DEVICE FOR SPORTS TRAINING

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to athletic and recreational activities such as hockey and, in particular, to an apparatus for sports training including exercises to improve a player's stick-handling skills.

BACKGROUND

When training in sports such as the sport of hockey, it is beneficial to perform exercises to improve a player's stick-handling skills. Using a hockey stick, the player handles their stick to move a hockey puck or hockey ball in a variety of different directions along or above a playing surface, such as moving the puck or ball back and forth following a side-to-side motion or other possible motions.

A variety of objects placed on a playing surface have been used to create obstacles around which a player practices moving the puck or ball using their hockey stick. For example, pylons placed on an ice rink can provide an obstacle around which a player practices moving the hockey puck. However, the use of pylons provides only a limited number of options for skills training exercises.

Hockey practice can occur on a variety of playing surfaces, such as the ice sheet of an ice rink, a grass field, a hard surface such as a hardwood surface, tiled surface, concrete surface, or other playing surface. However, such playing surfaces are not specifically marked for use with an apparatus for facilitating the performance of exercises to improve a player's stick-handling skills.

Canadian patent application No. 3,044,751 and corresponding United States patent application publication No. 2019/0366180 to Waffensmith discloses a modular training device for use by athletes to improve their stick-handling skills. The device comprises a main body having two side projections that define an open, central channel therebetween; and a hollow circular base for receiving and securing a hockey puck. The central channel may have a top opening and a channel floor to form an open channel with tabs for releasably securing an elongated object, such as a hockey stick, in a horizontal configuration. The hollow circular base allows multiple devices to couple with each other for stacking. However, each device of Waffensmith is limited to only one possible height for the elongated object, and a different device or multiple, stacked devices is required to adjust the height of the elongated object being secured.

An object of the invention is to address the above shortcomings.

SUMMARY

The above shortcomings may be addressed by providing, in accordance with one aspect of the invention, an apparatus for sports training on a playing surface. The apparatus includes a holder defining a receiving port for receiving a lateral bar, the holder being operable to hold the lateral bar at a height selected from a plurality of selectable heights above the playing surface.

The apparatus may further include the lateral bar. The holder may be operable to magnetically hold the lateral bar. The holder may be operable to magnetically hold the lateral bar when receiving the lateral bar in a predefined position. The holder may include a mechanical lock for holding the lateral bar in place.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for sports training on a playing surface. The apparatus includes: (a) obstacle means for presenting an obstacle to the movement of a sports object-of-play; and (b) holding means for supporting the obstacle means at a height selected from a plurality of selectable heights above the playing surface.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following description of embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures and claims.

In one aspect, the disclosure describes an apparatus for sports training, comprising a holder defining a plurality of receiving ports configured to receive a plurality of receiving ends of a plurality of lateral bars, the holder being operable to hold the plurality of receiving ends above the playing surface, the plurality of receiving ports distributed around an axis normal to the playing surface.

In another aspect, the disclosure describes an apparatus for sports training on a playing surface, the apparatus comprising: a first holder defining a first receiving port for receiving a first lateral bar, the first holder being operable to hold the first lateral bar at a height selected from a plurality of selectable heights above the playing surface; and a second holder engaged with the first holder and defining a second receiving port for receiving a receiving end of the second lateral bar, the second holder being operable to hold the receiving end of the second lateral bar above the playing surface, the first lateral bar and the second lateral bar space apart from each other around an axis normal to the playing surface.

The second holder may be intended to be an accessory. It may be used on its own as a type of cone or along with the stick as a rigid, shorter version of the cone. As an accessory, it may add functionality to the first holder. The Spider allows ‘Y’ and 45 degree configurations.

The first holder may have a single thru channel for a lateral bar. If multiple holders are to be configured together long lines of systems can be created because the lateral bar from the bottom system may pass through the ‘U’ cutout in the base of the upper holder.

It is possible to place a lateral directly on top of a holder, but the attachment may not be sufficiently strong or rigid. If the lateral bar is placed on top at 0 or 90 degrees relative to the thru channel, two magnets may hold it to the holder. If the lateral bar is placed at any other angle, only one magnet will hold the stick to the cone. It may be easy to knock the stick off of the holder. As such, the use of a second holder may be advantageous. For example, a variety of complex assemblies of lateral bar may be created. For example, lateral bars may be positioned at 45-degree angles to each other.

Further details of these and other aspects of the subject matter of this application will be apparent from the detailed description included below and the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of an apparatus for sports training according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, showing a pair of flattened sections;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, showing a configuration of one lateral bar held by two holders at a first selectable height;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a variation of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, showing fasteners;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a variation of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, showing magnets in the holder;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the lateral bar shown in FIG. 3, showing magnets in the lateral bar;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a variation of the configuration shown in FIG. 3, showing the lateral bar held on top of the two holders at a second selectable height;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a variation of the configuration shown in FIG. 3, showing the lateral bar held within a U-slot of the two holders at a third selectable height;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a variation of the configuration shown in FIG. 3, showing the two holders upside down so as to hold the lateral bar at a fourth selectable height;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a variation of the configuration shown in FIG. 10, showing the two holders upside down so as to hold the lateral bar at a fifth selectable height;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a variation of the configuration shown in FIG. 3, showing one holder centrally holding one lateral bar;

FIG. 12 is a side view of a variation of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, showing a first type of slit for flipping over the holder;

FIG. 13 is a side view of a variation of the apparatus shown in FIG. 12, showing a second type of slit for flipping over the holder;

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 13, showing a plurality of radially arranged magnets;

FIG. 15 is a side view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 according to a second embodiment, showing a universal clip in a closed position;

FIG. 16 is a side view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 15, showing the universal clip in its open position;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, showing a pair of stack holders in which the bottom holder is holding a lateral bar;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the stack holders of FIG. 1 reversed so that the top holder is holding the lateral bar;

FIG. 19A is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a holder configured to be complementarily engage with the holder of FIG. 1;

FIG. 19B is a cross-sectional view of the holder along the line B-B in FIG. 19A;

FIG. 19C is a cross-sectional view of the holder along the line C-C in FIG. 19A;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of two holders engaged with each other and with an assembly of lateral bars, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 21A is a perspective view of two holders engaged with each other and with an assembly of lateral bars, in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 21B is a cross-sectional view of the two holders of FIG. 21A, showing lateral bars engaged in slots defined by receiving ports of the two holders;

FIG. 22A is side elevation view of an embodiment of a holder configured to generate a “teepee” shaped structure using lateral bars using a pitch angle of 20° (see 2202) of the receiving ports.

FIG. 22B is a bottom plan view of the holder of FIG. 22A;

FIG. 22C is a top plan view of the holder of FIG. 22A, showing slot-defining receiving ports in construction lines;

FIG. 22D is a cross-sectional view along the line A-A of FIG. 22A;

FIG. 23A is side elevation view of a teepee shaped structure form using lateral bars and the holder of FIG. 22A;

FIG. 23B is a bottom plan view of the structure of FIG. 23A;

FIG. 23C is a bottom plan view of the structure of FIG. 23A;

FIG. 24 shows top plan views of various configurations of assemblies of lateral bars achievable using two lateral bars and an arrangement using multiple holders of the type shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 19A;

FIG. 25 shows top plan views of various configurations of assemblies of lateral bars achievable using at least three lateral bars and an arrangement using multiple holders of the type shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 19A; and

FIG. 26 shows side elevation views of holders engaged with a lateral bar wherein the lateral bar is inclined relative to the playing surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An apparatus for sports training on a playing surface includes: (a) obstacle means for presenting an obstacle to the movement of a sports object-of-play; and (b) holding means for supporting the obstacle means at a height selected from a plurality of selectable heights above the playing surface.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown generally at 10. The apparatus 10 is a hockey training tool to improve stick handling and enhance drills.

The apparatus 10 is or includes one holder 12 defining a receiving port such as the passthrough channel 14 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3. In the first embodiment, the passthrough channel 14 is dimensioned for receiving a lateral bar 16. The holder 12 is operable to hold the lateral bar 16 at a selectable height 18 above a playing surface 20. In the first embodiment, the passthrough channel 14 is a closed channel, thereby advantageously permitting placement of the lateral bar 16 above, within, and below the passthrough channel 14 for an increased number of skills training options.

In the first embodiment considering the holder 12 in its upright position, above the passthrough channel 14 is the top 22 of the holder 12, below the passthrough channel 14 is a mid-section 24, below the mid-section 24 is a U-slot 26, along the sides of the U-slot 26 (so as to define the U-slot 26) is a base 28, and at the bottom of the base 28 is a bottom edge 30.

The holder 12 in the first embodiment is a type of cone and is used alone, or in conjunction with other holder(s) 12, to support one or more lateral bars 16. The holder 12 in some embodiments may have the general shape of training cones and pylons. In variations of use, the holder 12 may be used with or without other holder(s) 12 and may be used with or without the lateral bar 16.

In various embodiment, the holder 12 may have the following or similar exemplary dimensions:

- Holder 12 height: 8.92 cm (3.51″)
- Base 28 diameter: 13.6 cm (5.35″)
- Mid-Section diameter: 10.7 cm (4.2″)
- Top 22 diameter: 7.6 cm (3.0″)
- Passthrough Channel 14 width: 3.05 cm (1.2″)
- Passthrough Channel 14 height: 2.06 cm (0.81″)
- U-slot 26 width: 3.28 cm (1.29″)
- U-slot 26 height: 5.28 cm (2.08″)
- Holder 12 weight: 220 grams (0.485 lbs).

Any of the dimensions above may be varied for different variations of embodiments, such as in response to the type of the training and style of the training for hockey or other sports.

The holder 12 may have any suitable colour, and in some embodiments the colour is user-selectable or otherwise may vary depending on customer requirements and/or a given use of the holder 12. In the first embodiment, the holder 12 is a bright orange for high visibility so that players can focus on training and not be required to constantly think about looking for the position of the holder 12. In variations, the holder 12 is manufactured out of rigid plastic, thermoplastic, hard rubber or any other suitable material including possibly user-selectable material(s). Exemplary materials include nylon, polypropylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate, ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), or any other plastic resin including filled resins and combinations of resins. Preferably, the material of the holder 12 is sufficiently impact-resistant and temperature-resistant to withstand intense use during hockey training including withstanding forces of impact by professional hockey players. In variations, the material is selected such that the holder 12 does not stick to a playing surface made of ice, unless immovability of the holder 12 is desired. Preferably, the material of the holder 12 is selected such that the holder 12 does not become brittle or otherwise significantly change its mechanical properties at the lower temperatures seen in an indoor ice hockey rink.

The wide base 28 advantageously enhances stability of the holder 12 so as to resist being knocked over during use because the force required to accidentally push the holder 12 over is notably increased. The hollow base 28 of the holder 12 forms an open cavity that in some embodiments is filled with a suitable material (e.g. plastic, potting compound, metal beads, sand, glass beads, etc) to increase the weight of each holder 12, so as to further improve the stability of the holder 12. In such embodiments, the filled material would typically fill the cavity of the hollow base 28 on either side of the U-slot 26 so as to avoid impacting the functionality of the U-slot 26.

Preferably, the edges of the holder 12, including the bottom edge 30, are not so sharp as to become a hazard if someone falls on the holder 12.

The holder 12 in at least some embodiments is manufactured with smooth edges for ease of manufacturing, to prevent stress concentrating on the holder 12 so as to extend the life of the holder 12, and to prevent damage to the lateral bar 16 and surrounding environment (e.g ice sheet, flooring, etc.).

The dimensions of the rectangular cross section of the passthrough channel 14 shown in FIG. 1, in the first embodiment, are equivalent to those of the shaft of a senior-sized hockey stick plus a minimal gap for ease of insertion. In various embodiments, the dimensions of the cross section varies to different sizes, such as by depending on the drill and style of the training for example.

Referring to FIG. 2, the underneath of the holder 12 is generally hollow to facilitate stacking of multiple holders, and in the first embodiment the base 28 has a generally circular bottom edge 30. However, the base 28 need not be a perfect circle. In the first embodiment, for example, the bottom edge 30 defines two flattened sections 31 that reduce the width of the holder 12 in the longitudinal direction of a lateral bar 16 being held by the holder 12, thereby advantageously reducing interference with the player during stick handling and other training activities, including when passing a puck or ball under the lateral bar 16. These flattened sections 31 in some embodiments increase the distance between holders 12 when assembled with a lateral bar 16 such that the total play area is increased without increasing the footprint of assembled training solution.

The shape of the holder 12 allows for multiple holders 12 to be stacked on top of each other, which significantly increases their packing factor for storage, handling and/or transportation. In the first embodiment, the inner and outer mating surfaces of the holder 12 slope at approximately 83 degrees. In the first embodiment, the profile angle of the holders 12 is consistent between different holders 12, thereby promoting easy alignment upon insertion. Nonetheless, in variations of embodiments, this profile angle may vary. By multi-stacking, the user can store the product efficiently, transport the product efficiently, and provide multiple training opportunities.

Referring to FIG. 3, the lateral bar 16 in some embodiments is the shaft of a hockey stick with or without the hockey blade removed. In some embodiments, the lateral bar 16 differs from a conventional hockey stick in that it does not have a blade, but is instead one shaft that may be solid or hollow. The lateral bar 16 may be manufactured out of any material, especially materials of existing hockey sticks, including metal, graphite/composite, rubber, plastic, laminated wood, or any combination thereof.

In the first embodiment, the shape of the lateral bar 16 is based on dimensions of a senior-size hockey stick. For example, in some embodiments the width of the lateral bar 16 is 30 mm (1 3/16″), the height of the lateral bar 16 is 20 mm (¾″), and the length of the lateral bar 16 is 1372 mm (54″). The passthrough channel 14 of the holder 12 is dimensioned for receiving the lateral bar 16, and has a corresponding width and height for minimal gap. Other dimensions are also possible.

In the first embodiment, all edges of the lateral bar 16 are advantageously chamfered for ergonomics and to facilitate ease of insertion into and sliding through the passthrough channel 14. Chamfering the edges of the lateral bar 16 also reduces the chance of splinters in the case of a wooden lateral bar 16. In other embodiments, other sizes, shapes, and lengths of the lateral bars 16 may be employed.

Referring to FIG. 4, the holder 12 of some embodiments is manufactured by securing together two plastic injection-molded parts. In general, however, the holder 12 can be manufactured out of one or more parts. In variations of the embodiment of FIG. 4, the two parts are secured through any one or more of the following methods: (a) the two parts being secured to each other with plastic screws, in which the number of screws can be from 1 to 10 depending on the structure, material and configuration of the holders 12; (b) the two parts being secured to each other with screws that are potted in place for added strength and to prevent disassembly of the holder 12; (c) the two parts being ultrasonically welded together; (d) the two parts being heat welded together; (e) the two parts being glued together; and (f) other similar or analogous manufacturing techniques. In variations of embodiments, each holder 12 part is 3D printed, stamped, machined, or cast out of metal, plastic, silicone, or any other suitable material for example. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the holder 12 includes a number of fasteners, such as may be accessible at the underneath of the mid-section 24.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, in some embodiments the holder 12 is operable to magnetically hold the lateral bar 16. For example, the holder 12 of FIG. 5 includes four permanent magnets 32. By way of further example, the lateral bar 16 of FIG. 6 includes six permanent magnets 32. In general, any number of magnets 32 may be employed in a variety of suitable locations on the holder 12 and/or the lateral bar 16.

In embodiments employing a magnet 32, at least one of the holder 12 and the lateral bar 16 includes the magnet 32 and the other of the holder 12 and the lateral 16 includes a ferromagnetic material and/or permanent magnet in a corresponding location so that the holder 12 is able to magnetically hold the lateral bar 16 in a predetermined position. Examples of predetermined positions include the opposing ends 34 of the lateral bar 16, the longitudinal center 36 of the lateral bar 16, and other possible locations of the lateral bar 16 relative to one or more holders 12.

When the holders 12 are stacked, the magnets 24 of the holder 12 advantageously inhibit separation of the holders 12 from each other, such as during transport.

In the first embodiment, each holder 12 contains two magnets 32 located along the bottom of the passthrough channel 14; two magnets 32 located along the top of the passthrough channel 14; and two magnets 32 perpendicular to the passthrough channel 14 on the same plane as the other magnets 32 located at the top and bottom of the passthrough channel 14.

In variations of embodiments, the magnets 32 may be inserted into interference-fit holes that stop just below the surface of the holder 12. Alternatively, the magnets 32 could be molded into the holder 12. In some embodiments, the magnets 32 are coated in epoxy before insertion into the holes of the holder 12. Additionally, the magnets 32 may be further secured by epoxy or mechanical locking mechanisms. In some embodiments, there are thin sheets (not shown) of material to cover magnets 32 that would otherwise be exposed and to hide the internal structure of the molded parts of the holder 12. Such thin sheets could make up or form part of the top and/or bottom surfaces of the passthrough channel 14, for example. In variations, the thin sheets may be held in place by adhesive tape, glue, or mechanical retention for example. Advantageously, the thin sheets may provide increased durability and wear resistance of the holders 12.

In one exemplary embodiment, the lateral bar 16 has Neodymium Rare Earth magnets 32, such as twelve magnets 32 per lateral bar 16, strategically located along the lateral bar 16. The magnets 32 locate the lateral bar 16 in the holder 12 at specific sections of the lateral bar 16. These locations can vary based on the style of the lateral bar 16 and connectivity of the holder 12.

In the first embodiment, each magnet 32 is cylindrical with a 9.5 mm (⅜″) diameter and a 6.35 mm (IA″) thickness. However, in variations of embodiments any suitable size, type, shape, and quantity of magnets 32 may be employed. In some embodiments, one or more magnets 32 are covered in black epoxy, epoxy of a different colour, or otherwise coated for appearance and/or bonding. In variations, the magnets 32 can be inserted, pressed, fastened, keyed, and/or glued into the lateral bar 16. In some embodiments, the magnet 32 is coated in epoxy prior to insertion into a pre-drilled hole in the lateral bar 16 dimensioned for receiving that magnet 32.

In embodiments with magnets 24 installed in the lateral bar 16, such magnets 24 allow for easy transport of multiple lateral bars 16 as they will magnetically snap together to create a brick of lateral bars 16 (not shown).

Typically, the magnets 32 are located in groups 38 along the length of the lateral bar 16, with each group 38 of magnets 32 containing one or more magnets 32. In the first embodiment for example, each group 38 contains two magnets 32. The use of the groups 38 advantageously provide multiple points of contact between each lateral bar 16 and holder 12. Employing more than one magnet 32 in each group 38 advantageously results in greater attachment force between each lateral bar 16 and holder 12.

In some embodiments, one or more magnets 32 extend all the way through the lateral bar 16 to appear on both sides of the lateral bar 16. In the first embodiment, there are three groups 38 on each side of the lateral bar 16, namely, at both ends 34 and at the center of the lateral bar 16. In the first embodiment, the distance between magnets 32 within a given group 38 is 57 mm (2.25″). However, in variations the distance between magnets 32 within the given group 38 can be 25.4 mm (1″), 6.4 mm (¼″), 8.5 mm (⅓″), 12.7 mm (½″), or other distances for example. The distance between magnets 32 within a group 38 can vary from group 38 to group 38 on the same or different lateral bar 16, for example.

In the first embodiment, the distance between groups 38 on the lateral bar 16 is 59 cm (23.25″). However, in variations various distances between groups of magnets 32 may be employed. The use of groups 38 of magnets 32 advantageously provide predefined positions for the lateral bars 16 relative to the holders 12, thereby advantageously increase the variety of training exercises that can be performed while enhancing repeatability to maximize training effectiveness. Zero or more groups 38 (i.e. any number of groups 38 of magnets 32, including having no magnets 32 at all) may be installed between the two ends 34 of the lateral bar 16, for example. In variations, the groups 38 of magnets 32 can also act as attachment points to other possible accessories (not shown). In some embodiments, the location of the group 38 and the spacing of magnets 32 within a given group 38 may be different on the top and bottom of the lateral bar 16. In some embodiments, there are magnets 32 on only one side of the lateral bar 16. In other embodiments, some groups 38 of magnets 32 are installed on one side of the lateral bar 16 while other groups 38 are installed on the other side of the lateral bar 16. In some embodiments, the groups 38 alternate between one side to the other side along the length of the lateral bar 16. In variations of embodiments, the polarity of the magnets 32 may vary depending on the application. The magnets 32 of each group 38 may be arranged in a variety of patterns, such as a circular/radial pattern or other pattern of any other geometrical shape such as square, triangle, hexagon, etc. Specific patterns of magnets 32 advantageously allow for attachment of accessories and rotation of accessories in specific, defined angles (e.g. 45 degree increments, 90 degree increments, etc) and pre-defined locations, for example. The use of the magnets 32 advantageously facilitate the lateral bar 16 being held by the holder 12 at pre-defined locations thereof. The use of pre-defined positions of magnets 32 on the lateral bar 16 facilitate consistentcy in repeatable placement of the lateral bar 16. To see progress in training, it is important to always test under the same conditions. By having the lateral bar 16 placeable in the same position, the player can more easily track their progress. The use of magnets 32 also facilitates the prevention of slippage of the position of the lateral bar 16 relative to the holder 12, even in the face of being knocked about during use. The lateral bar 16 and the holder(s) 12 holding the lateral bar 16 behave as a single unit that can be manipulated by the coach. In the first embodiment, the lateral bar 16 can be magnetically locked in place below, on top, or through the passthrough channel 14.

In the first embodiment of FIG. 6, six holes are drilled through a laminated wood hockey stick shaft. Two magnets 32 are inserted in each hole, one flush with the “bottom” of the shaft, one flush with the “top” of the shaft. The magnets 32 are held in place with an interference fit and epoxy if required. All the magnets 32 have the same polarity direction designed to correspond to the polarity of the magnets 32 in the holders 12. In variations of embodiments, however, the number of holes could be less or more than six, and the magnets 32 can have different strengths. The number of magnets 32 installed in the shaft can be as many as desired for customization of the lateral bar 16, for example. In further variations, the holes may be through-holes or countersunk holes for example. In other variations, different magnets 32 may be installed in the lateral bar 16 so as to exhibit different directions of polarity.

Referring back to the first embodiment of FIG. 3, when the lateral bar 16 is placed inside one passthrough channel 14, four magnets 32 of the lateral bar 16 engage with the holder 12, namely, two magnets 32 above and two magnets 32 below. The number of magnets 32 on both sides or one side of the lateral bar 16 can vary. For example, different lateral bars 16 having different numbers of magnets 32 can be used for different training exercises.

When the lateral bar 16 is placed below or on top of the passthrough channel 14, then one or more magnets 32 from the lateral bar 16 engage with the holder 12. If the lateral bar 16 is placed on top of an upright holder 12, it is possible to engage only a single magnet 32 as a minimum or, alternatively, multiple numbers of magnets 32. The lateral bar 16 is advantageously allowed to be oriented at a variety of angles relative to the holder 12.

In some embodiments, markings or other artwork on the lateral bar 16 allows the user to readily identify the “up” and “down” orientation of the lateral bar 16, thereby facilitating a desired insertion into the holder 12. Such markings or other artwork may also advantageously identify the positions of groups 38 of the magnets 32.

The lateral bar 16 in some embodiments is a custom-built lateral bar 16 designed exclusively for the apparatus 10. In variations, the size and shape of the lateral bar 16 can be the same as a standard hockey stick with or without the blade, but can also be shorter or longer than standard hockey sticks. In the first embodiment, the lateral bar 16 incorporates groups of magnets 32 to position the lateral bar 16 on or in a holder 12 for forming any of the geometric shapes mentioned above.

In variations of embodiments, the magnets 32 are replaced with buttons or gears to engage the lateral bars 16 and the holders 12. The magnets 32 can be arranged in groups of one or more magnets 32 positioned on different parts of the lateral bar 16. Groups of magnets 32 are inserted or installed at either or both ends 34 of the lateral bar 16, or at the middle of the lateral bar 16. There can be multiple groups on different sections of the lateral bar 16.

In embodiments having magnets 32 on both the lateral bar 16 and the holder 12, the strengths of the magnets 32 on the lateral bar 16 can be the same or different than those on the holder 12. In some embodiments, the strengths of the magnets 32 are correlated to the shape and size of the lateral bar 16 and/or the holders 12. Different groups of magnets can be the same size and shape as each other, or can have different sizes, shapes and/or strengths. In some embodiments, each magnet 32 of the lateral bar 16 is inserted through the lateral bar 16 as a single magnet. Additionally or alternatively, a bundle of magnets 32 can be stacked together at each location of a magnet 32 or group thereof when inserted into the lateral bar 16 and/or holder 12. In some embodiments, a plurality of magnets 32 are glued together prior to insertion into the lateral bar 16 and/or holder 12.

The dimensions and construction of the lateral bar 16 varies in different embodiments. For example, a current length of the lateral bar 16 is approximately 137 cm (54″). Other lengths can serve different purposes or be used for unique training exercises. The lateral bar 16 can be shorter or longer than 137 cm (54″). As the size of the lateral bar 16 varies, the groupings and locations of the magnets 32 can be adjusted correspondingly or otherwise adapted.

In the first embodiment, the passthrough channel 14 is dimensioned to allow the lateral bar 16 to pass through the passthrough channel 14 in a pre-determined orientation with a minimum resistance. For example, in the first embodiment the passthrough channel 14 is slightly larger than the cross-sectional dimensions of the lateral bar 16 to allow the lateral bar 16 to slide through the passthrough channel 14 without damaging the lateral bar 16 or the holder 12 and with minimal rubbing. This feature not only helps secure the lateral bar 16 from kicks and bumps, it aligns the lateral bar 16 with the magnet 24 orientation. For example, the magnets 24 of the holder 12 helps prevent inserting the lateral bar 16 into the holder 12 in a wrong orientation.

Also, the magnets 32 can be used for shaping the geometry of the training exercise shapes. Lateral bars 16 of various shapes (e.g. straight, curved, angled) are used in variations of embodiments to construct differently shaped arrangements of lateral bars 16 and holders 12. In some embodiments, the lateral bar 16 does not have a constant rectangular cross section.

In some embodiments, the lateral bar 16 includes a hockey-stick blade at one end 34 of the lateral bar 16, or two hockey-stick blades at both ends 34 of the lateral bar 16.

In some embodiments, the lateral bar 16 is flexible in one or more planes. In some embodiments, the lateral bar 16 is operable to be user-shaped by the user, and the lateral bar 16 is operable to retain this user-created shape.

In some embodiments, the lateral bar 16 is telescoping, extendable and/or provided in screw-together sections. In such embodiments, the lateral bar 16 is collapsible or separable to advantageously minimize storage and transportation size or to allow customization in use for sports training. In some embodiments, the lateral bar 16 is composed of U-shape channels that are able to fold together, thereby advantageously reducing weight and size for storage and transportation.

Still referring to FIG. 3, one lateral bar 16 and two holders 12 can be configured by inserting the opposing ends 34 of the lateral bar 16 into the passthrough channels 14 of the holders 12, respectively. The configuration of FIG. 3 holds the lateral bar 16 at a first selectable height 18 above the playing surface 20. FIG. 3 shows the holders 12 in their upright positions resting on their respective bottom edges 30. In the first embodiment, the first selectable height 18 of FIG. 3 is sufficiently high to allow a standard hockey ball, or a standard hockey puck, to pass underneath the lateral bar 16.

Referring to FIGS. 7-11, one or more holders 12 are operable to hold the lateral bar 16 at a variety of selectable heights 18 above the playing surface 20. Each holder 12 is operable for use in its upright position (i.e. resting on the bottom edge 30 as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 7-8, 11), or in its upside-down position (i.e. resting on its top 22 as shown in FIGS. 2, 4-5, 9-10).

FIG. 7 shows one lateral bar 16 placed at its opposing ends 34 on the tops 22 of a pair of the holder 22 and held in place by operation of the magnets 32 of the lateral bar 16 and/or holder 22, so as to place the lateral bar 16 at a second selectable height 40 above the playing surface. FIG. 7 shows the highest position of the lateral bar 16 that can be obtained without stacking multiple holders 12 on top of each other. The configuration of FIG. 7 can be used to link end-to-end multiple lateral bars 16 together, even at an angle to each other, such as by having another lateral bar 16 extend from the passthrough channel 14 or the U-slot 26 for example. End-to-end linked lateral bars 16 do not need to be collinear to each other and may extend at an angle relative to each other because the lateral bar 16 placed on the top 22 of the holder 22 need not be aligned with the passthrough channel 14. For example, a lateral bar 16 can be placed at the top 22 of the holder 12 in any orientation such as at an angle of 15, 30, 45, 90, 135, 180, 225, 270, 315 degrees or at any angle within the range of 5 to 360 degrees, and still be held by at least one magnet 32. As a further example, in some embodiments a lateral bar 16 can be held by two magnets 32 of the holder 12 when the lateral bar 16 is placed on the top 22 of the holder 12 and oriented at 45 degrees to the direction of the passthrough channel 14, by the holder 12 including a pair of magnets 32 at such 45 degree angle.

FIG. 8 shows the lateral bar 16 being held at its ends 34 by operation of magnets 24 underneath the mid-sections 24 within the U-slots 26 of the two holders 12 in their upright positions, thereby holding the lateral bar 16 at a third selectable height 42. In the first embodiment, the third selectable height 42 is such that the lateral bar 16 permits a standard hockey puck to pass under the lateral bar 16, but not a standard hockey ball.

FIG. 9 shows the lateral bar 16 being held at its ends 34 within the passthrough channels 14 of the two holders 12 when the holders 12 are upside down so as to hold the lateral bar 16 at a fourth selectable height 44. The fourth selectable height 44 is the lowest selectable height apart from laying the lateral bar 16 directly on the playing surface 20. The configuration of FIG. 9 is useful for practicing lifting a hockey puck up into the air in a controlled manner.

FIG. 10 shows the lateral bar 16 at its ends 34 being held by operation of magnets 24 within the U-slot 26 of the two holders 12 when the holders 12 are upside down so as to hold the lateral bar 16 at a fifth selectable height 46.

Referring to FIG. 11, the passthrough channel 14 in the first embodiment is formed by an aperture entirely through the holder 12 so that the holder 12 can hold the lateral bar 16 at its center, for example. The lateral bar 16 is stable in the configuration shown in FIG. 11.

The holder 12 is operable to hold two ends 34 of two different lateral bars 16 to permit collinear chains of lateral bars 16 held end-to-end by a plurality of holders 12. In such a chain, there are one more holder 12 than there are collinear lateral bars 16. The base configuration includes two holders 12 and one lateral bar 16 (FIG. 3). The base configuration can expand to multiple-base configurations exhibiting different geometrical forms and shapes such as zigzag, triangle, square, pentagon, hexagon, etc. The sides of the geometrical form connect to each other to form a complete shape or portion thereof.

Referring to FIGS. 12-14, in some embodiments the holder 12 includes a slit 48 to facilitate flipping the holder 12 over using the blade tip of a hockey stick (not shown). For example, a coach may want to flip a particular configuration of holders 12 and associated lateral bars 16 from its upright position (i.e. resting on the base 28) to upside-down position (resting on the top 22) without bending down to manipulate the configuration. This may be useful during training activities in which it is beneficial to have the lateral bar 16 very close to the ice. Thus, the slit 48 feature in the base 28 of the holder 12 allows a user to insert into the slit 48 the blade of a hockey stick to flip the holder 12, with or without lateral bars 16 present, over onto its top 22 surface, or vice versa, for quick drill changes.

Referring to FIG. 14, for groups 38 on the holders 12 of some embodiments, the magnets 32 of each group 38 are distributed radially about a center axis of the holder 12. Other distributions and group 38 spacings are possible.

Referring to FIGS. 15-16, in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, a twist-clamp spring-locking mechanism may be employed to allow lateral bars 16 of different or variable sizes to be held by the holder 12. According to the embodiment of FIGS. 15-16. the holder 12 is provided as a universal clip 50. To operate the universal clip 50, the user lifts the head 52 of the universal clip 50 and twists the head 52 to lock the head 52 in an open position such as shown in FIG. 16. The head 52 of the universal clip 50 has a moveable upper clamping surface 54 with an angled channel 56. The base 58 of the universal clip 50 has a fixed lower clamping surface 60. In the open position, the lateral bar 16 (FIG. 6) can be inserted into the universal clip 50 between the upper and lower clamping surfaces 54 and 60. Once the desired position of the lateral bar 16 is achieved, the user twists the head 52 relative to the base 58 back into position and the spring mechanism of the universal clip 50 clamps the lateral bar 16 in place by moving the upper clamping surface 54, and hence the angled channel 56, toward the lower clamping surface 60. The spring mechanism operable to apply the force to clamp the lateral bar 16 in place includes a spring (not visible in the Figures) hidden in the base 58, and the described components are held in place by alignment pins 62 disposed on either side of the central pin 64.

In a variation of the embodiment of FIGS. 15-16, a ratchet style lock (not shown) may be included. The ratchet style lock acts to minimize the force required to lift the head 52 of the holder 12. Two ratchets (not shown) on each side of a channel (not shown) are spring-loaded upwards. In the open state, a button (not shown) releases the ratchets and the head 52 is lifted to allow room for the lateral bar 16. Once the lateral bar 16 is inserted between the upper and lower clamping surfaces 54 and 60, the user presses down on the head 52 so as to engage the ratchet style lock and lock the lateral bar 16 into place. In such variation, soft surfaces on the top of the base 58 allow the holder 12 to accommodate the distance between ratchet teeth (not shown).

Referring to FIGS. 17-18, the hollow base 28 of the first embodiment allows the holders 12 to be stacked even when there is are lateral bars 16 inserted the passthrough channels 14 of the stacked holders 12. For example, a coach may set up four instances of one lateral bar 16 and two holders 12 with the holders 12 all located on the most outward magnet groups 38 at the ends 34 of the lateral bar 16. The coach may stack one such instance on top of the other and the instances will nest even though lateral bars 16 are inserted into the passthrough channels 14. In this manner the coach can easily transport all four instances as a single unit, held together by the magnets 24 of the stacked holders 12 and/or the lateral bars 16. In the first embodiment, the bottom edge 30 at the U-slot 26 is chamfered, thereby facilitating insertion and removal of holders 12 being stacked and to prevent damage to any markings on the lateral bar 16 during use.

While not explicitly shown in FIGS. 17-18, it is readily apparent from FIGS. 17-18 that the holders 12 in the first embodiment are dimensioned to allow more than one lateral bar 16 to be included in a stacked configuration, such as by having the ends 34 of multiple lateral bars 16 held in multiple passthrough channels 14 of different holders 12 of a given stack of holders 12, respectively. In the first embodiment, stacked holders 12 are magnetically held together by magnets 32 of the stacked holders 12 so as to keep each stack together. Thus, the magnets 32 advantageously facilitate stacking of the holders 12.

With respect to storage, the small footprint created by stacking makes the holders 12 easily storable such as in an upright, stacked configuration. Stacked holders 12 can be easily inserted in a bag or box for added protection during storage.

With respect to transportation, holders 12 can be stacked even when holding one or more lateral bars 16. For example, three lateral bars 16 associated with pairs of holders 12 can be stacked together. Due to this, and the ruggedness of the lateral bars 16 and holders 12, coaches no longer need to separate each piece after the lesson or deal with a tedious cleanup. Stacked configurations of holders 12 and associated lateral bars 16 can be easily picked up and moved.

With respect to training, the stackable nature of the holders 12 and associated lateral bars 16 makes it possible to create new and unique drills that involve more than one holder 12, lateral bar 16, and/or other accessories.

Training Mat Accessory

A training mat (not shown) can be used in conjunction with the apparatus 10 to enhance the player's enjoyment and training. The training mat in some embodiments is a stiff mat that can be rolled up for storage. When in use, the mat can be placed on carpet or tiled floor to create a suitable playing surface 20.

The training mat includes in some embodiments markings to facilite use of the apparatus 10. For example, the training mat can have zones marked thereon to indicate where to place holders 12 for various exercises, such as close stick handling exercises and/or wide stick handling exercises. The training mat can be used in conjunction with multiple sets and/or configurations of holders 12 and associated lateral bars 16. By way of example, a square configuration in some embodiments is marked on the training mat for setting up corresponding stick handling exercises. The training mat in some embodiments includes markings for multiple structured exercises or games. In some embodiments, the training mat has one or more cutouts to help position the holders 12.

Passback Feature

In some embodiments (not shown), the lateral bar 16 includes a passback feature perpendicular to the ground to cover the openings under and/or above the lateral bar 16. This passback feature can be made of a rubber material or similar harder or softer material, for example. This passback feature advantageously provides a “Pass Back” functionality of causing a hockey puck or ball to bounce off the passback feature back toward the player's hockey stick instead of passing under and/or over the lateral bar 16. Thus, a player can pass a ball or puck off the passback feature and the ball or puck will return back to player. The passback feature may be an add-on to the lateral bar 16, integrated into the lateral bar 16, or a variation of the lateral bar 16 for replacing the standard lateral bar 16 as desired. The passback feature is preferably sufficiently robust and stable to withstand the impact of a hockey ball or puck.

Lateral Bar Extension

In some embodiments, the lateral bar 16 has a wide feature (not shown) that extends beyond the width of the holder(s) 12 in a plane parallel or perpendicular to the playing surface 20.

Electronic Accessories

In variations of embodiments, the lateral bar 16 and/or the holder 12 may include electronic circuitry (not shown), such as sensors for detecting the presence of a hockey puck or ball; camera sensors; proximity sensors; other sensors; lighting such as by LEDs (Light-Emitting Diodes); communications electronics such as for wired or wireless communications; and electrical power sources such as a battery. The wireless communications may employ the Bluetooth™, Wi-Fi, LAN, or other communications standards.

In some embodiments, infra-red (IR) sensors are mounted inside a plastic enclosure that fits beneath or above the holder 12, such that the IR sensor is operable to detect and associated electronic circuitry is operable to count the number of times a hockey puck or ball passes underneath the lateral bar 16 between a pair of holders 12 at the opposing ends 34 of the lateral bar 16. Multiple IR sensors are used in some embodiments to detect speed, direction, and frequency of passes, for example.

In some embodiments, a display (not shown) such as a liquid-crystal display (LCD) is used to display results obtained by the sensors in a set period. Additionally or alternatively, a communications connection to another communications device, such as a mobile phone having an appropriate software application installed therein or having access via the Internet to a cloud-based software as a service, is used to transmit sensor results to the other device for analysis and display of the sensor results. Additionally or alternatively, the apparatus 10 can be integrated with computer games or other software-based training tools.

In some embodiments, at least one of the lateral bar 16 and the holder 12 is accessorized with one or more LEDs or other light sources. In such embodiments, the LEDs may be single or multi-colour for example. Operation of the LEDs may be controlled via a wirelessly connection to a control unit (not shown), and functionality may be determined automatically based on presets or dynamically by a user or coach using a mobile phone or other computing device. In an exemplary use case, the control unit will act to turn on an LED, thereby instructing the player to move the puck or ball into position and perform a stick handling exercise. During the exercise, the LEDs switch constantly, forcing the player to react in various ways. Multiple holders 12 may work together to dynamically guide the player through an exercise by directing movement (left right), action (pass, crossover, shoot, stop), timing, etc., of the player. For example, varying the LED color can indicate to the player to pass beneath or over the lateral bar 16.

Thus, there is provided an apparatus for sports training on a playing surface, the apparatus comprising a holder defining a receiving port for receiving a lateral bar, the holder being operable to hold the lateral bar at a height selected from a plurality of selectable heights above the playing surface.

It is found that the efficacy of such an apparatus is greatly increased by allowing multiple lateral bars to engage with each other at varying angles relative to each other (e.g. in a plane parallel to the playing surface). This may create an increasingly complex obstacle course that may be negotiated by playing to improve fitness and skills, e.g. skills relating to negotiating a path through a thick of players on ice. It is further found that providing a “teepee” like structure is effective for training players in targeting pucks. For example, such a teepee structure may be achieved using a plurality of lateral bars supporting a holder centered therebetween to create a central playing area with entrances thereto defined by the plurality of lateral bars. For example, each entrance may be defined by two lateral bars.

In what follows, hatched sections at the bottom of drawings may indicate (when appropriate) a playing surface. A normal to the playing surface may also be indicated.

FIG. 19A is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a holder 1900 configured to be complementarily engage with the holder of FIG. 1.

FIG. 19B is a cross-sectional view of the holder 1900 along the line B-B in FIG. 19A.

FIG. 19C is a cross-sectional view of the holder 1900 along the line C-C in FIG. 19A.

The holder 1900 may define a plurality of receiving ports (1906A-D) configured to receive a plurality of receiving ends of a plurality of lateral bars, the holder being operable to hold the plurality of receiving ends above the playing surface, the plurality of receiving ports distributed around an axis 1902 normal to the playing surface (see direction 1904).

The holder may be operable to magnetically engage with the plurality of lateral bars, e.g. using magnets 1910A and 1910B which may sandwich therebetween one or more lateral bars.

In various embodiments, the holder may be equipped with electronics, including to or for: track the puck; can track something on the player; LEDs; speakers; tell player how to interact with the cone; many cones may be interconnected (may be networked); audio instructions may require player to make a decision (to improve decision-making).

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of two holders engaged with each other and with an assembly of lateral bars, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 21A is a perspective view of two holders engaged with each other and with an assembly of lateral bars, in accordance with another embodiment.

FIG. 21B is a cross-sectional view of the two holders of FIG. 21A, showing lateral bars engaged in slots defined by receiving ports of the two holders.

A first holder defining a first receiving port for receiving a first lateral bar, the first holder being operable to hold the first lateral bar at a height selected from a plurality of selectable heights above the playing surface.

A second holder engaged with the first holder and defining a second receiving port for receiving a receiving end of the second lateral bar, the second holder being operable to hold the receiving end of the second lateral bar above the playing surface, the first lateral bar and the second lateral bar space apart from each other around an axis normal to the playing surface.

The first lateral bar and the second lateral bar are spaced apart at least 10°, 30°, 45°, or 60° around the axis.

The second holder may define a third receiving port for receiving a third lateral bar, the second holder being operable to hold the third lateral bar above the playing surface, the first lateral bar, the second lateral bar, and the third lateral bar space apart from each other around the axis to form a Y-shaped assembly of lateral bars. In various embodiments, other shapes of assemblies of lateral bars may be achieved, as illustrated in FIGS. 24-25.

The first holder and second holder may be vertically stacked together, the second holder being frictionally engaged with the first holder.

The first lateral bar may be configured to engage with the plurality of protrusions to hinder rotational movement of the second holder relative to the first holder.

The second holder defines a plurality of protrusions, the first lateral bar configured to engage with the plurality of protrusions to hinder movement of the second holder relative to the first holder [rotation along an axis normal to the playing surface].

The protrusions may interlock mechanically with the lateral bars. For example, protrusions may form teeth, in between which lateral bars nest.

The second holder defines at least four receiving ports distributed circumferentially around the axis.

The apparatus may include third holder defining a third receiving port for receiving an opposed end of the second lateral bar, the third holder being operable to hold the opposed end of the lateral bar above the playing surface and below the receiving end of the lateral bar.

Assemblies of lateral bars may form “webs”.

FIG. 22B is a bottom plan view of the holder of FIG. 22A.

FIG. 22C is a top plan view of the holder of FIG. 22A, showing slot-defining receiving ports in construction lines.

FIG. 22D is a cross-sectional view along the line A-A of FIG. 22A.

The holder may be operable to magnetically engage with the plurality of lateral bars.

FIG. 23A is side elevation view of a teepee shaped structure form using lateral bars and the holder of FIG. 22A.

FIG. 23B is a bottom plan view of the structure of FIG. 23A.

FIG. 23C is a bottom plan view of the structure of FIG. 23A.

In references to FIGS. 23A-23C, the plurality of lateral bars may include three lateral bars defining corresponding three receiving ends received in corresponding three receiving ports, the three receiving ports pitched downward to engage the three lateral bars to support the holder above the playing surface.

FIG. 24 are top plan views of various configurations of assemblies of lateral bars achievable using two lateral bars and an arrangement using multiple holders of the type shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 19A;

FIG. 25 are top plan views of various configurations of assemblies of lateral bars achievable using at least three lateral bars and an arrangement using multiple holders of the type shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 19A.

In what follows, “Spider” and “cone” may refer to various embodiments of holders. In what follows, in at least in some cases, “Spider” may refer to a holder in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 19A, and “cone” may refer to a holder in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1.

The Spider may be intended to be attached to the top of a cone. The cone may be on the end of the stick, middle of the stick, or without a stick. The top of the cone may have four magnets and the bottom of the spider may have eight magnets. The magnets are installed on the same bolt-circle so that the cone magnets and spider magnets are attracted. This Spider can rotate relative to the cone in 45 degree increments, even with a stick installed in both the Spider and the cone.

While the cone uses 0.375″ diameter magnets, the Spider may use 0.5″ diameter magnets to have a very strong attraction to the cone so it may not get knocked off during use.

The spider may have legs that extend down around the cone/stick so that even if the Spider is hit and pops off slightly from the cone, the legs may keep it constrained to the top of the cone so it may reconnect. The legs also provide strong resistance to rotation. Without the legs the Spider could rotate to another 45-degree position. With the magnets the rotation of the Spider is constrained by the stick in the cone. The legs prevent rotation even when a strong force is applied on the stick in the Spider or the stick in the cone.

Like the cone, the Spider may have a pass thru channel for a stick. However, the channel in the Spider does not have a flat top and bottom: the top and bottom surfaces are angled slightly, with peaks in the middle, to allow the stick to pass thru the channel at an angle. In normal intended usage, the Spider may be attached to one end of a stick and a cone may be attached to the other end of the same stick. The spider may then be placed on top of another cone, which means the stick may be higher on the Spider end than the stick end. The angle channel inside the Spider accommodates the angle of the stick from high to low, allowing the Spider to sit flat and the stick to exit at an angle. Otherwise the angle may pull the magnets of the Spider and cone apart and the attachment may not be as strong. It is not a problem that the cone on the other end of the Spider's stick is at an angle.

Unlike the cone, the Spider also may have two insertion points at 45 degrees to the main pass thru channel (similar to a ‘peace’ sign). The very tip of a stick can be inserted and held by one magnet in these 45-degree channels. This makes it possible to configure the Slip Skill system in many new ways. It is possible to insert as many as four sticks into the Spider at once (if two sticks are inserted into the pass thru channel each secured by only one magnet), not including attachment points on top of the Spider.

The Spider includes four magnets on top of the spider to maintain the same attachment points as the cone. The only difference being that the magnets are larger. The material could be a strong durable rubber or a rigid plastic. It is important that the legs do not bend too much because their resistance to bending may keep the Spider in the right orientation when around a stick. The legs must not be brittle or they may break off under stress.

The Spider may nest with the Cone system to make transportation easy.

In various embodiments, instead of protrusions there may be a solid flange, e.g. in such cases rotation may not be prevented. The protrusions may prevent kickoff or sliding off. The length of the protrusions may vary but not be longer than the stick is tall (about 1 inch). In some embodiments, the protrusions may be used to raise the holder up off the up off the ground

Magnets may be secured in multiple positions, e.g. at 30, 45, 90 degrees to allow any or pre-set number of desired rotations of lateral bars relative to each other.

In various embodiments, the receiving ports may define pass-thru slots that may allow insertion of lateral bars at various angles to create different configurations, e.g. thru, 90 degree, 45 degree. The lateral bars may be secured with magnets or mechanical lock feature. In various embodiments, thru slot may allows the lateral bar to pass all the way through.

In some embodiments, 45 degree slots may allow the very end of the lateral bars to be inserted.

In various embodiments, the bottom of “Spider” may allow multiple sticks inserted at once with different orientation.

In various embodiments, the material used may be rigid, not brittle, flexible, but may be strong enough to prevent excessive bending during rotation from a stick inserted between the legs.

In various embodiments, multiple “cones” may be nested (vertically stacked), multiple “spiders” may be nested, and/or one or more “spiders” may be nested with one or more “cones”. In some embodiments, nesting may refer to vertical stacking. In some embodiments, “spiders” may be disposed on top of “cones”. In various embodiments, nesting may be achieved with engagement with lateral bars or without engagement with lateral bars.

In various embodiments, the holders may be compatible with other systems, e.g. cameras and sensors.

FIG. 26 shows side elevation views of holders engaged with a lateral bar wherein the lateral bar is inclined relative to the playing surface.

For example, one or more of such lateral bars (a plurality, for example) may be used to create a teepee-like structure using holder embodiments of FIG. 19A and/or in FIG. 1. The height of such a teepee structure may be limited for example, compared to a teepee structure formed using the holder embodiments in FIGS. 22A-C and FIGS. 23A-C.

While embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated, such embodiments should be considered illustrative of the invention only. The invention may include variants not described or illustrated herein in detail. Thus, the embodiments described and illustrated herein should not be considered to limit the invention as construed in accordance with the accompanying claims.

The embodiments described in this document provide non-limiting examples of possible implementations of the present technology. Upon review of the present disclosure, a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope of the present technology. Yet further modifications could be implemented by a person of ordinary skill in the art in view of the present disclosure, which modifications would be within the scope of the present technology.

DEVICE FOR SPORTS TRAINING

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