CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a U.S. Non-Pro visional Application claiming priority to the earlier-filed U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63/287,480, filed December 8, 2021.

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

[0001] The disclosure relates generally to training devices for tennis and more particularly to a tennis training device having multiple stations for training in various tennis strokes.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Tennis continues to be a popular sport in the United States and worldwide. Training to learn and improve in tennis is often done with a full court and an in-person trainer or coach. However, many of those wising to learn to play tennis do not have access to full-size court or have the resources to afford a coach at each practice session. Consequently, tennis training devices have become common. Most tennis training devices are for use by a single player and are designed to teach one or maybe two different skills. What is needed is a tennis training device allowing for an individual or small group to learn and practice various tennis strokes and skills. Further, a tennis training device is needed that is easy to use, can be readily set-up, taken down and stored, and that does not require a large amount of space to use. Further, a training device is needed that allows for remote coaching of a player using web communications technology.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Drawings of the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are attached hereto so that the embodiments of the present disclosure may be better and more fully understood, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an elevational front view of an exemplary tennis training device according to aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an orthogonal view of an exemplary frame for the tennis training device according to aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an exemplary service station of the tennis training device according to aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a side view of an exemplary bouncer station of the tennis training device according to aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the tennis training device according to aspects of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosed apparatus is a tennis training device. It is designed primarily for solo use but can also be used by more than one person at a time. The device comprises a frame and a plurality of training stations. The tennis training device is designed to allow a user to practice the various strokes used in the game, including ground strokes, volleys, and serves. Additionally, the training device is designed to teach the user to put appropriate spin on the tennis ball when making such strokes. The user can break down the various strokes a player needs to know in order to play the game of tennis. The various stations allow a player to create muscle memory for the various tennis strokes, reproducing the same stroke repeatedly. The training device can be used alone, with a virtual, remote or in-person trainer.

FIG. 1 is an elevational front view of an exemplary tennis training device 10 according to aspects of the disclosure. FIG. 2 is an orthogonal view of an exemplary frame for the tennis training device according to aspects of the disclosure. FIG. 3 is a side view of an exemplary service station of the tennis training device according to aspects of the disclosure. FIG. 4 is a side view of an exemplary bouncer station of the tennis training device according to aspects of the disclosure. FIG. 5 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the tennis training device according to aspects of the disclosure.

Figures are discussed together. Images of an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed devices are seen in this application. The embodiments shown are nonlimiting.

Frame Generally, a frame is provided to support the various training stations in a stable manner, such that a user can hit the training balls at each station without knocking over the training device or causing undue movement of the device.

An exemplary frame 100 is best seen in FIGS. 1-2 and is shown and discussed without limitation. A central pole assembly 102 is connected to a base assembly 104. The base assembly supports the central pole assembly such that it maintains a generally vertical orientation.

The base assembly is for maintaining the pole assembly upright during use. The base assembly 104 can, as shown, comprise multiple support members which can extend from the central pole generally horizontally or at an angle with respect to the ground. The base assembly 104 can include multiple support members, such as support members 106 and 108 which extend from the central pole assembly to the ground or to the multiple horizontal support members 110, as shown. In some embodiments, each of the support members 106 and 108 corresponds to a support member 110. One end of each support member 106 is attached to a central ring 112 which is disposed around the central pole assembly 102. The opposing end of the support member 106 is attached to a connector 114. Similarly, each of the support members 108 has one end connected to a central ring 116 disposed about the pole assembly 102 and an opposing end attached to a connector 114. The support members may include an end cap 120 for attachment to other support members or ring elements. The connectors 114, in some embodiments, comprise multiple attachment points, shown as tubular slots, for attaching a support member 104, a support member 106 and a support member 108 together. A central ring element 118 is provided at the bottom end of the pole assembly 102 and connects the pole assembly to the support members 104.

Each of the frame joints or connections, such as between support members, ring elements, arms, and/or legs, for example, provides a secure attachment and can take various forms as are known in the art. For example, a rod member can slide into a cooperating socket defined on a ring element (or vice versa), such as seen at support member 104 and base ring 116. Alternately, attaching frame elements may employ cooperating fork and tongue members, attached by fasteners such as bolt and nut assemblies. For example, the support member 106 has an end cap 118 defining a tongue with a hole therethrough, which slide between a cooperating fork (two prongs) defined on the central ring element 112, each prong having a hole therethrough, with bolt and nut assembly holding them together.

The central ring elements can vary in detail of design. A ring element can be a unitary ring for sliding over the end of the pole assembly. Alternately, a ring element can comprise two (or more) generally C-shaped pieces which, when attached together around the pole form a ring. As with the exemplary ring element

116, the bottom ring element can have a flat bottom surface for contacting the ground. Further, the ring elements attach to support members. The attachments can take any form known in the art. The ring elements may also employ a set screw or the like to allow loosening and tightening of the ring about the pole assembly. For example, ring elements may be loosened to allow the ring element (and attached frame member, arm, or other member) to be lowered to a selected height.

The central pole assembly 102, in some embodiments, is adjustable in height to allow the service station arm 132 to be adjusted in height for the user. The pole assembly can comprise multiple pole members 102a-c. The pole assembly 102 can be vertically adjustable using one or more telescoping assemblies. For example, the pole assembly shown has two telescoping assemblies 122 and 124 wherein a pole member 102a, having a smaller diameter slidably moves within another pole member 102b having a larger diameter, for example. The telescoping members can be selectively locked in place relative to one another for a training session. Mechanisms for securing and adjusting telescoping members are known in the art. For example, twisting of the telescoping member can operate to cam or wedge the telescoping members together. Alternately, set screws or the like can be used to position the telescoping members with respect to one another. The set screws can impinge on the inner telescoping member or can extend through one of a plurality of provided positioning holes in the inner member. Alternately, a locking ring or clamp can be provided on one or more telescoping members which can be tightened to lock the members into place. Alternately, the pole members can be locked at selected height by cooperation of spring-loaded button and cooperating holes, as is known in the art. Alternately or additionally, the service arm 132 can be adjustable in height along the upper pole assembly member.

The volley, ground stroke and bounder stations are adjustable in height in some embodiments. For example, the arms of these stations can be slid along the pole assembly to selected heights. The station arms can be secured or locked in place by tightening of a set screw extending through a central ring element, tightening of the ring element itself around the pole assembly, cooperation of a button and hole assembly, or the like as in known in the art.

Service Station

A service station 126 is provided to allow a player to practice their service stroke. FIG. 3 is a side view of an exemplary service station of the tennis training device, providing a detailed view. Generally, the service station 126 provides a service ball 128 connected to an end 130 of a service arm 132. The service ball 128 is maintained on the service arm 132 by a flange 134, by friction fit, or the like. Where the ball is supported such that it can freely rotate, discussed elsewhere, a washer or the like can be placed between the ball and flange to assist in allowing rotation. The service arm 132 is supported by the central pole assembly 102, to which it is attached by a connector 136. The service arm 132 preferably supports the service ball 128 from above. That is, the service ball 128 is not obstructed from being hit from below or on the sides (about a horizontal circumference). In the embodiment shown, the service ball 128 is connected to the service arm 132 at a generally vertical portion of the service arm onto which the service ball is attached. A screw or fastener can extend through the ball and into the service arm 132. The service arm 132, in the embodiment shown, extends generally horizontally from the pole assembly 102 at or near its connection 136 to the pole assembly. A generally U-shaped bend is provided in the service arm 132 to allow for a generally vertical portion of the arm to connect to and support the service ball 128.

The service stroke is an overhead stroke, so the service ball 128 is suspended off the ground at a height above the head of the user. The service arm 132 supports a service ball 128 at service height for the player, which is adjustable as discussed elsewhere herein. The height of the service arm (and therefore service ball) is adjustable.

The tennis balls are rotatable in some embodiments at the service, ground stroke, bouncer and volley stations, so that a player can learn to appropriately strike the ball to impart spin on the ball. Allowing the ball to rotate allows the player to see the imparted spin, gain a feel for the appropriate hit to create the spin, etc. In some embodiments, the service ball 128 is connected to the service arm

132 such that the service ball 128 can freely rotate about an axis. In an embodiment, the service ball 128 is rotatable about a generally vertical axis, allowing a user to strike the ball to impart spin to the ball, and to be able to see the result in viewing the rotation of the ball after being struck. Allowing the ball to rotate allows the player to see the imparted spin, gain a feel for the appropriate hit to create the spin, etc.

At FIG. 4, an exemplary ball to arm connection can be seen, in this case the tennis ball 140 at the end of the bouncer station arm 138. At the end of the arm 138, a ball connection 146 is formed, in this case by a relatively slender, cylindrical rod 148 inserted through a center axis of the ball 140. The ball rod 148 allows the ball 140 to spin about the ball rod 148 which runs along the axis of spin. Alternately, the ball can be mounted on a sleeve (not shown), the sleeve positioned over the ball rod, wherein the sleeve and ball both rotate about the ball rod. The ball to arm connection can include an end cap, washer, flange 150, retainer or the like, having a diameter larger than the hole in the ball to be attached to the rod 148.

Bouncer Station

An exemplary bouncer station 138 is seen in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 4 is a side view of an exemplary bouncer station of the tennis training device according to aspects of the disclosure. The bouncer station 138 provides a bouncer tennis ball 140 connected to a bouncer arm 142 which is connected to the central pole assembly 102 at a ring connector 144. The bouncer ball 140 provides a tennis ball for the player to hit that simply rebounds to its initial position upon being hit. For example, the bouncer arm 142 has a flexible portion 146, such as a coil spring or other spring, or made of a flexible and elastic plastic or rubber. Upon being hit, the bouncer tennis ball 140 moves in the direction of the hitting force, causing the flexible portion 146 to bend. The flexible portion 146 then returns the ball to its initial position. The bouncer station 138 allows a player to repeatedly and in rapid succession, hit the ball from the same location. The bouncer tennis ball 140 can be rotatably mounted on the bouncer arm 142 as described elsewhere herein. The bouncer ball 140 seen in FIG. 4 is mounted for rotation about a generally horizontal axis, although other axes can be selected. A flange 150, or cap, retainer or the like, at the end of the arm 142 to assist in keeping the ball mounted on the arm. The bouncer arm 142 height is, in some embodiments, adjustable on the pole assembly 102. For example, the bouncer arm 142 can be movably attached to the pole assembly 102 by a ring connector 144. As discussed elsewhere herein, the ring connector can be slid along the pole assembly to a selected height and maintained in position by a set screw or the like.

Volley and Slice Station

An exemplary volley and slice station 150 is seen at FIGS. 1 and 2 with a volley tennis ball 152 attached to a volley arm 154. Exemplary connections between the ball and arm are described elsewhere herein. The volley arm 154 is attached to the pole assembly 102 at connection 156. In some embodiments, the volley and slice arm is height adjustable. For example, the connection 156 can be a ring connection, as described elsewhere herein, which can be slid up or down on the pole assembly 102 to a desired height for a user. The volley tennis ball 150 is rotatably attached to the volley arm 154, in some embodiments. Further, the volley tennis ball 152 is attached to the volley arm 154 in such a way as to maintain the ball 152 in an appropriate position so that a user, when executing a proper volley or slice stroke, does not strike the end of the arm 154 and can impart a spin to the ball by contact with the racket. The volley and slice arm 154 is seen having a number of straight and curved portions, which can be for positioning the ball 152 appropriately for a user away from the pole assembly and other stations, and in a proper orientation for hitting.

It is possible to have more than one station arm be connected to one another, and then collectively attached to and supported by the pole assembly 102. Such an arrangement can be used with the various arms and supports throughout the disclosure. The volley arm can have arced portions and linear portions, such as seen in the figures.

Ground Stroke Station

An exemplary ground stroke station 156, having a ground stroke arm 158 connected to the pole assembly 102 at one end and to the ground stroke tennis ball 160 at the other. The ground stroke arm is, in some embodiments, height adjustable on the pole assembly 102. As described elsewhere, the connection can be a ring connection 162 which can be slid on the pole assembly. The ground stroke arm can have curved portions and straight portions, as seen. The ground stroke arm 158 is designed to maintain the ball 160 in an appropriate position for a proper ground stroke. The ground stroke station can be used for both forehand and backhand ground strokes. (While the images show the net in a playing position, it is understood that the ground stroke station is better used with the net removed or retracted.) The ground stroke ball 160 is positioned at the appropriate angle to allow a player to strike the ball with the racket to impart spin on the ball, and to avoid hitting the end of the arm 158. The ground stroke ball 160 is rotatably mounted to the ground stroke arm 158 so the user can impart spin on the ball. An exemplary ball bracket 162 can be seen best in FIG. 5. The ball bracket holds the ball at a selected angle, here at about a 45-degree angle to the ground, to allow the ball to be struck properly with a ground stroke. Similar ball brackets can be used to hold the other tennis balls associated with the other stations.

While the various stations are seen in a particular configuration about the central pole, it is understood that the stations can be in various positions relative to one another and the pole. Net Station

An exemplary net station 164 is seen in FIG. 1 at the right if the central pole assembly 102. The net station 164 is designed to allow a player to play tennis, with a partner for example. The net 166 is regulation height. The height of a regulation net, at the poles, is 3’6” and, at the center of the net is three feet. The exemplary net shown is approximately 8 feet wide and 2’8” tall but is mounted to the central pole 102 and an end pole 168 such as to result in the top of the net being regulation height. The end pole 168 is attached or removably attachable to a base 170 or foot such that the end pole 168 can stand upright on a flat surface such as a driveway or street. The base 170 can be weighted by placing sand or water, for example, in an interior space in the base. Alternately, a separate weighting device, such as a water-filled bladder or a metal weight, can be employed to help secure the base 170 and end pole 168 securely to limit motion and falling of the end pole 168.

The net 166 is movable between a playing position, as seen in FIG. 1, and a stowed position. In the stowed position, the net can be detached from the central pole assembly 102 and/or the end pole 168. In some embodiments, the net can be wrapped around the end pole 168 for storage. Alternately, the net can be moved to a stowed position still attached to the training device. For example, the net can be wrapped around the central pole and maintained out of the way by straps, ties, or other mechanisms known in the art. Alternately, the net can be retractably mounted to the central pole, like a typical window shade. In some embodiments, the net 166 can be mounted to the end pole 168 or pole assembly 102 such that the net 166 automatically retracts, similar to a window shade, into a compartment designed for stowing of the net.

The net 166 can have a sleeve 172 formed on one end for fitting around the end pole. Straps or the like, such as the Velcro straps, can be used to securely and tightly fasten the net to the end pole. A similar arrangement can be used at the pole assembly 102. In some embodiments, the end pole can also be tied down via a string extending between the upper end of the end pole and a stake or the like for driving into the ground or attachment to a heavy or immobile item.

Alternately, a net station 164 can be provided which does not attached to the central pole assembly 102 but rather stands on its own. Such a net is also regulation height, can be regulation width, has two end pole assemblies for holding the net in place. The end pole assemblies can include bases or the like, which can be designed to provide weight for maintaining the poles in place. Weight can be provided by placing water or sand in the interiors of the bases, or a separate device, such as a water bladder or metal weights can be used.

Reciprocating Ball Station

A reciprocating ball station 174 can be provided to allow a player to hit a ball, solo, and have it return to them for subsequent strokes. An exemplary reciprocating ball station 174 has a reciprocating ball 176 attached to the end of a cord 178, such as an elastic cord. The other end of the cord is attached to the training device. In the example shown, the reciprocating ball cord is attached to the end pole 168. Alternate locations can be used, such as the central pole assembly. The cord can be attached at or near ground level or at a higher position. In an embodiment, a storage location 180 is provided for the reciprocating ball 176 when not in use. For example, the storage location 180 can be a hollow defined in the base 170 of the end pole 168.

Additional Features

In some embodiments, the training device provides a mount for holding a video device, such as a phone, computer pad or the like, in a position such that the user can see the video while using the training device. Phone and pad mounts are known in the art.

The training device can include one or more sets of rollers or wheels for ease of movement of the training device to and from storage. Preferably the wheels are mounted such that they do not touch the ground when the training device is in use. The wheels are positioned to contact the ground only when the user tilts the device, such as by tilting the central pole assembly.

Generally, a tennis training device is disclosed comprising: a generally vertical pole assembly, the pole assembly adjustable in height; a first training station having a first arm extending from the pole assembly and supporting a first tennis ball at a height above the ground suitable for hitting the first tennis ball with a service stroke; a second training station having a second arm extending from the pole assembly and supporting a second tennis ball at a height above the ground suitable for striking the ball with a ground stroke; a third training station having a third arm extending from the pole assembly and supporting a third tennis ball above the ground at a height suitable for a volley or slice stroke; a fourth training station having a fourth arm extending from the pole assembly and supporting a fourth tennis ball above the ground at an initial position, the fourth arm having at least a portion thereof made of resilient material such that the fourth tennis ball returns to its initial position after being struck; and a base connected to the pole assembly, the base holding the pole assembly generally vertically. The training device can also include features such as, wherein the tennis training device has a set of wheels positioned to contact the ground when the pole assembly is leaned away from the vertical, such that the device can be rolled between locations; wherein a plurality of the first, second, third and fourth arms are height adjustable; wherein at least one of the first, second, third or fourth arms is attached to a ring connector, the ring connector slidable along a portion of the pole assembly; wherein the pole assembly further comprises a plurality of telescoping rods, and wherein the pole assembly is adjustable in height by relative movement of telescoping rods; a fifth training station having a fifth tennis ball attached to a cord, the cord attached to the device, the fifth tennis ball for reciprocal movement when struck; a net station comprising a tennis net attached or attachable at a first end to the pole assembly, the tennis net of regulation height, the tennis net attached or attachable at a second end to an end pole; wherein the tennis net is detachable from at least one of the pole assembly or end pole, and can be rolled up for storage; a mounting bracket attached or attachable to the pole assembly, the bracket for holding an audiovisual communications device; wherein the first tennis ball is rotatable about a first axis, and wherein the axis is suitable for a service stroke; wherein the second tennis ball is rotatable about a second axis, and wherein the second axis is suitable for a ground stroke; wherein the third tennis ball is rotatable about a third axis, and wherein the third axis is suitable for a volley or slice stroke; and wherein the base comprises a plurality of legs extending from the pole assembly, each leg connected to the pole assembly and another leg.

While the foregoing written description of the disclosure enables one of ordinary skill to make and use the embodiments discussed, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiments, methods, and examples herein. The disclosure should therefore not be limited by the above-described embodiments, methods, and examples. While this disclosure has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and combinations of the illustrative embodiments as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description. It is, therefore, intended that the appended claims encompass any such modifications or embodiments.