Sports target device and method

• US 8,109,845 B2
• Filed: 10/09/2009
• Issued: 02/07/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 10/09/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Christian P. Duty
• Original Assignee: Christian P. Duty
• Inventors: Duty, Christian P.
• Primary Examiner(s): GRAHAM, MARK S
• Application Number:
  US12/576,462
• Publication Number:
  US 20110086733A1
• Time in Patent Office: 851 Days
• Field of Search: 273398-402, 273/381, 473/446, 473476-478, 473/154, 473/192, 473/197, 473/455, 473/456
• US Class Current: 473/446
• 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 semi-rigid housing, said housing comprising a front and a rear target surface;

b) a means for detecting the impact of a projectile upon said housing; and

c) a means for producing sound,

said goal comprising;

a) a frame, said frame defining a vertical front opening,

b) a net, said net affixed to said frame and extending rearwardly of said front opening, and

said audible target housing directly attached to said net rearwardly of said front opening.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said target front and said rear each define offset lip edges.

3. The combination of claim 1 wherein said goal comprises a soccer goal, and said vertical front opening has an inverted U-shape.

4. The combination of claim 1 wherein said sound producing means is totally contained within said housing.

5. The combination of claim 1 wherein said sound producing means comprises electrical circuitry, an electronic sound producing means, said electronic sound producing means comprising a speaker and a peizo switch, said speaker and said peizo switch connected to said electrical circuitry.

6. The combination of claim 5 wherein said sound producing means further comprises a CPU, said peizo switch connected to said CPU.

7. The combination of claim 1 wherein said target comprises a fastener, said fastener affixed to said housing and to said net, said housing front comprising a first color, said housing rear comprising a second color, said first color different from said second color to allow said target to be reversed on said net to expose said first color or said second color when viewed from said frame front opening.

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

a) providing a reversible audible target having a different colored front and back with a programmable CPU, a peizo switch to detect the impact of projectile upon said target and an impact sensitive audible alarm totally contained within a semi-rigid housing;

b) providing a goal with a frame having an inverted U-shaped vertical 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.

9. The method of claim 8 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.

10. The method of claim 8 wherein attaching the target comprises the step of attaching a target directly to the net inside of the goal.

11. The method of claim 8 wherein providing a target comprises the step of providing a target with a CPU programmable for various modes of operation including an audible count mode, a sound effect mode, an impact limit mode and a timer mode.

12. The method of claim 8 wherein providing a target comprises the step of providing a target with a remotely programmable CPU.

13. The method of claim 8 wherein providing a target comprises the step of providing a target with RF transmission capability.