Sports training device and implementation thereof

Abstract

Embodiments of a sports training device that incorporates structure to facilitate installation and transport. These embodiments include a frame with one or more articulating sections that can change the configuration of the frame. The different configurations can change the dimensions of the sports training device, e.g., reducing the dimensions for transport and increasing the dimensions to match the opening of a goal.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus, comprising:
 a frame comprising hollow, tubular members that at least partially circumscribe an opening;   targets coupled to the frame;   magnets affixed to the targets;   magnetic sensors disposed on the frame in position to generate a signal in response to changes in position of the magnets relative to the frame; and   wires coupling the magnetic sensors to a common junction on the frame, the wires disposed inside the hollow, tubular members.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 springs coupled to the frame to return the targets to position following impact by a projectile.   
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 springs coupled to the frame and to the targets.   
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the targets rotate into the opening in response to impact by a projectile. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the targets change position relative to the frame to indicate contact by a projectile. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the signal from the magnetic sensors correspond with rotation of the target into the opening. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the signal from the magnetic sensor correspond with movement of the magnet away from the frame. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the signal from the magnetic sensors corresponds to impact of a projectile on the targets. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 an input device disposed on the frame to receive signals that originate remote from the frame.   
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 an output device disposed on the frame to exchange signals with a device remote from the frame, the signal including signals from the magnetic sensors.   
     
     
         11 . An apparatus, comprising:
 a frame attachable to a goal, the frame comprising hollow, tubular members with targets suspended thereon, the targets having a first part of a sensor device affixed thereto, the frame further comprising a second part of the sensor device disposed proximate the first part and affixed to the frame in position to generate a signal in response to a change in position of the first part relative to the frame, the second part of the sensor device coupled to wires that extend through the hollow tubular members to a common junction on the frame.   
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the first part comprises a magnet. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the second part comprises a magnetic sensor. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the targets rotate relative to the frame. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the targets return to position following impact by a projectile. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 springs disposed on the frame to move the targets from a first position to a second position.   
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 springs affixed to the frame to move the targets from a first position to a second position.   
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 springs coupled to the targets to move the targets from a first position to a second position.   
     
     
         19 . A system, comprising:
 a frame attachable to a goal, the frame comprising hollow, tubular members with wires disposed therein, the wires connected to sensors on the frame in proximity to rotatable targets, the rotatable targets comprising magnets that change position concomitantly with the rotatable targets and relative to the sensors; and   a terminal capable of receiving sensor data that registers a change in orientation of the rotatable targets.   
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein the terminal comprises software that requires an end user to hit the rotatable targets in a sequence.