EP3914364B1 - Volleyball training device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a volleyball training apparatus, with a fastening unit for fastening the apparatus to a net post of a volleyball net, with a ball ramp fastened to the fastening unit to form a ball queue from a number of volleyballs, with a ball trap arranged at a first end of the ball ramp for catching and for reloading volleyballs into the ball queue and having a ball holding device arranged at the opposite second end of the ball ramp for automatically reloading volleyballs from the ball queue and holding a volleyball for training a volleyball attack shot.

Both the pass and the attack hit are an essential element in volleyball. A constant, exact pass to a certain position is the basis for a successful attack. The continuous improvement of both techniques is an important part of the training. Various devices are commercially available for training the pass to a specific position. First and foremost, these are ball catch baskets that serve as a target for the player. A ring with a net is fixed on a stand and can be positioned anywhere on the field. The product "Volleyball Zuspielring" in the range of the company Ballsportdirekt.de (www.volleyballdirekt.de) should be mentioned here as a representative. The disadvantage of these products is when they are used in beach volleyball. On sand, the stand must be securely fastened to avoid tipping over. There are also systems that serve to improve the attack hit. Carrying out an attack punch is a complex process, the success of which depends on various factors (assessment of trajectory and distance, approach step, arm swing, jumping technique, punch movement, etc.). To learn this technique, it can make sense to break down the movement sequence into sub-steps and train them in isolation. Ultimately, however, training of the entire movement sequence that is as close to the game as possible is necessary in order to be able to coordinate all aspects better and achieve an improvement in the game. Various systems are already known from the prior art, which support the training of the attack punch. In the following, they are summarized according to their mode of operation and the differences to this invention are described.

Fixed volleyball systems with elastic band or rod are known. There are currently commercially available systems that hold a volleyball in the air with an elastic band or a stick. Representative for these systems are the product MVA 300 ATTR from the manufacturer Mikasa, the patent specification CN 202497681 U and the Patent specification US 5,238,251 A called. The attack hit can always be used with the be trained on the same ball as the band or stick will return it to its starting position. A downside to these systems is the lack of feedback to the exerciser as to where and how the volleyball would hit the ground. Another disadvantage is that once attacked, the ball cannot be incorporated into a game form. Another disadvantage is the attachment of these systems. In the sand on a beach volleyball court, these devices can easily tilt or not be mounted at all.

Devices in the form of simple ball holders are also known in the prior art. A volleyball is clamped between two points and the ball is held at a certain height for an attacker with the help of a stick. The "Ballhalter" products in the Ballsportdirekt.de range (see www.volleyballdirekt.de) and the "Volleyball Training Aid - SmartSpike" product available on www.ebay.com should be mentioned here as representative of this category. The disadvantage of these products is that after the attack hit, the ball has to be pinched again manually and held at a certain height. This costs time and interrupts the flow of training in larger groups. Independent training is also not possible because a second person has to hold the device.

Systems with a ball holder and an automatic reloading function are also known in the prior art. With these devices, a volleyball is clamped and after an attack hit, a new ball is automatically added to the holder. The patent specification should be mentioned here U.S. 2014/0135152 A1 , where the apparatus mentioned there is attached to a basketball hoop. The disadvantage of this system is that a basketball hoop or similar holder is required to use it. This requirement is not met on a volleyball field in the hall or on the beach. A game-related training on the field (running paths, estimating distances, etc.) cannot take place as a result.

Another system is through the patent U.S. 2012/0165134 A1 and US 8,371,964 B2 known. This system incorporates an automatic ball reload function on its own caster stand to which the device is mounted. The disadvantage of this system is the size and weight for use in beach volleyball. This apparatus is designed to move on firm, level ground. On the beach volleyball court on sand, this device is cumbersome and has to be aligned extra horizontally.

A ball catch mechanism is present in the aforementioned systems, but the opening of the catch basket is only directed upwards and is primarily used for easy catching of the balls in the loading device. Therefore, the two systems listed for the additional training of the pass are only partial and limited suitability. Another disadvantage of the aforementioned products is the large difference in height between the ball catch mechanism and the ball holder.

More volleyball training devices are from the FR2722417A1 , US 5,913,739A , U.S. 7,041,016 B1 and the KR 101647118 B1 known. In the systems disclosed, however, the flexibility of the training is restricted because only one attack hit can be trained. In addition, real game situations cannot be trained with some systems because the ball is not released.

Proceeding from the state of the art, it is therefore an object of the invention to specify a combined device for training passing and attacking shots on both a volleyball and beach volleyball court.

According to the invention, the object is achieved in that the ball trap and the holding device are detachably attached to the ball ramp, the ball trap for training a volleyball pass being attachable instead of the ball holding device at the second end of the ball ramp. The invention thus creates a system for learning, improving and analyzing the attack shot and the exact delivery of a ball. Net posts are always present in both indoor volleyball and beach volleyball and their height and distance from the field are internationally standardized. By attaching it to one of the two firmly anchored net posts, the disadvantage of the poor stability of previous systems, which were not or only poorly suited for beach volleyball, is eliminated. The ball holding device offers the advantage that the ball can move freely after the attack hit and can therefore be integrated into the game. By automatically reloading a ball from the ball queue into the ball holding device, it is no longer necessary to manually reload a single ball. An additional person is therefore not necessary.

The attachment unit preferably has a raising and lowering mechanism for adjusting the height of the apparatus. This allows the height of the device to be adjusted individually, e.g. to different groups of people, such as men, women and children.

The ball ramp is preferably releasably connected to the attachment unit, with the ball ramp being pivotable relative to the attachment unit. This allows the distance to the playing field and the angle between the apparatus and the volleyball net to be adjusted, which means that different positions for passing and attacking can be trained.

The ball ramp can preferably be fixed in different angular positions relative to the fastening unit, so that the position of the apparatus does not change during training.

It is advantageous if a length between the first end and the second end of the ball ramp can be adjusted, preferably by at least one telescopic tube. As a result, the ball holding device or the ball catch basket can be used very flexibly in a larger area of the volleyball field.

Advantageously, the second end of the ball ramp is rotatably connected to a first support element end of a support element and the support element can be rotatably fastened to the fastening unit with an opposite second support element end, the length of the support element preferably being adjustable. This allows the ball ramp to be positioned more flexibly relative to the volleyball net.

The ball ramp or the support element preferably has a device arm extending in the transverse direction, wherein the ball ramp or the support element can be fastened to the fastening unit with a first end or with an opposite second end of the device arm. This allows the apparatus to be used more flexibly for both halves of the volleyball field.

The ball trap preferably has a basket with a first opening and a second opening, wherein the ball trap can be attached to the first end of the ball ramp in such a way that a volleyball can be fed to the basket through the first opening and through the second opening to the ball queue or directly to the ball holding device can be fed and can be attached to the second end of the ball ramp in such a way that a volleyball can be fed to the basket through the first opening by means of a pass.

The basket preferably has a net or a tube made of a closed, preferably textile material, with the tube for training the attack shot being able to be fastened to the second opening on the ball holding device. The net or flexible hose reduces the risk of balls falling off the apparatus and minimizes the weight of the apparatus.

The ball catch basket preferably has a joint for setting an angle between the ball catch basket and the ball ramp. This allows you to vary the orientation of the basket for training the pass.

The ball holding device preferably includes a frame for attaching the ball holding device to the ball ramp, a trigger mechanism rotatably attached to the frame for automatically reloading balls from the ball queue into the ball holding device, a first bearing surface connected to the trigger mechanism, and a second bearing surface connected to the frame, wherein the first and second bearing surfaces are configured to cooperate to support a volleyball. This creates a simple and easy-to-handle ball holding device that allows after the implementation of a Attack stroke individual balls from the ball queue are sequentially reloaded between the contact surfaces.

A flexible band, preferably a tape measure, can preferably be arranged at the first and/or at the second end of the ball ramp. The strap can be used to attach the ball ramp to the volleyball net to stabilize the ball ramp when the ball ramp is not fixable relative to the attachment unit. If the tape is designed as a tape measure, the height of the apparatus above the edge of the net or a jump height can be measured, for example.

A block module can preferably be provided in the apparatus, which can be fastened to the inner end of the ball ramp instead of the ball holding device for training a volleyball block. In this way, another important move can be trained in addition to the attack hit and the pass. It can be advantageous here if the block module has a plate with markings for reading a block height above the net edge of the volleyball net.

Preferably, the ball catcher and the ball holding device are attachable to the ball ramp for storage and transport of the apparatus in a compact state, the ball catcher being attached to the first end of the ball ramp and the ball holding device to the second end of the ball ramp in such a way that the ball catcher and the ball holding device are attached to one another located facing between the first and second ends of the ball ramp and touching each other. Some clubs train in separate halls and face the challenge of having to transport training equipment between these locations. A mobile and compact training device for use at different locations can save costs. The device can be folded up compactly and is therefore particularly suitable for transport.

• Fig. 1 den Grundriss eines Volleyballfeldes,
• Fig. 2. eine Aufsicht auf ein Volleyballfeld mit zwei an den Netzpfosten befestigten Apparaten,
• Fig. 3 eine Seitenansicht von zwei an den Netzpfosten befestigten Apparaten parallel zum Volleyballnetz,
• Fig. 4 eine Seitenansicht der Befestigung am Netzpfosten,
• Fig. 5 eine Aufsicht der Befestigung an einem rechteckigen Netzpfosten,
• Fig. 6 eine Vorderansicht des unteren Teils der Befestigung,
• Fig. 7 einen Schnitt A-A durch die Befestigung,
• Fig. 8 eine Rückansicht der Befestigung und des Umlenkmechanismus,
• Fig. 9 einen Schnitt B-B durch den Umlenkmechanismus der Befestigung,
• Fig. 10 eine Aufsicht der Ballrampe,
• Fig. 11 eine Seitenansicht der Ballrampe,
• Fig. 12 eine Rückansicht der Ballrampe,
• Fig. 13 eine Vorderansicht der Ballrampe,
• Fig. 14 eine Vorderansicht des Ballfangkorbes,
• Fig. 15 eine Seitenansicht des Ballfangkorbes,
• Fig. 16 die Montage des Ballfangkorbes am Gerätearm,
• Fig. 17 die Montage des Ballfangkorbes am Auszug,
• Fig. 18 eine Seitenansicht der Ballhaltevorrichtung,
• Fig. 19 eine Rückansicht der Ballhaltevorrichtung,
• Fig. 20 eine Aufsicht auf den Auslösemechanismus mit der ersten Auflagefläche der Ballhaltevorrichtung,
• Fig. 21 eine Seitenansicht des Auslösemechanismus mit der ersten Auflagefläche der Ballhaltevorrichtung,
• Fig. 22 eine Seitenansicht der zweiten Auflagefläche der Ballhaltevorrichtung,
• Fig. 23 eine Rückansicht der zweiten Auflagefläche der Ballhaltevorrichtung,
• Fig. 24 eine Seitenansicht der Ballhaltevorrichtung und beschreibt die automatische Nachladefunktion von Bällen,
• Fig. 25 eine Seitenansicht eines eingeklemmten Balles in der Ballhaltevorrichtung und beschreibt die automatische Sperre für nachfolgende Bälle,
• Fig. 26 eine Seitenansicht des Apparates im kompakten Zustand
• Fig. 27 eine alternative Befestigung am Netzpfosten,
• Fig. 28 eine Seitenansicht von zwei an den Netzpfosten befestigten Apparaten in einer alternativen Ausführung,
• Fig. 29 eine Seitenansicht der Ballrampe, eines Ballfangkorbes und einer Ballhaltevorrichtung für das Training des Angriffes in einer alternativen Ausführung, und
• Fig. 30 eine Vorderansicht der Ballhaltevorrichtung in einer alternativen Ausführung.

The present invention is described below with reference to the Figures 1 to 30 explained in more detail, which show exemplary, schematic and non-limiting advantageous embodiments of the invention. while showing

• 1 the floor plan of a volleyball court,
• 2 . a view of a volleyball field with two apparatus attached to the net posts,
• 3 a side view of two devices attached to the net posts parallel to the volleyball net,
• 4 a side view of the attachment to the net post,
• figure 5 a plan view of attachment to a rectangular net post,
• 6 a front view of the lower part of the attachment,
• 7 a cut AA through the attachment,
• 8 a rear view of the attachment and the deflection mechanism,
• 9 a section BB through the deflection mechanism of the attachment,
• 10 a top view of the ball ramp,
• 11 a side view of the ball ramp,
• 12 a rear view of the ball ramp,
• 13 a front view of the ball ramp,
• 14 a front view of the ball catch basket,
• 15 a side view of the ball catch basket,
• 16 the assembly of the ball catch basket on the device arm,
• 17 the assembly of the ball catch basket on the pull-out,
• 18 a side view of the ball holding device,
• 19 a rear view of the ball holding device,
• 20 a top view of the release mechanism with the first bearing surface of the ball holding device,
• 21 a side view of the release mechanism with the first bearing surface of the ball holding device,
• 22 a side view of the second bearing surface of the ball holding device,
• 23 a rear view of the second bearing surface of the ball holding device,
• 24 a side view of the ball holding device and describes the automatic reloading function of balls,
• 25 a side view of a ball jammed in the ball holding device and describes the automatic lock for subsequent balls,
• 26 a side view of the apparatus in the compact state
• 27 an alternative attachment to the net post,
• 28 a side view of two apparatus attached to the net posts in an alternative embodiment,
• 29 a side view of the ball ramp, a ball catch basket and a ball holding device for attack training in an alternative embodiment, and
• 30 a front view of the ball holding device in an alternative embodiment.

1 shows the ground plan of a volleyball field. The volleyball field is 18m long and 9m wide and is delimited by two base lines 7 and two side lines 8. In the middle, the volleyball court is divided into two halves of play, each 9×9m, by a volleyball net 9 and a center line. The volleyball net 9 is attached to two firmly anchored net posts 10A, 10B, which are located outside the volleyball court and stretched. According to international volleyball rules (see www.fivb.org) the distance 11 between net posts 10A, 10B and sideline 8 must be between 0.50m and 1.00m. An antenna 12A, 12B is fastened to the volleyball net 9 above each side line 8 and indicates the boundary of the side line 8 on and above the volleyball net 9 .

For better understanding, each half of the game is divided into six zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, which usually indicate the position of the players. At a distance of 3m from the center line, both halves of the game are separated by a line of attack 13. This line of attack 13 divides one half of the game into a front zone 2, 3, 4 and a back zone 1, 5, 6. A player training can be carried out from any zone 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 with the help of this apparatus. Simple passes to the sidelines 2, 4, which are played in front of or over the head, are basic techniques that every player must practice. Fast passes at first speed as well as normal passes at second speed can be trained. The pass can be trained parallel to the volleyball net 9 or at a certain angle. An attack hit is possible with this contraption on position 2 and position 4. These are two basic positions for learning the attack hit.

Training the attack hit from the back room 5, 6, 1 or a jump service from the base line 7 is not possible. However, this is not absolutely necessary for learning, improving and analyzing the technique, since all the essential elements in the front room can be trained in position 2 and position 4. In beach volleyball, there is no middle line or line of scrimmage. The volleyball field is 16m long and 8m wide. According to the international beach volleyball rules (see www.fivb.org), the net posts 10A, 10B must be between 0.70m and 1.00m outside of the side lines 8. At FIVB, World and Official competitions, the net posts 10A, 10B must be 1.00m outside the sidelines 8. In both indoor volleyball and beach volleyball, the net posts 10A, 10B are 2.55 m high.

2 . 12 shows a top view of a volleyball field with two apparatuses according to the invention attached to the net posts 10A, 10B. The length 14 of the apparatus can be adjusted with the aid of telescopic tubes. A training of attack shots 15 along the side line 8 is possible. The angle 16 to the volleyball net 9 can also be changed and is used for training diagonal attack shots 17 into the opposing field. The training of the pass can be trained from any position 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

3 shows a side view of two apparatus attached to the net posts 10A, 10B parallel to the volleyball net 9. The apparatus is mounted on the left net post 10A with the aid of an attachment unit 18 and is ready for training the attack shot. The ball catch basket 19 is located at the outer end of a ball ramp 20 and is used for catching and reloading 21 the balls in the ball queue 22 . A ball holding device 23 holds a ball in the air and automatically reloads balls from the ball queue 22 . The apparatus for training the player 21 is attached to the right net post 10B. The ball catch basket 19 is mounted on the inner end of the ball ramp 20 instead of the ball holding device 23 . The height 24 of the apparatus can be adjusted individually and enables training for both children and adults.

4 12 shows a side view of the fastening unit 18 in the fastened state on the net post 10A. A C-profile 25 is attached, open side out, to the outside of the net post 10A and contains the raising and lowering mechanism for the apparatus. A rubber pad 26 is located between the C-profile 25 and the net post 10A for better adhesion of the attachment unit 18 to the net post 10A . The C-profile 25 is open at both ends and allows the T-profile 27 to be pulled out both downwards and upwards. At the upper end of the fastening unit 18 there is a deflection mechanism 29 for the loop rope 28 and a projection 30A, 30B which rests on the top of the net post 10A and transfers the entire weight of the apparatus to the net post 10A. To prevent the apparatus from tipping over or slipping sideways, two tension belts 31A, 32A and screw clamps 33A, 33B fix the C-profile 25 to the net post 10A. At the upper end of the T-profile 27 there is a pin 34 and a bearing surface 35 for mounting the apparatus. A scale 36 on the T-profile 27 shows the current stroke height. Some net post models have a wheel 37 at the top to tension the volleyball net 9.

figure 5 shows a plan view of the fastening unit 18 on a rectangular net post 10. Although the height of net posts is standardized at 2.55 m, their width and shape are not. The attachment unit 18 must cover a wide range of existing models. The base of a net post 10 usually has a rectangular or round shape. At the upper end of the C-profile 25 is the deflection mechanism 29 for raising and lowering the T-profile 27. A projection 30A, 30B of the attachment unit 18 rests on the net post 10 and transfers the entire weight of the apparatus to the net post 10. Am At the end of the T-profile 27 there is a pin 34 and a bearing surface 35 with openings 38. These openings 38 contain a thread and are used to fix the apparatus at a certain angle 16 (see Fig.2 ) to the volleyball net 9. On the sides of the C-profile 25 there are two screw clamps 33A, 33B for the side fixation on the net post 10. The tension belt 31A is stretched around the net post 10 and secured with the tensioning device 31B to prevent loosening and tilting of the Fixing unit 18 to prevent.

6 shows a front view of the lower part of the fastening unit 18. On the sides of the C-profile 25 are the tension belt 32A and the tensioning device 32B. The lower end of the C-profile 25 is open to allow the T-profile 27 to slide down to a certain point. One end of the loop rope 28 is attached to the T-profile 27 and the other end to a carabiner 39 on the outside of the C-profile 25. The assembly of the loop rope 28 in the lower third of the T-profile 27 controls the maximum extension of the T- Profile 27 up. The length of the loop rope 28 controls the maximum extension of the T-profile 27 downwards. The height 24 of the apparatus is regulated by pulling on the loop rope 28 and secured by hanging the loop rope 28 in the carabiner 39 .

7 shows a section through the fastening unit 18 along section line AA in Fig.6 . Within the C profile 25, two square tubes 40A, 40B serve as sliding surfaces for the T profile 27. The two tubes 40A, 40B are riveted to the back of the C profile 25. A rubber pad 26 on the back of the C-profile 25 ensures better adhesion of the attachment unit 18 to the net post 10. There is a gap between the square tubes 40A, 40B in which a loop rope 28 can slide up and down. The looped cable 28 is attached to the outer part of the T-profile 27 via a hole 41 in the T-profile 27 and with the aid of a cable clamp 42 .

8 Figure 12 shows a rear view of the attachment unit 18 and the deflection mechanism. A deflection mechanism 29 for the loop cable 28 is attached to the end of the C-profile 25 . Two square bars 43A, 43B on the deflection mechanism 29 have openings with a screw thread 44. These bars 43A, 43B are inserted into the square tubes 40A, 40B inside the C-profile 25 and are fastened to the rear of the C-profile 25 with screws. The deflection mechanism 29 is wider than the C-profile 25 so that the loop rope 28 can slide past the outside of the C-profile 25 . The support surface in the form of the projections 30A, 30B of the fastening unit 18 is also located on the deflection mechanism 29 Net post 10. A rubber strip 26 on the back of the C-profile 25 ensures better adhesion of the attachment unit 18 to the net post 10.

9 shows a section through the deflection mechanism of the fastening unit 18 along section line BB in Fig.8 . A square tube forms a shell 45 in which a pulley 46 is located. A countersunk screw and nut 47 rotatably attaches the pulley 46 to the shell 45. Two square bars 43A, 43B connect the shell 45 to the C-beam 25. The pulley can be mounted over either the left bar 43A or the right bar 43B. On the outside of the sleeve 45, two rods form a projection 30A, 30B and thus a bearing surface for the fastening unit 18 on the net post 10. The sleeve 45 is narrower than the C profile 25 so that the T profile 27 can slide past it.

10 shows a top view of the ball ramp 20. This part consists of a device arm 48, two telescopic tubes 49A, 49B, an extension 50 and a platform 51. The pin 34 of the fastening unit 18 can be inserted into two holes 52A, 52B on the ends of the device arm 48 . This allows the apparatus to be mounted both on position 4 and on position 2 of a volleyball field (see Fig.1 +2). An additional set screw 53A, 53B fixes the device arm 48 and holds the device at the desired angle 16 (see Fig Fig.2 ) to the volleyball net 9. Two further holes 54A, 54B on the device arm 48 are used for mounting the ball catch basket 19. The frame of the ball catch basket 19 can be inserted into these and fixed using two locking bolts 55A, 55B. Two telescopic tubes 49A, 49B pass through the middle of the device arm 48 and regulate the length 14 of the device and thus the distance to the sideline 8. Both tubes 49A, 49B run parallel to one another and serve as a ramp for the balls. A locking bolt 56 on one of the two telescopic tubes 49A fixes the set distance 14 to the volleyball court. The extension 50 is attached to the inner end of the telescopic tubes 49A, 49B. This part is intended for the assembly of the ball catch basket 19 or the ball holding device 23. Both the frame of the ball catch basket 19 and the frame of the ball holding device 23 can be inserted into two holes 57A, 57B on the extension 50 and fixed via two locking bolts 58A, 58B. A platform 51 is mounted with the aid of two screws 59 on the device arm 48 and the outer end of the telescopic tube 49A, 49B. Balls roll from this platform 51 onto both telescopic tubes 49A, 49B in the direction of extension 50.

11 shows a side view of the ball ramp 20. The platform 51 is inserted into both telescopic tubes 49A, 49B on the outside and fastened to the device arm 48 with two screws 59 on the inside. Both the platform 51 and the telescopic tubes 49A, 49B are inclined slightly downwards in the direction of the extension 50 in order to ensure that balls roll off. In the inner tube of the telescopic tubes 49A, 49B there are holes 60 for fixing a tube 49B using a locking bolt 56.

Fig.12 14 shows a rear view of the ball ramp 20. The peg 34 of the attachment unit 18 can be inserted into one of the two outermost holes 52A, 52B on the device arm 48. FIG. The associated adjusting screw 53A, 53B extends through one of the openings 38 in the support surface 35 and fixes the bracket 16 (see Fig.2 ) to the volleyball net 9. The adjusting screws 53A, 53B are fastened to the device arm 48 via a screw nut 61A, 61B. The end of the telescopic tubes 49A, 49B is inserted into two holes 62A, 62B of the platform 51.

13 shows a front view of the ball ramp 20. The extension 50 connects the inner tubes of the telescopic tubes 49A, 49B. Balls roll over slide 50 on both tubes 49A, 49B without touching it. Two locking bolts 58A, 58B are used to fix the ball catch basket 19 or the ball holding device 23.

14 shows a front view of the ball catch basket 19. This is divided into a frame 63 and a basket 64 with a net 65. At the lower end of the frame 63 there are two round pins 66A, 66B which are fastened with a screw 68. These pins 66A, 66B are inserted into the two holes 54A, 54B on the device arm 48 and connect the ball ramp 20 to the ball catch basket 19. There are two more pins 69A, 69B in the middle for the attachment unit 18 on the device arm 48 or on the extension 50. The upper end of the frame 63 forms two wide plates 70A, 70B, which give the frame 63, which is open at the bottom, stability. The net 65 is attached to the basket 64 and is open at the top and bottom. Excess mesh 65 can be fastened with the aid of two Velcro fasteners 71A, 71B. The net 65 ends with an elastic band 73 at the bottom.

15 shows a side view of the ball catch basket 19. The pins 66A, 66B, 69A, 69B on the frame 63 enable the ball catch basket 19 to be mounted in different ways on the ball ramp 20. Holes 73A in the pins 69A, 69B are used for fixing to the apparatus with the aid of locking bolts 55A, 55B. The end of the frame 63 forms two wide plates 70A, 70B which give the open frame 63 stability. The basket 64 is inserted into the frame 63 at a sloping angle of about 30 degrees and secured with screws 68 .

16 shows the assembly of the ball catch basket 19 on the device arm 48. The basket 64 and the net 65 are located after assembly above the platform 51. The pins 66A, 66B at the lower end of the frame 63 are inserted into two holes 54A, 54B on the device arm 48 and fixed with the help of locking bolts 55A, 55B. The elastic band 73 at the bottom of the net 65 is fastened within the frame 63 at the front thereof. The screws 59, 68 on the frame 63 of the ball catch basket 19 and the device arm 48 serve as hooks for stretching the strap 73. Excess net 65 is attached to the basket 64 with the aid of Velcro fasteners 71A, 71B. A ball can thus roll from the platform 51 onto the telescopic tubes 49A, 49B in the direction of the extension 50.

17 shows the assembly of the ball catch basket 19 on the drawer 50. Two pins 69A, 69B on the frame 63 of the ball catch basket 19 are inserted into the holes 57A, 57B on the drawer 50 and fixed with locking bolts 58A, 58B. The basket 64 is mounted on the extension 50 at a sloping angle and the net 65 hangs loosely downwards. This variant can be used for training the pass.

18 shows a side view of the ball holding device 23. This part consists of a frame 74A, 74B, a release mechanism 75 and two padded support surfaces 79, 86. The frame consists of a vertical part 74A and a horizontal part 74B, which are at an angle of 90 degrees connected by two screws 80. Two gusset plates 81A, 81B give the horizontal frame 74B additional stability. On the vertical frame 74A are two pins 82A, 82B which are inserted into both holes 57A, 57B of the drawer 50 and connect the ball holding device 23 to the ball ramp 20. Holes 83 in these pins 82A, 82B are used to attach latch bolts 58A, 58B to the slide 50. The trigger mechanism 75 is rotatably attached to the lower end of the vertical frame 74A. At the end of the horizontal frame 74B is a channel 84A opening inwards. In this U-profile 84A, the second padded support surface 86 is pivotally mounted on a rod 85 by means of a screw 84B. This ball support 86 can be folded inwards for transporting the apparatus.

19 Figure 12 shows a rear view of the ball holding device 23. A cross brace 87 on the vertical frame 74A limits the height of the frame to the maximum height of a ball. The trigger mechanism 75 is responsible for automatically reloading the balls into the ball holder 23 and is rotatably mounted on the frame 74A. On the outside of the release mechanism 75 there are two stoppers 77A, 77B which abut the frame 74A and prevent the bearing surface 79 from rotating fully downwards.

20 shows a top view of the triggering mechanism 75 with the first support surface 79 of the ball holding device 23. This consists of a padded support surface 79 which is connected via two rods 78A, 78B, each with a counterweight 76A, 76B. The ball rolls via the two rods 78A, 78B over the extension 50 onto the support surface 79. A stopper 77A, 77B is located on both sides of the counterweight 76A, 76B, which prevents the support surface 79 from sinking completely.

21 shows a side view of the trigger mechanism 75 with the first bearing surface of the ball holding device 23. At the transition between counterweight 76 and rods 78A, 78B there is a hole 88 for mounting on the vertical frame 74A of the ball holding device 23.

22 shows a side view of the second support surface of the ball holding device 23. This consists of a rod 85 and a padded support 86. At the end of the rod 85 there is a hole 89 for mounting on the U-profile 84A of the ball holding device 23.

23 12 shows a rear view of the second support surface 86 of the ball holding device 23. The padded support surface 86 is narrower than a ball and is attached to the rod 85 by screws 90. FIG.

24 Fig. 12 shows a side view of the ball holding device 23 and describes the automatic ball reloading function. Balls are internationally standardized with a circumference of between 65cm and 67cm in indoor volleyball or between 66cm and 68cm in beach volleyball and a weight of between 260g and 280g (see official volleyball and beach volleyball rules at www.fivb.org). The diameter between the balls therefore varies by a maximum of two centimeters. As long as no ball is pinched between the two bearing surfaces 79, 86, the counterweight 76A, 76B rests on the extension 50 of the ball ramp 20 and keeps the first bearing surface 79 horizontal in the air. It is possible for a ball to roll through between the extension 50 of the ball ramp and the cross brace 87 of the ball holding device, since the distance is greater than the diameter of a ball. After the ball has rolled onto the support surface 79, the counterweight 76A, 76B rises and the support surface 79 lowers until both stoppers 77A, 77B abut the vertical frame 74A of the ball holding device 23. As a result, the ball is clamped between the two bearing surfaces 79, 86.

25 Figure 12 shows a side view of a ball jammed in the ball holding device 23 and describes the automatic locking for subsequent balls. If a ball is clamped between the two bearing surfaces 79, 86, the counterweight 76A, 76B is raised. Due to the rectangular shape and the distance between both counterweights 76A, 76B, a following ball is lifted. It is not possible to roll between extension 50 and crossbar 87 because the distance is less than the diameter of a ball. Only after the ball has been hit from the padded support surfaces 79, 86 does the counterweight 76A, 76B drop again and the next ball is released.

26 shows a side view of the apparatus in the compact state. This variant of assembly is intended for storage or transport. The telescopic tubes 49A, 49B of the ball ramp are adjusted to the smallest possible distance and fixed using a locking bolt 56. The entire ball holding device 23 is rotated horizontally through 180 degrees and secured on the drawer 50 with the aid of locking bolts 58A, 58B. Both support surfaces 79, 86 are folded up so that they rest on the telescopic tubes 49A, 49B. The ball trap 19 is opening down onto the frame of the Ball holding device 23 placed. The pins 69A, 69B on the ball catch basket 19 are inserted into the holes 54A, 54B on the device arm 48 and secured with the aid of locking bolts 55A, 55B.

27 shows an alternative embodiment of the attachment unit 18 for attaching the apparatus to the net post 10. Starting from a tensioning device 91, a rope 92 runs through four eyelets 93A, 93B, 93C, 93D on the outside of a rail 94. This rope 92 forms the upper end of the rail 94 a loop which can be placed around the net post 10. The other end of the rope 92 can be stretched around the net post 10 at the lower end of the rail 94 and fastened on the opposite side by means of the eyelet 93A. The tensioning device 91 tensions the rope 92 and thus lashes the rail 94 to the net post 10 . In this embodiment, the fastening unit 18 is a roller-mounted rail system, which can be adjusted in height relative to the net post 10 via a pull cable 95 . The device arm 48 can be arranged on the attachment unit 18 via a pin 96 .

28 Figure 12 shows a side view of two apparatus attached to the net posts 10A, 10B parallel to the net. The apparatus for measuring jump height is mounted on the left net post 10A. In this embodiment the apparatus includes a support member 99 . The second (here inner) end of the ball ramp 20 is rotatably connected to a second (here inner) support element end. The opposite first (here outer) support element end is rotatably connected to the fastening unit 18 . This allows a more flexible pivoting of the ball ramp 20 because the ball ramp 20 can be pivoted relative to the support element 99 and the support element 99 can be pivoted relative to the fastening unit 18 . Attached to the first (outer) end of the ball ramp 20 is a flexible tape, here a tape measure 97, which hangs downward. The first (outer) end of the ball ramp 20 is here mounted at a target height that a player should reach. The measuring tape 97 can be used to read how far away a player is from the set target height when measuring the jump height. However, the tape measure 97 could alternatively or additionally be attached to the second (inner) end of the ball ramp 20 to indicate how high the apparatus is above the net edge. The measuring tape 97 can be attached in a fixed or detachable manner. The measuring tape 97 can also be used, for example, to set the height of the shot for training the attacking shot if the ball holding device 23 is attached to the inner (second) end of the ball ramp 20 or the height for training the pass if the ball catch basket 19 is attached to the inner (second) End of the ball ramp 20 is attached. At the right net post 10B in Fig.28 For example, a block module 98 is attached in place of the ball holding device 23 at the second end of the ball ramp 20 of the apparatus. The block module 98 comprises a panel mounted substantially parallel to the volleyball net 9 over the edge of the net. The lower end of the plate is adjacent to the net edge on. Markings are arranged on the plate, from which a player can read his block height above the volleyball net 9 .

The tape or tape measure 97 can advantageously also be used to attach the ball ramp 20 to the volleyball net 9 so that the ball ramp 20 is prevented from pivoting during training. Furthermore, the tape or tape measure 97 can also be used as a pull line to adjust the angle 16 between the ball ramp 20 and the volleyball net 9 (see Fig.2 ) to set. This is particularly advantageous when the ball ramp 20 is located at a height above the ground where it cannot be grasped.

29 shows a side view of the ball ramp 20 with a support element 99, a ball catch basket 19 mounted on the first end of the ball ramp 20 and with a ball holding device 23 mounted on the second end of the ball ramp 20 for training the attack hit. The ball ramp 20 has a telescopic tube 49A here, through which a specific length of the ball ramp 20 can be adjusted. However, the ball ramp 20 can also have a fixed, predetermined length for use in training and can only be retracted into a compact state by means of the telescopic tube 49A, for example for transport. Of course, two parallel telescopic tubes 49A, 49B could also be used, for example, in order to increase the stability of the ball ramp 20. The support element 99 also has a telescopic tube 99A here, with two parallel telescopic tubes 99A, 99B being conceivable here as well. By adjusting the length of the telescopic tube 99A, the distance between the ends of the support elements and thus the distance 14 (see Fig.2 ) to sideline 8. At the left outer (first) end of the ball ramp 20, the ball catch basket 19 is inserted into the telescopic tube 49A and fixed therein. The ball holding device 23 is attached to the right inner (second) end of the ball ramp 20, here to the extension 50. As already mentioned, the ball ramp 20, here to the extension 50, is rotatably connected to the second (inner) support element end of the support element 99, as shown by the arrow in Fig.29 is indicated. The first support element end that is free here can be arranged rotatably on the fastening unit 18, for example with the device arm 48 shown.

The ball catch basket 19 here again has a basket 64 and is connected to the ball ramp 20 via a joint 64A. The angle of the basket 64 relative to the ball ramp 20 can be adjusted by means of the pivot 64A. The hinge 64A can advantageously be fixed in a set position. Setting a certain angle can be advantageous for the training of the pass, in which the ball catch basket 19 is arranged at the second (inner) end of the ball ramp 20. Instead of a network 65 (see Fig.16 ) the basket 64 here has a hose 65A made of a suitable flexible material, for example a textile material. The second opening of the basket 64, which faces the ball holding device 23, can be fixed to the vertical frame 74A of the ball holding device 23 be, for example, four loops 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D. Alternatively, a flexible band (not shown) could also be provided. This allows balls to roll through the first opening of the basket 64 (here on the left) inside the hose 65A of the basket 64 along the ball ramp 20 and out of the second opening into the ball holding device 23. This can ensure that balls do not fall out of the ball queue 22 onto the ground while being fed to the ball holding device 23 . Due to the fact that the balls are guided within the tube 65A, it is also sufficient in this embodiment that the ball ramp 20 has only one telescopic tube 49A. In the example shown, the triggering mechanism 75 has, instead of a first bearing surface 79 (see e.g Fig.20 ) two first bearing surfaces 103A (see Fig.30 ), resulting in improved holding of the volleyball. The distance 102 between the bearing surfaces 103A, 86 of the ball holding device 23 is preferably adjustable, for example via a screw 101.

30 12 shows a front view of the ball holding device 23 of an alternative embodiment. Instead of a fixed cross brace 87 (see Fig.19 ) the passage height 104 for balls can be adjusted using a screw 105. On the vertical frame 74A of the ball holding device 23 there are four fastening options 106A, 106B, 106C, 106D for mounting the basket 64 of the ball catch basket 19, in particular the loops 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D of the hose (see Fig.29 ). At the lower ends of the vertical frame 74A are two rotatable end pieces 107A, 107B. Through a rectangular cross section of the frame 74A and the corresponding openings 57A of the extension 50 (see Fig Fig.10 ) undesired detachment of the ball holding device 23 from the ball ramp 20 can be prevented. For this purpose, the ends of the frame 74A can first be inserted through the openings 57A of the extension 50 and then the end pieces 107A, 107B (below the extension 50) can be rotated relative to the vertical frame 74 and the openings 57 by an angle of, for example, 45 degrees. This system can, of course, also be used in an analogous manner to secure all other components of the apparatus.

Claims (15)

1. Volleyball training apparatus, comprising a fastening unit (18) for fastening the apparatus to a net post (10A, 10B) of a volleyball net (9), comprising a ball ramp (20), arranged on the fastening unit (18), for forming a ball queue (22) of several volleyballs, comprising a ball hopper (19), arranged at a first end of the ball ramp (20), for catching and reloading volleyballs into the ball queue (22), and comprising a ball holding device (23), arranged at the opposite second end of the ball ramp (20), for automatic reloading of volleyballs from the ball queue (22) and holding a volleyball for training a volleyball attack shot (15, 17), characterized in that the ball hopper (19) and the ball holding device (23) are detachably fastened to the ball ramp (20), wherein for training a volleyball pass (21), the ball hopper (19) can be fastened at the second end of the ball ramp (20) instead of the ball holding device (23).
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the fastening unit (18) comprises a raising and lowering mechanism for adjusting the height of the apparatus.
3. Apparatus according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the ball ramp (20) is detachably connected to the fastening unit (18), the ball ramp (20) being pivotable relative to the fastening unit (18).
4. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the ball ramp (20) can be fixed in different angular positions (16) relative to the fastening unit (18).
5. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a length (14) between the first end and the second end of the ball ramp (20) is adjustable, preferably by means of at least one telescopic tube (49A).
6. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the second end of the ball ramp (20) is rotatably connected to a first support-element end of a support element (99) and in that the support element (99) can be rotatably fastened to the fastening unit (18) by means of an opposite second support-element end, the length of the support element (99) preferably being adjustable.
7. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the ball ramp (20) or the support element (99) has a device arm (48) extending in the transverse direction, wherein the ball ramp (20) or the support element (99) can be fastened to the fastening unit (18) by means of a first end or an opposite second end of the device arm (48).
8. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the ball hopper (19) comprises a basket (64) having a first opening and a second opening, wherein the ball hopper (19) can be fastened to the first end of the ball ramp (20) such that a volleyball can be supplied to the basket (64) through the first opening and to the ball queue (22) or directly to the ball holding device (23) through the second opening, and can be fastened to the second end of the ball ramp (20) such that a volleyball can be supplied to the basket (64) through the first opening by means of a pass (21).
9. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the basket (64) has a net (65) or a sleeve (65A) made of a closed, preferably textile material, wherein for training the attack shot the sleeve (65A) can be fastened to the ball holding device (23) with the second opening.
10. Apparatus according to either claim 7 or claim 9, characterized in that the ball hopper (19) has a joint (64A) for adjusting an angle between the ball hopper (19) and the ball ramp (20).
11. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the ball holding device (23) comprises a frame (74A, 74B) for fastening the ball holding device (23) to the ball ramp (20), a triggering mechanism (75), rotatably fastened to the frame (74A), for automatically reloading balls from the ball queue (22) into the ball holding device (23), a first contact surface (79, 103A) connected to the triggering mechanism (75) and a second contact surface (86) connected to the frame (74B), wherein the first and second contact surfaces (79, 103, 86) are configured to cooperate in order to hold a volleyball.
12. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a flexible tape, preferably a measuring tape (97), is arranged at the first and/or at the second end of the ball ramp (20).
13. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the apparatus has a block module (98) which, instead of the ball holding device (23), can be fastened to the inner end of the ball ramp (20) for training a volleyball block.
14. Apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the block module (98) comprises a plate having markings for reading a block height above the net edge of the volleyball net (9).
15. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the ball hopper (19) and the ball holding device (23) can be fastened to the ball ramp (20) for storage and transport of the apparatus in a compact state, wherein the ball hopper (19) can be fastened at the first end of the ball ramp (20) and the ball holding device (23) can be fastened at the second end of the ball ramp (20) in such a way that the ball hopper (19) and the ball holding device (23) face one another between the first and second end of the ball ramp (20) and are in contact with one another.

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