SPORTS TARGET DEVICE AND METHOD

• US 20110086733A1
• Filed: 10/09/2009
• Published: 04/14/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 10/09/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Christian P. Duty
• Original Assignee: Christian P. Duty
• Inventors: DUTY, CHRISTIAN P.
• Granted Patent: US 8,109,845 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 473/478
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/004 Multiple detectors or sensors each defining a different zone
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0046 Mechanical means for locating the point of impact or entry
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0625 Emitting sound, noise or music
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0633 without electronic means
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0021 Tracking a path or terminating locations
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 63/004 Goals of the type used for football, handball, hockey or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/002 for football American-football dummies A63B69/34

Abstract

An interactive sports target device is designed specifically to be suspended on the inside of a net attached to a goal. The target device emits an audible signal when impacted by a projectile such as a ball, puck or the like. The target device is light in weight to avoid deforming the net and can be easily attached or detached to the net in less than 30 seconds. The target device is reversible and can include both a front and rear with contrasting colors or designs. Both mechanical and electronic target devices are shown which provide a loud audible sound when struck by a projectile. Advanced electronic versions contain a programmable processor.

Claims

1. An audible target in combination with a goal, said audible target comprising:

a) a housing;

b) a means for producing sound, said sound producing means contained within said housing,

said goal comprising;

a) a frame,

b) a net, said net affixed to said frame, and said audible target attached to said goal.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said frame defines a vertical front opening of said goal.

3. The combination of claim 2 wherein said vertical front opening has an inverted U-shape.

4. The combination of claim 1 wherein said sound producing means comprises a mechanical clapper.

5. The combination of claim 1 wherein said sound producing means comprises an electronic sound producing means.

6. The combination of claim 1 wherein said sound producing means comprises a CPU.

7. The combination of claim 1 wherein said target comprises a fastener, said fastener affixed to said housing.

8. An audible target for emitting a sound when struck by a sports projectile, the target comprising:

a housing, a means for producing sound, said sound producing means contained within said housing, said sound producing means comprising a programmable CPU, electrical circuitry, said CPU connected to said electrical circuitry.

9. A method of signaling an impact on a target within a goal for a sport comprising the steps:

a) providing a target having an impact sensitive audible alarm;

b) providing a goal with a frame having an inverted U-shaped front opening and a net;

c) attaching the target to the net in spatial relation to the front opening; and

d) impacting the target with a projectile to generate the impact sensitive audible alarm.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein providing a goal comprises the step of providing a goal with a frame with a net affixed to a rear of the frame behind the U-shaped front opening.

11. The method of claim 9 wherein attaching the target comprises the step of attaching the target directly to the net on an inside of the goal.