Mobile practice target

• US 20050200079A1
• Filed: 03/11/2005
• Published: 09/15/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 03/12/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Athletic Instruction Methods, LLC
• Original Assignee: Athletic Instruction Methods, LLC
• Inventors: Barber, Gregory Warren
• Application Number:
  US11/078,008
• Publication Number:
  US 20050200079A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 273/400
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/025 on rollers or wheels
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2209/10 with adhesive type surfaces, i.e. hook and loop-type fastener
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2210/50 Size reducing arrangements for stowing or transport
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/093 Height
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2243/007 American football
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 63/008 Goals for rugby or American football
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/002 for football American-football dummies A63B69/34
• CPC Class Codes: F41J 1/10 Target stands; Target holders

Abstract

A mobile practice target is described, wherein the target includes (a) a framework comprising a base support and at least one substantially vertical support extending above said base support and an angled support associated with said substantially vertical support, wherein said angled support is at an angle of from about 15 degrees to about 90 degrees relative to the substantially vertical support, (b) a means for capturing an object propelled at the mobile practice target, and (c) a mobility means associated with the base support to facilitate transport of the mobile practice target. The practice target is movable to simulate dynamic training conditions such as encountered by athletes under game conditions.

Claims

1. A mobile practice target, comprising

(a) a framework comprising a base support and at least one substantially vertical support extending above said base support and an angled support associated with said substantially vertical support, wherein said angled support is at an angle of from about 15 degrees to about 90 degrees relative to the substantially vertical support,

(b) a means for capturing an object propelled at the mobile practice target, and

(c) a mobility means associated with the base support to facilitate transport of the mobile practice target.

2. The mobile practice target of claim 1, wherein the framework comprises a base support of one or more spaced apart members and two substantially vertical supports extending above said base support.

3. The mobile practice target of claim 2, wherein said substantially vertical supports have a bend at the upper ends thereby forming the angled support associated with the substantially vertical support.

4. The mobile practice target of claim 1, wherein the framework comprises a base support of one or more spaced apart members connected via a connecting member, and a single substantially vertical support extending above said connecting member and having an angled support associated therewith via a two pronged crossmember attached to the vertical support and oriented at an angle of from about 15 degrees to about 90 degrees relative to the substantially vertical support.

5. The mobile practice target of claim 1, wherein the means for capturing an object propelled at the mobile practice target is a pocket formed from a resilient material for containing the propelled object and having at least one opening for receiving the propelled object into the pocket, wherein the resilient material is removably attached to the vertical support and the angled support.

6. The mobile practice target of claim 5, wherein the pocket formed from a resilient material comprises an opening for receiving a propelled object from the horizontal direction and further comprises an opening for receiving a propelled object from above.

7. The mobile practice target of claim 6, wherein the pocket formed from a resilient material further comprises a vertical panel having an opening formed therein for receiving a propelled object from the horizontal direction.

8. The mobile practice target of claim 6, wherein the pocket formed from a resilient material further comprises a baffle.

9. The mobile practice target of claim 1, wherein the length of the vertical support is adjustable.

10. The mobile practice target of claim 1, wherein said framework comprises metal, wood, plastic, graphite, glass, ceramic, resin, or composites thereof.

11. The mobile practice target of claim 5, wherein said resilient material comprises cloth, mesh or netting, or combinations thereof.

12. The mobile practice target of claim 1, wherein said mobility means associated with the base support to facilitate transport of the mobile practice target comprises wheels, runners, ball rollers, or compressed air.

13. The mobile practice target of claim 1, further comprising targeting lines or a target image placed to guide a user in targeting the propelled object to one or more precise targets.

20. A method of improving the ball placement skills of an individual utilizing the mobile practice target of claim 1, comprising propelling a ball into the opening for receiving a propelled object from the horizontal direction or the opening for receiving a propelled object from above.

14. A mobile practice target comprising:

(a) a substantially vertical panel comprising a resilient material and having a support means secured to a base and at least one opening located within the panel for receiving a propelled object;

(b) an angled panel comprising a resilient material and capable of receiving a propelled object and having support means securing the angled panel at an angle of from about 15 degrees to about 90 degrees relative to the substantially vertical panel; and

(c) mobility means to facilitate transport of the mobile practice target.

15. The mobile practice target of claim 14, wherein said support means comprises a framework of two substantially vertical members having a bend and forming an angled portion at the upper end thereof extending above a base support of two spaced apart members, wherein the angle of the bend is between about 15 degrees and 90 degrees relative to the two substantially vertical members.

16. The mobile practice target of claim 14, further comprising an additional framework element connecting the two uppermost ends of the framework.

17. The mobile practice target of claim 14, further comprising one or more additional framework elements connecting the two substantially vertical members of the framework to the base support.

18. The mobile practice target of claim 15, wherein said framework of two substantially vertical members having a bend and forming an angled portion at the upper end thereof is provided in separate pieces that can be assembled or disassembled into the framework.

19. The mobile practice target of claim 15, wherein said framework of two substantially vertical members having a bend and forming an angled portion at the upper end thereof is a telescoping framework.