Volleyball Coaching and Training Apparatus

Abstract

A volleyball training apparatus is provided for simulating blocking, setting, and other training scenarios. The apparatus includes a mobile base with lockable wheels, optional storage compartments, and a vertical frame supporting a forward-facing mounting plate. The mounting plate is vertically adjustable by a worm-gear crank and cable system with self-locking features, or by alternative pin-and-hole or friction mechanisms. The plate may also tilt forward or backward using manual locking elements to replicate realistic game conditions. One or more arm replicas are mounted to the plate and may be repositioned laterally to simulate different formations. The adjustable height, tilt, and arm positioning enable rapid reconfiguration, allowing coaches to efficiently conduct diverse offensive and defensive training drills.

Claims

1. A volleyball training apparatus, comprising: a base; a frame mounted to the base; a support attached to the frame such that the support is movable between a first position and a second position with respect to the base; and a number of arm replicas mounted to the support.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a telescoping rail assembly having one or more stationary sections and one or more movable sections configured to adjust vertically.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a height adjustment mechanism configured to selectively position the support at a desired height relative to the base.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the height adjustment mechanism comprises a worm gear crank and cable system.

5. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a manual locking mechanism comprising one or more pins, bolt, knob, wing bolt, or quick-release plungers to secure the support at a desired height relative to base.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support comprises a forward-facing mounting plate extending transverse relative to the frame.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the mounting plate includes a plurality of lateral slotted openings configured to receive the arm replicas and permit lateral adjustment relative to the frame.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein each of the arm replicas includes a simulated arm, hand, and a plurality of fingers configured to replicate a human volleyball posture.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein each of the arm replicas is mounted to the mounting plate via a pair of the slotted openings, the pair defining a corresponding attachment point for that arm replica.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein each arm replica is individually laterally adjustable along the slotted openings, relative to the support.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the mounting plate is further configured to tilt forward or backward relative to the frame and includes a manual locking mechanism comprising one or more pins, bolt, knob, wing bolt, or quick-release plunger for securing the tilt angle.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a platform integrated with the base and configured to support a person during operation.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more compartments formed in the base structure for storage of volleyballs or training equipment.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base structure includes a deployable rear portion configured to increase footprint and stability.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base structure is mounted on a plurality of swivel-capable, lockable wheels for repositioning on a court surface.

16. A method of using a volleyball training apparatus, comprising: positioning a base structure on a playing surface; adjusting a vertically movable and tiltable mounting plate to a selected height; locking the mounting plate at the selected height; tilting the mounting plate to a desired angle; locking the mounting plate at the selected angle; and adjusting a plurality of arms replicas mounted to the mounting plate.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein adjusting the arm replicas comprises moving them laterally along slotted openings relative to the mounting plate.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising configuring the arm replicas to simulate a training scenario.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising storing volleyballs in one or more compartments within the base structure.

20. The method of claim 16, further comprising standing on a platform integrated into the base structure during training.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Various features will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the disclosed non-limiting embodiment. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows:

[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a volleyball training apparatus according to one disclosed non-limiting embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a volleyball training apparatus with fully enclosed base framework according to another disclosed non-limiting embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the volleyball training apparatus according to one disclosed non-limiting embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of a volleyball training apparatus according to one disclosed non-limiting embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of a volleyball training apparatus according to one disclosed non-limiting embodiment.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the volleyball training apparatus having a worm gear winch system to adjust height according to one disclosed non-limiting embodiment.

[0036] FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of the volleyball training apparatus according to one disclosed non-limiting embodiment.

[0037] FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of a method of operating a volleyball training apparatus.

[0038] FIG. 9. is an exploded view of the volleyball training apparatus of FIG. 1 having a worm gear winch system to adjust height according to one disclosed non-limiting embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a volleyball training apparatus 10 configured to simulate realistic blocking and/or setting scenarios during volleyball drills to facilitate coaches effectively training players. The volleyball training apparatus 10 is disclosed herein with respect to exemplary volleyball training sessions, although use is not limited thereto.

[0040] The apparatus 10 may include a primary framework assembly 12, comprising a base subassembly 16 and a vertical frame subassembly 22. The base subassembly 16 provides a stable foundation and is mounted on swivel-capable, lockable wheels 14, allowing the apparatus to be easily repositioned on a court surface and then secured in place during operation. The base 16 may feature an open configuration or a partially or fully enclosed structure. In one embodiment, the enclosed base incorporates integrated storage compartments 18 for holding volleyballs, components of the apparatus 10, and other training equipment. In some variants, the base 16 may also include a rear stability extension 19, which can be manually deployed or extended via a sliding or hinged mechanism to increase the apparatus footprint and enhance stability, particularly when fully raised. This extension may be retracted for transport or storage. The primary framework 12 may be constructed from any durable material, including but not limited to metal, high-strength plastic, or composite materials.

[0041] The vertical frame 22 extends upward from the base 16 along a central longitudinal axis A (FIG. 7) and is configured to allow adjustability of the mounting plate 50 in height relative to the base 16 in order to simulate various blocking, setting, hitting, and/or defense scenarios. In one embodiment, the telescoping frame 22 comprises one or more stationary support columns 24 fixed to the base and one or more movable segments 26, such as nested tubes, rails, or channels, that are slidably nestled within the stationary segments 24. These moveable segments 26 are dimensioned to telescope or otherwise move within the stationary segments 24, allowing for selective vertical extension during use, more compact storage. The lower portion of the vertical frame 22 may be mechanically fastened or welded to the front facing and/or upper surface of the base 16 or secured using a bracket-and-bolt mounting interface to allow for disassembly and transport.

[0042] To facilitate smooth extension and retraction, guiding elements such as trolley wheels, bushings, or linear bearing inserts may be positioned between the nested movable segments 26 and the stationary segments 24 of the vertical frame 22. These guides reduce friction while minimizing wobble or deflection during vertical adjustment. The movable segments may further include indexed openings, elongated guide slots, or detent notches configured to interface with locking mechanisms described herein, thereby enabling the user to secure the frame at discrete or incremental height positions. The upper portions of the stationary segments 24 of the vertical frame 22 are open along the front-facing side, relative to the base 16, forming one or more tracks 48 that receives and supports the mounting plate 50. In this configuration, the movable segments 26 serve as the structural attachment point the mounting plate 50 to the vertical frame 22.

[0043] Height adjustment may be controlled manually via a mechanical worm-gear crank 70 and cable system 80, which enables precise vertical positioning of the mounting plate 50 relative to the base 16 along axis A. The crank 70 is operatively coupled to a worm gear 60 that drives a winch drum 72 around which a steel cable 84 is wound. The winch drum 72 includes a gear 74 oriented perpendicular to the worm gear 60, providing a self-locking interface that resists back-driving under load as further described below. The crank 70, worm gear 60, and winch drum 72 are mounted to a cross-member support 28A of the stationary section 24 of the vertical frame 22.

[0044] The steel cable 84 is routed upward to a first pulley 82A, then redirected downward toward the base of the vertical frame 22 around a second pulley 82B. From there, the cable 84 is directed upward through the inner portion of stationary section 24 of the vertical frame 22 to a third guide pulley 82C positioned near the upper most cross-member 28B of the stationary segments 24. The cable 84 is then redirected downward, where its free end is anchored to a cross-member support 46 of the mounting assembly 40, between the movable sections 26 of the vertical frame 22. In operation, rotation of the crank 70 winds or unwinds the cable 84, causing the mounting assembly 40 and attached arm replicas 32 to travel smoothly along axis A to a desired vertical position.

[0045] As the user turns the crank 70, the cable 84 either winds or unwinds from the drum 72, causing the movable telescoping sections 26 to raise or lower along axis A within the stationary sections of the vertical frame, thereby adjusting the height of the mounting plate 50 and attached arm replicas 32. The system allows users to selectively position the mounting plate 50 in raised or lowered configurations with visual and mechanical feedback provided by the cable tension and frame movement.

[0046] The crank 70 and cable system 80 includes an integrated locking mechanism that prevents unintentional descent or drift. The locking function of the crank 70 and cable system 80 is achieved through the worm gear 60, which sits perpendicular to the drum 72. In operation, when the user rotates the crank 70, the handle transmits torque to the worm gear 60, which in turn engages the winch drum 72. The worm gear is self-locking due to its perpendicular position relative to the winch drum 72 and gear 74. This means that the height adjustment system resists reverse motion; that is, external downward forces acting on the frame 22 cannot easily back-drive the worm gear 60 and cable assembly 80. This ensures that once the desired height is set, the mounting plate 50 remains stationary without operator input.

[0047] In some embodiments, the winch drum 72 includes a brake assembly or clutch system that locks automatically when cranking ceases, maintaining the mounting plate 50 securely at the selected height without requiring external fasteners or pins.

[0048] In alternative embodiments, the height of the mounting plate 50 may be manually adjusted using a pin-and-hole locking system 62, wherein a series of pre-drilled holes along the length of the nested movable sections 26 and stationary sections 24 tubes permit insertion of a spring-loaded detent pin or similar locking element (FIG. 1; FIG. 5).

[0049] This allows the mounting plate 50 to be set at discrete vertical positions without the need for cables or cranks. In alternative embodiments, the frame 22 may incorporate locking mechanisms including, but not limited to, detent pins, friction collars, quick-release clamps, cam locks, or ratchet-based systems. These height adjustment mechanisms enable manual or tool-free adjustment of the mounting plate 50 to various heights, providing flexibility and ease of adjustment for different training scenario.

[0050] Coupled to a forward-facing portion of the frame 22 is a mounting plate support 50 having laterally slotted holes 30. The mounting plate 50 is secured to the moveable sections 26 of the frame 22. The mounting plate 50 is configured to support between one and six arm replicas 32 shaped and dimensioned to simulate human arms and hands. The arm replicas 32 are adjustable to allow for precise replication of blocking, setting, hitting, and other training scenarios. In one embodiment, the arm replicas 32 are horizontally slidable along the slotted holed 30 in the mounting plate 50 for lateral positioning. Individual mounting hardware 34 secures each arm replica 32 in place and permits rapid reconfiguration. Each of the arm replicas 32 are attached to the mounting plate 50 at a pair of the slotted holes 30 and secured via a pin, bolt, wing bolt, knurled screw, knob bolt 44, thumb bolt, or quick-release plunger to lock each arm replica 32 in place at the desired position along the slotted holes 30.

[0051] Additionally, the mounting plate 50 may be adjusted fore-and-aft relative to the frame 22 and vertically along axis A. The mounting plate 50 is coupled to the movable sections 26 of the frame 22 via guide rails or support channels 42. These rails 42 enable the plate 50 to be moved up or down by hand along axis A. The mounting plate 50 may be further configured to tilt forward or backward relative to the axis A (FIG. 7). This tilt feature allows the plate 50 and thus the attached arm replicas 32 to simulate more realistic game conditions, such as player reaching over the net N to hit or block (FIG. 2). The mounting assembly 40 may be mechanically secured in position using a manual locking system. In such embodiments, the vertical height and tilt angle of the mounting plate 50 may be set by a pin, bolt, wing bolt, knurled screw, knob bolt 44, thumb bolt, or quick-release plunger to lock the plate 50 in place, allowing the user to further adjust the plate's 50 height and/or tilt the plate 50 forward or backward and secure it manually at the desired angle.

[0052] In alternative embodiments, the mounting plate 50 may maintain its selected height and tilt angle without the use of locking pins, bolts, cranks, or external fasteners. This passive retention can be achieved through mechanisms such as friction-based struts, counterbalanced hinge systems, or other self-holding assemblies. Examples include friction hinges, adjustable-resistance pivots with internal clutching mechanisms, and gas-damped tilt arms that resist downward motion and provide controlled upward movement. Additionally, gas springs, hydraulic pistons, or torsion springs may be calibrated to offset the weight of the mounting plate 50 and any attached arm replicas, while internal drag mechanisms may apply sufficient resistance to hold the plate 50 in place once adjusted. These systems collectively enable fine vertical and angular positioning of the entire plate 50, independent of the gross height adjustment provided by the vertical frame 22.

[0053] In certain embodiments, the base 16 is enclosed with detachable, sturdy materials to form a coach platform 20 capable of supporting the weight of an adult. The coach platform 20 provides a stable surface from which a coach may perform training activities during use of the volleyball training apparatus 10.

[0054] The integrated storage compartments 18 within the base 16 may be either open, enclosed, or configured to work within the rear stability extension 19 (FIG. 7). Open storage allows for quick access to volleyballs, whereas enclosed storage provides secure retention and organization of equipment. In certain embodiments, the storage compartments 18 maintain a continuous supply of volleyballs during training drills to reduce downtime.

[0055] In operation, the volleyball training apparatus 10 may be positioned on a court surface by rolling on the swivel-capable wheels 14. Once positioned, the wheels 14 may be locked to prevent movement. The mounting plate 50 is then adjusted to a desired height along longitudinal axis A of the vertical frame 22 using the crank 70 and cable system 80. The arm replicas 32 are positioned horizontally, vertically, and fore-and-aft to match the desired blocking or setting formation for the training session.

[0056] During training drills, the arm replicas 32 may be configured to simulate opposing players. In alternative configurations, the arm replicas 32 may be positioned to simulate setters, hitters, blockers, etc. Players may practice attacking or setting the ball over, at, or around the arm replicas 32 to mimic real-game situations. Coaches may configure the arm replicas 32 to create intentional gaps for training defensive positioning and reactions. A coach standing on the coach platform 20 may retrieve volleyballs from the storage compartments 18 and feed them into the drill to maintain a continuous pace.

[0057] The volleyball training apparatus 10 may be adjusted to simulate different blocking and/or setting heights and formations, making it suitable for a variety of training levels. Rapid reconfiguration of the arm replicas 32 between drills allows for efficient training sessions without significant setup time.

[0058] Although the different non-limiting embodiments have specific illustrated components, the embodiments of this invention are not limited to those particular combinations. It is possible to use some of the components or features from any of the non-limiting embodiments in combination with features or components from any of the other non-limiting embodiments.

[0059] With reference to FIGS. 1-7 and FIG. 9, a method of operating a volleyball training apparatus 10 may be performed manually by a user and/or in conjunction with mechanical components of the apparatus 10 (FIG. 8).

[0060] Initially, the apparatus 10 is moved into position on a court surface (310) by rolling on the swivel-capable wheels 14 (FIG. 1; FIG. 9). The wheels 14 may be unlocked to allow movement and then locked once the desired location is reached to prevent unwanted movement during use. In embodiments including the extendable rear stability portion 19 (see FIG. 1) the rear portion 19 may be deployed at this stage to increase the apparatus footprint and stability.

[0061] The mounting plate 50 is then adjusted to a desired height (320) manually or by using the mechanical worm-gear crank 70 and cable system 80. The crank 70 may be rotated to raise or lower the movable sections 26 of the vertical frame 22 to simulate various training scenarios of varying heights. Once the desired height is achieved, the movable sections 26 of the frame 22 are locked in position.

[0062] The mounting plate 50 and arm replicas 32 are configured (330) for the desired drill. Between one and six arm replicas 32 may be installed and positioned along the mounting plate 50. The arm replicas 32 may be adjusted laterally (left or right), along the slots 30, and fore-and-aft with the mounting plate 50 to simulate different blocking and/or setting positions. Individual mounting hardware 34 is tightened to secure the arm replicas 32 in place.

[0063] The storage compartments 18 within the base 16 may be loaded (340) with volleyballs or other training equipment prior to starting drills (see FIG. 2; FIG. 7). The coach platform 20, if included, provides a stable elevated position for the coach to observe and feed balls into drills.

[0064] Training activities are then conducted (350). In blocking simulations, the arm replicas 32 are positioned to simulate one or more opposing blockers and players practice hitting over, around, or through the simulated block. In setting simulations, the arm replicas 32 may be arranged to simulate a setter's hands or arms, allowing players to practice precision passing and attacking.

[0065] For defensive training, the arm replicas 32 may be configured to create intentional gaps (360) to train players in defensive positioning, anticipation, and reaction time. The coach may feed balls from the storage compartments 18 to maintain a continuous pace during the drill, reducing downtime and maximizing efficiency.

[0066] Upon completion of the training session (370), the arm replicas 32 may be repositioned or removed, the mounting plate 50 lowered, and the extendable rear stability portion 19 retracted. The wheels 14 are then unlocked, and the apparatus 10 is moved to a storage location.

[0067] The method 300 may be repeated with varying configurations to suit the skill level of the players, the objectives of the training session, and the desired simulation of defensive of offensive scenarios. The rapid reconfigurability of the arm replicas 32 and the vertical frame 22 allows for multiple drills to be conducted efficiently within a single practice session.

[0068] The foregoing description is exemplary rather than defined by the justified knowledge within. Various non-limiting embodiments are disclosed herein, however, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that various modifications and variations in light of the above teachings will fall within the scope of the appended claims. It is therefore to be appreciated that within the scope of the appended claims, the disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described. For that reason the appended claims should be studied to determine true scope and content.