. The imaginary number “i” may be defined as the square root of negative one and in this methodology there are three distinct imaginary numbers i=j=k=square root(−1). A symbolic example of a quaternion matrix is defined as q=w+xi+yj+zk, where w, x , y, and z are real numbers. Matrix quaternions are defined in the following format (w, x, y, z), where w is the magnitude of rotation about the axis defined by <x, y, z>. According to certain embodiments, quaternions for a first sensor and a second sensor (not shown) may be compared and the relative quaternions describing the angle between them may be defined. Additionally, the relative quaternions may be translated into Euler angles such that they may be easily understood by the user during evaluation of a training session.

It should be appreciated that the present disclosure contemplates the use of a variety of different configurations for one or more sensors162, which may be determined by the movement to be monitored and the end use of the glove102. A skilled artisan may select any suitable number and configuration for the sensor162, as desired.

With reference now toFIG.6, the sensor162may be in communication with an electronic controller178using one or more wires176. Alternatively, in certain embodiments, the sensor162may be in communication with the electronic controller178using a wireless connection (not shown). The controller178may be configured to receive signals from the sensor162and provide feedback to the user. Additionally, the controller178may provide feedback to the user independent from the sensor162, for example, a timer function. It should be appreciated that the controller178may include any other desirable functions as determined by one skilled in the art.

In certain embodiments, the controller178may be a microprocessor or microcontroller including a processor, memory, and input and output peripherals. It should be appreciated that a skilled artisan may select any suitable controller178having any suitable components adapted to measure and record various aspects of a training session, as desired. The controller178may include code developed for measuring and evaluating various functions and specific movements of the glove102. As one non-limiting example, Arduino code may be used. The controller178alone or in combination with the sensors162may, for example, accurately count and evaluate one or more data points or a set of data relating to one or more of shots, throws, passes, and dribbles, measurement wrist and elbow orientation, and determine various characteristics of a set up and release of a shot, throw, and other releasing movement such as release time and ball140to hand and finger contact. In certain more particular embodiments, the controller178may be calibrated by the user to determine a good versus a bad shot at various locations on a court for example, a free throw line, a three-point line, and a jump shot location. In certain embodiments, the controller178may be calibrated in a standardized way such that the user does not need to program and adjust the controller178prior to using the glove102.

In certain embodiments as shown inFIG.5A, the controller178may be housed in a case180. The case180may be a wearable case180fabricated from a light, durable, and protective material. In certain embodiments, the case180may be 3D printed. The case180housing the controller178may be permanently or removably attached to the any desired portion of the glove102such as the sleeve160adjacent the wrist or forearm of the user using any suitable means. It should be appreciated that, in certain embodiments, placement of the case180outside of the glove102may allow for easy access to and removal of the controller178should repairs need to be made or replacement of parts be required. In certain embodiments, the controller178may be housed inside a portion of the glove102, as shown inFIG.5B, such as inside of the sleeve160adjacent the wrist or the forearm of the user, as non-limiting examples. The controller178may be housed in the case180, and the case may be disposed inside of the glove102. Alternatively, the controller178may not be housed in the case180, and may be housed directly in the glove102, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, as desired.

The controller178may include a power source182according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. As non-limiting examples, one or more batteries or rechargeable batteries may be removably connected or soldered to the controller178to provide the power source182. In certain embodiments including a rechargeable power source182, the power source182may be in communication with a power charging mechanism184. As one non-limiting example, a USB connection may be used to charge the power source182. It should be appreciated that any suitable charging mechanism184may be used, as determined by one of skill in the art.

The feedback provided by the controller178may be presented to the user by way of a visual interface186, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.3, the visual interface186may be disposed on the glove102, for example, on one or more of the back portion108of the sleeve160adjacent the wrist or the forearm of the user, as non-limiting examples, and is in communication with the controller178. The visual interface186may include an LCD display, LED lights, and any other suitable means for displaying the feedback from the controller178to the user. As non-limiting examples, the visual interface186may light up green when the user has properly performed a shot or other specific movement according to various parameters such as orientation of the hand and the wrist, forearm, and elbow of the user and desired contact between the glove102and the ball140or other sporting equipment, for example. Likewise, the visual interface186may light up red when the user has not properly performed the shot or other specific movement. Additional feedback may be provided in the form of sounds, vibrations, digital readouts, and any other suitable means, as determined by one of skill in the art.

One or more activation mechanisms188may be included on the glove102and adapted to activate one or both of the controller178and the visual interface186, as desired by the user. Additional activation mechanisms (not shown) in the form of buttons or other suitable components may be included on one or more of the glove102, the visual interface186, and the controller178and may be used to, as non-limiting examples, calibrate the settings of the sports training device100, turn on and off desired functions of the sports training device100, activate one or more sensors162, as desired, and customize the functions of the glove102for a specific movement or task, such as dribbling, shooting, throwing, passing, and otherwise maneuvering and releasing the ball140or other sporting equipment. One skilled in the art may include any type, number, and configuration of activation means for calibrating the sports training device100and activating and monitoring various functions of the sports training device100, as desired.

In yet another embodiment, with reference now toFIG.7, a sports training system300for recording and evaluating data and feedback from the sports training device100during a training session may include the sports training device100and a remote device302. As non-limiting examples, the remote device302may be one or more of a mobile telephone, a tablet, and a computer. It should be appreciated that any remote device302may be used for evaluating the data and feedback provided by the sports training device100. It should be further appreciated that, in certain embodiments, the user may obtain all necessary and desired data and feedback from the visual interface186disposed on the glove102.

In certain embodiments, the controller178may be connected to one or more of an internet cloud and the remote device302using wireless transmissions such as Bluetooth®. In certain embodiments, the sports training device100may connect to one or more of Wi-Fi hotspots and Wi-Fi and cellular networks, as desired. The remote device302, using an application or other computer programming, may receive and evaluate data and feedback from the controller178and provide additional feedback, for example, more detailed feedback, about the training session in a user-friendly format. Advantageously, the user may be able to track a progression of the training sessions and compare data and feedback from more than one training session, as desired, in order to evaluate any trends, inconsistencies, and improvements over a period of time.

In certain more particular embodiments, the sports training system300may include a remote sensor or other remote data-collecting device or controller unit on one or more of a second user, a basket, a goal, and a backboard, as non-limiting examples (not shown). The remote sensor or other remote data-collecting device or controller unit may be in communication with the remote device302and provide another reference point for evaluating one or more of the shot or other specific movement of the user and a location of the ball140or other sporting equipment. For example, in certain more particular embodiments of the sports training system300, reference points and data collected from the sports training device100and the remote sensor or other remote data-collecting device or controller unit may provide a complete set of data detailing the movements of the user, the movement of the ball140or other sporting equipment, the outcome of the shot or release of the ball140or other sporting equipment, for example, whether the ball travels through the basket, and the time it takes for the set up and completion of the shot or other specific movement and action. Likewise, in certain embodiments, the ball140or sporting equipment may include a remote sensor or other remote data-collecting device or controller unit, as desired, to provide yet another reference point for evaluating one or more of the shot or other specific movement of the user and a location of the ball140or other sporting equipment. In yet another embodiment, the sports training system may include a video recording function on one or more of the sports training device100, the user, the ball140or other sporting equipment, the remote sensor or other remote data-collecting device or controller unit, the remote device302, or any other suitable item or data collection device or mechanism, as desired. Data and feedback from each point of data collection may then sync, allowing the user to see a complete picture of the shot or specific movement or action taken for evaluation and improvement. In certain embodiments, the application or computer programing may collect data and feedback during one or more training sessions and use the data to train and optimize machine learning as a part of the application or computer programming.

In a more particular embodiment, the sports training system300may include a feather microcontroller178charged by lithium-ion battery power source182having direct wires176connecting to BNO055 sensors162while still containing a Wi-Fi module. In another embodiment, an Adafruit Feather Circuit Python board may be used, as provided by Adafruit Industries (New York, N.Y.). In yet another more particular embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller178is a microcontroller that connects two sensors162in series using the power source182and ground wires176, as well as SDA and SCL wires176. One or more of the sensors162may have power wired to an address pin in order to change a12C address given by one or more of the sensors162.

In operation, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the user may place the glove102on the shooting or throwing hand in order to practice a specific action or movement, for example, the three-point shot. Depending on the specific needs of the user, the user may place the third finger136and the fourth finger138in the finger anchor142, utilize the wedge146, insert or remove the palm riser156, and adjust the fit of the glove102using the fit adjusting mechanism110, as desired. Next the user may activate the controller178and the visual interface186using the one or more activation mechanisms188in order to observe feedback throughout the training session. If needed, the user may select from various functions and parameters using the visual interface186prior to beginning the training session. As one non-limiting examples, the user may select to obtain feedback about shooting a basketball. If needed, the user may take one or more practice shots in order to calibrate the sports training device100, as needed. When ready, the user may begin the training session. The sensors162and controller178may continuously obtain data based on the movement and the actions of the user throughout the training session. The controller178may provide real-time feedback from the glove102by way of the visual interface186, for example, after each shot. The user may adjust their shot according to the feedback provided by the sports training device100.

The sports training device100may be charged, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, by connecting the device to the charging mechanism184, for example, a USB power charging mechanism. A level of charge of the power source182at any given time may be made known to the user by way of an indication on the visual interface186. In certain embodiments, a storage bag (not shown) may be included and stored in the pocket158of the glove102and adapted to store the glove102when not in use. The wedge146and any other loose parts may also be stored in the pocket158when the glove102or the wedge146are not in use.

In operation, according to a more particular embodiment of the present disclosure, the user may turn on the sports training device100using the activation mechanism188. The controller178may then begin loading the code or programming, for example, Python code. After initialization, the visual interface186may load a splash screen for a predetermined period of time followed by instructions for the user and options for changing settings or other functions of the sports training device100. There may also be a manual initialization that includes sensor calibrations or wireless connection setup, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. The sports training device100may include any number of functions and tracking methods for the user to select including, but not limited to, shot counting, wrist orientation tracking, ball to hand contact detecting, good versus bad form feedback, timing of release, and timing of training session. The visual interface186may also display information relating to the sensors162, settings for the sports training device100, setup functions of the sports training device100, timer functions, user settings, user profile settings, selection of shot type or actions to be monitored, sensor calibration functions, and training session goals and achievements, as non-limiting examples. The sports training device100may be adapted to notify the user throughout the training session if certain goals or milestones are reached. Training feedback displayed on the visual interface186may inform the user whether all data points being evaluated fall within a predetermined, acceptable range, or in an unacceptable range, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, thereby notifying the user whether the shot was good or bad, for example, using a green light and a red light notification system. As another non-limiting example, a preset, acceptable range or wrist flexion and extension may be calibrated such that a user will be informed after a shot as to whether the wrist movement and orientation was in an acceptable range. In certain embodiments, the controller178will be refined to calibrate good vs bad shots, for example, from a free-throw line based on predetermined and preset criteria, as desired. Advantageously, the user can expect that their basketball shooting biomechanics, for example, hand to ball contact at release time and elbow and wrist orientation, may improve over time as a result of the feedback supplied by the sports training device100.

In certain more particular embodiments, the user may monitor and receive feedback about a shot or release of an object from a start to a finish. As one non-limiting example, with reference toFIG.4, the sports training device100may collect feedback from the sensors162at the start and the finish of a user's free-throw shot, as well as throughout the shot. Data such as wrist orientation, wrist rotation, contact with the ball140, and time of release, may be collected during each of a preparation phase190of the user's shot, a ball elevation phase192, a stability phase194, a release phase196, and an inertia phase198, as one non-limiting example. In a more particular embodiment, with renewed reference toFIG.4, the first movement sensor168and the second movement sensor170may provide data to the controller178with respect to the first relative angle172, the second relative angle174, and a plurality of relative angles in between as the user performs the specific action from start to finish. According to certain embodiments, data may be collected and stored by the controller178at a rate of 100 points of data per second.

It should be appreciated that the user may, in operation, obtain data and feedback from the remote device302when using the sports training system300, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. The user may set up the glove102, as desired, as well as any remote sensors or other remote data-collecting devices or controller units in order to collect data during a training session. Data may be wirelessly transmitted to the remote device302and presented to the user as a series of data points, for example, in a graph or other display. A complete picture of the training session, as well as a breakdown of a plurality of movements and actions, may be obtained using sports training system300. In certain embodiments, a microSD card, or other means for storing data may be removed from the sports training device100and downloaded to a remote device302, if needed.

In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, with reference toFIG.8, a method400of improving a shot, throw, or other specific action or actions during a training session, according to various embodiments, is shown. The method400of improving the shot, throw, or other specific action or actions may include a first step402of providing the sports training device100. The method400may further include a second step404of putting the glove102on the hand of the user. A third step406may include activating one or more of the activation mechanisms188on the glove102. In a next step408, the user may select any desired function or functions of the sports training device100to be used during the training session to collect and process data. In a next step410, the user may perform various specific movements and actions throughout the training session. In yet another step412, data may be collected throughout the training session by the sports training device100and displayed on the visual interface186of the glove102. In yet another step414, the user may evaluate the data being displayed on the visual interface186of the sports training device100in order to improve various aspects of the user's shot, throw, or other specific action or actions during the training session.

It should be appreciated that the user may need to perform additional steps, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. As non-limiting examples, additional steps may include charging the sports training device100, adjusting the glove102, as needed, and calibrating the sports training device100. It should also be appreciated that, according to certain embodiments, a method (not shown) of improving the shot, throw, or other specific action or actions during the training session may include providing the sports training system300and evaluating data from one or more remote sensors or other remote data-collecting devices or controller units and evaluating the data using the remote device302.

In certain embodiments, method of improving a release of an object by a hand of a user are provided that may employ various embodiments of the sports training devices100as described herein. Such methods may include putting the glove102on the hand of the user. The controller178may then receive a set of data from the sensor168and the controller178may determine if the set of data falls in a predetermined category. The predetermined category may include an acceptable range and an unacceptable range, where such ranges may be user modifiable and/or include predetermined thresholds. The sports training device100may then display whether the set of data is in the acceptable range or the unacceptable range on the visual interface186.

It should be further appreciated that, although the sports training device100and the sports training system300of the present disclosure are often described in relation to shooting a basketball, the present disclosure contemplates additional uses for a variety of sport activities. For example, the sports training device100and the sports training system300may be used to evaluate the user's dribbling, passing, throwing, releasing, striking, or otherwise performing a specific action during the training session. End uses for the sports training device100and the sports training system300may include sports such as baseball, softball, football, tennis, frisbee, bowling, and disc throwing, as non-limiting examples. The sensors162, the controller178, and any remote sensors or other remote data-collecting devices or controller units may be configurable to the desired sport and sporting equipment, as desired. Accordingly, the feedback provided to the user may be tailored based on the action performed. As non-limiting examples, the sports training device100and the sports training system300of the present disclosure may be utilized to train the user for baseball, softball, bowling, disc golf, or any other activity where it may be beneficial to monitor the control and release of the ball140or other sporting equipment to be thrown or released for training purposes.