BLOCKING PAD TACKLING DUMMY AND METHOD

Abstract

A tackling dummy hit pad comprises an inner cushion or resilient pad having a tight-fitting durable covering, wherein the tackling dummy is generally formed into the shape of a person. The tackling dummy preferably includes a torso or main body portion with pair of shoulders extending from each side thereof, and a pair of legs extending beneath the torso portion. Optionally, the tackling dummy hit pad may include full-length legs and be free-standing, or may include shortened legs and/or include handles or straps on a backside thereof. In a preferred embodiment, target pads may be placed on the torso portion, on either side thereof and beneath the armpits, to serve as a target for a player's shoulders or shoulder pads during tackling drills. The tackling dummy hit pad may be used as a free-standing dummy or as a dummy-in-motion.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Blocking pads and tackling dummies have long been used in contact sports such as football and rugby, for purposes of practicing and teaching blocking and tackling techniques. Over time, in an effort to improve the safety of these contact sports, many facets of the games have changed, including rule changes, improvements in equipment (such as helmets, pads and training equipment), and a generally increased focus on keeping players safe and healthy. Specifically, tackling and blocking techniques have evolved over the years, particularly due to the prevalence of concussions and brain injury sustained by players participating in tackling sports.

For many years, defensive players were taught to tackle offensive players by leading with their head or helmet, and placing their face or facemask directly into the opposing player's chest. As a result, many players have suffered concussions and neck injuries, as the head and neck suffer the brunt of the collision. In practice drills, tackling dummies are generally used to teach and practice tackling techniques. Typically, a tackling dummy is simply a free-standing, cushioned cylinder, and in practice, players are taught tackling techniques where they run toward the dummy, place their face directly in the upper central portion of the dummy (where an opposing player's chest would be), wrap their arms around the dummy while lifting upwardly, and falling to the ground with the dummy in the player's grasp.

Another type of practice equipment that has been used in football and rugby sports is called a hit pad. Traditionally, a hit pad is simply a rectangular cushion or pad that includes handles or straps on a backside thereof. In use, a coach grasps the hit pad via the handles or straps, holds the hit pad in front of him while facing a player, and the player practices hitting or blocking the hit pad. The obvious purpose of the hit pad is for protection of the player and coach, so that the player is hitting a cushioned object rather than directly hitting another coach or player. One advantage to using a hit pad is that a coach may move about with the hit pad during drills, which creates a more realistic mobile opponent than a stationary tackling dummy or blocking sled.

Many types of tackling dummies and hit pads have been developed over the years. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 9,254,429 discloses a training apparatus for developing fundamental skill for the game of football which comprises a base pad having at least one of a hand grip and a shoulder pad, and an outer pad mounted and securely stitched to a front of the base pad. The outer pad includes a torso region and a shoulder region shaped to mimic shoulder pads of a football player. In some embodiments, the outer pad is covered with a grippable mesh material adapted to mimic a texture and form of a football jersey. The outer pad may be smaller than and fit within a perimeter of the front of the base pad, and during training, the outer pad is adapted to draw attention to the center of the training apparatus to draw hands of a training player inside the perimeter of the base pad.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,396,969 is directed to a football training dummy made square in cross section, with flat, square end surfaces of the same size and shape as the cross section, and with hand holds provided on two adjacent sides each adjacent to one of the end surfaces, so that the dummy can be used with either end uppermost and wear in use is thus divided between the two sides.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,907,291 describes a football practice blocking sled having a pair of ground engaging runners for slidingly supporting a simulated human body blocking dummy. In addition to the ground engaging runners, the support structure includes an upward and rearwardly extending frame portion; a vertically extending half-leaf spring member attached adjacent its lower end to the rearward portion of the frame portion, and a substantially L-shaped, elastic dummy reinforcing frame element attached adjacent the upper end of the half-leaf spring member. The dummy body being constructed from essentially a thick foam rubber material.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,281,191 is directed to a life-like striking dummy as an attachment to a punching bag for use in boxing, martial arts, and the like. More specifically its purpose is to augment and improve realism of training utilizing a punching bag as a mounting device. The striking dummy is sculptured three-dimensionally and comprises a first portion configured to anatomically resemble a human head, and is connected by a neck to a second portion configured to anatomically resemble a human torso. The total embodiment is detailed with facial, muscular, and skeletal features as targets to be struck by the user. The head, neck, and torso are homogeneously connected by construction preferably utilizing an integral skin flexible polyurethane foam material. The integral skin of the polyurethane is a near solid resilient protective outer layer which serves to prevent injury or damage to the striking dummy or user. The cellular foam core is homogeneously distributed throughout the entire inner structure of the embodiment and is human-like in density, providing a realistic feel of striking an opponent. The striking dummy is configured with mounting straps for the purpose of attachment to a punching bag.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,335,906 discloses a dummy apparatus for practicing football techniques including a generally upright, ground engaging, hollow inflatable body and an arm having an upper end attached to the body and an opposite end. The arm has an upper arm portion extending generally vertically from the upper end to an elbow and a forearm portion extending generally horizontally from the elbow to the free end whereby a human football carrier is simulated for practicing football techniques. A valve is attached to the body for inflating and deflating the dummy. A fastener includes a first fastener portion attached to the forearm portion of the arm and a second fastener portion for attaching to a football, the first and second fastener portions being formed of loop and hook materials respectively and being releasably connected together.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,056,238 describes a hand-held offensive lineman training pad formed of a resilient inner pad and a close fitting outer cover has a generally T-shaped tapered configuration with flat front and back sides and a generally rectangular cross section. The generally T-shaped pad has a relatively wide upper portion and an elongate lower portion having opposed lateral sides that taper downward and angularly inward and terminate at a flat bottom end to simulate the framework of the upper torso of a defensive lineman with the wider upper portion simulating the shoulder pads of the defensive lineman. A pair of shallow generally rectangular recessed pockets on each of the elongate lateral sides of the pad receive the fingertips of the offensive lineman and approximate the proper hand placement for an offensive lineman to engage a defensive lineman. The pad is effective in training an offensive lineman in proper hand placement and executing various blocking maneuvers.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,814,729 is directed to a tackle practice apparatus comprising an inflatable dummy element in the shape of a person, and is releasably coupled to an inflatable ground engaging sled from which a rope extends to a harness, which is releasably coupleable to a person for pulling the tackle practice apparatus across a playing pitch for tackle practice by a player. The dummy element comprises a base element and an inflatable central bladder extending upwardly from the base element. Two inflatable lower peripheral bladders and two inflatable upper peripheral bladders extend around the central bladder. The lower peripheral bladders are located below a waist high position. The base element comprises an inflatable first base bladder which is inflatable with water to provide ballast to the dummy element, and an inflatable second base bladder above the first base bladder from which the central bladder extends. On the dummy element being correctly tackled below the waist high position by a player, air from the central bladder is expelled through a whistle, thus indicating a correct tackle. The sled comprises an inflatable ring.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 20150258408 discloses a tackling training device including a primary pad, and at least one arm directing portion providing an aperture to receive an arm of a tackler.

Each of the above-referenced documents is hereby incorporated herein by reference, in their entireties.

None of the prior art, however, includes a tackling dummy that is generally formed into a shape and size of a player, which further includes a target zone for placement of a player's shoulder or shoulder pad, and a pair of legs for placement of a player's lead foot, and which is used for teaching a tackling technique whereby the player's head extends to one side of the tackling dummy beneath the tackling dummy's armpit. Further, none of the prior art includes a hit pad tackling dummy that generally resembles the shape of an opposing player, further including handles or straps on a backside thereof, so that a coach can conduct tackling drills with a mobile tackling dummy.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a first embodiment of a tackling dummy hit pad comprises an inner cushion or resilient pad having a tight-fitting durable covering, wherein the tackling dummy is generally formed into the shape of a person. The tackling dummy includes a torso portion with a shortened pair of arms extending from a shoulder portion, and a pair of legs extending beneath the torso portion. Optionally, the tackling dummy hit pad may include full-length legs and be free-standing, or may include shortened legs and handles or straps on a backside thereof. In a preferred embodiment, target pads may be placed on the torso portion, on either side thereof and beneath the armpits, to serve as a target for a player's shoulders or shoulder pads during tackling drills. The tackling dummy hit pad should be sized appropriately for the age and size of a player, so it is contemplated that multiple sizes may be used, particularly including youth sizes and adult sizes.

In use, the tackling dummy hit pad may be configured to be used as a free-standing structure for tackling purposes, or may be used as a mobile hit pad. In either case, the tackling dummy hit pad is used to teach a specific tackling technique, wherein a player may practice tackling on a right hand side, or on a left hand side, depending upon the situation. For right side tackling, the player is instructed to place his left foot forward, and generally between the legs of the dummy, and using the left shoulder to hit the dummy on the torso portion below the right armpit (target pad), so that the player's head extends to the right side of the torso and beneath the right armpit of the tackling dummy. Using the arms to wrap up the tackling dummy, the player tackles the dummy to the ground. Additionally, the tackling dummy hit pad may be used for rucking drills for rugby.

Optionally, visual aids, such as arrows or targets, may be strategically placed on the tackling dummy hit pad as a reminder to the player on how to perform the proper tackling technique.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a tackling dummy hit pad illustrated in use for tackling drills, wherein the legs are full length;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a tackling dummy hit pad having a pair of straps on a rear portion thereof, wherein a coach is illustrated holding the tackling dummy hit pad as a player engages the dummy in a tackling drill or rucking drill;

FIG. 3 is a front view of one embodiment of a tackling dummy hit pad, further showing target pads on either side of the main body portion between the legs and the shoulders;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of one embodiment of a tackling dummy hit pad;

FIG. 5 is a left side view of one embodiment of a tackling dummy hit pad;

FIG. 6 is a right side view of one embodiment of a tackling dummy hit pad;

FIG. 7 is a top view of one embodiment of a tackling dummy hit pad;

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of one embodiment of a tackling dummy hit pad;

FIG. 9 is a front view of one embodiment of a tackling dummy hit pad, wherein the legs are shortened to approximately knee length;

FIG. 10 is a rear view of one embodiment of the tackling dummy hit pad shown in FIG. 9, including a pair of straps on a rear portion thereof;

FIG. 11 is a left side view of one embodiment of the tackling dummy hit pad shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a right side view of one embodiment of the tackling dummy hit pad shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a top view of one embodiment of the tackling dummy hit pad shown in FIG. 9; and

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of one embodiment of the tackling dummy hit pad shown in FIG. 9.

DETAILED DECRYPTION OF THE INVENTION

Free-Standing Dummy Embodiment

The present invention includes, in a first embodiment, a tackling dummy hit pad 10 that is generally shaped like a person, having a torso section 12 (main body portion), shoulder portions 14 extending outwardly from the main body portion 12, and a pair of leg members 16 extending below the main body portion 12. It should be understood that the terms “tackling dummy hit pad,” “tackling dummy,” “hit pad” and “dummy” may be used interchangeably hereinbelow to refer to various embodiments of the present invention. Additionally, the terms “torso” and “main body portion” may be used interchangeably herein, as well. In the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3-8, the tackling dummy hit pad 10 is a free-standing structure, made from an inner resilient cushion with a durable, tight-fitting cover. The legs 16 in this embodiment are full-sized, so that the tackling dummy 10 stands at a proper or average height of an opposing player or ball carrier.

A pair of target pads 18 are preferably disposed about mid-torso on the main body portion 12, one on the right side and one on the left side thereof, as shown. It is contemplated that the target pads 18 may be a different color from the tackling dummy 10, in order to provide a clear target for the player's shoulder or shoulder pad. Alternatively, instead of providing a pair of target pads 18 attached to the tackling dummy 10, colored target indicia (bullseye, arrows, or the like) may be applied directly to the external cover of the main body portion 12 or torso to indicate the target zone for a player's shoulder. Optionally, other arrows or other target indicia may be disposed on the tackling dummy hit pad 10, to show placement of the players feet, head, and/or shoulder.

The inner resilient cushion material may be made from any suitable cushioning material, and preferably from a foam product, such as polyurethane foam or latex foam, although it is understood that any suitable cushioning material may be used. The exterior cover 20 may also be made from any suitable material, although it is preferred that the material be a tough, durable textile material that is waterproof, or at least water resistant, in order to keep water from seeping through the exterior cover 20 and soaking into the interior cushion material.

In use, the first embodiment of the tackling dummy hit pad 10 is placed on the practice field as a free-standing structure, and players practice tackling the dummy 10, while making sure that they are employing the proper technique, as shown in FIG. 1. The tackling dummy hit pad 10 is used to teach a specific tackling technique, wherein a player may practice tackling on a right hand side, or on a left hand side, depending upon the situation.

Prior art tackling dummies are typically cylindrically shaped pads that are similar in shape and size to punching bags used in boxing and martial arts training. When a player uses one of the cylindrical tackling dummies in a tackling drill, it forces the player to place his lead foot on either side of the tackling dummy, which is not a proper tackling technique. The tackling dummy hit pad 10 described herein includes a pair of legs 16 that are spaced apart slightly, as shown. This arrangement allows a player to place his lead foot generally between the tackling dummy's legs 16, which is the proper tackling technique.

For right side tackling, the player is instructed to place his left foot forward, and generally between the legs of the dummy 10, and using the left shoulder to hit the dummy 10 on the main body portion 12 below the right armpit on the target pad 18, so that the player's head is up, and extends to the right side of the main body portion 12 and beneath the right armpit and shoulder 14 of the tackling dummy 10. Using the arms to wrap up the tackling dummy 10, the player tackles the dummy 10 to the ground.

For left side tackling, the player is instructed to place his right foot forward, and generally between the legs 16 of the dummy 10, as shown in FIG. 1. Using the right shoulder to hit the dummy 10 on the target pad 18 of the torso 12 below the left armpit and shoulder 14, the player positions his head so that it extends to the left side of the torso 12 and beneath the left armpit and shoulder 14 of the dummy 10. Using the arms to wrap up the tackling dummy 10, the player tackles the dummy 10 to the ground.

In this way, the tackling dummy hit pad 10 is used as a traditional tackling dummy is used, but with target areas (target pads 18) and indicia shown on a generally human-shaped dummy 10 to show and remind players of proper tackling techniques, which are used to prevent or reduce instances of head and neck injury.

Dummy-in-Motion Embodiment

A second embodiment of the tackling dummy hit pad is shown in FIGS. 2 and 9-14. In this embodiment, the tackling dummy 10 is similar to that described above in the first embodiment, but the legs 16 have been shortened (to approximately knee length, as shown), and the rear side of the tackling dummy hit pad 10 includes a pair of straps 22 (or handles), so that a coach can hold the tackling dummy hit pad 10 via the straps during tackling drills, as shown in FIG. 2. One advantage to this arrangement is that a coach can conduct mobile drills, where he moves while holding the dummy 10, in order to make the tackling drills more realistic because the dummy 10 is in motion.

In use, the coach grasps the tackling dummy hit pad 10 by the straps 22 on a rear portion thereof, and holds the dummy 10 out in front of him, facing a player. The coach may either remain still, or may move with the dummy 10, forcing the player to chase the dummy 10 and tackle it on the run. When the player grasps the dummy 10 during the drill, the coach releases his grasp on the straps 22, so that the dummy 10 comes free from the coach, and the player continues to grasp the dummy 10 throughout the rest of the tackle. Alternatively, the coach may use the tackling dummy hit pad 10 by holding the straps 22, and instead of having the player tackle the dummy 10, the coach may continue to grasp the dummy 10 while the player hits and drives the dummy 10, blocks the dummy 10, or tackles the dummy and coach together to the ground.

The second embodiment of the tackling dummy hit pad 10 is used to teach a specific tackling technique, as shown in FIG. 2. Oftentimes, football players and rugby players suffer head and neck injuries in games because they either lead the tackle with their heads, and place their faces or facemasks directly in the chest of the opposing player, or they attempt to tackle the opposing player by targeting the forward side of the opposing player in motion, and the resulting collision impacts the head and neck directly.

The concept being taught by using the present tackling dummy hit pad 10 is that if the dummy is moving from right to left (from the player's point of view), then the player should tackle the dummy by targeting the right side (or rear side, with respect to the motion of the player) of the dummy target pad 18 with his left shoulder. In this way, the player's head and neck are disposed behind the dummy's direction of motion. The actual tackling technique for this in-motion embodiment is exactly the same as the technique described above for the stationary tackling dummy 10, where the lead foot is placed between the dummy's legs 16, and the shoulder or shoulder pad hits the target pad on the torso 12, as described above and shown in FIG. 2. However, the in-motion technique teaches the player not to try to cut off the path of the defensive player with his head and neck, and instead to place his head and neck on the lagging or rear side of the direction of motion, and then to employ the above-referenced tackling technique. This technique is an effective manner of tackling an opposing player, which prevents the violent collisions that occur between an offensive player and a defensive player who tries to “cut off” the path of the offensive player with his head and neck in the direct path of the offensive player. Rather, this technique allows the defensive player to absorb the ball carrier's contact through the shoulders and feet, instead of through the head and neck.

Conversely, if the offensive player is moving left to right, then the player tackles the dummy 10 by placing his right foot generally between the legs 16 of the dummy, and targets the left target pad 18 (on the left side of the dummy 10) with his shoulder or shoulder pad, and places his head to the left side of the left target pad 18, beneath the left armpit and shoulder 14 of the dummy 10. Wrapping his arms around the dummy 10, the player completes the tackle while the coach releases grip on the straps 22 of the dummy 10.

Other drills may be similarly conducted. For example, instead of tackling the dummy 10, the player may either hit and drive the dummy 10 while the coach maintains his grasp on the dummy straps 22, or the player may hit the dummy 10, and simultaneously wrap his arms around the dummy 10 and the coach, and tackle both the dummy 10 and coach to the ground.

It is also contemplated that straps 22 or handles may be affixed to the rear portion of the free-standing first embodiment of the tackling dummy hit pad 10, having the fully extended legs 16, so that the dummy 10 may be used as a free-standing tackling dummy or a dummy-in-motion, as described herein. Further, either embodiment may include target indicia on a front side thereof, for showing and reminding players of the proper tackling technique. For example, an arrow may be placed on the shoulder portion 14, pointing downwardly, to show where the tackler's head or helmet should be. Another arrow may be positioned on the torso 12, pointing to the target pad 18, showing where the tackler's shoulder should be. Additionally, another arrow may be placed below the target pad 18 pointing towards the area between the legs 16 of the dummy, showing where the tacklers lead foot should be placed for the initial hit on the dummy 10. These arrows or other target indicia may be used on either the right side or the left side of the dummy 10, or on both sides, if desired. Moreover, either embodiment may be made in any desired sized, as appropriate for the age and size of the players, particularly including adult and youth sizes. It is also contemplated that one embodiment of the tackling dummy hit pad 10 may be manufactured and used without the shoulder sections 14, so that a torso 12 is formed on a top portion thereof, and a pair of legs 16 extend therebeneath.

Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein. All features disclosed in this specification may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

Claims

1. A tackling dummy hit pad comprising:

a resilient cushion member having a shape of a human torso, including a main body member with a left and right upper arm extending outwardly from an upper portion of said main body member, wherein said left upper arm extends from a left side of said main body member and said right upper arm extends from a right side of said main body member;

a pair of leg members extending generally downwardly and outwardly from a bottom portion of said main body member;

a tight-fitting external cover that is disposed to cover said resilient cushion member on all sides thereof; and

a first target pad attached to said external cover and positioned on said main body member on one side thereof between one of said upper arms and said leg members on the same side as said one of said upper arms.

2. The tackling dummy hit pad set forth in claim 1, further comprising a second target pad attached to said external cover on an opposed side from said first target pad, in mirror image fashion.

3. The tackling dummy hit pad set forth in claim 1, wherein said leg members are shorter than the length of said main body member.

4. The tackling dummy hit pad set forth in claim 1, wherein said leg members are longer than the length of said main body member.

5. The tackling dummy hit pad set forth in claim 1, further including a pair of straps on a rear side thereof, so that said tackling dummy hit pad may be held by a person grasping said straps on said rear side thereof.

6. The tackling dummy hit pad set forth in claim 1, further including target indicia on a front portion thereof, said target indicia being selected from the group consisting of an arrow positioned on one of said upper arms and pointing downwardly, an arrow disposed on said main body member pointing toward said first hit pad, and an arrow on said main body member pointing downwardly in a direction between said leg members.

7. The tackling dummy hit pad set forth in claim 1, wherein said external covering is a textile material that is substantially water resistant.

8. The tackling dummy hit pad set forth in claim 1, wherein said resilient member is made from a foam material.

9. A method of teaching and practicing tackling or rucking skills for contact sports, said method comprising the steps of:

providing a generally human shaped tackling dummy hit pad, said tackling dummy hit pad comprising a main body member with a top, bottom, front, rear, left side, and ride side, a pair of leg members extending from said bottom of said main body member, and a target pad attached to said main body member on at least one of said left or right sides, between an upper portion of said main body member and one of said leg members;

instructing a player to place his or her lead foot generally between said leg members;

instructing said player to place said player's shoulder against said hit pad;

instructing said player to place said player's head adjacent said hit pad on one side of said main body member; and

instructing said player to wrap his or her arms around said tackling dummy hit pad and fall to the ground with said tackling dummy hit pad in said player's grasp.

10. The method set forth in claim 9, further comprising the step of providing straps on a rear side of said tackling dummy hit pad.

11. The method set forth in claim 10, further comprising the steps of:

grasping said tackling dummy hit pad to present said tackling dummy hit pad to said player;

moving with said tackling dummy hit pad to provide said player with a moving tackling target; and

releasing said tackling dummy hit pad as said player grasps said tackling dummy hit pad so said player can fall to the ground with said tackling dummy hit pad in said player's grasp.

12. The method set forth in claim 11, further comprising the steps of:

instructing said player to place his or her head on an opposed side of said tackling dummy hit pad from the direction of motion of said tackling dummy hit pad.

13. The method set forth in claim 9, wherein said tackling dummy hit pad further includes a left and right upper arm extending outwardly from an upper portion of said left and right sides of said main body member.

14. A tackling dummy hit pad comprising:

a resilient cushion member having a shape of a human torso, including a main body member with a left and right upper arm extending outwardly from an upper portion of said main body member, wherein said left upper arm extends from a left side of said main body member and said right upper arm extends from a right side of said main body member;

a pair of leg members extending generally downwardly and outwardly from a bottom portion of said main body member; and

a tight-fitting external cover that is disposed to cover said resilient cushion member on all sides thereof.

15. The tackling dummy hit pad set forth in claim 14, further including a first target pad attached to said external cover and positioned on said main body member.

16. The tackling dummy hit pad set forth in claim 14, further including target indicia on said external cover for indicating target areas for tackling drills.

17. The tackling dummy hit pad set forth in claim 16, wherein target indicia indicate proper placement of a portion of a user's body selected from the group consisting of their head, their lead foot, their shoulder, and any combination thereof.

18. The tackling dummy hit pad set forth in claim 14, further including a pair of handles on a rear side thereof, so that said tackling dummy hit pad may be held by a person grasping said handles on said rear side thereof.