Patent Publication Number: US-6712722-B1

Title: Basketball shot training device

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES AND RELATED SUBJECT MATTER 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of patent application Ser. No. 09/844,589, filed in the United States Patent Office on Apr. 27, 2001, now abandoned. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a basketball shot training device and more particularly pertains to teaching and monitoring the proper basketball shooting technique. 
     Most sports require considerable training to obtain reasonable proficiency. Repetitive training teaches both the muscles and the brain to recreate certain actions needed to play the sport. However, through repetitive training, it is just as likely to reinforce negative habits as positive habits. Thus, training with a coach or instructor is crucial during training to ensure that a sport, or skill related to a sport, is not learned incorrectly. 
     The use of sports training devices is known in the prior art. Most such sports,training devices help fulfill one of the countless objectives and requirements pertaining to various sports. 
     By way of example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,581,312 to Nickels discloses a basketball training glove, with a foam member incorporated for preventing a player from using his palm. U.S. Pat. No. 4,881,275 to Cazares discloses a gripping glove. 
     U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,104,379 to Petrich et al. and 5,982,352 to Pryor disclose various systems which employ computer technology to monitor the movements of the position of a human being. 
     While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objective and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not describe a basketball shot training device for teaching and monitoring the proper basketball shooting technique and preventing the reinforcement of “bad habits” while training. 
     The technique followed by the player when shooting the basketball is referred to as “shooting mechanics”. Proper shooting mechanics does not ensure a successful shot, but greatly increases the probability of success. However, poor shooting mechanics severely handicap the player. Common poor shooting mechanics include palming the ball, inconsistent hand control, inconsistent wrist control, disproportionate amount of bicep force (compared to the wrist), poor body balance, poor body control, and incorrect release of the ball with the opposite hand. 
     The improper control of the hand is a major factor in most of these poor shooting mechanics. The hand is the player&#39;s directional guide to the basket. Inconsistent motion by the hand creates a lack of player confidence, and prevents the player from repeating a successful shot. 
     One key element of proper basketball shooting mechanics is the “follow through”. The proper follow through can be ascertained by the position of the hand and wrist following the shot. Hand-eye coordination relies upon the wrist for executing distance judgment. Since the wrist is a better regulator of power than the arm, good wrist control creates a softer shot. In particular, the wrist should be angled so that the hand is horizontal and at a certain height relative to the player. Consistently ending a shot with the hand in this position is a major step toward successful basketball shooting, and helps prevent the player from carrying on and reinforcing some of the most common poor shooting mechanics. 
     Since most of the shot is ‘in the wrist’, limiting the motion of the arm is similarly important to achieving proper shooting mechanics. It is important the player learns to shoot straight, without moving the arm or elbow across the body. 
     Further, since basketball requires endurance and discipline, repetitive training is required. However, facilities and weather limitations do not always permit a player to practice as much as necessary. Yet, repetitive basketball training is necessary to instill in the hand and wrist “muscle memory”, as well as instill confidence in the player to repeatedly produce the desired results. 
     In this respect, the basketball shot training device according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of teaching and monitoring the proper basketball shooting technique. 
     Therefore, it can be appreciated that there exists a continuing need for a new and improved basketball shot training device that can be used for teaching and monitoring the proper basketball shooting technique. In this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of sports training devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides an improved basketball shot training device. As such, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new and improved basketball shot training device that has all the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages. 
     To attain this, the present invention essentially comprises a platform having a generally rectangular configuration. The platform has a lower surface and an upper surface. The lower surface is positionable on a flat recipient surface. The upper surface receives a practicing player&#39;s feet thereon in a standing orientation, and has a rear inclined portion for positioning the player&#39;s feet. A tether is provided having a first end and a second end. The first end is adjustably and releasably secured to the platform. A glove is coupled with the second end of the tether. The glove has an opening therein for receiving a hand of the practicing player therein. An optical sensor is coupled with respect to the glove responsive to alignment with a light beam emanating from the platform. A rangefinder detects the height of the glove above the base. The training device has a control unit which is programmed to monitor a proper shooting motion of the hand of the practicing player when positioned within the glove according to the final height and angle of the glove immediately following an attempted shot. A display is coupled with respect to the control unit to indicate results of the training. 
     It is an object of the invention to provide a training device which measures the proper follow-through of the player&#39;s shooting hand during a shot. Accordingly, the player wears a glove while shooting or simulating shooting a basket. The glove is cooperatively linked to the platform, such that the player is alerted when a proper shot has been achieved by determining whether the hand finishes the shot in a horizontal position at a predetermined height. 
     It is yet another object of the invention to train a player to stand on the balls of his/her feet while shooting a basket. Accordingly, the platform rear is inclined to teach the player to stand correctly while shooting. 
     It is a further object of the invention to help a player execute the shot mainly with the wrist and to prevent improper movement of the arm and elbow. Accordingly, the glove is linked to the base by a tether, which prevents stray movement of the arm across the body when shooting, and limits motion of the arm and elbow so that the player is forced to use the wrist. 
     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention 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, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. 
     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. 
     As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved basketball shot training device that has all the advantages of the prior art sports training devices and none of the disadvantages. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved basketball shot training device that may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved basketball shot training device that is of durable and reliable construction. 
     An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved basketball shot training device that is adaptable to different players. Accordingly, the predetermined height of proper follow-through may be adjusted according to the particular player using the device, and the system may be readily adapted to both left and right handed players. 
     Even still another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved basketball shot training device for teaching and monitoring the proper basketball shooting technique. 
    
    
     These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty that 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 had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the basketball shot training device constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention, showing the glove tethered to the platform thereof. 
     FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the invention, with a player standing upon the rear inclined portion of the upper surface, and wherein a ultrasonic range finder and light source are being used to ascertain the height and angle of the glove. 
     FIG. 3 is rear elevational view of the present invention, illustrating an annunciator, and the adjustable and removable attachment of the tether to the platform. 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the invention in use, wherein a player is taking a shot while standing on the platform and while his shooting hand is within the glove tethered to said platform. 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 4, except illustrating a moment later during the shot than FIG.  4 . 
     FIG. 6 is a block diagram, illustrating the functional interconnection of various components of the invention. 
     Similar reference numerals refer to the similar elements of the invention throughout the various drawing figures. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     With reference now to the drawings, and in particular, to FIGS. 1 through 6 thereof, the preferred embodiment of the new and improved basketball shot training device embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the reference number  10  will be described. 
     Specifically, it will be noted in the various figures that the device relates to a basketball shot training device for teaching and monitoring the proper basketball shooting technique. In a broad sense, the device comprises a platform, a tether, a glove, a sensing system, and a feedback system. Such components are individually configured and correlated with respect to each other so as to attain the desired objective. 
     The platform  12  has a generally rectangular configuration. The platform  12  has a lower surface  14  and an upper surface  16 , a front  12 F and a rear  12 R. The lower surface  14  is positionable on any flat recipient surface. The upper surface  16  receives a practicing player&#39;s  18  feet  20  thereon in a standing orientation. Note FIG.  2 . In particular, the feet  20  have toes  21  and a ball portion  22  just rearward of its toes  21 . The upper surface  16  has an inclined rear portion  17  which causes the practicing player  18  to lean toward his/her toes and balance upon the ball portions  22  of his/her feet  20 . The upper surface  16  could also be provided with grooves  22  or the like that will allow the player  18  to comfortably stand thereon. 
     The tether  24  has a first end  26  and a second end  28 . The first end  26  is adjustably secured to the platform  12  so that it can extend upward therefrom, preferably alongside or behind the player. Accordingly, the first end  26  of the tether preferably extends from the rear  12 R of the platform. The upper surface  16  of the platform  12  is provided with a primary recess  30  therein for allowing the first end  26  to extend from the upper surface  16  immediately behind the player  18  when standing thereupon. The primary recess  30  can also house an attachment pin  29 , extending transversely therein for securing the tether  24 . In particular, a secondary recess  30 A may be provided immediately adjacent to the primary recess  30  to allow the pin to be removed or displaced to allow removal of the first end  26  of the tether  24 . Removal of the tether  24  allows the glove and tether combination to be used separately from the platform. In particular, the first end can be secured to a belt extending around the waist of a player, allowing the player to conduct alternate training exercises. In addition, an adjustment wheel  31  may be provided on the pin  29  to allow the tether  24  to be easily lengthened and shortened as needed. 
     The glove  32  is coupled with the second end  28  of the tether  24  and has an opening for receiving a shooting hand  19  of the practicing player  20  therein. Accordingly, by virtue of its attachment between the glove  32  and the platform  12 , the tether  24  restricts motion of the arm, prevents undesirable movement of the elbow or arm across the body, and further encourages the player to use the wrist to control the shot. As shown in FIG. 4, the glove  32  is positionable on the hand of the practicing player  18  so as to facilitate the player holding a basketball  34  in a proper position. A fastening strap  33  facilitates securement of the glove  32  on the shooting hand  19  of the player  18 . 
     The glove  32  has a standard five finger configuration, may be left or right handed, and has a palm portion  32 P, such that the second end  28  of the tether  24  is secured at the palm portion  32 P. In addition, an optical sensor  36  is provided on the palm portion  32 P. The optical sensor  36  cooperates with a light emitter  35  on the upper surface  16  of the platform  12 , such that the optical sensor  36  is capable of detecting light from the light emitter  37  and responding thereto. The platform  12  also has an ultrasonic rangefinder  37  which is capable of detecting the height of the glove  32 . Further, a display  38  allows the player and a coach to monitor status of the device, and a calibration control  39  allows a predetermined height to be set by the coach, at which proper follow-through is ascertained. An annunciator  40  is provided to provide an audible alert to the player and/or coach, and will generally indicate that the shot has been properly executed. However, the annunciator may be configured to provide distinct tones to indicate that a shot has been incorrectly executed, or that the hand is at the incorrect height or angle. 
     Referring to FIG. 6, the device  10  has a control unit  42  that facilitates that functionality of the basketball training device as described. In particular, the control unit is connected to both the optical sensor  36  and rangefinder  37  to receive data therefrom. Accordingly, the optical sensor  36  indicates to the control unit when light from the light emitter  35  has been detected. In addition, the rangefinder  37  indicates to the control unit the detected height of the glove thereabove. The calibration control  39  is connected to the control unit to allow the predetermined height to be selected by the user or coach. The display  38  and annunciator  40  allow the control unit to communicate with the user and coach the successes and failures of the player in attempting to execute a proper shot. Accordingly, the display can indicate statistics regarding the player&#39;s successfully executed shots, unsuccessfully executed shots, shot where the glove finished at the proper height only, and shots where the hand finished at the proper angle only. Thus, the display can be configured to display information in numerous fashions. In a similar regard, the annunciator can alert when a shot is successfully executed, such that the predetermined height is detected by the rangefinder and the proper angle is detected by the sensor. The annunciator can similarly be configured to provide distinctive tones to report success or failure. 
     In this regard, the device is preferably configured so that at least in one mode, the annunciator indicates a steady tone when the glove is properly positioned. Accordingly, the coach can adjust the length of the tether to accommodate the player, can position the glove in it&#39;s proper position, and then manipulate the calibration control  39  until a steady tone is achieved. In this manner the predetermined height can be set. 
     In order to be sensitive to the angle of the glove, the light emitter  37  must produce light in a narrow dispersion pattern, and/or the optical sensor  36  must receive light through a narrow sensitivity pattern. Accordingly, a low level diode LASER is preferable for the emitter. As illustrated, the light emitter  37  is present in the platform and the optical sensor  36  is present in the glove. Such would seem to be a preferred arrangement since the reverse would allow light to travel in all directions as the player moves the gloved hand through various positions. However, the preferred arrangement requires telemetry between the optical sensor  36  in the glove and the control unit  42  in the platform, while avoiding a less preferable connection within the tether. Such telemetry can be accomplished in numerous ways, including RF communication and an omni directional IR link, as would be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Also, to ascertain whether and when shots are attempted, in order to determine unsuccessful shots, and the moment when the attempted shot is completed, a sensor can be provided in communication with the tether  24  to detect when the tether  24  is ‘jerked’ or tensioned—when a shot is attempted. Similarly, such a sensing mechanism can be provided in numerous ways, as would be appreciated by those skilled in the art. 
     Accordingly, as indicated by FIG.  4  and FIG. 5, the basketball training device  10  is shown in use, wherein a player is attempting to carry out a shot while standing on the platform  12  and wearing the glove  32 . When the glove  32  is donned, the tether  24  extends behind the player, over the arm (preferably over the bicep), extends between the thumb and forefinger, and is attached to the palm of the glove  32 . As indicated, the player&#39;s shooting hand  19 , and the glove  32  is positioned substantially vertically. Accordingly, the optical sensor  36  would not detect light produced by the light emitter  37 . Thus, when a successfully indicated shot is not communicated to the player by the device  10 , the player will reassess his shooting technique and hopefully “level off” the hand at the end of the shot; so that the light sensor  36  will detect light from the light emitter  35  and the player will hopefully position the hand at the proper height such that the rangefinder  35  will detect the same and communicate that the shot was successfully executed. 
     As to the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided. 
     With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and the manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
     Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.