Patent Document

CROSS REFERENCE  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 10/831,256 filed Apr. 23, 2004, entitled “Football Training Device”. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     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.  
         [0003]     In yet a further embodiment, the training device has a gate of a predetermined height and width operatively connected to a base which can be utilized, for example, to practice throwing, snapping, or hiking the football, or the like. In another embodiment, the training device includes a backstop, such as a net, which can be utilized to stop a football used with the training device, such as during practice of a snap, a throw, a kick or a punt.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004]     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.  
         [0005]     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.  
         [0006]     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.  
         [0007]     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.  
         [0008]     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.  
         [0009]     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.  
         [0010]     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  
       [0011]     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.  
         [0012]     In a further embodiment of the present invention, the training device includes a target or gate of a predetermined height and width connected to a base adapted to be in contact with a ground surface. The training device including the target or gate can be utilized to practice snapping, punting, kicking, passing, or the like. In a further embodiment, a backstop or net device is operatively connected to the training device at a location behind the target or gate, generally parallel to the width of the target, in order to stop or knock down a football directed, i.e. kicked, thrown, or the like, at the gate. In a preferred embodiment, a portion of the backstop is directly connected to the base of the device.  
         [0013]     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.  
         [0014]     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.  
         [0015]     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a training device which improves a quarterback, punter, or kicker&#39;s timing and/or ability to maneuver a ball over or through holes in a defensive line.  
         [0016]     It is another object of the invention to provide a practice and training device which can be utilized by all three main components of a kicking game, including the center or snapper, holder, and kicker, individually, or in combinations thereof.  
         [0017]     Another object of the present invention is to provide a training device which is able to stop or knock down a football and keep the same in a defined practice area.  
         [0018]     It is also an object of the present invention to provide a training device which minimizes injuries occurred during practice.  
         [0019]     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a training device that is easily moved from one location to another.  
         [0020]     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.  
         [0021]     The present invention achieves these and other objectives which will become apparent from the description that follows. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0022]     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:  
         [0023]      FIG. 1  is a front elevational view of one embodiment for a football training device in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0024]      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.  
         [0025]      FIG. 3  is a top view of the device shown in  FIG. 1  with portions broken away and other portions shown in ghost lines.  
         [0026]      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.  
         [0027]      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.  
         [0028]      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.  
         [0029]      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.  
         [0030]      FIG. 8  is a front elevational view of one embodiment of a football training device having a practice target or gate for snapping, with alternate gate configurations being shown in phantom lines.  
         [0031]      FIG. 9  is a side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8 .  
         [0032]      FIG. 10  is a front view of an embodiment of the invention, including a net.  
         [0033]      FIG. 11  is a side elevational view of a net device of the present invention with the side nearest the viewer broken away so that the net may be seen.  
         [0034]      FIG. 12  is a top view of the net device shown in  FIG. 11  with the upper crossbar broken away to show the lower crossbar.  
         [0035]      FIG. 13  is a side elevational view showing the practice target or gate unit connected to the net device of the present invention.  
         [0036]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view showing an alternative embodiment of the practice target or gate unit connected through a substantially horizontal crossbar of the support member. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0037]     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.  
         [0038]     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  FIG. 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  FIG. 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  FIG. 40  are situated on the frame so a weight balance, between the front and rear portions, of the frame is substantially attained.  
         [0039]     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  FIG. 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  FIG. 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  FIG. 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.  
         [0040]     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 .  
         [0041]     As described hereinabove, one or more simulated human  FIG. 40  are adjustably connected to rotatable member  34  in order to simulate the characteristics of an opposing line, preferably a defensive line. Four  FIGS. 40   a - d  are shown in  FIG. 3 . That said, the number of simulated  FIG. 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.  
         [0042]     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  FIG. 40 . One or more figure connection members  44  are present on and connected to rotatable member  34  in order to attach  FIG. 40  thereto. The figure connection members  44  are spaced a predetermined distance from each other in order to accommodate the  FIG. 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.  
         [0043]     Simulated human  FIG. 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.  FIG. 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  FIG. 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  FIG. 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 .  FIG. 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  FIG. 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  FIG. 40  simulates a football player of a predetermined height.  FIG. 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  FIG. 40  to rotatable member  34 . In a preferred embodiment, the spin collar is utilized so that  FIG. 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  FIG. 40  can be directly connected to connection member  44  of rotatable member  34 .  
         [0044]     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  FIG. 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  FIG. 40  connected thereto. If desired, a plurality of piston cylinder assemblies can be connected at various locations along the frame in order to rotate  FIG. 40 .  
         [0045]     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  FIG. 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  FIG. 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  FIG. 40  resting against up position bumper  36 .  FIG. 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  FIG. 40 .  
         [0046]     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  FIG. 40 , cable  70  is pulled so that  FIG. 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  FIG. 40  from a down to an up position.  
         [0047]      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  FIG. 40  attached thereto.  
         [0048]     In yet another embodiment of the present invention, training device  10  is provided with one or more, and preferably a plurality of  FIG. 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  FIG. 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  48  includes a predetermined number of apertures to allow  FIG. 40  to be connected at a plurality of different heights. Collar  147  has an aperture therein for allowing a portion of  FIG. 40  to be connected to tube  48  and operatively connected to base  20 . Collar  147  is preferably a spin collar which allow  FIG. 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.  
         [0049]     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  FIG. 40 . In one embodiment, the base, rotatable member  34  and  FIG. 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.  
         [0050]     In a further embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in  FIGS. 8 through 13 , training device  150  can be utilized to practice the kicking aspects of the game, such as punting or field goal kicking, or even snapping for the kicking game or even the “shotgun” formation. Accordingly, in one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 8 through 10 , training device  150  includes a target or gate  151  through which a football or other object can be moved, i.e., snapped, kicked, thrown, or the like. Target  151  serves as an aiming area for a football player.  
         [0051]     Target  151  preferably includes a lower segment  152  and upper segment  156  and side segments  154  which interconnect the upper segment  156  through connector  159  and lower segment  152 . In some embodiments, portions of the training device such as base  30  or a vertical section  31  may serve as a part or portion of target  151 . Target  151  preferably has a closed perimeter when viewed from the front as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 10 . In a preferred embodiment, targets  151  and  151   a - d  are square or rectangular, such as illustrated in  FIG. 8  when viewed from the front. However, it is to be understood that target  151  can have other configurations such as a circle, an oval, or any other geometric or non-geometric shape.  
         [0052]     Training device  150  can be provided with one or more interchangeable targets  151  which can be utilized on base  30  to match the skill level of the user. For example, when practicing snapping of the football, the training device  150  is positioned a predetermined distance behind the snapper or center such as generally from about 1 to about 50 feet, desirably from about 2 to about 25 feet; and preferably from about 3 to about 20 feet, with the front of the device facing towards the center position player. The width between side segments  154  ranges generally from about 12 to about 36 inches, desirably from about 14 to about 32 inches, and preferably from about 18 to about 26 inches. For increasingly skilled players, in different embodiments, the target width can be set at 30 inches wide for a high school or novice player, 26 inches for a collegiate player and 22 inches for a professional player. Side segments  151   b  and  151   c  illustrated in phantom are examples of targets having varying widths. Connectors  159  can be moved appropriately to connect to side segments  151   b  and  151   c.    
         [0053]     The height of the target  151 , such as measured as the vertical distance between the lower segment  152  or a base bar  28  and upper segment  156 , ranges generally from about 12 to about 96 inches, desirably from about 18 to about 84, and preferably from about 20 to about 36 or about 72 inches. Similarly, the height of the target can be shortened as skill level of the user increases, if desired.  
         [0054]     Target  151   d  illustrated in  FIGS. 8 through 10  can be utilized to practice snaps for punting or shotgun situations as the football is snapped to a punter or quarterback who is in a standing position. In this embodiment, cross member  158  and target  151   a  are removed from training device  150 . Target  151   d  and side segments  154 ′ include vertical section  31  along a length thereof. The lower segment in the case of target  151   d  is formed by base bar  28 . Upper segment  156 ′ spans and connects side segments  154 ′. An object of embodiment  151   d  is to improve accuracy of snapping by trying to place a football through the interior portion of target  151   d.    
         [0055]     Training Device  150 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 8 through 10 , is connected to base  20  through support member  30 . As described hereinabove, base member  20  provides stability to training device  150  and includes one or more base bars  28  arranged to form a stable platform or frame. As shown in  FIG. 9 , base  20  optionally includes one or more ground contacting members  29 , which are optionally height adjustable in order to level the training device  150  as desired. The configuration of ground contacting member  29  is sufficient to provide a plane formed by targets  151   a  through  151   d  with a desired angle with respect to vertical, which is preferred with the targets being situated substantially vertically. As also described hereinabove, the base  20  preferably includes one or more wheels  22  connected via an axle  23  in order to easily position, move, or transport training device  10 . A cross section  32  is used to connect two vertical sections  31  to further provide stability.  
         [0056]     As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , training device  150  base  30  extends beyond the plane of target  151  in the forward and rearward directions to provide a solid foundation and thus prevent the training device  150  from tipping or falling over during use. Strength of the training device  150  is also increased by providing the target with a stabilizing support located at a distance of greater than about 20%, about 25%, about 40%, or about 50% above lower segment  152  or base bar  28 .  FIG. 9  illustrates cross section  32  connected to target  151  at about 50% of the height of target  151  above base bar  28 .  
         [0057]     Cross member  158  extends between and is operatively connected to two vertical sections  31  as illustrated in  FIG. 8 . Cross member  158  extends through connector  159  of target  151 . As illustrated, a portion of cross member  158  forms upper segment  156  of targets  151   a ,  151   b , and  151   c . Cross member  158  is free to rotate on support member vertical sections  31  to cushion any contact from a football or other object.  
         [0058]     In a further embodiment as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , training device  150  of the present invention includes a net  164  which is secured to device  50  utilizing a fastening element  165  such as ties. Net  164  is provided in order to stop, capture or otherwise control a football or other object thrown at training device  150  within the frame structure thereof. In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 10 , net  164  extends within the area of a target such as  151   d . In a further embodiment as also illustrated, the net  164  can have a larger area and thus extend beyond the perimeter of a target such as  151   b . With the second embodiment, net  164  is able to stop an errant throw which is not within the perimeter or frame of target  151 . Net  164  can be formed with any suitable material, can be woven or non-woven, natural or synthetic, or combinations thereof.  
         [0059]     In a further embodiment of the present invention, a net device  160  is provided. Net device  160  can be utilized alone, or in combination with another training device, such as training device  10  or training device  150  as described hereinabove. In a preferred embodiment, the net device  160  is operatively connected or used in conjunction with training device  150 . The features of net device  160  are illustrated in  FIGS. 11 through 13 . Net device  160  includes base  20 , as described hereinabove, which provides a stable support or frame which is adapted to rest upon a ground surface either through wheels  22 ′ and/or another base portion, such as base bar  28  or connection member  166  whose function will be further explained hereinbelow. Support members  30  are connected to base  20  via a suitable connection element at various locations along the base to base bar  28 . Vertical section  31  of support member  30  forms a portion of net frame  162  as shown in  FIG. 11 . The net frame  162  includes side members  168 , upper crossbar  167 , and lower crossbar  169 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . Net  164  is located within net frame  162  and attached by fastening elements  165 , such as ties, or the like. Net  164  can be of any desired construction and can be tightly stretched between adjacent frame members, or loose fitting such as found in a typical fish landing net, so that a ball can be captured by the net  164 . Net  164  extends to substantially all areas of net frame  162  as illustrated in  FIG. 11 .  
         [0060]     Net frame  162  when viewed from the side, such as shown in  FIG. 11 , has a substantially planar side profile which ranges from about 0° to about 45° with respect to vertical. That is, the angle of net frame  162  can be adjusted as desired, such as by utilizing a longer or shorter cross section  32  in order to place net frame  162  at an angle desired for training. In a preferred embodiment, the net frame  162  is angled from about 0° to about 20° with respect to vertical. The greater the net frame angle away from vertical, the greater ability the net device  160  provides to knock down a football or other object, kicked, thrown, or the like there at.  
         [0061]      FIG. 12  is a top view of the net device  160  of the present invention. As illustrated, net frame  162  is located at a position intermediate base bars  28 . A portion of upper crossbar  167  is cut away to show lower crossbar  169 . Net device  160  includes connection member  166  which extends between opposite base members  28  as shown. In a preferred embodiment, the net device  160  is adapted to be operatively connected to training device  150  as illustrated in  FIG. 13 . Ground contacting members  29  of training device  150  are adapted to be inserted between connection member  166  and parallel base member  28  in order to provide a desired alignment between training device gate  150  and net device  160 . As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , a portion of training device  150 , including ground contacting member  29 , is inserted over base member  28  of net device  160  to provide the operative connection between devices  150  and  160 . As illustrated, the plane of target  151   d  of training device  150  is substantially parallel to the plane of net frame  162  of net device  160 .  
         [0062]      FIG. 14  illustrates yet a further embodiment of training device  150  of the present invention. Therein, target  151  is shown in a position above substantially horizontal cross section  32  as described hereinabove, target  151  includes a lower segment  152 , upper segment  156 , and side segments  154  which interconnect the upper and lower segments. Target  151  preferably has a closed perimeter as shown. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 14 , target  151  is connected to tube  48  as described hereinabove. In a preferred embodiment, tube  48  can be connected through figure connection member  144  at a plurality of different heights as desired by the user. Training device  150  is connected to base  20  through support member  30 , such as described hereinabove. Target  151  can be fixed or is otherwise allowed to rotate within figure connection member  144  utilizing tube  48 . The embodiment shown in  FIG. 14  is preferably utilized as a training device for passing, wherein a football player attempts to throw the football between or at target  151 . Alternatively, as described hereinabove, tube  48  can be connected to  FIG. 40 .  
         [0063]     In one embodiment, the training device  150  and net device  160  can be utilized as follows. A football player such as a center would line up to the left of devices  150  and  160  as illustrated in  FIG. 13 . The football player would then snap the football towards training device  150  attempting to place the football within frame  151   d  when attempting a snap for the punting game or a shotgun formation. A football thrown through target  151   d  would be stopped by netting device  160 , especially net  164  thereof. The football would then be retrieved for additional practice. As can be imagined from the arrangements shown in the drawings, when a different target is utilized, different aspects of the football training can be performed.  
         [0064]     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.

Technology Category: 1