577results about "Tennis" patented technology

A disclosed device provides a trajectory detection and feedback system. The system is capable of detecting one or more moving objects in free flight, analyzing a trajectory of each object and providing immediate feedback information to a human that has launched the object into flight, and / or one or more observers in the area. The feedback information may include one or more trajectory parameters that the human may use to evaluate their skill at sending the object along a desired trajectory. In a particular embodiment, a non-intrusive machine vision system that remotely detects trajectories of moving objects may be used to evaluate trajectory parameters for a basketball shot at a basketball hoop by a player. The feedback information, such as a trajectory entry angle into the basketball hoop and / or an entry velocity into the hoop for the shot, may be output to the player in an auditory format using a sound projection device. The system may be operable to be set-up and to operate in a substantially autonomous manner. After the system has evaluated a plurality of shots by the player, the system may provide 1) a diagnosis of their shot consistency, 2) a prediction for improvement based upon improving their shot consistency and 3) a prescription of actions for improving their consistency.

A sports tracking and analysis system includes a RFID tag implanted onto an item associated with a player and at least one RFID tag implanted on a game ball. The tags and reader are arranged to transfer data such as the time and location of player and ball to each other for readers positioned throughout the field. The readers communicate the data to a computer system designed to process the data and generate player performance statistics including real-time measurements of many characteristics and, over time or based on input data, historical performance statistics. A method of tracking and analyzing the performance of a sports game is also included.

A trajectory detection and feedback system is described. The system is capable of detecting one or more moving objects in free flight, analyzing a trajectory of each object and providing immediate feedback information to a human that has launched tile object into flight, and / or one or more observers in the area The feedback information may include one or more trajectory parameters that the human may use to evaluate their skill at sending the object along a desired trajectory. A non-intrusive machine vision system may be used to evaluate trajectory parameters for a basketball shot at a basketball hoop by a player. After the system has evaluated a plurality of shots by the player, the system may provide 1) a diagnosis of their shot consistency, 2) a prediction for improvement based upon improving their shot consistency and 3) a prescription of actions for improving their consistency.

A disclosed device provides a trajectory detection and feedback system. The system is capable of detecting one or more moving objects in free flight, analyzing a trajectory of each object and providing immediate feedback information to a human that has launched the object into flight, and / or one or more observers in the area. The feedback information may include one or more trajectory parameters that the human may use to evaluate their skill at sending the object along a desired trajectory. In a particular embodiment, a non-intrusive machine vision system that remotely detects trajectories of moving objects may be used to evaluate trajectory parameters for a basketball shot at a basketball hoop by a player. The feedback information, such as a trajectory entry angle into the basketball hoop and / or an entry velocity into the hoop for the shot, may be output to the player in an auditory format using a sound projection device. The system may be operable to be set-up and to operate in a substantially autonomous manner. After the system has evaluated a plurality of shots by the player, the system may provide 1) a diagnosis of their shot consistency, 2) a prediction for improvement based upon improving their shot consistency and 3) a prescription of actions for improving their consistency.

There is provided a method and a system for registration of real time position of tennis ball relatively to boundary lines on tennis court. The method and system comprise sensitive to near-infrared radiation at least one video camera, outputting video image of court and the method and system further include at least one point source of near-infrared radiation, illuminating tennis court and displaced relatively to the video camera. It is suggested a simple and inexpensive way of determining if a tennis ball bounces in or out of court by determining point of intersection of trajectories of the tennis ball and its shade from near-infrared radiation and comparing the position of the determined point of intersection with previously calibrated boundary lines of court.

A method and system for improving the effectiveness of coaches and video game designers for games like soccer, American football, basketball, lacrosse or ice hockey by using RF technology and software. A base station is equipped with a computer programmed with algorithms to track the players and game equipment and thereby produce data of interest to a coach or game designer.

A computer monitoring system includes a processor and sensors electrically thereto that are positioned beneath the playing surface directly below a boundary line. The sensors are connected in series to the processor such that each sensor is independently activated and generates an analog output signal when a predetermined weight limit is detected thereon. The sensors are positioned below a three-point and a free-throw line. An analog-to-digital converter is coupled to the processor and sensors that receives and converts the analog signals to digital signals. A memory includes programmable software instruction that cause the system to perform a series of operations. The processor generates and transmits audible and visual notification signals for each of the consecutive digital signals when the time span is greater than the threshold interval.

Provided is a net support structure comprising two pairs of leg members; two uprights; two joining members each including two opposite grooves pivotably secured to the leg members, a transverse socket, and a longitudinal channel pivotably secured to the upright; a hollow, multi-segment cross member, a hollow, staged flexible plug including an internal shoulder and having one end fastened in the socket and the other end fastened in either end of the cross member; an elastic cord passed through the cross member and having either end tied as an enlargement secured to the shoulder; two disc-shaped members each disposed proximate either end of the cross member and including a central hole with the cross member passed through, and peripheral grooves for securing to the leg members and the upright when the joining member is folded; and a net including two side sheaths sleeved on the uprights.

A temporary visible image, such as a first down reference line, corporate logo, or text is projected onto a target surface by an orientation-stabilized, fiber-fed laser projector. The projector may include at least one cylindrical lens or at least one pair of X-Y scanners. One or more remotely located lasers, supplying optical energy at a single wavelength to the projector, accommodate projection of a monochromatic line pattern. Multi-colored images are accommodated by supplying, to the projector, the output of a plurality of lasers operating at different wavelengths within the visible band. The projector is suspended and conveyed as a unitary assembly by a suspension system adapted to maintain the projectors angular orientation and dynamically stabilize the image. If desired, two or more independently-suspended projection modules or groups of modules adapted to move in unison or independently over the length of the field may be employed.

A soccer goal pad comprises an integrally formed foam body for overlying the playing surface of a goal post. The pad is self retained on the post. The goal pad provides impact-cushioning along the playing surface so as to reduce the risk of injury, while minimizing its affect on the trajectory and speed of a soccer goal bouncing off of the padded post. A method of making the goal pad is disclosed.

The present invention is an article and process for determining the site of impact of a movable object on a treated surface, where a tennis ball is treated with a striking composition, and a boundary line region is treated with a receiving composition such that when the striking composition and the receiving composition are in physical contact, a calorimetric indicator is left on the receiving composition to indicate the point of contact.

A ball game system for training and / or play comprising a one or more playing areas suitably large to accommodate running and jumping players, each playing area including adjacent surface areas forming a court and having distinctly different properties, such as a first surface suitable for bouncing a ball and a second surface comprised of a deformable elastic material. The system includes an automatic ball feeder and sensors for monitoring the positions and trajectories of one or more players and / or balls on the court. Options include visual displays and / or audio outputs reflective of player performance, and payment-driven operation of the system components, including a means for adjusting the degree of rebound provided by the deformable elastic surface(s).

A collapsible court standard for positioning a net above a gymnasium floor includes an embedded upright floor tube with a top end which is level with the floor; one or more contained tubes slidably positioned within the floor tube; a releasable lock means and biased rocker latches to maintain the contained tubes at a selected height. Pneumatic power is supplied to the embedded upright floor to lift the contained tubes. The releasable lock means includes a split ring to maintain the net at a particular height. A shock absorbing pad cushions the contained tube upon retraction, and a movable floor cover is attached to the floor tube to provide access to the contained tubes. A winch and pulley are attached to a contained tube or innermost cylindrical member so that a net cable may be drawn over the pulley and tightened with the winch.

A ball tossing apparatus includes a support frame and a plurality of launch devices fixed to the support frame and arranged in a two-dimensional array. The launch devices include cylinders having a spring fixed therein, with a ball carrier fixed to the spring. The balls are retained in a loaded position (springs compressed) and then upon activation of the launch devices are launched vertically into the air to the sports player. In another embodiment, the launch devices include a rotating lever which is acted on by a biasing member to launch the ball vertically from the cylinder. A method for launching the balls includes the steps of loading the balls into a two dimensional array, and then launching the balls according to a launch sequence. An electronic control system for use with the ball tossing apparatus includes a launch module for launching the loaded balls in the plurality of launch devices according to a launch sequence. The launch sequences can be randomly generated, programmed by the sports player, or retrieved from memory. The launch of the balls can also be controlled remotely.

A poolside goal system may allow various games or sports, such as basketball or volleyball, to be played in a swimming pool. For example, the poolside goal system may include a base, a goal support, a basketball goal assembly and volleyball net assembly. The basketball goal assembly is preferably movable between a first position in which basketball can be played and a second position which allows volleyball to be played. Advantageously, the basketball goal assembly may be configured to counterbalance forces applied to the volleyball net assembly. The poolside goal system may also include a wheel assembly to allow the system to be readily moved, or the goal system may be permanently secured in a fixed position. The poolside goal system, however, does not have to be used in connection with a swimming pool and it could be used in other environments or situations.

A muscular memory training apparatus and method of the present invention is used for training basketball players to shoot a ball to a ring from fixed distances. The apparatus provides numerous advantages including improved training aid and method that teaches the players in a correct manner of making a shot with a basketball, develops muscular memory of the body joints and muscles for proper execution of a basketball shot and makes higher percentage of hitting the goal.

At least one temporary visible reference line is projected onto a target surface, as for example, an athletic field, by several laser sources. A first laser source emits optical energy—at a wavelength of between 380 nm and 750 nm—along at least a first selectable path upon the target surface so as to form a temporary line thereon. A second laser source disposed at a second elevated, stationary location relative to the target surface different from the first stationary location emits optical energy along at least a second selectable path upon the target surface so as to form a temporary line thereon. In some instances, each laser light source may be capable of traversing the entire width of the target surface, in which case each laser source covers a discrete region. In other cases, respective laser sources arranged on opposite laterals sides of the target surface can be included so that segments contiguous with those projected by a corresponding one of the first and second laser sources can be generated to form a temporary line that does traverse the entire width of the target surface.

A ball game system for training and / or play comprising a one or more playing areas suitably large to accommodate running and jumping players, each the playing areas including adjacent surface areas forming a court and having distinctly different properties, such as a first surface suitable for bouncing a ball and a second surface comprised of a deformable elastic material. The system includes an automatic ball feeder and sensors for monitoring the positions and trajectories of one or more players and / or balls on the court. Options include visual displays and / or audio outputs reflective of player performance, and payment-driven operation of the system components, including a means for adjusting the degree of rebound provided by the deformable elastic surface(s).

A sports goal assembly having a goal frame defining an upright goalmouth on a shared soccer / football playing field is provided. The goal frame includes a spaced-apart, opposed pair of elongate base rails that each extend rearward of the goalmouth and along and parallel to an underlying surface of the playing field to support the goal assembly on the playing field. An elongate base crossbar interconnects the base rails and extends transversely therebetween. Each of the elongate base rails includes a front section adjacent the goalmouth, a rear section remote from the goalmouth, and an intermediate section. The base crossbar is connected to, and extends from, the intermediate sections of the base rails, and the rear sections of the base rails include counterbalancing weights to stabilize the goal assembly.

A temporary visible image, such as a first down reference line, corporate logo, or text is projected onto a target surface by an orientation-stabilized, fiber-fed laser projector. The projector may include at least one cylindrical lens or at least one pair of X-Y scanners. One or more remotely located lasers, supplying optical energy at a single wavelength to the projector, accommodate projection of a monochromatic line pattern. Multi-colored images are accommodated by supplying, to the projector, the output of a plurality of lasers operating at different wavelengths within the visible band. The projector is suspended and conveyed as a unitary assembly by a suspension system adapted to maintain the projectors angular orientation and dynamically stabilize the image. If desired, two or more independently-suspended projection modules or groups of modules adapted to move in unison or independently over the length of the field may be employed.

A volleyball training apparatus is disclosed that generally includes a standard assembly, a support assembly mounted on the standard assembly, a ball assembly, and a ball suspension assembly mounted on the support assembly and supporting the ball assembly. The ball assembly may be secured to the ball suspension assembly in a manner such that the ball assembly remains secured to the ball suspension assembly upon spiking of the ball assembly by a user. In some embodiments of the invention, the ball suspension assembly comprises an elongate elastic member having opposite ends attached to the ball assembly. In some embodiments, the support assembly comprises a support member having a passage therethrough, and the ball suspension assembly comprises an elongate elastic member with a portion of the elongate elastic member extending through the support member.

A volleyball practice system that includes a support frame with a pair of post supports. Each of the post supports being mounted on a base that is supported on wheels, and the pair of post supports being connected to one another by a telescoping or adjustable horizontal member. A backdrop net with a pair of opposite ends along a lower edge that are adapted for tethering to an anchoring point supported by the post supports, so that the opposite ends of the lower edge of the backdrop net may be raised or lowered relative to the upper edge of the backdrop net, so that the backdrop may be used to retain or release balls by adjusting the height of the opposite ends of the backdrop net.

An outdoor game system includes a pole adapted for anchoring to the earth. A water-carrying conduit extends upwardly through the pole and is rotatable within the pole. A sprinkler is mounted atop the pole and is connected to the conduit. A reel is affixed to the conduit within the pole adjacent an opening in the pole. The reel is rotatable with the conduit. A net, capable of extension from the opening in the pole, is wound upon the reel. An elongated cover is provided for closing the opening in the pole. The cover is connected to the net for supporting the net above the earth, when the net is extended from the opening in the pole. A handgrip, for rotating the conduit to rewind the net upon the reel, is affixed to the conduit beneath the reel.

A ball supply apparatus includes: a housing coupled to the upper portion of the column structure, wherein a top portion of housing is partially opened, wherein the housing is divided by a partition into a ball storage portion and a ball discharge portion, wherein a bottom face of the ball storage portion is inclined downward toward the ball discharge portion, wherein a first opening is formed in a bottom of the ball discharge portion, and a second opening is formed in the partition at a lower portion thereof; a rotatable opening / closing plate rotatably coupled to the partition, wherein the rotatable opening / closing plate is configured to rotate to open / close the second opening; and a ball discharge tube rotatably coupled to the ball discharge portion at the first opening, wherein the ball discharge tube ball-communicates with the ball discharge portion via the first opening.

A frameless portable suspension system includes a tensional two-dimensional material having a frameless perimeter, opposite upper corners, and a bottom secured to ground, the tensional two-dimensional material located in a vertical plane perpendicular to the ground; a pair of adjustable spring mechanisms coupled to the upper corners and providing the upper corners in tension in an upward vertical direction and a outward horizontal direction, and wherein the tension in the tensional two-dimensional material is adjustable with the adjustable spring mechanisms while the tensional two-dimensional material is under tension and the tensional two-dimensional material is positionable in a vertical plane perpendicular to the ground upon adjustment of the tension in the tensional two-dimensional material with the adjustable spring mechanism.

The substrate treatment apparatus according to the present invention includes a substrate holding mechanism which holds a substrate, a nozzle body having a spout which spouts an etching liquid toward a major surface of the substrate held by the substrate holding mechanism, a nozzle body movement mechanism which moves the nozzle body in a predetermined movement direction so as to move an etching liquid application position at which the etching liquid is applied on the major surface, a first flexible sheet attached to the nozzle body to be brought into contact with a portion of the major surface located on one of opposite sides of the etching liquid application position with respect to the movement direction, and a second flexible sheet attached to the nozzle body to be brought into contact with a portion of the major surface located on the other side of the etching liquid application position with respect to the movement direction.

The present invention is an article and process for determining the site of impact of a movable object on a treated surface, where a tennis ball is treated with a striking composition, and a boundary line region is treated with a receiving composition such that when the striking composition and the receiving composition are in physical contact, a calorimetric indicator is left on the receiving composition to indicate the point of contact.