Field of invention

The present invention relates to sports, and in particular sports training aids.

Background of the invention In goal sports such as football or hockey, attacking players find it difficult during a game to shoot at an area between a post and as far away from a goal keeper as possible. This can be made even more difficult when they are at an angle to a goal. This is because when shooting at an angle to the goal the target area is effectively narrowed.

To stand a chance of scoring, good accuracy and shooting skill is required. To increase accuracy and shooting skill, practise shooting at small target areas is required. To do this, a training aid is required. It is the object of the present invention to provide a training apparatus that develops a goal sports player's ability to shoot at the area between the goalkeeper and the post.

Summary of Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a sports training aid comprising:

a T-shaped target member comprising an upright portion and a transverse portion; and

a net suspended from opposite ends of the transverse portion.

The upright portion and transverse portion may be separate elements and the transverse portion is rotatable relative to the upright portion. The transverse portion and the upright portion may have a splined connection that allows the transverse portion to be placed in a number of rotational positions relative to the upright portion. The target member may further comprise at least one support member for supporting the upright portion.

The at least one support member may move between a stowed position in which the support member is substantially parallel with the upright portion and a deployed position in which the support member is substantially perpendicular to the upright portion.

The at least one support member may be hinged to the upright portion. The at least one support member may include at least one anchor point for the net.

The anchor point may be slidably attached to the support member for axial movement relative thereto. The support member may comprise a sleeve in which a lower end of the upright portion is located.

The support member may further comprise a base portion, the sleeve extending upwards from the base portion.

The base portion may further comprise first and second portions, the first and second portions being foldably connected by at least one hinge.

The sports training aid may further comprise a bearing located in the sleeve for rotatably supporting then upright portion such that the upright portion can rotate relative to the sleeve.

The sports training aid may further comprise a locking mechanism for locking the rotation of the upright portion comprising a key, and at least one aperture in the sleeve. The sports training aid may further comprise a camera, the camera being located in a housing located within the upright portion. The housing may further comprise a camera guide track, and the camera is slidably attached to the camera guide track for axial movement thereto.

The sports training aid may further comprise at least one detachable cord, at least one net connection point on the net and at least one target connection point on the upright portion, the detachable cord extending from the target connection point to the net connection point, thus defining a plurality of target areas.

The sports training aid may further comprise a support frame being connected to at least one point on the sports training aid.

The net may be anchored to the upright portion.

The sports training aid may further comprise at least one net support arm projecting from the rear of the target member wherein the net is suspended from the opposite ends of the transverse portion and the support arm.

Brief Description of the Drawings Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a sports training aid according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a sports training aid according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a partial perspective view of a sports training aid according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figures 4A is a plan view of a sports training aid according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4B is a front view of the embodiment of the invention depicted in Figure 4A;

Figure 5 is a detail view of a sports training aid according to an embodiment of the present invention between a stowed position and a deployed position; Figure 6 is a vertical section view of a sports training aid according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a sports training aid according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 8 is a detail view of a sports training aid according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 9 is a detail view of a sports training aid according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 10 is a front view of a sports training aid according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 is a front view of a sports training aid according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 12 is a rear perspective view of a sports training aid according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 13 shows a first modification to the sports training aid;

Figure 14A shows a side view of an upright portion and key member according to a second modification to the sports training aid; and Figure 14B shows a plan view of the second modification to the sports training aid.

Detailed Description of the Drawings With reference to Figure 1 , there is shown a sports training aid 10 according to the present invention. The sports training aid 10 comprises a T-shaped member 12 that itself further comprises an upright portion 14 and a transverse portion 16. The upright 14 and transverse 16 portions may be formed integrally as one single member, or may be separate members connected in some way, for example, by a weld. The upright portion 14 extends upwards from a ground surface to the transverse portion 16. The transverse portion 16 has two opposite free ends 18. From the opposite ends 18 of the transverse portion 16 a net 20 is suspended. The net 20 extends downwards towards the ground surface. Preferably, the sports training aid 10 includes a support arm 21 from which the net 20 is suspended in addition to the two opposite ends of the transverse portion 16. The support arm 21 is connected to the transverse portion 16 and extends away from the transverse portion. If the support arm 21 is employed the net 20 has an interior volume to receive sports training articles. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, only one support arm 21 is employed, and the support arm is located an equal distance away from the opposite ends 18 of the transverse portion. This gives the net 20 a triangular shaped profile when viewed from above. However, more than one support arm 21 may be employed to give the net 20 a different shaped profile.

With reference to Figure 2, there is shown a sports training aid 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the upright portion 114 further comprises a female portion 115 and a male portion 117. The female portion 1 15 extends vertically downwards from the transverse portion 1 16, and includes a plurality of outwardly extending teeth 121 that extend downwards from a lower surface of the female portion 115. The male portion 1 17 further comprises an internal volume 120. The internal volume 120 corresponds to the size and shape of the female portion 1 15 and has a plurality of inwardly extending teeth 123 that extend into the internal volume 120. The inwardly extending teeth 123 correspond to the size and position of the outwardly extending teeth 121. The outwardly extending teeth 121 are positioned circumferentially spaced apart around the lower surface of the internal portion 115, and the inwardly extending teeth 123 correspond to the circumferential position of the outwardly extending teeth 121 so as to form a splined arrangement.

The splined arrangement allows the transverse portion 1 16 to rotate relative to the upright portion 1 14. A user of the sports training apparatus 100 can rotate the transverse portion 116 relative to the upright portion 1 14 by raising the male portion 1 15 out of the female portion 1 17 such that the outwardly extending teeth 121 are no longer held in the gaps between the inwardly extending teeth 123. The user can then rotate the transverse portion 1 16, and move the outwardly extending teeth 121 into a different rotational position relative to the inwardly extending teeth 123.

In the embodiment of the invention depicted in Figure 2, the splined arrangement is located at the upper end of the upright portion 14. However, the splined arrangement may alternatively be located at the lower end of the upright portion 14.

With reference now to Figure 3, there is shown a sports training aid 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the sports training aid 10 further comprises a support member 22 for supporting the upright portion 14. The support member 22 depicted comprises a centrally located support base 24 for receiving the upright portion 14 which further comprises a plurality of spaced apart side wall members 26. The side wall members 26 extend upwards from a base plate member (not shown). The support member 22 further includes support member arms 28 that extend away from the support base 24.

Anchor points 30 for the net 20 are located on the upper surface of the support member arms 28. The anchor points depicted are solid hoops suitable for receiving hooks attached to corners of the net 20. Alternatively, the net 20 may be connected at anchor points 30 with a lock and switch arrangement or a retractable connector arrangement.

In an embodiment of the invention, the support member arm 28 further comprises a guide track 32 extending axially away from the side wall members 24. In this embodiment, the anchor point 30 is located within the guide track 32 such that the anchor point can move axially along the support member arm 28. Alternatively, the anchor points 30 may be fixed in position along the upper surface of the support member arms 28. Figures 4A and 4B depict an embodiment of the invention where the sports training aid 10 includes a rotatable transverse portion 16 and a support member 22. In Figures 4A and 4B, the transverse portion 16 is depicted in a rotatable position in which the transverse portion is rotated relative to the support member 22. For a player standing directly in front of the sports training aid, this has the effect of simulating shooting at a different angle of a goal.

With reference to Figure 5, there is shown a sports training aid 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the support member 22 includes support member arms 28 and anchor points 30 as previously described. In this embodiment, the sports training aid 10 further includes hinges 34 connected to the upright portion 14 and recesses 36 corresponding to the size and shape of the support member arms 28. The hinges 34 allow the support member 22 to move between a stowed position and a deployed position. In Figure 5, the support member 22 is depicted substantially half way between the stowed and deployed position. In the stowed position, support member arms 28 are held within the recesses 36 located in the upright portion 14, and in the deployed position the support arm members 28 are substantially perpendicular to the upright portion.

With reference to Figure 6, there is shown a sports training aid 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the sports training aid 10 further comprises a sleeve 38 buried under a ground surface 52. The sleeve 38 is adapted to receive the lower free end of the upright portion 14, and extends upwardly from a base plate 51. The sleeve 38 is itself located inside a weighted portion 47, preferably formed of concrete. Preferably, the sleeve 38 is located on top of a layer of aggregate 50.

With reference to Figure 7, there is shown a sports training aid 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the support member 22 comprises a sleeve 38 and a base portion 39. The sleeve 38 extends upwardly from the base portion 39, and is adapted to receive the lower free end of the upright portion 14. The base portion 39 depicted is circular in plan but may be any suitable symmetrical shape such as a square when viewed in plan. In the embodiment depicted, the base portion 39 further comprises first 41 and second 43 portions divided along the centre line of the base portion. The first 41 and second 43 portions may be connected by at least one hinge 45. The at least one hinge 45 allows the first 41 and second 43 portions to be folded upwards, or into a position where the first portion 41 is on top of the second portion 43 or the second portion 43 is on top of the first portion 41. Alternatively, the base portion 39 may have an asymmetrical shape when viewed in plan. Also, the dividing line between the first 41 and second 43 portions may not be along the centre line of the base portion 39 when the base portion is viewed in plan.

With reference to Figure 8, there is shown a detail view of a sports training aid 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the sleeve 38 further comprises internal 48 and external 49 sleeves extending upwards from a base plate (not shown) of the support member 22. The internal sleeve 48 is adapted to receive the lower free end of the upright portion 14. Between the internal 48 and external 49 sleeves there is a bearing 42 located which allows the internal sleeve 48 to rotate relative to the external sleeve 41. This allows the upright portion 14 and thus the transverse portion 16 to be rotated relative to the external sleeve 41.

In this embodiment, the internal sleeve 48 may be locked in different rotatable positions using a locking mechanism that includes at least one key (not shown) and at least one aperture (not shown). In this embodiment, a plurality of spaced apart apertures (not shown) are located around the outer cylindrical surface of the sleeve 49. Each aperture extends through the external sleeve 49 to the internal sleeve 48. To lock the sports training aid 10 in a series of rotatable positions keys may be inserted into at least one of these apertures. The key when inside the aperture (not shown) prevents the internal sleeve 48 rotating. To support the key, a key guide 44 may be provided. As depicted, the key guide 44 protrudes out of the external surface of the sleeve 38, and comprises a hollow member.

In an embodiment of the invention, the external sleeve 49 only comprises a single aperture, and a plurality of corresponding apertures are provided in the internal sleeve 48. The key can lock the sports training aid 10 in a rotatable position by being inserted into the single aperture in the external sleeve 49 and one of the apertures in the internal sleeve 48 when the apertures are aligned. In the embodiment depicted, the bearing 42 comprises a plurality of ball bearings and a race 46 (shown schematically). However, the bearing 42 may alternatively be a roller bearing or a bush bearing.

With reference to Figure 9, there is shown a sports training aid 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the sports training aid 10 further comprises a camera 54. The camera 54 is positioned such that its field of view projects from the front of the training aid 10 such that the camera 54 can monitor the performance of a sports player. The camera 54 is located inside a housing 56 that is slidably attached to a camera guide track 58, located inside the upright portion 14. The camera guide track 58 allows the vertical position of the camera 54 to be varied.

Alternatively, the camera 54 may be located inside the housing 56 and fixed in position at a point on the sports training aid 10.

With reference to Figure 10, there is shown a sports training aid 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the sports training aid 10 includes a detachable cord 60 that extends from a target connection point 62 located on the upright portion 14 to a net connection point 64 located on the net 20. The detachable cord 60 divides the net 20 up into a plurality of target areas 66. Each target area 66 gives a different target for the sports player to aim at.

The detachable cord 60 may comprise an elastic cord with male threaded portions located at its ends. In this embodiment, the male threaded portions are threadable in female threaded portions located in the target and net connection points 62, 64.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the sports training aid 10 may include a plurality of detachable cords 60, target connection points 62 and net connection points show 64 so that a greater number of target areas can be defined. Alternatively, the detachable elastic cord 60 may comprise a loop at the end that connects to the target connection point 64. At the connection point there may be a key portion for the attachment for the loop held within a recess of the upright portion 14. The key portion may be activated or deactivated by a switch.

With reference to Figure 1 1 , there is shown a sports training aid 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the net 20 is anchored to the upright portion 14 at upright portion anchor points 68. This gives the net 20 a generally triangular profile when viewed by a player directly in front of the sports training aid 10.

In this embodiment, the sports training aid 10 may further comprise a plurality of spaced apart upright portion anchor points 68, a plurality of spaced apart support anchor points 70 that extend along the upper surface of the support member 22 and a plurality of spaced apart transverse portion anchor points 72 that extend along the lower surface of the transverse portion 16. The location of the support anchor points 70 correspond to the location of the transverse anchor points 72. The front profile of the net can be altered by anchoring the net 20 to different anchor points. With reference to Figure 12, there is shown a sports training aid 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the sports training aid 10 further comprises an external frame 74 that supports the rear of the T-shaped member 12. The external frame 74 includes a plurality of frame arms 76 that extend backwards from the rear of the transverse portion 16 towards a horizontal support portion 78. In the embodiment of the invention depicted, the frame arms 76 also descend vertically to the horizontal support portion 78. The horizontal support portion 78 has legs 80 that extend downwards from the horizontal support portion 78 to a rear wall 84 of a solid member 82. Each leg 80 includes a handle 81. The solid member 82 includes a rear upstand wall 84 located between two side walls 86. The rear upstand wall 84 and side walls 86 extend upwards from a solid member base 88. The solid member base 88 is attached to the support member 22. The side walls 86 extend from the support member 22 towards the rear upstand wall 84. In the embodiment of the invention depicted, each side wall 86 gains height as it extends towards the rear upstand wall 84. Also in the embodiment of the invention depicted, the solid member base 88 tapers inwardly from the support member 22 towards the rear upstand wall 84. The solid member 82 also includes a plurality of wheels 90. The wheels 90 are located at the free ends of an axle held inside a hollow tube 92. The hollow tube 92 is attached to the rear upstand wall 84. The axle can rotate such that the wheels 90 can rotate. The axis of the rotation of the axle is co-axial with the hollow tube 90. The handles 81 and wheels 90 allow the sports training aid 10 to be easily moved from one location to another by the user. In an embodiment of the present invention, a side net may be provided at the side of the net. The side net may be supported by a guy rope extending from the side of the net to the ground. The side net provides an additional target area for the player using the sports training aid. In an embodiment of the present invention, the transverse portion may be provided with a detachable target sleeve that can be placed over one of the free ends of the transverse portion. The target sleeve may extend from the free end of the transverse portion towards the upright portion. In an embodiment of the present invention, the upright portion may be provided with a plurality of spaced about handles on the rear of the upright portion to assist with the rotation of the upright portion.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the sports training aid may include both a bearing and spline arrangement at opposite ends of the upright portion.

Because the sports training aid includes a T-shaped member it simulates a target area between a goal keeper and a goal post. This provides effective practise for attacking players who shoot at this area and develops their shooting skill.

The present invention helps players change their visual and mental focus to specific areas of a goal in a manner which others do not.

Modifications and improvements may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims. Figure 13 shows a first modification which may be made to a lower portion of the training aid 200. The upright portion 214 has a lower end which includes a ring 215 which extends around its outer circumference. The ring 215 includes a pair of pins 217 and a projecting portion 221 which projects radially from the ring 215. The support member 222 of the training aid 200 includes a base sleeve 223 which is adapted to receive the lower end of the upright portion 214. The base sleeve 223 may be inserted into a ground surface such as a playing field or it may be located on a support member. The base sleeve 223 is sized so as to be slightly larger in diameter than the lower end of the upright portion 214.

The base sleeve 223 includes an annular flange 225 located at its upper end. The flange 225 includes a plurality of flange apertures 227 which are spaced around a circumference of the flange. The flange apertures 227 are formed to receive the ring pins 217 located on the ring 215 of the upright portion 214.

In use, the lower end of the upright portion 214 is inserted into the base sleeve 223. The lower end of the upright portion 214 may then be rotated about a longitudinal axis of the base sleeve 223. This has the effect of altering the rotational position of the transverse portion (not shown) with respect to the longitudinal axis of the base sleeve 223. A user may use the projecting portion 221 to lift and rotate the upright portion 214 relative to the base sleeve 223.

The transverse and upright portions may be locked in a particular rotational position by locating the ring pins 217 in particular flange apertures 227 so that the upright portion 214 is prevented from rotating relative to the base sleeve 223.

Figure 14A shows a side view of an upper portion of the upright portion 314 and a threaded key member 329 of a second modification which may be made to the training aid, and Figure 14B shows a plan view of an assembled training aid 300 according to the second modification.

With reference to Figures 14A and 14B, the upright portion 314 includes upwardly projecting pins 331 which extend from an upper end of the upright portion 314, and a threaded bore 333 for receiving the threaded key member 329. The transverse portion 316 includes holes 335 for receiving the pins 331 located on the upright portion 314. The support arm 321 has a cover plate 337 which is used to secure the support arm to the transverse portion. The cover plate 337 includes cover plate holes 339 and a key hole (not shown) for receiving the pins 331 and key member 329, respectively.

In use, the user aligns the cover plate holes 339 with the holes 335 in the transverse portion 316 and inserts the pins 331 into the holes 335, 339. When the pins 331 are inserted into the holes 335, 339, the bore 333 is aligned with the pin hole. The user then fixes the support arm 321 to the transverse portion 316 by screwing the key member 329 into the bore 333 through the cover plate 337.

The training aid may be modified such that the rotation of the upright portion relative to the base sleeve may be motor-driven, and/or the rotation of the transverse portion relative to the upright portion may be motor-driven. The rotation in these modifications may be remotely controlled.

These modifications could be made to any of the embodiments of the invention described herein.