Device for accuracy training

Abstract

A device for accuracy training is disclosed, suitable to be mounted on a sports object, in particular a football goal. The device comprises a body (1) formed as a frame with an opening (2) in which at least one camera (13), sensors (14, 15), a power supply, and a control unit are mounted. The device comprises two cables (3) which diverge in four directions outside the body (1), wherein for each of the cables (3), at the circumference of the body (1), inlets (4) for the cables (3) are formed. Inside the body (1) the cables (3) are guided in a guiding arrangement for cables comprising guiding surfaces for cables (3). Furthermore, the guiding arrangement for cables is provided with at least two braking mechanisms (7), seated along the guiding trajectory of the cables (3), wherein at least one of at least two braking mechanisms (7) is intended to lock a single cable (3).

Description

[0001] Device for accuracy training

[0002] The subject-matter of the invention is a device for accuracy training for people practising sports, in particular football. The device is also suitable for use in other sports, such as hockey, basketball, American football and others.

[0003] Various types of solutions for assisting training are known in the prior art. The simplest examples of such equipment are discs or mats with holes, mounted on goals, which the player aims at when shooting.

[0004] Also solutions in the form of a moving target or a frame with a hole through which the ball flies are known. For example, document CN114011029 A discloses a training device whose ringshaped body is attached to the goal by means of four steel cables with hooks at the ends, which prevent it from falling out and allow it to be easily mounted on the support structure of the goal. The position of the device, corresponding to different goal positions, including corner positions, can be freely and remotely adjusted by means of a motor. In this case, by controlling the forward or reverse rotation of the motor, the steel cable is pulled in and / or released outside the reel so that the length of the steel cable is reduced or increased accordingly. The cable is connected to the ring frame through its through-hole. Pulling of the steel cable in four directions allows for the desired positioning of the device. Once the position is fixed, braking with the use of a brake should be effected to prevent the reel from rotating and to avoid loosening of the steel cable.

[0005] Another solution of this kind is shown in CN110743150 A, where a change in the position of the ring-shaped frame for shooting for accuracy training is effected by means of telescopic rods connected permanently to the frame at four points thereof which define the goal cornet points.

[0006] Presently, for advanced football training more and more frequently intelligent and fully electronic devices are used to enable determining in real time the parameters of the ball directed towards the goal, as well tracking the movements the body of the player who participates in the training. Results thus obtained enable detailed analysis of the game, including so called “body language” of the football player and the player’s improvement. In this regard, for example, from the document P.427924 Al, being the earlier application of the inventors of the subject invention, a device is known for accuracy training, intended to be mounted on a goal. The device comprises a frame with a hole, four catches and four securing cables. The device is further provided with electronic elements such as: sensors oriented towards the inside of the hole, sensors oriented towards the outside the hole, a controlling arrangement, a camera, a power source, a fixing arrangement for cables, and a driving arrangement. The controlling arrangement collects information from sensors and camera and then sends it to a mobile device. A change in the position of the device on the object, for example on a football goal, is effected manually, remotely by the mobile device or automatically based on the camera image detection.

[0007] Due to the increasing scope of capabilities of training devices resulting from the use of complex electronic systems therein a problem arises of increasing significance of these devices and thus - their reduced mobility and manoeuvrability when mounted in the goal. Therefore, the aim of the invention is to propose a new training device with a capability of analysis and parameterising of the player’s behaviour and the ball directed by him towards the goal, in which device reduction of weight would be provided while maintaining high steerability in the goal. Additionally, the object of the invention is a relatively uncomplicated construction of the training device and its stable fixing at four points of the support structure of the goal. It is also important for the cables not to interfere with operation of the electronic sub-assemblies of the training device, in particular not to collide physically or damage them.

[0008] According to the invention, a device for accuracy training, intended to be mounted in a sports object, in particular in a football goal wherein fixing is effected by means of four suspension points on the support structure of the goal, comprises a body in the form of a frame with an opening, wherein from the body cables extend for securing within a football goal. The body has at least one camera, sensors, power supply and control unit mounted therein. The device for accuracy training is characterized in that it has two cables which, outside the body, diverge in four directions, and for each of the cables, on the circumference of the body, cable inlets are arranged. Within the body, the cables are slidingly guided in a cable guiding arrangement which comprises cable guiding surfaces. Furthermore, the guiding arrangement for the cables is provided with at least two braking mechanisms, seated along cable guiding trajectory, wherein at least one of the two braking mechanisms is intended for a single cable.

[0009] Preferably, the braking mechanism is a clamping mechanism having at least a movable lever.

[0010] More preferably, the braking mechanism has a movable lever and a spring.

[0011] In a preferable embodiment, the braking mechanism is also a self-locking mechanism having a motor with a transmission gear mechanism. Further preferably, the guiding surfaces for the cables are made from a material with sliding properties or are covered with a coating having sliding properties.

[0012] Also preferably, the guiding surfaces for the cables are guiding rollers or pins.

[0013] In a preferable embodiment of a device for accuracy training between the guiding rollers or pins the cables are guided along channels arranged within the body.

[0014] Preferably, the channels are formed as hollowed out in the body.

[0015] Preferably, the channels form an element secured within the body.

[0016] Further preferably, the guiding rollers or pins are seated within the body at least at the inlets of the cables.

[0017] Preferably, the guiding rollers or pins are seated at inlets of the cables and along the channels.

[0018] Also preferably, the guiding rollers or pins are made from Teflon or they are coated with a Teflon coating.

[0019] Also preferably, the channels are coated inside with a Teflon coating.

[0020] In a preferable embodiment of a device for accuracy training, between the guiding rollers or pins, cables are guided within jacketing tubes, wherein at the contact sites of the cables with the braking mechanism the cables are uncovered.

[0021] Preferably, the guiding rollers or pins are seated within the body at least at the inlet openings for the cables.

[0022] Also preferably, the guiding rollers or pins are made from Teflon or they are coated with a Teflon coating.

[0023] Additionally preferably, the jacketing tubes are coated inside with a Teflon coating.

[0024] In another preferable embodiment of a device for accuracy training, the cables are guided within the body solely by means of guiding rollers and the guiding rollers are covered by a casing of the rollers.

[0025] Preferably, the guiding rollers are seated within the body at least at the outlets for the cables.

[0026] Also preferably, the guiding rollers are made from Teflon or are coated with a Teflon coating.

[0027] According to a further preferable solution the body is made in the form of an ring-shaped frame and it comprises a first body housing and a second body housing connected to each other. Preferably, the power supply is a rechargeable battery power supply.

[0028] Additionally preferably, the sensors include in particular distance sensors and presence detecting sensors.

[0029] Also preferably, the control arrangement comprises a microcontroller provided in particular with WI-FI, Bluetooth, processor, in particular a microprocessor, a graphics unit, operating memory, a disc drive with data, camera interfaces, input and output connectors for external subassemblies and a power input.

[0030] Further preferably, a device for accuracy training is capable to be connected remotely to a user mobile device such as a phone, smartwatch, tablet or computer.

[0031] The subject-matter of the invention is illustrated in its embodiments in the drawing, where fig. 1 shows schematically a device for accuracy training, wherein a) and b) show the device for accuracy training at the side of the first and second body housings, fig. 2 shows a view of a body of a device for accuracy training with a cable guiding arrangement according to a first embodiment, fig. 3 shows a view of a body of a device for accuracy training with a cable guiding arrangement according to a second embodiment, fig. 4 shows a view of a body of a device for accuracy training with a cable guiding arrangement according to a third embodiment, fig. 5 shows a view of a body of a device for accuracy training with a cable guiding arrangement according to a fourth embodiment, fig. 6 shows a view of a body of a device for accuracy training with a cable guiding arrangement according to a fifth embodiment, fig. 7 shows a view of a body of a device for accuracy training with a) a guiding arrangement for cables according to a sixth embodiment, and b) in a detailed illustration of the construction of a roller, and fig. 8 shows a view of a body of a device for accuracy training with an automatic cable guiding arrangement according to a seventh embodiment, and fig. 9 shows a view of a body of a device for accuracy training at the side at which the electronic sub-assemblies are mounted.

[0032] As shown in fig. 1, a device for accuracy training comprises a body 1 in a form of a ring-shaped frame with an opening 2 in the centre through which opening a ball is to pass. It will be clear for a person skilled in the art that - without going beyond the inventive concept - a body 1 may be formed as an oval, square, oblong, triangular, polygonal frame, etc.

[0033] The body 1 is comprised of a first housing 1 ’ and a second housing 1”, connected to each other, made for example from aluminium, polyamide or other material. Inside the housings 1’, 1” of the body 1, at their external sides, the individual electronic subassemblies are mounted respectively and a guiding arrangement 3 for cables, to secure the device for accuracy training on the target object, for example on a football goal (not shown in the drawing). The cables are understood throughout this application as any longitudinal linking element, in particular cables with cross-section of any shape, tapes, strips, etc. The cables 3 may be steel cables, may be made from, e.g., Kevlar or any other material, including textile, metal, etc.

[0034] Fig. 2 shows a first embodiment of a guiding arrangement for cables 3 in a device for accuracy training according to the invention. For the clarity - the structure of fig. 2 of the cable guiding arrangement is presented with omitted components and electronic subassemblies which are nonetheless remain present in the solution. It will be clear for a person skilled in the art that, both in the presented embodiments and in any further ones, the elements of the guiding arrangement for the cables may be entirely and solely positioned on one of the housings 1 ’ or 1” of the body 1. It is also possible for the remaining subassemblies to be built in between the elements of guiding arrangement for the cables.

[0035] In the body 1, four inlets 4 are provided to guide the cables 3 outwards. The inlets 4 - for each of the cables 3 - define the inlet opening and the outlet opening, respectively, for the cable 3. Four ends of the cables 3 are secured in the upper and lower corners of the goals where the cable tensioning system (not shown in the drawing) is arranged. The cables 3, arranged inside the device for accuracy training, are guided circumferentially inside the envelope of the frame of the body 1. The cables may slide along the entire guiding trajectory inside the body 1.

[0036] In order to provide a constant guiding trajectory, without the risk of a positional change or loosening of a cable, to avoid, e.g., damage to the electronic subassemblies of the device for accuracy training, the cables 3 are guided by means of guiding rollers 5. The guiding rollers 5 may be bearing-seated (not shown) by means of a standard ball bearing, but it is also possible to use a slide bearing or direct bearing on the axle. In order to provide the best capabilities for guiding the cable 3, the guiding rollers 5 may be made from a material with sliding properties. For example, the guiding rollers 5 may, but are not limited to, be formed from Teflon or coated with a Teflon coating.

[0037] Between the guiding rollers 5, the cables 3 are guided further on within the body 1 in channels 6 hollowed out in the body 1 specially for this purpose. The channels 6 prevent the cable 3 from falling from the guiding rollers 5 when loosened and enable easier replacement of the cable 3 if necessary. The channels 6 are positioned so that two cables 3 extending in parallel will not collide mutually. The channels 6, preferably, are coated with a coating to enhance sliding parameters, e.g., with a Teflon coating.

[0038] According to the presented embodiment, the guiding rollers 5 are arranged along the entire guiding trajectory, at the bending points of the channels 6. This is a preferred solution aimed at providing stable guiding of the cable 3, nevertheless it will be clear for a person skilled in the art that within the scope of this disclosure it is also possible for the guiding rollers 5 to be seated solely at the inlets 4 for the cables 3.

[0039] Additionally, the cable guiding arrangement is provided with two braking mechanisms 7, seated along the guiding trajectory for each of the cables 3, respectively. The braking mechanism 7 is a clamping mechanism having a movable eccentric lever 71 and a spring 72 which in the presented example is a leaf spring. The lever 71, in the closed position, presses the cable 3 to prevent it from moving. In turn, the spring 72 separates the lever 71 from the cable 3. Due to the use of the spring 72 the friction force originated from the cable 3 does not act directly on the lever 71, and thus a jerk of the cable cannot cause turning of the lever 71 and as a result releasing of the fixed position of the cable 3 in its guiding arrangement. Additionally, due to its flexibility, upon opening, the lever 71 moves away from the opposite wall of the braking mechanism 7 to provide space for the cable 3 and enable threading thereof.

[0040] Fig. 3 shows a second embodiment of a guiding arrangement for cables 3 in a device for accuracy training according to the invention. For the sake of clarity of the specification, the same technical features or use analogous as in the first embodiment will not be discussed again. In the presented second embodiment, the cables 3 are guided by means of guiding rollers 5, seated at the inlets 4 for the cables 3. Along further guiding trajectory, the cables 3 are guided between the guiding rollers 5 by means of jacketing tubes 8, inside their inner openings. The jacketing tubes 8 are preferably made from a material with sliding properties, e.g. from Teflon. It is also admissible for the jacketing tubes 8 to be coated inside with a Teflon coating along their internal opening.

[0041] Due to the necessity to provide contact of the cable 3 with the corresponding braking mechanism 7, at the contact point of the cables with the lever 71 the cables are uncovered. For this purpose, the jacketing tubes 8 are used in several sections of the guiding route to protect the cables 3 at sites outside the cooperation of the cable with the braking mechanism 7. Fig. 4 shows a third embodiment of a guiding arrangement for cables 3 in a device for accuracy training according to the invention. In this case, the used guiding rollers 5 are arranged at the inlets 4 for the cables 3, and the channels 9, which contrary to the first embodiment are not hollowed out in the body 1, constitute an element integral therewith or an additional element, separately positioned within the body 1. The channels 9 may be formed from the same material from which the body 1 is formed, they may be made from a sliding material, or they may be coated with a sliding material (e.g., such as Teflon, Iglidur, and others), or they are completed with metal inserts, e.g. with a thin insert in the wall along which the contact with the cable 3 is provided. Similarly as in the preceding embodiments, in the guiding arrangement for cables 3 two braking mechanisms 7 are provided.

[0042] Fig. 5 shows a fourth embodiment of a guiding arrangement for cables 3 in a device for accuracy training according to the invention. In this case - structurally similar as the third embodiment, in place of the guiding rollers 5 quenched metal pins 5’ are used. The cables 3 are further guided within channels 9 and they are held by means of braking mechanisms 7.

[0043] Fig. 6 shows a fifth embodiment of a guiding arrangement for cables 3 in a device for accuracy training according to the invention. In this case - structurally similar as the second embodiment, in place of the guiding rollers 5 quenched metal pins 5’ are used. Further on along the guiding trajectory of the cables 3, jacketing tubes 8 and two braking mechanisms 7 are used analogously as in the second embodiment.

[0044] Fig. 7 shows a sixth embodiment wherein as the guiding arrangement solely guiding rollers 5 are used, positioned at the inlets 4 for the cables 3 into the body 1 (not shown). The rollers 5 are covered by a casing 10 for the rollers 5, to ensure holding of the cables 3 (not shown) in place on their guiding route. According to fig. 7b, the guiding rollers 5 are seated on a ball bearing 11 and they are provided with a guiding sleeve 12, to prevent winding of the cable 3 (not shown) around the guiding roller 5. The guiding sleeves thus define inlets 4 for the cables 3 into the body 1. The described construction 10 of the roller 5 may be applied entirely or with some amendments to the preceding described embodiments.

[0045] Fig. 8 shows a seventh possible embodiment, wherein sliding of the cables 3 within the guiding arrangement is effected automatically and not manually. According to the presented embodiment, guiding rollers 5 are used and a motor 13 with a worm gear, wherein a given cable 3 at one of the inlets 4 is wound around the driving roller 131. It will be clear for a person skilled in the art that, in addition to the worm gear, it is also possible to use other kinds of the transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism is self-locking, and thus it is not necessary to use any additional braking arrangement, but it is still quite possible anyway - in particular if a transmission mechanism of some other kind is used. In this case, it is possible to use friction brake or a tooth brake (not shown in the drawing), or direct braking of the cable 3 by means of a braking mechanism 7 according to the above discussed embodiments.

[0046] In addition to the above presented embodiments, within the scope of this disclosure it is possible to thread the cables 3 through the body 1 and wind them onto a roller positioned within the body 1 (not shown in the drawing). It is also possible to use a drive outside the body 1, e.g., at the mounting points to the goal.

[0047] In addition to the guiding arrangement, inside the body electronic devices for accuracy training are mounted, including in particular at least one camera, sensors, a power supply or control unit.

[0048] As shown in the embodiment according to fig. 9, one camera 14 is used, mounted in a holder 141. The camera 14 records the course of the training and determines, transmits and records information to the control unit.

[0049] In the device for accuracy training two kinds of sensors are used: distance sensors 15 and presence detecting sensors 16 (so called beam interruption sensors). These sensors acquire information concerning the positioning of the device for accuracy training, distance to obstacles in the environment of the device and they detect presence and determine parameters of the velocity, size, rotation of an object (i.e., a ball) aimed, shot or thrown by a person who uses the device during training.

[0050] The power supply is preferably a rechargeable battery power supply. According to the embodiment shown, four secondary cells 17 are used.

[0051] The control unit is a microcontroller 18 which collects information form the camera 14 and distance sensors 15 and presence detecting sensors 16, as well as processes and then transmits the information by wire or wirelessly to a mobile device.

[0052] Additionally, in the device, a USB charging port 19, a converter 20 for charging the secondary cells 17, and a converter 21 for powering the electronics of the device for accuracy training are used. It is also possible to mount LED lights (not shown in the drawing) and other light markers.

[0053] The device for accuracy training uses for analysis an image from one (or more) camera(s) 14. It enables communication with mobile devices of a type of a smartphone, smartwatch, band, tablet, computer (not shown). When the device for accuracy training is switched on it starts connection via its microcontroller 18 with the user mobile device (not shown) - this is how the user sees the view from the camera 14 of the device. The camera 14 determines in particular the distance of the object aimed by the user, the kind of the object, it determines the height of the player, the style of his / her run-up and the parameters of his / her body positioning during shooting / throwing, determines the velocity of the object, rotation of the object, 3D trajectory, and the distance at which the object missed the target. The distance sensors 15 inform the user where in the goal the device for accuracy training is currently positioned and transfer this information to the microcontroller 18 in communication with the user mobile device. The braking mechanism 7, when unlocked, enables manual control over the device within the area defined by the take-up devices and fixing means mounted in the goal (not shown in the drawing). The cables 3, secured within the goal, run outwards of the device for accuracy training to enable movement of the device for accuracy training within the goal internal contour area. Possibly, additionally used signalling on mobile devices and signalling with LED lights in the device for accuracy training inform about the positioning of the device within the goal.

[0054] The presented invention is not limited to the embodiments shown - various modifications thereof are possible within the scope of the patent claim without going beyond the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

Claims1. A device for accuracy training, intended to be mounted on a sports object, in particular in a football goal, wherein mounting is effected by means of four suspension points on the support structure of the goal, comprising a body 1 in the form of a frame with an opening 2, wherein from the body 1 cables 3 extend to be secured in a football goal, wherein the body 1 comprises at least one camera 12, sensors 14, 15, a power supply, and a control unit arranged therein, characterized in that it has two cables (3) which diverge in four directions outside the body (1), wherein for each of the cables, at the circumference of the body, inlets (4) for the cables (3) are formed, and within the body (1) the cables (3) are guided slidingly in a guiding arrangement for cables, comprising cable guiding surfaces, and in that the cable guiding arrangement is provided with at least two braking mechanisms (7), seated along the guiding trajectory of the cables (3), wherein at least one of the two braking mechanisms (7) is intended for a single cable (3).

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the braking mechanism (7) is a clamping mechanism having at least one movable lever (71).

3. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that the braking mechanism (7) has a movable lever (71) and a spring (72).

4. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the braking mechanism (7) is a selflocking mechanism having a motor with a transmission mechanism.

5. The device according to claims 1 or 2 or 3 or 4, characterized in that the guiding surfaces for the cables are made from a material with sliding properties or are coated with a coating of a material with sliding properties.

6. The device according to claims 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5, characterized in that the guiding surfaces for the cables are guiding rollers (5) or pins (5’).

7. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that between the guiding rollers (5) or pins (5’), the cables (3) are guided along channels (6, 9) arranged within the body (1).

8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that the channels (6) formed as hollowed out in the body (1).

9. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that the channels (9) constitute an element mounted in the body (1).

10. The device according to claims 6 or 7 or 8 or 9, characterized in that the guiding rollers (5) or pins (5’) are seated within the body (1) at least at the inlets (4) of the cables (3).

11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that the guiding rollers (5) or pins (5’) are seated at the inlets (4) of the cables (3) and along the channels (6, 9).

12. The device according to any of claims 6 to 11, characterized in that the guiding rollers (5) and pins (5’) are made from Teflon or are coated with a Teflon coating.

13. The device according to any of claims 6 to 12, characterized in that the channels (6, 9) are coated inside with a Teflon coating.

14. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that between the guiding rollers (5) or pins (5’) the cables (3) are guided within jacketing tubes (8), wherein at the contact point of the cables (3) with the braking mechanism (7) the cables (3) are uncovered.

15. The device according to claim 14, characterized in that the guiding rollers (5) or pins (5’) are seated in the body (1) at least at the inlets (4) for the cables (3).

16. The device according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the guiding rollers (5) or pins (5’) are made from Teflon or coated with a Teflon coating.

17. The device according to any of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the jacketing tubes (8) are coated inside with a Teflon coating.

18. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that the cables (3) are guided within the body (1) solely by means of the guiding rollers (5), and the guiding rollers (5) are covered by a casing (10) of the rollers (5).

19. The device according to claim 18, characterized in that the guiding rollers (5) are seated within the body (1) at least at the inlets (4) for the cables (3).

20. The device according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the guiding rollers (5) are made from Teflon or coated with a Teflon coating.

21. The device according to any of the above claims, characterized in that the body (1) is made as a ring-shaped frame and comprises a first housing (T) of the body (1) and a second housing (1”) of the body (1) connected to each other.

22. The device according to any of the above claims, characterized in that the power supply is a rechargeable battery power supply.

23. The device according to any of the above claims, characterized in that the sensors include in particular a distance sensor (15) and presence detecting sensors (16).

24. The device according to any of the above claims, characterized in that the control unit comprises a microcontroller (18) provided in particular with WI-FI, Bluetooth, processor, in particular a microprocessor, a graphics unit, operational memory, disc drive with data, camera connectors, inlets and outlets for external subassemblies and a power output.

25. The device according to any of the above claims, characterized in that it is capable to be connected to a user mobile devices such as in particular a telephone, smartwatch, tablet, or computer.

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