Patent Application
20230040532
The invention relates to a device for training or for playing accurate shootouts, in particular a training device for accurate shootouts for soccer.
The invention is particularly described as a training device for the accuracy of shootouts for soccer, without being restricted to it. The device of the invention may also be used for handball, hockey, etc. As a rule, the device of the invention applies to any sports activity in relation with training or playing shootouts between two posts (with a ball or any other object) in order to aim at a delineated area (such as a lower area, preferably, or a higher area) between the two posts.
In the description, «shootout» shall be understood as shooting a ball or any other object with the feet or any tool and aiming at an area remotely between two posts.
To practice shooting a ball at a goal, a device in the state of art, such as in the application FR2640514, is a blocking panel in a flexible material that blocks all the goal between the posts and is fixed with multiple hooks to the net of the goal and with stakes in the ground, wherein the panel includes at least one localized, possibly closeable, shooting opening. The player who wants to practice must try and aim at an opening with the ball.
However, such a device is burdensome to install and use. Indeed, the blocking pannel has to be tied in multiple places on its four sides and makes it necessary to have available many binding hooks for three sides and stakes to fix the fourth side to the ground. It is also necessary to have available a bag to tidy the pannel and all fixing accessories without losing them and to transport them. All this is therefore cumbersome. In addition, when the shootout is successfull, the ball that passed an opening remains in the goal behind the obturation pannel. The user cannot recover the ball for a new shootout and needs many balls to practise. Certainly, shooting openings can be associated with sleeves hanging freely to the ground that make it possible to hold back the ball when it has passed the opening. However, the fabrication of such a pannel is complex.
In addition, the openings of such a device are located near to the angles and along the posts. Statistical studies have been made about the way soccer players score goals. They show that a major part of the goals at high-level soccer matches, more than 70%, are scored on the ground. Hence, there is a need to reveal a training device that prompts players when practicing to repeatedly aim at the goal on the ground, and then improve and develop some automatic technical movement for shooting on the ground.
The purpose of this invention is thus to counter said drawbacks by proposing an device for training or for playing shootouts that urges players to aim at a restricted area between two posts, particularly on the ground, without shooting above an horizontal upper limit, wherein the device should be implemented quickly and easily both for installation and uninstallation, and it should not be cumbersome while being easy to manufacture.
According to the invention, the device for training or for playing shootouts that can be fixed (on a goal) between two posts is in accordance with claim 1. In particular, the device for training or for playing shootouts includes a flexible band that is elastic and has two opposite free ends, first removable fixation means that are secured to a first end of the band (and that preferably include a rigid or semi-rigid end part), and second removable fixation means that are secured to the second end of the band, wherein said first and second removable fixation means are able to guarantee an removable fixation of the device (an removable fixation of the band) directly to the two respective posts. First and second fixation means are distinct from the band itself; they are fixed to the band. The first removable fixation means are able to create a strapping around the posts with the band in the shape of a knot.
Hence, the training device is mainly a band to tie to two posts (in particular a goal) and to maintain at a certain height from the ground, preferably low above the ground. This way, the training device is designed easy to manufacture. In addition, it is extremely little cumbersome and its installation is quick and easy and its uninstallation is just as easy.
Thus, the training device discloses a locating and delineation band of the shooting area, in particular for shooting on the ground, and urges the player to aim at the goal in a delineated area by visualization of the arrangement (in particular toward the ground). In addition, the device (the band) can be easily set at any desired height. You can even change quickly this height if required while practicing. For example, the device can be set at 70 cm above the ground and progressively set down lower by moving it quickly to restrict even more the lengthwise area from the ground.
Unexpectedly, such a device is particularly efficient to urge the user to systematically aim at the ground. Moreover, thanks to its general design as a band, it is very easy to recover any ball in the goal. Until now, nobody had ever thought of such a device for practicing or playing shootouts. Furthermore, the elasticity of the band has the benefit to adapt to the width of the posts, in particular if the distance between them is not standard. The elasticity is also a security for a goalkeeper between the posts: if he plunges to the goal, even on to the band, it will generate no resistance and may even be flattened to the ground without any risk of injuries for the goalkeeper; when the goalkeeper stands up, the band recovers its initial length and position.
The elastic band is able to stretch out in position of use. It is shorter than the distance between the posts, on which it is designed to be tied. It will be made in various lengths to accommodate various values of distance between two posts, in particular to accommodate the various dimensions of goals.
According to a preferential characteristic, the second removable fixation means have a distinct design from the first removable fixation means. In a variant, each of the two ends may include the same removable fixation means.
According to a characteristic, the first and second removable fixation means are able to create two strappings with the band at each end of the band, in particular in the position of setting the training device (hence in position of use), in particular in order to encircle their respective posts. Since the bands are elastic, the strappings can be put against the posts and stretched, which guarantees excellent positioning.
Advantageously, the training device is used by creating two fixation strappings around respectively two distant posts at the two ends of the band thanks to the first and second removable fixation means.
Preferably, the first removable fixation means are able to create a strapping around the posts with the band in the shape of a slipknot. By «slipknot», it shall be understood a knot that makes it possible to put the band around the post when pulling on the band: the more you pull on the band, the shorter the strapping and the tighter the band directly on the post. This way, you are sure that one of the ends of the training device will never fall off (the post) when said device is set, which secures the device. Indeed, if the second fixation means ever detach from the second post because they form a simple attachment loop, the elastic band will come off the post and fall to the ground, since it remains firmly tied to the first post thanks to the knot. On the contrary, if the first fixation means were removable clamps, for example, and if the device falls off at its two end at the same time, the elastic strength of the band may expel it, and it may hurt someone around. In a preferential embodiment, the first removable fixation means include a rigid or semi-rigid end part, such as a loop or a ring, with a passing hole (such as a buckle) that allows the second end of the band to pass (in order to create a knot, such as a slipknot). This embodiment is particularly advantageous to install the device quickly, particularly if the device is to be set by one person only, while securing the device during and after its installation. Indeed, to implement the device, the user sets the first end of the band around one of the posts, slides the second end through the buckle of the end part to make a loop with the band in the shape of a knot (slipknot) and pull all the length of the band until strapping closely the post. Then, the user only has to tie the second end to the second post to finish the installation. In addition, using a rigid or semi-rigid end part with a buckle allows a quick introduction and guiding of the band to make a strapping and a secure tightening of said strapping around the associated post, which gives a better fixing of the device during the practice or the play (in particular if the band stretches when the ball touches it after a wrong shoot) and prevents the band from slipping.
The rigid or semi-rigid end part is preferably secured to the band in an irremovable manner. Preferably, the first removable fixation means are able to create a strapping around the posts with the band in the shape of a slipknot, by passing the second end through the rigid or semi-rigid end part, while the second removable fixation means are positioned on the same side of the band and include a first part that is secured to the distal end of the band, and a second part that is apart from said first part, wherein both parts can be fixed in an removable way to each other, in particular by mutual cooperation in a male-female form-locked manner.
In a preferential embodiment, the first removable fixation means include a (rigid or semi-rigid) end piece with a double loop, wherein the first buckle is used to fix the part with the end of the band, preferably in an irremovable way when creating the device (particularly by sliding the distal end of the band through this first loop, then folding and fixing in an irremovable manner, i.e. sewing, thermowelding or riveting), and wherein the second buckle is adapted to the passing of the band to create a strapping with the band in the shape of a slipknot, in order to secure the arrangement at a post (when strapping with a slipknot around one of the posts).
According to another characteristic, the end piece is made of rigid or semi-rigid plastic material and/or includes a coating against the abrasion of the surface against which the part is made to be applied (so that it does not damage the paint on the post), wherein said part, if it is semi-rigid, or said coating is made of a foam.
The end part is preferably rigid. Have a rigid part guarantees that you can hold it in hand and helps guide it efficiently through the (second) buckle. The implementation is very quick: you hold firmly the part in hand and you insert the band directly and easily through the buckle.
The band is preferably flat and rectangular.
Advantageously, the end part incudes at least one buckle with a rectangular section.
According to another characteristic, the second removable fixation means include a quick-release system. The quick-release system is preferably a hook and loop attachment system (of Velcro® type). As a variant, the attachment system could be a snap fastener system.
Device according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that the second removable fixation means are positioned in the second end of the band and on a same side of the band, in particular on the rear side designed to be opposite to the player when using the training device, and in that they include a first part that is secured to the distal end of the band, and a second part that is apart from said first part, wherein both parts can be fixed in an removable way to each other, in particular by mutual cooperation in a male-female form-locked manner.
In particular, in this embodiment, both parts of the second removable fixation means are secured in an removable manner by mutual cooperation in a male-female form-locked manner, in particular by a hook and loop attachment system such as Velcro® type hooks and loops able to mutually cooperate. The first and the second part of the second removable fixation means are secured to the same side of the band and are separate by a distance that matches at least the perimeter of the post. The distance between the second part of the removable fixation means is preferably 30 to 40 cm from the first part. In the process of implementation of the device, fixing will be made by circling the post with the second end of the band including said second removable fixation means, and by making the two parts cooperate with one another by mutual cooperation.
According to another characteristic, the band includes locating means able to distinguish the band from the environment where the device is to be implemented, in particular wherein the locating means include patterns and/or bright or fluorescent colours.
According to another characteristic, the training device includes at least one sensor, preferably secured to the band, in particular wherein the at least one sensor are able to provide sound warning functions and/or statistical data.
As a rule, the band in the training device shall have any desired length and width, tailor-made colours and patterns, and/or include logos.
According to another characteristic, the device for training or playing shootouts includes at least one piece designed to be a target or to delineate and area, which is able to be hung after the band wherein the part is fixed on the band in an removable way (such as by passing the band through holes in the part or by engagement of the part on the band thanks to a hook and loop attachment system) or in an irremovable way (such as by sewing). Parts can be made of fabric or some rigid or semi-rigid material (while being light enough not to make the band collapse in position of use).
The invention also discloses a method of using the training device by creating two fixation strappings around respectively two distant posts at the two ends of the band thanks to the first and second removable fixation means, wherein one of the loops preferably creates a slipknot. In particular, the device is used alone and be fixed (directly) to the two posts, by creating, at the two ends of the band thanks to the first and second removable fixation means, two fixing strappings around respectively both separate posts.
The invention also discloses a process to implement said device for training or playing shootouts in a manner of removably fixing said arrangement on and between two separate posts, said process including the following steps:
The invention also discloses a method of using of a flexible and elastic band including two opposite free ends, characterized in that the band includes, at its both ends respectively, of first and second removable fixation means, wherein said first and second removable fixation means are distinct from the band, and wherein the band is used to be tied on and between two posts, at a certain height from the ground, in order to create a device for training or playing shootouts, in particular to a zone delineated by the ground, the band and the two posts. In particular, the device is used for soccer or handball or hockey.
Further in the description, the words «vertical», «upper», «lower», «high», «low» are used in the context of a normal use of the device, which means relatively to a horizontal installation in reference to a flat horizontal ground.
The present invention is now described thanks to examples that are only illustrative and not restrictive relatively to the scope of the invention, and from the appended figures, where:
The device for training or playing shootouts 1 of the invention as shown on the
The device for training or playing shootouts includes a flexible band 2, first removable fixation means 3 positioned at one of the ends of the band, and second removable fixation means 4 positioned at the other end of the band, wherein the first and second removable fixation means are designed to secure the removable fixation of the arrangement for training 1, respectively to the posts P1 and P2, in order to set the band 2 horizontally stretched between the two posts at a certain height from the ground. The band 2 delineates the shooting zone 11 between itself, the ground and the two posts.
The flexible band 2 is elastic. The band is made of a woven material. Thus, it is reusable. It is full part a training accessory that is easy to transport, tidy, and can constantly be re-used. The band is made of a woven material that includes an elastic material, like latex. For example, the band is made of nylon, polyester and latex.
The band 2 extends between two free ends 20 and 21. It shows two opposite sides 2A and 2B, wherein a front side 2A is designed to face the user, and the opposite side, called back side 2B, is designed to front the inner part of the goal 10.
The band 2 is flat. It is preferably less than 5 mm (ca. 2.5 mm) thick. It is ca. 5 cm wide, for example. It may be wider.
The length of the band 2 is adapted to the distance between the posts P1 and P2. It may be shorter than this distance: since it is elastic, it is able to stretch. In the following example of a training device 1 for a soccer goal, whose posts P1 and P2 can be 6m or 7.32m apart, the length of the band 2 can be 4m at rest and reach 8m when stretched.
The band 2 preferably includes visual locating means 22, such as patterns and/or coloured parts, whose colour is different from the rest of the band, in particular wherein the colours are bright and/or fluorescent. The visual locating means 22 allow the player to distinguish clearly the band from the environment of the goal.
The removable fixation means 3 and 4 make it possible to tie the training device 1 in an removable manner around each post P1 and P2. The removable fixation means 3 and 4 allow a strapping of the respective posts P1 and P2 by the band 2 and to maintain the band 2 fixed in position around the posts and at a distance from the ground.
The first removable fixation means 3 at the end 20 of the band and the second removable fixation means 4 at the opposite end 21 are distinct from the band 2 and are sewn on it, preferably in an irremovable manner.
In addition, in the displayed example, the first removable fixation means 3 and the second removable fixation means 4 are of distinct design.
The first removable fixation means 3 are secured in an irremovable manner to the distal end 20 of the band 2. The first removable fixation means 3 include a rigid plastic end part 30. The end part 30 has the shape of a loop with two buckles 31 and 32. The end part 30 is able to create a slipknot with the band 2.
The first buckle 31 is designed to secure the end part 30 with the band 2. The band 2 has been secured with the end part 30 in an irremovable manner when manufacturing the training device 1. As shown in the detail view of
The second belt loop 32, called tying buckle, is designed to tie and maintain the band around the post P1. After positioning the band 2 around said post, the tying buckle 32 makes it possible to pass the band 2 through in order to create a slipknot until tightening the post P1, as visible on the detail views of
Both buckles are preferably rectangular.
The first removable fixation means 3 under the advantageous shape of the end part 30 lead to turn around the post as a slipknot with the band 2 and keep it in place (
The second removable fixation means 4 are located at the opposite end 21 of the band 2. In the example of
As a preferential example, the first and second parts 40 and 41, respectively, of the second removable fixation means 4 are an attachment system by mutual cooperation in a male-female form-locked manner. In particular, they form a hook and loop attachment system of Velcro® type. One of the parts includes loops while the other one includes hooks. Each of the parts 40 and 41 forms a strip with a hook and loop attachment coating, which was preferably secured to the band 2.
The two parts 40 and 41 of the second removable fixation means 4 are separate by a distance that matches at least the perimeter of the post, preferably longer. The distance between the two parts 40 and 41 are, for example, ca. 30 to 40 cm. For example, each part 40 and 41 of the second removable fixation means 4 has an attachment length of ca. 15 cm.
The training device 1 can also include sensor able to provide various functions, such as sound warning functions and/or statistical data. The
Here is the process for implementation of the training device 1.
The training device 1 does not take up a lot of place and can be completely coiled. When used, it is uncoiled as in
The user holds the end 20 of the band 2 with the end part 30, puts the band 2 around the post P1 and introduces the band 2 by its opposite end 21 through the tying buckle 32 to form a strapping 50 as a slipknot, slides the rest of the band along all the length until closely strapping the post P1 (
Then, the user holds the other end 21 of the band 2, moves to the other post P2 (
To dismantle the training device 1, the user unties the first part 40 of the second part 41 of the second removable fixation means 4, walks to the other post and pulls out the band 2 from the tying buckle 32.
Hence, the training device 1 provides a clear delineation of the zone that the players have to shoot at. Its design guarantees quick and easy implementation, and uninstallation just as quick. The training device 1 allows its installation at any desired height. The person who sets up the device can be alone and needs no help. The training device 1 is very compact when not in use. The elasticity of the band makes it possible to easily adapt various distances between posts and it guarantees that a goalkeeper in front of the goal won't tear off the device and get hurt.
In addition, the preferential mode of fixing by an end piece with a buckle guarantees a firm fixing around one of the posts thanks to a slipknot and prevents the band from sliding when in use. This mode of setting guarantees a very good tightening while providing very good maintain around the post when the band is under strain (ball disturbing the band at a shootout, goalkeeper lying down on the band). The tying to the other post with a hook and loop attachment system is quick and there is no risk of snag when not in use, contrarily to snap fasteners.
In an embodiment as shown in the
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2106945 | Jun 2021 | FR | national |
