Methods and system for improving a user's reaction time and accuracy in propelling an object

• US 8,342,968 B2
• Filed: 02/26/2008
• Issued: 01/01/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 02/01/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Andrew P. Brosky, Ralph C. Fuccillo
• Original Assignee: Andrew P. Brosky, Ralph C. Fuccillo
• Inventors: Fuccillo, Ralph C., Brosky, Andrew P.
• Primary Examiner(s): Elisca, Pierre E
• Application Number:
  US12/071,723
• Publication Number:
  US 20090197708A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,771 Days
• Field of Search: 463/49, 463/50, 463/51
• US Class Current: 463/49
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/803 Motion sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/00 Training appliances or apparatus for special sports training of parachutists B64D23/00
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/0002 for baseball
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/002 for football American-football dummies A63B69/34
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/0024 for hockey
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/0053 Apparatus generating random stimulus signals for reaction-time training involving a substantial physical effort
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/0071 for basketball

Abstract

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.

Claims

1. A method of conveying a command to a user using a practice system, said method implemented on a circuit board programmable to perform the steps comprising:

detecting movement of the user using a sensor;

randomly selecting a command from a list of pre-determined commands;

conveying the command to the user using a signaler;

instructing the user to propel a projectile towards a target corresponding to the command conveyed by the signaler;

activating a timer after said step of conveying the command to the user;

selecting a second command from the list of pre-determined commands; and

conveying the second command to the user using the signaler upon expiration of the timer.

2. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein conveying the command to the user using a signaler further comprises generating an audible signal using the signaler.

3. A practice system comprising:

a housing comprising a cavity defined therein; and

a randomly selected command generating device coupled to said housing and positioned within said cavity, said command generating device comprising;

a signaler;

a sensor;

a circuit board, said signaler and said sensor are each electrically coupled to said circuit board, said sensor facilitates detecting motion of a user and said signaler facilitates conveying a command to the user; and

wherein said signaler comprises a speaker to facilitate conveying an audible command to the user, said audible command facilitates instructing the user to propel an object towards a receiver.

4. A practice system in accordance with claim 3 further comprising a support structure coupled to said housing.

5. A practice system in accordance with claim 4, wherein said support structure further comprises at least one of an adjustable and an extendable support portion.

6. A practice system in accordance with claim 3, wherein said circuit board further comprises a plurality of pre-determined commands programmed therein.

7. A practice system in accordance with claim 3, wherein said circuit board is programmable and further comprises a plurality of custom commands programmed therein by the user.

8. A practice system in accordance with claim 3 further comprising a power source electronically coupled to said circuit board.

9. A practice system in accordance with claim 3 further comprising an on/off switch electrically coupled to said circuit board.

10. A practice system in accordance with claim 3, wherein said circuit board further comprises a timer programmed therein.