초록 ▼

The disclosure provides a modular sports training system that can be assembled, placed on a supporting surface, and stood upon by a person during sports training activities. The system is adapted to be assembled with one module being disposed at a non-parallel angle to another module. The non-parall

The disclosure provides a modular sports training system that can be assembled, placed on a supporting surface, and stood upon by a person during sports training activities. The system is adapted to be assembled with one module being disposed at a non-parallel angle to another module. The non-parallel angle allows a person standing on the system to place one foot on one module and another foot on another module at the non-parallel angle, such as in a batter's stance, and allows the person to stand in a stable manner while encouraging certain positioning of the feet during the sports training activities. The modules can be coupled by an interlocking protrusion and receiver arrangement. The modules can be coupled together by inserting a protrusion of one module into a receiver of another module when the modules are unaligned relative to each other; and then twisting the modules into alignment.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A sports training assembly for training persons for sports activities, comprising: a first component comprising:a formed structure having an interior cavity and further including at least: a flat top surface,first and second end surfaces each formed at a non-parallel angle to the flat top surface

1. A sports training assembly for training persons for sports activities, comprising: a first component comprising:a formed structure having an interior cavity and further including at least: a flat top surface,first and second end surfaces each formed at a non-parallel angle to the flat top surface, and a first opposing side surface and a second opposing side surface, the first and second opposing side surfaces extending between the first and second end surfaces;a first protrusion formed from the first end surface, integral with and extending outwardly away from the first end surface;a first receiver formed in the second end surface;a second receiver formed in the first opposing side surface; andat least one internal cross support member formed within the interior cavity, the at least one internal cross support member spanning a distance from the first opposing side surface to the second opposing side surface and comprising planar support surfaces,the flat top surface of the first component accommodating and supporting a person thereon during a sports training activity, the person when standing or repositioning thereon during the sports training activity having at least one foot on the flat top surface during at least a portion of the sports training activity, the flat top surface being elevated above a supporting surface on which the assembly is positioned, such that the at least one foot is entirely elevated above the supporting surface and is accommodated and supported on the flat top surface during at least a portion of the sports training activity; anda second component interchangeable with the first component, the second component comprising:a formed structure having an interior cavity and further including at least: a flat bottom surface,first and second end surfaces formed at a non-parallel angle to the flat bottom surface, anda first opposing side surface and a second opposing side surface, the first and second opposing side surfaces extending between the first and second end surfaces;a second protrusion formed at the first end surface of the second component, the second protrusion integral with and extending outwardly away from the first end surface of the second component;a third receiver formed in the second end surface of the second component;a fourth receiver formed in the first opposing side surface of the second component; andat least one internal cross support member formed within the interior cavity of the second component, the at least one internal cross support member spanning a distance from the first opposing side surface to the second opposing side surface of the second component and comprising planar support surfaces,the second component is configured to couple in a mating relationship with the first component to form the assembly, such that when mating, the first protrusion of the first component is compatible with and is physically adjacent the second protrusion of the second component so that the flat top surface of the first component and the flat bottom surface of the second component form opposing outer surfaces of the sports training assembly, andthe flat top surface of the first component when in the mating relationship being elevated above the supporting surface on which the assembly is positioned. 2. The sports training assembly of claim 1, further comprising at least a third component interchangeable with one of the first component and the second component, such that the third component is configured to couple to the first end surface or the second end surface of at least one of the first component and the second component, and upon coupling, the third component extends a length of sports training assembly in one direction. 3. The sports training assembly of claim 1, wherein a length of the first and second components when coupled is about thirty six inches long. 4. The sports training assembly of claim 1, wherein a width of the top surface of the first component is at least four inches. 5. The sports training assembly of claim 1, wherein the first opposing side surface and the second opposing side surface of at least one of the first component and the second component have one or more receivers formed therein. 6. The sports training assembly of claim 1, wherein the second receiver formed in the first opposing side surface of at least one of the first component and the second component is formed in a mid-portion of the first opposing side surface. 7. The sports training assembly of claim 1, wherein the second protrusion of the second component is adapted to be secured in a receiver of at least a third component. 8. The sports training assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second protrusion comprises: a main portion extending longitudinally away from the first end surface; andfirst and second opposing individual wings, each extending radially away from an exterior surface of the main portion, and the first and second opposing individual wings on the main portion are so positioned so as to be inserted into any one of the one or more receivers in a first orientation and unable to be inserted into any one of the one or more receivers in a second and different orientation with respect to a horizontal plane passing through a center of into any one of the one or more receivers. 9. The sports training assembly of claim 1, further comprising an accessory coupled to the second opposing side surfaces of the coupled first and second components, the accessory having a sloped surface in a direction leading away from the second opposing side surfaces of the coupled first and second components. 10. The sports training assembly of claim 1, wherein in the mating relationship, the flat bottom surface of the second component and the flat top surface of the first component are interchangeable to allow the person to stand or reposition thereon during the sports training activity. 11. The sports training assembly of claim 1, wherein the first component and the second component have a same size and shape. 12. The sports training assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first component and the second component have receivers on both the first and the second opposing side surfaces. 13. The sports training assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one internal cross support member in at least one of the first component and the second component includes a recessed portion to accommodate an accessory stored within the interior space of the sports training assembly. 14. The sports training assembly of claim 1, wherein the sports training assembly accommodates and supports both feet of the person standing or repositioning thereon during at least a portion of the sports training activity. 15. A method of assembling a sports training assembly for training persons for sports activities, the method comprising: obtaining a first component, the first component comprising: a formed structure having an interior cavity and further including at least a flat top surface, first and second end surfaces each formed at a non-parallel angle to the flat top surface, a first opposing side surface and a second opposing side surface, the first and second opposing side surfaces extending between the first and second end surfaces;a first protrusion formed from the first end surface, integral with and extending outwardly away from the first end surface;a first receiver formed in the second end surface;a second receiver formed in the first opposing side surface; andat least one cross support member formed within the interior cavity spanning a distance from the first opposing side surface to the second opposing side surface and comprising planar support surfaces,obtaining a second component interchangeable with the first component, the second component comprising; a formed structure having an interior cavity and further including at least a flat bottom surface, first and second end surfaces formed at a non-parallel angle to the flat bottom surface, and a first opposing side surface and a second opposing side surface, the first and second opposing side surfaces extending between the first and second end surfaces;a second protrusion formed at the first end surface of the second component, the second protrusion integral with and extending outwardly away from the first end surface of the second component;a third receiver formed in the second end surface of the second component;a fourth receiver formed at the first opposing side surface of the second component; andat least one cross support member formed within the interior cavity spanning a distance from the first opposing side surface to the second opposing side surface of the second component and comprising planar support surfaces; andcoupling the first component with the second component such that, upon coupling, the first protrusion of the first component and the second protrusion of the second component form a functional mating relationship in which said first protrusion is compatible with and is physically adjacent the second component,upon coupling, the flat top surface of the first component and the flat bottom surface of the second component form opposing outer surfaces of the sports training assembly,the flat top surface to accommodate and support a person during a sports training activity, the person when standing or repositioning thereon during the sports training activity having at least one foot on the flat top surface during at least a portion of the sports training activity, thereby elevating the at least one foot above a supporting surface on which the assembly is positioned, so that the at least one foot of the person standing or repositioning on the top surface is supported on said flat top surface during the at least a portion of the sports training activity. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising coupling a third component to either the first or second components to extend a length of the sports training assembly. 17. The method of claim 15 the further comprising providing a third component, structurally compatible with one of the first component and second components, and wherein coupling with the third component one of the first component and second components comprises: inserting the protrusion from the one of the first and second components into a separate receiver of the third component when the protrusion is at a rotated angle relative to the third component such that a flat top surface of the third component is in a non-aligned relationship with respect to the flat top surface of the one of the first and second components; andtwisting rotationally the one of the first and second components relative to the third component to align flat top surfaces and to restrain the protrusion in the separate receiver of the third component. 18. The method of claim 15, further comprising placing the coupled first and second components on a ground surface. 19. The method of claim 15, further comprising coupling a pitching accessory to the coupled first and second components. 20. A sports training assembly for training persons for sports activities comprising: at least a first compatible module and a second compatible module, each compatible module as a formed structure having at least: a wall with an exterior surface and an interior space, the wall further including:a flat top surface to accommodate and support a person standing or repositioning on said flat top surface during a sports training activity;a first end surface formed at a non-parallel angle to the flat top surface;a second end surface opposing the first end surface;a first opposing side surface and a second opposing side surface, each in a planar orientation with respect to each other, the first and second opposing side surfaces extending between the first and second end surfaces;a first protrusion integral with the first end surface and extending outwardly away from the first end surface forming an extended surface, the first protrusion containing at least one discrete individual wing spaced apart on the extended surface, the at least one discrete individual wing projecting radially outward from the extended surface;a first receiving region formed through the wall of the first opposing side surface forming a direct passage into the interior space, the first receiving region having a shape to allow one other protrusion containing at least one discrete individual wing from one other compatible module to be inserted therein and to be restrained, the first receiving region further comprising at least one tab region formed through the wall for accepting the at least one discrete individual wing of the one other protrusion of the one other compatible module; anda second receiving region formed through the wall of the second end surface forming a direct passage into the interior space, the second receiving region having a shape and size that is generally of the same shape and size as the first receiving region; andat least one cross support member formed within the interior space spanning a distance from the first opposing side surface to the second opposing side surface, such that the at least one discrete individual wing of the at least first protrusion on the first compatible module engages and secures with either the first receiving region or the second receiving region of the second compatible module to form the assembly, in whichsecure engagement of the at least the first compatible module and the second compatible module includes receipt of the at least one discrete individual wing of the first protrusion of the first compatible module in the first receiving region or the second receiving region of the second compatible module to respectively secure the first protrusion of the first compatible module with the second module by securing into the first receiving region or the second receiving region of the second compatible module, such that the first protrusion and the at least one discrete individual wing of the first compatible module extends through the respective receiving region and into the interior space of the second compatible module,with secure engagement, the assembly is restrained on a supporting surface on which the assembly is positioned so the person conducting the sports training activity thereon stands on a top formed by the flat top surfaces of the at least the first compatible module and the second compatible module during at least a portion of the sports training activity, and a foot of the person standing or repositioning on said top is accommodated and supported on said top during at least a portion of the sports training activity, andwith secure engagement, the foot of the person standing or repositioning on the top is elevated above the supporting surface during at least a portion of the sports training activity, the elevation provided by at least the first end surface, the second end surface, the first and second opposing side surfaces, and the at least one cross support member of the at least the first compatible module and the second compatible module. 21. The sports training assembly of claim 20, wherein the first compatible module with the first protrusion is further adapted to be coupled with the second or third receiver of the second compatible module, the first protrusion to be inserted into the second or third receiver at a rotated angle such that the flat top surface of the first compatible module and the flat top surface of the second compatible module are non-aligned, and upon a rotational twist of at least one of the first and second compatible modules relative to each other, the flat top surface of the first compatible module and the flat bottom surface of the second compatible module-become aligned, such that when the first protrusion is inserted into the second receiver and upon the rotational twist, the first compatible module and the second compatible module are in a perpendicular relationship with one another, and when the first protrusion is inserted into the third receiver and upon the rotational twist, the first compatible module and the second compatible module are in series. 22. The sports training assembly of claim 20, wherein the at least one discrete individual wing includes spaced apart first and second opposing wings. 23. The sports training assembly of claim 20, wherein the at least one discrete individual wing has an edge thickness less than a thickness in a mid-portion. 24. The sports training assembly of claim 20, wherein the at least one tab region includes spaced apart first and second opposing tabs. 25. The sports training assembly of claim 20, wherein the at least the first compatible module and the second compatible module have a same shape, size and configuration. 26. The sports training assembly of claim 20, wherein the at least the first compatible module and the second compatible module are coupled so the flat top surfaces of the at least the first compatible module and the second compatible module are in a perpendicular arrangement in the restrained position. 27. The sports training assembly of claim 20, wherein secure engagement of the at least the first compatible module and the second compatible module provides corresponding flat top surfaces on a same plane. 28. The sports training assembly of claim 20, wherein the at least the first compatible module and the second compatible module are so coupled that the flat top surfaces of the at least the first compatible module and the second compatible module are arranged in series. 29. The sports training assembly of claim 20, wherein the at least one cross support member comprises a recessed portion to accommodate an accessory stored within the interior space of the sports training assembly. 30. A sports training assembly for training persons for sports activities comprising: a compatible module as a formed structure having at least: a wall with an exterior surface and an interior space, the wall comprising:a flat top to accommodate and support a person standing or repositioning on said flat top during a sports training activity;a first end surface formed at a non-parallel angle to the flat top;a second end surface opposing the first end surface;a first opposing side surface and a second opposing side surface, each in a planar orientation with respect to each other, each end of the first opposing side surface forming a corner with a respective end of the first and second end surfaces, each end of the second opposing side surface forming opposing corners with a respective end of the first and second end surfaces;a protrusion integral with the first end surface and extending outwardly away from the first end surface forming an extended surface;at least one cross support member formed within the interior space spanning a distance from the first opposing side surface to the second opposing side surface that further supports the person when standing or repositioning on the flat top during the sports training activity, the at least one cross support member further comprising a recessed portion and a planar support surface,a first receiver formed in the second end surface;a second receiver formed in the first opposing side surface; anda third receiver formed in the second opposing side surface,the sports training assembly configured to be restrained on a supporting surface on which the assembly is positioned, to accommodate and support a foot of the person standing or repositioning on the flat top of the compatible module during at least a portion of the sports training activity, and the flat top elevating the foot of the person above the supporting surface during at least a portion of the sports training activity so that the foot is accommodated and supported on said flat top during at least a portion of the sports training activity. 31. The sports training assembly of claim 30, wherein the protrusion includes a main portion that extends longitudinally away from the first end surface and first and second opposing individual wings, each individual wing extending radially away from an exterior surface of the main portion, and the first and second opposing individual wings on the main portion are so positioned so as to be inserted into a separate receiver provided on a separate compatible module so as to extend into an interior cavity of the separate compatible module. 32. The sports training assembly of claim 30, wherein the compatible module is a first compatible module coupled with a second compatible module in a perpendicular arrangement.