Abstract
A volleyball trainer, and more particularly, a volleyball trainer that is adjustable to various heights, hoop sizes, and hoop angles to accommodate different training drills such as volleyball setting, passing, spiking, or bumping, is disclosed. The volleyball trainer enables players to hone their volleyball skills alone and at any time regardless of their levels of expertise. For beginners, the hoop of the volleyball trainer can be expanded to a larger perimeter. More advanced volleyball players can adjust the hoop to have a smaller perimeter. By enabling adjustment of the hoop angle and height, the volleyball trainer can accommodate multiple sports and practice drills. An elongated net that exits into a volleyball bag ensures that successful volleyball hits are easily retrieved for continuous practice. The volleyball bag is also a convenient carrying case for volleyballs or other balls after use because it is detachable from the base of the volleyball trainer.
Claims
1. A sports training apparatus, comprising: a hoop with a perimeter; a net coupled to the hoop; a vertical pole with a first end and a second end; a base; and a bag coupled to the base, wherein: the base is coupled to the second end of the vertical pole; the perimeter of the hoop is adjustable; the distance between the first end and the second end of the vertical pole is adjustable; and the hoop is pivotably coupled to the vertical pole, wherein: the hoop is capable of being fixed at a particular angle.
2. The sports training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the net extends into the bag.
3. The sports training apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of wheels coupled to the base, wherein the base is capable of rolling on the plurality of wheels when the base is tilted at an angle.
4. The sports training apparatus of claim 2, wherein the net is coupled to the vertical pole.
5. The sports training apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of suction cups coupled to the base.
6. The sports training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hoop comprises a plurality of tubular components.
7. The sports training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vertical pole comprises a plurality of vertical components.
8. The sports training apparatus of claim 7, wherein at least one of the plurality of vertical components comprises a plurality of holes for receiving a spring-loaded pin.
9. A sports training apparatus, comprising: a hoop with a perimeter; a net coupled to the hoop; a vertical pole with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the vertical pole comprises two parallel flanges each with a plurality of holes; a base; and a bag coupled to the base, wherein: the base is coupled to the second end of the vertical pole; the perimeter of the hoop is adjustable; the distance between the first end and the second end of the vertical pole is adjustable; and the hoop is pivotably coupled to an elongate member extending between the two parallel flanges, wherein: the hoop is capable of being fixed at a particular angle.
10. The sports training apparatus of claim 9, wherein the net extends into the bag.
11. The sports training apparatus of claim 9 further comprising a plurality of wheels coupled to the base, wherein the base is capable of rolling on the plurality of wheels when the base is tilted at an angle.
12. The sports training apparatus of claim 10, wherein the net is coupled to the vertical pole.
13. The sports training apparatus of claim 9 further comprising a plurality of suction cups coupled to the base.
14. The sports training apparatus of claim 9, wherein the hoop comprises a plurality of tubular components.
15. The sports training apparatus of claim 9, wherein the vertical pole comprises a plurality of vertical components.
16. The sports training apparatus of claim 15, wherein at least one of the plurality of vertical components comprises a plurality of holes for receiving a spring-loaded pin.
17. A method of practicing with a sports training apparatus comprising a hoop with a perimeter pivotably coupled to a vertical pole with a first end and a second end, the method comprising: rolling the sports training apparatus to a desired location; adjusting the distance between the first end and the second end of the vertical pole; adjusting the perimeter of the hoop; fixing the hoop at a particular angle; and hitting a ball towards the hoop.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the sports training apparatus further comprises a base; and a bag coupled to the base.
19. The method of claim 18 further comprising collecting at least one ball in the bag.
20. The method of claim 19 further comprising detaching the bag from the base while the at least one ball is in the bag.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] A further understanding of the present invention can be obtained by reference to preferred embodiments set forth in the illustrations of the accompanying drawings. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of this invention, but merely to clarify and exemplify the invention. Accordingly, a more complete appreciation of the present invention and many of the attendant aspects thereof may be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an assembled volleyball trainer in accordance with various embodiments of the invention;
[0015] FIG. 2A is a side view of the volleyball trainer of FIG. 1, illustrating multiple hoop height adjustments;
[0016] FIG. 2B is a side view of the volleyball trainer of FIG. 1, illustrating multiple hoop angle adjustments;
[0017] FIG. 3A is an enlarged view of a larger first hoop size in accordance with various embodiments of the invention;
[0018] FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of a smaller second hoop size in accordance with various embodiments of the invention;
[0019] FIG. 4 is an illustration of certain components of a base frame of the volleyball trainer of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 4A is an enlarged view of a suction cup component of the base frame of FIG. 4;
[0021] FIG. 5A is an illustration of components of the hoop of FIG. 3A (larger first hoop size);
[0022] FIG. 5B is an illustration of components of the hoop of FIG. 3B (smaller second hoop size);
[0023] FIG. 6 is an illustration of components used to couple a hoop to a top tube;
[0024] FIG. 6A is an enlarged view of the components used to couple a hoop to a top tube;
[0025] FIG. 7 is an illustration of a net or a portion of a net that may be coupled to the hoop;
[0026] FIG. 8A is an illustration showing how a top tube, middle tube, and bottom tube can be coupled together with adjustable heights such that the height of the hoop varies with respect to the base frame;
[0027] FIG. 8B is an illustration showing how a net may be coupled to a vertical tube section (e.g., a top tube, middle tube, or bottom tube) using a bungee fastener;
[0028] FIG. 9 is an illustration of base frame components of FIG. 4 with additional components for supporting a volleyball bag;
[0029] FIG. 10 is an illustration of the base frame of FIG. 9 fully assembled with a volleyball bag attached thereto and a net extending into the volleyball bag
[0030] FIG. 10A is an enlarged view of clips used to couple the volleyball bag to the base frame of FIG. 9;
[0031] FIG. 11 is an illustration of a person practicing with the volleyball trainer of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] The present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner. Specific embodiments that may be practiced are shown by way of illustration and explanation. The embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments, and it is to be understood that logical, mechanical, and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments. The following detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense. In describing exemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology is employed for sake of clarity.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a fully assembled volleyball trainer 100 is shown. The volleyball trainer 100 can be used for practicing volleyball skills such as setting, passing, spiking, and bumping. With the volleyball trainer, a player can practice and hone his or her skills alone and at any time. A player's accuracy when setting or passing, for example, will increase with repetitive use as the player tries to hit the volleyball through hoop 101. Volleyballs are collected and easily retrieved with successful hits through hoop 101 as they are guided into a ball bag 103 from an elongated net 105. In addition to volleyball training, the volleyball trainer 100 can also be used to practice other sports, including football passing, basketball shooting, soccer heading, and more.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 2A, the volleyball trainer 100 can be adjusted to a plurality of heights such that the hoop 101 can be higher or lower to facilitate different types of training. For example, the height of the hoop 101 may be adjusted higher or lower to simulate the reach of a teammate to be passed to. Although the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2A shows five different hoop 101 height adjustments, other embodiments and configurations of vertical tube sections 102 could accommodate additional heights.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 2B, the hoop 101 of the volleyball trainer 100 can be adjusted to various angles to facilitate different types of training or drills. For example, the angle of the hoop 101 may be lowered to accommodate volleyball spike shot training or another drill. Although the embodiment in FIG. 2B shows five different hoop 101 angle adjustments, other embodiments and configurations could accommodate additional angles, including without limitation a completely vertical 90-degree setting.
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the size or perimeter of hoop 101 can be adjusted. Hoop 101 can be larger or smaller to facilitate players of various skill levels. Beginners may prefer a larger hoop 101 as illustrated in FIG. 3A, for example, to aim for whereas more experienced players may benefit from training with a smaller hoop 101 size as illustrated in FIG. 3B, for example, that requires greater accuracy.
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 4A, individual components of base frame 104 of the volleyball trainer are illustrated. The base frame 104 in this embodiment includes two horizontal base tubes 104A, a horizontal base U-tube 104B, two base poles 104C, and vertical base U-tube 104D. These components can be coupled together by any appropriate means described herein and known in the art as illustrated. Optional base grips 104E can be removably coupled to base tubes 104A and horizontal base U-tube 104B when positioned on a flat indoor surface for better stability. Optional base grips 104E can be made of a material with a high coefficient of static friction. Optional base grips 104E may also comprise vacuum suction cups.
[0038] Still referring to FIGS. 4 and 4A, the base frame 104 may also have two wheels 104F. Wheels 104F may be removably coupled to the ends of horizontal base tubes 104A as shown. The wheels 104F may be made of rubber or PVC, for example. The wheels 104F may be non-swivel or swivel caster wheels. The wheels 104F facilitate ease of movement from one location to another when the volleyball trainer 100 is angled from vertical towards the wheels 104F and rolled accordingly such that only the wheels 104F are in contact with a ground or floor surface.
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, individual components of hoop 101 of the volleyball trainer 100 are illustrated. The hoop 101 from this embodiment can adjust to different sizes by incorporating different hoop tube components or a different combination of hoop tube components. For example, a larger hoop such as that depicted in FIG. 5A can be assembled using a long t-shaped hoop tube 101A, four corner hoop tubes 101B, and three hoop extenders 101C. By way of example only, in this embodiment, when these components are all coupled together, the hoop dimensions may be approximately 6060 cm. Alternatively, a smaller hoop 101 such as that depicted in FIG. 5B can be assembled by removing the three hoop extenders 101C and replacing long t-shaped hoop tube 101A with a short t-shaped hoop tube 101D. By way of example only, in this embodiment, when only these components are coupled together, the hoop dimensions may be approximately 4646 cm. Different hoops dimensions are possible by adjusting the size of individual hoop components or adding additional hoop extenders and t-shaped hoop tubes of various sizes. For example, although FIG. 5A only shows hoop extenders 101C coupled to four corner hoop tubes 101B, hoop extenders 101C may also be coupled to long t-shaped hoop tube 101A to facilitate other hoop 101 dimensions.
[0040] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 6A, the ability of hoop 101 to adjust to different angles is illustrated. Although multiple angles and ranges of angles are possible, the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 6A illustrates four different possible hoop 101 angles in view of the four separate holes 107B around the circumference of flange 107. Flange 107 is coupled to one of the vertical tube sections 102.
[0041] Flange 107 may comprise two parallel and identical flanges with a space therebetween for receiving a middle tube portion of either long t-shaped hoop tube 101A or short t-shaped hoop tube 101D. In one embodiment, long t-shaped hoop tube 101A or short t-shaped hoop tube 101D is coupled to flange 107 via any suitable pin 106 that can pass through hole 107A in each parallel and identical flange 107 and corresponding and aligned opposite holes located on the middle tube portion of either long t-shaped hoop tube 101A or short t-shaped hoop tube 101D. Pin 106 may be, for example, a wire lock pin as is known in the art, which is typically an unthreaded clevis pin with an attached wire loop that is pulled over the end of the pin. The wire loop can be pulled away and off the end of the pin for quick detachment. A clevis pin allows for articulation and movement, which is preferred when adjusting the angle of hoop 101 while it rotates about an axis that coincides with the direction of pin 106. Once hoop 101 is coupled to flange 107 via pin 106, it is rotatable about an axis that coincides with the direction of pin 106.
[0042] The angle of hoop 101 may be fixed by inserting any suitable pin 108 through any one of several holes 107B along the circumference of flange 107 and corresponding and aligned opposite holes located on the middle tube portion of either long t-shaped hoop tube 101A or short t-shaped hoop tube 101D. Pin 108 may be, for example, a quick release pin as is known in the art which includes a small retractable ball to secure the pin in place while also enabling quick removal. The hoop 101 then remains fixed at a selected angle to facilitate different volleyball training exercises. In other embodiments, the angle may be smoothly and finely adjusted using a pressure pin operable with a rotating knob as known in the art provided flange 107 has a continuous smooth surface without holes along its circumference. In such other embodiments, the middle tube portion of either long t-shaped hoop tube 101A or short t-shaped hoop tube 101D would preferably be shaped to have surface areas in continuous contact with the inner sides of flange 107 to better enable a pressure pin to keep hoop 101 at a desired angular position.
[0043] Still referring to FIGS. 6 and 6A, although either long t-shaped hoop tube 101A or short t-shaped hoop tube 101D may be coupled to corner hoop tubes 101B, or hoop extenders 101C by any suitable means described herein, in this illustrated embodiment, two pins 106 are used, which may be wire lock pins as explained above.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 7, an elongated net 105 is coupled to hoop 101 to guide volleyballs into ball bag 103. Elongated net 105 can be various lengths. In this embodiment, elongated net 105 has hook and loop fasteners 109 such as Velcro straps to attach net 105 to hoop 101 of volleyball trainer 100. However, any suitable fastener 109 may be used as is known in the art. In other embodiments, for example, elongated net 105 may be coupled to hoop 101 using a fastener with a bungee component or any other fastener with elastic materials to help avoid tearing the elongated net when volleyballs pass through after extended use.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 8A, how hoop 101 may be coupled to base frame 104, and how the height of vertical tube sections 102 can be adjusted, is illustrated. Top tube 102A (which is coupled to flange 107 as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 6A) may be coupled to a middle tube 102B, which in turn may be coupled to a bottom tube 102C that is coupled to vertical base U-tube 104D. In one embodiment, middle tube 102B has a series of holes, and top tube 102A has a spring-loaded pin. Compressing spring-loaded pin while adjusting its alignment to fit through spaced holes in middle tube 102B locks the vertical tube sections 102 (and in turn hoop 101) at various heights. For the shortest height, bottom tube 102C can be removed entirely from the volleyball trainer 100 as illustrated in FIG. 8B. Any hoop 101 heights are possible by simply adjusting the corresponding holes in middle tube 102B or otherwise adjusting the lengths of vertical tube components 102A, 102B, and/or 102C. In general, each of 102A, 102B, 102C, and 104D may be coupled together by any appropriate means described herein, which may include mating spring-loaded pins with corresponding holes. By way of example, certain embodiments have available hoop 101 heights of 76, 104, 114, 122, and 130.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 8B, elongated net 105 can be held in place to avoid shifting too much during use (e.g., from a spiked ball traveling through the hoop) by attaching a clip 105A to both the elongated net and one of the vertical tubes. Clip 105A may be a bungee component or any other fastener with elastic materials to help avoid tearing the elongated net when volleyballs pass through after extended use.
[0047] With reference to FIG. 9, additional components, which may be tubular sections, are added to base frame 104 to accommodate a volleyball bag 103. As illustrated in this embodiment, two vertical bag poles 104G and two horizontal bag poles 104H are coupled together and with the base frame 104 as shown. In some embodiments, the two horizontal bag poles 104H are screwed into place to vertical base U-tube 104D. This helps ensure stability and integrity of the volleyball trainer 100 as volleyballs fall into a ball bag 103 at various angles and velocities.
[0048] With reference to FIGS. 10 and 10A, a ball bag 103 is hung onto base frame 104 via two horizontal bag poles 104H. In this illustrated embodiment, ball bag 103 is hung and secured to horizontal bag poles 104H via curved clips 103A that can expand and contract back around the tubular sections of horizontal bag poles 104H as pressure is applied. However, any plastic snap-in clips or other hooks known in the art may be used. Ball bag 103 may also include a pair of handles to facilitate ease of transporting from volleyball trainer 100 to storage, for example, particularly when filled with multiple volleyballs.
[0049] Referring to FIG. 11, an example of a player using volleyball trainer 100 is illustrated. In this example, hoop 101 is set at approximately a positive 45-degree angle. The player hits a ball 201 (e.g., by practicing setting, passing, or bumping) and aims for hoop 101. After a successful hit, ball 201 travels through hoop 101 and is guided by elongated net 105 into ball bag 103.
[0050] Various individual components of volleyball trainer 100 may be formed from a variety of materials, including without limitation, powder coated steel, tubular steel, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), vinyl, acrylic, or similar plastics, or tubular aluminum, etc. Certain components may be coupled by way of friction or snap fit engagement. Certain components may be coupled by any suitable pin such as a detent pin. Certain components may be coupled by threaded engagements that may utilize male and female threaded ends on connecting components for easy screw on/off attachment and detachment. Pins may be made from zinc coated steel or aluminum, for example. The elongated net and bag may be made from nylon or polyester, for example. Although embodiments illustrated and described herein comprise tubular components, components of other shapes are within the scope of the invention as understood by those of skill in the art.
[0051] The present invention has been described in the context of a number of embodiments, and multiple variations and examples thereof. It is to be understood, however, that other expedients known to those skilled in the art or disclosed herein may be employed without departing from the spirit of the invention.
[0052] Any references to the invention herein do not and are not intended to identify or describe aspects or embodiments that are required or otherwise essential to the present invention unless expressly stated as such.
