Device for sports training

Abstract

An apparatus for sports training on a playing surface, the apparatus comprising: a first holder defining a first receiving port for receiving a first lateral bar, the first holder being operable to hold the first lateral bar at a height selected from a plurality of selectable heights above the playing surface; and a second holder engaged with the first holder and defining a second receiving port for receiving a receiving end of the second lateral bar, the second holder being operable to hold the receiving end of the second lateral bar above the playing surface, the first lateral bar and the second lateral bar space apart from each other around an axis normal to the playing surface.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for sports training on a playing surface, the apparatus comprising:
 a first holder defining a first receiving port for receiving a first lateral bar, the first holder being operable to hold the first lateral bar at a height selected from a plurality of selectable heights above the playing surface; and   a second holder engaged with the first holder and defining a second receiving port for receiving a receiving end of a second lateral bar, the second holder being operable to hold the receiving end of the second lateral bar above the playing surface, the first lateral bar and the second lateral bar being spaced apart from each other around an axis normal to the playing surface.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first lateral bar and the second lateral bar are spaced apart at least 10° around the axis. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first lateral bar and the second lateral bar are spaced apart at least 30° around the axis. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first lateral bar and the second lateral bar are spaced apart at least 60° around the axis. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the second holder defines a third receiving port for receiving a third lateral bar, the second holder being operable to hold the third lateral bar above the playing surface, the first lateral bar, the second lateral bar, and the third lateral bar being spaced apart from each other around the axis to form a Y-shaped assembly of lateral bars. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the second holder is operable to magnetically hold the second lateral bar. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first holder and the second holder are vertically stacked together, the second holder being frictionally engaged with the first holder. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the second holder defines a plurality of protrusions, the first lateral bar being configured to engage with the plurality of protrusions to hinder movement of the second holder relative to the first holder. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the first lateral bar is configured to engage with the plurality of protrusions to hinder rotational movement of the second holder relative to the first holder. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the protrusions are dimensioned for mechanically interlocking with the first and second lateral bars. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the second holder defines at least four receiving ports distributed circumferentially around the axis. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a third holder defining a third receiving port for receiving an opposed end of the second lateral bar, the third holder being operable to hold the opposed end of the second lateral bar above the playing surface and below the receiving end of the second lateral bar. 
     
     
         13 . A holder for sports training on a playing surface, the holder comprising:
 a top portion extending at least partially parallel to the playing surface;   a base defined by first and second arcuate legs spaced apart from each other and extending downwardly from the top portion opposite to each other, relative to the top portion, so as to arcuately extend along the playing surface to support the holder on the playing surface;   a mid-portion extending at least partially parallel to the top portion between the first and second arcuate legs to form a slot underneath the mid-portion and between the first and second arcuate legs by laterally connecting the first and second arcuate legs, the slot being suitable for engaging with an additional holder for sports training; and   a receiving port formed between the top portion and the mid-portion, the receiving port being operable to receive and retain a lateral bar above the slot when the slot is engaged with the additional holder.   
     
     
         14 . The holder of  claim 13 , wherein the receiving port is a first receiving port and the lateral bar is a first lateral bar, the holder further comprising:
 a second receiving port formed between the top portion and the mid-portion to receive and retain a second lateral bar above the slot; and   a third receiving port formed between the top portion and the mid-portion to receive and retain a third lateral bar above the slot,   wherein the first, second, and third receiving ports are separate from each other.   
     
     
         15 . The holder of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 third and fourth arcuate legs spaced apart from each other, the third and fourth arcuate legs extending downwardly from the top portion opposite to each other, relative to the top portion, so as to arcuately extend along the playing surface to support the holder on the playing surface.   
     
     
         16 . The holder of  claim 13 , wherein the first and second arcuate legs are flared from the top portion to the playing surface. 
     
     
         17 . The holder of  claim 13 , wherein the lateral bar is suitable for magnetic attachment, the holder further comprising magnetic material to magnetically hold the lateral bar in a predetermined position.