Abstract:
A training device for ball games having a first ring member arranged in a first plane and a second ring member arranged in a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane. A plurality of bars connect the first and second ring members to each other, so that a plurality of openings are defined between the ring members and the bars. The device provides openings defined by the ring members and the bars in all directions when the device is placed with one of the ring members resting on the ground. Thus it is possible for several persons to train at the same time since each person is allowed to use a respective one of the openings. At least one net is suspended across the inner space to catch the ball.

Description:
This is a nationalization of PCT/DK02/00649 filed Oct. 1, 2002 and published in English. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The invention relates to a training device for ball games. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   Many ball games make use of one or more goals into which e.g. a ball or a puck has to be thrown or kicked. As examples of such ball games, football, handball and ice hockey may be mentioned. Typically, well-known goals have a single rectangular opening, while they are closed by e.g. nets, plates or sheets on the other sides. While this is intended and expedient during ball matches and tournaments, it is less expedient for training purposes, especially for ball handling exercises, due to the very fact that it can only be used from one side at a time, and thus it is not possible for several persons to use the goal simultaneously for training purposes. 
   EP 884 075 shows a double goal, which can be used from two opposing sides due to its two well-defined openings. Between the two openings the double goal is closed by a rebound-material which ensures that the ball is returned to the playing ground if it hits the goal but not one of the two goal openings. Also a round embodiment is closed by a rebound-material between two well-defined openings. Although this goal is an improvement compared to the traditional single-sided goal, because it allows two persons to train simultaneously, there is still a need for a training device which can be used by a larger number of persons training at the same time. 
   Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a training device which can be used from several directions simultaneously. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   According to the invention the object is achieved in that the device comprises a first ring member arranged in a first plane, a second ring member arranged in a second plane being substantially parallel to said first plane, and a number of bars connecting said first and second ring members to each other, so that a number of openings are defined between the ring members and the bars. 
   Such a device provides openings defined by the ring members and the bars in all directions when the device is placed with one of the ring members resting on the ground. Thus it is possible for several persons to train at the same time since each person is allowed to use a respective one of the openings. Further, the opening in the other ring member can also be used by persons training to drop the ball through a horizontal opening. When the device is placed with the planes of the ring members in a substantially vertical position the device may be rolled across the ground, which allows training in hitting a movable goal. 
   When the device further comprises at least one net arranged to catch a ball hitting one of said openings, said net being suspended in the space between said first and second ring members, it is avoided that balls pass through the device, which would otherwise cause inconvenience to the persons using the device from the other directions. Further, the nets may define additional openings thus allowing an even larger number of simultaneous users. 
   In one embodiment, nets are arranged in planes substantially perpendicular to the plane of at least one ring member. This location of the nets is expedient for catching the balls from different directions. 
   Alternatively or additionally a net may be arranged between the peripheries of said first and second ring members. In addition to catching balls from different directions this net could also ensure that only balls hitting the opening of one of the ring members can enter the inner space of the device. 
   In an expedient embodiment, at least one of said ring members has a circular shape. With this shape it is easier to roll the device, either during training with a movable goal or during transportation of the device. Alternatively, at least one of said ring members is polygon-shaped. A device with polygon-shaped ring members may be easier to manufacture. Other shapes, including combinations of the above, are also possible. 
   Said first and second ring members may have substantially the same size. In most situations this is a practical embodiment because of the regular shape of the openings in the device. Further, this shape of the device also facilitates the rolling of the device. 
   It is expedient when one of said first and second ring members is sufficiently heavy to ensure the stability of the device when the device is placed with said one ring resting on a substantially horizontal surface. 
   Said first and second ring members may also have different sizes. Typically, such a goal will be placed with the smaller opening at the top. A smaller opening at the top may be an advantage when training to hit a horizontal opening with the ball. 
   The device may further comprise a supporting base arranged at a distance from said first and second planes. This allows the device to be lifted from the ground in order to increase the level of difficulty when the horizontal opening is to be hit with the ball. 
   When the ring members of the device are of different sizes, it may further comprise a net formed as a basket and mounted on the smaller one of said first and second ring members. Such a net guides a ball hitting the horizontal opening to the interior of the device. 
   When the first and second ring members are of the same size, the device may further comprise a third ring member arranged in a third plane being substantially parallel to said first and second planes, said third ring member being smaller than said first and second ring members. This allows a combination of the training options mentioned above. 
   An expedient embodiment of the training device is achieved when said first, second and third ring members are circular-shaped and arranged coaxially, said first and third ring members are connected to each other by a number of straight connecting bars, said second ring member is arranged between the first and third ring members and is connected to the straight connecting bars by side bars, nets are arranged between the first and second ring members in planes substantially perpendicular to the plane of at least one ring member, a net is arranged between the peripheries of said second and third ring members, and a net formed as a basket is mounted on the third ring member. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will now be described more fully below with reference to the drawing, in which 
       FIG. 1  shows a first embodiment of a training device having two ring members connected to each other by supporting bars, 
       FIG. 2  shows the device of  FIG. 1  in a tilted position, 
       FIG. 3  shows the device of  FIG. 1  provided with four nets, 
       FIG. 4  shows a training device provided with six nets, 
       FIG. 5  shows a hexagonal training device, 
       FIG. 6  shows a training device with ring members having different sizes, 
       FIG. 7  shows the device of  FIG. 6  mounted on a base, 
       FIG. 8  shows a training device having a peripheral net and being mounted on a single supporting bar, 
       FIG. 9  shows a training device mounted on three supporting bars, 
       FIG. 10  shows the device of  FIG. 9  provided with a basket net, 
       FIG. 11  shows a combined training device, 
       FIG. 12  shows the device of  FIG. 11  without the nets, and 
       FIG. 13  shows a different version of a training device without nets. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. 
   A first example of a training goal or training device  1  according to the invention is illustrated in  FIG. 1 . In this example the device  1  is constructed of two circular ring members  2 ,  3  having substantially the same size. The two ring members  2 ,  3  are connected to each other by four connecting bars  4 ,  5 ,  6 ,  7  such that the two ring members are arranged in two parallel planes having a distance corresponding to the length of the connecting bars. 
   When the device  1  is placed with the ring  3  resting on the ground  8 , as it is shown in  FIG. 1 , the ring members  2 ,  3  and the connecting bars  4 ,  5 ,  6 ,  7  define four openings  9 ,  10 ,  11 ,  12  each of which can be used as a separate goal during training with e.g. ball handling exercises. Arrows indicate the directions in which a ball may be thrown or kicked into the four goal openings  9 ,  10 ,  11 ,  12 . Further, the circular opening  13  in the upper ring member  2  may also be used in training exercises in which the ball has to hit a horizontal opening, as is also indicated by an arrow. 
   The training device  1  may be made of any suitable material, such as steel or other metals, wood or a synthetic material, such as plastic. However, at least the ring member  3  should be made of a material sufficiently heavy to ensure the stability of the device when it is placed in the position illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Alternatively, the lower ring may be provided with other means for securing the device to the ground, such as spikes or pegs. The dimensions of the device may vary depending on the type of training or type of ball game for which it is to be used. There may also be used different sizes for children and for grown-up people. A typical size for a device intended for children training football may be a diameter of the ring members of 1.5 to 2 meters and a distance between the rings of 1.2 to 1.5 meters. 
   The training device of  FIG. 1  can easily be moved to another place by tilting to a vertical position as shown in  FIG. 2 . In this position the device can be rolled to the new place, where it is tilted back to the position of  FIG. 1 . However, the device can also be used for training purposes in the position shown in  FIG. 2 . In a stationary position, especially the circular opening  13  defined by the ring member  2  can be used as a round goal. Again an arrow indicates the direction of a ball. More interestingly, however, the opening  13  can be used as a goal while the device is rolled by another person, which allows a player to perform the exercise of hitting a movable goal. Even the openings  9 ,  10 ,  11 ,  12  may be used as movable goals while the training device is rolled. 
   As shown in  FIG. 3 , the training device  1  may also be provided with nets  14 ,  15 ,  16 ,  17 , which further improves the training value of the device. The nets are attached to the connecting bars  4 ,  5 ,  6 ,  7  and/or the ring members  2 ,  3  at the periphery of the rings, and in the middle of the device the four nets are connected to each other. The height of the nets correspond to that of the connecting bars  4 ,  5 ,  6 ,  7 . The nets ensure that balls hitting one of the goal openings  9 ,  10 ,  11 ,  12  are caught, and thus they cannot pass through the device and cause inconvenience to the persons using the device from the other directions. They also ensure that the goals of the device are more well defined. Thus as an example one goal with the goal opening  10  is defined by the two ring members  2 ,  3 , the bars  5 ,  6  and the two nets  15 ,  16 . Of course the top of the device defined by the upper ring  2 , i.e. the opening  13 , may also be closed by a net, but normally it will be more expedient to leave this opening open and also use this opening for training purposes as described above. This training is even further improved because the four nets  14 ,  15 ,  16 ,  17  now divide this opening into four separate openings that can be used individually. 
   In  FIG. 3  the four nets  14 ,  15 ,  16 ,  17  are shown aligned with the connecting bars  4 ,  5 ,  6 ,  7 , which is often a convenient solution. However, the nets, or some of them, may also be mounted in other ways in relation to the bars. Thus they may instead be used to subdivide the goals defined by the openings  9 ,  10 ,  11 ,  12 , or the connecting bars may simply be used solely for the connection of the ring members to each other independent of the goal openings, which are then defined by the nets. Further, the number of nets need not be the same as the number of connecting bars. This is illustrated in  FIG. 4  showing a device  21  having three connecting bars  22 ,  23 ,  24  and six nets  25 ,  26 ,  27 ,  28 ,  29 ,  30 . Here, six goal openings are provided by the nets and the ring members although only three connecting bars are used. However, it will often be convenient to align each bar with one of the nets, as it is also shown here. 
   In the embodiments described above, the ring members  2 ,  3  have a circular shape. However, many other shapes of the ring members can be used as well. Thus, as examples, also elliptical- or polygon-shaped ring members could be used. One example of polygon-shaped ring members is shown with the training device  31  having hexagonal ring members  32 ,  33 . Except for the hexagonal ring members  32 ,  33  the construction and the function of the device  31  is similar to that of the device  21  in  FIG. 4 . It should be noted that polygon-shaped ring members need not be equilateral, i.e. the sections of the polygon could have different lengths. The ring members could also be composed of straight sections in combination with sections formed as sectors of a circle, as long as the complete ring member constitutes a closed curve. 
   As shown in  FIG. 6 , the ring members may also have different sizes. The training device  41  has a smaller upper ring member  42  and a larger lower ring member  43  connected to each other by the three connecting bars  44 ,  45 ,  46 . In this case only three nets  47 ,  48 ,  49  are used, thus defining three goal openings. The advantage of this embodiment is that the smaller upper ring makes it more difficult to hit the upper horizontal opening  50 , which is even divided into three subsections by the nets  47 ,  48 ,  49 . Thus a more demanding training is provided. The training may be even more demanding if the training device is elevated to a higher position, which is illustrated in  FIG. 7 . The training device  51  is similar to the device  41 , but it is mounted on a foot or base  52 . Three horizontal bars  53 ,  54 ,  55  connect the lower ring member  43  to a central plate  56  which rests on a vertical supporting bar  57 . The lower end of the vertical bar  57  is mounted in the foot  52 , which has to be quite heavy in order to ensure the stability of the training device. The training device  51  is used in the same way as the previous embodiments, but the higher level of the goal openings makes the training more demanding. 
   Another elevated version of the training device  61  is shown in  FIG. 8 . It differs from the device  51  in two ways. The supporting bar  63  is here connected directly from the lower ring member  43  to the base  62 . Of course this type of support is most conveniently used when the device itself is made of a light material, because otherwise the joint between the supporting bar  63  and the lower ring member  43  would be affected by strong forces, which could result in bending of this joint. Anyway, the base  62  must be quite heavy to avoid tilting of the device. The other difference is that a single net  64  is arranged between and along the peripheries of the two rings  42 ,  43 . The net  64  still has the function of catching a ball hitting one of the goal openings defined by the ring members  42 ,  43  and the connecting bars  44 ,  45 ,  46 , but an additional effect is that only balls actually hitting the horizontal opening  50  are allowed to enter the interior of the device. Balls missing this opening are guided back to the playing ground by the net  64 . 
     FIG. 9  shows a training device  71  which is a modified version of the device  61  shown in  FIG. 8 . Instead of the single supporting bar  63  three supporting bars  73 ,  74 ,  75  here connect the upper ring member  42  to the base  72 , while the lower and larger ring member  43  is connected to the three supporting bars  73 ,  74 ,  75  by means of three inclined side bars  76 ,  77 ,  78 . The function of this device is similar to that of the device  61 . Although the training devices  41 ,  51 ,  61  and  71  are shown with circular ring members, it is noted that also in these embodiments the ring members may have other shapes, as it was described above. 
   As shown in  FIG. 10 , an additional net  79  in the form of a basket as used in basketball may be attached to the upper ring member  42 . This basket will guide a ball hitting the horizontal opening  50  to the central part of the interior of the device  71   
   Some of the embodiments shown above may also be combined. As an example,  FIG. 11  shows a training device  81 , which is a combination of the training device  21  of  FIG. 4  and the training device  71  of  FIG. 10 . The lower part of the device  81  corresponds to the device  21  with the two relatively large ring members  3 ,  43  and the six nets  25 - 30  defining the six goal openings as described before. Similarly, the upper part corresponds to the training device  71  with the smaller ring member  42 , the larger ring member  43 , the peripheral net  64  and the basket net  79 . The three ring members, which are here circular and coaxial, are connected to each other by a number of bars. Three supporting bars  82 ,  83 ,  84  connect the lower ring  3  to the smaller upper ring  42 , while the central ring  43  is secured to the supporting bars by means of three inclined side bars  85 ,  86 ,  87 . Of course the number of supporting bars and side bars could be larger or smaller than the three mentioned here. 
   The training device  81  has many training options. Placed on the ground as shown in  FIG. 11 , the six goal openings defined by the six nets  25 - 30  and the two large ring members  3 ,  43  allow the device to used for training in scoring goals from all sides simultaneously. At the same time the horizontal opening  50  defined by the smaller upper ring member  42  provides training in hitting a relatively small horizontal opening, which is a good exercise in ball handling. The peripheral net  64  ensures that balls not hitting the opening  50  are returned to the playing ground, and of course the net  64  can also be used for scoring goals directly into the net. 
   If the training device  81  is tilted, the opening  50  in the smaller ring member  42  can be used as a small vertical goal opening, and by rolling the device on the two larger ring members  3 ,  43  it provides training in hitting a movable goal opening. 
   To more clearly illustrate the construction of the training device  81 , it is shown in  FIG. 12  without the nets. Thus it is easily seen how the ring members  3 ,  42 ,  43  are connected to the supporting bars  82 ,  83 ,  84  and the side bars  85 ,  86 ,  87 . The supporting bars could also be vertical as in the device  71  from  FIGS. 9 and 10 . This is shown in the device  91  in  FIG. 13 , which is also shown without the nets. The vertical supporting bars  92 ,  93 ,  94  are connected directly to the smaller upper ring member  42 , while both larger ringer members are connected to the supporting bars with side bars  95 ,  96 ,  97  and  98 ,  99 ,  100 , respectively. 
   Although a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described and shown, the invention is not restricted to it, but may also be embodied in other ways within the scope of the subject-matter defined in the following claims. 
   The invention being thus described, it will be apparent that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be recognized by one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.