| Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
|---|
| 473446000 | For game using apertured or pocketed goal or target (e.g., for hockey, soccer, polo, lacrosse, etc.) | 88 |
| 20100137079 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR SPORTS SKILL TRAINING - A device for use by a player to improve his handling of an object on a surface, comprising at least one camera positioned such that the field of view of the at least one camera may capture an image of the surface and the object; a processor providing an image processing algorithm adapted to receive data relating to an image of the surface and the object, and to calculate therefrom image data relating to the position of the object on the surface; at least one monitor for viewing an image positioned in front of the player and adapted to receive data relating to the position of the object on the surface; means for transmitting data relating to the image of a playing surface and the object to the processor and means for transmitting image data relating to the position of the object on the surface from the processor to the monitor. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20090197708 | Methods and system for improving a user's reaction time and accuracy in propelling an object - A method of conveying a command to a user using a practice system is provided. The method includes detecting movement of the user using a sensor; selecting a command from a list of pre-determined commands; and conveying the command to the user using a signaler. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20130116069 | SOCCER BALL DELIVERY SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system for delivering objects, such as soccer balls, the system including a delivery device and a methodology for training individuals that can be used with the delivery device, the delivery device including an accelerator that accepts, accelerates, and launches the balls with motion characteristics, and a control system having an electronic controller structured to store and execute a training program that includes ball service specifications and player service variables, ball speed and spin control inputs, and random selection of values within a range of values of the player service variables that include a starting position of the player relative to the device, a direction of motion of the player relative to the device, an identification of at least one location on the player's body to touch the ball, a time interval to wait before delivering the ball, and an action for the user to take with the ball. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130102421 | Reconfigurable Sports Training Pad System - A reconfigurable sports training pad system is designed to be attached to an existing sports goal to increase the accuracy of scoring through muscle memory and positive and negative reinforcements accomplished through repetitive shooting. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130023362 | KNITTED GOAL SHOT TRAINING SYSTEMS AND DEVICES - Goal shot training systems and devices comprise a training covering having a top edge, a bottom edge, and side edges. The devices are configured to obscure a net of a goal, and the covering is composed of a knit material defining multiple openings such that air passes through the covering. The covering material creates negative viewing space by obscuring visual access behind the training covering and forms at least one user-configurable opening that allows visual access of positive viewing space including a portion of the net of the goal when the covering is affixed to the goal. A user may configure the covering to practice shots originating from different positions on a playing area by adjusting the location of the covering relative to the net of the goal. | 01-24-2013 |
| 20080318713 | Field hockey training device - A field hockey training device includes a handle having a shaft. The shaft includes a first end and a second end with a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end. The training device includes a head shaped and dimensioned for playing field hockey extending from the first end of the shaft. The handle further includes a first gripping member positioned along the handle adjacent the second end of the shaft and a second gripping member positioned along the handle adjacent to the second end of the shaft located between the first gripping member and the first end of the shaft. The second gripping member is supported on the shaft for rotation about the longitudinal axis of the shaft. | 12-25-2008 |
| 20090149280 | SPORTS SKILLS TRAINING APPARATUS - An apparatus for training sports skills for games conducted on a playing surface having a goal using one or more simulated opponents on the playing surface to train a player to strike the game object away from an opponent in addition to practicing striking the game object into the goal. A game object machine(s) can be used to project game objects to one side of the playing surface. A controller can be provided to control operation of the simulated opponent(s) and the game object machine(s) to train placement memory and reaction time in addition to muscle memory. For ice hockey and soccer, the controller can receive input from sensor(s) on the game object, player being trained or the goal to locate the game object and/or player to position the simulated opponent(s) to train the player to strike the game object past the simulated opponent into the goal. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20080248899 | Lacrosse training tool - A training tool for use by lacrosse players attaches a player's hand or glove to the lacrosse stick. Lacrosse players typically have a dominant hand orientation which they play with, and the development skills in the non-dominant hand orientation is of particular interest. This tool will attach the player's glove to the player's stick in their non-dominant hand orientation, allowing their gloves to slide up and down on the stick, but preventing the player from switching the player's hand orientation, in order to force the use of a non-preferred stick orientation which will strengthen the overall level of a player's skill set. | 10-09-2008 |
| 20110172034 | PUSH-PASS TECHNIQUE AND SYSTEM FOR TRAINING SOCCER PLAYERS - A push-pass technique system and method in accordance with the present invention for training soccer players having a frame along which is a track, that is formed into a semi-circle, raised on each end by graduating ramp, upon which slides a foot pedal that can be secured by four wheels on each side to the track and the frame. The foot pedal glides back and forth upon the horizontal plane and moves length-wise across the plane to a pre-determined length following the curvature of the ramp. The foot pedal will guide the player's foot into the proper horizontal position while training the player to execute the proper push-pass soccer technique and gain muscle memory. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20100125010 | HOCKEY STICK APPARATUS FOR STICK HANDLING TRAINING AND METHODS OF STICK HANDLING TRAINING - A hockey stick for training a person in stick handling, having elongate upper stick portion, an elongate lower stick portion, an elongate coupling member, and an elongate middle stick portion. The elongate upper stick portion is configured to be gripped by a control hand of the person. The elongate lower stick portion has a blade member extending outwardly therefrom. The elongate coupling member rigidly couples the upper stick portion to the lower stick portion. The elongate middle stick portion is positioned between and collinear with the upper stick portion and the lower stick portion and is configured to be gripped by a directional hand of the person. The middle stick portion is rotatably coupled to the elongate coupling member so that rotation of the upper stick portion causes the lower stick portion and the blade member to rotate without rotating the middle stick portion gripped by the directional hand. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20080287224 | Hockey Stick-Handling Device with Sensor and Effects - A hockey stick-handling device comprises cross members and support columns. The support columns elevate the cross members from a training surface to allow an object for stick-handling to be passed underneath. The cross members are rotatable with respect to one another to allow the hockey stick-handling device to be arranged in various configurations for stick-handling as well as to be collapsed for storage. The hockey stick-handling device is modular in nature such that it can be lengthened or shortened to a desired length. The hockey stick-handling device has sensors adapted to sense an object passing under the cross member. The sensor output may drive controls for illuminating lights, sounding horns, and/or actuating timers associated with the stick-handling device. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20080293520 | Training Soccer Ball - In the present invention, a training soccer ball includes an initial contact area with a first set of designations and a follow-through area with a second set of designations. The first and second set of designations can be the numbers “1” through “12”, in a split clockface design. The initial contact area has a different color than the follow-through area. Players learn to kick the ball with the correct biomechanics with reference to a designation for initial contact and a designation for follow-through. | 11-27-2008 |
| 20090181810 | Soccer Training Apparatus and Method - A soccer training apparatus comprising a generally cross-shaped net and a stabilizing device that holds the net in a selected position relative to a soccer goal. The net is sized smaller than the goal and can be position to cover a central portion of the goal. The net can be held in place by cords and straps and/or a rigid frame attached to the soccer field. A stabilizing device can be used to hold the net in place so that the net can be readily moved in a position on the goal line to simulate the reach of a goalkeeper during a penalty kick or in a position in front of the goal line to simulate the reach of a goalkeeper during a place kick. The net can also be used as mini-goal or smaller sized goal during a short-sided soccer game. | 07-16-2009 |
| 20120077628 | GOAL SHOT TRAINING SYSTEM AND METHODS - A soccer training system is used to condition soccer players to make shots at the goal with an improved likelihood of scoring by conditioning the soccer players to aim towards the areas of the goal where shots are more likely to score. Similarly disclosed is a novel method of conditioning soccer players to improve their ability to score goals. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20100222162 | SOCCER TRAINING APPARATUS AND METHOD - A soccer training apparatus comprises a net capable of being placed in a deployed position, connected to or located adjacent a soccer goal frame and above a soccer playing surface, so as to cover a portion of a target opening bounded by the soccer goal frame and soccer playing surface. The net includes a peripheral edge located relative to the soccer goal frame so as to form a gap which extends around the net in the deployed position which permits a soccer ball to pass through and enter the soccer goal area. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20090036238 | HOCKEY PUCK GATE AND METHOD OF OPERATING SAME - A target gate and a method of operating same are provided. The target gate comprises i) an impact surface for selectively blocking a projectile; ii) a support structure for supporting the impact surface; and iii) at least one coupling for coupling the impact surface to the support structure such that the impact surface is moveable from a first position to a second position when hit by the projectile traveling at not less than a minimum velocity. The at least one coupling comprises a biasing element for biasing the impact surface to move from the second position to the first position, the biasing element being adjustable to pre-select the minimum velocity. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20110130226 | SOCCER BALL DELIVERY SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system for delivering objects, such as soccer balls, the system including a delivery device and a methodology for training individuals that can be used with the delivery device, the delivery device including an accelerator that accepts, accelerates, and launches the balls with motion characteristics, and a control system having an electronic controller structured to store and execute a training program that includes ball service specifications and player service variables, ball speed and spin control inputs, and random selection of values within a range of values of the player service variables that include a starting position of the player relative to the device, a direction of motion of the player relative to the device, an identification of at least one location on the player's body to touch the ball, a time interval to wait before delivering the ball, and an action for the user to take with the ball. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110077108 | HOCKEY PRACTICE MACHINE - A hockey practice machine, which includes a motor, and a dispensing arm operatively coupled to the motor. The dispensing arm includes a shaft and a plurality of arms extending therefrom. The hockey practice machine includes a drop tube which includes upper and lower drop tube openings and upper and lower drop tube elbows. The dispensing arm is positioned proximate to the upper drop tube opening. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20120202622 | LACROSSE TRAINING DEVICE - A lacrosse stick having a shaft at least a portion of which is hollow and at least one weight or weight addition material disposed in the hollow portion of the shaft. A weight sized and shaped for removable insertion in a hollow shaft of a lacrosse stick. A carrier sized and shaped for removable insertion in a hollow shaft of a lacrosse stick, the carrier comprising at least one compartment operable to receive at least one weight or weight addition material. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20100190586 | Lacrosse Training Method and Apparatus - A training device for teaching proper mechanics of aiming and propelling a lacrosse ball is disclosed. The training device is a lacrosse stick including a shaft portion, a head portion, and an end cap. The end cap includes a light source that generates a beam of visible light capable of forming a visible light point on a surface remote from the user. In operation, a user orients a lacrosse stick in a starting position to align the eye of the stick with a target. The user directs the light point generated by the light source onto the target, and then moves the lacrosse stick in a motion sufficient to propel the lacrosse ball from the head portion toward the target. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20110263355 | HOCKEY TRAINING DEVICE - A hockey training device includes a substantially elevated panel and a substantially horizontally positioned board having a top playing surface on which a puck is to be moved, following instantly on-and-off conditions of lights distributed in desired locations on the playing surface. The elevated panel displays the locations of the lights with the instant on-and-off condition of the lights to guide the player in a head-up position, to move the puck to the location of the light which is currently turned on, on the playing surface. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110201459 | Hockey Trainer - A hockey training device includes a shaft coupled to a hockey stick, and a weight defining a hole therein. The shaft is configured to be positioned in the hole in the weight. The weight is configured to be moved along a surface using the hockey stick. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20090124434 | SOCCER TRAINING AND MOTIVATION PROGRAM - A method of promoting development and motivation in a field of achievement is provided, comprising isolating a task for development, prescribing a level of achievement related to the task, measuring the level of achievement, and awarding the achievement of the task with a tangible indicia of achievement. The invention in its preferred embodiment relates to the sport of soccer. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090312124 | SOCCER TRAINER - The present invention is a soccer trainer [ | 12-17-2009 |
| 20120046133 | Portable target to enable an individual to practice kicking soccer balls through what is considered the most difficult location for a goal tender to guard against - A portable target for a soccer goal designed with rods that enable an individual to stand on the ground and lift the portable target so that it can be lifted over the top horizontal crossbar of the soccer goal and then set in place. The target has elongated rods with curved hook attaching members designed in a manner that enables an individual to stand on the ground and simply lift the target so that the curved hook attaching members can be extended over the top horizontal crossbar of a soccer goal and then lowered onto the top horizontal crossbar of a soccer goal to be removably affixed thereto. The rod are removably retained within interior channels within the target. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20110015002 | SPORTS PRACTICE REBOUND NET - An adjustable sports practice net provides a ball rebounding flat net or nearly flat net target area surrounded by a large rebound net area. Target poles and a target net may simulate a full size sports net. End posts are sunk into the ground or attached to external vertical structures. Flexibility in setting up the sports practice net enables it to fit within a given space available. The target area is adjustable to position in alignment with outside end posts or positioned at a range of distances set back from the end posts to tighten the net between the target frame and the outside end posts and frame. Various rebound angles may be set up. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20090176603 | Soccer training target, method for practicing kicking using same, and method for advertising using same - The subject matter described herein includes a soccer training target, a method for practicing kicking using same, and a method for advertising using same. According to one aspect of the subject matter described herein, a soccer training target is provided. The soccer training device includes a target panel having a front surface, a rear surface, and a hole for hanging the target panel from a soccer net, the target panel comprising a rigid member. At least one visual target is located on the target panel, where the target panel is configured to receive impact from soccer balls during kicking practice. An attachment device is insertable into the at least one hole for hanging the target panel from the soccer net. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090253537 | LOOP STICK - The invention consists of a blade for a hockey stick, comprising: a blade portion, with a forehand side and a backhand side and a loop extending from the one or both sides of the blade portion, with the loop dimensioned to enclose a hockey puck. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20120316010 | SPORTS NET OR COURT TARGET - The subject matter described herein includes a sports court or net target. In one example, a sports net target includes a flexible target body comprising a fabric material and having a first side and a second side. The visual indicium is located on the first side for providing an area of visual focus for an athlete during practice of a sport. At least one attachment member is connected to the target body for attaching the target body to a sports net. | 12-13-2012 |
| 20120122616 | LACROSSE STICK, TRAINING DEVICE FOR A LACROSSE STICK - A lacrosse stick has four discrete optically discernible colored zones at specified positions along the shaft of the lacrosse stick corresponding to preferred hand positions for different lacrosse stick maneuvers. Zone stops are disposed between the different colored zones and are formed from a material that provides a unique tactile feel as compared to the colored zones. A coach can issue training instructions consisting of two colors corresponding to the colors of the zones to identify preferred hand positions for a lacrosse training exercise. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20100331123 | GOALIE TRAINING DEVICE - A device for training hockey goaltenders comprises a base having an ice engaging surface to minimize sliding on the ice. A plurality of side panels are arranged around the perimeter of the base and secured directly or indirectly to the base. Each side panel has an outer surface adapted to deflect a hockey puck directed at it. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20080214331 | Method and Apparatus for Hockey Training - A target and magnetic material are provided. The target has a size sufficient to facilitate training a trainee in shooting a hockey puck at a specific location in a hockey goal. The target is further provided with an edge face with a mounting surface for receiving the magnetic material. The target is removably secured to a structural frame member defining a hockey goal by positioning the edge face with the magnetic material adjacent to a structural frame member comprising the hockey goal. Methods of use of the target are also disclosed. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20120135825 | INTERACTIVE DEVICE FOR VIDEO GAMES - The invention concerns a device for interactive football practice combined with an imaging and sound system constituting the football programme to be followed by a player, comprising an object relatively fixed to the ground (I), of spherical shape which the player can kick, and various means for determining the types of kicks practised by the player and the intensity thereof. | 05-31-2012 |
| 20120178553 | Portable soccer foot skill and agility training mat - An apparatus to train athletes to increase control of a soccer ball, increase dribbling skills and develop foot speed and agility all essential to the sport. This apparatus consists of a mat with cones placed through it. The athlete dribbles the soccer ball in between the obstacles to develop foot control over the ball. | 07-12-2012 |
| 20120083368 | Soccer Training Apparatus - An elegantly simple training apparatus that helps soccer players quantify, and improve, their kicking skills. The soccer training apparatus includes a cage having a base, and at least one hand railing connected to the base. The base has a front portion and a rear portion with a ball moveably affixed, or tethered, to the front portion of the base by an attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism may include, or be connected to, a force measuring mechanism that measures the force exerted on the ball after a user kicks the ball. The soccer training apparatus may also include a force display unit that displays that force to the user. The hand railing may extend over the base rear portion and may have a resistance band attached, that may exert a force on a user's kicking foot during a kick. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120083367 | TRAINING APPARATUS - A training apparatus for use on a training surface is disclosed. The training apparatus includes a sport-projectile stopping member and an elongated body substantially transverse to the sport-projectile stopping member. The elongated body has a first section, a second section, and a transition section between the first and second sections. A portion of the first section is positioned on the sport-projectile stopping member, and the first section is sized such that the sport-projection stopping member, the first section, the training surface and the transition section define an orifice through which a sport-projectile can pass through | 04-05-2012 |
| 20080300072 | Practice hockey puck - A practice hockey puck to be used by a young player to learn how to pick up a hockey puck off the ice with the blade of his hockey stick or to stickhandle on pavement or asphalt. The puck is like an ordinary puck but with a lower, outer, annular portion removed, thereby moving the outer peripheral edge of the bottom surface of the puck inwardly from the outer peripheral edge of the top portion of the puck. The outer peripheral edge of the bottom surface acts as a pivot edge. A portion of the puck lies outside this pivot edge. Pressing on this portion of the puck with the blade of the stick allows the player to easily pivot the puck about the pivot edge onto its side starting the process of picking the puck up with the stick. When the practice puck is inverted it can be used to practice stickhandling on a non-ice surface such as pavement or asphalt. The puck, in its inverted position, is contacted by the stick at a lower height on the puck making it less easy to tilt or tumble than a regular puck and thus easier to stickhandle on a difficult surface. | 12-04-2008 |
| 20120238383 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DETECTING AND COMMENTING ON A GAME EVENT IN THE IMMEDIATE VICINITY OF A GOAL - A device capable of automatically detecting game actions that take place in the vicinity of a goal for sports or activities in which the objective is to make a projectile enter the goal. The device is suitable for triggering, always in an automatic manner and in real time, audio or visual animations suited to the game situation thus detected. A method for processing information suitable for qualifying a game action according to information gathered from various types of sensors placed in the playing area is also described. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120283048 | SOCCER TRAINING APPARATUS AND METHOD - A soccer training apparatus comprises a net capable of being placed in a deployed position, connected to or located adjacent a soccer goal frame and above a soccer playing surface, so as to cover a portion of a target opening bounded by the soccer goal frame and soccer playing surface. The net includes a peripheral edge located relative to the soccer goal frame so as to form a gap which extends around the net in the deployed position. which permits a soccer ball to pass through and enter the soccer goal area. | 11-08-2012 |
| 20120329584 | SOCCER PASSING TRAINER APPARATUS AND GAMES - We disclose an apparatus for improving passing skills in soccer, consisting of one or more triangles that can be placed on the ground to demarcate regions and boundaries on a playing field within which player movement is constrained or otherwise guided. The triangle edges are made from a flexible or extensible material and are attached at the triangle vertices by some type of joining device. The triangles can be placed on any surface suitable for soccer and held in place with stakes or other means. Multiple triangles can be placed on the ground to create a variety of demarcated regions and boundaries. This apparatus can be used for basic practice or to play various skill-enhancing games in which the ball is passed into and out of, or between, a triangle or a set of triangles. | 12-27-2012 |
| 20130023361 | Soccer juggling training and rehabilation device - This invention relates to a novel method to learn soccer juggling skills as well as rehabilitation device that strengthens stabilizing muscles of the legs after a leg injury. The device can can also be used to train the major core and leg muscles used to kick a ball. | 01-24-2013 |
| 473447000 | For game using elevated, horizontally disposed goal or target (e.g., for basketball, etc.) | 47 |
| 20090156333 | Collapsible ball game practice device - A collapsible ball game practice device is comprised of a plurality of sections, each section above a lower section being substantially collapsible into the lower section. Detent structure is provided on an upper portion of each lower section and a lower portion of each upper section to secure each upper section when raised to its raised condition. A mounting structure is provided on the bottom of the lowermost section for releasably securing the device to a basketball playing surface. Arms may be angularly adjusted to various positions in two orthogonal directions. These adjustments may be made by two angularly adjustable structures located near the upper end of the arms. The arms may be collapsed and slid on a carrier into the uppermost section. A head structure may also be slid into the uppermost section. The sections may be collapsed such that all of them may be collapsed into the lowest section. A handle is provided in the top of the head structure for carrying the entire assembly. The collapsed device may be easily transported and/or stored. The device is particularly useful as a defensive dummy in practicing the games of basketball and volleyball. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20130040765 | Luminous attachable basketball training device - The present invention relates to glow in the dark luminous attachable basketball rim, somewhat tubular and circular, more particularly, to a flexible luminous glow in the dark, also marked with reflectors positioned equidistantly of each other, to provide better visibility with targeting features to assist the shooter at basketball rims. Currently basketball rims only have a net affixed to them and have no distinguishing features to aim at besides the backboard and do not glow at night. | 02-14-2013 |
| 20090042673 | BASKETBALL GAME, PACKAGE, AND METHOD - The use of spot locations that are freely movable with respect to one another and that include different uses for each side is an improvement over the prior art. A basketball game includes at least one ball, a playing surface, a support structure, a backboard, a hoop, and a plurality of spot locations, and may further include a timekeeping device. Each spot location has a first surface which may include a first plurality of raised dimples arranged thereon and a second surface, in opposition to the first surface, which may include a second plurality of raised dimples arranged thereon. The first surface has a first marking thereon and the second surface has a second marking thereon. On at least one spot location, the first marking differs from the second marking. Additionally, a basketball game package and method of playing a basketball game utilize aspects of the basketball game. | 02-12-2009 |
| 20100267495 | Basketball Shooting Trainer Device - A basketball shooting trainer device that is configured to be attached to a basketball rim is provided that includes a bracket having at least one interior side wall defining, a tubular cavity extending longitudinally through the bracket, wherein the tubular cavity has a diameter approximately equal to a diameter of the basketball rim, and a flexibly-rigid elongated member attached to the bracket, wherein the flexibly-rigid elongated member extends substantially vertical with respect to the bracket's normal operating position. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20130095960 | TRAINING DEVICES FOR TRAJECTORY-BASED SPORTS - Methods and apparatus related to improving player performance for trajectory-based sports are described. In particular, sporting devices are described that can be utilized to improve player performance in basketball. The sporting devices can include a camera-based system configured to capture and analyze the trajectory of a shot taken by a player. The camera-based system can be configured to provide feedback that allows a player to optimize the trajectory mechanics associated with shooting a basketball. In one embodiment, the camera-based system can be used in conjunction with a training aid that is attached to a basketball rim. The training aid can be configured to improve the trajectory mechanics of individuals utilizing the modified basketball rim to practice their shooting. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20100267496 | BASKETBALL SHOOTING TRAINING DEVICE - A basketball shooting training device includes: a ring extension; an elevator pole to raise the height of the ring extension; and a base to support the ring extension and the elevator pole. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20090149281 | Basketball and soccer training device and associated method - A basketball or soccer training device has a base, a body having a lower body portion and an upper body portion with the lower body portion overlying the base. The upper body portion has a first pair of arms projecting generally outwardly in generally-opposite directions and a second pair of arms projecting generally upwardly in relative spaced relationship. The lower body portion may have a pair of legs terminating in weighted feet. The base may be hollow and be dimensioned and structured to receive an inflatable, basketball training device when in deflated condition. A corresponding method is provided. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20110263356 | BASKETBALL SHOOTING TARGET - The invention is directed to a novel and unique basketball shooting target removably connected to a basketball goal. The target is an object that includes a female member having a female member core and female outer layer and a male member having a male member core and male outer layer. The female member core includes female lock flanges and female contact surfaces for engaging the male member core. The male member core has buttons that each includes respective cam locks configured for releasable engagement with female lock flanges on a female core to prevent horizontal movement. The male member core has male contact surfaces for engaging the female contact surfaces of the female member to prevent vertical movement. In operation, the male and female members removably connect with one another to engage a netting of a basketball goal and prevent movement relative to one another in horizontal or vertical direction. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20080312010 | STEREOSCOPIC IMAGE CAPTURE WITH PERFORMANCE OUTCOME PREDICTION IN SPORTING ENVIRONMENTS - Methods and apparatus relating to predicting outcome in a sporting environment are described. The methods and apparatus are used to relate trajectory performance of an object to body motions and body orientation associated with a generating the trajectory of the object. When equipment is utilized to generate the trajectory of an object, than the effects of equipment motions and equipment orientation can be also related to trajectory performance. The method and apparatus can be used to predict body motions and body orientations that increase the likelihood of achieving a desired outcome including specifying optimum motions and orientations for a particular individual. The method and apparatus may be used in training, coaching and broadcasting environments. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20080280704 | Basketball shooting training aid and method of use - A training aid for improving a player's skill in shooting a basketball. The training aid includes a substantially planar surface and foot positioning indicia viewable on the planar surface. The foot positioning indicia include a lead foot indicia and a plurality of trailing foot indicia. Each of the trailing foot indicia define a separate foot placement position for the player's trailing foot wherein the training aid is usable by players having different sizes by selecting one of the plurality trailing foot indicia appropriate for the size of the player and using the lead foot indicia and the selected one of the trailing foot indicia to define suitable lead and trailing foot positions for the player when shooting the basketball. The planar surface may take the form of the upper surface of a floor mat repositionable on the court and having alignment indicia for properly positioning the mat. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20110207561 | SYSTEM, APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TEACHING A BASKETBALL DRIBBLER TO HAVE OPTIMAL CONTROL OVER THE BASKETBALL - Systems, devices and methods for teaching a basketball dribbler to have optimal control over the basketball, especially when transitioning from one dribble/move to the another, by establishing continuity that demands that the ball has to be back at a certain place at a certain time. The dribbler identifies and maintains a consistent organized rhythm, according to a consistent beat while executing particular dribbling basketball movements. The consistent beat may be a consistent tick or flash (audio and/or visual) at a number of different tempos. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110143868 | TRAINING DEVICES FOR TRAJECTORY-BASED SPORTS - Methods and apparatus related to improving player performance for trajectory-based sports are described. In particular, sporting devices are described that can be utilized to improve player performance in basketball. The sporting devices can include a camera-based system configured to capture and analyze the trajectory of a shot taken by a player. The camera-based system can be configured to provide feedback that allows a player to optimize the trajectory mechanics associated with shooting a basketball. In one embodiment, the camera-based system can be used in conjunction with a training aid that is attached to a basketball rim. The training aid can be configured to improve the trajectory mechanics of individuals utilizing the modified basketball rim to practice their shooting. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20090111617 | Basketball dribble device - A basket ball dribble device that has two legs, with each leg; and a rigid cross-member extending between the tops of the legs | 04-30-2009 |
| 20080261728 | Collapsible ball game practice device - A collapsible ball game practice device is comprised of a plurality of sections, each section above a lower section being substantially collapsible into the lower section. Detent structure is provided on an upper portion of each lower section and a lower portion of each upper section to secure each upper section when raised to its raised condition. A mounting structure is provided on the bottom of the lowermost section for releasably securing the device to a basketball playing surface. Arms may be rotated to various positions. The arms may be collapsed and slid on a carrier into the uppermost section. A head structure may also be slid into the uppermost section. The sections may be collapsed such that all of them may be collapsed into the lowest section. A handle is provided in the top of the head structure for carrying the entire assembly. The collapsed device may be easily transported and/or stored. The device is particularly useful as a defensive dummy in practicing the games of basketball and volleyball. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20100160093 | BASKETBALL TRAINING DEVICE - There is a basketball training device configured to block a low-arc basketball shot. The training device includes a base configured to support the basketball training device. The training device also includes a plurality of support members adjustably coupled to an end of the base and configured to extend horizontally therefrom when in an extended mode thereby providing a wider base. The training device includes a telescoping member coupled to an end of the base. The training device includes a net selectably coupled to an end of the telescoping member and configured to alter any basketball shot, which is lower that a top end of the net mechanism. The net mechanism is transparent configured to provide a clear view of the basketball rim. The basketball training device includes a plurality of wheels coupled to the plurality of support members configured to transport the basketball training device about a basketball court. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20110244993 | System and Method for Training a Basketball Player - The disclosure describes a method and apparatus for training a basketball player proper movement of a player's feet. The method includes positioning a stand at a generally central location in front of a player's body, with a first foot slightly ahead of the second. The ball is positioned on the stand, then the player grabs the ball from the stand, steps over the stand, squares up to the basket and shoots the ball. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20120208660 | Interactive basketball trainer - This invention presents a basketball training device which resembles a mannequin that defends against basketball players with a series of blocking motions. When proximity sensor | 08-16-2012 |
| 20120046134 | BASKETBALL SHOOTING TRAINER DEVICE - A basketball shooting trainer device configured to attach to a basketball rim is provided and includes a bracket comprising at least one interior side wall defining a tubular cavity extending longitudinally through the bracket, wherein the tubular cavity has a diameter approximately equal to a diameter of the basketball rim, at least one cylindrically-shaped exterior side wall, wherein the exterior side wall has a diameter greater than the diameter of the tubular cavity. Also included is a flexibly-rigid elongated member attached to the bracket, wherein the elongated member includes an inner surface, an outer surface, and a base wherein the elongated member extends substantially vertically in a substantially perpendicular direction from a horizontal plane defined by the basketball rim. Further included is a base securing hook-and-loop fastener arrangement disposed between the inner surface of the base and the exterior wall of the bracket. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120058842 | MAGIC ARC - The purpose of the shooting aid is to provide the basketball player with a visual trajectory of the correct path from the free throw line to the basketball hoop. The unique Tubular Arc Guide design offers the basketball player one of the most effective methods to increase their ability to make a higher percentage of free throws. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120115652 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR BASKETBALL DEFENSE TRAINING, FOOTBALL INTERCEPTION TRAINING, AND PHYSICAL THERAPY - This invention discloses a method and multiple batons intended for sports training and physical therapy. First and second embodiment batons are intended, primarily, as a basketball defensive drill training device. The first embodiment baton is intended, secondarily, as a football hand-coordination training device. The third embodiment baton is intended, primarily, as a football and rugby hand-coordination training device. The second embodiment baton is further intended for use as a hand-coordination or foot-coordination device for other sports using spherical balls, such as soccer and volleyball. Finally, any of the four disclosed batons, and primarily, the first embodiment baton, are further intended to be used by physical therapists in rehabilitation exercises where eye-hand coordination and peripheral vision improvements are targeted, such as is the case with stroke or accident patients. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120115651 | Basketball Training Systems and Methods - Basketball training systems and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a basketball training apparatus includes a first rim and a second rim. The first rim has a center and the second rim has a center. The first rim rotates about its center and the second rim revolves about the center of the first rim. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20100227715 | Basketball training aid - A basketball training device to allow basketball coaches, basketball trainers, or basketball instructors to simulate the physical contact of the sport for their players without causing injury to those players. The training device is comprised of a plastic pole with three areas of thick foam padding encased in vinyl fabric. The device is to be held at the grip/s with one or both hands. The device makes it possible to practice many of the situations where contact occurs in the game of basketball in a practice or drill setting safely. Practice scenarios include; making lay-ups or other shots around the basket while being fouled, being fouled on a dribble drive to the basket, a player fighting through contact to set or receive a screen, and fouling a perimeter player on a pass to the post and then quickly fouling the post player while finishing the play. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20120172155 | SKIS AND HANDLEBAR ACCESSORIES FOR ATHLETIC TRAINING SLEDS - A training sled including a pair of nonlinear runners of tubular construction arranged in parallel relative to a center axis and a plane. A head crossbar of tubular construction may extend between first ends of the runners and may be joined thereto so as to form a continuous tubular U-shaped member with the runners. A weight bearing member may be affixed to and extend between the pair of nonlinear runners near mid-sections thereof. A rear crossbar of tubular construction may extend between and may be disposed above the plane of the runners proximate second ends thereof and may be joined thereto opposite the head crossbar, so as to present a rearward facing surface against which force may be applied. The training sled may include a removable handlebar in a variety of configurations. A ski accessory may be configured to removably attach to the training sled. The ski accessory may include a pair of nonlinear skis arranged in parallel relative to a center axis and a plane. A friction-reducing layer may be disposed on a bottom portion of each of the pair of skis. A ski head crossbar may extend between head ends of the pair of skis. A ski rear crossbar may extend between rear ends of the pair of skis. Attachment arms may be disposed on an inner portion of each of the pair of skis and may be configured to removably attach to the athletic training sled. | 07-05-2012 |
| 473448000 | Hoop-opening reducer or means for improving arch of ball shot toward goal or target | 5 |
| 20080300073 | ADJUSTMENT DEVICE FOR A BASKETBALL RIM ATTACHMENT - An adjustment device for a basketball rim attachment is disclosed. The basketball rim attachment includes a generally C-shaped ring capable of circumferential contraction from its normal unrestrained configuration. The coupling device is employed to cause the circumferential contraction of the ring to facilitate the installation and removal of the basketball rim attachment to and from a rim of a basketball goal. | 12-04-2008 |
| 20080274839 | Basketball Rim Attachment - A basketball practice device including a C-shaped ring capable circumferential contraction from its normal unrestrained configuration to reduce the diameter of the rim of a basketball goal including means to facilitate the installation and removal of the same. | 11-06-2008 |
| 20120309566 | Basketball Training Device - An improved basketball training device comprising a substantially semi-elliptical U-shaped rim device, which is designed to allow a user to safely and rapidly install or remove the device from an existing standard sized rim that is attached to a backboard of a raised basketball goal. The training device compels players to use proper arch when shooting in order to pass the basketball through the goal. | 12-06-2012 |
| 20110312448 | Adjustable Basketball Device - An adjustable basketball device includes a support, a backboard coupled to the support, a mounting structure coupled to the backboard, an adjustment mechanism movably coupled to the mounting structure, and an adjustable rim supported by the mounting structure and engaged with the adjustment mechanism. The adjustable rim is adjustable between a first configuration in which the rim defines an opening with a first diameter, and a second configuration in which the opening of the rim defines an opening with a second diameter different than the first diameter. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20100261558 | TRAINING APPARATUS, GLOVE AND METHOD FOR PROMOTING BASKETBALL SHOOTING SKILLS - A system and training method adapted to assist an individual in improving his or her basketball shooting skills and accuracy. The system includes an apparatus and glove that can be used independently or together. The apparatus is adapted for mounting to a basketball rim and includes flexible paddles for mounting to the rim so that the paddles project upwardly from the rim. The glove is adapted to be worn on the shooting hand and includes fingers, wrist and backhand portions. The fingers portion has three separate sleeves interconnected by elastic webs therebetween. The backhand portion interconnects the fingers portion to the wrist portion. The glove is configured so that the three middle fingers of the shooting hand are individually inserted into the sleeves and elastically held together by the webs, while allowing the thumb and outer finger of the shooting hand to spread outward and support the basketball during shooting. | 10-14-2010 |
| 473449000 | Rebound or tipping trainer | 2 |
| 20110263357 | Basketball dribble device - A basketball dribble device is provided that has two legs, with each leg; and a rigid cross-member extending between the tops of the legs. A method of teaching a player to cross-dribble uses the basketball dribble device. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20090143171 | Basketball Training Apparatus - The present invention relates to the sports training aids, in particular a improved apparatus for providing drills for new basketball players to practice rebounding skills, not having a platform or base below the players as they jump which can twist an ankle or knee. Further an improved mechanism for tuning the action in the recoil assembly is provided. | 06-04-2009 |
| 473450000 | Player worn or carried | 17 |
| 20090042674 | LASER BALL SHOOTING AID - A signal projecting device wearable on an athlete about to throw a projectile, such as shooting a basketball. The device incorporates a leveling sensor arranged to provide an input signal to the projecting device so that a signal indicative of a body part on which the projecting device is mounted being horizontal with respect to a floor or ground surface. The projecting device may project a generally cruciform light beam of one characteristic, such as color or light pattern, when the horizontal condition is sensed. A second light beam of a different characteristic may be projected when the horizontal condition is not sensed. | 02-12-2009 |
| 20130072328 | TRAINING HARNESS FOR A BASKETBALL DEFENDER - A wearable training harness for dissuading the committing of reach in fouls and including a looped belt adapted to be worn about a waist of a wearer, from which an upwardly extending suspender includes a first portion extending from a rear midpoint of the belt. A pair of second portions branches from the first portion and is adapted to extend over shoulder locations of the wearer, the second portions connecting at opposite lower ends to forward locations of the belt. A pair of elongate linkages are pivotally secured to a rigid planar member supported at a location associated with the first suspender portion. A pair of circular bands are adapted to be worn about the arms of the wearer, the bands pivotally secured to remote extending ends of the linkages. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130095961 | TRAJECTORY DETECTION AND FEEDBACK SYSTEM - A disclosed device provides a trajectory detection and feedback system. The system is capable of detecting one or more moving objects in free flight, analyzing a trajectory of each object and providing immediate feedback information to a human that has launched the object into flight, and/or one or more observers in the area. In a particular embodiment, a non-intrusive machine vision system that remotely detects trajectories of moving objects may be used to evaluate trajectory parameters for a basketball shot at a basketball hoop by a player. The feedback information, such as a trajectory entry angle into the basketball hoop and/or an entry velocity into the hoop for the shot, may be output to the player in an auditory format using a sound projection device. The system may be operable to be set-up and to operate in a substantially autonomous manner. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20110130227 | PALM PAD DEVICE FOR BASKETBALL TRAINING AND BASKETBALL TRAINING SYSTEM - A palm pad device, for use as a training device and to be fastened to the palm of a user, includes a segregate pad having a size-adjustable elastic pad and a fastening member for fastening the segregate pad onto the palm. The palm pad device further includes a sensing recorder disposed on the fastening member for sensing and recording movement data of the palm. The elastic pad includes a thickness pad and a width pad for allowing adjustments in the thickness and width of the segregate pad. A basketball training system using the palm pad device includes a basket sensor for recording the status of successful shots, a sensing recorder disposed on the palm pad device, and a central management apparatus for receiving data transmitted from the sensing recorder and the basket sensor for conducting analysis to thereby generate a corresponding feedback event. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20090318248 | Basketball training aid - A basketball training aid designed to teach a user how to correctly grip, set up, and release a basketball. The device includes a material that wraps around the top (prone side) of the hand and bottom half of the underside (supine side) of the hand, without limiting wrist extension and flexion during a basketball shot. The glove includes a splint support material on top of the index, middle, and ring fingers, running from the middle of the digits to the bottom half of the top (prone side) of hand. The splint support material prevents premature finger flexion at the base of the fingers during the release of the shot, ensuring an open hand at follow through. Additionally, the design encourages proper finger separation and proper extension of wrist joint on set up, keeps the ball off the palm of the hand, and promotes proper position for dribbling a basketball effectively. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20110230283 | SPORTS TRAINING AID AND METHOD - A training aid and method assists players with shooting and ball control. A sleeve is positioned on the players arm and/or wrist. The sleeve includes markings for positioning the arm for shooting. The markings allow the player to see and be aware of the arm position while sighting the basket and shooting the basketball. The markings may include a line, dot or other marking useful in positioning the arm. The training aid may also include a squeaker in the palm. The squeaker will sound if the player fails to properly use the fingers for dribbling, shooting, passing and catching. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20080280705 | BASKETBALL TRAINING GLOVE - A muscle memory training glove for basketball having a palm portion for covering the palm of the wearer's hand formed with a first opening for receiving the fingers and hands. A plurality of finger coverings communicate with the palm portion at a first end of the palm portion opposite the first opening. Each finger covering has an opening at a distal end thereof allowing the fingers of a user to extend therebetween. A separating structure maintains a respective one of each finger covering a predetermined spaced distance from an adjacent finger covering. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20090298621 | Basketball shooting coach - A basketball shooting coach aid device used to help individuals learn how to keep their elbow tucked to the side of their body while keeping the forearm and elbow at a 90 degree angle while shooting a basketball. The basketball shooting coach is a self contained square in shape device that is worn or either the right or left arm depending on the individual wearing the unit. The device consists of a speaker, IC voice chip, batteries, arm straps, and an adjustable sensitivity switch all enclosed in a light weight plastic cover. The basketball shooting aid casing will have a speaker grille to help increase the volume, a sensitivity control cavity to control how sensitive the device is, a Velcro straps that allow the device to fit over an individual's forearm, and an on and off switch. If the alarm sounds when the individual uses the device then the individual is using bad form. The basketball shooting coach aid reconditions the body and mind through response conditioning which is a way to modify behavior and this will give the individual a consistent shot when shooting a basketball. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20120316011 | Computer Implemented Athletic Training Method - An athletic training method is implemented in a computer program to produce audio content which directs an athlete through a random sequence of actions for training purposes. A computer memory stores a plurality of action items representing actions to be performed, each having a respective audio cue associated therewith for instructing the user. The program creates a randomized sequence of the action items according to a user selected criteria. In one embodiment the program stores the associated audio cues as an output file for playback on any suitable audio playback device. In an alternative embodiment, a dedicated training device executes the training method of the computer program thereon to create the randomized sequence of action items and output the audio cue associated with each action item for direct playback to the user in real time instead of storing as an output file. | 12-13-2012 |
| 20120178554 | BASKETBALL SHOOTING TRAINING GLOVE - A system and training method adapted to assist an individual in improving his or her basketball shooting skills and accuracy. The system includes an apparatus and glove that can be used independently or together. The apparatus is adapted for mounting to a basketball rim and includes flexible paddles for mounting to the rim so that the paddles project upwardly from the rim. The glove is adapted to be worn on the shooting hand and includes fingers, wrist and backhand portions. The fingers portion has three separate sleeves interconnected by elastic webs therebetween. The backhand portion interconnects the fingers portion to the wrist portion. The glove is configured so that the three middle fingers of the shooting hand are individually inserted into the sleeves and elastically held together by the webs, while allowing the thumb and outer finger of the shooting hand to spread outward and support the basketball during shooting. | 07-12-2012 |
| 20100273585 | Basketball Shooting Training Aid and Method for Its Use - The present invention provides a shooting aid apparatus for basketball players including a device worn by a basketball player to aid the player's shooting forearm to be kept parallel to the vertical centerline of the body during the shooting motion without any apparatus restraints. The centerline of the body is an imaginary line dividing the player vertically down the middle of his or her body. The shooting aid comprises a sleeve adapted to fit around the forearm or wrist of the shooting arm of the basketball player. The sleeve carries a light that brightly illuminates in response to the forearm of the shooter being in a vertical position. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20120190483 | Basketball Shooting Training Article - The disclosure relates to basketball shooting training articles. The article includes a sleeve having an elongate cylindrical body with an opening at a proximal end and an opening at a distal end for passage of a player's arm therethrough. The sleeve includes release indicia located adjacent the proximal end of the article so that when the article is worn the release indicia is located between the player's elbow and shoulder, preferably at the player's bicep, and more preferably at the upper portion of the player's bicep. The sleeve may also include alignment indicia for aligning the player's arm and basketball with a target. A method for training proper basketball shooting technique and a method of constructing a basketball shooting training device are also provided. | 07-26-2012 |
| 20110045925 | Electronic basketball shooting coach - An Electronic Basketball Shooting Coach device is used to recondition the mind helping people maintain the proper elbow angle range when shooting a basketball. The invention is a self-contained device worn on either arm below the elbow. The ergonomically designed device must be contained in the specially designed pocket of the sleeve before it can be attached below the elbow. The sleeve wraps around the upper-arm below the elbow and is held in place by hook and loop materials. The device has no internal movable parts. The device will articulate a phrase when you past the programmed non-adjustable trip point range. The device has a sleep mode to save on the common single cell's power and is reactivated by movement. The non-adjustable knob must be positioned up towards the fingers and aligned with the thumb or little finger. Two single cell sources must be added to energize the invention. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20120322587 | HOOP TRACKER - The present invention is directed to a wireless shot tracking system including a programmable electronic unit that is in electrical communication with a shot detector for automatically tracking and displaying real-time shooting percentages of basketball players during basketball shooting sessions, and a telescoping pole for mounting the shot detector to a basketball rim from the ground. The programmable electronic unit provides a program mode, a play mode, a review mode and a random mode to help improve the shooting skills of a basketball player from different shooting locations on a basketball court. The shot detector includes one or more vibration sensors to detect missed shots, and an activator that extends along a horizontal axis in a central region of the basketball hoop to detect made shots. The programmable electronic unit interfaces with a computer via a USB port for uploading or downloading program updates or shooting session data. | 12-20-2012 |
| 20120283049 | Basketball Shooting Training Device And Method - The disclosure relates to a device for training proper finger spacing on a basketball ball at the time of releasing the ball. The basketball training devices provided herein maintain two adjacent fingers in comfortably spaced relation to enable the player to support and release the ball from those two fingers, thereby increasing the player's control of the ball and improving the accuracy of the basketball shot. A method for maintaining two adjacent fingers of a basketball player's hand in spaced and angled relation when shooting a basketball is provided. A method for making the training device is also provided. | 11-08-2012 |
| 20120100939 | BASKETBALL SHOOTING AID - A basketball shooting aid. The basketball shooting aid can include a forearm brace for enclosing a portion of a user's forearm, a hand brace for enclosing a portion of a user's hand; a pair of hinged connectors, each hinged connector further having a first end coupled to the forearm brace, a second end coupled to the hand brace, and a hinge disposed between the first end and the second end. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120100938 | Apparatus for training an athlete and methods of using the same - An apparatus aids an athlete, such as, for example, a basketball player, in developing skills, such as dribbling, passing and shooting. Specifically, an interconnected glove portion and sleeve portion comprise a plurality of components designed to aid a basketball player in developing muscles to enhance the player's basketball skills including, for example, dribbling, passing and/or shooting. These components include, generally, a palm interfering portion to force a basketball player to utilize the fingertips on the ball during dribbling, passing and/or shooting, tension bands to strengthen muscles associated with the fingers and wrist to enhance proper handling, passing and/or shooting techniques, and one or more weights disposed in various locations on the apparatus to provide resistance training to aid in developing muscles involved with handling, passing and/or shooting a basketball. | 04-26-2012 |
