SPORTS TRAINING SYSTEM

• US 20120295740A1
• Filed: 05/18/2011
• Published: 11/22/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 05/18/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Thomas Creguer
• Original Assignee: Thomas Creguer
• Inventors: Creguer, Thomas
• Granted Patent: US 8,758,172 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 473/422
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0625 Emitting sound, noise or music
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0627 when used improperly, e.g. by giving a warning
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/063 Spoken or verbal instructions
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0658 Position or arrangement of display
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/51 Force
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/56 Pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/20 with means for remote communication, e.g. internet or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2243/0025 Football
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2243/0037 Basketball
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2243/0066 Rugby; American football
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2243/007 American football
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2243/0095 Volleyball
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 41/00 Hollow inflatable balls
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 43/00 Balls with special arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 43/002 with special configuration, e.g. non-spherical discs for throwing A63B65/10
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 43/004 electrically conductive, e.g. for automatic arbitration
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 45/00 Apparatus or methods for manufacturing balls working of plastics or substances in a plastic state B29
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/00 Training appliances or apparatus for special sports training of parachutists B64D23/00
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/002 for football American-football dummies A63B69/34
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0622 Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user

Abstract

A training device includes a controller, and a sensor in communication with the controller. The sensor is configured for measuring a force. At least one indicator is in communication with the controller for indicating when a force falls below a predetermined threshold.

Claims

1. A training device comprising:

a controller;

a sensor in communication with the controller, wherein the sensor is configured for measuring a force; and

at least one indicator in communication with the controller for indicating when a force falls below a predetermined threshold.

2. The training device of claim 1, wherein the at least one indicator is a speaker.

3. The training device of claim 1, further including a ball having an outer skin surrounding an inner bladder.

4. The training device of claim 3, wherein the sensor is located between the outer skin and the inner bladder.

5. The training device of claim 1, wherein the sensor is a pressure sensor.

6. The training device of claim 1, wherein the sensor is a restrictive flex sensor.

7. The training device of claim 1, wherein the controller is located within a control module, the control module is integrally attached with the ball.

8. The training device of claim 7, wherein the control module further includes memory and a data connector in communication with the controller.

9. The training device of claim 7, wherein the control module further includes a display.

10. The training device of claim 3, wherein the ball is a football.

11. A training device comprising:

a body portion;

an attachment member extending from the body portion;

a sensor for sensing a force;

a controller for determining a change in force; and

at least one indicator in communication with the controller for indicating a change in force.

12. The training device of claim 11, wherein the body portion is contoured for mating with an exterior of a ball.

13. The training device of claim 11, wherein the attachment member includes at least one strap attached to the body portion for attaching the body portion to a ball.

14. The training device of claim 11, wherein the sensor includes a restrictive flex sensor located on the attachment member.

15. The training device of claim 11, wherein the sensor includes a pressure sensor.

16. A method of operating a training device comprising:

applying a force to a training device;

measuring a force applied to the training device;

determining if the force applied to the training device falls below a predetermined threshold; and

indicating when the force applied to the training device falls below the predetermined threshold.

17. The method as recited in claim 16, wherein the training device is integral with a ball.

18. The method as recited in claim 16, further including activating the training device by applying a compressive force to the training device.

19. The method as recited in claim 16, wherein the force is measured by a pressure sensor.

20. The method as recited in claim 16, wherein the force is measured by a restrictive flex sensor.