Abstract:
An apparatus and method used for athletic training wherein movable arms are interconnected with a frame structure. A coil spring is used to reposition the arms to an original position. The arms and frame are typically comprised of a padded surface. The frame can be composed of a tubular structure to which the arms and head are releasably interconnected in multiple orientations. A target jersey with shoulder pads can be positioned over the frame to better simulate American football exercises.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/705,662 filed on Dec. 5, 2012 entitled “Apparatus And Method For Athletic Training,” which is incorporated by reference into this application. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable. 
     THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT 
     Not Applicable. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an athletic training apparatus. More specifically, the invention relates to a training apparatus for any sport that requires “arm to arm” contact and mobility, and particularly to an apparatus and method for training an American football player or athlete training for another contact sport such as rugby, mixed martial arts (MMA), basketball, soccer or wrestling. The invention can also be used in conjunction with a physical therapy program or law enforcement training. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Contact sports such as American football, rugby or MMA often require the use of tackling dummies, striking pads and blocking pads during practice to reduce the likelihood of injuries resulting from player-to-player or player-to-coach contact during practice and during off-season indoor or outdoor training. Conventional blocking pads and dummies are somewhat limited in the skills that can be taught using such pads and dummies. Conventional blocking pads and dummies are generally designed for maximum versatility, which typically makes such devices less suited for certain American football offensive linemen, offensive backs and receivers, defensive linemen, linebackers and defensive backs where “arm to arm” or “hand to hand” interaction is critical. While conventional pads and dummies are used to train offensive and defensive linemen in American football, such conventional pads and dummies typically lack the mobility and arm structure to adequately simulate the actions of their opposing linemen. For example, typical cylinder dummies or hand held pads and shields offer no arms to reasonably simulate an opponent&#39;s physical resistance and arm reaction, nor do they simulate the spatial integrity of the contact. Sled-mounted dummies lack any mobility and, therefore, are severely limited in simulating human movement. Conventional cylinder dummies lack mobility and, at best, provide only hook and loop attached arms that provide little, if any, resistance and do not simulate human opponents. While these devices may be useful for strength training, they do nothing to improve critical “arm to arm” and “hand to hand” techniques that are required for athletes to excel. 
     The present invention overcomes the limitations of the prior art by including a frame structure with spring mounted arms in a light weight blocking pad or molded dummy that simulates the independent arm action and other movements of an opposing contact sport player as well as offering new structures and functionality. Because this invention is light weight and can be hand-held, the resulting training device safely combines human-like arm action and the mobility of the instructor/coach/player positioning the device. The realistic arms provide unique spatial integrity and target points such as elbows and arm pits. The realistic arms also allow coaches to control pad level when practicing both blocking and tackling. This combination of realistic arm action and mobility allows the device to be used in the training exercises necessary for coaching or for instructing American football, MMA, basketball, soccer, rugby, law enforcement techniques and for use in physical therapy programs. This device also allows the coach to safely control movement, pad level or arm level and the level of aggression up to 100 percent during practice. As a result, athletes can improve technique, as well as physical strength and muscle memory, while safely simulating live situations at full speed. The device provides “arm to arm” physical training without repeated blows and pain to the receiving party, allowing the instructor to view and train proper technique. The dimensions of the device and the strength of the arm springs can be adapted to provide meaningful resistance throughout the range of movement enabling the device to be produced in youth, high school and adult sizes to provide training devices for both male and female athletes of all sizes. 
     In one aspect, the present invention includes a flat or an optional tubular frame that is embedded in an open-cell or closed-cell foam pad that is covered with a durable, protective material (e.g., vinyl, fabric, urethane or vinyl coating or other similar materials) and these exterior surfaces can also be molded to more accurately simulate the human body. The outer cover of the present invention also can include handles to allow a coach or instructor to properly position the light weight device. The rigid portions of the invention can be constructed from solid or tubular steel, aluminum, FIBERGLAS, a glass fiber reinforced plastic material, plastic, composites or other similar materials. The arms can be straight or slightly bent toward the center to better simulate a human opponent. The rigid portion of the arm can be constructed from steel, aluminum, plastic, FIBERGLAS, a glass fiber reinforced plastic material, composites or other materials. The rigid arms can be covered by open-cell or closed-cell cylindrical foam pad and covered with a durable, protective material (vinyl, fabric, urethane or vinyl coating or other similar materials) and these materials can also be molded to more accurately simulate the human body. This device also can include an arm/spring combination that is formed from a single piece of material that would be attached to the frame using the “stress relief pin” technique. This same fabrication approach can be used to form an arm with both simulated shoulder and elbow joints as well as a wrist joint. 
     In the “flat frame” version of the present invention, the springs for the spring arms are attached (typically using a silicone/bronze weld or equivalent) at right angles to the flat frame around the “stress relief pin,” The “stress relief pin” limits the amount of spring deflection and minimizes the amount of stress on the welds holding the springs to the frame by distributing the force along the active coils of the spring. In the case where an arm rod is attached to the other end of the spring, the solid arm piece is inserted into the coil spring to provide a “stress relief pin” at that spring weld point. This mounting technique significantly increases device life. 
     In the “tubular frame” version of the present invention, the rigid frame is comprised of three square tubes, a vertical “spine tube” welded at right angles to a horizontal “shoulder tube” and a “waist tube” also welded at right angles to the “spine tube” and parallel to the “shoulder tube”. The ends of these tubes provide openings for rectangular plugs to be inserted and secured. The spring ends for the arms, optional head and mounting devices are welded to the removable, rectangular plugs and these plugs can be inserted and secured independently in any orientation. Springs are welded to the rectangular plugs using the same “stress relief pin” concepts discussed above. 
     Using the tubular frame version of the invention, a spring mounted head plug can be inserted and secured in the top of the “spine tube” and the left and right arm plugs can be inserted in the ends of the “shoulder tube” in any chosen orientation, e.g. both up, both forward, both down, both backward, or one up and one down, one forward and one up, etc. The rectangular plugs can also be formed to have the springs mounted at 45 degree angles, increasing the arm orientations to eight possible positions. The Tubular Frame also provides an opening at the bottom of the “spine tube” to allow the insertion of a support mechanism when an instructor needs to hold the training device away from his body, e.g., when training head or body kicks during MMA instruction. The support device can also be a mono-pole with a foot, spike or caster base depending on the desired mobility. With the addition of the appropriate mounting hardware the device may also be mounted to walls, football sleds, cylinder dummies or other specific purpose training apparatus. 
     In another aspect, to further increase the realism of the training, the present invention can include the ability to magnetically attach training aids to the arms, e.g., a football, a weapon, MMA devices, etc. The present invention can also provide a football target jersey with integral shoulder pads for use in the advanced training of hand placement and how offensive linemen should engage their opponent. The targets on the jersey are preferred hand placement for offensive blockers, and the shoulder pads provide “legal grab points” for all offensive and defensive players. The target jersey further simulates the actual feel the player will encounter in game conditions. With the target jersey/shoulder pads mounted on the device, the arms function normally. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a blocking pad. 
         FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of a blocking pad. 
         FIG. 3  is a top plan view of a blocking pad. 
         FIG. 4  is a rear elevation view of a blocking pad. 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are views of a stress relief pin. 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  are views of a one piece spring/arm. 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  are views of an alternative spring design. 
         FIG. 8  shows a flat frame assembly. 
         FIGS. 9A and 9B  show a tubular frame design. 
         FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C  show an arm plug assembly. 
         FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D  show the shoulder tube and locking pin assembly. 
         FIG. 12  shows a tubular frame assembly with optional head assembly. 
         FIG. 13  shows a molded head cover. 
         FIG. 14  shows a tubular frame assembly. 
         FIG. 15  shows a reversible molded arm. 
         FIGS. 16A, 16B, and 16C  show a shoulder pad subassembly. 
         FIGS. 17A and 17B  show the shoulder pad subassembly attached to the pad. 
         FIGS. 18A and 18B  show a target jersey mounted over the shoulder pad subassembly. 
         FIG. 19  shows an extended handle included with the base frame. 
         FIG. 20A  and  FIG. 20B  show an embodiment wherein blocking pad can be mounted on a cylinder dummy using a cap/hood assembly. 
         FIG. 21  shows a rear elevation of one aspect of the blocking pad with a rectangular mounting sleeve welded to the frame for use with football sleds or wall mounting. 
         FIGS. 22A-22D  show operation of the blocking pad between a player and a coach. 
     
    
    
     The drawings are shown for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a front perspective view of a blocking pad  10  according to one aspect of the present invention is shown. Blocking pad  10  includes a main body  100 , a first arm  200 , and a second arm  300 . Main body  100  typically includes a pad  150 , which in one aspect of the invention is an approximately four inch thick vinyl covered foam pad. The pad can also be formed from molded foam with an integral skin covering. In another aspect of the invention, body  100  can include openings  112  and  114  to receive ends  6260  and  6280  of spine tube  6200  (see  FIG. 9A ). As explained herein, arms  200  and  300  can move independently in any direction and when released will return to their original position. 
       FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of the blocking pad  10  which includes a main body  150  and a second arm  300 . An arm stiffener  350  is shown embedded within the second arm  300 . Arm  300  typically includes two inch thick vinyl covered foam tubing, and arm stiffener  350  is typically used to provide rigidity and strength to arm  300 . The arm stiffener may also be molded into a foam arm with an integral skin covering. Arm  300  can move up and down as well as right to left and will return to its initial unrestrained position when released. The arm spring (not shown) is attached to a horizontal support member in the frame  600 . 
       FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the blocking pad  10  according to another aspect of the invention. A horizontal support bar  600  (e.g., a frame) is typically used to support arms  200  and  300  according to one aspect of the invention. The arms  200  and  300  can move horizontally as indicated and vertically and will return to their original unrestrained position when released. 
       FIG. 4  is a rear elevation view of the blocking pad  10  according to one aspect of the invention. Here, three handles  402 ,  404 , and  406  can be attached to the cover of pad  150  to allow an instructor to properly position and hold the device. 
       FIG. 5B  is a top plan view of a stress relief pin  330 , also shown in  FIG. 5A , and the spring  325  typically mounted or otherwise interconnected to the frame  600  and to the arm stiffener  350 . The stress relief pin  330  can be welded to the frame  600  at the rear of the guide pin. The stress relief pin  330  can be approximately 25 percent of the length of the spring  325 . Alternatively, any other suitable length for reducing the stress on spring  325  can be used. The spring is typically welded to the frame  600  using a silicone/bronze welding/brazing method. The arm stiffener  350  is typically inserted approximately 25 percent of the length of the spring  325  and welded/brazed. The same process is used for arm stiffener  250  (not shown). 
       FIG. 6A  is a top view of a one piece spring/arm  327  mounted or otherwise interconnected to the frame  600 , which is also shown in  FIG. 6B . The stress relief pin  330  can be secured to the frame  600  either mechanically or by welding. Any other suitable means for securing pin  330  to the frame  600  can likewise be used. The end of the spring/arm  327  also can be welded or mechanically secured to the frame  600 . The spring/arm  327  can also be formed to include short coils to simulate elbow or wrist joints. 
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  show elevation views of one aspect of the invention wherein the arm spring  325  and the arm stiffener  350  can be mounted to the frame  600  with no welding. The spring  325  is constrained between a retainer  3260  and a retainer  3270 . Retainer  3270  is typically interconnected to the frame  600  shown in  FIG. 8 . In this configuration, the spring  325  is constrained by the walls of retainer  3260  and retainer  3270  relieving stress on the spring  325  welded ends since there is no fixed point relative to the frame  600 . A cable assembly  3280  is inserted between retainer  3260  and retainer  3270  to compress spring  325 . Cable assembly  3280  includes a cable  3281  and cable terminal  3282  and cable terminal  3283 . Decreasing the distance between the cable ends  3282  and  3283  increases the compression forces applied against spring  325 . Cable end  3282  typically rests against shoulder  3260  and cable end  3283  against shoulder  3270 . The compression applied against spring  325  typically assures the return of spring  325  to a neutral position when the force applied against arm stiffener  350  is released. 
       FIG. 8  shows a flat frame assembly  600  according to another aspect of the present invention. This structure is comprised of three pieces of flat stock steel or aluminum welded together. The top horizontal shoulder (e.g., frame) member typically has one or more holes  601  and  602  drilled to anchor the “stress relief pin”  330  (not shown). 
       FIGS. 9A and 9B  show another aspect of the present invention that includes a tubular frame  6000  constructed of steel, aluminum or composite square tube material. Any other suitable material can likewise be used. The frame assembly  6000  typically has three components: a spine tube  6200  (e.g., vertical frame member), a shoulder tube  6300  (e.g., horizontal frame member), and a hip tube  6400  (e.g., horizontal frame member). The shoulder tube  6300  can be centered and welded perpendicular to the spine tube  6200 , and the hip tube  6400  be also be centered and welded perpendicular to the spine tube  6200  and parallel to the shoulder tube  6300 . The open ends of the shoulder tube  6300  can provide openings or ports  6320  and  6340  for the insertion of arm plugs as detailed in  FIG. 10  and  FIG. 11 . The shoulder tube  6300  will also be drilled to provide locking holes for the locking pins that are part of the arm plug assemblies shown in  FIG. 10  and  FIG. 11 . The open ends of the spine tube  6200  provide a top port  6260  for a head plug detailed in  FIG. 10C , and bottom port  6280  detailed in  FIG. 19 . The spine tube will also be drilled to provide locking holes for the locking pin that is part of the head plug and the support plug assemblies that are shown in  FIG. 10C  and  FIG. 12 . 
       FIGS. 10A and 10B  show the components of an arm plug assembly  351  that can include a square plug rod  333  drilled to support a “stress relief pin”  330  that can be welded perpendicular to the square plug rod  333  and a spring  325  that is silicone/bronze welded/brazed perpendicular to square plug rod  333 . Any other suitable interconnection between spring  325  and square plug rod  333  can be used. This assembly slides into shoulder tube  6300  at ports  6320  (or  6340  as shown in  FIG. 9A ) and can be secured in place by locking pin  610  that protrudes through both the shoulder tube  6300  and the square plug rod  333 .  FIG. 10C  shows a head plug assembly  360  where the “stress relief pin”  330  and the spring  325  are welded to the end and in line with the square head plug rod  334 . The assembly slides into spine tube  6200  port  6260  (shown in  FIG. 9A ) and is secured in place by locking pin  610  that protrudes through both the spine tube  6200  and the and the square head plug rod  334 . 
       FIG. 11A  shows the shoulder tube  6300  and port  6320  with the locking pin  610  inserted horizontally, and  FIG. 11B  shows shoulder tube  6300  and port  6320  with the locking pine inserted vertically through pre-drilled locking holes.  FIG. 11C  shows the end of the arm square plug rod  333  with the spring  325  welded to one of the sides. Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 11D , the end of the arm square plug rod  333  can be cut at a 45 degree angle and the spring  325  welded to that angled side. The combination of the four orientations of the square-cut arm plug rod  333  in the shoulder tube  6300  and the additional four orientations of the 45 degree angle cut arm plug rod  333  allow the spring  325  and the rest of the arm to be oriented in any of eight positions relative to the torso depending on the specific training requirements. 
       FIG. 12  shows a tubular frame assembly  6000  with spine tube  6200  (e.g., vertical frame member), shoulder tube  6300  (e.g., horizontal frame member) and hip tube  6400  (e.g., horizontal frame member) in a molded body pad  6500 . Head plug assembly  360  can be mounted in spine tube port  6260  (see  FIG. 9A ), and head core  361  can be attached to the head plug assembly  360 . Head core  361  can be a plastic or foam ball in certain embodiments. 
       FIG. 13  shows a molded head cover  362  that can be secured over head core  361 . The molded head cover  362  can be rubber or a molded form of self-skinning foam with some facial detail. Any other suitable material can likewise be used. 
       FIG. 14  shows a tubular frame assembly  6000  with spine tube  6200 , shoulder tube  6300 , and hip tube  6400  in a molded body pad  6500 . Head plug assembly  360  is mounted in spine tube port  6260  (not shown) and a head cover  362  is disposed over the head core  361 .  FIG. 14  also shows molded arms that can be molded around the arm stiffeners  250  and  350  (not shown) or around spring/arms  327  (not shown). 
       FIG. 15  shows a reversible molded arm  6600  that can be mounted as either a left or right arm. The arm includes embedded magnets  6602  near the hand palm that can be used to “hold” other training aids such as footballs, knives, guns, MMA weapons, etc., (not shown) to enhance training. The number of magnets in the football, knife, gun or other weapon (not shown) will increase or decrease the magnetic force required to separate the item from the arm/hand  6600 . The magnets in the “held items” (not shown) may be embedded in a simulated football or weapon or such magnets may be attached to an actual football or weapon depending on the nature of the training. These or other items can also be attached to the arm/hand using “hook and loop” devices as desired. Such devices can also be attached to arm/hand  6600  in any other suitable manner. 
       FIGS. 16A, 16B, and 16C  show another aspect of the present invention in which a shoulder pad subassembly  7000  is combined with target jersey  7200  (as shown in  FIG. 18A ) for advanced football training.  FIG. 16A  shows the hard plastic outer shell  7100  of the assembly, and  FIG. 16B  shows the foam inner pad  7150  that is adhered to the hard plastic outer shell  7100  to form the shoulder pad subassembly  7000 . A nylon or elastic strap  7160  can be used to attach the shoulder pad subassembly  7000  to the blocking pad  10 . 
       FIG. 17A  shows a front elevation of the shoulder pad subassembly  7000  attached to the pad  10  using the strap  7160 .  FIG. 17B  shows a rear elevation of the shoulder pad subassembly  7000  attached to the blocking pad  10  using the strap  7160  routed through the top handles  402  and  404 . 
       FIG. 18A  shows a front elevation of a target jersey  7200  mounted over the shoulder pad subassembly  7000  (not shown) attached to the blocking pad  10 . The “X”s  7202  and  7204  on the target jersey are targets for hand placement by offensive linemen and additional target markings can be added to the target jersey  7200  as required for advanced football training.  FIG. 18B  shows a rear elevation of the target jersey  7200  mounted on the blocking pad  10  with access to the device handles  400  to allow complete instructor/coach control of the present invention. The combination of the target jersey  7200  mounted over the shoulder pad subassembly  7000  mounted on the blocking pad  10  provides a realistic simulation of actual opponents and their equipment and there is no restriction on arm  200  or  300  movement due to the target jersey. 
       FIG. 19  shows another aspect of the present invention wherein an extended handle  7500  for use in mixed martial arts (“MMA”) training can be used when the instructor needs to hold the device away from his own body, e.g., when training head kicks. The extended handle  7500  typically mounts at ports  6320  and  6340  (see  FIG. 9A ) at the end of the shoulder tube  6300  and to the bottom port  6280  on the spine tube  6200 . A mono-pole support  6760  slides inside a locking collar  6750  that is attached to port  6280 . The mono-pole can be FIBERGLAS, a glass fiber reinforced plastic material, aluminum, or a composite and can be equipped with a foot, spike or caster base depending on the desired mobility. With the addition of the appropriate mounting hardware the present invention can also be mounted to walls, football sleds, or other specific purpose training apparatus. 
       FIGS. 20A and 20B  show another aspect of the present invention in which blocking pad  10  can be mounted on a cylinder dummy  8600  using a cap/hood assembly to attach it to the dummy  8600 . Typical cylinder dummies are 48″ to 72″ tall and vary in diameter from 14″ to 18″ with handles on the rear.  FIG. 20A  is an elevation view showing the blocking pad  10  secured to a cylinder dummy using a cap  8100  that has straps  820  with an adjustable buckle  8250  to vary strap length and a waist strap  8400  with an adjustable buckle  8450  to vary strap length. The cap  8100  can be constructed of nylon, vinyl or elastic straps or a mesh material, and the adjustable straps  8200  can be nylon, elastic or equivalent material and the adjustable buckles  8250  can be plastic or metal.  FIG. 20A  also shows an optional use of the mounting hardware to additionally secure the blocking pad  10  to the base of the cylinder dummy. This may be necessary if a football coach chooses to not only teach blocking techniques, but also tackling techniques using the current invention attached to a cylinder dummy.  FIG. 20B  shows how the blocking pad  10  is secured to the cap  8100  by routing the adjustable straps  8200  through the upper handles  402  and  404 . The bottom of the blocking pad  10  is secured to the cylinder dummy by routing the adjustable waist strap  8400  through the lower handle  406 . If a coach also uses a cap  8100  to secure the blocking pad  10  to the bottom of the cylinder dummy, the adjustable straps  8200  would also be routed through the upper handles  402  and  404 . 
       FIG. 21  shows a rear elevation of one aspect of the blocking pad  10  with a rectangular mounting sleeve  8800  that is welded to the frame of blocking pad  10  and a tethered locking pin  8810 . 
       FIGS. 22A-22D  show operation of blocking pad  10  between a player  1  and a coach  2  according to one aspect of the invention.  FIG. 22A  shows a typical starting position for player  1  and coach  2 . Arms  200  and  300  of blocking pad  10  are extended in a direction generally perpendicular to the surface of blocking pad  10 .  FIG. 22B  shows a “pushing up” move common for defensive linemen in American football. In such a move, player  1  will use his right hand to engage arm  200  and push arm  200  in an upward direction. The variable resistance of arm  200  creates a realistic simulation for such a maneuver.  FIG. 22C  shows a “pushing down” move common for defensive linemen in American football. In this move, player  1  will use his left hand to engage arm  300  and apply force to move arm  300  in a downward direction. Again, the variable rotational resistance of arm  300  creates a realistic simulation of such a maneuver.  FIG. 22D  shows an offensive lineman simulation in which player  1  is an offensive lineman, and coach  2  uses blocking pad  10  to simulate a defensive player with arms  200  and  300  extended outward. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous modifications and variations may be made to the above disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.