Patent Application
20240374978
This invention pertains to sports training equipment, specifically an interactive volleyball launcher.
Volleyball is played throughout the world by an estimated 500 million or more people. With volleyball's global popularity on the rise and competition intensifying across various age groups, there is a strong desire to master fundamental volleyball techniques such as passing, setting, and hitting.
Developing these skills starts early and requires hours of repetitive practice for seamless integration into players' natural coordination. Coaches, recognizing the importance of effective and enjoyable training, face a significant challenge. The inherent complexity of these techniques makes it difficult to delegate tasks to players or volunteer parents, compelling coaches to oversee drills personally, involving repetitive tasks like tossing or hitting hundreds of balls per practice session.
To address this challenge, several training tools have been introduced. However, these tools often have limitations such as impractical large size, too heavy, and/or a lack of dynamic interaction. Most are large heavy metal structures designed for stability that either hold a static ball in the air by elastic rope/padded arms or require electricity to propel the balls with motorized spinning wheels.
A problem with these training tools is that static aids fail to provide the dynamic interaction necessary to practice the approach. By holding the ball in one place, the training product needs to have the height of the ball adjusted according to the height/reach of the player, making it less useful for groups. The heavy large motorized units, although some are capable to launching a volleyball, have several shortcomings. They wear out balls quickly, are generally too big and heavy for an individual to move, much less quickly, and do interact based on receiving a pass from the player.
Accordingly, there is a need for an innovative alternative that addresses the above-mentioned shortcomings.
An embodiment of the invention is an automatic volleyball feeder system for sending a volleyball in the air along a parabolic trajectory for a player to hit. The feeder system comprises a volleyball launcher comprising an actuator assembly and a target assembly in cooperating engagement with the volleyball launcher to activate the actuator assembly when a ball is received by the target assembly. When activated, the volleyball launcher sends the volleyball into the air along the parabolic trajectory.
In embodiments of the invention, the target assembly comprises a basket.
In embodiments of the invention, the target assembly comprises a target surface arranged at the bottom of the basket such that a ball received by the basket is guided into contact with the target surface, and movement of the target surface arising from the contact activates the actuator assembly. Optionally, the target surface is a plate.
In embodiments of the invention, the system further comprises an extension member mechanically linking the actuator assembly and the plate of the target assembly.
In embodiments of the invention, the system further comprises a trigger adapter operable to adjust the elevation at which the extension member is coupled to the actuator assembly.
In embodiments of the invention, the feeder system further comprises a base assembly on which the volleyball launcher is rotatably mounted.
In embodiments of the invention, the actuator assembly comprises a non-electrical actuator, and in a preferred embodiment, a launcher spring provides launch force to a striker shaft.
In embodiments of the invention, the volleyball launcher comprises a priming lever for manually loading the actuator assembly to drive the striker shaft by compressing the launcher spring.
In embodiments of the invention, the actuator assembly further comprises clutch plates and trigger springs to releasably lock the striker shaft and launcher spring after the priming lever is released and until a trigger releases the launcher spring.
In embodiments of the invention, the volleyball launcher further comprises a hand-adjustable load control member to limit the launch force.
In embodiments of the invention, the feeder system further comprises a second volleyball launcher rotatably mounted to the base assembly.
In embodiments of the invention, the system comprises straps operable to set the volleyball launcher at a desired angle relative to the base assembly.
In embodiments of the invention, the volleyball launcher further comprises a ball holder shaped for (a) gripping the volleyball and (b) avoiding applying rotation to the volleyball as the volleyball is launched.
In embodiments of the invention, the spring force in the actuator is predetermined in the range to launch a volleyball from 10 to 20 feet in the air.
In embodiments of the invention, the target assembly is mounted to the base assembly. In embodiments of the invention, the volleyball launcher has a footprint ranging from 1-3 sq. ft. and in one embodiment, about 2 sq. ft.
In embodiments of the invention, the volleyball launcher and basket each have a weight less than 15 lbs., and in some embodiments, less than 10 lbs. The weight of the base can vary and, in some embodiments, has a weight greater than 20 lbs., and optionally, between 25-30 lbs.
In embodiments of the invention, the feeder system further comprises a backstop detachably connectable to the basket.
In embodiments of the invention, the volleyball launcher and target assembly comprise an operating configuration for play and a collapsed configuration different than the operating configuration for transportation or storage.
In embodiments of the invention, the launcher comprises a first portion that is insertable within a second portion to form the collapsed configuration.
In embodiments of the invention, the feeder system further comprises at least one air vent in the striker rod or shaft sleeve to reduce the pressure within the shaft cover as the shaft is launched upwards by the spring force.
In another embodiment of the invention, a volleyball feeder system comprises a volleyball launcher for sending the volleyball along a parabolic trajectory. The volleyball launcher comprises: base assembly; a tubular-shaped body tiltably mounted to the base assembly; a spring powered actuator assembly; a striker shaft arranged within the body, and coupled to the actuator assembly, and operable to be manually loaded; a volleyball holder arranged at the top of the striker shaft and shaped to hold a volleyball; and a trigger mechanically linked to a target surface such that contact of the target surface moves the trigger and wherein the trigger is operable with the actuator assembly to activate the actuator assembly, thereby releasing the loaded striker shaft and sending the volleyball from the volleyball holder along the parabolic trajectory.
In embodiments of the invention, the feeder system further comprises a collapsible net in the shape of a basket, wherein the target surface is arranged at the bottom of the basket when deployed, and wherein the target surface is mechanically linked to the trigger via an extension arm.
In embodiments of the invention, a basket assembly includes a collapsible metal frame that supports the net, and can be connected to the launcher base or used independently, depending on the drill.
In embodiments of the invention, the target surface is in the form of a rigid activator plate, optionally comprising at least one seam.
Embodiments of the invention have a variety of objects and advantages.
Nonlimiting objects and advantages of some of the embodiments of the invention are described herein. However, it is intended that the invention be limited only as recited in the appended claims.
Embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus that is portable, fully mechanical (non-electrical) and can consistently and precisely deliver sets to a variety of selectable heights and angles producing an optimal set.
Embodiments of the invention provide a volleyball launcher that is designed to be light and portable, folding up for easy transportation, optionally, requiring less than a five-minute set up for a single person by hand.
Embodiments of the invention provide a training tool that is simple and safe enough for children to operate, affordable, portable, and offers dynamic training with precisely launched volleyballs.
Embodiments of the invention provide a launcher that can propel volleyballs in a fully adjustable, consistent trajectory, enabling dynamic training for passing, setting, and hitting.
Embodiments of the invention provide a launcher that can be used with a partner who semi-manually launches the volleyballs by pushing on the trigger of the actuator assembly, or independently with the activator basket, which automatically launches a volleyball when the weight of a tossed ball is detected in the basket.
Embodiments of the invention provide a launcher and basket that can be disassembled and easily transported in a car trunk, and light enough for a single person to carry.
Embodiments of the invention provide a mechanical priming mechanism that makes it easy and safe for young players to operate, in addition to being durable, and usable in areas without electrical power, such as outdoor courts or backyards.
Embodiments of the invention provide a pneumatic-free actuator. No pressurized cylinders are required or need to be charged.
Embodiments of the invention provide a system where a single player with a launcher can practice their hitting (and approach) to the ball launched by the launcher as well as their passing (or optionally setting to the basket) to trigger the launch.
Embodiments of the invention provide a system where two or more players with a launcher can additionally practice blocking or digging defense off the hit balls.
Other objects and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, principles of embodiments of the present invention.
Embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which:
The description, objects and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description to follow, together with the accompanying drawings.
Before the present invention is described in greater detail, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular embodiments described, as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims. Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range, is encompassed within the invention. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges can independently be included in the smaller ranges and are also encompassed within the invention, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the invention. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, representative illustrative methods and materials are now described. It is noted that, as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It is further noted that the claims can be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as “solely,” “only” and the like in connection with the recitation of claim elements, or use of a “negative” limitation. As will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this disclosure, each of the individual embodiments described and illustrated herein has discrete components and features which can be readily separated from or combined with the features of any of the other several embodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. Any recited method can be carried out in the order of events recited or in any other order that is logically possible.
All existing subject matter mentioned herein (e.g., publications, patents, patent applications and hardware) is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety except insofar as the subject matter may conflict with that of the present invention (in which case what is present herein shall prevail).
With reference to
In the system 10 shown in
With reference to
The system 100 is shown including a launcher assembly 103 and a basket assembly 105 both of which are mounted to a base plate 102.
The basket assembly 105 is shown including a net 112 supported by a plurality of arm members 106 which collectively form a net frame. The arm members are held together via arm connectors 110. The net frame is supported by a plurality of basket legs 104 extending from the base plate 102. The frame is attached to the legs via frame connectors 108.
A trigger plate 114 is arranged at the bottom of the basket 112. The trigger plate is shown having multiple sections divided by seams. The different sections facilitate conforming the target surface to the lower curvature of the net or as otherwise desired. The seams also allow the target plate to be collapsed into a smaller more portable configuration for transportation and storage.
The basket assembly 105 is also shown connected to the launcher assembly 103 by arm extensions 128. In particular, two arm extensions are shown extending from the trigger plate 114 to a trigger arm 130 of the launcher assembly. When the volleyball is collected by the net, the ball is gravity directed into the trigger plate 114 where the weight of the volleyball causes the trigger arm 130 to be deflected, thereby actuating the launcher assembly and setting the volleyball, as described further herein.
The tubular-shaped launcher assembly 103 shown in
In embodiments of the invention, the adjustable angle base 116 rests within a slot in the base plate 102 and allows the launcher assembly to tilt or pivot (e.g., left to right) up to a threshold angle (e.g., 10 to 30, or more preferably about 20 degrees) to deliver sets to either side of the court. Hand-tightened fasteners 117, 119 are shown to secure base at the desired angle.
The launcher priming section 118 is shown including a priming lever 122 in the form of a foot pedal. The priming lever 122 is vertically movable along a channel. A user can manually depress the priming lever 122 to load the actuator assembly 126, described herein. The launcher priming section 118 is also shown with a plurality of holes positioned vertically incrementally along its side for receiving a power selector pin 120. As described herein, the height of the launched balls can be adjusted based on which hole the power selector pin 120 is inserted. The pin 120, when deployed, limits travel of a striker rod 136 and deflection of the launcher spring 140, described herein.
A striker cover section 146 extends upwards from the actuator assembly 126. The striker covers section encloses the striker rod 136 and launcher spring 140.
A volleyball holder 148 is shown arranged at the top of the striker cover section for supporting a volleyball. Striker head 144 extends through the center of the volleyball holder 148 and is operable to push/punch the volleyball from the holder when activated. As described herein the striker head 144 is coupled to the striker rod 136, both of which are movable relative to the striker cover section 146 and the volleyball holder 148.
With reference to
The striker rod 136 is fixedly connected to the striker head 144. The striker head includes a recess or region 143 to accommodate the upper end of the launcher spring 140, serving as an upper stop for the launcher spring 140, while a spring base 138 at the opposite end of the spring, serves as a lower stop.
The striker rod 136 and the priming foot pedal 122 move within the launcher priming section 118. Pressure applied to the priming foot pedal 122 compresses the launcher spring 140 between the lower stop 138 and upper stop 143. The foot pedal 122 can be depressed until it reaches the desired power select pin 120, or until the striker head 144 hits a spring load stop 142, preventing over-compression of the spring 140. When the actuator is fully compressed, the distance from the lower stop 138 to striker head 144 ranges from 2 to 8 inches, and more preferably ranges from 4-7 inches.
In embodiments, the striker head 144 is fitted to the interior dimension of the striker cover section 146 so that the striker head is guided to consistently contact the ball's center. The striker cover section 146 is coupled to the ball holder 148, which firmly centers a ball to the end of the striker cover section 146, and prevents movement from external forces (e.g., wind).
The adjustable angle plate 202 is shown being located in the center of the base 201 and can rotate along a central raised area 203, allowing the launcher to be positioned to propel volleyballs to either side of the court.
Angle adjustment straps 207 can be cam buckle tie-down straps that secure the launcher apparatus to the launcher base on two sides. The straps enable quick manual adjustment of the trajectory angle by extending the length of one strap while shortening the other.
The launcher lower section 206 is a semi-enclosed tube with a slit running the length of the tube. This section provides a protected area for the striker rod 212 and priming pedal 210 to operate. As described herein with reference to
The power selector 208 is an adjustable band clamp that can be fastened at any position along the launcher's lower section 206. It controls the ball's vertical trajectory by limiting the compression of the launcher spring.
The priming pedal 210 is situated at the lower end of the striker rod 212, and the player uses their foot to prime the launcher by depressing the pedal. This action draws the striker rod 212 down the launcher's lower section 206 to compress the launcher spring 220. The amount of compression is limited by the power selector 208, or if the power selector is absent, a spring stop 242.
The pedal, striker rod, and channel cooperate together to facilitate vertically straight up and down movement within the launcher's lower section 206, preventing damage to the striker rod from the force exerted while priming the launcher. Additionally, in embodiments, the pedal comprises a pedal attachment such that a portion of the pedal can be removed to make the launcher more compact for transport.
The striker rod 212 serves as the primary moving component of the launcher functioning, in a sense, like an arrow and bow. The rod 212 is drawn back within the launcher's lower section, compressing and thereby loading the launcher spring 220. Upon release by the activation trigger 217, the rod 212 is propelled upward with sufficient momentum to drive a volleyball vertically by striking it from below. Optionally, a shock absorbing pad 229 is arranged between the priming pedal 210 and the striker rod 212 to dampen the striker rod's 136, upward momentum.
The striker head 214 is fixedly arranged on top of the striker rod. The head 214 features a cavity designed to hold the top of the spring 220 (in a sense like an arrow's nock), to transmit power from the spring to the rod. The exterior diameter of the head 214 is precisely selected relative to the inner diameter of the spring cover 222, to ensure that the rod assembly moves freely and remains aligned within the spring cover during priming and activation of the launcher. In embodiments, the gap between the outer diameter of the head 214 and the inner diameter of the spring cover 222 is less than 5 mm, more preferably less than 2 mm, and in some embodiments is about 1 mm. A rounded top of the head 214 provides consistent contact with the volleyball.
The trigger assembly 216 is operable to securely hold the striker rod 212 at any position along its travel during priming of the launcher until released/activated by the trigger 217. An assembly of clutch plates 232 and trigger springs 234 permits downward travel of the striker rod 212 but impedes any upward movement until the assembly is released by the trigger 217. This design serves to ensure the launcher's safety during operation. Even if the priming is interrupted by the player's foot disengaging from the pedal, the launcher will not activate unless the trigger is depressed.
An activator arm 218 is shown extending from the trigger 217 of the trigger assembly 216. The activator arm can be used to deflect the trigger in order to activate the launcher. This arm 218 can be manually operated or used together with the activator basket 228. When coupled to the activator basket, the launcher is triggered by tossing a volleyball into the basket. The force from the ball depresses an activator plate 230 beneath the basket, which deflects the arm 218 and trigger 217, which then releases the striker rod 212.
With reference to
As described herein the launcher spring 220 is a compression spring that serves to drive the striker rod 212 upward with enough force to propel a regulation-sized volleyball to a target height. An exemplary range for the target vertical height is 10 to 30 feet and in some embodiments, approximately 25 feet when fully compressed.
As described herein, in embodiments of the invention, the actuator is configured and operable to project a volleyball 10-30 feet in the air. In view of the overall size and footprint of the apparatus, the spring is customized to provide an adequate force in view of the limited amount of deflection arising from a user depressing the pedal by foot. The inventor has customized a spring to provide sufficient force to eject the volleyball a predetermined vertical height ranging from 10-30 feet based on compressing the spring only 5-15 in. (depending on how far the user depresses the pedal and where set point stop is placed). An exemplary spring is a round wire, cylindrical compression spring made from carbon steel. Exemplary wire diameter ranges 0.1 to 0.2 in. Exemplary wire length ranges from 150 to 200 inches. Exemplary minimum tensile strength is about 258754 psi. Exemplary coil characteristic includes spring rate [Ibf/in] of 4.0, spring index 10.54, natural frequency [Hz] of 24, and a mean coil diameter ranging from 1 to 2 in., and preferably about 1.4 inches. The number of coils can vary widely and in embodiments, ranges from 30 to 50 coils, and preferably ranges from 40 to 45 coils. Exemplary pitch is about 0.5 in. and exemplary pitch angle is about 7 degrees. In embodiments, the uncompressed length of the coiled spring ranges from 15-25 in, and optionally is about 20-25 in.
The spring cover 222 houses the launcher spring 220 and striker rod 212. The cover 222 also guides the striker head 214 and rod 212 as the launcher is primed and activated. In embodiments, the spring cover 222 guides the striker head 214 directly beneath the ball for a centered impact with the volleyball. In embodiments, the striker rod 212 has holes along the shaft to allow air to escape during upward thrust.
The ball holder 224 is affixed to the top of the spring cover 222 and has a bowl-shaped body to hold the volleyball in alignment with the striker rod 212. The striker head, as described herein, is movable to extend through the ball holder to contact the center of the bottom of the volleyball
The activator basket 228 can be a collapsible metal frame structure with a net mesh, and connectable to the launcher base 201. The basket is intended to catch and hold one or more regulation-sized volleyballs when tossed therein. Below the basket 228, an activator plate 230 transfers the force of the tossed ball to the activator arm 218, releasing the striker rod 212.
The activator plate 230 can be a lightweight, rigid plate located beneath the activator basket 228 and about the same size as the bottom dimension of the basket. In embodiments, the plate 230 is anchored to the basket frame on one side and hangs free on the other (or cantilevers). The free-hanging side is placed on the activator arm 218 and enables the activation of the launcher by transferring the force of a tossed volleyball into the activator basket to the activator arm. The plate 230 allows the basket to be a sufficient size target for a tossed volleyball while transferring the necessary force to the activation arm to launch the ball.
The launcher may be disassembled in the reverse order to reduce the size of the launcher for transportation and storage.
Unlike the basket assemblies described above, the basket assembly 320 is free standing (i.e., standing independently from the launcher base 301) and includes detachable backstop 322.
The backstop 322 can be made of a mesh net and frame members, and is preferably removable from the basket 330 for transportation and storage. Optionally, feet 340 are coupled to the bottom of the basket legs for stability. The feet 340 have a flange shape with a flat circular bottom. In some embodiments, the feet taper to a point or spike for penetrating a grass or sand court.
Collectively, the basket and backstop are operable to catch and hold at least one regulation-sized volleyball when tossed therein. An activator plate 328 is arranged below the basket 330. The activator plate 328 transfers the force of the tossed ball to the activator arm 333, releasing the striker rod within the launcher assembly 310 as described above. In embodiments, the activator arm can be telescoping or adjustable in length in order to adjust the distance between the basket assembly 320 and the launcher. Additionally, an adapter 335 can comprise holes or connectors located at different elevations along the adapter so that the arm 333 may be securely coupled to the trigger even if the launcher assembly is tilted relative to the base frame. The change in elevation arising from the tilt can be compensated by the size and position of holes to receive the arm in the adapter.
In embodiments, the length of each arm ranges from 3-8 inches. In embodiments, the arms are spaced apart a distance (d) where d ranges from 5-8 inches. In one embodiment, each arm is 2.5 in. wide and extends 5.5 in. from the top edge of the ball holder base. In one embodiment, the opening of the arms is 6.25 in. and the widest distance is 7.75 in.
The shape of the target surface or trigger plate may vary widely. In some embodiments, the trigger plate may take a circular, oval, or another shape.
Additionally, although the trigger plate is shown in some of the figures as a floor of the net, it need not be so arranged. In other embodiments, the trigger plate may be positioned at an angle to horizontal (e.g., vertical). Additionally, unless otherwise excluded by the claims, multiple discrete target surfaces may be provided in the basket assembly and linked to the actuator assembly. Indeed, the shape of the trigger plate or target surface may vary widely and may be arranged with a basket or in some embodiments, without a basket in which contacting the target surface would activate the volleyball launcher.
Although only two arms 372, 374 are shown in
Although only two launchers 310, 410 are shown in
In embodiments, sandbags can be used on the base plate to stabilize the launcher. Empty sandbags can be used for parts storage with the carrying case during transportation.
An accessory mount, optionally pole mount, can be attached the base plate 102, and allows the user to attach different types of devices to the base. It can include straps or clamps and a support (optionally flat, or comprising a cavity and/or mounting holes) upon which to securely affix the accessory. Accessories can include, without limitation, a phone, action camera, speaker, or light. In embodiments, the accessory pole is formable and can be bent or positioned at an angle to hold its shape. Exemplary configurations for the accessory pole are a collapsible hollow metal tube(s) or a metal wire bundle enclosed by a flexible sheath.
Embodiments of the invention include methods for one or more users to set up, use (to pass, set, hit, and or block), disassemble, collapse, transport and store the interactive volleyball system and components therein as described herein.
Throughout the foregoing description, and for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the described techniques. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that these techniques can be practiced without some of these specific details. Although various embodiments that incorporate these teachings have been shown and described in detail, those skilled in the art could readily devise many other varied embodiments or mechanisms to incorporate these techniques. Also, embodiments can include various operations as set forth above, fewer operations, or more operations; or operations in another order than that specifically described above. Additionally, any of the components and steps described herein may be combined with one another in any logical manner except where such components or steps would be exclusive to one another. Accordingly, the scope and spirit of the invention should be judged in terms of the claims, which follow as well as the legal equivalents thereof.
This claims priority to provisional patent application No. 63/465,485, filed May 10, 2023, and application No. 63/564,472, filed Mar. 12, 2024, both of which are entitled “Interactive Volleyball Launcher”.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63564472 | Mar 2024 | US | |
| 63465485 | May 2023 | US |
