Patent Publication Number: US-8109845-B2

Title: Sports target device and method

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention herein pertains to sport target devices and particularly pertains to a lightweight sport target device which is affixed to the net of a goal and emits an audible sound when impacted by a projectile such as a soccer ball, hockey puck or other sports projectile. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART AND OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION 
     In sports such as hockey or soccer where scoring and winning depend upon successfully directing a projectile past a goalkeeper and into a goal, the ability of the players to accurately direct the projectile into areas of the goal which are difficult to guard by the goalkeeper is of primary importance. Developing this ability (accuracy) in players is also of primary importance. There are many drills and exercises designed by coaches and trainers to improve a player&#39;s ability to accurately strike a soccer ball, but there is little specialized training equipment to supplement standard drills and exercises causing players to resort to various ad-hoc target devices such as brightly colored t-shirts hanging in the corners of soccer nets, or cones placed on the ground. 
     Though many target devices for soccer or hockey have been used in the past, none seem to have achieved widespread use or popularity. A majority of conventional target devices designed for use with a goal attach to the front of the goal frame and often preclude the use of a goalkeeper during the drill. Since the area defined by the goal frame (also known as the goal plane) is considered in the field of play, the goalkeeper must be able to move through the goal area and any target device which extends therein is a danger to the goalkeeper. Such devices could be used as targets in drills, but would have to be dismantled before a scrimmage game or the introduction of a goalkeeper. 
     Conventional target devices suffer a few common flaws such as bulkiness, heaviness and difficulty in installation and use as well as potential danger to the players by using hard metals, cords or ropes. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,134,976 includes a rigid target support which intrudes into the goal plane of the soccer goal and into the field of play. U.S. Pat. No. 6,554,284 is an impact sensor but is not designed to be easily attachable to a net and has no audible signal. U.S. Pat. No. 6,402,641 is designed to extend through the goal plane and U.S. Pat. No. 5,634,640 suffers the same disadvantage. U.S. Pat. No. 6,551,205 is an electronic target system with the potential for audible feedback, but is it not designed to be easily attachable to a sports goal net. U.S. Pat. No. 7,258,344 provides an electronically scored game with audible feedback for darts, football, table hockey and other games. 
     Thus in view of the problems and disadvantages of prior sports target devices, the present invention was conceived and one of its objectives is to provide a sports target device in combination with a sports net which is easily installable, versatile and highly effective in the training of athletes. 
     It is another objective of the present invention to provide a sports target device which can be used for individual training and by teams for training and scrimmage games. 
     It is still another objective of the present invention to provide a sports target device which is lightweight, highly portable, adjustable and safe. 
     It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a sports target device having audible feedback. 
     It is still a further objective of the present invention to provide an embodiment of a sports target device having programmable modes. 
     It is yet a further objective of the present invention to provide a sports target device and method of use providing either mechanically or electrically produced audible sounds for training athletes. 
     Various other objectives and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art as a more detailed description is set forth below. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The aforesaid and other objectives are realized by providing a sport target device which in one embodiment has a disk shape, approximately 18″ (45.7 cm) in diameter and approximately 3″ (7.6 cm) wide, weighing approximately 1 lb. (0.453 Kg) and is electronically operated. An alternate rectangular embodiment measures approximately 3′ (0.914 m) long, 18″ (45.7 cm) wide, and 3″ (7.6 cm) deep weighing approximately 2 lb. (0.90 Kg). As understood, the target device could be made larger or smaller depending on its specific construction and components used and is mechanically operated. 
     The target device can have either a semi-rigid housing in the preferred form, or a soft shell (flexible) housing. In the soft shell target device, the housing is made of a synthetic, water-resistant flexible fabric such as canvas. The hard or semi-rigid shell or housing is made of a synthetic, water-resistant molded polymer. Hooks and/or straps, tapes, cords or other means of attachment to a sports goal or practice net extend from the exterior of the housing in both the preferred and alternate embodiments of the target device. 
     A mechanical or electronic means of detecting the impact of a projectile and audibly alerting nearby personnel upon impact is provided. The mechanical version consists of one or more bells having a clapper or the like which are activated upon impact by the projectile. The preferred electronic version consists of an impact sensor such as a peizo or vibration switch and a sound source such as a buzzer or a speaker. If a speaker is used, a microchip with a digital audio file and battery pack power source are connected thereto. 
     More advanced electronic embodiments utilize a central processing unit (CPU) to program and activate training features such as a timer and a counter. A rechargeable battery pack with a means for recharging without removal are utilized. Both the front and rear of the target device housing can have either the same or different colors or designs. The target device can be formed to detect the impact of a projectile on one or both sides. As a further alternative RF capability for remote programming and the transmission and reception of data between target devices allows for synchronization of multiple target devices. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the sports target device functions as an interactive game and training device and is attached to the inside rear or sides of a sports goal or practice net and hangs thereagainst. The target device so positioned does not create a hazard to the players and can be easily removed and installed at another position on the goal net as desired. Because the audible feedback is a more reliable and more satisfying way of detecting projectile impact than visual eyewitnesses, the target device is better for both trainers and players for a variety of training and game applications. 
     Beginning soccer players have a tendency to direct the ball/projectile toward the center of the goal. Even when a goalkeeper is standing in the center, players will often direct the projectile directly at the goalkeeper, though the player should direct the projectile toward the corners in an attempt to score a goal. The explanation for such direction is that the eyes and brain automatically focus on the goalkeeper, and the body reacts to that focus. It is difficult for a player to focus on hitting the right spot, because the right spot is an almost invisible goal net. 
     However, if players practice their focus regularly with the interactive target device located for example in the rear corners of the goal net, then their bodies and minds become conditioned to focus and aim for that point even when the target device is removed. The goalkeeper in guarding the goal moves through the area defined by the front frame of the goal and since the target device is placed inside the goal on and against the rear or sides of a goal net, it is away from the field of play and safe for the goalkeeper and other players. With the target devices in position players progress quickly in their training as focus to hit the target is heightened in order to avoid the goalkeeper and score a goal. With the present sports target device providing audible feedback upon each impact, players take turns practicing using the instep to shoot the ball accurately toward the corner of the goal without the goalkeeper in position. Once players have a chance to practice the skill with only the target devices the goalkeeper is then introduced to gradually increase the intensity of the training. 
     Other features such as a means for recording the number of impacts, a means for presetting a desired number of impacts, a means of alerting the player(s) when the preset number of impacts has been reached, a means of setting a time limit for certain games and training applications, a means of receiving and transmitting data between target devices, and a means of recharging the battery pack without removing the battery pack are discussed in more detail below. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a schematic representation of a soccer goal and goalkeeper with numerous sports target devices affixed to the net of the goal; 
         FIG. 2  depicts the preferred sports target device as removed from the net of the goal as seen in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  pictures the sports target device as seen in  FIG. 2  in an open posture to show the inner components; 
         FIG. 4  schematically represents the electrical circuitry of the sports target device as seen in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  demonstrates in schematic representation the CPU of an alternate electronic embodiment of the sports target device; and 
         FIG. 6  demonstrates an alternate mechanical embodiment of the sports target device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND OPERATION OF THE INVENTION 
     For a better understanding of the invention and its operation, turning now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  shows a schematic representation of conventional soccer goal  10  as may be used by amateur or professional athletes. Goal  10  includes front vertical inverted U-shaped frame member  11  and rear vertical inverted U-shaped frame member  13  each having net  12  attached thereto. Front frame member  11  and rear frame member  13  are joined together by frame support members  14 ,  14 ′ which are made of rigid tubing. Net  12  is generally formed of nylon or other suitable polymeric materials and may be continuous and held in place on goal  10  by various standard fasteners to front frame member  11 , rear frame member  13  and support members  14 ,  14 ′ as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     As would be understood and seen in  FIG. 1 , line  15  designates the field of play whereby front U-shaped frame member  11  is within the field of play whereas rear frame member  13  is not. Soccer goal  10  is conventional and is equipped with target devices  20  which are circular and target devices  40  which are rectangular for practice and scrimmage purposes. While several target devices are seen, only one or more may be used as desired. Ice hockey and other sports often utilize goals which are somewhat similarly shaped to soccer goal  10  although the size and dimensions may greatly vary depending on the particular league or player classification in which they are employed. Such other sport goals could similarly utilize target devices  20 ,  40 . 
     Target devices  20 ,  40  as selected are placed directly on the inside of net  12  at various positions beyond front frame member  11  as seen for example in  FIG. 1 . Circular target devices  20  are affixed to net  12  by a series of 360° swivel hooks  51  ( FIG. 2 ) whereas rectangular target devices  40  are held on net  12  by hook and loop fastener type straps ( FIG. 6 ). Alternate standard means for attaching target devices  20 ,  40  can also be used. The exact placement of target devices  20 ,  40  are selected for focal points of the players&#39; attention when attempting to score goals. The exact number and placement and type of target devices may be chosen and modified as desired by the players or coaching staff. The purpose of target devices  20 ,  40  is to provide an impact sensitive target that provides an audible sound when hit which allows players to attempt a goal during practice, training or a scrimmage game by hitting a particular target device  20  or  40  with a projectile (ball, hockey puck or the like) to enable the player to better focus and position his kick during actual game conditions. As the projectile directed towards goal  10  moves at a very rapid speed, when the projectile strikes a target device such as target device  20  or  40  an audible signal is produced to notify personnel that the particular target device has been impacted. Soccer goalkeeper  35  as seen in  FIG. 1  has the best chance of stopping soccer ball  36  if ball  36  is driven to the central portion of goal  10 . By thus training the players to focus and drive ball  36  to either the upper or lower, left or right, rear or sides of goal  10  where target devices  20 ,  40  are placed, a better chance of scoring will be realized. 
       FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of target device  20  comprising a semi-rigid, flexible polymeric housing  21  with front  23  and rear  24  which are pivotably joined by hinge  25  as seen in  FIG. 3 . Front  23  and rear  24  each include offset lip edges  18 ,  18 ′ ( FIG. 3 ) for secure sealing when housing  21  is closed. Front  23  may have a red color, whereas rear  24  may be colored blue and the target device  20  may be hung or suspended on net  12  with either front  23  or rear  24  exposed to the players. As seen in  FIG. 3 , front  23  includes usual catch  26  which engages usual latch  27  of rear  24  when housing  21  is closed as shown in  FIG. 2 . Openings  22  in front  23  allow sound emitted by electronic audible alarm  28  which is secured to the inside wall of rear  24  to pass therethrough. Contained within audible alarm  28  is electrical circuitry  29  shown schematically in  FIG. 4 . As seen, spring loaded switch  30  allows electricity to flow through electrical circuitry  29  when struck for example by a sports projectile such as soccer ball  36 . Switch  30  may be of the conventional peizo type. Once switch  30  closes, power from battery  31  is provided to sound producing speaker  32  when off/on switch  33  is closed to allow an audible sound from speaker  32  of sufficient volume to notify nearby personnel that target device  20  has been struck. Switch  30  is depressed to activate circuitry  29  as flexible front  23  or rear  24  of housing  21  is deformed inwardly when struck by soccer ball  36 . 
     In an alternate electronic embodiment of the target device (not shown), flexible housing  21  includes central processing unit or CPU  59  as shown in  FIG. 5  which is powered by low voltage rechargeable battery pack  73 . CPU  59  is substituted for circuitry  29  as seen in  FIG. 4  and contains programmable processor  70  connected to electrical circuitry  72  which allows the user to set the mode of operation for the target device including but not limited to the following modes: 1) Audible Count (default), 2) Sound Effect, 3) Impact Limit, 4) Timer and 5) Impact Limit/Timer. 
     In this embodiment, CPU  59  includes faceplate  60  with on/off button  62  which stops or terminates electricity from the low voltage rechargeable battery pack  73  to internal electrical circuitry  72  contained therein. Faceplate  60  includes LCD screen  63 , volume control  64 , reset button  65 , set button  66 , sound effect selector button  67 , timer set button  68  and impact limit set button  69  all connected to electrical circuitry  72 . Screws  75  maintain faceplate  60  to bottom  61 . Sensor switch  71  has a depressable button  74  which is in position against the inside surface of front  23 . Front  23  deforms when struck by a projectile and applies pressure to button  74  which in turn activates sensor switch  71  to cause an audible sound. 
     In the method of use of CPU  59  once the power is turned on in this embodiment using on/off button  62 , the target device is ready to use in the “audible count” mode or default mode whereby a recorded human or simulated voice audibly counts each detected impact up to one hundred ( 100 ) impacts before automatically resetting. LCD screen  63  simultaneously visually displays the number of recorded impacts. 
     The next available mode for CPU  59  is the “sound effect” mode which is engaged by depressing sound effect select button  67 . Depressing sound effect select button  67  one or more times will allow the user to cycle through the available sound effects. Each time sound effect select button  67  is depressed the name of the sound effect is visually displayed on LCD screen  63  and by depressing and holding sound effect select button  67  a low decibel version of the particular sound effect displayed on LCD screen  63  will be audibly emitted. Once a desired sound effect is selected the user ceases depressing sound effect select button  67  whereby the target device is ready to use in sound effect mode. Upon each detected impact by a projectile the target device will audibly emit the selected sound effect. While in this mode LCD screen  63  simultaneously visually displays the number of recorded impacts. The default audible count mode can be engaged while the target device is in sound effect mode by simply cycling through the available sound effects until it cycles back to the audible count mode. 
     The next available mode for CPU  59  is the “impact limit” mode in which the user programs a desired number of impacts using impact limit set button  69  and then depresses set button  66  to engage the target device. The impact limit mode can be entered while the target device is in audible count mode or sound effect mode. For example, if the user selects ten (10) as the desired number of impacts, the target device will emit either an audible count or the selected sound effect until the tenth impact, when the target device will emit both the chosen audible signal and immediately following will emit a unique audible signal to communicate to the user that the desired number of impacts has been reached. 
     The next available mode for CPU  59  is the “time limit” mode in which the user programs a desired time limit for the session. The time limit mode can be entered from either the audible count mode or the sound effect mode by depressing timer set button  68  and then set button  66 . The time countdown is on a slight delay to give the user or programmer time to move away from the target device, and will begin five (5) seconds after set button  66  is depressed. Depressing reset button  65  anytime while in this mode will reset the timer to the last programmed time, and after the five (5) second delay, the countdown will begin again. During the time countdown, the target device will emit the chosen audible signal upon impact as well as recording and visually displaying on LCD screen  63  the number of impacts during the timed session. When time has expired, a special audible “time is up” signal will be emitted, and the user can open housing  21  to access the visual display to see how many times the target device was impacted during the time limit. 
     The next available mode for CPU  59  is the “impact limit/timer” mode, in which an impact limit game is played with a time limit. The impact limit/timer mode is entered by depressing either impact limit set button  69  first, until the desired number of impacts is chosen, and then depressing timer set button  68  until the desired time limit is reached, or vice versa. After setting both limits, set button  66  is depressed, and after a five (5) second delay, the game begins. If the desired number of impacts is reached within the time limit, a special audible “win” signal will be emitted. If the desired number of impacts has not been reached when the time limit expires, a special audible “lose” signal will emit from the device. If reset button  65  is depressed while in this mode, it will reset the target device to the last programmed impact limit/timer game, and begin again after the five (5) second delay. Volume control  64  is utilized for controlling the volume of the audible signals selected in any mode. 
     Other features could also be included such as a means for recording the number of impacts, for presetting a desired number of impacts, for alerting the user(s) when the preset number of impacts has been reached, for setting a time limit for certain games and applications, for receiving and transmitting data between devices, and for recharging the battery without removing the battery. 
     An alternate mechanical embodiment of the invention is seen by target device  40  in  FIGS. 1 and 6 . Target device  40  is formed from a conventional, flexible durable canvas fabric to provide housing  41  with closure  42  seen exploded therefrom. Standard opposing hook and loop strips  48 ,  49  secure closure  42  to housing  41 . Housing  41  is affixed to net  12  as shown in  FIG. 1  by hook and loop fastener straps  43 ,  43 ′ which are joined at their ends after passing through net  12 . Housing  41  may also have for example a red colored front and blue colored rear for reversible purposes as described above regarding housing  21  as shown in  FIG. 3 . Straps  43 ,  43 ′ are used for simplicity and efficiency in mounting and dismounting target device  40 . Within housing  41  is an array of metal bells  44  which are affixed to a wire frame  45  as shown in  FIG. 6 . Bells  44  are pivotably affixed at the top to wire frame  45  to allow them to easily ring when housing  41  is struck by soccer ball  36  or other projectile. When struck, metal clappers  46  swing to strike outer shields  47  formed from a thin metal to emit a loud sound. While three (3) bells  44  are shown in  FIG. 6 , one or more bells may be used as desired. Housing  41  is not required to flex as in housing  21  and no switch such as switch  30  is used. 
     The illustrations and examples provided herein are for explanatory purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.