Sports Training System

Abstract

Sports training systems are provided. A sports training system includes a plurality of support structures. Each of the plurality of support structures includes a base and a support member extending generally along a longitudinal axis from the base. The plurality of support structures includes a first support structure and a second support structure. The sports training system further includes a main training assembly removably connectable to the first support structure and the second support structure. The main training assembly includes a cross-member and an indicator assembly extending from the cross-member. The sports training system further includes at least one auxiliary training assembly removably connectable to one of the plurality of support structures.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to sports training systems, and in particular to systems for training football quarterbacks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Physical activities are an important and popular aspect of life in bath the United States and world-wide. Organized sports are particularly popular, and due to such popularity, various training apparatus have been utilized to train participants and improve their skill levels.

[0003] Football, for example, is one of the most popular sports in the United States. One of the most important skills required for playing football is precise, coordinated throwing. This is particularly important for participants playing the quarterback position. Good throwing skills allow a player to complete passes to other player, which can in turn be essential to winning a game. Because of the importance of throwing skills, players, especially young players, try to develop and hone their football throwing skills through practice. This practice helps develop the player's throwing skills as well as an understanding of the value of training, discipline, perseverance and hard work through practice.

[0004] Various apparatus exist for providing training in throwing a football. Presently known training apparatus, however, have a variety of drawbacks. For example, in many cases, training apparatus are large and bulky. Transport of such training apparatus is difficult, and any potential disassembly of such training apparatus requires specific tools and substantial time and effort. Further, in many cases, training apparatus only allow for training of a single participant and in a single limited skill, such as in a single aspect of throwing.

[0005] Accordingly, improved training apparatus, and specifically training apparatus for training quarterbacks to throw properly, are desired. In particular, training apparatus that is easily disassembled for transport would be advantageous. Further, training apparatus that allows for the training of multiple participants and/or multiple skills would particularly desirable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

[0007] In one embodiment, a sports training system is disclosed. The sports training system includes a plurality of support structures. Each of the plurality of support structures includes a base and a support member extending generally along a longitudinal axis from the base. The plurality of support structures includes a first support structure and a second support structure. The sports training system further includes a main training assembly removably connectable to the first support structure and the second support structure. The main training assembly includes a cross member and an indicator assembly extending from the cross-member. The sports training system further includes at least one auxiliary training assembly removably connectable to one of the plurality of support structures.

[0008] In another embodiment, a sports training system is disclosed. The sports training system includes a first support structure, the first support structure including a base and a support member extending generally along a longitudinal axis from the base, the support member having an adjustable length. The sports training system further includes a second support structure, the second support structure comprising a base and a support member extending generally along a longitudinal axis from the base, the support member having an adjustable length. The sports training system further includes a main training assembly removably connectable to the first support structure and the second support structure. The main training assembly includes a cross-member and an indicator assembly extending from the cross-member. The indicator assembly includes an attachment strip and a plurality of indicator strips suspended from the attachment strip.

[0009] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:

[0011] FIG. 1 is a front view of components of a sports training system, including support structures and a main training assembly, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 2 is a front close-up view of a main training assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of components of a sports training system, including a support structure and an auxiliary training assembly, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of components of a sports training system, including a support structure and an auxiliary training assembly, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of components of a sports training system, including a support structure and an auxiliary training assembly, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0017] Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 5, sports training systems ("systems") 10 are disclosed. A system 10 in accordance with the present disclosure is particularly intended for use in training participants in the skills of a football quarterback. Advantageously, a system 10 can be used to train multiple participants in multiple skills. Further, a system 10 can advantageously be easily assembled and disassembled, and easily transported when disassembled.

[0018] As show, a system 10 includes a plurality of support structures. The plurality of sports structures may include a first support structure 12 and a second support structure 14. Further, three, four, five or more support structures may be utilized in a system 10. Each support structure may include, for example a base 20 and a support member 22. The support member 22 may extend generally along a longitudinal axis 24 from the base 20, such as along the longitudinal axis 24 or within approximately 10 degrees, such as approximately 5 degrees, such as approximately 2 degrees from the longitudinal axis 24.

[0019] In exemplary embodiments as illustrated, base 20 includes a plurality of adjustable legs 30. Each leg 30, for example, may be rotatably connected to abase sleeve 32. The base sleeve 32 may surround the support member 22 and be movable generally along longitudinal axis 24 relative to the support member 22. Such movement may adjust the legs 30. Linkage members 34 may additionally be included in the base 20, and each linkage member 34 may be rotatably connected to a leg 30 and the support member 22. Movement of the base sleeve 32 may cause rotation of the linkage members 34, which may in turn cause adjustment of the legs 30. Such adjustment may, for example, modify a distance between respective legs 30. A fastener 36, such as a threaded bolt with an exterior handle, may be manipulated by a user to removably fasten the base sleeve 32 in place at a suitable location, such that the legs 30 are also fixed in place. Manipulation of the fastener 36 to un-fasten the base sleeve 32 may allow further adjustment of the legs 30.

[0020] In other embodiments, legs 30 need not be adjustable. For example, legs 30 may be fixidly and non-movably connected to the support member 22. In still other embodiments, base 20 in general need not include legs, and may instead for example be a non-adjustable stand to which the support member 22 is connected. Support member 22 may, for example, be removably connected to base 20, such that the base 20 and support member 22 can be separated and thus disassembled. Alternatively, base 20 and support member 22 may be un-seperable, such as integral components of a support structure.

[0021] As further illustrated, a length (along the longitudinal axis 24) of a support member 22 may be adjustable, such as generally along the longitudinal axis 24. For example, support member 22 may include a first section 40 and a second section 42. The first section 40 may be connected to the base 20 (such as to components thereof as discussed herein), as shown. The second section 42 may be telescopic with respect to the first section 40. For example, the second section 42 may fit within the first section 40 and be movable generally along the longitudinal axis 24 relative to the first section 40. Such movement may adjust the length of the support member 22 generally and the overall height of the system 10. A fastener 44 may be manipulated by a user to removably fasten the second section 42 in place at a suitable location relative to the first section 40. Manipulation of the fastener 44 to un-fasten the second section 42 may allow further adjustment of the thereof.

[0022] Notably, each support structure may advantageously be adjusted between an assembled state for use in training and a disassembled state for transportation. For example, legs 30 can be adjusted to be relatively close in distance to one another, or the base 20 can be removed from the support member 22. Second section 42 can be adjusted such that the length of the support member 22 is at a shortest point, or the second section 42 can be removed from the first section.

[0023] The support structures, such as the first and second support structures 12, 14, can advantageously be utilized to support multiple training assemblies which can be utilized for multiple training activities. In particular, multiple aspects of throwing a football can be taught using the various training assemblies supported by the first and second support structures 12. Further, multiple participants can train in one or more of these aspects generally simultaneously.

[0024] FIGS. 1 and 2, for example, illustrate a main training assembly 50. The main training assembly 50 is removably connectable to the first support structure 12 and the second support structure 14. Main training assembly 50 generally includes a cross-member 52 and an indicator assembly 54 extending from the cross-member 52. The main training assembly 50 can generally be utilized by one or more participants to teach proper release point when throwing a football. For example, the assembly 50, such as the cross-member 52 thereof, can be set at an appropriate height for a participant to throw a football over the cross-member 52 if using a proper release point. If the release point is too low, the football will, rather than travelling over the cross-member 52, either hit the cross-member 52, hit the indicator assembly 54, or travel under the entire assembly 50.

[0025] In exemplary embodiments as illustrated, main training assembly 50 may be removably connectable to the first and second support structures 12, 14, such as to the support members 22 thereof. For example, main training assembly 50 may include a plurality of sleeves 56 and a plurality of fasteners 58. Sleeves 56 may, for example, be connected to the ends of the cross-member 52, and may when assembled with the support structures 12, 14 generally surround the support members 22 thereof. Further, the sleeves 56 may be movable generally along the longitudinal axis 24 relative to the support members 22 to adjust a height of the main training assembly 50. A fastener 58 may be manipulated by a user to removably fasten a sleeve 56 in place at a suitable location along the support member 22, such that the connected cross-member 52 is also fixed in place. Manipulation of the fastener 58 to un-fasten the sleeve 56 may allow further adjustment of the cross-member 52 and main training assembly 50 in general.

[0026] In some embodiments, cross-member 52 may be a single component. In other embodiments, cross-member 52 may include one or more sections, such as a first section 60 and a second section 62 as illustrated. The first section 60 may be removably connectable to the first support structure 12 (such as via a sleeve 56 and fastener 58) and the second section 62 may be removably connectable to the second support structure 14 (such as via a sleeve 56 and fastener 58). Further, the first section 60 and second section 62 may be removably connectable together. For example, the first section 60 may fit within the section section 62 or vice versa, or both the first section 60 and second section 62 may fit within a coupling sleeve 64 which couples the sections 60, 62 together (as illustrated). Further, a removable pin 66 may be insertable through bore holes defined in the first section 60 and second section 62 (as well as the coupling sleeve 64 in some embodiments) to removably connect the first section 60 and second section 62 together. In some embodiments, such as some embodiments wherein the first section 60 fits within the second section or vice versa, the first section 60 may further be telescopic relative to the second section 62 or vice versa. In other embodiments, the first section 60 and second section 62 may have a fixed relationship when connected, such as when connected via coupling sleeve 64.

[0027] Indicator assembly 54 in exemplary embodiments includes an attachment strip 70 and a plurality of indicator strips 72 suspended from the attachment strip 70. The indicator strips 72 in exemplary embodiments as illustrated may be formed from a suitable plastic, such as polypropylene. The strips may be generally flexible. Alternatively, any suitable materials may be utilized as indicator strips 72. For example, strings, chains, rigid plates, etc. may be utilized. The attachment strip 70 may attach the indicator strips 72 and assembly 54 in general to the cross-member 52.

[0028] In some embodiments, indicator assembly 54 may be generally permanently attached to the cross-member 52. In other embodiments as illustrated, however, the indicator assembly 54 may be removably attachable to the cross-member 52. For example, as illustrated, attachment strip 70 may be formed from a first portion 74 connected to the cross-member 52 and a second portion 76 connected to the indicator strips 72. First portion 74 and second portion 76 may be removably attachable to each other to removably attach the indicator strips 72 and indicator assembly 54 generally to the cross-member 52. First portion 74 and second portion 76 may include hooks and loops, respectively, such as Velcro brand hooks and loops, to provide such removable attachment. Alternatively, suitable adhesives or other removably affixable apparatus may be utilized to facilitate the required removable attachment.

[0029] Notably, the main training assembly 50 may advantageously be adjusted between an assembled state for use in training and a disassembled state for transportation. For example, the main training assembly 50 can be disconnected from the associated support structures, the first and second sections 60, 62 of the cross-member 52 can be disconnected, and the indicator assembly 54 can be detached from the cross-member 52.

[0030] Further, the removability of the main training assembly 50 allows for interchange between the use of the main training assembly 50 and one or more auxiliary training assemblies. For example, the first support structure 12 and/or second support structure 14 may alternately be useable with main training assembly 50 and one or more auxiliary training assemblies. Additionally or alternatively, additional support structures may be utilized with auxiliary training assemblies, such that different aspects of throwing can be trained with multiple participants.

[0031] Accordingly, and referring now to FIGS. 3 through 5, various embodiments of auxiliary training assemblies are illustrated. Each auxiliary training assembly is removably connectable to one of the plurality of support structures, such as to the first support structure 12, second support structure 14 and/or any other suitable support structure of the system 10.

[0032] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate embodiments of an auxiliary training assembly 100. The auxiliary training assembly 100 is removably connectable to one of the plurality of support structures, such as to the support member 22 thereof. For example, auxiliary training assembly 100 may include a sleeve 102 and a fastener 104. Sleeve 102 may be connected to other components of the auxiliary training assembly 100, such as a frame 106 thereof and may when assembled with the support structure generally surround the support member 22 thereof. Fastener 104 may be manipulated by a user to removably fasten the sleeve 102, and thus the auxiliary training assembly 100, to the support member 22. Manipulation of the fastener 104 to un-fasten the sleeve 102 may allow adjustment of the auxiliary training assembly 100 relative to the support member 22 and/or disassembly thereof.

[0033] As mentioned, auxiliary training assembly 100 includes a frame 106. In exemplary embodiments as illustrated, frame 106 is generally ring shaped, although any suitable generally polygonal shape may be utilized. Assembly 100 may further include a net 108, which may extend from the frame 106. Net 108 may, for example, have a generally tubular shape, which a first end 110 connected to the frame 106 and a second end 112 spaced from and not connected to the frame 106. Further, the first end 110 and second end 112 may each define an aperture, as illustrated. Alternatively, however, second end 112 may for example be generally closed. Accordingly, auxiliary training assembly 100 may be utilized to train accuracy when throwing a pass directly to a target. A participant may, for example, throw a football through the frame 106. The net 108 may slow the rate of travel of the football as it travels therethrough, until the football drops out of the second end 112 of the net 108 (in the embodiments illustrated) or contacts the closed second end 112 and becomes trapped in the net 108.

[0034] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the auxiliary training assembly 100 further includes a plurality of indicator lights 120. Each indicator light 120 may be actuatable on and off, for example, to emit a light therefrom. In some embodiments, the lights 120 may be actuatable via, for example, a timer which may be disposed within the auxiliary training assembly 100 or included in the system 10 generally. In other embodiments, as illustrated the assembly 100 may further include a remote 122. The remote 122 may be in communication with the plurality of indicator lights 120, such as via a receiver 124. For example, remote 122 may be in such connection through a suitable wired or wireless connection. The remote 122 may be operable to actuate the plurality of indicator lights 120. For example, actuation of the remote 122 may send a signal to the receiver 124, which may be in communication with and operable to control actuation of the lights 120. Accordingly, remote 122 may be utilized to turn the lights 120 on and off, as desired. This allows for a participant to be trained in the quick and accurate release of a football. For example, two or more auxiliary training assemblies 100 can be set up using two or more support structures. FIG. 4 illustrates two auxiliary training assemblies 100, along with a single remote 122 that actuates the lights 120 on both assemblies. The participant may be instructed to throw the football at whichever auxiliary training assembly 100 lights up. A coach or other participant may selectively operate the remote to actuate the lights 120 on one of the training assemblies 100, and may monitor the quickness and accuracy of the participant in throwing the football to that assembly 100.

[0035] FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of an auxiliary training assembly 200. The auxiliary training assembly 200 is removably connectable to one of the plurality of support structures, such as to the support member 22 thereof. For example, auxiliary training assembly 200 may include a sleeve 202 and a fastener 204. Sleeve 202 may be connected to other components of the auxiliary training assembly 200, such as a frame 206 or pivot rod 210 (as shown) thereof, and may when assembled with the support structure generally surround the support member 22 thereof. Fastener 204 may be manipulated by a user to removably fasten the sleeve 202, and thus the auxiliary training assembly 200, to the support member 22. Manipulation of the fastener 204 to un-fasten the sleeve 202 may allow adjustment of the auxiliary training assembly 200 relative to the support member 22 and/or disassembly thereof.

[0036] As mentioned, auxiliary training assembly 200 includes a frame 206, in exemplary embodiments as illustrated, frame 106 is generally rectangular, such as a rounded rectangle as illustrated, although any suitable generally polygonal shape may be utilized. Assembly 200 may further include a net 208, which may extend from the frame 206. As illustrated, for example, an outer perimeter of the net 208 may be connected to the frame 206 such that the net 208 generally forms a basket. Accordingly, auxiliary training assembly 200 may be utilized to train accuracy when throwing a fade pass to a target. A participant may, for example, throw a football in a high arc, in an attempt to land the football in the net 208.

[0037] In some embodiments, auxiliary training assembly 200 may further include a pivot rod 210 which is connected to the frame 206, such as by a plurality of brackets 212. The frame 206 may be pivotable about the rod 210, such as due to rotation of the brackets 212 about the rod 210. Accordingly, the auxiliary training assembly 200 can be adjusted to various angles, which may for example increase the difficulty of landing a football in the net 208 or change the trajectory at which a participant has to throw the football to successfully land the football in the net 208.

[0038] It should be understood that the sports training system of the present disclosure may include any suitable number of auxiliary training assemblies. Each auxiliary training assembly may be removably connectable to one or more support structures. For example, an exemplary system 10 may include a first support structure 12 and a second support structure 14, along with a main training assembly 50. Such system 10 in exemplary embodiments may further include one or more auxiliary training assemblies, such as auxiliary training assembly 100 and/or auxiliary training assembly 200. Further, in some embodiments, additional support structures may be included. Advantageously, the various components of system 10 can be utilized to train multiple participants and/or multiple throwing skills. Further, the components of system 10 can be easily and efficiently assembled for use and disassembled for transport.

[0039] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

1. A sports training system, comprising: a plurality of support structures, each of the plurality of support structures comprising a base and a support member extending generally along a longitudinal axis from the base, the plurality of support structures comprising a first support structure and a second support structure; a main training assembly removably connectable to the first support structure and the second support structure, the main training assembly comprising a cross-member and an indicator assembly extending from the cross-member; and at least one auxiliary training assembly removably connectable to one of the plurality of support structures.

2. The sports training system of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a plurality of adjustable legs.

3. The sports training system of claim 1, wherein a length of the support member is adjustable generally along the longitudinal axis.

4. The sports training system of claim 1, wherein the main training assembly is removably connectable to the support members of the first support structure and the second support structure.

5. The sports training system of claim 1, wherein the cross-member comprises a first section and a second section, the first section removably connectable to the first support structure, the second section removably connectable to the second support structure, the first section and the second section removably connectable together.

6. The sports training system of claim 1, wherein the indicator assembly comprises an attachment strip and a plurality of indicator strips suspended from the attachment strip.

7. The sports training system of claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of indicator strips is formed from a plastic.

8. The sports training system of claim 1, wherein the indicator assembly is removably attachable to the cross-member.

9. The sports training system of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary training assembly is removably connectable to the support member of the one of the plurality of support structures.

10. The sports training system of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary training assembly comprises a frame and a net extending from the frame.

11. The sports training system of claim 10, wherein the net comprises a first end connected to the frame and a second end spaced from the frame, the first end and the second end each defining an aperture.

12. The sports training system of claim 10, wherein the frame is generally ring-shaped.

13. The sports training system of claim 10, wherein the auxiliary training assembly further comprises a plurality of indicator lights connected to the frame.

14. The sports training system of claim 13, wherein the auxiliary training assembly further comprises a remote in communication with the plurality of indicator lights, the remote operable to actuate the plurality of indicator lights.

15. The sports training system of claim 10, wherein an outer perimeter of the net is connected to the frame.

16. The sports training system of claim 10, wherein the frame is generally rectangular.

17. The sports training system of claim 10, wherein the auxiliary training assembly further comprises a pivot rod and a plurality of brackets, each of the plurality of brackets connecting the frame to the pivot rod such that the frame is pivotable about the pivot rod.

18. A sports training system, comprising: a first support structure, the first support structure comprising a base and a support member extending generally along a longitudinal axis from the base, the support member having an adjustable length; a second support structure, the second support structure comprising a base and a support member extending generally along a longitudinal axis from the base, the support member having an adjustable length; and a main training assembly removably connectable to the first support structure and the second support structure, the main training assembly comprising a cross-member and an indicator assembly extending from the cross-member, the indicator assembly comprising an attachment strip and a plurality of indicator strips suspended from the attachment strip.

19. The sports training system of claim 18, further comprising at least one auxiliary training assembly removably connectable to one of the first support structure or the second support structure.

20. The sports training system of claim 19, wherein the at least one auxiliary training assembly is a plurality of auxiliary training assemblies.