Abstract:
A device which is utilized during practice or other informal situation to teach a football player such as a quarterback or kicker to deliver a football around or over one or preferably a group of linemen. In one embodiment, the device includes a mechanism capable of moving at least one figure, simulative of a human athlete, from an inactive position to an active position which is adapted to mimic predetermined characteristics of a defensive line.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to a football skills training device which is utilized during practice or other informal situation to teach a football player such as a quarterback or kicker how to deliver a football around or over at least one and preferably a group of defensive linemen. In one embodiment, the device includes two or more figures, each simulative of a human athlete which are each operatively connected to and height adjustable on a base. In a further embodiment, the training device includes a mechanism capable of moving at least one figure from an inactive position to an active position which is adapted to mimic predetermined characteristics of a defensive line. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The game of football requires coordination between mental and physical skills. In order to improve these skills, players are subjected to numerous practice sessions generally in a formalized setting in order to learn new or different techniques or procedures. 
   It is often desirable for a quarterback or kicker to practice against a scout team having a defensive line which mimics an upcoming opponent in order to become better prepared or accustomed to what is likely to happen in a real game situation. Often times players will be injured during the noted practice sessions. For obvious reasons, it would be desirable to prevent injuries to team players during practice. 
   Furthermore, often times it is not possible to assemble a scout team which has the same height and width characteristics for a player in each position in order to simulate the upcoming opponent. It would be desirable for a football player, especially a quarterback or kicker to practice against the best “look” of an opponent, utilizing the same formation, as well as having the same or similar height and width dimensions of the opponent. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,810,618 relates to an apparatus for developing skill in playing football, the device consisting of a target game unit and a training unit which are detachably attached together; and in which the training unit includes a pair of upstanding frames mounted upon caster wheels so to be movable across the ground, the frames supporting several simulated player rusher&#39;s consisting of a fabric sheet stretched on a depending frame and the sheet having slits; and the target game unit consisting of netting pockets formed on a fabric sheet supported along its edges by tension springs from a tubular metal frame provided with means for being retained in an erect position while players toss a ball or the like into the pockets. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,252,076 relates to an apparatus for training athletes to reportedly improve their ability to concentrate on, track, and handle or catch a ball in motion with at least one central elongated body, a plurality of barrier arms for each elongated body with the barrier arms extending outward from and being arrayed along the central elongated body, and a mounting system for each central elongated body that is attached to and holds each central elongated body upright in substantially vertical position without the use of external supports. Barrier arms are made of flexible material. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,816,951 relates to a sports training device, which is a simulated human figure having at least one movable limb; a fluid-containing actuating system connected to the movable limb; and a trigger device connected to the fluid-containing actuating system, for activating the fluid-containing actuating system. The training device reportedly provides a distractive movement to acclimate the sports player to distractions. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,527,185 relates to an athletic training device comprising a base, an upright supported by the base, and a planar training shape simulative of a human athlete, including head, torso, arms and legs, mounted on said upright. The vertical height of the training shape is adjustable, and the arms articulate at the elbows and shoulders so that the position of the arms is adjustable. The training shape will remain at a predetermined height with the arms in a predetermined posture, so that the training device will represent an opponent at the posture and position for which the ball handler seeks to develop the countermove. Once the simulated opponent is countered at a first position and height, the height of the opponent can be raised. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   A football training device is provided which is adapted to simulate a defensive line in order to acclimate a quarterback, kicker or other players to various characteristics of an opponent. The device is used to teach the quarterback, etc. how to maneuver a football over or around the figures of the device simulating the defensive line. 
   In one embodiment the device includes one or more figures connected to a base, with the figures individually adjustable in height, etc. In a further embodiment, the one or more figures are connected to a rotatable member operatively connected to the base. The figures are movable from a down, inactive position to an upright, active position which is adapted to mimic a defensive line formation after the football is snapped from center. 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide a sports training device which is relatively inexpensive, mechanically simple and lightweight which is readily affordable by most football teams including college and high school teams. 
   It is a further object of the present invention to provide a training device which improves a quarterback or kicker&#39;s timing and/or ability to maneuver a ball over or through holes in a defensive line. 
   It is also an object of the present invention to provide a training device which minimizes injuries occurred during practice. 
   It is a further object of the present invention to provide a training device that is easily moved from one location to another. 
   It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a training device which allows training drills to be performed in a repeatable manner. 
   The present invention achieves these and other objectives which will become apparent from the description that follows. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will be better understood and other features and advantages will become apparent by reading the detailed description of the invention, taken together with the drawings, wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a front elevational view of one embodiment for a football training device in accordance with the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a right side elevational view of the device shown in  FIG. 1  with a player figure shown in a raised height and upright active position, and also shown in a lower inactive position via ghost lines. 
       FIG. 3  is a top view of the device shown in  FIG. 1  with portions broken away and other portions shown in ghost lines. 
       FIG. 4A–4B  illustrates various activating mechanisms which may be applied to the device for moving player figures from an inactive lowered position to an active upright position. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates the device of the invention, configured as in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , as it may be used in a football training exercise. 
       FIG. 6  is a partial front view of a further embodiment of the present invention wherein the figures are maintained in a stationary upright position. 
       FIG. 7  is a cross sectional side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 6  of the present invention wherein the figures are maintained in a stationary upright position. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   This description of preferred embodiments is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are part of the entire written description of this invention. In the description, corresponding reference numbers are used throughout to identify the same or functionally similar elements. Relative terms such as “horizontal,” “vertical,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing figure under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and are not intended to require a particular orientation unless specifically stated as such. Terms including “inwardly” versus “outwardly,” “longitudinal” versus “lateral” and the like are to be interpreted relative to one another or relative to an axis of elongation, or an axis or center of rotation, as appropriate. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected” and “interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. The term “operatively connected” is such an attachment, coupling or connection that allows the pertinent structures to operate as intended by virtue of that relationship. 
   With reference now to the drawings, particularly  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  3 , training device  10  includes base  20  which is adapted to contact a ground surface and provide stability to the remaining portions of the training device  10 . Base  20  is constructed of one or more base beams  28  which are arranged and connected to provide a sturdy frame for the movable simulated human player figures  40 . In one embodiment, base beams  28  or other structure or portion of the base is adapted to contact the ground. In a further embodiment, base  20  is provided with two or more wheels  22  rotatably journaled in axles  23  to provide rolling mobility to training device  10 .  FIG. 3  shows axles  23  operatively connected to beam  28  connected to one or more additional beams  28  or other fittings which collectively form a box-like frame. In many embodiments, the base  20  has an elongated structure in order to house, support and/or stabilize the plurality of simulated player figures  40  adapted to resemble a defensive line. In a preferred embodiment, from about 2 to about 10 wheels  22  and preferably six wheels  22  are operatively connected to the frame, preferably in pairs. Four pairs of wheels  22  are shown in at least  FIG. 3 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , in one embodiment hitch  26  is connected to base  20  in a suitable location such as at a rear end, so that the training device can be trailered by a car, truck, golf cart, or other towing vehicle. The training device  10  is relatively light in weight and can even be moved by a person, such as with handle  25 . In this manner, the training device  10  is easily moved to generally any desired area and positioned on a practice field or other location. A telescoping ground contacting member  24  is provided in a preferred embodiment. Ground contacting member  24  can include a jack which is utilized to raise or lower the rear portion of the training device in order to level the base  20 .  FIG. 3  illustrates a top view of a preferred embodiment for a base configuration of the training device  10  of the present invention. The rotatable figures  40  are situated on the frame so a weight balance, between the front and rear portions, of the frame is substantially attained. 
   Base  20  further includes one or more support members  30  connected to beam  28  or other structure of base  20 . The support member  30  generally includes an upright substantially vertical section  31  and a cross section  32  connected to vertical section  31  in which rotatable member  34  is journaled and rotatable. Cross section  32  is generally substantially horizontally oriented. In a preferred embodiment, a vertical section is utilized to support each end of vertical section  31  as illustrated in  FIG. 2  preferably through an appropriate fitting or connection. The support member  30  is substantially inverted “U” with the open ends of the “U” connected to base  20 . In an alternative embodiment, the support member  30  is essentially straight with cross section  32  connected to the upper end of vertical section connected to base beams  28  as illustrated in  FIG. 4A . A sufficient number of support members  30  are utilized so that figures  40  are adequately supported and allowed to perform their intended function, i.e., are free to rotate or move from a first position to at least a second position. Generally at least one support member  30  is used per  figure 40  present in the device  10 . The number of support members  30  generally ranges from 1 to about 20, desirably from about 2 to about 12, and preferably from about 6 to about 10 per device  10 .  FIG. 3  shows that a support member  30  is utilized on each side of simulated  figure 40  to provide a strong, rigid frame. The extension or length of the support member in a vertical direction is sufficient so that the rotatable cross section  32  is located a predetermined distance from the bottom of base  20  or a ground surface. The support member  30  has a vertical length that ranges generally from about 6 to about 60 inches, desirably from about 8 to about 48 inches, and preferably from about 12 to about 36 inches. 
   Rotatable shaft member  34 , rotatably journaled or operatively connected in the one or more support member  30  cross sections  32 , is preferably substantially cylindrical with respect to the direction around the shaft axis of rotation  35 , at least in the area of contact with cross section  32 . When two or more support members  30  are utilized such as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the support member cross sections  32  have rotatable member housing portions which are aligned in relation to each other so that the axis of rotation  35  extends therethrough. Accordingly, rotatable member  34  extends a predetermined distance along axis of rotation  35 . In some embodiments, bearings  33  are utilized to insure smooth rotation of rotatable member  34  in cross section  32 . 
   As described hereinabove, one or more simulated human figures  40  are adjustably connected to rotatable member  34  in order to simulate the characteristics of an opposing line, preferably a defensive line. Four figures  40   a–d  are shown in  FIG. 3 . That said, the number of simulated figures  40  utilized in training device  10  ranges generally from about 1 to about 11, desirably from about 2 or 3 to about 9, and preferably from about 6 to about 8. 
   The rotatable member  34  is formed from one or more individual pieces fastened in some manner through a suitable fastener or fitting and has an overall length generally from about 3 to about 40 feet, desirably from about 6 to about 35 feet, and preferably from about 18 to about 30 feet in order to accommodate the predetermined number of figures  40 . One or more figure connection members  44  are present on and connected to rotatable member  34  in order to attach  figure 40  thereto. The figure connection members  44  are spaced a predetermined distance from each other in order to accommodate the figures  40  to be utilized in the training device  10 . The distance between consecutive connection members  44  ranges generally from about 12 or about 24 to about 60 inches, desirably from about 36 to about 48 inches, and preferably about 44 inches. 
   Simulated human  figure 40  includes a main body  42  operatively connected to inner tube or figure extension  48  having one or more and preferably a plurality of aperture(s) located thereon.  Figure 40  is operatively connected to figure connection member  44  of rotatable member  34  through figure extension  48 . Each main body  42  has a vertical length which ranges from about 12 to about 48 inches, desirably from about 18 to about 46 inches, and preferably from about 24 to about 42 inches. Main body  42  has a rotatable collar  47  connected to the lower end thereof which is connected to an aperture  45  of inner tube or figure extension  48 . Figure extension  48  of  figure 40  includes generally from about 1 to about 20 apertures, desirably from about 2 to about 15 apertures, and preferably from about 8 to about 12 apertures in order to provide a predetermined height to  figure 40  in an up position as shown in  FIG. 1 . The apertures can be spaced from each other at increments of about 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 6 inches or the like. Tube  48  has a length generally from about 24 to about 60 inches, desirably from about 36 to about 56 inches, and preferably about 54 inches. Lower end of figure extension  48  rests against the lower portion of an extension figure connection member  44 .  Figure 40  in some embodiments also includes one or more arms  46  which are optionally movable from a down position to a raised position and are connected to main body  42 , see  FIG. 1 . If desired, a football helmet can be attached to the upper portion of main body  42  utilizing any suitable fastener such as screws, nuts, bolts or the like. Each  figure 40  individually has a greatest overall vertical height (i.e., top of helmet if present as in  40   b  and  40   c  of  FIG. 1 ) measured from a ground surface or the bottom of base  20  of generally from about 4 feet to about 7 feet, desirably from about 5 feet to about 6 feet 10 inches, and preferably from about 5 feet 6 inches to about 6 feet 8 inches in an upright position as shown in  FIG. 1 . Thus, each  figure 40  simulates a football player of a predetermined height.  Figure 40  tube or figure extension  48  is connected to figure connection member  44  and a fastener is inserted through aperture  45  of spin collar  47  connected to main body  42  to operatively secure  figure 40  to rotatable member  34 . In a preferred embodiment, the spin collar is utilized so that  figure 40  main body  42  can be turned or rotated on an axis perpendicular to rotational axis  35  while the collar  47  remains fixed to figure extension  48 . In some embodiments collar  47  does not spin. The ability of the body  42  to turn or spin aids in absorbing shock or energy transferred to the figure when hit by a football. If desired, main body  42  of  figure 40  can be directly connected to connection member  44  of rotatable member  34 . 
   In one embodiment as illustrated in  FIGS. 1–3 , an activation mechanism  60  is utilized to move rotatable member  34  from a first position to a second position. A piston cylinder assembly or actuator is illustrated in at least  FIGS. 1 and 3  having a first end operatively connected to base  20  such as through base beam  28  or a platform connected thereto and a second end operatively connected to rotatable member  34  in order to pivot figures  40  from a first position to at least a second position. In one embodiment, the piston cylinder is pneumatically or hydraulically operated. Numerous piston cylinder assemblies or actuators are known in the art and are commercially available from sources such as Norgren of Littleton, Colo. as the “Roundline” series, or Parker Hannifin of Des Plaines, Ill. as the SR series. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , cylinder base  64  is connected to base member  28  and a moveable connecting rod  65  is connected to connecting bar  67  which is in turn connected to an extension of rotatable member  34 , i.e., figure connection member  44 . When the piston cylinder assembly is activated, the rotatable member is rotated about axis  35  thereby rotating any figures  40  connected thereto. If desired, a plurality of piston cylinder assemblies can be connected at various locations along the frame in order to rotate figures  40 . 
   As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , in an alternative embodiment the activating mechanism  60  is a lever  50  which is affixed to a suitable location on rotatable member  34  such as an end thereof. As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the lever has a lower end connected to rotatable member  34  and is oriented at a predetermined angle with respect to horizontal and has a predetermined length to provide ease of use for a person manipulating the training device. With the figures  40  in a down position and substantially horizontal resting against stop  38 , the lever is preferably situated at a predetermined angle with respect to horizontal as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . When the lever is rotated in a counterclockwise position, the rotatable member  34  is rotated and the figures  40  attached thereto are moved from a first position in this case, the down, inactive position to an up, active position which is substantially vertical, with a portion of the  figure 40  resting against up position bumper  36 . Figures  40  can be rotated with rotatable member  34  to a plurality of positions, preferably between down stop  38  and bumper  36 , utilizing any activating mechanism. Of course, it is understood that stop  38  and bumper  36  may be omitted or modified in order to provide additional or less range of movement for figures  40 . 
   Additional activating mechanisms  60  are contemplated as shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B .  FIG. 4A  illustrates an alternative activating mechanism for the training device  10  of the present invention. As illustrated, cable  70  is attached to a figure main body  42  or other structure rotatably attached to rotatable member  34  and routed through one or more pulleys  72  connected to the training device  10  such as in location such as bumper  36  and along base beam  28  as illustrated in  FIG. 4A . In order to raise figures  40 , cable  70  is pulled so that  figure 40  is rotated to an appropriate active position. A spring and trigger mechanism can also be utilized in conjunction with cable  70 , wherein a trigger lock will maintain the figure in a down position until a trigger is activated whereby a spring force release rotates the  figure 40  from a down to an up position. 
     FIG. 4B  illustrates a further embodiment of a suitable activating mechanism utilized in the training device  10  of the present invention. Therein, servo  86  is fixedly connected to a bearing section  30  of the base other non-rotating structure of training device  10 . Servo  86  has an operating portion connected to rotatable member  34  such as at end thereof as shown in  FIG. 4B . Control apparatus  88  or electronic controller is connected to servo  86  by any suitable means such as wiring  87 . Control apparatus or electronic controller  88  activates servo  86  which rotates rotatable member  34  and  figure 40  attached thereto. 
   In yet another embodiment of the present invention, training device  10  is provided with one or more, and preferably a plurality of figures  40  as described hereinabove and incorporated by reference which are fixed in a substantially upright position as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . The base  120  is formed substantially similar to the previously described embodiment and comprises base members  128  connected to one another to form a sturdy, rigid frame. If desired, the above-noted wheels can be connected to base members  128  through an axle or other suitable portion of base  120 . One or more support members  130  of base  120  each have a substantially vertical section  131  in a substantially horizontal cross section  132  generally having a first end connected to a first vertical section  131  and a second end connected to a second vertical section  131  as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7  frame rails  137  are utilized to connect one or more adjacent support members  130  to provide additional strength to device  10 . Horizontal section  132  includes a figure connection section  144  to which  figure 40  is operatively connected.  FIG. 40  is preferably connected to figure connection section  144  through tube or figure extension  148 . As described hereinabove, figure extension  148  includes a predetermined number of apertures to allow  figure 40  to be connected at a plurality of different heights. Collar  147  has an aperture therein for allowing a portion of  figure 40  to be connected to figure extension  148  and operatively connected to base  120 . Collar  147  is preferably a spin collar which allows  figure 40  to rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise position when viewed from above.  FIG. 40  is operatively connected to support member  130  of base  120 , preferably as described hereinabove and incorporated by reference. 
   The training device  10  of the present invention can be constructed from generally any suitable materials including wood, metal, and plastic, or a combination thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the training device is constructed from a durable plastic material, either a thermoplastic or thermoset. In one embodiment, polyvinyl chloride or chlorinated polyvinyl chloride, or a combination thereof is utilized to form the base beams  28 , support member  30 , rotatable member  34 , figure connection member  44 , and at least portions of figures  40 . In one embodiment, the base, rotatable member  34  and figures  40  are constructed utilizing schedule  40  or schedule  80  polyvinyl chloride or chlorinated polyvinyl chloride piping and fittings. In a further embodiment, the training device  10  is constructed from materials comprising PVC and/or aluminum, or combinations thereof. 
   In accordance with the patent statutes, the best mode and preferred embodiment have been set forth, the scope of the invention is not limited thereto, but rather by the scope of the attached claims.