System for physically and visually demarcating activity zones and method of using same

Abstract

The novel system of the present invention includes a plurality of moveable markers, such as cones, having two visually contrasting indicators useful for physically and visually demarcating activity zones. The markers can be dispersed spatially, such as being placed on the ground or on posts, to demarcate areas, zones, regions or boundaries, for conducting an activity, such as soccer practice. The system is useful to guide, instruct, monitor or constrain the activity of an individual, or object. Alignment of the markers can visually separate one zone from another zone so as to indicate different activities for each zone.

1 . A system for physically and visually demarcating activity zones comprising:
 a plurality of movable markers capable of being dispersed physically to define a first area in which an activity can occur and a second area in which an activity can occur without the need for connections between the markers;   each of said markers having a first visual display and a second visual display wherein said first and second visual displays are visually distinguishable; said markers being arranged so as to visually distinguish said first area from said second area so as to afford the ability to instruct an activity within each of said physically demarcated areas in accordance with said visual demarcation;   each of said markers being movable independent of said other markers.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the first visual display is a dark color and the second visual display is a light color. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1  wherein said first area is adjacent to said second area. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the visual displays are digital displays. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1  wherein one or more of said markers include a sensor. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5  wherein said sensors monitor the presence or absence of an individual or object. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 5  wherein said sensors monitor the speed and location of an individual or object. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 5  wherein said sensor collects information in said first area. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8  wherein said information is useful to improve player performance. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 8  wherein said sensor communicates said information to a device. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10  wherein the device has a display useful for monitoring an activity. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 1  wherein said markers are practice cones. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 1  wherein said markers are placed upon posts. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 1  wherein said first area is used for a first activity and said second area is used for a second activity. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14  wherein said first activity involves players practicing passing a soccer ball and wherein said second activity involves players practice dribbling a soccer ball. 
     
     
         16 . A method for using the system of  claim 1  comprising:
 dispersing said markers on a level playing surface and arranging said markers to physically and visually demarcate said first area and said second area. 
 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16  wherein said system includes a sensor on at least one of said markers and a monitor on at least one user of the system to detect and monitor an activity of said user within said first area. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17  wherein said user is an athlete. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18  wherein said first visual display is altered in response to the performance of said athlete. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 17  further comprising: altering the activity of said user within said first area after monitoring said activity.