Patent Publication Number: US-9403075-B1

Title: Methods and apparatus for training system for ball striking

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE TECHNOLOGY 
     Athletic training often requires an athlete to perform repetitive tasks directed towards mastering a movement, increasing skill, and improving performance. In sports that use a ball at least some of the repetitive tasks include striking the ball with a part of the body such as a foot or a piece of equipment such as a bat or a hockey stick. Traditionally this type of practice requires the use of multiple balls in succession otherwise the training becomes inefficient as each time a ball is struck it must be recovered before it can be struck again. 
     To solve this problem many different solutions have been utilized such as nets to capture balls that have been kicked, hit, or otherwise struck to prevent them from traveling too far from the user. Though an improvement it is still necessary for the user to collect and reset the ball in place before the ball can be struck again. Another solution has been the use of practice balls that are designed to limit their flight through the air after being struck. A drawback of these types of practice balls is that they commonly do not completely simulate the effects of striking a normal ball and as a result provide limited feedback. Yet another solution has been to attach a tether to a normal ball so that ball flight can be limited to the distance of the tether. Although more effective than using a practice ball, a drawback of using a tether with a ball such as a soccer ball is that the ball must still be recovered and placed back into a position so that it may be kicked again. This increases the time between each kick, which decreases the efficiency of the device. Other systems utilize a tether and attempt to automatically reset the ball back into its original position before being kicked or struck. These systems provide somewhat more efficiency but still suffer from drawbacks. For example, in this type of system the ball is returned to its originating location as a result of gravity. The user may still have to wait before striking the ball again due to excessive oscillation of the ball. 
     SUMMARY OF THE TECHNOLOGY 
     A training system according to various aspects of the present technology may comprise a ball retention device coupled to a base and a dampening system coupled to the ball retention device and configured to return a kicked ball to its original resting location with minimal oscillation. The base may be configured to comprise a portable unit that may be selectively weighted to increase stability during use. A force measurement system may be coupled to the dampening system and be configured to measure the kicking force applied to the ball to calculate a speed value for the kicked ball and display the speed value to the user. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete understanding of the present technology may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the following illustrative figures. In the following figures, like reference numbers refer to similar elements and steps throughout the figures. 
         FIG. 1  representatively illustrates a perspective view of a training device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technology; 
         FIG. 2  representatively illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the training device in accordance with the present technology; 
         FIG. 3  representatively illustrates an exploded view of the training device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technology; 
         FIG. 4  representatively illustrates a detailed view of a ball retention device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technology; 
         FIG. 5  representatively illustrates a ball positioned within the ball retention device of the training device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technology; 
         FIG. 6  representatively illustrates a detailed view of a speed sensor and an energy absorber in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technology; and 
         FIG. 7  representatively illustrates a cross-sectional view of the speed sensor and the energy absorber of  FIG. 6  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technology. 
     
    
    
     Elements and steps in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence. For example, steps that may be performed concurrently or in a different order are illustrated in the figures to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present technology. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     The present technology may be described in terms of functional block components and various processing steps. Such functional blocks may be realized by any number of hardware or software components configured to perform the specified functions and achieve the various results. For example, the present technology may employ various sensors, detectors, materials, connectors, and the like, which may carry out a variety of functions. In addition, the present technology may be practiced in conjunction with any number of ball types, and the system described is merely one exemplary application for the technology. Further, the present technology may employ any number of conventional techniques for dissipating energy, sensing movement, collecting data, processing data, and the like. 
     Methods and apparatus for a training system for ball striking according to various aspects of the present technology may operate in conjunction with any suitable mobile and/or stationary device for positioning a ball in a desired location. Various representative implementations of the present technology may be applied to any system for athletic training or positioning and repositioning a ball such that it can be repetitively struck. Certain representative implementations may include, for example, portable and/or non-portable bases, hands free operation, adjustability, interoperability with multiple types of balls or like sporting devices, and visual feedback of performance. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-3 , a training system  100  according to various aspects of the present technology may comprise a base  102  for positioning the training system  100 , an energy absorber  104  for dissipating energy imparted to a ball by a user, a force measurement system  106 , a display system  108 , and a ball retention device  110 . 
     The base  102  positions the training system  100  during use to allow a ball or other athletic equipment (not shown) to be kicked or struck by the user. The base  102  may comprise any suitable system or device for at least temporarily positioning the training system  100  during use. In one embodiment, the base  102  may be configured to allow the training system  100  to be portable and remain at least substantially in place during use. For example, referring now to  FIG. 3 , the base  102  may comprise a housing  302  having an internal volume that may be selectively filled with a substance such as water or sand to provide additional weight to the base  102 . The internal volume may be accessed by an opening  312  disposed along a surface of the housing  302  and a cover  310  may be used to seal or close off the opening  312 . 
     The base  102  may further comprise a frame  304 , a set of wheels  306 , and a set of feet  308 . The frame  304  may be configured to couple to the housing  302 , the wheels  306 , and the feet  308 . The frame  304  may comprise any suitable system or device to support the housing  302  and provide a connection point for the wheels  306  and the feet  308 . The frame  304  may be formed integrally with the housing  302  or the frame  304  may be formed as an independent structure configured to be coupled to a lower portion of the housing  302 . 
     The frame  304  may comprise any suitable material such as plastic, metal, or composite material. For example, in one embodiment, the frame  304  may comprise one or more metal elements such as bar stock, square or round tubing, U-channeling, or the like formed or joined together to form a support structure such as an A-frame. The frame  304  may be further configured to conform to the shape and size of the housing  302 . 
     The set of wheels  306  help facilitate movement of the training system  100  and may comprise any suitable system for allowing the housing  302  to be moved. In one embodiment, the set of wheels  306  may comprise one or more traditionally shaped wheel elements positioned along the housing  302 . The set of wheels  306  may also comprise a locking element (not shown) configured to prevent the wheels from undesired rotation. For example, two wheels may be positioned along a rear portion of the housing so that a forward end of the housing  302  may be lifted such that the wheels are free to rotate. In an alternative embodiment, the set of wheels  306  may comprise four wheel elements positioned at the rear and front sections of the frame  304  so that the housing  302  may be moved without the need to lift the training system  100  itself. In yet another embodiment, the set of wheels  306  may comprise a single ball shaped element, a set of skids, or any other device that would allow the housing  302  to be rolled or slid along the ground. 
     The set of feet  308  help keep the training system  100  securely positioned during use. The set of feet  308  may comprise any suitable device for impeding movement of the housing  302 . In a first embodiment, the set of feet  308  may comprise a plurality of cleated members disposed along a bottom surface of the frame  304 . The cleated members may be configured to fit against the ground when the housing  302  is positioned for use. For example, each cleated member may comprise a rubberized surface have one or more protrusions configured to extend downwardly towards the ground. The size and shape of the protrusions may be selected according to any suitable criteria such as the type of surface the training system  100  will be used on or a height of the frame  304  from the ground. In a second embodiment, the set of feet  308  may comprise a plurality of spikes configured to extend downwardly into the ground. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , in an alternative embodiment, the base  102  may be configured to permanent or semi-permanent attachment to a desired location of use. For example, the base  102  may comprise a bracket  202  that is suitably configured to be bolted or otherwise affixed to a ground location. Alternatively, the bracket  202  may comprise an end portion such as a barb or spike that is suitably configured to be inserted into a field surface such as grass, dirt, sand, or the like and secure the training system  100  in place. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-5 , the ball retention device  110  is used to securely couple a ball  502  to the training system  100  during use. The ball retention device  110  may be coupled to the base  102  by an arm  112  that is suitably configured to extend upward and away from the base  102  to position the ball  502  far enough away from the base  102  to allow the user sufficient access to the ball  502 . For example, in one embodiment, the arm  112  may extend upwardly away from the base  102  at an angle of between about thirty and sixty degrees. In an alternative embodiment, the arm  112  may comprise a generally L-shaped member coupled at a forward end portion  314  of the frame  304  such that the ball  502  may be suspended within the ball retention device  110  and yet at least partially rest on the ground a pre-determined distance away from the base  102  such that the user may kick the ball  502  with a normal kicking motion without contacting the base  102 . 
     The L-Shaped member may extend upward from the frame  304  by any suitable distance and may be determined according to the type of ball  502  that will be used with the training system  100 . For example, the L-Shaped member may extend upwardly from the base a distance of between about twelve inches and about twenty-two inches such that a soccer ball or football may be used with the training system  100 . In a second embodiment, the height of the arm  112  may extend upwardly from the base a distance of between about six inches and about twelve inches such that a golf ball may be used with the training system  100 . Alternatively, the height of the arm  112  may be adjustable to account for varying sizes of balls such as those used for youth sports and regulation adult sized balls. In yet another embodiment, the height of the arm  112  may be set such that the ball retention device  110  is positioned at least a foot above the ground such that a baseball may be properly positioned to allow a user to swing a bat. 
     The arm  112  may comprise any suitable material such as a metal, plastic, or composite capable of withstanding varying torque forces that result from the ball being kicked or otherwise struck. For example, the arm  112  may comprise an aluminum tube having a flange  316  disposed along a first end to allow the arm  112  to be coupled to the base  102 . The arm  112  may be coupled to the base  102  by any suitable method such as by welding or a fastener. In one embodiment, the flange  316  may comprise attachment apertures that extend there through to receive at least one fastener  318  to couple the flange  316  to the forward end portion  314  of the frame  304 . 
     The ball retention device  110  receives and suspends the ball  502  from the arm  112 . The ball retention device  110  may comprise any suitable system or device for securely holding the ball  502  before and after being kicked or otherwise struck and set into motion. In one embodiment, and referring now to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the ball retention device  110  may comprise a net-like structure configured to receive a ball  502  within an interior portion  402 . The net-like structure may be tightened after the ball  502  is positioned within the interior portion  402  to at least partially enclose the ball  502 . Alternatively, the net-like structure may be suitably configured to self-tighten around the ball  502 . 
     The net-like structure may comprise one or more straps  404 ,  406 ,  408  woven, stitched, or otherwise coupled together to form the interior portion  402 . The straps  404 ,  406 ,  408  may comprise any suitable material such as a rubber or a webbing made from polypropylene, nylon, polyester, synthetic or natural fibers, Dyneema®, Kevlar®, and the like. For example, in one embodiment, the straps  404 ,  406 ,  408  may comprise a polyester strip having a width of between about three-eighths of an inch and about three-quarters of an inch and a length of between about three inches and twenty inches. 
     One or more of the straps  404 ,  406 ,  408  may be individually or collectively coupled together by an elastic strap section  410  to allow the interior portion  402  to be at least partially adjustable in response to different sized balls. For example, a first strap  404  may comprise alternating sections of a non-elastic strap section and an elastic strap section  410  to allow the first strap  404  to stretch lengthwise and better conform to the shape and size of the ball  502 . A second and third strap  406 ,  408  may be similarly constructed such that the entire net-like structure may automatically conform to multiple sizes and/or types of balls. 
     At least one end portion of each strap  404 ,  406 ,  408  may be coupled to a ring  412  configured to provide an opening to the interior portion  402 . The ring  412  may be sufficiently sized to allow the ball  502  to pass through. The ring  412  may also be configured to provide a selectively adjustable sized opening so that various types and sizes of balls may be positioned within the interior portion  402 . For example, the ring  412  may comprise a generally circular shaped spring device having end portions that may be selectively coupled together. In an alternative embodiment, the ring  412  may comprise a strap or cord that may be adjusted or otherwise cinched to allow the ball  502  to be positioned within or removed from the interior portion  402 . In yet a third embodiment, the ring  412  may be formed from a stretchable cord such as a shock cord or elastic cord suitably configured to expand to allow a ball  502  to pass into the interior portion  402  and then shorten to help secure the ball  502  within the interior portion  402 . 
     The ball retention device  110  may be suspended from the arm  112  by a cord  114 . The cord  114  may comprise any suitable material such as a fabric rope, paracord, tension wire, rigid member, or the like. The cord  114  may also be configured to have abrasion resistance such that durability of the cord  114  is increased. For example, the cord  114  may be configured to be slack when not under tension or the cord  114  may be at least slightly rigid even when in a non-tension state. The cord  114  may also be suitably configured to have reduced elasticity along the length of the cord  114  to reduce a potential for the cord  114  to be stretched lengthwise after the ball  502  is struck and set into motion. 
     The cord  114  may be coupled between the arm  112  and the ball retention device  110  by any suitable method. For example, referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 7 , the cord  114  may be coupled at a first end to a spool  116  positioned proximate the force measurement system  106 . The cord  114  may then be fed through the force measurement system  106  and extend downwardly through the energy absorber  104  before being coupled to the ring  412  on a second end. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the cord  114  may also comprise the ring  412 . For example, the cord  114  may sized such that an end portion of the second end may be woven through the straps  404 ,  406 ,  408  and then joined back to a mid-portion of the cord  114  by a knot  414  to form the ring  412 . The coupling between the mid-portion and the knot  414  may allow the end portion to be selectively adjusted to allow the ball retention device  110  to be cinched around the ball  502 . 
     The energy absorber  104  absorbs the force imparted to the ball  502  and acts to return the ball  502  to its initial resting position. The energy absorber  104  may comprise any system or device capable of dissipating energy and reducing any oscillation of the ball  502  so that the ball  502  may come to rest more rapidly. Referring now to  FIGS. 1, 6, and 7 , the energy absorber  104  may be positioned between the ball retention device  110  and force measurement system  106 . The energy absorber  104  may be coupled to the force measurement system  106  by any suitable method. For example, the energy absorber  104  may be mechanically attached to an underside of the force measurement system  106 . 
     In one embodiment, the energy absorber  104  may comprise a compression spring  702  positioned within an energy absorbing housing  704 . The energy absorbing housing  704  limits movement of the cord  114  to reduce oscillation of the ball as it returns to a state of rest after being struck. The energy absorbing housing  704  may comprise any suitable device for dissipating the energy imparted to the ball  502 . For example, in one embodiment, the energy absorbing housing  704  may comprise an elastomeric body suitably configured to resist deflecting under the forces transferred to the cord  114  from the struck ball  502 . The elastomeric body may be at least semi-rigid while maintaining some ability to flex under the applied load resulting from the moving ball. The elastomeric body may be suitably configured to act as a dampening system adapted to minimize oscillation. 
     The energy absorbing housing  704  may further comprise an interior channel  716  extending between first and second end portions of the energy absorbing housing  704 . The interior channel  716  may be suitably configured to provide a passageway to allow the cord  114  to extend through the interior of the energy absorbing housing  704 . The interior channel  716  may be further configured to receive the compression spring  702 . For example, the interior channel  716  may comprise a first zone  718  having a diameter slightly larger than that of the compression spring  702  and a length sufficient to allow the compression spring  702  to be at least partially enclosed within the first zone  718 . 
     The interior channel  716  may comprise a second zone  720  having a diameter less than that of the first zone  718  but larger than the diameter of the cord  114 . The diameter of the second zone  720  may be sized such that the cord  114  can pass through without touching an interior wall of the second zone  720  but not so large as to allow the cord  114  to swing through more than about five to fifteen degrees of motion relative to a center line  722  of the interior channel  716 . By limiting the ability of the cord  114  to swing or oscillate within the interior channel  716  the angle through which the ball  502  may oscillate is reduced thereby allowing the ball  502  to come to rest more rapidly. 
     The compression spring  702  may provide the energy absorbing housing  704  with increased resistance to deflection or compression when subjected to a load. The compression spring  702  may also be configured to increase the damping coefficient of the energy absorbing housing  704  to decrease the amount of time required to return the ball retention device  110  to rest after being struck. 
     The compression spring  702  may comprise any suitable material such as stainless steel alloys, high carbon steel wire, alloy steel or music wire, nickel base alloy wire, brass, and hard drawn wire selected to provide a desired level of stiffness to the energy absorbing housing  704 . For example, in one embodiment, the compression spring  702  may comprise a stainless steel alloy having an outer diameter of between about three-quarters of an inch and about one and one-half of an inch and a length of between about one inch and about three inches. 
     The spool  116  may be positioned along a portion of the arm  112  and/or the force measurement system  106 . The spool  116  allows an effective length of the cord  114  to be selectively adjusted to accommodate various sizes of balls. For example, the spool  116  may comprise a rotatable knob coupled to the first end of the cord  114 . By rotating the knob in a first direction the effective length of the cord  114  may be shortened thereby raising the ball retention device  110  from the ground to accommodate a larger sized ball  502 . Conversely, rotating the knob in a second direction may increase the effective length of the cord  114  and lower the ball retention device  110 . In this manner, the ball retention device  110  may be positioned such that any size ball  502  may be properly positioned on or just slightly above ground level. 
     The force measurement system  106  generates a set of data corresponding to the force applied to the ball  502  when kicked or struck during use. The force measurement system  106  may comprise any suitable system or method for converting a measured force into data pertaining to the ball  502 . Referring now to  FIGS. 1, 3 , and  7 , in one embodiment the force measurement system  106  may be disposed proximate a second end of the arm  112  to engage the cord  114  and the energy absorber  104 . For example, the force measurement system  106  may be coupled to and extend outwardly away from the second end of the arm  112  such that the force measurement system  106  is disposed above the ball  502  during use. In an alternative embodiment, the force measurement system  106  may be integrated within the arm  112  itself and form a single structural element. 
     In one representative embodiment, the force measurement system  106  may comprise a speed sensing device  708  suitably adapted to calculate a speed value for the ball  502  that corresponds to how hard the ball  502  was kicked or otherwise struck and set into motion. The speed sensing device  708  may be configured to use a displacement of the cord  114  to calculate the speed value. For example, the speed sensing device may comprise a cord guide  710  connected to a tracking bar  712  that is linked to a sensor  714  configured to measure the force imparted to the ball and generate the speed value. 
     The cord guide  710  may be coupled to the cord  114  such that any movement of the cord  114  will be transferred through the cord guide  710  and sensed by the sensor  714 . Referring now to  FIG. 7 , the force measurement system  106  may comprise a pair of openings configured to allow the cord  114  to pass through an interior portion of the force measurement system  106 . For example, a first opening  724  may be positioned along a top surface of the force measurement system  106  proximate the spool  116  to allow the cord to enter into the interior portion of the force measurement system  106 . A second opening  726  may be positioned along a bottom surface of the force measurement system  106  to allow the cord to exit out from the interior portion of the force measurement system  106 . The second opening  726  may be at least partially aligned with the first opening  724  such that the cord  114  might pass through the interior portion of the force measurement system  106  in a substantially linear manner. 
     The cord guide  710  may positioned within the interior portion of the force measurement system  106  at a predetermined distance from the first and second openings  724 ,  726  and be configured to engage the cord. For example, the cord guide  710  may comprise an element configured to wrap around the cord  114  and route the cord  114  through the interior portion of the force measurement system  106  and prevent the cord from passing linearly through the interior portion of the force measurement system  106  when the ball  502  is positioned in the ball retention device  110  and at rest. A spring  728  may be coupled to the cord guide  710  to maintain the resting position of the cord guide  710  to cause the cord  114  to deflect and be placed under slight tension. 
     When the ball  502  is struck the resulting forces imparted to the ball  502  may be transferred to the cord  114  causing the cord  114  to be pulled downwardly from the force measurement system  106  as the ball  502  moves. The downward movement of the cord  114  will tend to cause the deflection of the cord  114  within the force measurement system  106  and pull the cord guide  710  and the tracking bar  712  towards the first and second openings  724 ,  726 . As the tracking bar  712  moves it passes by the sensor  714 . 
     The sensor  714  is responsive to the movement of the tracking bar  712  and converts that movement into a signal that is used to calculate the speed value. The sensor  714  may comprise any suitable sensing device such as an accelerometer, a switch, or the like for converting mechanical movement into a signal. The sensor  714  may comprise a purely mechanical system, an electro-mechanical system, or a purely electrical device. In one embodiment the sensor  714  may comprise a Hall Effect sensor suitably configured to convert the movement of the tracking bar  712  into an electronic signal that is used to generate the speed value. For example, the tracking bar  712  may comprise a pair of tabs  730  separated by a set distance that are suitably configured to be sensed by the sensor  714  as they each pass by the sensor  714 . The sensor  714  may be configured to record a time between the sensing of the first tab and the second tab and use this value along with the known distance between the tabs to calculate a velocity that corresponds to the velocity that the ball  502  was traveling at after being kicked or struck. In this embodiment, the greater the force applied to the ball  502  the greater the speed at which the tracking bar  712  may pass by the sensor  714  and may indicate a higher speed value for the ball  502 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the display system  108  may be communicatively linked to the force measurement system  106  and be suitably configured to provide a visual indication of the calculated speed value and/or any other generated data relating to the ball  502 . For example, the display system  108  may comprise a processing unit adapted to receive the signal from the sensor  714  and calculate the associated speed value. The calculated speed value may then be displayed to the user and/or saved in a memory device. 
     The display system  108  may also be configured to communicate to a wireless communications device such as a smartphone, portable computing device, or the like. The display system  108  may be configured to communicate with the wireless communications device according to any suitable criteria or suitable wireless communication protocol, such as ZigBee (e.g. IEEE 802.15.4), Wi-Fi (e.g. IEEE 802.11), Bluetooth, and the like. For example, the wireless communications device may be configured to receive and track the generated data and/or speed values for the ball. 
     These and other embodiments for methods of detecting and calculating the speed of a ball may incorporate concepts, embodiments, and configurations as described with respect to embodiments of apparatus for detecting and calculating the speed of a ball as described above. The particular implementations shown and described are illustrative of the technology and its best mode and are not intended to otherwise limit the scope of the present technology in any way. Indeed, for the sake of brevity, conventional manufacturing, connection, preparation, and other functional aspects of the system may not be described in detail. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physical couplings between the various elements. Many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in a practical system. 
     The technology has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments. Various modifications and changes, however, may be made without departing from the scope of the present technology. The description and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative manner, rather than a restrictive one and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present technology. Accordingly, the scope of the technology should be determined by the generic embodiments described and their legal equivalents rather than by merely the specific examples described above. For example, the steps recited in any method or process embodiment may be executed in any order, unless otherwise expressly specified, and are not limited to the explicit order presented in the specific examples. Additionally, the components and/or elements recited in any apparatus embodiment may be assembled or otherwise operationally configured in a variety of permutations to produce substantially the same result as the present technology and are accordingly not limited to the specific configuration recited in the specific examples. 
     Benefits, other advantages and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to particular embodiments; however, any benefit, advantage, solution to problems or any element that may cause any particular benefit, advantage or solution to occur or to become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required or essential features or components. 
     As used herein, the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any variation thereof, are intended to reference a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, composition or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements recited, but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, composition or apparatus. Other combinations and/or modifications of the above-described structures, arrangements, applications, proportions, elements, materials or components used in the practice of the present technology, in addition to those not specifically recited, may be varied or otherwise particularly adapted to specific environments, manufacturing specifications, design parameters or other operating requirements without departing from the general principles of the same. 
     The present technology has been described above with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, changes and modifications may be made to the preferred embodiment without departing from the scope of the present technology. These and other changes or modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present technology, as expressed in the following claims.