The invention relates to a training device, in particular a portable device that may be positioned about a sports field to indicate stage (s) of progress of an athlete.

Standard sports training cones and poles are used across the world to help sports men/women develop their speed, agility, sharpness and fitness. Training cones and poles are the standard set of equipment for many sports coaches.

While the effectiveness of the use of these standard cones and poles is well known, the use of these cones/poles on a regular basis becomes boring and it can become difficult to motivate oneself, or the team, to train effectively.

US Patent 5897457 discloses an athletic performance evaluation device utilizing ultrasonic sensing circuitry or infrared sensing circuitry, a vibration sensitive switch, and an audio input to signal a microprocessor to start a timing function that calculates therefrom an objective evaluation of the athlete's performance. A light emitting diode (LED) may be included in the apparatus to signal the athlete to begin performance while simultaneously starting the timing function. The vibration sensitive switch may be placed on the ground adjacent to a selected position on which the athlete stands to stop the timing function. In operation, the athlete jumps and the ultrasonic sensor signals the microprocessor to begin the timing function and the vibration sensor sends a second signal to stop the timing function when the athlete lands again.

US Patent 4627620 discloses an electronic apparatus for improving skills in reflex, speed and accuracy of the player as well as for recreational purposes in which multiple targets spread around the player are selected with random sequence by an electronic device. The selections of targets are indicated by the visual indicators as well as an audio alarm on the electronic device. When the targets are selected, a timer on the electronic device is activated and the elapsed time is indicated by a display on the electronic device. The timer is halted when the targets are hit by the player. The indicators are then disabled and the elapsed time which measures the performance of the player is indicated by the display on the electronic device. The speed of target selection preceded by fake target selections is provided to improve player's reflex.

US Patent 4645458 discloses a method and apparatus for testing and enhancing a football player's ability to quickly react to visual stimuli. When the player leaves a starting position, first and second timers begin counting. When the player reaches a first reaction point, the first counter is stopped thus containing an indication of how long it took for the player to reach the first reaction point. Simultaneously therewith, one of a battery of lights is energized indicating to the athlete that he must undertake and complete a

particular action. This action may represent a cut right or cut left or may require the athlete to throw a ball at a particular target. The second timer is stopped when all the required actions have been completed thus giving an indication of how long it took the player to run the entire course.

US Patent 7309234 discloses a device for introducing variation in athletic training and competitive events. This device maintains an internal state that occupies one of several allowed values. Depending upon the selected configuration, the device changes internal state at regular or irregular intervals, progresses through its allowed values sequentially or in random order, and spends a different designated fraction of time in each state. This variable and typically

unpredictable state is presented to the field of play where one or more athletes receive the information and react to it as a change in their athletic training or game environment.

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved training device.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a training device comprising a head and a stem, the stem being arranged to removably locate the device on a training cone, the assembled head and stem incorporating an electrical power source coupled to each of a movement sensor, at least one indicator and a controller, the controller being responsive to movement detected by said movement sensor to actuate said indicator to provide feedback to a user in relation to their performance of an exercise. According to a second aspect of the invention there is

provided a training device comprising a head and a stem, the stem being arranged to interchangeably locate on either a training pole or a training cone, and the assembled head and stem incorporating an electrical power source coupled to each of a movement sensor, at least one indicator and a controller, the controller being responsive to movement detected by said movement sensor to actuate said indicator to provide feedback to a user in relation to their performance of an exercise.

Preferably, the device includes a grip member arranged to maintain the angular orientation of the device when located on the cone . Preferably, the grip member comprises a circular rubber washer .

Preferably, the stem is generally cylindrical and is arranged to removably locate into a training cone. Further preferably, the stem is hollow and is arranged to removably locate over a training pole.

The device can be removably fitted onto a cone or onto a pole to allow for the variation in exercises that are required with these two sports training devices. The device is cheap to make, easy to install, requires little power and several such devices can be stored in a tube.

Embodiments of the invention present low risk of injury when in use particularly where the stem is rounded at its end.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which :

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a training device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the training device of Figure 1 located in a standard sports training cone;

Figure 3 is an elevation of the device and cone of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is an exploded view of the training device of figure 1;

Figure 5 is a reverse exploded view of the training device of figure 1 with a control PCB in situ;

Figure 6 is another exploded view of the training device figure 1 with the control PCB shown in detail; Figure 7 is an underside view of the training device of figure 1 ; and

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the training device of

Figure 1 located on a standard sports training pole. Referring now to Figure 1, there is shown a training device 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The device is generally mushroom shaped having a stem 12 and a head 14. The stem 12 comprises a generally hollow cylinder with a main portion 12' having an external diameter

approximating the diameter of a hole in the top of a standard sports training cone 20, Figure 2. The base of the stem provides an opening 16 with a diameter approximating the external diameter of a sports training pole 80, Figure 8. The opening 16 is narrower than the external diameter of the main portion 12' of the stem and the bottom 12" of the stem is rounded to bridge this gap and to present a safer profile for the device when in use. Within the stem, 4 longitudinal ribs 50 (Figures 5 & 7), which in certain embodiments are flexible, are formed spaced around the internal wall of the stem to bridge the difference between the internal diameter of the stem wall and the diameter of the opening 16. These ribs 50 engage the surface of a pole 80 pushed through the opening 16 and maintain the device in position on the pole so that, for example, internal LED(s) (described later) can be set to face the user or viewer.

Thus, the stem 12 may either locate within a standard cone or locate over a sports training pole as required.

The head 14 comprises a generally domed upper shell 15' through which a window is formed. The upper shell 15' is formed with a dependent generally cylindrical skirt portion The opening may be sealed with a transparent plastics member 17. Alternatively, the entire upper shell 15' can be made of transparent material; or the shell can be made with a two shot molding process in which one (or more) portions (s) of the shell are formed of transparent material with the remainder being substantially opaque. In some embodiments, the head 14 comprises a single transparent part with a generally textured surface, but for the sake of optical clarity is highly

polished to an optical grade in a window region in front of the LED ( s ) to allow the LED ( s ) to be viewed.

In any case, the head 14 and/or stem 12 can be formed of any suitable plastics or rubber material or combination thereof which is durable enough to withstand the wear involved when the device 10 is in use. Referring to Figure 4, the top of the stem 12 extends radially outwardly and curves upwardly around its periphery to form the underside surface 18 of the head 14. A cylindrical wall 19 of slightly smaller diameter than the internal diameter of the skirt 15" of the shell extends upwardly from the internal surface of stem forming the underside 18 of the head 14. A pair of keyhole slots 21' (only one shown) are formed

diametrically opposite one another in the internal surface of the skirt 15" of the shell and these cooperate with a pair of studs 21" (only one shown) formed on the external surface of the wall 19 of the stem 14 so that the head 14 may be pushed onto the stem 12 and twisted to lock the two components together. A circumferential gasket 29 can be provided between the stem portion and the head to maintain the waterproof integrity of the assembled device. In the embodiment, a battery compartment 22 is formed to extend from the internal surface of the shell 15' . The compartment 24 comprises a generally rectangular wall having suitable slots into which battery contacts (not shown) can be fitted. In the figures, a pair of batteries 24 is shown housed within the compartment in a conventional manner. The batteries 24 are kept in place when the stem 12 portion engages with the batteries when assembled to the head 14.

A receptacle 26 for receiving a control PCB 30 is provided between the battery compartment 22 and the window opening 17. The PCB 30 is electrically connected to the battery

connectors, for example through jumper leads, and also an on/off switch 60 (Figure 7) to power the device.

In the embodiment, a rubber washer 27 is fitted over the stem and lies flush against the underside surface 18 of the head, In other embodiments, this component can be integrally moulded with the stem.

The control PCB 30 includes a number of components including a processor, an LED or LEDs (or equivalent) which in use is/are located opposite the window opening 17 and/or a buzzer as well as an inertia sensor. The inertia sensor can be of any

suitable type including a mechanical sensor or for example a

MEMs sensor either discrete or integrated with the controlling processor. The PCB can also include wireless communications circuitry enabling similar devices to communicate with on another or indeed with a suitable programming device, for example, a smartphone or tablet running a control application for the training device. In this regard, the communications circuit can most favourably comprise one of: a Bluetooth, IRDA, wireless 802. llx or a Zigbee adaptor.

In a simple implementation when the device is switched on, the processor responds to the inertia detector detecting movement of the device to cause the LED and/or buzzer to operate for a given period. This provides positive feedback to a user that the cone/pole has indeed been touched. In the case of a cone, this can indicate the exercise is being performed correctly in that the user has touched the cone; or it can indicate the exercise has not been performed correctly, because for

example, the user has brushed against a pole.

In embodiments where devices can communicate with each other via a wireless link, on the touching of a device located in cone, a device in a second cone could light up, prompting the user to run to that cone. Such an exercise tests an athlete's reaction time and speed. Nonetheless, it will be appreciated that there are many possible use cases for devices which are individually programmable and which inter-communicate. For example, touch times and/or intervals can be uploaded to a programming device such as a smartphone or tablet to log a user's performance.

The ability of the device to drop into/onto cones/poles means that users/coaches can employ their existing stock of

cones/poles - all that is required to make a cone/pole

responsive to touch is to drop the device into/onto the desired cone/pole. This allows a coach to readily change the position of the device to be touched/monitored while leaving cones/poles in situ.

The device can be easily installed into/onto the cones/poles, the stem ensuring that the device is central and prevents the device from falling off the cone/pole when hit at speed by a user .

Coaches and users know when the device has been touched either through illumination of the LED or sounding of the buzzer - the benefit of the sound being that users may not be aware of the illumination (especially if the device is used in strong daylight) but will hear the sound on touching.

The device ensures that the LED beams central axis can be accurately set relative to the ground. In certain embodiments, the LEDs have a very narrow beam angle to allow for high brightness level and therefore allowing visibility, even during the day. This ensures that the axis of the LED beam can be optimally directed towards the viewer for maximum

visibility .

In variations of the illustrated embodiment, a pair of

oppositely directed windows are formed in the shell 15' each with an associated LED housed within the shell and facing opposite windows. In other embodiments, a plurality of LEDS are positioned around the periphery of the device in register with a plurality of windows or indeed a continuous

circumferential window in the shell 15' . A further embodiment allows for the top of the shell 15' to be illuminated with a LED (not shown) facing vertically or upwards with a wide angle to illuminate the textured transparent top part.

The rubber washer 27 prevents the device when located on a cone spinning around its vertical axis when touched. This rubber surface provides positive contact with the top edge of the cone while still allowing the device to be easily

removable .

In the illustrated embodiment the stem 12 locates the device onto a cone/pole. In variants of the embodiment, the profile of this locating feature can be varied so that the device locates onto the outside surface of a cone as an alternative or in addition to locating through the center of the cone. Figure 7, shows and on/off button 60 provided on the underside surface of the stem. A peripheral wall 62 surrounds the button 60 to avoid a pole located in the stem switching the device off. Many variations of the above described embodiments are

possible. For example, the stem may be of a different geometry and may comprise a series of ribs with no opening for a pole; or may comprise other extrusions which centrally locate the device on a cone. As mentioned, additional rib(s) or extrusion (s) may be

employed to engage with the outside surface of a cone to maintain a horizontal orientation of the LEDs beam axis, these ribs or extrusions coming from the underside of the device.

It will be seen that devices according to the present

invention are easily removable but nonetheless maintain the

LEDs in the required position for easy viewing and so provide an adequate target for users during use.

The device provides a large target for users to hit while being loosely fitted into the cone/pole making its addition and removal from the cone/pole very straightforward. The washer 27 on the underside of the surface provides good positional stability on the central axis of the device

preventing the LEDs being turned away from the viewer each time the device is hit. This is important as the LEDs can have a narrow viewing range. If the device were rotated each time it was hit, this would require regular repositioning of the device and this would frustrate users and coaches.

The long stem 12 also assists in providing robust positioning on the cone/pole during exercise, so that when users hit the device at speed, the stem prevents the device tipping out of the cone or lifting off the pole.

The fitting of the device is intuitive reducing the need for any user support while out in the market.