| Athletic performance evaluation device -> Monitor Keywords |
|
|
 
Athletic performance evaluation deviceRelated Patent Categories: Exercise Devices, Having Specific Electrical Feature, Monitors Exercise ParameterAthletic performance evaluation device description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070123389, Athletic performance evaluation device. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to an athletic apparatus generally, and more specifically to a device and method for athletic performance evaluation. [0002] Most sports are based on the development of specialized athletic abilities such as response time, coordination and strength. As such, an athletes training is designed to develop the athletes maximum potential. However, it is extremely difficult to quantify or objectively measure an athlete's overall ability. As a result of this difficulty, an athlete's performance in sports, for example football, is usually determined through a coach's observation or by competing against other athletes. However, these observations and trials have heretofore been mostly subjective. Objective measurement of athletic ability is particularly beneficial for training since this provides the athlete with a ability to identify those abilities and skills which require the most attention, and to measure the performance increase thereof. In addition, it would be highly beneficial for a coach or other training professional to evaluate a player's ability through a standardized system utilizing objectively obtained data. In this manner, an athlete could be evaluated for performance in a strictly objective manner that has heretofore been unknown. The use of a device which objectively measures an athlete's performance or skill can greatly assist not only athletes in reaching their potential, but also the trainers in evaluating and assessing an athletes ability. [0003] Accordingly, a need exists for an athletic apparatus that can, among other things, objectively measure an athlete's performance, thereby allowing the athlete to be evaluated for performance in a strictly objective manner. Therefore, an athletic apparatus that solves the aforementioned disadvantages and having the aforementioned advantages is desired. SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION [0004] On aspect of the present invention includes an athletic training apparatus comprising a generally horizontal base adapted to be disposed on a ground surface, a first sensor adapted to measure a weight of an athlete, and a force receiving area adapted to be disposed in proximity of and above an end of the base. A second sensor is operably connected to the force receiving area such that when the athlete exerts a force on the force receiving area, the second sensor measures the force exerted by the athlete. [0005] Another aspect of the present invention includes an athletic training apparatus comprising a generally horizontal base, wherein the base is adapted to be disposed on a ground surface; a first sensor, wherein the first sensor is operably connected to the base, such that when an athlete is positioned on a first portion of the base, the first sensor measures a weight of the athlete; and a force receiving area, wherein the force receiving area is adapted to be disposed above the base and in proximity thereto. A second sensor is operably connected to the force receiving area such that when the athlete exerts a force on the force receiving area, the second sensor measures the force exerted by the athlete. [0006] In another aspect of the present invention, a football training apparatus for measuring performance characteristics of an athlete, includes a generally horizontal base, wherein the base has a first end and a second end, and the base is adapted to be disposed on a ground surface. A first sensor is disposed proximate the first end of the base, and the first sensor is operably communicating with the base, such that when an athlete is positioned on a first portion of the base, the first sensor measures a weight of the athlete. A force receiving area is also included, wherein the force receiving area is adapted to be disposed above the base, proximate the second end thereof, and a second sensor is operably communicating with the force receiving area such that when the athlete exerts a force on the force receiving area, the second sensor measures the force exerted by the athlete. Additionally, a third sensor, is operably connected to the base, wherein the second and third sensors are adapted to measure a time it takes the athlete to move a fixed distance on the base. The first, second, and third sensors are operably connected to and communicate with a computer, the first sensor communicating the weight measurement, the second sensor communicating the force measurement, and the third sensor communicating at least part of the time measurement, and the computer records the measurements. Further, after the computer receives the measurements from the first, second and third sensors, the computer calculates a performance factor F utilizing each of the results from the first, second, and third sensors in the equation (weight/time)*force=F+100, wherein the weight is determined from the first sensor, the force is determined from the second sensor, and the time is determined from at least the third sensor. [0007] In another aspect of the present invention, a method for measuring the performance of an athlete comprises providing an apparatus for measuring a weight, a time, and an exerted force of an athlete, wherein the apparatus includes a generally horizontal base which is adapted to be disposed on a ground surface, a first sensor for measuring the weight of the athlete, a second sensor for measuring the force exerted by the athlete, and a third sensor for measuring the time it takes the athlete to move the fixed distance on the base. The method further includes measuring the weight of the athlete with the first sensor; measuring the force exerted by the athlete on a force receiving area that is in proximity with the base, wherein the force is measured with the second sensor; and measuring the time it takes the athlete to traverse a fixed distance on the base with the third sensor. [0008] In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for measuring the performance of an athlete comprises providing an apparatus for measuring the weight, acceleration, and exerted force of an athlete, wherein the apparatus includes a generally horizontal base adapted to be disposed on a ground surface, a first sensor for measuring a weight of the athlete, a second sensor for measuring a force exerted by an athlete, and a third sensor for at least partially measuring the time it takes the athlete to move the fixed distance on the base. The method further includes providing a computer operably connected with the first, second, and third sensors; measuring the weight of the athlete with the first sensor; communicating the weight measurement to the computer, the computer recording the weight measurement; positioning the athlete on the base and initiating movement of the athlete, whereby the athlete traverses the base from a first position to a second position; using at least the third sensor to measure a time it takes the athlete to move a fixed distance on the base; communicating the measured time to the computer, the computer recording the time measurement; calculating the acceleration of the athlete; and having the athlete exert a force against the force receiving area, the second sensor measuring the exerted force and the computer recording the force measurement. [0009] In another aspect of the present invention, a method for measuring the performance of an athlete comprises providing an apparatus for measuring the weight, acceleration, and exerted force of an athlete, the apparatus including: a generally horizontal base having a first end and a second end, the base adapted to be disposed on a ground surface; a first sensor disposed proximate the first end of the base, the first sensor operably connected to the base such that when an athlete is positioned in a first position on the base, the first sensor measures the weight of the athlete; a force receiving area, wherein the force receiving area is adapted to be disposed above the base in proximity with the second end thereof; a second sensor, wherein the second sensor is operably connected to the force receiving area such that when an athlete exerts a force on the force receiving area, the second sensor measures the force exerted by the athlete. The method also includes, providing a computer which is operably connected to the base for communication with the first, second, and third sensors, wherein the computer is adapted to record the measurements from the first, second, and third sensors and graphically display one or more results; positioning an athlete on the apparatus in the first position and measuring the athletes weight with the first sensor; communicating the weight measurement to the computer, the computer recording the weight measurement; initiating movement of the athlete, whereby the athlete moves on the base from the first position to an intermediate position; using at least the third sensor to measure a time it takes the athlete to move a fixed distance on the base, the fixed distance being between from at least the athletes first position to a second position; communicating the measured time to the computer, the computer recording the time measurement; continuing movement of the athlete to the second position, wherein the athlete contacts the force receiving area, thereby exerting a force against the force receiving area, the second sensor measuring the exerted force, and the computer recording the force measurement; and determining a performance factor F using each of the results from the first, second, and third sensors in the equation (weight/time)*force=F/100, wherein the weight is determined from the first sensor, the force is determined from the second sensor, and the time is determined from at least the third sensor. [0010] In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for measuring the performance of an athlete comprises providing a first, second and third sensor; measuring the weight of the athlete with the first sensor; providing an athlete and a force receiving area; having the athlete exert a force against the force receiving area, the second sensor measuring the exerted force; and using at least the third sensor to measure the time it takes the athlete to traverse a fixed distance, the fixed distance being between from an athletes first position to a second position. [0011] In still another aspect of the present invention, a method for measuring the performance of an athlete comprises providing a first, second and third sensor; measuring the weight of the athlete with the first sensor; providing an athlete and a force receiving area; having the athlete exert a force against the force receiving area, the second sensor measuring the exerted force; using at least the third sensor to measure the time it takes the athlete to traverse a fixed distance, the fixed distance being between from an athletes first position to a second position; determining a performance factor F using each of the results from the first, second, and third sensors in the equation (weight/time)*force=F/100, wherein the weight is determined from the first sensor, the force is determined from the second sensor, and the time is determined from at least the third sensor; [0012] Other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The above brief description sets forth rather broadly the more important features of the present disclosure so that the detailed description that follows may be better understood, and so that the present contributions to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the disclosures that will be described hereinafter which will form the subject matter of the claims. [0013] In this respect, before explaining the preferred embodiment of the disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and the arrangement set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The athletic apparatus of the present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for description and not limitation. Where specific dimensional and material specifications have been included or omitted from the specification or the claims, or both, it is to be understood that the same are not to be incorporated into the claims. [0014] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be used as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims are regarded as including such equivalent constructions as far as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. [0015] Further, the purpose of the Abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers, and practioners in the art who are not familiar with the patent or legal terms of phraseology, to learn quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essences of the technical disclosure of the application. Accordingly, the Abstract is intended to define neither the invention nor the application, which is only measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way. [0016] These and other objects, along with the various features, and structures that characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the athletic apparatus of the present disclosure, its advantageous and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated and described the preferred embodiments of the invention. [0017] While embodiments of the athletic apparatus are herein illustrated and described, it is to be appreciated that various changes, rearrangements and modifications maybe made therein, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of an athletic performance evaluation device of the present invention; [0019] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the athletic device of FIG. 1, taken along line II-II; [0020] FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of section A of the base of FIG. 2; [0021] FIG. 4 is a top view of the athletic device of FIG. 1; and Continue reading about Athletic performance evaluation device... Full patent description for Athletic performance evaluation device Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Athletic performance evaluation device patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Athletic performance evaluation device or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Hydraulic circuit and method for controlling said circuit Next Patent Application: Exercise equipment with interactive gaming component Industry Class: Exercise devices ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Athletic performance evaluation device patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.24222 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Novartis , Pfizer , Philips , Polaroid , Procter & Gamble , 174 |
 * Protect your Inventions * US Patent Office filing 
PATENT INFO |
|
