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Sports training apparatus and method of using the sameRelated Patent Categories: Games Using Tangible Projectile, Playing Field Or Court Game; Game Element Or Accessory Therefor Other Than Projector Or Projectile, Per Se, Practice Or Training Device, For Game Using Field Or Court Having Dividing Means Thereon For Separating Opponents (e.g., For Tennis, Volleyball, Table Tennis, Etc.)Sports training apparatus and method of using the same description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070015613, Sports training apparatus and method of using the same. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention broadly concerns training equipment for sports and recreational activities. More particularly, the disclosed embodiments concern a sports apparatus useful for improving skills related to a particular sport, such as volleyball. Specifically, the embodiment of the present invention relate to a training apparatus useful for improving a volleyball player's skills for scoring points when presented with a variety of possible defensive techniques used by the opposing team. The present invention also relates to a method of using one or more training apparatuses to train skills useful for playing a particular sport such as volleyball. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Many individuals strive toward becoming and staying healthy and physically fit. While many seek physical fitness individually, by jogging, swimming, biking, weightlifting, and the like, others choose to do so through group sports activities. Such activities include such varied sports as tennis, football, basketball, soccer, and volleyball, just to name a few. While many participate in these sports activities for the social interaction, others seek to play on a more competitive level. In either case, such sports activities offer an enjoyable way to achieve physical fitness. [0003] Of the sports activities mentioned above, many such as basketball, football, and volleyball require skills of handling a ball so that it travels along a certain trajectory. In basketball, the player strives to aim the basketball into a basketball hoop to score points while in football, some players throw the football for their teammates to catch while others try to kick the football through the goal posts. In volleyball, players strategize ways to hit the volleyball in the opposing team's court. [0004] Many sports participants, particularly those who play on a more competitive level, train to improve these ball handling skills. For example, in basketball, players repeatedly stand at varying distances from the basketball hoops to practice their shots. Football players sometimes suspend tires and throw footballs through the opening in the tire to practice. However, during actual game time, the opposing team will try to deflect or otherwise keep the ball from reaching the destination intended by the thrower. Accordingly, it is also beneficial, during practice the practice of these skills, to imitate real game type situations. [0005] One way in which players can practice game type situations is with scrimmage matches. However, there are a few techniques or apparatuses available that allow coaches to assist in the development of ball handling skills outside while still having the player benefit from defensive playing positions. Coaches and literature both can provide tips for making the practicing player aware of common defensive positions. However, there is still a need for an improved method of improving these techniques. Further, there is a need for a training device that enables the setter to improve ball handling skills for a desired sport while benefiting from an apparatus that mimics possible defensive positions that will likely arise during real game time situations. The present invention is directed to meeting these needs. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION [0006] An aspect of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention is to provide a useful training apparatus and method for developing skills related to a particular sport; [0007] Another aspect of the exemplary embodiments is to provide a volleyball training apparatus and useful method in developing the skills for spiking a volleyball into the opposing team's court or otherwise sending the volleyball over the net to increase scoring potential. [0008] A further aspect of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention is to provide a training apparatus that is both portable and easy to assemble and disassemble; [0009] Yet another aspect of the exemplary embodiments is to provide a training apparatus that is adjustable to accommodate various associated sporting equipment, such as volleyball nets; [0010] A further aspect of the exemplary embodiments is to provide a training apparatus that can be oriented to imitate possible defensive techniques so as to improve the trainee's offensive game; [0011] Yet another aspect of the exemplary embodiments is to provide a training apparatus that is made of lightweight, durable material that can withstand repeated use; [0012] Yet another aspect of the exemplary embodiments is to provide a method of developing sports related skills for achieving a competitive advantage. [0013] According to the exemplary embodiments, an apparatus is disclosed for use by an athlete when practicing athletic skills for a sport that utilizes a horizontal net wherein the net is suspending above a support surface and wherein the net has a top edge and a bottom edge so as to define a vertical plane when so suspended. Broadly, the exemplary embodiments of the apparatus utilize a support frame that is adapted to be mounted on the net in a mounted state. A pair of blocking assemblies is then supported by the frame. Each of the blocking assemblies includes a blocking paddle that extends from the frame generally above the top edge of the net when the frame is in the mounted state. [0014] Each blocking assembly may include an arm having a proximal portion secured to the frame with the blocking paddle secured to the arm at a distal end thereof. The arm, if desired can have the size and shape about that of an adult human foreman. While the blocking paddle can take any desired shape, in one embodiment, the blocking paddle is configured in the shape of a human hand and has a size about that of the adult human hand. These paddles are formed of a low density, break resistant plastic, such as polyvinyl chloride. [0015] In any event, the exemplary embodiments disclose that the blocking paddle is secured to the support frame in a manner such that each blocking paddle may be placed in a selected orientation independently of one another. Such orientation may include pivoting the paddle relative to the support frame or, at least one embodiment rotatably positioning the paddle alone or in conjunction with a pivotally orienting the blocking paddle. To accomplish the pivoting motion, the support frame is provided with a pair of locking pivot gear fasteners corresponding to each leg. The blocking paddles are then respectively supported by each of the locking pivot gear fasteners whereby each blocking paddle may be placed and releasably locked in selected pivotally orientation with respect to the support frame. If desired, an auxiliary extension arm may be used with each locking pivot gear fastener. Here, the proximal end portion of the extension arm is secured to its respective locking pivot gear fastener. A respective blocking paddle is then secured to the distal end portion of each extension arm. This allows the blocking paddles to be positioned at higher or extended relationship with respect to the support frame. [0016] In the exemplary embodiments, the support frame has a top portion that engages the top edge of the net and a bottom portion that engages the bottom edge of the net. Moreover, the support frame is structure so as to be translatable along side the net whereby the frame may be selectively positioned therealong. To this end, the top portion of the support frame may be provided with at least one roller that engages the top edge of the net whereby the frame may be rolled along the top edge of the net for translation therealong. [0017] In the exemplary embodiments, the support frame is generally rectangular in shape and includes a pair of spaced apart legs each having a longitudinally extending central leg axis and each forming a respective one of the sides of the support. A lowercross piece then extends between the legs and an upper crosspiece extends between the legs of the selected distance with respect to the lower crosspiece. Here, the blocking assemblies are respectively secured to extend upwardly from each of the legs. The upper crosspiece may have an upwardly projecting lobe located between the axis of the legs and thus between the blocking assemblies. This lobe may be configured to have a size and shape about that of an adult human head so as to more accurately simulate a imaginary defender. Further, the selected distance between the upper and lower cross pieces may be selectively adjusted so as to allow the support frame to mount on different nets. [0018] The present invention also contemplates a method of training an athlete in the sport of volleyball. Here, the disclosed embodiments include a step of providing a training apparatus that includes a pair of independently movable blocking paddles. The method contemplates securing the training apparatus to a volleyball net in a manner that prevents translation of the training apparatus along the net. The orientation of the blocking paddles are selectively adjusted to desired locations. These steps can take place in any order. The method then includes having an athlete attempt to send a volleyball passed the training apparatus as if the training apparatus were a defender against the athlete. The method may also include an optional step of translating the training apparatus along the net while the athlete is attempting to send the volleyball passed the training apparatus. [0019] These and other aspects of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention will become more readily appreciated and understood from a consideration of the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention when taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a training apparatus as viewed from the front according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown mounted to and supported by a conventional volleyball net; Continue reading about Sports training apparatus and method of using the same... Full patent description for Sports training apparatus and method of using the same Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Sports training apparatus and method of using the same 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 Sports training apparatus and method of using the same or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Bataround Next Patent Application: Adjustable height basketball goal Industry Class: Games using tangible projectile ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Sports training apparatus and method of using the same patent info. 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