Abstract:
An apparatus that simulates punting and place kicking of a ball includes a prosthetic leg having a mechanism in the foot region to seat a ball. The leg is pivotally-mounted to a frame and mechanically coupled with a foot pedal. Downward force on the foot pedal is translated to the leg causing the leg to whip upward and launching the ball with proportional force and speed. In one embodiment, the frame is collapsible/expandable and includes a roller to facilitate transportation. In another embodiment, the leg is formed of pliable material to eliminate the risk of injury in the event of collision therewith.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates in general to athletic training equipment, and, more particularly, to an apparatus that imitates the kicking of a ball by a player. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In football, rugby and soccer, as well as other sporting or athletic contests which utilize a ball, kicking or punting the ball is often part of the game. In football, the player punting the ball is often rushed by the opposing team in an attempt to block the punt and, therefore, prevent the ball from moving down field. There has not been a practical manner in which to practice blocking of a punt without running at full speed towards an actual kicker. Unfortunately, this can lead to injury of both the blocking and the punting player. 
     Apparatus exists for pitching or throwing footballs and baseballs such as the Football Passing Machine commercially-available from the Jugs Company, Tualatin, Oreg. 97062. Such apparatus consists of one or more motor-driven wheels. The ball is dropped into contact with the rotating wheels and is accelerated into a trajectory depending on the angular orientation of the rotating wheels and the speed thereof. Although such devices can simulate the trajectory of a punt, it is not advisable to run full speed towards such a device without the risk of injury. 
     According, a need exists for an apparatus which enables players to practice punt blocking and which reduces the likelihood of injury to one or more players. 
     A further need exists for an apparatus in which the kicking or whipping motion of a leg during a punt exercise is mimicked and which can create a realistic trajectory for the ball. 
     A further need exists for an apparatus in which the element and launching the ball has the same shape and rigidity of a human appendage. 
     A further need exists for an apparatus which is capable of imitating the motion of a leg in the process of kicking a ball and which can be controlled so as to simulate different kicking techniques. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides an apparatus that simulates punting and place kicking. The apparatus comprises a pair of upright posts secured to an expandable frame. An elongate member, such as a prosthetic leg having a cradle at the foot region thereof, is pivotally mounted intermediate the set of posts. The leg is mechanically coupled via a cable or other mechanism to a foot pedal that is mounted to another of these posts. When force is delivered to the foot petal, the leg whips up with the same velocity of a kicker swinging through a kicking motion. When the leg is whipped, the ball flies off the foot cradle and into the air imitating the trajectory of a kick. A blocker can get a full extension during approach and dive at the block point in an effort to take the ball off the leg. The leg is preferably made from a pliable material such as molded rubber to eliminate the risk of injury, should a collision occur between the blocker and the leg. In one embodiment, the frame is padded and may be extended and collapsed for ease of transportation. 
     According to a first aspect of the invention, an apparatus for launching a ball comprises: (a) a rigid frame; (b) an elongate first member movably mounted to the frame; (c) the first member having a first end thereof shaped to receive an object; (d) a second member mounted to the frame; (e) means for mechanically coupling the first member to the second member so that force is transferable from the second member to the first member; and (f) the first member pivotal relative to the frame upon receipt of force transferred to the first member from the second member so that an object received at the first end of the first member is launched. In one embodiment, the second member is pivotally mounted to the frame and further comprises a first end shaped to receive force applied to the second member. In another embodiment, the first member and second members each have a second end coupled to the means for mechanically coupling and wherein the means for mechanically coupling the first member to the second member comprises a cable. 
     According to a first aspect of the invention, an apparatus for imitating kicking of an object comprises: (a) a rigid frame; (b) a first projection extending outward from the frame; (c) a first member movably mounted to the first projection; (d) a mechanism at a first end of the first member shaped to receive and retain an object therein; (e) a second member mounted to the frame; (f) means for mechanically coupling the first member and the second member; and (g) the first member pivotal relative to the first projection so that an object retained in the indentation at the first end of the first member is launched upon receipt of force transferred to the first member from the second member. 
     According to a third aspect of the invention, an apparatus for launching a ball comprises (a) a rigid frame (b) a prosthetic leg movably mounted to the frame; (c) the prosthetic leg shaped to seat a ball therein; (c) a pedal pivotally mounted to the frame; (d) a cable coupling the prosthetic leg to the pedal so that force applied to the pedal is transferable to the prosthetic leg; and (e) the prosthetic leg pivotal relative to the frame so that a ball seated in the indentation of the prosthetic leg is launched upon receipt of force by the pedal. According to a sixth aspect of the invention, the rigid frame comprises a pair of telescoping members that are collapsible to facilitate the movement of the unit. In one embodiment, the rigid frame comprises members that are collapsible to facilitate the movement of the apparatus. 
     According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a method for imitating the launching of an object comprises: (a) providing an apparatus having a frame with first and second members movably mounted to the frame, the first and second members mechanically coupled, the first member having a first end and shaped to receive an object; (b) placing an object into the first end of the first member; and (c) applying force to the second member so that the force is transferred to the first member causing the first member to pivot relative to the frame and further causing the object to disengage the first member. 
     According to a fifth aspect of the invention, a method for facilitating controlled launching of an object comprises: (a) providing a rigid frame; (b) movably mounting a first member to the frame, the first member having a first end shaped to receive an object; (c) movably mounting a second member to the frame; (d) mechanically coupling the first member to the second member so that force can be transmitted from the second member to the first member causing the first member to pivot relative to the frame so that an object received at the first end of the first member will be launched from the first member. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The above and further advantages of the invention may be better understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a partially assembled side view of the kick blocking apparatus in the present invention; 
     FIGS. 2A-B are side plan views of the apparatus of FIG. 1 showing, collapsed, partially extended and fully extended positions; 
     FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the kick blocking apparatus of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the operator&#39;s station assembly of the present invention; and 
     FIG. 5 is a partially exploded view of the leg swing assembly of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to FIGS. 1-2B, a punting and place kicking simulation apparatus  10  in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention comprises an operator&#39;s station assembly  12  and a leg swing assembly  14  mechanically coupled by a collapsible/expandable bridge  16  which collectively form a rigid frame. An elongate member, implemented in the illustrative embodiment as a pliable prosthetic leg  18 , is pivotally mounted to the leg swing assembly  14 . A pedal  28  and pedal arm  30  are mounted to the operator&#39;s station assembly  12 , as illustrated. A cable  22  operatively couples pedal arm  30  and leg mount assembly  54  via a pulley  52  attached to the leg swing assembly  14 . A resistance mechanism, implemented in the illustrative embodiment as spring  56 , secures pedal arm  30  to operator&#39;s station assembly  12 . A plurality of locking pins  26 A-C enable bridge sections  16 A and  16 B to be locked into a rigid position between leg swing assembly  14  and operator station  12 . Leg  18  is secured to leg mount assembly  54  which is, in turn, mounted to a pair of leg swing posts  58 . A pad  20  may be removably secured to the leg swing posts  58 . An opening handle  48  mounted to the operator station assembly  12  facilitates expanding of the collapsible bridge  16  while a closing handle  50  mounted to bridge  16  facilitates collapsing thereof. A mechanism on the foot portion of the prosthetic leg  18  is sized and shaped to accommodate the circumference of the ball to be launched, e.g. a football, rugby ball, soccer ball, etc. Once assembled, and with a ball situated at the free end of prosthetic leg  18 , a downward force delivered to foot pedal  28  will cause the pedal arm  30  to pivot relative to the t-handle post  62  of operator&#39;s station assembly  12  causing the force exerted on the pedal to be transmitted through cable  22  to leg assembly mount  54  and leg  18  which then pivots upward relative to leg swing posts  58  causing the ball to be launched with a trajectory substantially in proportion with the amount of force delivered to foot pedal  28 . An optional roller  46  may be pivotally secured to an edge of operator&#39;s station assembly  12  to facilitate ease of transportation of the apparatus  10  when in a collapsed position. 
     FIG. 2A illustrates the apparatus  10  similar to that illustrated in FIG. 1 except that bridge  16  is shown in a collapsed position to facilitate transportation of apparatus  10 . FIG. 2B illustrates the same apparatus as FIG. 2A, in an intermediate position, as shown, in phantom, as the bridge members  16 A-B begin to expand when operator&#39;s station assembly  12  is pulled in the direction of the arrow relative to the leg swing assembly  14  until the bridge  16  is fully extended, as illustrated. FIGS. 3-5 disclose the various components of the operator&#39;s station assembly  12 , leg swing assembly  14  and bridge  16  in greater detail. Unless noted otherwise herein, all components described herein may be made from steel or other materials having similar rigidity. FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of assemblies  12 ,  14  and  16  and the components thereof. 
     Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, leg swing assembly  14  comprises a base  74  to which a pair of elongate leg swing posts  58  are mounted, typically by welding, to project upward from base  74 . Posts  58  have a pair of leg bearing mounts  55  attached, typically by welding, to the free ends of posts  58 . A pair of vertical cross braces  60  are secured, again by welding, to each of leg swing posts  58  and base  74 , as illustrated, to provide support for the leg swing posts  58 . The free ends of mounts  55  have accept leg axle  64  which is journalled therebetween with a pair of leg bearing  66 . Axle  64  carries leg mount assembly  54  which may comprise, in the illustrative embodiment, a leg mount cylinder  68  having a pair of O-shaped end caps  69  welded thereto and a bolt protruding therefrom onto which leg  18  may be secured with a complimentary mating thread. Leg swing assembly  14  further comprises a cross brace  70  secured between leg swing posts  58  and a cross plate  72  which is secured intermediate leg swing posts  58  at an angle. A rubber stop  71  and collar  73  may be secured about the mid-section of cross plate  72  to prevent leg mount cylinder  68  from striking cross plate  72  when leg  18  is fully extended. 
     A protective pad  20 , is secured between leg swing posts  58  of leg swing assembly  14  to protect an on-rushing blocker from striking the leg swing posts  58 , particularly during a diving block maneuver. In the illustrative embodiment, protective pad  20  may comprise a soft material such as urethane or polyurethane foam covered with a vinyl jacket and securable to leg swing posts  58  through any number of conventional means such as snaps, straps, ties, velcro tabs, etc., to allow for either permanent or temporary placement thereon. As shown in FIG. 3, base  74  of leg swing assembly  14  has affixed thereto, typically by welding, a pair of pulley-mount bracket  76 , each having a hole at the free end thereof. A pulley  52  having an internal bearing on an interior diameter thereof is carried by a pulley axle  78  which is journaled into the pulley-mount brackets  76 . The exterior diameter of pulley  52  is grooved to receive cable  22 , as explained hereinafter. A pair of hinge brackets  80  are mounted, typically through welding, to the upward facing surface of base  74  of leg swing assembly  14 . Hinge brackets  80  are spaced apart an amount adequate to allow section  16 B of bridge  16  to be secured therebetween with a hinge bolt  82  and nut. In addition, base  74  has attached thereto a locking mechanism which, in the illustrative embodiment, comprises a pair of positioning rods  84  which face operator&#39;s station assembly  12 , the rods having a positioning hole extending therethrough for receiving a positioning pin. 
     Operator station assembly  12  comprises a base  86  having a post  88  attached, typically by welding, thereto and facing upright therefrom. Base  86  has a pair of hinge brackets  90 , similar to brackets  80 , attached thereto and spaced to receive bridge  16 A therebetween with a hinge bolt  92  and nut  83 . A pair of pipes  94  are secured to base  86  and sized to receive therein position rods  84  of the leg swing assembly  14 . The positioning pipes  94  have holes extending therethrough which are alligned with the holes in the position rods  84  for receipt of a transport locking pin  26 . 
     Post  88  has secured at the top thereof a handle  96  which may be welded to form a T-shaped projection in conjunction with post  88 . In the illustrative embodiment, both handle  96  and post  88  may be hollow tubular steel, with handle  96  having end caps  98  secured at both ends thereof. An opening handle  48  is secured to post  88  to allow for ease of separating the operator station assembly  12  from the leg swing assembly  14 . Base  86  also has attached thereto a pair of roller brackets  100  designed to receive and maintain in a journalled manner, a roller assembly comprising a roller shaft  102  carrying a pair of roller bearings  104  over which roller  46  is affixed. Roller  46  is intended to facilitate ease of moving the apparatus  10  when in the collapsed configuration, as illustrated in FIG.  2 A. This configuration can be achieved by tilting the apparatus at an angle so that roller  46  is in contact with the surface on which the apparatus is to be transported. 
     Operator&#39;s station assembly  12  further comprises a foot pedal assembly, as illustrated collectively in FIGS. 3 and 4. Specifically, post  88  has secured thereto a pedal axle  106  on which pedal arm  30  is pivotally mounted using a collar  31  and a pair of bushings  33 . The pedal arm  30  has at the free end thereof an extension  108  which is positioned at approximately a 65° angle to the axis of pedal arm  30  and has a hole extending therethrough. A stopper arm  105  is attached to post  88  and has a rubber stopper  107  affixed at the free end thereof to limit the movement of pedal arm  30 . A pair of spring collars  108  are attached to the undersurface of pedal arm and post  88 . An spring  115 , which in the illustrative embodiment may be approximately 10 inches in length, is secured between collars  108 . The end of pedal arm  30  not connected to cable  22  has a hole extending therethrough to receive a foot pedal  28 . In addition, a pedal stop, in the form of a metal plate, may be attached to pedal arm  30  to prevent the end of the pedal assembly from being overextended upward once downward pressure is applied to pedal  28 . 
     Referring to FIG. 3 again, bridge assembly  16  comprises a pair of substantially rectangular, three-sided steel tubes  16 A and  16 B. Bridge section  16 A is secured to operator&#39;s station assembly  12  via hinge brackets  90  and hinge bolt  92 . Bridge section  16 B is attached to leg swing assembly  14  via hinge brackets  80  and hinge bolt  82 . A bridge center hinge  112  is secured to the ends of bridge sections  16 A and  16 B which are not secured to a base. The center hinge  112  may be welded to sections  16 A-B. A pair of hinge lock plates  114  are secured to the end of bridge section  116 B at the end attached to hinge  112 . A pair of complimentary mating holes extend through bridge section  16 A so that when bridge  16  is fully extended, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the holes in section  16 A align with the hinge lock plates  114  projecting from section  16 B so that locking pin  26 B may be inserted therethrough fixing the bridge  16  into an extended position. As illustrated in FIG. 1, a set of three locking pin  26 A-C are attached to bridge  16  via chains  17  which may be secured to the respective sections of bridge  16 . Locking pin  26 A is aligned with and insertable into the positioning holes contained within hinge brackets  80  while locking pin  26 C may be aligned with and insertable into the positioning holes contained within hinge brackets  90 . When bridge  16  is in a fully extended position, locking pins  26 A-C may be secured as previously described. Conversely, when bridge  16  is in a fully collapsed position, locking pin  26 B may double as a transport locking pin and be inserted into the positioning hole extending through position rods  84  and positioning pipes  94 , when properly aligned. 
     In an alternative embodiment, bridge sections  16 A-B may be either rectangular or tubular in shape and of complimentary dimensions to allow for intercoupling in a telescoping manner. With such embodiment, rather that pivoting relative to assemblies  12  and  14 , bridge sections  16 A-B would slide relative to each other to so that their collective length increases or decreases the distance between assemblies  12  and  14 . A locking pin may also be used to secure bridge sections  16 A-B at one or more different length positions. 
     In still other alternative embodiments, bridge sections  16 A-B may be replaced with a single section  16  that is either fixed to assemblies  12  and  14  or removably fixed thereto to allow for moving of the apparatus as separate assemblies. 
     A cable mount  116  secured, typically by welding, to the end cap of leg mount cylinder  68  is used to mechanically couple the leg mount assembly  54  to the cable  22 . In the illustrative embodiment, cable  22  may be implemented with vinyl coated wire rope. Each end of cable  22  is secured to a cable and lock  118 . In addition, a cable clip  120  couples the cable end lock  118  of cable  22  to the extension of pedal arm  30 , as illustrated. 
     In the illustrative embodiment, leg  18  may be made of a semi-flexible material, such as molded rubber, which mimics the softness of a human leg and is able to transfer energy to the ball in a manner which mimics a human leg kicking the ball. The shape of leg  18 , in an illustrative embodiment, mimics that of a human leg to add realism to the blocking exercise. It will be obvious to those reasonably skilled in the arts that other materials may be utilized for leg  18 . The mechanism used to hold the ball in place may be implemented in a number of different ways including a substantially arcuate indentation in the surface of the leg  18  or a raised, cup-like projection  19  shaped to seat the ball at the end of leg  18 . Alternatively, in place of, or in addition the above described configurations, mechanisms may be used to frictionally attach the ball to leg  18 . Such devices may comprise a dense array of tiny hooks on leg  18  and a complimentary mating dense fabric pile on the ball, e.g. VELCRO™, that when pressed together frictionally retain the ball on leg  18 . Alternatively, complimentary magnetic material on the ball and leg  18  may be utilized to temporarily retain the ball on leg  18 . 
     To utilize the apparatus  10 , the operator utilizes roller  46  to position the apparatus where desired, preferably on a level surface. The locking pin  26 B is then removed from the bridge section  16 A-B while the apparatus is in the collapsed position, as illustrated in FIG.  2 A. Next, outward force on the opening handle  48  in the direction of the arrows shown in FIG. 2B will cause the apparatus to expand into a fully-extended configuration, as illustrated in FIG.  2 B. Pins  26 A-C may then be inserted into their respective positioning holes along bridge  16 . If not already connected, the cable  22  may be connected to pedal arm  30  using the cable clip  120 . Leg  18 , if not already coupled to leg mount assembly  54  may be secured to leg mount cylinder  68 . Note that the actual extent to which the leg bolt  38  extends into leg  18  may be set with the position of a nut carried by bolt  38 . Finally, protective pad  20  may be secured to the leg swing posts  58 . 
     The apparatus  10  is then ready for use. The operator places a ball onto the free end of leg  18  so that the ball rests within the indentation at the free end. Downward force on foot pedal  28  causes the pedal arm  30  to pivot relative to post  88  causing the cable  22  to be retracted toward the operator. This force is translated via cable  22  and pulley  52  to the leg mount assembly  54  causing leg  18  to pivot upward from its resting position and causing the ball to be launched from the indented end of leg  18 . 
     Utilizing the apparatus  10  as described herein, an operator may use varying amount of force on the pedal  28  causing the ball to be kicked or punted with an amount of force and speed related to that delivered to the foot pedal. The apparatus of the present invention facilitates blocking practice of punts and kicks without substantial risk of injury to either the operator or the blocking players. 
     Having described herein illustrative embodiments of the present invention, persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate various other features and advantages of the invention apart from those specifically described above. It should therefore be understood that the foregoing is only illustrative of the principles of the invention, and that various modifications and additions can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the appended claims shall not by the particular features which have been shown and described, but shall be construed also to cover any obvious modifications and equivalents thereof.