The present invention relates to an athletic training device used in reaction training with visual and audio signals.
Athlete reaction training is typically done by a coach signaling with a ball or hand gesture instructing the athlete to move in a corresponding direction. Because these movements are often telegraphed by the coach, an athlete may receive an advanced warning of the direction the coach will indicate. This makes determining the true reaction time of an athlete difficult.
According to the present invention, a device is provided which may overcome the disadvantages of a manual reaction-measuring system relying on ball or hand gestures.
In a preferred embodiment, the device includes a power box containing a power source and an electronics box comprising a front and an interior. The front includes a plurality of translucent portions. The interior of the electronics box contains a number of lamps positioned adjacent to the translucent portions; a wireless relay; an electronic whistle operatively connected to a speaker and the power source and a timing relay. The electronics box also includes an on/off switch, a first power connector, and a tripod mounting block.
Further features of the preferred embodiment include a power cable attachable between the power box and the electronics box to transmit power from batteries within the power box to the light emitting diodes, wireless relay, electronic whistle and timing relay.
A remote control includes a number of depressable buttons associated with the light emitting diodes.
As viewed in
Referring to
Perforations provided in front panel 12 allow for transmission of an audible alert from a whistle speaker 32. In the exemplary embodiment shown, a whistle on/of switch 34 and a training device on/off switch 36 are mounted to side panel 14 to allow for selective use of the whistle and powering on/off of the training device, respectively. A status indicator light may be present on one of the panels 12, 14 and 16. Lamp reflectors 44 formed on rear panel 16 surround lamps 42 to reflect light from lamps 42 towards cut-outs 26 and a tripod mounting block 38 is formed at a bottom of rear panel 16 to allow receipt of a tripod connector.
Wireless relay board 46, which may be of a four channel variety, is housed internal to electronics box 10 and receives indicator signals from remote control 52, which in some embodiments is in the form of a radio-frequency key fob. Timing board 48 is also internal to box 10 and allows for a delay of activation of whistle board 50 such that an audible whistle is produced some amount of time after lamps 42 are illuminated. This time as well as the length of audible signal produced by the whistle are preferably adjustable.
As viewed in
An electrical schematic in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is depicted in
To use an embodiment of the present invention to train an athlete, a coach or trainer presses one of buttons 54, 56, 58 or 60 to cause a radio signal to be transmitted from the remote control 52 to wireless relay 46. Wireless relay 46 receives the signal and allows transmission of current from a battery corresponding with the button selected to a respective lamp 42. With lamp 42 illuminated and visible through translucent panel 40 and cut-outs 24, 26, 28 or 30, an athlete may view illuminated lamp 42 and react by moving in the direction indicated by the lamp 42. For example, when button 54 is depressed by a coach or trainer, cut-out 54 may appear illuminated to an athlete and the athlete may respond by moving in that direction.
When lamp 42 no longer receives power a signal is transmitted within electronics box 10 to timing relay 48 so that whistle 50 will receive power from its battery after a delay time in accordance with programming of timing relay 48. An athlete hearing sounding of whistle 50 through speaker 32 will be alerted to stop the performed activity indicated by the illuminated lamp 42. The athlete preferably returns to the starting location after stopping the activity in preparation for a new indication by the same lamp 42 or a different lamp.
In some embodiments, a programmable computer may be provided to enhance the device by allowing adjustment and more complex situations for training.
While the invention has been described with respect to certain specific embodiments, it will be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is intended, therefore, by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/480,866 filed on Apr. 29, 2011 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61480866 | Apr 2011 | US |