Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02713463 2010-08-19
SPORTS TRAINING APPARATUS FOR LAUNCHING SPORTS BALLS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to sports training apparatuses for launching a
sports ball,
and more specifically to improvements in traditional sports ball launching
apparatuses. In particular, the invention relates to a sports training
apparatus with the
ability to launch a ball, such as, for example, a soccer ball or a volleyball,
at a
plurality of power levels, at a plurality of different angles, with a
plurality of different
types of spin, and can be remotely controlled or programmed with a pre-
determined
launching pattern. Additionally, the sports training apparatus can be powered
by
batteries allowing for use in remote locations.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is an improvement over United States Patent No.
5,911,214
issued June 15, 1999 wherein a soccer ball projecting apparatus is disclosed.
Further
developments have been revealed that outline the need for the production of an
upgraded ball projecting apparatus. For a ready understanding of the current
state of
the soccer ball projecting apparatus the reader is directed to United States
Patent No.
5,911,214.
To become proficient at any sport it is necessary to practice for countless
amounts of
hours to be able to develop the skills to perform difficult fast paced moves
with split
second timing and accuracy. Not only is there a need to repeatedly practice a
single
manoeuvre a multitude of times to become proficient, but there is also a need
to
practice a series of different manoeuvres in succession to simulate real in-
game
situations. Generally, in traditional sports ball launching devices the
apparatus is only
capable of providing a single repetitive launch type unless the specific
settings are
manually changed between launches, which does not accurately represent true in
game situations. Different launch type settings may include projecting the
sports ball
at different power levels, at different angles (i.e. different directions) and
with
different spins on the ball (i.e. ability to curve the sports ball).
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United States Patent Application No. 2008/0032828 published February 7, 2008
(Alger) discloses a system for delivering objects, such as soccer balls for
training
purposes. The delivery device includes an accelerator that accepts,
accelerates and
launches the ball with motion characteristics, such as linear acceleration,
angular
acceleration, or a combination of both. The balls are accelerated using a fly
wheel
system similar to most baseball pitching machines. The assembly adjusts the
position
of the accelerator to adjust the exit trajectory of the object including
adjustment about
the yaw axis, elevation axis and a spin axis of the ball. The device can be
remotely
controlled wirelessly through a radio frequency receiver and transmitter. The
delivery
device also includes an electronic control system having stored training
programs for
selective use and executed in either pre-programmed or real-time-selected
sequences.
Additionally, the power source is portable utilizing one or more rechargeable
batteries.
United States Patent No. 6,488,020 issued December 3, 2002 (Rosas-Magallan)
discloses a training machine which projects soccer balls by means of
propelling
wheels. The machine propels balls with a maximum degree of freedom in
selecting
ball trajectories at various angles, distances and velocities. An electrical
control
regulates the speed of each of the propelling wheels, providing a variety of
spin
control to the ball.
United States Patent Application No. 2005/0103318 published May 19, 2005 (Leal
et
al.) doscloses a sports ball throwing apparatus utilizing compressed air to
project the
sports ball. The apparatus is adjustable in both the azimuth and elevation for
launching in various directions and also has a means for adding a spin to the
sports
ball.
United States Patent Application No. 2002/0185120 published December 12, 2002
(Scott) discloses a baseball pitching system for allowing an individual to
operate a
baseball pitching machine similar to an actual human pitcher. The system
includes a
central processing unit which manipulates the velocity of the pitching wheels
to create
the desired pitch. Pre-programmed pitching sequences and random pitching
sequences
may be entered into the system central processing unit.
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The present invention was conceived and developed having regard to the known
prior
art and with the purpose of providing an improved sports training apparatus
with the
ability to project a ball, and more specifically, a soccer ball or a
volleyball, at a
plurality of power levels, at a plurality of different angles, with a
plurality of different
types of spin, and can be remotely controlled or programmed with a pre-
determined
launching pattern.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a sports
training apparatus
for launching sports balls.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided
an
apparatus for casting a sports ball for training purposes, the apparatus
including a
platform; a frame rotatably mounted on the platform; a ball projecting means
mounted
on the frame for casting a sports ball in a manner suitable for various
training exercises;
and a remote control and programming means for actuating the ball projecting
means
for casting the sports ball according to the desired training exercise.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
sports
training apparatus for launching sports balls comprising a horizontal base-
frame, a
main-frame pivotally mounted on the base-frame, a rotating linear actuator
with built-
in linear resistor affixed to the base-frame and to the main-frame for
rotating the
main-frame with respect to the base-frame within a horizontal plane above the
base-
frame upon extension or retraction of the rotating linear actuator with built-
in linear
resistor, a means for projecting a sports ball mounted on the main-frame, a
means for
supporting a sports ball mounted on the main-frame in operational association
with
the means for projecting a sports ball, a function controlling means, a
plurality of
electronic control and electronic drive systems, a sports training apparatus
controlling
means, and a power supply means. The means for projecting a sports ball
comprises
an arcuated structure having a first end pivotally connected to a pair of
support
members having a common axis of rotation and the support members being rigidly
affixed to the main-frame, a lobbing linear actuator with built-in linear
resistor
connected to the arcuated structure and to the main-frame for adjusting a
radial
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orientation of the arcuated structure about the common axis of rotation for
optionally
changing an impact point on a sports ball by the ball striking means when the
sports
ball is supported by the means for supporting a sports ball, a ball striking
means
comprising a striking leg member having a first end pivotally connected to the
arcuated structure for pendulous movement along a striking path along a plane,
a
compressing linear actuator with built-in linear resistor connected to the
arcuated
structure and having a linear motion along the plane of the striking leg
member, and a
compressible spring and detent rod assembly connected between a second end of
the
arcuated structure and the striking leg member for moving the striking leg
member
along the striking path between a cocked position and a striking position and
vice-
versa upon extension of the compressing linear actuator with built-in linear
resistor.
The compressible spring and detent rod assembly comprises a means to store
potential
energy, at least one detent rod, and a latching mechanism for engaging the at
least one
detent rod at one of a plurality. of detents on the at least one detent rod
for retaining
the striking leg member in the cocked position. The means for supporting a
sports ball
comprises a sports ball support cup, a horizontal axis, a vertical axis, a
vertical motion
linear actuator with built-in linear resistor, and a horizontal motion linear
actuator
with built-in linear resistor for varying a point of impact against the sports
ball to
impart a spin and a curving trajectory to the sports ball. The sports training
apparatus
controlling means relays input signals from the sports training apparatus
controlling
means and translates them into output signals causing the plurality of
electronic
control and electronic drive systems to perform a desired function. The sports
training
apparatus controlling means, the plurality of electronic control and
electronic drive
systems are powered by the power supply means.
In accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention, there is
provided a sports training apparatus for launching sports balls comprising: a
horizontal base-frame; a main-frame pivotally mounted on said base-frame; a
rotating
linear actuator with built-in linear resistor affixed to said base-frame and
to said main-
frame for rotating said main-frame with respect to said base-frame within a
horizontal
plane above said base-frame upon extension or retraction of said rotating
linear
actuator with built-in linear resistor; a means for projecting a sports ball
mounted on
said main-frame; a means for supporting a sports ball mounted on said main-
frame in
operational -association with said means for projecting a sports ball; a
function
controlling means; a plurality of electronic control and electronic drive
systems; a
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sports training apparatus controlling means; and a power supply means; said
means
for projecting a sports ball comprises: an arcuated structure having a first
end
pivotally connected to a pair of support members having a common axis of
rotation
and said support members being rigidly affixed to said main-frame; a lobbing
linear actuator with built-in linear resistor connected to said arcuated
structure and to
said main-frame for adjusting a radial orientation of said arcuated structure
about said
common axis of rotation for optionally changing an impact point on a sports
ball by
said ball striking means when said sports ball is supported by said means for
supporting a sports ball; a ball striking means comprising a striking leg
member
having a first end pivotally connected to said arcuated structure for
pendulous
movement along a striking path along a plane; a compressing linear actuator
with
built-in linear resistor connected to said arcuated structure and having a
linear motion
along said plane of said striking leg member; and a compressible spring and
detent
assembly connected between a second end of said arcuated structure and said
striking
leg member for moving said striking leg member along said striking path
between a
cocked position and a striking position and vice-versa upon extension of said
compressing linear actuator with built-in linear resistor; said compressible
spring and
detent assembly comprises a means to store potential energy, at least one rod,
a
telescoping tube extending parallel to the rod, the telescoping tube being
connected to
the rod for simultaneous movement with the rod, and a latching mechanism for
engaging a plurality of detents disposed on the telescoping tube for retaining
said
striking leg member in said cocked position; said means for supporting a
sports ball
comprises a sports ball support cup, a horizontal axis, a vertical axis, a
vertical motion
linear actuator with built-in linear resistor, and a horizontal motion linear
actuator
with built-in linear resistor for varying a point of impact against said
sports ball to
impart a spin and a curving trajectory to said sports ball; wherein said
sports
training apparatus controlling means relays input signals from said sports
training
apparatus controlling means and translates them into output signals causing
said
plurality of electronic control and electronic drive systems to perform a
desired
function; wherein said sports training apparatus controlling means, said
plurality of
electronic control and electronic drive systems are powered by said power
supply
means.
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Preferably, the telescoping tube includes an outer tube member and an inner
tube
member, the inner tube member being slidably movable inside the outer tube
member,
and the inner tube member being connected to the rod.
Preferably, the latching mechanism comprises one or more pulleys and a cable,
the
cable being connected to a trigger release bracket which is activated by the
rearward
motion of the linear actuator for urging upwardly a sliding latch of the
latching
mechanism from the detents on the telescoping tube.
In accordance to a first aspect of the present invention the sports training
apparatus of
the present invention comprises broadly, a horizontal base-frame having wheels
affixed thereto for movement of the apparatus and a main-frame which is
movably
mounted on the base-frame. The main-frame supports a mechanism for projecting
a
sports ball, and a sports ball support cup assembly for supporting a sports
ball in
operational association with the mechanism for projecting a sports ball.
Preferably, the mechanism for projecting a sports ball comprises an arcuated
structure
which is adjustable about a pair of horizontal pivots affixed to a pair of
ball projecting
mechanism support members. The mechanism also comprises a lobbing linear
actuator connected to the arcuated structure for adjusting a radial
orientation of the
arcuated structure about a common axis of the horizontal pivots, for changing
the
orientation of the arcuated structure for optionally lobbing a sports ball.
The mechanism for projecting a sports ball further preferably comprises a
striking leg
member having a striking path oriented toward the common axis of both
horizontal
pivots, and the common axis is oriented through a sports ball when the sports
ball is
being supported by the support cup assembly, such that the radial orientation
of the
striking leg member, and the striking path thereof are adjustable to aim
toward a
centre of the sports ball, from various positions of the arcuated structure
about the
common axis.
In accordance to another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus
further
preferably comprises a rotating linear actuator for rotating the main-frame
within a
horizontal plane above the base-frame. The ball projecting mechanism is
thereby able
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to rotate left and right from center approximately 80 allowing the sports
training
apparatus to project balls to players in a wide horizontal area without
displacing the
sports training apparatus on the playing surface.
In accordance to a further aspect of the present invention, the striking leg
member has
a first end pivotally connected to the arcuated structure for pendulous
movement of
the striking leg member along a striking path. The ball projecting mechanism
further
comprises a compressing linear actuator mounted on the top side at the rear of
the
arcuated structure and having a linear motion in the same plane as the
striking leg
member. The ball projecting mechanism further comprises a compressible spring
and
detent rod assembly pivotally connected to both the striking leg member and
the
bottom side at the rear of the arcuated structure for moving the leg member
along the
striking path between a striking position and a cocked position, upon
extension of the
compressing linear actuator. Optionally, the ball projecting mechanism may
comprise
a plurality of compressing linear actuators. The compressible spring and
detent rod
assembly preferably comprises two springs, two detent rods and a latching
mechanism
that engages the detent rods at a plurality of fixed points ensuring that the
springs
remain compressed until the sports ball is launched, each of the fixed points
on the
detent rods represent a different power level setting as a result of the
potential energy
stored in the springs. Optionally, the compressible spring and detent rod
assembly
may comprise at least one spring and at least one detent rod.
In the ball projecting mechanism of the present the invention, it is
preferable that the
compressible springs of the compressible spring and detent rod assembly are
compressible bushings. The use of compressible bushings have an advantage in
that
they are stackable allowing for the ability to further modify the force levels
of the
striking leg member and would eliminate the need to acquire custom made
springs.
Preferably, the plurality of linear actuators in the present invention each
has a built-in
linear resistor. The linear resistors allow a sports training apparatus
controlling means,
such as, for example a microcontroller, a field-programmable gate array
(FPGA), or
the like, to monitor and control the movement of the plurality of linear
actuators to
within an accuracy of approximately 1/1000 of an inch (25.4 m).
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In the projecting mechanism of the present invention, the striking leg member
is
movable from a striking position to a cocked position upon extension of the
compressing linear actuator and compression of the spring and detent rod
assembly.
The leg member is adapted to be retained in the cocked position by the detent
rods
and the latching mechanism.
In accordance to yet another aspect of the present invention, preferably there
is
provided in the apparatus, a plurality of electronic controls and electric
drive systems
for operating the operational functions of the sports training apparatus.
There is also
provided a pair of rechargeable batteries mounted on the main-frame for
supplying
electrical power to the plurality of electronic control and electronic drive
systems.
There is also provided a readout display indicating the level of charge
remaining on
the pair of rechargeable batteries.
In accordance to yet another aspect of the present invention, preferably there
is
provided a solar charging system for charging the rechargeable batteries
prolonging
the use of the apparatus in a given practice session. The solar charging
system
comprises at least one solar panel and is electrically connected to the
rechargeable
batteries allowing for a constant trickle charge when exposed to external
sources of
light.
In the sports training apparatus of the present invention, preferably there is
provided a
sports training apparatus controlling means for controlling the plurality of
electronic
control and electronic drive systems and is powered by the rechargeable
batteries.
In the sports training apparatus of the present invention, preferably there is
provided
an external remote control, with secondary controls on the apparatus, for
providing
input signals to the sports training apparatus controlling means to control
the
apparatus. The sports training apparatus controlling means relays input
signals from a
user via the external remote control or the secondary controls and translates
them into
output signals causing the plurality of electronic control and electronic
drive systems
to perform the desired function. The external remote control comprises a
joystick for
changing the trajectory (direction) of the sports ball, and a plurality of
buttons or
control knobs for modifying various settings or for carrying out various
functions,
such as, for example:
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= An of/off button for turning the sports training apparatus on or off,
= An emergency stop button to power down the sports training apparatus;
= A reset button to cause all the components of the sports training apparatus
to
move to an arbitrary rest position;
= A load button for loading a ball on the support cup;
= A pre-load control function for pre-loading the projecting mechanism;
= A lob function to add more or less lob to the trajectory of the ball;
= A spin function to move the support cup laterally to increase or decrease
the
spin of a ball;
= A save ball trajectory function;
= A program function to load a saved program;
= A ball launch button to cause the sports training apparatus to launch a
sports
ball; and
= A mode of operation function, to operate the sports training apparatus in
for
example, a Manual, Automatic or pre-Program mode.
The external remote control of the present invention is ' preferably a touch-
screen
remote, wherein the joystick and the plurality of buttons or control knobs are
replaced,
for example, by up/down/left/right touch-screen buttons for changing the
trajectory
and touch-screen buttons for modifying the various settings representing the
same as
those exemplified above, respectively. Optionally, the external remote control
is
wireless.
The secondary controls located on the sports training apparatus preferably
comprise
the same functions as the external remote control as well as additional
functions, such
as, for example:
= An On/off switch for turning the sports training apparatus on or off, and
= A plurality of emergency stop switches to halt a program in progress.
Preferably, in the sports training apparatus controlling means of the present
invention
there is stored thereon a plurality of programs. The programs include, for
example, a
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save ball trajectory program, a manual mode program, a pre-programmed mode
program, an automatic mode program and a plurality of safety feature programs.
In accordance to yet another aspect of the present invention, preferably there
is
provided a safety braking system. The safety braking system is connected to a
towing
handle, whereby when the towing handle is in a substantially vertical position
brakes
on the rear wheels are engaged, and when the towing handle is lowered for
towing
brakes on the rear wheels are disengaged.
In accordance to yet another aspect of the present invention, preferably there
is
provided a spring release safety mechanism. The spring release safety
mechanism is
used if the apparatus fails and the spring loaded arm is in a cocked position,
thus
leaving a compressive force on the springs and making it hazardous to repair.
To
release the potential energy in the springs a manual release trigger is
provided at the
back of the compressible spring and detent rod assembly that will release the
latch
from the detents on the detent rods or on the telescoping tube, which will
then trigger
the firing mechanism and release the potential energy stored in the springs.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
method of
launching a sports ball according to the sports training apparatus for
launching sports
balls as defined herein comprising the steps of:
a) loading the sports ball onto the sports ball support cup;
b) positioning the sports ball support cup using the vertical motion linear
actuator
with built-in linear resistor and the horizontal motion linear actuator with
built-
in linear resistor to impart a desired spin on the sports ball;
c) radially positioning the means for projecting a sports ball to effect a
desired
arcing path of the sports ball;
d) extending the compressing linear actuator with built-in linear resistor to
compress and store a potential energy in the means to store potential energy
to
strike the sports ball with a desired force; -
e) retracting the compressing linear actuator with built-in linear resistor
while the
striking leg member is kept in the cocked position by the latching mechanism
on
one of the plurality of detents on the at least one detent rod; and
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f) releasing the potential energy stored in the means to store potential
energy
causing the striking leg member to strike the sports ball.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the present invention will be further described, by way of
example
only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a 3-dimensional perspective view of the sports training apparatus
for
launching sports balls of an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a side perspective view of the sports training apparatus for
launching
sports balls of an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3a and 3b are perspective views of the compressible spring and detent
rod
assembly of an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4 is a side view of the sports training apparatus for launching sports
ball
showing the movement of the members of the ball projecting mechanism moving
into
a cocked position;
Figure 5a -5c are side views of the ball support cup assembly of an embodiment
of the
present invention;
Figure 6a and 6b are perspective views of sports ball storage ramp of an
embodiment
of the present invention;
Figure 7 is a side view of the control gate for automatically loading a sports
ball on
the support cup;
Figures 8a and 8b are a perspective view and a top plan view respectively of a
compressible spring and detent assembly according to another embodiment of the
present invention;
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Figure 9a is a cross sectional view of the spring and detent assembly shown in
Figure
8b along line A-A; and
Figure 9b is en exploded view of region F shown in Figure 9a.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFFERED EMBODIEMNT OF THE
INVENTION
A better understanding of the present invention and its objects and advantages
will
become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed
description,
wherein there is described only the preferred embodiment of the invention,
simply by
way of illustration of the best mode contemplated for carrying out the
invention. As
will be realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various obvious
respects,
all without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly,
the
description should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as
restrictive.
Referring to Figures 1 and 2. The sports training apparatus 20 comprises a
horizontal
rectangular base-frame 40 supported by wheels 30, 32 and a main-frame 42
movably
mounted on the base-frame 40 about a vertical axis 44. The main-frame 42 has a
pair
of spaced-apart upright front members 60 and a pair spaced-apart upright rear
members 62. The main-frame 42 is supported by a pivot member 46, such as, for
example, a pivoting flange, affixed to the base-frame 40, and is movable about
the
vertical axis 44 by means of a rotating linear actuator 48. The sports
training
apparatus has an enclosure 26 for protecting the interior components of the
sports
training apparatus 20 from precipitations, dust and the like, and for safely
covering the
mechanism when in use.
The main-frame 42 supports a sports ball storage ramp 64 above the ball
projecting
mechanism 28, the main-frame 42 also provides support for the enclosure 26.
The
enclosure 26 has an opening 66 in the top surface thereof communicating with
an inlet
portion 68 of the storage ramp 64 for loading the storage ramp 64 with a
plurality of
sports balls.
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A pair of ball projecting mechanism support members 45 supports a ball support
cup
assembly 70. The ball projecting mechanism 28 is pivotally mounted between the
pair
of ball projecting mechanism support members 45 and is movable about a
transversal
horizontal axis 36. The ball projecting mechanism 28 comprises an arcuated
structure
80 having its front end connected to the axis 36 and its rear end connected to
a
lobbing linear actuator 82. A striking leg member 84 is pivotally connected to
the
arcuated structure 80, at pivot 86. The striking leg member 84 is operable
back and
forth by way of a compressible spring and detent rod assembly 88 and a
compressing
linear actuator 90. The striking leg member 84 has a boot 98 on its lower end
for
contacting a sports ball 38. The boot 98 has concentric grooves on its
striking surface
for providing a better grip on the ball. The boot is preferably made of
aluminum, and
covered with a coating of urethane.
Figures 3a and 3b show an embodiment of the compressible spring and detent rod
assembly 88. The compressible spring and detent rod assembly 88 comprises a
pair of
springs 150, a pair of detent rods 152 and a latching mechanism 154. The
latching of
the striking leg member 84 into the cocked position is effected by extending
the
compressing linear actuator 90 such that the compressing linear actuator 90
pushes the
upper portion of the striking leg member 84 causing the striking leg member to
rotate
around axis 86 to compress the compressible spring and detent rod assembly 88
causing the latching mechanism 154 to progressively latch onto the detents of
detent
rods 152 according to the desired compression of the springs 150. The arrows
in
figure 4 depict the movement of the members of the ball projecting mechanism
28
moving into a cocked position.
Referring now to Figures 8a and 8b, shown is another preferred embodiment of
the
compressible spring and detent assembly 88, including a pair of springs 150.
and a pair
of rods 152. A front bearing 171 and a rear 172 bearing support the rod 152.
The
spring member 150 has a front end 173 adapted to receive a bolt and nut system
170
for connecting the two front end portions 173 of the springs 150. A
telescoping tube
assembly can be disposed in between the two rods 152, the telescope tube
including a
fixed outer tube member 176 and a slidable inner tube member 175, the inner
tube
member 175 extending forwardly parallel to the springs 150. The inner tube
member
175 has a front end 174 which is adapted to receive the bolt 170 for
connection to the
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springs 152 for simultaneously movement of the inner tube member 175 with the
parallel springs 152.
Figure 9a is a cross-sectional view of the compressible spring and detent
assembly 88
shown in Figure 8b along line A-A. The inner tube member 175 is illustrated in
a
retracted or latched position inside the outer tube member 176 of the
telescoping tube
assembly.
The latching of the striking leg member 84 into a cocked position is effected
by
extending the compressing linear actuator 90 such that a front end 178 of the
compressing linear actuator 90 pushes the upper portion of the striking leg
member 84
causing the striking leg member to rotate around axis 86 to compress the
compressible
spring and detent assembly 88. During the compression of the spring and detent
assembly 88 the rods 150 and the inner tube member 175 move rearward with the
inner tube member 175 being retracted inside the outer tube member 176 of the
telescoping tube assembly for compressing the springs 152. A latching
mechanism
includes a series of recesses or detents disposed, preferably, on the upper
face of the
inner tube member 175, which are used in connection with a sliding latch 177
to
progressively retain the inner tube member 175 and the springs 152 at a
desired
compressed position according to the level of elastic energy to be released.
The
energy release can be actuated by urging the sliding latch upwardly from the
locking
position inside the recess or detent through a pulley and cable system
including a set
of pulleys 179 and a cable 180.
Figure 9b shows an exploded region F of Figure 9a further illustrating an
exemplary
embodiment of the locking portion of the sliding latch 177, which includes a
bolt 181,
a locking sleeve 182, and a locking sleeve spacer 183. The cable 180 is
illustrated
attached to a flange projecting of the sliding latch 177. As the linear
actuator 90
moves rearward it will get to appoint when the end of the cylinder bracket
engages the
trigger release bracket that holds one end of the cable. Continuing to move
rearward,
the linear actuator 90 pulls the cable which in turn urges the sliding latch
177
upwardly in order to disengage the locking portion thereof from the recess or
detent
disposed on the inner telescoping tube 175, and, thus, releasing the elastic
energy in
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the spring 152 and propelling the kicking arm forward to engage the ball for
projection as desired.
The plurality of linear actuators in the present invention each has a built-in
linear
resistor. The linear resistors allow a microcontroller 106 to monitor and
control the
movement of the plurality of linear actuators to within an accuracy of
approximately
1/1000 of an inch (25.4 m). It will be appreciated that the length that the
compressing
linear actuator 90 is extended is directly related to the degree of
compression on the
springs of the compressible spring and detent rod assembly 88, and is directly
related
to the force with which the ball will be stricken by the striking leg member
84.
The microcontroller 106 is preferably mounted on the upright rear members 62
and
above a pair of 12V rechargeable batteries 108 supported on the rear end of
the main-
frame 42. The rechargeable batteries 108 supply electrical power to the
plurality of
electronic control and electronic drive systems of the sports training
apparatus. The
rechargeable batteries 108 are connected in series to provide a total
potential of 24V
and in a preferred embodiment can be re-charged via an external source, such
as, for
example, a golf cart charging system.
The sports training apparatus 20 of a preferred embodiment further comprises a
solar
charging system for charging the rechargeable batteries 108 prolonging the use
of the
apparatus in a given practice session. The solar charging system comprises at
least
one solar panel affixed to the outside of the enclosure 26 and is electrically
connected
to the rechargeable batteries 108 allowing for a constant trickle charge when
exposed
to external sources of light.
The lobbing linear actuator82 is mounted between the rechargeable batteries
108 and
is connected to the rear end of the arcuated structure 80 for raising and
lowering the
arcuated structure 80 and for correspondingly lobbing the sports ball 38 with
more or
less height.
Referring now to figures 5a to 5c, there is illustrated therein the ball
support cup 130
for supporting a sports ball 38 within the striking path of the striking leg
member 84.
The sports ball 38 is preferably supported on a concave rubber cup 130 which
is
CA 02713463 2010-08-19
affixed to a movable vertical bar 132. The vertical bar is in turn mounted in
a drive
block 134 which is movably mounted on a horizontal bar 136. The horizontal bar
136
is affixed to the upright front members 60 of the main-frame 42. There are
also
provided on the slide block 134, a fourth and fifth linear actuator (not
shown) for
engaging with the horizontal bar 136 and the vertical bar 132 respectively,
for moving
the slide block 134 and the support cup 130 relative to the main-frame 42.
The adjustment of the sports ball 38 in lateral directions relative to the
main-frame 42
is useful for varying the point of impact of the boot 98 against the sports
ball 38, to
impart a spin and a curving trajectory to the ball. The action of the fourth
and fifth
linear actuators causes the cup 130 to raise or lower or move to left or
right, to
optionally impart a combination of a lob trajectory and vertical or horizontal
spinning
motion to the sports ball being launched by the sports training apparatus 20.
A sports ball storage ramp 64 and control gate 146 are also provided for
automatically
loading a sports ball on the support cup 130. The storage ramp and control
gate are
separately illustrated in figures 6a, 6b and 7, respectively. The storage ramp
64 has a
rectangular helix shape and covers a full turn inside the enclosure 26 of the
sports
training apparatus 20. The control gate 146 is positioned above the low end of
the
ramp and is operated by a solenoid actuator 148 to let one ball at a time fall
onto the
support cup 130.
The operation of the sports training apparatus 20 of a preferred embodiment is
primarily controlled by an external remote control (not shown), with secondary
controls on the apparatus itself. The external remote control of the apparatus
communicates with the microcontroller 106 by means of an electrical cable
having a
substantial length such that the apparatus is controllable from a distance, in
a
preferred embodiment the external remote control communicates with the
microcontroller 106 via wireless connectivity, such as, for example,
BluetoothTM or
Wi-Fi. The external remote control comprises a joystick for changing the
trajectory
(direction) of the ball, and a plurality of buttons and/or control knobs for
modifying
various settings having the following, but not limited to, designated
functions:
= An of/off button for turning the sports training apparatus 20 on or off;
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= An emergency stop button to power down the sports training apparatus 20;
= A reset button to cause all the components of the sports training apparatus
20
to move to an arbitrary rest position;
= A load button for loading a ball on the support cup 130;
= A pre-load control function for pre-loading the projecting mechanism 28 to
any gradient of a maximum force;
= A lob function to add more or less lob to the trajectory of the ball;
= A spin function to move the support cup 130 laterally and increase or
decrease
the spin of a ball;
= A save ball trajectory function;
= A program button to load a saved program; and
= A ball launch button to cause the sports training apparatus 20 to launch a
sports ball 38; and
= A mode of operation function, to operate the sports training apparatus 20 in
for
example, a Manual, Automatic or pre-Program mode.
The secondary controls located on the sports training apparatus 20 preferably
comprise the same functions as the external remote control as well as
additional
functions, such as, for example:
= An on/off switch for turning the sports training apparatus 20 on or off; and
= A plurality of emergency stop switches to halt a program in progress.
The secondary controls of a preferred embodiment include a readout display
indicating the level of charge remaining on the pair of rechargeable batteries
108.
The microcontroller 106 is electrically connected to the plurality of
electronic control
and electronic drive systems used for controlling the operational functions of
the
sports training apparatus 20. The microcontroller 106 relays input signals
from a user
via the external remote control or the secondary controls and translates them
into
output signals causing the electronic control and electronic drive systems to
perform
the desired function.
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The microcontroller 106 of a preferred embodiment has a save ball trajectory
program
stored thereon. The save ball trajectory program causes the microcontroller
106 to
store the specific settings (i.e. power level, direction and spin) of the last
sports ball
launch for use at a future time, or to create a pre-programmed sequence of
launches.
The microcontroller 106 of a preferred embodiment has a plurality of mode
operation
programs stored thereon. The plurality of mode of operation programs include,
but are
not limited to, a manual mode, a pre-programmed mode and an automatic mode.
The
manual mode program causes the sports training apparatus to perform the user's
inputs in real-time. The pre-programmed mode program causes the sports
training
apparatus to perform a sequence of previously saved ball trajectory launches.
The
automatic mode program causes the sports training apparatus to perform a
random
sequence of ball trajectory launches.
The sports training apparatus 20 of a preferred embodiment has a plurality of
safety
features causing the system to stop running as long as at least one of the
safety
features has been triggered. The safety features include, but are not limited
to:
= Emergency stop buttons located on the external remote control and on the
sports training apparatus 20;
= No ball present on the ball support cup 130;
= Object present in front the sports training apparatus 20;
= Enclosure panel missing switches;
= Low charge detection;
A first proximity sensor may be provided on a guide bar 144 near the sports
ball
support cup 130 for determining if a sports ball is present on the cup 130.
A second proximity sensor may be provided on the front of the sports training
apparatus enclosure 26 for determining if an object is present within a pre-
determined
distance in front of the apparatus.
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Activation switches may be provided on the base-frame 40 and main-frame 42 for
determining if the enclosure panels of the enclosure 26 are properly
installed.
The sports training apparatus 20 of a preferred embodiment further comprises a
towing handle; it will allow the user to either pull the apparatus by hand or
tow the
apparatus with a vehicle, such as, a golf cart or an all-terrain-vehicle
(ATV). When in
a stationary position a spring mechanism will ensure that the towing handle is
in a
substantially vertical position and when in the substantially vertical
position the
towing handle will engage a braking system on the rear wheels 32. When the
towing
handle is lowered for towing the apparatus the braking system will disengage;
thus
allowing the apparatus to move freely.
The sports training apparatus 20 of a preferred embodiment further comprises a
compressible spring and detent rod assembly safety release mechanism. During
operation the apparatus is able to launch a sports balls via the ball
projecting
mechanism 28, if the apparatus fails, for example, due to a low charge
detection or
jamming of the ball projecting mechanism 28, the spring loaded striking leg
member
84 is in a cocked position, thus leaving a compressive force on the springs
and making
it hazardous to repair. To release the potential energy in the springs a
manual release
trigger 156 is provided at the back of the compressible spring and detent rod
assembly
that will release the latch from the detents on the detent rods or on the
telescoping
tube, which will then trigger the ball projecting mechanism 28 and release the
potential energy stored in the springs.
Microcontrollers and FPGAs are commonly known in the art, and are not specific
to
the present invention. Thus, it will be known to one skilled in the art how to
integrate
and operate such a device together with the sports training apparatus
described 20
herein.
Proximity sensors and activation switches are commonly known in the art, and
are not
specific to the present invention. Thus, it will be known to one skilled in
the art how
to integrate and operate such devices together with the microcontroller 106
and the
sports training apparatus 20 described herein.
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Wireless connectivity is commonly known in the art, and is not specific to the
present
invention. Thus, it will be known to one skilled in the art how to integrate
and operate
such a device together with the microcontroller 106 and external remote
control
described herein.
While the above description provides a full and complete -disclosure of a
preferred
embodiment of this invention, various modifications, alternate constructions
and
equivalents may be employed without departing from the true spirit and scope
of the
invention. Such changes might involve alternate materials, components,
structural
arrangements, sizes, operational features or the like. Therefore, the above
description
and accompanying illustrations should not be construed. as limiting the scope
of the
invention which is defined in the appended claims.
