Games using tangible projectile – Playing field or court game; game element or accessory... – Goal or target structure for projectile; element thereof
Reexamination Certificate
1998-05-29
2001-10-09
Rimell, Sam (Department: 3712)
Games using tangible projectile
Playing field or court game; game element or accessory...
Goal or target structure for projectile; element thereof
C473S476000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06299556
ABSTRACT:
This invention relates to sports training apparatus, and in particular to apparatus designed to improve throwing and catching techniques in ball games, such as rugby, netball, basketball, American football, and the like.
For example, in the game of rugby, the technique of throwing and catching are most obviously demonstrated in the ‘line out’, when a player known as the ‘hooker’ throws the ball down a line of players in the hope that it will be caught by another player known as the ‘lock’. It is an object of the present invention to provide training apparatus which can be used to improve the hooker's throwing skills, and the jumping and catching skills of the lock. These skills are also an essential part of many other ball games, such as those mentioned above.
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided sports training apparatus, comprising a substantially vertical base, a hoop and a bracket for receiving a ball, said hoop and said bracket being mounted at a position above ground level on said base.
In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided sports training apparatus comprising a base and a hoop mounted on said base at a position above ground level, said hoop being orientable relative to said base.
In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided sports training apparatus comprising a base and a bracket for receiving a ball, said bracket being mounted on said base at a position above ground level.
The sports training apparatus of the present invention preferably comprises at least two hoops and at least two brackets.
In one embodiment of the present invention the base may comprise a substantially vertical post comprising three sections an elongate generally vertical pole, a sleeve surrounding at least a portion of the pole and an end section connected to the upper end of the pole. The upper end of the pole is preferably bent to form an angular portion. The sleeve is preferably free to move up and down along the pole and is preferably provided with handles for moving the sleeve up and down along the pole.
A holding pin may be provided, the pole having at least one aperture into which the holding pin can be inserted to fix the sleeve relative to the pole. In a preferred embodiment, the pole is provided with a plurality of apertures into which the holding pin can be inserted so as to fix the sleeve at any one of a plurality of different heights relative to the pole.
The hoop and bracket are preferably mounted at the outer end of respective horizontal supports extending from diametrically opposing positions on the sleeve. Similarly, another hoop and bracket may be mounted at the outer end of a respective horizontal support extending from diametrically opposing positions at or adjacent the end of the end section. The position of the hoop and bracket relative to the end section may be adjustable, and the bracket or brackets are preferably mounted on an angled backboard.
The apparatus preferably comprises a ground support which can be fixed in or on the ground and comprises a generally tubular member into which the base of the apparatus is inserted. All or part of the base may be covered with a padded material.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the base comprises two substantially vertical posts which are parallel to and spaced apart from each other. The vertical posts are held together as a single unit by means of one or more strengthening brackets. The strengthening brackets may comprise two generally C-shaped sections which are joined together by a central flat section.
The apparatus can comprise tubular ground support into which the vertical posts are inserted, the ground supports being fixed in or on the ground in use. The vertical posts may be attached to the ground supports by means of a bolt which passes through corresponding apertures in the posts and in the ground supports. In a preferred embodiment, the vertical posts comprise a plurality of apertures along at least a portion of their length such that the height of the apparatus relative to the ground can be adjusted. The vertical post may also comprise a plurality of apertures around at least a portion of its circumference so that the posts can be twisted in the ground supports and fixed in any desired position in use. Similarly, the vertical posts may be provided with a plurality of apertures around at least a portion of their circumference in the position at which the strengthening brackets are located.
In both embodiments of the present invention, the or each ground support is preferably provided with a closure at ground level for closing off the top of the or each ground support when the base of the apparatus is removed therefrom. Furthermore, the hoop can be provided with a removable net.
Referring back to the second embodiment of the present invention one hoop is preferably mounted at or adjacent the upper end of one of the vertical posts, the upper end preferably being bent to form an angular portion. The vertical post may comprise means for adjusting the position of the hoop relative to the vertical post.
The ball-receiving bracket is preferably mounted at the upper end of the other vertical post. A backboard may be mounted at the upper end of the other vertical post and the ball-receiving bracket is supported on the backboard. Again, the upper end of the other vertical post is preferably bent so as to form an angular portion. Similarly, the vertical post may again comprise means for adjusting the position of the bracket relative to the vertical post.
Two or more ball-receiving brackets may be provided on one backboard
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Rimell Sam
Rudy Christopher John
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