Patent Application
20140038741
THIS invention relates to sports training devices for sports that utilise a ball. In particular, the invention relates to a sports ball for stroke training which includes an optimal point of impact for a chosen stroke technique.
Repetitive drills are a common learning technique used in teaching sport. Drills help players to develop the muscular motions and hand or foot and eye coordination necessary for proper actions in that sport. Various teaching aids have been developed for assisting a player to develop the necessary skills. However, most such teaching aids don't give instant feedback to the user if not used correctly and with the proper technique.
In particular, kicking is a fundamental and versatile technique used for passing, shooting and scoring in a number of ball sports. Especially in the field of professional sports, the ability to kick a ball with accuracy and efficiency on a reproducible level is vital. Moreover, there is an urgent need for precision training equipment which suits a variety of kicking techniques. However, there is a paucity of available precision training equipment for kicking. Balls for kicking training have conventionally involved balls which are heavier than match balls or incorporated colours or diagrams on the outside skin of the sports ball however these types of training devices are limited in scope and do not assist with precision training for particular kick techniques.
In one form, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest form, the invention resides in a sports ball for stroke training, comprising:
In another form, the invention resides in a modified Australian Rules Football ball for kicking training, comprising:
In yet another form, the invention resides in a modified American Rules ball for kicking training, comprising:
In still yet another form, the invention resides in a modified soccer ball for kicking training, comprising:
In another form, the invention resides in a modified Rugby ball for kicking training, comprising:
Preferably, the modified Rugby ball is selected from a modified Rugby Union ball and a Rugby League ball.
In a further form, the invention resides in a modified golf ball, comprising:
In preferred embodiments of any one of the aforementioned forms, the sports ball of the present invention is an inflatable sports ball and more preferably, an inflatable sports ball for kicking training.
In other preferred embodiments, the sports ball of the present invention is a not inflatable. More preferably, the non inflatable sports ball is a golf ball for golf stroke or shot training.
In preferred embodiments of any one of the aforementioned forms, the invention resides in a modified sports balls for stroke training.
Preferably, the sports ball or modified ball of any one of the aforementioned forms is an elliptical shape or a round shape.
In preferred embodiments relating to an elliptical shaped inflatable ball, the one or more sweet spots are located towards a first narrow end and/or a second narrow end of the elliptical shaped sports ball and more preferably, the one or more sweet spots are about 4 inches above a first narrow end and a second end. In other preferred embodiments that relate to an elliptical shaped inflatable ball, the one or more sweet spots are located about a substantially central point between a first narrow end and a second narrow end.
In other embodiments that relate to a round inflatable ball, the one or more sweet spots are located about a substantially central point between a first narrow end and a second narrow end.
In a further form, the invention resides in use of a sports ball or a modified sports ball according to any one of the aforementioned forms, for stroke and preferably, kicking training or golf stroke training.
Preferably, the kicking training is for a football code selected from the group consisting of soccer, Australian Rules Football, American Football, Rugby Union and Rugby League.
In preferred embodiments, the kicking training is for a kicking technique selected from the group consisting of a drop punt, a torpedo punt a curve kick and a spiral punt.
In another particular form, the invention resides in a method for sports stroke training, which method includes the step of striking one or more energy-responsive zones positioned at one or more sweet sport on a sports ball such that a stroke that strikes an energy-responsive zone results in the sports ball travelling further than the sports ball will travel from a similar stroke that strike one or more designated energy-absorbing zones adjacent the one or more energy-responsive zones on the sports ball.
In preferred embodiments of this form, the sports ball is the sports ball or the modified sports ball of any one of the aforementioned forms.
Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the words “comprise”, “comprises” and “comprising” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.
In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, preferred embodiments will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying:
This invention relates generally to training balls and more particularly precision training sports balls for stroke training, which are constructed to create an optimal point of impact positioned strategically for the specific sport and chosen technique or method within a particular sport. Therefore in one broad aspect, the invention relates to a modified sports training ball. In preferred embodiments, the invention relates to an inflatable sports ball which has particular use for kicking training. In other preferred embodiments that relate to a non-inflatable sports ball that may be used for, for example, stroke or shot training in golf. Therefore it will be appreciated that a stroke is any action of hitting a ball inclusive of a hitting a ball by a body part such as a foot (such as a kick) or a hand, or hitting a ball with a sports apparatus such as a golf club, racquet and the like.
Reference is made to
As with conventional inflatable balls, the outer carcass 11 further includes a valve 12 for inflation or deflation of an inner core 15 of the bladder 14. The valve 12 is the insertion point of an inflation needle of an air pump apparatus (not shown). The valve 12 comprises a valve nipple 13a which projects out from the outer carcass 11 and acts as a stabilisation point for insertion needle. Extending from the valve nipple 13a and through the outer carcass 11 is the valve stem 13b which is an access guide for the insertion needle to the valve hole 13c located on the inner bladder 14. As with conventional sports ball, the valve 12 includes a soft sealing mechanism that prevents escape of air in the bladder 14 via the valve stem 13b (not shown).
Reference is made to
The bladder 14 is designed for holding pressurized air as is known in the art and should be able to withstand repeated blows from a kick without rupturing or breaking loose. The bladder 14 is manufactured from or composed of a resilient material that allows energy that is introduced to the bladder 14 to be returned. It will be understood that the material from which the bladder 14 is synthesised will have elastic properties.
In association with the outer surface 19 of the bladder 14 are two (2) designated energy-absorbing zones 16 each in the form of a region of material such as foam, rubber, polymer-based materials or any other nominated material that is able to absorb energy as are known in the art. The thickness of the material forming the energy-absorbing zone will be as required to absorb sufficient energy in the present invention. It will be understood that the designated energy-absorbing zones 16 are thus ‘dead spots’ on the bladder 14 which absorb the force of a kick. In alternative embodiments, the dead spots may be designed into the bladder 14, which is applicable to embodiments of the invention generally this applies to the invention generally. If the bladder 14 is at least partially struck in at least one designated energy-absorbing zones 16, the ball will propel incorrectly through the air or not propel at all, which thus results in a sub-optimal outcome. Therefore, the so-called dead spots provide the user with instant feedback that an improper technique or kicking style was employed. In light of the foregoing, it will be understood that the designated energy-absorbing zones 16 may be adhered either directly or indirectly to the outer surface 19 or alternatively, may be in adhered directly or indirectly with the interior surface of the outer carcass 11.
The placement of the designated energy-absorbing zones 16 in association with the bladder 14 creates an optimal impact zone 18 (otherwise known as “sweet spot”) for a desired kicking technique, and in this preferred embodiment a drop punt or pooch punt. Therefore it will be appreciated that the sweet spot is formed from the material of the bladder or in alternative embodiments, may be formed from another material that has energy-responsive properties. With reference to
The inflatable bladder 14 thus herein described will create the normal shape of a chosen sports ball ideally without adding any weight or creation of imbalance in the ball.
The bladder 20 includes two (2) designated energy-absorbing zones 21 in association with one or more energy responsive zones in the form an optimal zone of impact for a torpedo or spiral punt 22. The optimal zone of impact for a torpedo or spiral punt 22 is typically located in the middle of the ball or slightly to the left or right of the middle if the user of the sport ball is left or right footed. When a user kicks or strikes an inflatable sports ball containing the bladder 20 with the proper technique, the user's foot should come into contact with the optimal zone of impact for a torpedo or spiral punt 22 and release with the desired trajectory. If an incorrect kicking technique is used, the user's foot will at least partially contact at least one designated energy-absorbing zones 21 (otherwise known as a ‘dead spot’), the ball will propel incorrectly through the air or not propel at all, which thus results in a sub-optimal outcome and providing the user with instant feedback that an improper technique or kicking style was employed.
Reference is made to
Reference is made to
It is understood that all conventional methods of manufacturing a standard sports balls to be used in their usual standard is exercised. Some of the advantages of the present invention are as follows:
Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe the preferred embodiments of the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. It will therefore be appreciated by those of skill in the art that, in light of the instant disclosure, various modifications and changes can be made in the particular embodiments exemplified without departing from the scope of the present invention.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/AU2011/000156 | 2/15/2011 | WO | 00 | 9/17/2013 |
