Patent Publication Number: US-2020276508-A1

Title: Bouncy Hoop for Sports and Leisure Activity

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation in part application of a U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/774230 filed on May 7, 2018 that is a National Phase of PCT Patent Application No. PCT/IL2016/051311 having International filing date of 8 Dec. 2016, which claims the benefit of priority of IL Patent Application No. 243000 filed on 9 Dec. 2015. The contents of the above applications are all incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention refers to a bouncy hoop (accessory) for sports training and leisure activity, which can also serve as a coordination training aid. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     There is a constant demand for new and innovative products in the area of leisure activities and sports training as well as products that enhance and train personal capabilities and skills. The present patent application describes a new and innovative hoop that is designed to be used as for leisure activities and sports training, by one or more users, in a variety of leisure and training situations and possibilities, as will be described in the following application. 
     Prior art U.S. Pat. No. 6,113,453 describes a flying toy apparatus comprises two separated halves. This flying apparatus consists of a pair of hollow outer flexible tubes and a pair of circular rods. These circular rods are designed to be disposed within the center of the outer tubes. On the other hand, the accessory subject matter of the present invention includes a springy internal spine and a soft external shell wherein the springy internal spine is located close to the inner side of the soft external shell. Prior art U.S. Pat. No. 5,123,869 describes an aerodynamic toy that includes several peripheral serial pockets that are designed to contain disks of weights. On the other hand, the accessory subject matter of the present invention includes clamp rings that are connected to one half of the accessory and by that they served as a center of gravity modification means. Prior art US2004048725 describes exercising hula-hoop assembly that includes depressible switch for counting the rounds the user make while using this assembly on his hips. On the other hand, the accessory subject matter of the present invention may include a sensor, a command unit, and indication means for measuring the speed, the distance and the time of each flight o. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The intention of the drawings attached to the application is not to limit the scope of the invention and its application. The drawings are intended only to illustrate the invention and they constitute only one of its many possible implementations. 
         FIG. 1  depicts the accessory ( 1 ), which includes a bouncy, internal “spine” ( 2 ) and a horizontal cross section of a soft, external shell. 
         FIG. 2  presents a longitudinal cross section of the accessory ( 1 ) wherein the internal spine ( 2 ) is located close to the inner side ( 31 ) of the external shell ( 3 ). 
         FIG. 3  presents a vertical cross section of the accessory ( 1 ) wherein the external shell ( 3 ) is elliptical. 
         FIG. 4  depicts the accessory ( 1 ) with circumferential cut-outs ( 32 ) in the soft, external shell ( 3 ). 
         FIG. 5  depicts the accessory ( 1 ) with clamp rings ( 41 ) that are used as a center of gravity modification means ( 4 ). 
         FIG. 6  depicts the accessory ( 1 ) with weights ( 42 ) that are used as a center of gravity modification means ( 4 ). 
         FIG. 7  depicts the accessory ( 1 ), including a sensor ( 5 ), a command unit ( 6 ), an indicator ( 7 ), and circumferential lighting ( 8 ). 
         FIG. 8  depicts the internal spine ( 2 ). 
         FIG. 9  depicts a part of the internal spine ( 2 ). 
         FIG. 10  is a cross section depiction of the internal spine ( 2 ). 
     
    
    
     THE INVENTION 
     The main objective of the present invention is to provide a bouncy hoop that is designed to be used for leisure activities and sports training, by one or more users. The bouncy hoop can also be used to enhance coordination and sharpen instincts. The bouncy hoop is designed for use by children, adults and even people with special needs. 
     The bouncy hoop ( 1 ), subject of the present invention, comprises a bouncy internal spine or a defined in the claims a circular springy internal spine ( 2 ) and an external shell or as defined in the claims a circular external soft shell ( 3 ), which can also be bouncy. The internal spine ( 2 ) is hoop-shaped and is made of a bouncy but rigid material. 
     The internal spine ( 2 ) may, for instance, be made of a rigid, springy plastic, so that when it is thrown forcefully on the floor, it bounces back. The external shell ( 3 ) envelops the inner spine ( 2 ) so that it too is hoop-shaped, although it is made of soft, springy materials that are pleasant to the touch, such as foamed materials and so on. The bouncy hoop ( 1 ) can be used for leisure activities or for sports training. The bouncy hoop ( 1 ) can be played with and used in training like a ball or a Frisbee. The fact that the internal spine ( 2 ) is rigid and springy helps maintain the round structure of the bouncy hoop ( 1 ), on the one hand, and on the other hand, imparts a springy character to the entire bouncy hoop ( 1 ), so that it may be kicked (like a ball), thrown back and forth (like a Frisbee), thrown against the floor (vertically) so that it bounces back, and so on and so forth various possibilities for leisure activities and sports training. The main objectives of the soft, external shell is to provide the bouncy hoop ( 1 ) with a pleasant grip, soften any impact and prevent injury to users, and impart an additional degree of bounciness to the accessory. 
       FIG. 1  presents a partial horizontal cross section of the bouncy hoop ( 1 ) showing schematically the springy internal spine ( 2 ) and a cross section of the soft external shell ( 3 ). 
     The special structure of the bouncy hoop ( 1 ), as described above and in the application, imparts onto the bouncy hoop ( 1 ) bounciness when it is thrown against surfaces such as the floor, walls, the ground, grass, sand (at the beach) and so on. This structure and these capabilities enable the bouncy hoop to be used in a variety of places and for a variety of uses. 
     The location of the internal spine ( 2 ) in the external shell ( 3 ): The outer diameter ( 11 ) of the bouncy hoop ( 1 ) should be such as to offer users a comfortable and pleasant grip both when holding the bouncy hoop and throwing it and trying to catch it when it is being thrown at them during a game. Since there the outer diameter of the bouncy hoop is limited, and since the soft external shell ( 3 ) is intended to provide maximum protection from injury, the internal spine ( 2 ) can and should be located within the external shell ( 3 ), as close as possible to the inner side ( 31 ), which faces the middle of the bouncy hoop ( 1 ), rather than in the middle of the external shell ( 3 ).  FIG. 2  presents a longitudinal cross section of the bouncy hoop ( 2 ) wherein the internal spine ( 2 ) is located close to the inner side of the external shell ( 3 ). With such a configuration, the objective of providing the user with maximum protection against injury while satisfying the constraint regarding the external diameter ( 11 ) of the bouncy hoop ( 1 ) is met. This positioning of the internal spine ( 2 ) within the external shell ( 3 ) leads to more efficient application of the springiness component of the soft shell. 
     The vertical cross section of the springy internal spine ( 2 ) can be round, or elliptical, or any other shape. This is true also for the vertical cross section of the soft external shell ( 3 ). Nevertheless, it is emphasized that the vertical cross section of the external shell ( 3 ) may be elliptical, as depicted for instance in  FIG. 3 . Such a cross section enables the spine ( 2 ) to be positioned efficiently close to the inner side ( 31 ) of the external shell ( 3 ). 
     The unique structure of the soft external shell ( 3 ): The materials from which the soft external shell ( 3 ) is made impart to it its bounciness, which enhances and improves the effectiveness of the bouncy hoop ( 1 ). The volume of the cavities in the soft external shell ( 3 ) and the air trapped within them give the bouncy hoop ( 1 ) bounciness, in addition to that provided by the internal spine ( 2 ). The soft external shell ( 3 ) should be made of soft and bouncy materials of optimal compactness and specific gravity to obtain maximal performance as per the aforementioned objective. In addition, the weight of the soft external shell ( 3 ) relative to the weight of the bouncy internal spine ( 2 ) should provide maximum efficiency in terms of the bounciness of the bouncy hoop ( 1 ). It is also desirable that the shape of the cross section of the soft external shell ( 3 ) have an optimal diameter so as to obtain high bounce efficiency. 
     The unique structure of the bouncy internal spine ( 2 ): The materials from which the bouncy internal spine ( 2 ) is made impart to it its bounciness, which enhances and improves the effectiveness of the bouncy hoop ( 1 ). The bouncy internal spine ( 2 ) should be made of a rigid material with such bounciness, compactness and specific gravity so as to obtain maximal bounciness and elasticity. It is also desirable that the shape of the cross section of the bouncy internal spine ( 2 ) be of an optimal diameter so as to obtain high bounce efficiency. The unique structure of the bouncy internal spine ( 2 ) and of the soft external shell ( 3 ), as described above, are designed so as to achieve high bounce efficiency of the accessory, to enable optimal grip while accessory is in use, to impart safety efficiency to the accessory against injury to users as well as to bystanders and other objects in the area, and to impart long-term quality and durability, as well as a relatively low manufacturing cost. 
     Circumferential cut-outs in the external shell ( 3 ): The external shell ( 3 ) can have circumferential cut-outs ( 32 ) in it, designed to make the bouncy hoop ( 1 ) lighter and to enhance its bounciness, as depicted for instance in  FIG. 4 . 
     Center of gravity modification means: The bouncy hoop ( 1 ) can be equipped with center of gravity modification means ( 4 ), which can include a variety of means, such as clamp rings ( 41 ), weights ( 42 ) and so on. The clamp rings ( 41 ) can be inserted onto the bouncy hoop ( 1 ) and positioned by the user in any place on the circumference of the accessory ( 1 ) that the user desires. The same is true for weights ( 42 ), which can be positioned in any place on the circumference of the bouncy hoop ( 1 ). The weights ( 42 ) can be attached to the accessory ( 1 ) using a variety of attachment means, such as studs, clamps, loops, tie straps, and so on.  FIG. 5  depicts the bouncy hoop ( 1 ) with center of gravity modification means ( 4 ) of the clamp ring ( 41 ) type.  FIG. 6  depicts the bouncy hoop ( 1 ) with center of gravity modification means ( 4 ) of the weight ( 42 ) type. The purpose of the center of gravity modification means ( 4 ) is to cause the bouncy hoop ( 1 ) to swerve when it is thrown or kicked. 
     Options for using and playing with the bouncy hoop ( 1 ) are highly varied. Thus, for instance, two players can stand facing each other at a certain distance from one another and can throw or kick the accessory back and forth. Because of the fact that the center of gravity of the accessory is not located at its geometric center, although it appears to be symmetrical, the trajectory of the accessory swerves in a surprising and unexpected manner. Such unexpected swerves sharpen the sense of the players, requiring them to react instantly to the change in the trajectory of the accessory in order to catch or kick it. Such use of the accessory improves the coordination of the players and improves their speed of reaction, including their ability to focus and maintain eye contact with the accessory, which travels through the air along a changing and unexpected trajectory. 
     The dimensions and weight of the bouncy hoop ( 1 ) can differ for various implementations of the invention, according to the specific purpose of use and age of users. A small, light-weight accessory with a small diameter is suitable of use by children, while an accessory whose center of gravity deviates significantly from the geometric center is suitable for coordination training and so on. 
     Means for measuring and indicating performance parameters of the accessory: The bouncy hoop ( 1 ) can also be equipped with a sensor ( 5 ) that measures its acceleration and velocity as well as the distance that it travels from the moment it is set into motion until it stops and, in the case of vertical upward motion (when it is thrown straight up), its peak height. The sensor ( 5 ) can be attached to a command unit ( 6 ) that includes a controller ( 61 ) and a transmitter ( 62 ) that can transmit the parameters that the sensor ( 5 ) measures to a smartphone or to any other location. The bouncy hoop ( 1 ) can also be equipped with an internal power source, such as a rechargeable battery. 
     The sensor ( 5 ) and command unit ( 6 ) can and should be embedded in the soft external shell ( 3 ). These components enable users to measure and monitor their performance, to compare their performance with previous performance, and to compete with one another, for instance, in order to see who can throw the accessory with the highest velocity or acceleration or to the greatest distance. The bouncy hoop ( 1 ) may also include indication means ( 7 ) to indicate said parameters. Such an indication means ( 7 ) may be an indicator lamp that changes color according to the value of the parameter measured. For instance, an indicator lamp ( 7 ) may emit a variety of colors, from yellow to purple, through orange and red. At lower the velocities, the color of the indication lamp will be yellow, changing to orange, and then to red as velocity increases, finally reaching purple at very high speeds. Alternatively, the indication means ( 7 ) may be a device that buzzes or emits some other sound whose frequency changes according to the value of the measured parameter. Thus, two players can, for instance, compete to see which of them can throw the accessory higher or faster, and indication will be in real time using the indication means ( 7 ). The command unit can include buttons that enable users to select which parameter is indicated: velocity, acceleration, distance, height, sun intensity, and so on. 
     The bouncy hoop ( 1 ) can also be equipped with an illumination means ( 8 ), irrespective of the indication means ( 7 ), so as to enable user to use the accessory in the dark and to enhance user experience.  FIG. 7  depicts the bouncy hoop ( 1 ) in partial cross section, including a sensor ( 5 ), command unit ( 6 ), indication means ( 7 ), and circumferential illumination means ( 8 ). 
     A main aspect of the invention is the structure of the circular springy internal spine ( 2 ) as depicted in  FIGS. 8-10 , and the invention is relates basically to the bouncy hoop ( 1 ) that comprises the circular external soft shell ( 3 ) that envelopes the circular springy internal spine ( 2 ). The internal spine comprises a first flat ring ( 21 ) and a second flat ring ( 22 ) that are connected one to the other by a vertical intermediate wall ( 23 ). The width of the first flat ring is greater than the width of the second flat ring by at least twenty percent. The width of the second flat ring is twice or greater than the width of the vertical wall. The first flat ring is closer to the outer edge ( 33 ) of the external shell than the second flat ring. The circular springy internal spine may be made of one piece and preferably includes glass fiber reinforced plastic. 
     The user is supposed to slam the bouncy hoop on the floor or dribble it just like a basketball, or throw it on a wall and get it back just like punching tennis balls to the wall and they return to the pitcher. The structure of the internal spine ( 2 ) and in particular its cross section shape and its position within the external shell causes the hoop ( 1 ) to returns back to the thrower directly and almost without shaking or tilting. The force exerted on the first ring when the hoop is thrown on the floor, for example, exerts a vector force towards the center of the hoop due to the fact that the vertical wall ( 23 ) conducts this force towards the center of the hoop. The inventors have made several prototypes in which the internal spine were rounded spine, a semicircle spine, a flat strip spine, and a variety of forms and shapes and it is clear from the experiments carried out that the special structure of the internal spine ( 2 ) as described above yields excellent results in maintaining the direction and stability of the hoop as it is thrown to the wall or to the floor and returned back to the user.  FIG. 8  depicts the internal spine ( 2 ),  FIG. 9  depicts a part of the internal spine ( 2 ) and  FIG. 10  is a cross section depiction of the internal spine ( 2 ).