LACROSSE TRAINING DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to athletic equipment and, more particularly, to a lacrosse training device.

BACKGROUND

Lacrosse is a team sport wherein players use a lacrosse stick (or crosse) to shoot a rubber ball into a net or goal to score points. Players can run, carry, catch, shoot, and pass the ball with their lacrosse stick. The team with the most points or goals at the end of the time period wins the game. The sport has become popular with high schools, colleges, with some success as a professional sport.

A lacrosse stick includes a shaft that is held by the player, a head mounted on the end of the shaft, and a piece of mesh that is strung and/or connected to the head to form a net in which a player catches and carries the ball. The end of the head opposite the shaft is flared outward such that the mesh and the end of the head form a ramp-like structure that allows the ball to smoothly travel out of the end of head and/or net by swinging the lacrosse stick, which is how players throw, pass, and/or shoot the ball. Offensive players usually use a lacrosse stick with a short or standard length shaft (total stick length between 40 and 42 inches), whereas defensive players use a lacrosse stick with a longer length shaft (total stick length up to 72 inches long). Both offensive and defensive players utilize standard sized heads on their lacrosse sticks. Goalies, however, get to use a lacrosse stick with a larger and/or wider head.

Lacrosse is a very athletic and fast game. Players need to be quick and agile runners, and accuracy is required when passing and shooting the ball. Since opponents try to steal the ball using stick checks and body checks, players must learn to maneuver their lacrosse stick while maintaining possession and control of the ball so that they can dodge, evade, withstand, and/or absorb the checks of opposing players without the ball leaving their lacrosse stick. As such, stick-handling is one of the most important skills for any successful lacrosse player.

There are many skill-building drills and/or exercises that necessitate multiple players, including different types of passing and stick-handling drills and/or exercises. One such stick-handling drill involves one player attempting to maintain possession of the ball (i.e., keep the ball in the head and/or net of their lacrosse stick) while moving the head of their lacrosse stick in patterns in and around the outstretched arms and/or lacrosse stick of another player. This is wasteful, however, since only one of the two players participating in the drill and/or exercise is actually practicing their stick-handling skills. The need remains for an improved lacrosse stick-handling practice device.

SUMMARY

Disclosed is a lacrosse training device to assist players in improving and fine-tuning their stick-handling skills. In broad and general terms, the device comprises a backboard with two post members and/or assemblies extending horizontally outward from the front face of the backboard.

The height and/or distance of the backboard and the post assemblies/members from the ground is adjustable to suit the height and style of a player. The positions of the post assemblies/members relative to one another and the distances (e.g., horizontal distance, vertical distance, straight-line distance) between the post assemblies/members is adjustable depending upon the skill level of the player performing the drill and/or exercise. That is, the post assemblies/members may be moved closer together and/or to different heights to increase the challenge of the drill and/or exercise and further enhance stick-handling accuracy.

In some embodiments, the post assemblies/members are disposed on horizontal and vertical tracks of the backboard to facilitate height/width adjustment. In one or more other embodiments, the post assemblies/members are each attached to the backboard via a respective lacrosse-head-shaped blank and/or support panel that can pivot from the top, allowing for a variable arrangement of and distances between the two post assemblies/members.

The lacrosse training device may be wall mounted using two parallel T-tracks set apart on center, for example, by a distance of 16″, more or less. This mounting method allows for significant vertical adjustment of the backboard and/or the post assemblies/members allowing for use of the training device by players of different heights and ages. One or more training devices may be similarly mounted to T-slot tracks that are mounted on and/or part of a stationary or mobile stand allowing for on-field use of the training device(s) during on-field team practice sessions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the claims are not limited to a specific illustration, an appreciation of various aspects may be gained through a discussion of various examples. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and certain features may be exaggerated or hidden to better illustrate and explain an innovative aspect of an example. Further, the exemplary illustrations described herein are not exhaustive or otherwise limiting, and embodiments are not restricted to the precise form and configuration shown in the drawings or disclosed in the following detailed description. Exemplary illustrations are described in detail by referring to the drawings as follows:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first exemplary lacrosse training device;

FIG. 2A is a front view of an exemplary field stand for one or more lacrosse training devices;

FIG. 2B is a side view of the field stand depicted in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the backboard of a second exemplary lacrosse training device depicted in FIG. 6;

FIG. 4 is a front view of a lacrosse-head-shaped support panel of the second exemplary lacrosse training device of FIG. 6;

FIG. 5 is a front view and a side view of a post member, a side view of a threaded coupling, and a side view of an end cap of the second exemplary lacrosse training device of FIG. 6;

FIG. 6 is a front view of a second exemplary lacrosse training device;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a third exemplary lacrosse training device;

FIG. 8 is a front view of the third exemplary lacrosse training device of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a rear, partially exploded view of the third exemplary lacrosse training device of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view through the first track, backboard, first support panel, first post assembly, and first fasteners of the third exemplary lacrosse training device of FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the various described embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits, and networks have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lacrosse training device constructed in accordance with the invention, depicted generally at 100. In this embodiment, two vertical, spaced-apart tracks 102, 104, are mounted on a generally horizontal panel and/or backboard 106, which may be a wall surface, or may form part of a portable device as described in further detail below.

The backboard 106 moves up and down on the tracks 102, 104, with manually operable fasteners such as wingnuts 120, 122, 124, 126 being used to fix a desired height position once established.

Post members 112, 114, extending outwardly from respective support panels 108, 110, are width adjustable along track 115 on the backboard 106, and may be locked into position using manually operable fasteners such as wingnuts 128, 130. To enhance stability, a second track or groove 132 may be provided on the backboard 106 to receive pins on the backsides of support panels 108, 110.

All of the various elements just described may be made from any available, suitable materials. The tracks 102, 104, 115, 132 and fasteners 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130 may be metal, the backboard 106 and/or the panels 108, 110 may be wood, metal, or plastic. The post members 112, 114 may be plastic (e.g., PVC) and/or may be covered with removable/replaceable protective covers (e.g., foam sleeves 116, 118) to protect the post members 112, 114 from repetitive impacts.

The two parallel T-tracks are preferably set 16″ apart on center. This mounting method allows for significant vertical adjustment allowing for use by players of different heights. For example, height may be adjustable from 1 to several feet off the ground, most preferably in the range of 2-4 feet of thereabouts. The width between the posts (including covers if provided), may be in the range of 2″ to 12″ to accommodate the head of a stick in any orientation.

Multiple practice devices can be mounted on a stationary or mobile stand 200 allowing for use during field team practice sessions. The field stand 200 allows for portability and use of the device 100 in a field training situation. FIG. 2A is a front view of a stand 200 with nominal dimensions and two parallel 48″ T-slot tracks 204, 206. FIG. 2B is a side view of the stand 200. The T-slot tracks 204, 206 are preferably attached with multiple cross members arranged such that they are perpendicular to the T-slots of the tracks 204, 206 and provide the T-slots with 16 inches on-center lateral separation.

The stand 200 is constructed from 1¼ inch square aluminum tubing, and includes two main pieces. The vertical component is six feet in length, and has four T-slots mounted (two T-slots on each face) allowing for two devices 100 to be mounted on each field stand 200. The vertical component is 17½ inches wide, which provides for the 16 inches on-center spacing to accommodate the device 100. The base section 210 is 48 inches long and 17½ inches wide. There are two 6″ mounting posts located in the top center of each of the base runners. The vertical component slides over the mounting posts, and is held in place by locking pins placed through matching holes in the vertical component and the mounting posts. The vertical component is further stabilized by detachable pivoting brace pieces attached to the ends of the base runners. The base section 210 may include 2 or more wheels or casters to ease transportation.

Any of the backboard arrangements described herein (e.g., backboard 106, backboard 302) may be mounted on such a stand 200. For example, FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative backboard 302 with applicable dimensions, upon which there is mounted a pair of side-by-side lacrosse-head-shaped blanks (402, FIG. 4), which can pivot from the top allowing for a variable distance between the two blanks.

The arm blanks 402 are positioned through the top holes 304, 306 using T-bolts (602, 604, FIG. 6), and are positioned by use of a plunge pin (also not shown) and six placement holes (608, 610, FIG. 6) in the backboard 302. The placement holes are located 6½ inches from the T-bolt pivot point, and are arranged at 10 degree increments beginning at the vertical.

Two post members and/or arms (502, FIG. 5) are made from a 15-inch long, ¾ inch PVC pipe section, with an end cap 504 on one end and a threaded male coupling 506 on the opposite end. The arms 502 are attached to the arm blanks 402 by means of a ¾ inch threaded female receiver hole 404 located about 4 inches below the T-bolt pivot hole. The arms 502 may be covered with removable/replaceable protective covers and/or sleeves 116, 118 (e.g., 3½ inch diameter foam cushions).

FIG. 6 is a lacrosse training device 100 including a backboard 302 positionable up and down on tracks 204, 206 that may be mounted to a wall or a field stand(s) 200 described herein. The lacrosse-head-shaped blanks 402 are positioned in holes with pegs 608, 610, placing the PVC post members and/or arms 502 relatively wide apart for less-skilled players. Note that the posts and/or arms 502 are not foam covered for clarity, and that the two blanks 402 may be placed at different angles for even finer adjustments. The use of blanks 402 having lacrosse-head shapes makes for a more realistic training session, and the blanks 402 may be decorated with color(s) or mesh/netting cross-hatching (i.e., 620) to enhance the effect. Note further that the two upper wing nuts 602, 604 serve the dual purpose of adjusting up and down positioning of the backboard 302 and angular blank adjustment 402.

Another embodiment of a lacrosse training device 700 is depicted in FIGS. 7-10. The device 700 includes a backboard 710, a plurality of adjustable support panels (e.g., a first support panel 740 and a second support panel 740′), a plurality of post assemblies (e.g., a first post assembly 770 and a second post assembly 770′), a plurality of mechanical fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, and/or nuts), and a plurality of tracks (e.g., a first track 702 and a second track 702′). The tracks 702, 702′ may be connected and/or mounted to a wall or other structure. Additionally and/or alternatively, the tracks 702, 702′ may be mounted on and/or formed as a portion of a stand (e.g., the stand 200). The backboard 710 is adjustably and/or releasably connected to and/or mounted on the tracks 702, 702′ via one or more mechanical fasteners (e.g., mounting fasteners 810, 810′ and pivot fasteners 820, 820′). The support panels 740, 740′ are each disposed on and supported by the backboard 710, and are adjustably (e.g., pivotably and/or slidably) and releasably connected to the backboard 710 via one or more of the mechanical fasteners (e.g., a respective pivot fastener 820, 820′ and a respective slide fastener 830, 830′). The first support panel 740 is connected to the backboard 710 by a first pivot fastener 820 and a first slide fastener 830, supports the first post assembly 770, and adjustably and releasably connects the first post assembly 770 to the backboard 710. The second support panel 740′ is connected to the backboard 710 by a second pivot fastener 820′ and a second slide fastener 830′, supports the second post assembly 770′, and adjustably and releasably connects the second post assembly 770′ to the backboard 710. The first post assembly 770 is disposed on and releasably connected to the first support panel 740 via a mechanical fastener (e.g., a first post-assembly fastener 840), which adjustably and releasably connects the first post assembly 770 to the backboard 710. The second post assembly 770′ is disposed on and releasably connected to the second support panel 740′ via a mechanical fastener (e.g., a second post-assembly fastener), which adjustably and releasably connects the second post assembly 770′ to the backboard 710. The post assemblies 770, 770′ project from and/or extend transversely (i.e., in a cross direction, which may, for example, be perpendicular, substantially perpendicular, or oblique) to the respective support panel 740, 740′ and the backboard 710.

The position of backboard 710 on the tracks 702, 702′ is adjustable via actuating (e.g., loosening and/or removing) the mounting fasteners 810, 810′ and the pivot fasteners 820, 820′ and subsequently moving and/or sliding the backboard 710 along the tracks 702, 702′. The mounting fasteners 810, 810′ and the pivot fasteners 820, 820′ (e.g., the bolts 812, 812′, 822, 822′ thereof) move and/or slide through and/or along the T-slots 704, 704′ of the tracks 702, 702′, which facilitates and/or guides movement of the backboard 710 along the tracks 702, 702′. The backboard 710 is adjustable and/or movable (e.g., vertically) along the tracks 702, 702′ when the nuts 818, 818′, 828, 828′ of the mounting fasteners 810, 810′ and the pivot fasteners 820, 820′ are loosened and/or removed. The backboard 710 is prevented from disengaging the tracks 702, 702′ in a direction perpendicular to the tracks 702, 702′ when the nuts 818, 818′, 828, 828′ are only loosened (i.e., not completely removed) due to the configuration of the mounting and pivot fasteners 810, 810′, 820, 820′ (e.g., the size and/or shape of their nuts 818, 818′, 828, 828′ and bolt heads 816, 826). The position of backboard 710 on the tracks 702, 702′ is substantially fixed via the mounting fasteners 810, 810′ and the pivot fasteners 820, 820′ when the nut 818, 818′, 828, 828′ of one or more (e.g., all) of the mounting fasteners 810, 810′ and/or pivot fasteners 820, 820′ is tightened.

The post assemblies 770, 770′ are individually adjustable relative to the backboard 710 and to one another via adjusting a position of the respective support panel 740, 740′ relative to the backboard 710. The position of each of the support panels 740, 740′ is adjustable via actuating (e.g., loosening and/or removing) the pivot fasteners 820, 820′ and the slide fasteners 830, 830′ and then simultaneously (i) pivoting the support panel 740, 740′ about a respective pivot axis 742, 742′ and/or the respective pivot fastener 820, 820′ and (ii) adjusting, moving, and/or sliding the respective slide fastener 830, 830′ within and/or along a respective channel 728, 728′ of the backboard 710. When the nuts 828, 838 of the first pivot fastener 820 and the first slide fastener 830 are loosened and/or removed, the first support panel 740 and the first post assembly 770 are adjustable and/or movable (e.g., pivotably) about a first pivot axis 742 and the first slide fastener 830 is adjustable and/or slidable within the first channel 728. The first support panel 740 and first post assembly 770 are prevented from disengaging the backboard 710 in a direction perpendicular to the tracks 702, 702′ when the nuts 828, 838 of the first pivot fastener 820 and the first slide fastener 830 are only loosened (i.e., not completely removed) due to the configuration of the first pivot and slide fasteners 820, 830 (e.g., the size and/or shape of the nuts 828, 838 and bolt heads 826, 836). The position of the first support panel 740 and the first post assembly 770 is substantially fixed via the first pivot fastener 820 and the first slide fastener 830 when the nut 828, 838 of one or more (e.g., each) of the first pivot fastener 820 and/or the first slide fastener 830 is tightened. The position of the second support panel 740′ and the second post assembly 770′ is adjustable and/or fixed via the second pivot fastener 820′ and the second slide fastener 830′ in a substantially similar and/or the same manner as the first support panel 740 and the first post assembly 770 described above and, thus, is not described in detail for brevity.

The components, elements, and/or features disposed on a first side 714 and an opposite, second side 716 of the backboard 710 (e.g., the left side and right side, respectively, in FIGS. 7 and 8) are configured as mirror images of one another relative to a centerline 712 of the backboard 710 and/or a plane extending along the centerline 712. The components, elements, and/or features disposed on the first side 714 of the backboard 710 are identified and/or referred to with the word “first” (e.g., first track 702, first support panel 740, first post assembly 770, first mounting fastener 810, first pivot fastener 820, first slide fastener 830, first post-assembly fastener 840, first mounting recess 720, first pivot recess 722, first depression 724, first nested depression 726, first channel 728, first cover 730, etc.). The components, elements, and/or features disposed on the second side 716 of the backboard 710 are identified and/or referred to with the word “second” (e.g., second track 702′, second support panel 740′, second post assembly 770′, second mounting fastener 810′, second pivot fastener 820′, second slide fastener 830′, second post-assembly fastener, second mounting recess 720′, second pivot recess 722′, second depression 724′, second nested depression 726′, second channel 728′, second cover 730′, etc.). The structure, (e.g., relative) arrangement, functionality, operation, etc. of the second components, elements, and/or features on the second side 716 of the backboard 710 is substantially similar to and/or the same as that of the corresponding first components, elements, and/or features on the first side 714 of the backboard 710 that are described in detail below. In addition, a cross-sectional view through the second side 716 of the backboard 710 and/or the second components, elements, and/or features would be a mirror image of the cross-sectional view through the first side 714 of the backboard 710 and/or the first components, elements, and/or features illustrated in FIG. 10. For brevity, the second components, elements, and/or features on the second side 716 of the backboard 710 are not described in detail below.

The backboard 710 is a generally rectangular, planar monolithic body that is typically made and/or composed of plastic, but may alternatively be made of metal, wood, a composite, and/or other suitable material. The backboard 710 has a front face and/or surface on which the support panels 740, 740′ are disposed and that faces generally toward the player utilizing the device 700. The backboard 710 also has a rear face and/or surface disposed opposite the front face and that faces toward the tracks 702, 702′ (e.g., in the opposite direction of the front face).

The backboard 710 includes a plurality of recesses 720, 720′, 722, 722′, a plurality of depressions (e.g., a first depression 724, a second depression 724′), a plurality of nested depressions (e.g., a first nested depression 726, a second nested depression 726′), a plurality of channels (e.g., a first channel 728, a second channel 728′), and a plurality of covers (e.g., a first cover 730, a second cover 730′). The plurality of recesses 720, 720′, 722, 722′ receive and/or engage a plurality of mechanical fasteners (e.g., mounting fasteners 810, 810′ and/or pivot fasteners 820, 820′) for adjustably and removably connecting, securing, and/or mounting the backboard 710 on the tracks 702, 702′. A subset of the recesses 722, 722′, which are referred to as pivot recesses (e.g., first pivot recess 722, second pivot recess 722′), are also utilized to adjustably and removably connect, secure, and/or mount the support panels 740, 740′ to the backboard 710. The remainder of the recesses 720, 720′ (i.e., the recesses that are not utilized for this additional purpose) are referred to as mounting recesses (e.g., first mounting recess 720, second mounting recess 720′). The plurality of depressions 724, 724′ each removably receive and are closed by a respective cover 730, 730′. The depressions 724, 724′ may additionally and/or alternatively be referred to as cover depressions. The plurality of nested depressions 726, 726′ each adjustably (e.g., slidably) and removably receive and/or engage a respective slide fastener 830, 830′ (e.g., a bolt head 836 thereof). The nested depressions 726, 726′ may additionally and/or alternatively be referred to as fastener depressions. The plurality of channels 728, 728′ each adjustably (e.g., slidably) and removably receive and/or engage a respective slide fastener 830, 830′ for adjustably and removably connecting, securing, and/or mounting the support panels 740, 740′ to the backboard 710. In addition, the plurality of channels 728, 728′ each facilitate and/or guide the pivoting motion of the respective support panel 740, 740′.

As generally illustrated in FIGS. 8-10, the recesses 720, 720′, 722, 722′ are each disposed in, defined by, and extend completely through the backboard 710 (e.g., from the front face to the rear face of the backboard 710). The recesses 720, 720′, 722, 722′ are each disposed at or about (e.g., adjacent to) a respective corner of the backboard 710. The pivot recesses 722, 722′ are each disposed at a respective upper corner of the backboard 710 and the mounting recesses 720, 720′ are each disposed at a respective lower corner of the backboard 710, though this is not required. The pivot recesses 722, 722′ each receive the bolt 822, 822′ (e.g., the threaded shaft 824 thereof) of a respective pivot fastener 820, 820′. The mounting recesses 720, 720′ each receive the bolt 812, 812′ (e.g., the threaded shaft 814 thereof) of a respective mounting fastener 810, 810′.

As generally illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the first depression 724 removably receives and is closed by the first cover 730. The first depression 724 is disposed in and defined by the backboard 710. The first depression 724 projects into the rear face of the backboard 710 and extends only partially through the backboard 710 (i.e., does not extend all the way to the front face). The first depression 724 is elongated and arc shaped (e.g., including at least a curved portion or segment). The first depression 724 is sized and shaped in a complimentary manner to the first cover 730 such that, when the first cover 730 is disposed in the first depression 724, the external surface of the first cover 730 is aligned and/or flush with the rear face of the backboard 710 (i.e., the first cover 730 does not protrude from the first depression 724 beyond the rear face). The first cover 730 is disposed in the first depression 724 and releasably connected to the backboard 710 (e.g., via screws) enclosing and/or confining the bolt head 836 of the first slide fastener 830 in the first nested depression 726. The first cover 730 thus restricts and/or prevents removal of the first slide fastener 830 and/or the bolt 832 thereof from the first channel 728, first nested depression 726, and first depression 724 (e.g., in a direction perpendicular to the backboard 710 and/or toward the tracks 702, 702′).

As generally illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the first nested depression 726 adjustably (e.g., slidably) and removably receives, engages, and/or guides the first slide fastener 830 (e.g., the bolt head 836 thereof). The first nested depression 726 is disposed in (e.g., nested in) the first depression 724 and/or opens into the first depression 724, and is defined by the backboard 710. The first nested depression 726 projects into a surface of the backboard 710 that defines and/or forms the bottom of the first depression 724, which may be referred to as the first depression bottom surface. Like the first depression 724, the first nested depression 726 extends only partially through the backboard 710 (i.e., does not extend all the way to the front face). The first nested depression 726 is elongated and arc shaped (e.g., including at least a curved portion or segment), which may be similar to and/or the same as that of the first depression 724. The first nested depression 726 is sized and shaped in a complimentary manner to the bolt head 836 of the first slide fastener 830 such that, when the bolt head 836 is disposed in the first nested depression 726, the external surface of the bolt head 836 is aligned with and/or below the bottom of the first depression 724 (i.e., the bolt head 836 does not protrude from the first nested depression 726 beyond the first depression bottom surface). The width of the first nested depression 726 is equal to and/or larger than the width of the bolt head 836 of the first slide fastener 830, but smaller than the length of the bolt head 836. As such, should the bolt 832 of the first slide fastener 830 rotate and/or spin (e.g., while screwing the nut 838 onto the threaded shaft 834), the longitudinal ends of the bolt head 836 will contact and/or abut the surfaces of the backboard 710 that define the sides of the first nested depression 726, which may be referred to as the first nested depression side surfaces, and thereby limit, restrict, block, and/or prevent further rotation and/or spinning of the bolt 832.

The first channel 728 adjustably (e.g., slidably) and removably receives, engages, and/or guides the first slide fastener 830 for adjustably and removably connecting, securing, and/or mounting the first support panel 740 to the backboard 710. The first channel 728 is disposed in (e.g., nested in) and/or opens into the first nested depression 726, and is defined by the backboard 710. The first channel 728 projects into a surface of the backboard 710 that defines and/or forms the bottom of the first nested depression 726, which may be referred to as the first nested depression bottom surface. The first channel 728 extends completely through the backboard 710 (i.e., extends from the first nested depression bottom surface to the front face). The first channel 728 is elongated and arc shaped (e.g., including at least a curved portion or segment), which may be similar to and/or the same as that of the first depression 724 and/or the first nested depression 726. The arc shape of the first channel 728 has (i) a center that is defined by the first pivot opening 750 and/or the first pivot fastener 820 and (ii) a radius of curvature equal to the distance between the first pivot opening 750 and the first slide opening 752. The first channel 728 extends circumferentially around the first pivot opening 750, the first pivot fastener 820, and/or the first pivot axis 742 from 15° to 360° (preferably, 50° as illustrated in FIGS. 7-9 and/or at least 50°).

The first depression 724, first nested depression 726, and first channel 728 each have a first/lower end that is disposed between the first pivot recess 722 and the first mounting recess 720 of the backboard 710 relative to the vertical direction (e.g., the longitudinal direction of the tracks 702, 702′). The first depression 724, first nested depression 726, and first channel 728 each have an opposite, second/upper end that is offset toward the centerline 712 (e.g., laterally and/or horizontally) and toward the first pivot recess 722 (e.g., vertically). Adjustment of the first slide fastener 830 from the first/lower end to the second/upper end of the first channel 728 adjusts the first support panel 740 approximately 50° (e.g., from a first or 0° position to a second or 50° position).

As generally illustrated in FIG. 9, the second mounting recess 720′, second pivot recess 722′, second depression 724′, second nested depression 726′, second channel 728′, and second cover 730′ are configured, structured, arranged, and/or function in a substantially similar manner as the first mounting recess 720, first pivot recess 722, first depression 724, first nested depression 726, first channel 728, and first cover 730 described above. The aforementioned second components, elements, and/or features disposed on the second side 716 of the backboard 710 are not described in further detail for brevity.

The first support panel 740 is adjustably (e.g., pivotably) and releasably connected to the backboard 710 via the first pivot fastener 820. The first support panel 740 is adjustably (e.g., slidably) and releasably connected to the backboard 710 via the first slide fastener 830. The first support panel 740 is pivotable relative to the backboard 710 about the first pivot axis 742, which is defined by a central longitudinal axis of the bolt 822 of the first pivot fastener 820, of the first pivot opening 750, and/or of the first pivot recess 722.

The first support panel 740 is a generally planar monolithic body that is typically made and/or composed of plastic, but may alternatively be made of metal, wood, a composite, and/or other suitable material. The first support panel 740 has a front face and/or surface on which the first post assembly 770 is disposed and that faces generally toward the player utilizing the device 700. The first support panel 740 also has a rear face and/or surface disposed opposite the front face and that faces toward the tracks 702, 702′ (e.g., in the opposite direction of the front face). The first support panel 740 is configured to imitate and/or mimic the appearance of the head of a lacrosse stick. The first support panel 740 is shaped in a similar manner to the head of a lacrosse stick (i.e., is lacrosse-head shaped) and includes various first formations 744 replicating the appearance of the head and mesh of a lacrosse stick. The first head and mesh formations 744 are disposed on and/or project from the front face of the first support panel 740. A first mounting platform 746 with a flat surface is disposed on and/or projects from the front face of the first support panel 740 (see, e.g., FIG. 10). The first post assembly 770 (e.g., the first post member 772 and/or the first attachment 784) is arranged on the flat surface of the first mounting platform 746, which ensures that end face of the first post assembly 770, the first post member 772, and/or the first attachment 784 sits flush on and is completely supported by the first support panel 740 (e.g., the first mounting platform 746 eliminates gaps and/or spaces that could be present if the first post assembly 770 rested directly on the mesh portion of the first formations 744).

As generally illustrated in FIG. 10, the first support panel 740 includes a plurality of first openings, which are referred to as a first pivot opening 750, a first slide opening 752, and a first post-assembly opening 754 for the purposes of differentiation and ease of understanding. The first openings 750, 752, 754 are disposed in, defined by, and extend completely through the first support panel 740 (e.g., from the front face to the rear face). The first pivot opening 750 is disposed at a first/pivot end of the first support panel 740. The first slide opening 752 is disposed an opposite second/swivel end of the first support panel 740. The first post-assembly opening 754 is disposed centrally (e.g., at or about a center) in the first support panel 740 and/or is between the first pivot opening 750 and the first slide opening 752. The first pivot opening 750 receives and/or engages the first pivot fastener 820 to adjustably (e.g., pivotably) and releasably connect the first/pivot end of the first support panel 740 to the backboard 710 and the first track 702. The first slide opening 752 receives and/or engages the first slide fastener 830 to adjustably (e.g., pivotably) and releasably connect the second/swivel end of the first support panel 740 to the backboard 710. The first post-assembly opening 754 receives and/or engages the first post-assembly fastener 840 to releasably connect the first post assembly 770 to the first support panel 740. The first support panel 740 is arranged on the backboard 710 such that (i) the first pivot opening 750 is aligned (e.g., coaxial) with the first pivot recess 722 of the backboard 710 and (ii) the first slide opening 752 is aligned with the first channel 728 of the backboard 710.

Optionally, the first support panel 740 includes a first countersink depression 756 disposed at an axial end of the first post-assembly opening 754. The first countersink depression 756 receives and retains the bolt head 846 of the first post-assembly fastener 840, while the threaded shaft 844 is disposed in and extends through the first post-assembly opening 754. The first countersink depression 756 is shaped in a complimentary manner to the bolt head 846 (e.g., has an elongated and/or hexagonal shape). Due to the complimentary shape, interaction between the backboard 710 and the bolt head 846 restricts, limits, and/or prevents rotation of the bolt 842 within the first countersink depression 756 and/or the first post-assembly opening 754. The bolt head 846 of the first post-assembly fastener 840 is enclosed in the first countersink depression 756 by the backboard 710, which restricts and/or prevents removal of the first post-assembly fastener 840 from the first countersink depression 756 and the first post-assembly opening 754 in an axial direction of the bolt 842 while the first support panel 740 is mounted on the backboard 710. Consequently, movement of the first post-assembly fastener 840 relative to the first support panel 740 is restricted and/or prevented enabling the first post assembly 770 to be connected to the first support panel 740 without tools by inserting the threaded shaft 844 of the first post-assembly fastener 840 into the threaded first fastener opening 786 of the first post assembly 770 and simply rotating and/or spinning the first post assembly 770. In other examples, the aforementioned configuration is reversed such that the first post-assembly opening 754 is threaded and the first post assembly 770 (e.g., the first attachment 784 thereof) includes the first countersink depression 756.

The first support panel 740 is adjustable to a first position (e.g., a 0° position), a second position (e.g., a 50° position), and a plurality of intermediate positions between the first and second positions (e.g., a 1°, 2°, 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, 47°, and/or 49° position). When the first support panel 740 is disposed in the first position (e.g., the 0° position) as generally illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the first slide opening 752 and/or the first slide fastener 830 is disposed at or about the first/lower end of the first channel 728 and the first pivot opening 750, the first slide opening 752, the first pivot recess 722, the first mounting recess 720, the first pivot fastener 820, the first slide fastener 830, and the first mounting fastener 810 are disposed in substantial vertical alignment with one another (e.g., aligned in a longitudinal direction of the tracks 702, 702′). When the first support panel 740 is disposed in the second position (e.g., the 50° position), the first slide opening 752 and/or the first slide fastener 830 is disposed at or about the second/upper end of the first channel 728, the first slide opening 752 and/or the first slide fastener 830 is offset toward the centerline 712 of the backboard 710, and an angle of 50° is defined between (i) a first imaginary line connecting the first pivot opening 750 and the first slide opening 752 and (ii) a second imaginary line connecting the first mounting recess 720 and the first pivot recess 722. When the first support panel 740 is disposed in an intermediate position (e.g., a 30° position) as generally illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the first slide opening 752 and/or the first slide fastener 830 is disposed between the first/lower end and the second/upper end of the first channel 728, the first slide opening 752 and/or the first slide fastener 830 is offset toward the centerline 712 of the backboard 710, and an angle between 0° and 50° is defined by and between the first imaginary line and the second imaginary line.

The second support panel 740′ is configured in a substantially similar manner as the previously described first support panel 740. The second support panel 740′ is adjustable to a first position, a second position, and a plurality of intermediate positions that are substantially similar and/or the same as the corresponding positions of the first support panel 740. The second support panel 740′ is shown in the first position in FIGS. 7 and 8. The second support panel 740′ has and/or includes a front face, a rear face, a first/pivot end, a second/swivel end, a second pivot axis 742′, second head and mesh formations 744′, a second mounting platform, a plurality of second openings (e.g., a second pivot opening, a second slide opening, a second post-assembly opening), and/or a second countersink depression, which are structured, arranged, and function in a similar and/or the same manner as the corresponding features of the first support panel 740. The second support panel 740′ is not described in further detail for brevity.

As generally illustrated in FIG. 10, the first post assembly 770 includes a first post member 772, a first protective cover 776, a first end cap 778, and a first attachment 784. The first post member 772 is an elongated annular (e.g., hollow) member, but may alternatively be a solid member. The first protective cover 776 is disposed on and wraps circumferentially around the first post member 772. The first protective cover 776 is an annular sleeve, composed and/or made of foam and/or rubber for example, that protects the first post member 772. The first end cap 778 is disposed at and connected to a first/free axial end of the first post member 772, which is disposed opposite the backboard 710. The first end cap 778 has a dome portion 780 to prevent injury to the player in the event that the player's arm(s) and/or torso contact the first end cap 778 while using the device 700. The outer diameter of the dome portion 780 of the first end cap 778 is larger than the outer diameter of the first post member 772 and is equal to and/or smaller than an outer diameter of the first protective cover 776. One or more fittings 782 project from the dome portion 780 of the first end cap 778 and extend axially into the internal space 774 of the first post member 772. The fittings 782 of the first end cap 778 engage the internal circumferential surface of the first post member 772 connecting the first end cap 778 to the first post member 772. The first attachment 784 is disposed at least partially (e.g., completely) in the internal space 774 of the first post member 772 at or about a second/fixed axial end of the first post member 772. The first attachment 784 is connected to the first post member 772 by a plurality of screws that extend radially through the first post member 772 and into the first attachment 784. The first attachment 784 includes a first fastener opening 786 that receives and/or engages the first post-assembly fastener 840 (e.g., the threaded shaft 844 thereof) to connect and/or secure the first post assembly 770 to the first support panel 740. In the illustrative example depicted in FIG. 10, the first fastener opening 786 is threaded (i.e., the first attachment 784 and/or an insert 788 thereof includes an internal thread) such that the first attachment 784 engages the threaded shaft 844 of the first post-assembly fastener 840 to connect the first post assembly 770 to the first support panel 740.

As mentioned above, in other examples, the first attachment 784 includes the first countersink depression 756 disposed at the axial end of the first fastener opening 786. The complimentary shape (e.g., hexagonal and/or elongated shape) of the first countersink depression 756 and the bolt head 846 of the first post-assembly fastener 840 prevents rotation of the bolt 842. The bolt head 846 of the first post-assembly fastener 840 is enclosed in the first countersink depression 756 by a removable first lid that is secured to the axial end of the first attachment 784, which prevents axial removal of the first post-assembly fastener 840 from the first countersink depression 756 and/or the first fastener opening 786. In this manner, movement of the first post-assembly fastener 840 relative to the first post assembly 770 is restricted and/or prevented enabling the first post assembly 770 to be connected to the first support panel 740 without tools by inserting the threaded shaft 844 of the first post-assembly fastener 840 into the threaded first post-assembly opening 754 of the first support panel 740 and simply rotating and/or spinning the first post assembly 770.

The second post assembly 770′ is configured in a substantially similar manner as the previously described first post assembly 770. The second post assembly 770′ has and/or includes a second post member, a second protective cover 776′, a second end cap 778′, a second attachment, a second fastener opening, a second countersink depression, and/or a second lid, which are structured, arranged, and function in a similar and/or the same manner as the corresponding features of the first post assembly 770. The second post assembly 770′ is not described in further detail for brevity.

The device 700 includes a plurality of mechanical fasteners, such as screws, bolts, and/or nuts (e.g., wingnuts). The plurality of mechanical fasteners includes a plurality of mounting fasteners (e.g., a first mounting fastener 810, a second mounting fastener 810′), a plurality of pivot fasteners (e.g., a first pivot fastener 820, a second pivot fastener 820′), a plurality of slide fasteners (e.g., a first slide fastener 830, a second slide fastener 830′), and a plurality of post-assembly fasteners (e.g., a first post-assembly fastener 840, a second post-assembly fastener). The mounting fasteners 810, 810′ each adjustably and removably connect, secure, and/or mount the backboard 710 to a respective track 702, 702′. The pivot fasteners 820, 820′ each adjustably and removably connect, secure, and/or mount (i) the backboard 710 to a respective track 702, 702′ and (ii) a respective support panel 740, 740′ to the backboard 710. The slide fasteners 830, 830′ each adjustably and removably connect, secure, and/or mount a respective support panel 740, 740′ to the backboard 710. The post-assembly fasteners 840 each releasably connect a respective post assembly 770, 770′ to an associated support panel 740, 740′.

As generally illustrated in FIG. 10, the mounting, pivot, and slide fasteners 810, 810′, 820, 820′, 830, 830′ are each configured as a bolt-and-nut fastener, but are referred to differently herein (i.e., with the words “mounting”, “pivot”, and “slide”) for the purposes of differentiation and clarity. Each bolt-and-nut fastener includes a bolt 812, 822, 832 (e.g., a T-bolt) and a nut 818, 828, 838 (e.g., a wingnut). The bolt 812, 822, 832 includes a bolt head 816, 826, 836 and a threaded shaft 814, 824, 834. The bolt 812, 822, 832 is a T-bolt with an elongated bolt head 816, 826, 836, which may interact with, engage, contact, and/or press against adjacent structures to prevent rotation and/or spinning of the bolt 812, 822, 832 (e.g., while screwing the nut 818, 828, 838 onto the threaded shaft 814, 824, 834). The nut 818, 828, 838 includes an internal thread that is complimentary to the external thread of the threaded shaft 814, 824, 834. The nut 818, 828, 838 engages, receives, and/or screws onto the threaded shaft 814, 824, 834 at the end opposite the bolt head 816, 826, 836. The post-assembly fasteners 840 are each configured as a bolt 842 (e.g., a T-bolt) with a threaded shaft 844 and a bolt head 846. The post-assembly fasteners 840 each engage a respective support panel 740, 740′ and a respective post assembly 770, 770′ (e.g., a respective attachment 784 thereof) to releasably connect the respective support panel 740, 740′ and the respective post assembly 770, 770′ to one another.

The first mounting fastener 810 adjustably and removably connects, secures, and/or mounts the backboard 710 to the first track 702. The shaft 814 of the first mounting fastener 810 is disposed in and/or extends through the first mounting recess 720 of the backboard 710. The bolt head 816 of the first mounting fastener 810 is disposed in the T-slot 704 (e.g., the wide and/or expanded region 706 thereof) of the first track 702. The bolt head 816 is larger than the narrow region 708 of the T-slot 704 thereby preventing the bolt 812 from being removed from the T-slot 704 (i.e., disengaging the first track 702) in a direction perpendicular to the first track 702. The bolt 812 of the first mounting fastener 810 is adjustable and/or movable (e.g., translationally) within the T-slot 704 of the first track 702 along the length of the T-slot 704 when the nut 818 is loosened and/or removed from the bolt 812. When the nut 818 is disposed on the bolt 812 and tightened, the backboard 710 and the first track 702 are engaged by and pushed/pressed together by the nut 818 and the bolt head 816, respectively, with connects the backboard 710 and the first track 702 to one another and restricts, limits, and/or prevents relative movement therebetween.

The first pivot fastener 820 adjustably and removably connects, secures, and/or mounts (i) the backboard 710 to the first track 702 and (ii) the first support panel 740 to the backboard 710. The shaft 824 of the first pivot fastener 820 is disposed in and/or extends through the first pivot recess 722 of the backboard 710, the first pivot opening 750 of the first support panel 740, and the narrow region 708 of the T-slot 704 of the first track 702. The bolt head 826 of the first pivot fastener 820 is disposed in the T-slot 704 (e.g., the wide and/or expanded region 706 thereof) of the first track 702. The bolt head 826 is larger than the narrow region 708 of the T-slot 704 thereby preventing the bolt 822 from being removed from the T-slot 704 (i.e., disengaging the first track 702) in a direction perpendicular to the first track 702. The bolt 822 of the first pivot fastener 820 is adjustable and/or movable (e.g., translationally) within the T-slot 704 of the first track 702 along the length of the T-slot 704 and/or the first support panel 740 is pivotable about the first pivot axis 742 when the nut 828 is loosened and/or removed from the bolt 822. When the nut 828 is disposed on the bolt 822 and tightened, the first support panel 740, the backboard 710, and the first track 702 are engaged by and pushed/pressed together by the nut 828 and the bolt head 826, with connects the first support panel 740, the backboard 710, and the first track 702 to one another and restricts, limits, and/or prevents relative movement therebetween (e.g., pivoting of the first support panel 740 about the first pivot axis 742, sliding of the first slide fastener 830 within the first channel 728, and/or movement of the backboard 710 along the first track 702).

The first slide fastener 830 adjustably and removably connects, secures, and/or mounts the first support panel 740 to the backboard 710. The shaft 834 of the first slide fastener 830 is disposed in and/or extends through the first channel 728 of the backboard 710 and the first slide opening 752 of the first support panel 740. The bolt head 836 of the first slide fastener 830 is disposed in the first nested depression 726 of the backboard 710. The diameter of the first slide opening 752 and the width of the first channel 728 are smaller than the nut 838 (e.g., the outer diameter thereof) and smaller than the width and the length of the bolt head 836. The first slide fastener 830 is thereby prevented from passing through the first channel 728 and the first slide opening 752. The width of the bolt head 836 is equal to and/or smaller than the width of the first nested depression 726, but the length of the bolt head 836 is larger than the width of the first nested depression 726. As such, should the bolt 832 rotate and/or spin (e.g., while screwing the nut 838 onto the threaded shaft 834), the longitudinal ends of the bolt head 836 will contact and/or abut the surfaces of the backboard 710 that define the sides of the first nested depression 726 and thereby limit, restrict, block, and/or prevent further rotation and/or spinning of the bolt 832. The bolt head 836 is enclosed and/or confined in the first nested depression 726 by the first cover 730 thereby restricting and/or preventing removal of the first slide fastener 830 and/or the bolt 832 from the first channel 728, first nested depression 726, and first depression 724 (e.g., in a direction perpendicular to the backboard 710 and/or toward the tracks 702, 702′). As a result, the first slide fastener 830 and/or the bolt 832 thereof remains adjustably connected and/or secured to backboard 710 and is movable and/or adjustable within the first channel 728 even when the nut 838 is loosened and/or removed. When the nut 838 is disposed on the bolt 832 and tightened, the first support panel 740 and the backboard 710 are engaged by and pushed/pressed together by the nut 838 and the bolt head 836, respectively, with connects the first support panel 740 and the backboard 710 to one another and restricts, limits, and/or prevents pivoting of the first support panel 740 about the first pivot axis 742 and/or movement of the first slide fastener 830 within the first channel 728.

The second mounting fastener 810′, second pivot fastener 820′, second slide fastener 830′, second post-assembly fastener, second track 702′, second T-slot 704′, wide region 706′, and narrow region 708′ are configured, structured, arranged, and/or function in a substantially similar manner as the corresponding first fasteners 810, 820, 830, 840 and first track 702 described above. The aforementioned second fasteners 810′, 820′, 830′ and the second track 702′ are not described in further detail for brevity.

Various examples/embodiments are described herein for various apparatuses, systems, and/or methods. Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the examples/embodiments as described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the art, however, that the examples/embodiments may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the examples/embodiments described in the specification. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the examples/embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and do not necessarily limit the scope of the embodiments.

Reference throughout the specification to “examples, “in examples,” “with examples,” “various embodiments,” “with embodiments,” “in embodiments,” or “an embodiment,” or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example/embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “examples, “in examples,” “with examples,” “in various embodiments,” “with embodiments,” “in embodiments,” or “an embodiment,” or the like, in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more examples/embodiments. Thus, the particular features, structures, or characteristics illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment/example may be combined, in whole or in part, with the features, structures, functions, and/or characteristics of one or more other embodiments/examples without limitation given that such combination is not illogical or non-functional. Moreover, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope thereof.

It should be understood that references to a single element are not necessarily so limited and may include one or more of such element. Any directional references (e.g., plus, minus, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the present disclosure, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of examples/embodiments.

“One or more” includes a function being performed by one element, a function being performed by more than one element, e.g., in a distributed fashion, several functions being performed by one element, several functions being performed by several elements, or any combination of the above.

It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. are, in some instances, used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of the various described embodiments. The first element and the second element are both element, but they are not the same element.

The terminology used in the description of the various described embodiments herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the description of the various described embodiments and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term “and/or” as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising.” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements, relative movement between elements, direct connections, indirect connections, fixed connections, movable connections, operative connections, indirect contact, and/or direct contact. As such, joinder references do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected/coupled and in fixed relation to each other. Connections of electrical components, if any, may include mechanical connections, electrical connections, wired connections, and/or wireless connections, among others. Uses of “e.g.” and “such as” in the specification are to be construed broadly and are used to provide non-limiting examples of embodiments of the disclosure, and the disclosure is not limited to such examples.

While processes, systems, and methods may be described herein in connection with one or more steps in a particular sequence, it should be understood that such methods may be practiced with the steps in a different order, with certain steps performed simultaneously, with additional steps, and/or with certain described steps omitted.

As used herein, the term “if” is, optionally, construed to mean “when” or “upon” or “in response to determining” or “in response to detecting,” depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase “if it is determined” or “if [a stated condition or event] is detected” is, optionally, construed to mean “upon determining” or “in response to determining” or “upon detecting [the stated condition or event]” or “in response to detecting [the stated condition or event],” depending on the context.

All matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the present disclosure.

	Number	Date	Country
Parent	18594697	Mar 2024	US
Child	18782824		US

LACROSSE TRAINING DEVICE

Information

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Date Published

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CPC

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Abstract

Description

Claims

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Provisional Applications (1)

Continuation in Parts (1)