SPORTS TRAINING DEVICE

Abstract

A sports training device (10) comprising a ball (12) with a rotatable coupling (20) located inside the ball (12) that is configured to rotatably connect the ball (12) to a tether (14), such that, in use, the ball (12) is permitted to rotate relative to the tether (14).

Claims

1. A sports training device comprising a ball and a rotatable coupling located inside the ball, the rotatable coupling being configured to rotatably connect the ball to a tether, such that, in use, the ball is permitted to rotate relative to the tether, the rotatable coupling comprising a first element and a second element configured to rotate relative to the first element, the first element being engaged with the ball and the second element being engaged with the tether, wherein the rotatable coupling restricts translatory movement of the first and second elements relative to each other.

2. The sports training device of claim 1, wherein the ball has a cover that defines an interior of the ball.

3. The sports training device of claim 2, wherein the coupling is accessible through or extends through an opening in the cover.

4. The sports training device of claim 3, further comprising a bushing that reduces frictional resistance between the coupling or tether and the cover.

5. The sports training device of claim 3, further comprising a support member located within the interior and configured to hold the coupling in alignment with the opening.

6. The sports training device of claim 5, wherein the support member includes a recess, the coupling being at least partly accommodated within the recess.

7. The sports training device of claim 6, wherein the coupling comprises a body that is shaped and sized to conform to the recess and a stem that extends from the body and at least partly into the opening of the cover.

8. The sports training device of claim 6, wherein the body is rotatably mounted within the recess.

9. The sports training device of claim 6, wherein the body is fixedly mounted within the recess.

10. The sports training device of claim 9, wherein the support member includes engagement features configured to engage with the body to limit movement of the body within the recess.

11. The sports training device of claim 5, wherein the support member is formed from a compressible material.

12. The sports training device of claim 5, wherein the ball further comprises an inflatable bladder.

13. The sports training device of claim 12, wherein the support member is located between the cover and the inflatable bladder.

14. The sports training device of claim 3, wherein the ball is ovoid in shape, and the opening in the cover is located at a longitudinal pole thereof.

15. The sports training device of claim 1, wherein the ball comprises a substantially solid core.

16. The sports training device of claim 1, further comprising an elastic tether that is adapted to be secured to a user, such that, in use, with the tether connected to the coupling and to the user, application of an external force to the ball by the user results in the ball being propelled away from the user with the tether imparting a biasing force onto the ball to thereby return the ball towards the user.

17. A rotatable coupling for connecting a ball to a tether, the coupling being adapted to be mounted inside the ball and being configured to rotatably connect the ball to the tether so as to permit rotation of the ball with respect to the tether, the rotatable coupling comprising a first element and a second element configured to rotate relative to the first element, the first element being engageable with the ball and the second element being engageable with the tether, wherein the rotatable coupling restricts translatory movement of the first and second elements relative to each other.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

[0054] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sports training device according to an embodiment of the invention, showing a rotatable coupling that rotatably connects a football to a tether;

[0055] FIG. 2 is a cut-away perspective view of the encircled region A of FIG. 1, showing the coupling mounted within a support member in an interior of the football;

[0056] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the coupling and support member of FIG. 2;

[0057] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the coupling of FIG. 3, showing the coupling in an assembled configuration ready for insertion into the support member;

[0058] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an assembly comprising the coupling and the support member shown in FIG. 3;

[0059] FIGS. 6A and 6B are images illustrating an example of how the assembly shown in FIG. 5 can be mounted to the football, in which the assembly is contained within a pouch that is attached to an inner surface of a cover of the football, where FIG. 6A is a side view and FIG. 6B is a top perspective view of the pouch and football cover (shown inverted, e.g., inside out);

[0060] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a sports training device according to another embodiment of the invention, showing a rotatable coupling that rotatably connects a cricket ball to a tether;

[0061] FIG. 8 is an exploded cut-away side view of the sports training device of FIG. 7;

[0062] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view a core of the ball of FIG. 8; and

[0063] FIGS. 10A and 10B are images illustrating the assembled core shown in FIG. 9, where FIG. 10A is a top view; FIG. 10B is a side view.

[0064] Embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments, although not the only possible embodiments, of the invention are shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] FIGS. 1 to 8 broadly relate to a sports training device comprising a ball that is adapted to connect to a tether. Specifically, the sports training device comprises a coupling that is located within the ball, the coupling providing a rotatable connection between the ball and the tether.

[0066] FIGS. 1 to 5 relate to a first embodiment of the invention in the form of a sports training device 10 used in the context of an ovoid shaped football 12. This embodiment is particularly suited to balls that have an inflatable bladder. Non-limiting examples of such balls include footballs, soccer balls, rugby balls, gridiron balls, volleyballs, and the like.

[0067] With specific reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, the sports training device 10 includes a football 12 having a cover 14 (see FIG. 2) that defines interior and exterior surfaces of the football 12. As shown in FIG. 2, a hole 18 located at a longitudinal pole of the football passes through the cover 14.

[0068] As illustrated, the cover 14 comprises several leather segments that are stitched or otherwise joined together so as to extend completely around the periphery of the football 12. It is understood, however, that in other embodiments the cover 14 may be a unitary cover formed from a single piece of material.

[0069] As best shown in FIG. 2, in an interior of the football 12 is a cavity 16, in which an inflatable bladder 19 is located. The bladder 19 is shown partially inflated in FIG. 2 for schematic purposes. When fully inflated, the bladder 19 presses against an inner surface of the cover 14. The bladder thus supports the ball 12 (including supporting to maintain its external profile). In other embodiments, it is contemplated that the cavity 16 itself may be filled with a pressurised gas.

[0070] A rotatable coupling 20 is located within the cavity 16. The coupling 20 connects the football 12 to an external tether 22. In use, the tether 22 is held by or otherwise secured to a user of the sports training device 10thus restricting maximum travel of football 12 from the user and providing a means for returning the football 12 to the user during practice of kicking or throwing the football 12.

[0071] As best shown in FIG. 3, the rotatable coupling 20 comprises: a stationary element 24; a movable element 26 and a cap 28.

[0072] The movable element 26 comprises a ball 26a and a loop of cord 26b extending from the ball 26a. The moveable element 26 is made from POM (acetal). Ends of the cord 26b are embedded within the ball 26a during an injection moulding process. However, it is also envisaged that the ends of the cord 26b may be secured to the ball 26a by any other means known in the art, e.g., using adhesives or fasteners.

[0073] The stationary element 24 comprises a body 24a that is cup shaped and defines an opening 24b in which the movable element 26 can be received therein. The stationary element 24 is made from PA6 (nylon). The body 24a is an open structure with a cage-like appearance. The body 24a comprises a ring 24c with a plurality of ribs 24d that depend therefrom and taper towards an apex 24e of the body 24a. There are gaps between adjacent ribs 24d such that the opening 24b is visible through the gaps between each of the ribs 24d. The stationary element 24 also comprises a stem 24f that extends from the apex 24e of the body 24a. The stem 24f has a central passage that communicates with the opening 24b of body 24a. In other words, the stem 24f is hollow. The central passage allows a loop of cord 26b of the movable element 26 to be threaded therethrough (as will be described in the sections that follow). The ring 24c has a plurality of notches 24g into which deformable tabs 28b on the cap 28 can be resiliently retained (as will be described in the sections that follow).

[0074] The cap 28 comprises a central cylindrical plug 28a with a plurality of deformable tabs 28b radially projecting therefrom. The cap 28 is made from PA6 (nylon). The plug 28a is sized such that it can be inserted into the opening 24b provided the deformable tabs 28b are aligned with the notches 24g on the body 24a. Inserting the plug 28a into the opening 24, compresses the deformable tabs 28b against an inner wall of the notches 24g so as to frictionally and resiliently secure the cap 28 relative to the stationary element 24. It can be appreciated that the cap 28 and body 24a limit the moveable element's 26 translatory movement.

[0075] A support member 30 is configured to hold the coupling 20 in alignment with the hole 18 in the cover 14. The support member 30 is made from PUR (flexible polyurethane foam). The support member 30 has a dome-shaped construction having an internal side wall 30a that defines a central recess 30b. The recess 30b is sized and shaped to frictionally receive the stationary element 24. The support member 30 has a plurality of engagement elements, in the form of protrusions 30c, arranged around the side wall 30a. The protrusions 30c are configured to be alignable with the gaps between adjacent ribs 24d. When the stationary element 24 is inserted into the central recess 30b, the protrusions 30c limit rotational movement of the stationary element 24 relative to the support member 30 about its longitudinal axis. In other words, the protrusions 30c act as detents.

[0076] When the rotatable coupling 20 is assembled, the ball 26a of the moveable element 26 is positioned within the opening 24b and the loop of cord 26b is pulled through the central passage of the stem 24e. The cap 28 is then resiliently secured to the body 24a, as described above, so as to form the rotatable coupling 20 that is shown in FIG. 4. The rotatable coupling 20 is then inserted into the recess 30b in the support member 30 and frictionally retained therein, as described above, to form an assembly that is shown in FIG. 5.

[0077] The assembly can be mounted to the inner surface of the cover 14. The assembly may be releasably mounted to the inner surface of the cover 14, for example, using hook and loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro) or removable fasteners, e.g., screws or bolts.

[0078] FIGS. 6A and 6B show an example of how the assembly (comprising rotatable coupling 20 and support member 30) can be mounted to the inner surface of the cover 14. In this example, the assembly is contained within a pouch 40 having an external surface with a plurality (four) Velcro strips 42 attached thereto. The Velcro strips 42 may be attached to the external surface of the pouch by any means known in the art, for example stitched or glued. A plurality (four) of corresponding Velcro strips 44 are attached to inner surfaces of the segments of the football cover 14. In FIGS. 6A and 6B, the football cover 14 is shown inverted, e.g., inside out. The Velcro strips 44 may be attached to the inner surface of the segments of the football cover 14 by any means known in the art, for example stitched or glued. When the Velcro strips 42 of the pouch 40 contact the corresponding Velcro strips 44 on the inner surface of the cover 14, the hooks and loops of the Velcro strips will releasably engage with each other. Once the pouch 40 is attached to the cover 14, the cover is unturned, e.g., reverted from being inside out.

[0079] In another example, the Velcro strips 42 are attached directly to the support member 30. In other words, the pouch 40 is dispensed with.

[0080] In another example, the support member 30 is attached to the cover 14 using fasteners that use a friction fitting such as press studs.

[0081] Alternatively, the assembly may be permanently mounted to the inner surface of the cover 14, for example, by moulding assembly to the cover 14, or by using adhesives or permanent fasteners, e.g., rivets. For example, the support member 30 is adhered, e.g., glued, to the cover 14. In another example, the support member 30 may be attached to the cover 14 using stitches.

[0082] It is desirable for the means of mounting the assembly inside the ball be sufficient to limit movement of the assembly with respect to the ball.

[0083] The loop of cord 26b of the movable element 26 can be threaded through the opening 18 in the cover 14 of the football 12, such that it projects therefrom. In some embodiments, the loop of cord 26b may instead be housed within the opening 24b of the stationary element 24 and is accessible through the hole 18 in the cover 14.

[0084] A bushing, in the form of a tube (not shown), may be inserted through the opening 18 such that it surrounds the loop of the cord 26b. The tube maintains a minimum diameter of the opening 18 so as to minimise frictional resistance between the cord 26b and the ball when the ball is rotating. The tube may project from the cover 14. Suitably, the tube projects between 1 cm and 7 cm from the cover 14. As can be appreciated, materials and dimensions of the tube should be selected in order to provide sufficient stiffness and strength to prevent the opening 18 from closing. It is also desirable for the tube to be made of a material with a low coefficient of friction. Suitable materials include nylon and PTFE.

[0085] In the illustrated embodiment, the rotatable coupling 20 is located at a longitudinal pole of the ball 12. This pole corresponds to the point of impact where a football would typically be kicked. As such, it may be desirable for the support member 30 to be formed from a compressible material such as PUR (flexible polyurethane foam). The compressible material allows the support member 30 to compress and absorb impact energy when a user strikes the football 12. In effect, the compressible material allows the support member 30 to react similar to the cover 14 and bladder 19 when struck, such that the playing characteristics of the football 12 are not negatively affected or altered by the provision of the rotatable coupling 20.

[0086] An alternative embodiment of the invention, in the form of sports training device 110 used in the context of a spherical shaped ball 112, will now be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10.

[0087] The sports training device 110 has the same features as the sports training device 10 but with the reference numbers starting with the prefix 1. For clarity, similar components and functional analogues will be described using similar terminology and numerical references. This embodiment is particularly suited to hard balls that have a solid core. Non-limiting examples of such balls include hockey balls, hurling balls, cricket balls, baseballs and the like.

[0088] With specific reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the sports training device 110 includes a cricket ball 112 having a cover 114 that defines interior and exterior surfaces of the ball 112. A hole 118 passes through the cover 114. As illustrated, the cover 114 comprises two leather segments that are stitched or otherwise joined together so as to extend completely around the periphery of the ball 112. It is understood, however, that in other embodiments the cover 114 may be formed from a greater or lesser number of segments or alternatively provided as a unitary cover formed from a single piece of leather or leather-like material.

[0089] As best shown in FIG. 8, in an interior of the ball 112 is a cavity 116, in which a solid core 130 is located. The core 130 provides hardness and structure to the ball 112. The core 130 can be, for example, formed form materials including cork and rubber. For soft round sports balls, such as tennis balls, hockey balls, base balls and soft balls, the core 130 is made from PUR (flexible polyurethane foam).

[0090] It is contemplated that the core 130 and the cover 114 may be integrally formed as a moulded component.

[0091] The core 130 is formed from a pair of hemispheres 130a, 130b.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 9, a first hemisphere 130a has an outer surface and an inner surface that defines a recess 130c. An opening 130d extends through the first hemisphere 130a and communicates with the recess 130c. The inner surface of the first hemisphere comprises a plurality of engagement elements, in the form of protrusions 130e. The protrusions 130e are configured to be alignable with the gaps between adjacent ribs 124d of a stationary element 124 of a rotatable coupling 120. The protrusions 130e and gaps between adjacent ribs 124d function in a similar manner to that as described with reference to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-6.

[0093] A second hemisphere 130b has an outer surface and an inner surface with a hub 130f projecting from the inner surface.

[0094] When the pair of hemispheres 130a, 130b are assembled together their respective inner surfaces define a closed cavity therebetween.

[0095] The rotatable coupling 120 is located within the cavity 116 of the ball 112. The coupling 120 connects the ball 112 to an external tether 122. In use, the tether 122 is held by or otherwise secured to a user of the sports training device 110thus restricting maximum travel of 112 from the user and providing a means for returning the ball 112 to the user during practice of hitting or throwing of the ball 112.

[0096] The rotatable coupling 120 comprises a stationary element 124 and a movable element (not shown). The rotatable coupling 120 essentially operates in a similar manner to the rotatable coupling 20 of the first embodiment (as described with reference to FIGS. 1-6) with the exception that there is no cap.

[0097] In use, the rotatable coupling 120 is located in the closed cavity of the core 130.

[0098] To assemble the device 110, the movable element is first positioned in the opening 124b of the stationary element 124. The hub 130f of the second hemisphere 130b is then inserted into the opening 124b to imprison the movable element therein. The hub 130f is sized and shaped to be frictionally retained in the opening 124b. It can be appreciated that the hub 130f acts in a similar manner to the cap 28, of the sports training device 10, in that it limits the translatory movement of the moveable element. The first hemisphere is then placed over the second hemisphere with the protrusions 130e aligned with the gaps between adjacent ribs 124d of the stationary element 124. Once aligned, the first hemisphere can be pushed onto the stationary element 124 so as to frictionally secure the two components. It can be appreciated that the protrusions 130e act in a similar manner to the protrusions 30c, of the sports training device 10, in that they limit rotational movement of the stationary element 124 relative to the first hemisphere 130a about an axis. In other words, the protrusions 130e act as detents.

[0099] FIGS. 10A and 10B show the assembled core 130. The first and second hemispheres 130a, 130b are fused together, for example, using adhesive. FIG. 10B shows the seam 140 that is formed between the first and second hemispheres 130a, 130b when they are fused together. Alternatively, the first and second hemispheres 130a, 130b are formed around the rotatable coupling 120 in a mould, for example by injection moulding.

[0100] In some embodiments, the protrusions 130e may not be present and instead the stationary element 124 is able to rotate relative to the first hemisphere 130a. In such an arrangement, the moveable element may be fixedly secured to the stationary element 124 or even dispensed with altogether. With regard to the latter, the tether may be connected to the stem 124f directly. For example, the end of the tether may be inserted inside the central passage of the stem 124f and permanently secured thereto. The end of the tether may be permanently secured by any means known in the art, such as by crimping, welding, fusing or adhering. It is also envisaged that the end of the tether may be releasably secured to the stem 124f by any means known in the art, for example by using a fastener, such as a grub screw.

[0101] Whilst the coupling 120, described above, has been described in relation to cricket balls. However, it is understood that this arrangement is suitable for any other round ball such as tennis balls, hockey balls, hurling balls, baseballs and softballs. It is understood that the coupling 120 may also be suitable for use with inflatable balls such as footballs.

[0102] Similarly, the coupling 20 as previously described for use with inflatable balls such as footballs may also be suitable for use with hard balls such as cricket balls.

[0103] Whilst the coupling 20, described above, has been described in relation to use with ovoid balls it is understood that the coupling 20 may also be suitable for use with round balls such as tennis balls, hockey balls, baseballs and softballs.

[0104] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the scope of the following claims. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative of the scope of protection, and not restrictively.

[0105] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, a limited number of the example methods and materials are described herein.

[0106] It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

[0107] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word comprise or variations such as comprises or comprising is used in an inclusive sense, e.g. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.