U.S. patent application number 17/038209 was filed with the patent office on 2021-03-18 for system for downing a ball carrier and for tackle training.
The applicant listed for this patent is TackleBar, LLC. Invention is credited to Jeremy J. Ling.
Application Number | 20210077880 17/038209 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005237137 |
Filed Date | 2021-03-18 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210077880 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ling; Jeremy J. |
March 18, 2021 |
SYSTEM FOR DOWNING A BALL CARRIER AND FOR TACKLE TRAINING
Abstract
A tackle training system defines a frame configured for
attachment to a player's body. The frame has an upper portion, a
lower portion, and a center portion extending therebetween. The
upper portion defines at least one attachment structure extending
downwardly toward the lower portion, and the lower portion defines
at least one attachment structure extending upwardly toward the
upper portion generally vertically aligned with the attachment
structure of the upper portion. The opposing attachment structures
are for contacting opposing ends of a bar so as to removably attach
and extend the bar between the upper and lower portions. The
attachment structures of the frame limit movement of the removable
bar generally to that of the frame and allow release of the
removable bar from the frame when a force that overcomes an
attachment force provided by the attachment structures is applied
to the removable bar.
Inventors: |
Ling; Jeremy J.; (St. Paul,
MN) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TackleBar, LLC |
St. Paul |
MN |
US |
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|
Family ID: |
1000005237137 |
Appl. No.: |
17/038209 |
Filed: |
September 30, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16257387 |
Jan 25, 2019 |
10814198 |
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17038209 |
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62622278 |
Jan 26, 2018 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 69/0059 20130101;
A63B 69/002 20130101; A63B 71/0622 20130101; A63B 2225/74 20200801;
A63B 2209/10 20130101; A63B 2243/007 20130101; A63B 69/00 20130101;
A63B 69/345 20130101; A63B 71/0608 20130101; A63B 2071/0625
20130101; A63B 71/0605 20130101; A63B 2071/0694 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 69/00 20060101
A63B069/00 |
Claims
1. A tackle training apparatus comprising: a frame defining an
upper portion, a lower portion, and a center portion extending
between and connecting the upper portion and the lower portion, the
upper portion defining at least one post extending downwardly
toward the lower portion and the lower portion defining at least
one post extending upwardly toward the upper portion generally
vertically aligned with the at least one post extending from the
upper portion, wherein the opposing posts of the upper and lower
portions, respectively, are configured for insertion into opposing
ends of a bar so as to removably attach and extend the bar between
the upper and lower portions of the frame, the posts of the frame
configured to limit movement of the removable bar generally to that
of the frame, the posts configured to allow release of the
removable bar from the frame when a force that overcomes an
attachment force provided by the posts is applied to the removable
bar.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the frame is formed
from a generally rigid polymeric material.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the
post of the upper portion and the post of the lower portion is
flexible so as to allow removal of the bar when the force that
overcomes the attachment force is applied to the removable bar.
4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein both the post of the
upper portion and the post of the lower portion are flexible.
5. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the
post of the upper portion and the post of the lower portion defines
notches along its length for providing flexibility to the post.
6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the posts of the
upper and lower portion, respectively, are positioned on the frame
such that a cut-out is defined on at least one side of the center
portion between the upper portion and the lower portion of the
frame, the cut-out for providing access for a player to grab a bar
that has been attached to the frame for removal.
7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the upper portion
defines at least a pair of posts extending downwardly toward the
lower portion, each at opposite sides of the center portion, and
the lower portion defines at least a pair of posts extending
upwardly toward the upper portion, each at opposite sides of the
center portion, wherein the posts of the lower portion are
generally vertically aligned with the posts of the upper portion,
wherein the opposing posts of the upper and lower portions,
respectively, are configured for insertion into opposing ends of at
least a pair of bars so as to removably attach and extend the bars
between the upper and lower portions of the frame at opposite sides
of the center portion.
8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the posts of the
upper and lower portions, respectively, are positioned on the frame
such that a cut-out is defined on each side of the center portion
between the upper portion and the lower portion of the frame, each
cut-out for providing access for a player to grab a bar that has
been attached to the frame for removal.
9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the center portion
of the frame defines a lumbar curve for aiding in positioning and
fitting the frame against a player's lower back region.
10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the upper, the
lower, and the center portions of the frame cooperatively define a
generally I-shaped structure.
11. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least
one strap attached to the frame to be used for attaching the
apparatus to a player's body.
12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the at least one
strap defines a right half attached to the frame that is removably
attached to a left half attached to the frame.
13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the right half is
removably attached to the left half via hook and loop type
fasteners.
14. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the right half of
the strap defines strap segments attached to both the upper and
lower portions of the frame, the segments converging toward each
other to meet at a first center buckle portion, wherein the left
half of the strap defines strap segments attached to both the upper
and lower portions of the frame, the segments converging toward
each other to meet at a second center buckle portion that is
configured for removable attachment to the first center buckle
portion to form a center buckle.
15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein each strap segment
defines a quick-release structure for detachment from a player's
body in addition to the relatively releaseable first and second
center buckle portions.
16. A tackle training system comprising: a frame defining an upper
portion, a lower portion, and a center portion extending between
and connecting the upper portion and the lower portion, the upper
portion defining at least one post extending downwardly toward the
lower portion and the lower portion defining at least one post
extending upwardly toward the upper portion generally vertically
aligned with the at least one post extending from the upper
portion, wherein the opposing posts of the upper and lower
portions, respectively, are configured for insertion into opposing
ends of a bar so as to removably attach and extend the bar between
the upper and lower portions of the frame, the posts of the frame
configured to limit movement of the removable bar generally to that
of the frame, the posts configured to allow release of the
removable bar from the frame when a force that overcomes an
attachment force provided by the posts is applied to the removable
bar; and at least one bar attached to the frame via the posts so as
to extend between the upper and lower portions thereof.
17. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein at least one of the
post of the upper portion and the post of the lower portion is
flexible to as to allow removal of the bar when the force that
overcomes the attachment force is applied to the removable bar.
18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein both the post of
the upper portion and the post of the lower portion are
flexible.
19. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein at least one of
the post of the upper portion and the post of the lower portion
defines notches along its length for providing flexibility to the
post.
20. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the posts of the
upper and lower portions, respectively, are positioned on the frame
such that a cut-out is defined on at least one side of the center
portion between the upper portion and the lower portion of the
frame, the cut-out for providing access for a player to grab the
bar that is attached to the frame for removal.
21. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the upper portion
defines at least a pair of posts extending downwardly toward the
lower portion, each at opposite sides of the center portion, and
the lower portion defines at least a pair of posts extending
upwardly toward the upper portion, each at opposite sides of the
center portion, wherein the posts of the lower portion are
generally vertically aligned with the posts of the upper portion,
wherein the opposing posts of the upper and lower portions,
respectively, are configured for insertion into opposing ends of at
least a pair of bars that have been attached to the frame via the
posts so as to extend between the upper and lower portions thereof
at opposite sides of the center portion.
22. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the posts of the
upper and lower portions, respectively, are positioned on the frame
such that a cut-out is defined on each side of the center portion
between the upper portion and the lower portion of the frame, each
cut out for providing access for a player to grab the bars that are
attached to the frame for removal.
23. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the center portion
of the frame defines a lumbar curve for aiding in positioning and
fitting the frame against a player's lower back region.
24. The apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising at
least one strap attached to the frame to be used for attaching the
apparatus to a player's body.
25. (canceled)
26. A tackle training apparatus comprising: a frame; and at least
one attachment structure extending from the frame for removably
attaching an elongate bar to the frame, wherein the at least one
attachment structure of the frame is configured to limit movement
of the removable elongate bar generally to that of the frame, the
attachment structure configured to allow release of the removable
elongate bar from the frame when a force that overcomes an
attachment force provided by the attachment structure is applied to
the removable elongate bar, wherein the at least one attachment
structure is configured to cooperate with at least one of an inner
dimension or an outer dimension defined by the elongate bar for
removably attaching the elongate bar to the frame.
27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the at least one attachment
structure of the frame is defined by a post configured for
insertion into a hollow body defined by the elongate bar, wherein
the hollow body of the elongate bar defines the inner
dimension.
28. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the at least one attachment
structure of the frame is defined by a ring structure configured
for contacting the outer surface of the body defined by the
elongate bar, wherein the outer surface of the body defines the
outer dimension.
29. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the at least one attachment
structure defines an upper attachment structure extending
downwardly toward and vertically aligned with a lower attachment
structure, wherein the opposing upper and lower attachment
structures are configured for contacting opposing ends of the bar
so as to removably attach the bar to the frame.
30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the upper and lower
attachment structures are defined by opposing posts configured for
insertion into opposing ends of the elongate bar having a hollow
body, wherein the hollow body of the elongate bar defines the inner
dimension.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/257,387, filed Jan. 25, 2019, which claims
the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
62/622,278, filed Jan. 26, 2018, which applications are hereby
incorporated by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Modern research and studies are raising significant concerns
over the long-term health consequences that can result from sports
concussions and other types of play-related head injuries. As the
concerning evidence mounts, American tackle football is one sport
that has become the topic of considerable controversy. Dangerous
collisions/injuries can happen accidentally in any sports; however,
in tackle football the risk factors are significantly higher since
collisions are an intentional rather than an accidental part of the
game. In a game such as American tackle football, the primary
method of downing the ball carrier is by tackling the ball carrier
to the ground, which inherently results in collisions. The
magnitude and repetition of these collisions can cause concussions
and head injury.
[0003] Research is showing that it is not always just one large
collision that leads to injury, but even repetitive smaller
collisions that can make the brain more susceptible to injury over
time. This is concerning, since tackle football players experience
repetitive collisions as part of the games, practices, and drills.
In regards to youth football, there are some further unique
concerns. Youngsters are not miniature adults. For starters, their
brains are not yet fully myelinated, meaning nerve cells in the
brain lack the complete coating that offers protection. This makes
youth more susceptible to concussions, and also means they recover
more slowly from them compared to adults. Children have big heads
relative to the rest of their bodies and weak necks, creating a
"bobblehead effect" that elevates the risk of concussion. Kids
typically play in the oldest equipment, with the least educated
coaches, and with little or no available medical care. And finally,
kids are unable to provide meaningful informed consent. Rarely do
kids really understand the situations and risks they're putting
themselves in.
[0004] Flag football is an alternative to tackle football. However,
most football enthusiasts would view flag football as an inferior
version of the game. In flag football, there is no tackling.
Instead, all players wear one or more flags that, when removed from
a ball carrier, indicates that the ball carrier is down, thereby
signifying the end of that play. The flags are typically flat,
narrow strips of nylon or fabric. One end of the flag is normally
releasably secured to a belt worn around the player's waist. Hook
and loop type fasteners such as VELCRO.RTM. are a common means to
secure one end of the flag to the player. The other end of the flag
hangs freely down toward the player's knees. As the players run,
the flag is free to bounce, move, and flutter around (as the name
"flag" would suggest). The flag therefore has its own movements
independent from the ball carrier. This dynamic, independent motion
of the flag makes it difficult to grab the flag even if a player
has a good position or grip on the ball carrier. In fact, often it
takes a bit of luck to grab the flag. For example, players can be
in what is considered a good defensive position to down the ball
carrier, but the elusiveness of the flag allows the ball carrier to
escape and continue advancing the ball. This attribute makes flag
football a unique sport to defend. In tackle football, defensive
players are taught to focus on a ball carrier's movements
(specifically the torso) when tracking and downing the ball
carrier. Many other sports and games similarly share this common
ingredient, whereby defense has to watch and interpret movements of
opposing players in order to make a defensive stand. Flag football
is distinctly unique, in that defensive emphasis is placed on
movements of an independently moving flag instead of movements of a
player. Many football and sports enthusiasts alike do not care for
this non-conventional emphasis.
[0005] In flag football, the flags generally attach approximately
at the player's waistline, and the flags hang freely down toward
the player's knee region. This attachment location is not ideal for
head safety. Even though there's no tackling in flag football, the
low flag positioning often results in players lowering their heads
to make a play for the flag. Any time players are lowering their
heads to reach for a flag, it is creating a dangerous situation in
terms of head injuries. For example, accidental collisions between
a ball carrier's knee and a defender's head can be very dangerous
in terms of concussions and head injuries. Positioning flags on the
lower body (waist down) is a poor location, as it requires players
to lower their body and head to make a play for the flag, which
puts players' heads at risk of experiencing collisions.
[0006] Furthermore, the flag is a flat strip of fabric, or the
like, with very minimal thickness. Flag length is often around
12-16 inches. Flag width is typically around 1.5 inches. And, flag
thickness is typically only around 0.062 inches (typical fabric
thicknesses). This slim thickness profile along with the fabric
type construct can make the flags difficult to distinguish or grab,
as they can easily slip out of the defenders' hands. Essentially,
flags are not ergonomically designed to be grasped by a hand, as
they lack any sort of grab features or dimensions. Therefore, the
flag construction and profile further adds to the luck factor in
downing the ball carrier. For many American football enthusiasts,
the emphasis on a flag rather than a player, combined with the
proportion of luck versus skill in downing the ball carrier is
unappealing for flag football.
[0007] With the growing awareness and evidence associating tackle
football with head injuries, concussions, and long-term health
implications, there exists a need for alternative ways to down the
ball carrier that also promotes proper tackling techniques for a
conventional form of the game. Specifically, the alternative means
of downing the ball carrier should avoid the physical act of
tackling, thereby minimizing collisions associated with head
injuries and concussions, while encouraging proper positioning and
technique for conventional tackle training. Furthermore, the
alternative means should encourage upright play and training, such
that players do not have to reach low to down the ball carrier,
thereby lowering and exposing their heads to dangerous situations.
Furthermore, there exists a need for alternative ways of downing
the ball carrier and tackle training systems that reward good
defensive positioning for conventional tackling form, and minimizes
the luck factor in downing the ball carrier. Furthermore, there
exists a need for alternative ways of downing the ball carrier that
preserve the conventional defensive focus on a player's movements,
rather than arbitrary movements of an accessory such as a flag.
SUMMARY
[0008] Generally, the disclosure is directed to a system worn by
American football players and players of similar sports, such as
Rugby. The system includes a removable component(s), which
hereinafter will be referred to as a tackling bar, or simply, a
bar. A tackling bar may be an elongated structure configured for
attachment to a player's body. The system may also include a belt,
harness, or the like, to facilitate removable attachment of the
bar(s) to the player's body. Alternatively, the term harness may
include or refer to other structures such as jerseys or uniforms
and may include attachment provisions for connecting the bar(s) to
a player's body. The tackling bar's construction and attachment
mechanism are configured to limit independent motion of the bar,
thereby constraining the bar to move in unison with the player.
This attribute preserves conventional defensive emphasis, requiring
defensive focus on movements of the ball carrier, rather than
diverting attention to arbitrary, independent movements of an
accessory, encouraging proper tackling techniques. When the bar is
removed from the ball carrier, this signifies the ball carrier is
down and the play is over. Removal of the bar is intended to
therefore be an alternative way of downing the ball carrier,
thereby avoiding the collisions associated with tackling. The
system could be utilized in all the various types of football-like
games, including padded, non-padded, and, for example, as an
improvement to conventional flag football. The system may also be
utilized in sports such as Rugby. The tackling bar may take form in
various lengths and shapes, but is generally dimensioned and
constructed to be easily graspable and distinguishable when worn on
a player's body. As noted above, even though the embodiments
discussed herein may refer to ways of downing a ball carrier during
a game, it should be noted that the inventive aspects of the
embodiments may also be used for tackle training purposes since the
inventive systems promote proper technique and positioning in
conventional tackle situations.
[0009] According to one example aspect, the disclosure is directed
to a tackle training system comprising a frame defining an upper
portion, a lower portion, and a center portion extending between
and connecting the upper portion and the lower portion, the upper
portion defining at least one post extending downwardly toward the
lower portion, and the lower portion defining at least one post
extending upwardly toward the upper portion generally vertically
aligned with the at least one post extending from the upper
portion, wherein the opposing posts of the upper and lower
portions, respectively, are configured for insertion into opposing
ends of a bar so as to removably attach and extend the bar between
the upper and lower portions of the frame, the posts of the frame
configured to limit movement of the removable bar generally to that
of the frame, the posts configured to allow release of the
removable bar from the frame when a force that overcomes an
attachment force provided by the posts is applied to the removable
bar and at least one strap attached to the frame to be used for
attachment to a player's body. The system also includes at least
one bar attached to the frame via the posts so as to extend between
the upper and lower portions thereof.
[0010] According to another example aspect, the disclosure is
directed to a tackle training apparatus that comprises a frame
defining an upper portion, a lower portion, and a center portion
extending between and connecting the upper portion and the lower
portion, the upper portion defining at least one post extending
downwardly toward the lower portion, and the lower portion defining
at least one post extending upwardly toward the upper portion
generally vertically aligned with the at least one post extending
from the upper portion, wherein the opposing posts of the upper and
lower portions, respectively, are configured for insertion into
opposing ends of a bar so as to removably attach and extend the bar
between the upper and lower portions of the frame, the posts of the
frame configured to limit movement of the removable bar generally
to that of the frame, the posts configured to allow release of the
removable bar from the frame when a force that overcomes an
attachment force provided by the posts is applied to the removable
bar, and at least one strap attached to the frame to be used for
attachment to a player's body.
[0011] According to another example aspect, the disclosure is
directed to a tackle training apparatus comprising a frame defining
an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion defining at
least one attachment structure extending downwardly toward the
lower portion and the lower portion defining at least one
attachment structure extending upwardly toward the upper portion
generally vertically aligned with the at least one attachment
structure extending from the upper portion, wherein the opposing
attachment structures of the upper and lower portions,
respectively, are configured for contacting opposing ends of a bar
so as to removably attach and extend the bar between the upper and
lower portions of the frame, the attachment structures of the frame
configured to limit movement of the removable bar generally to that
of the frame, the attachment structures configured to allow release
of the removable bar from the frame when a force that overcomes an
attachment force provided by the attachment structures is applied
to the removable bar.
[0012] According to yet another aspect, the disclosure is directed
to a tackle training apparatus comprising a frame and at least one
attachment structure extending from the frame for removably
attaching the bar to the frame, wherein the at least one attachment
structure of the frame is configured to limit movement of the
removable bar generally to that of the frame, the attachment
structure configured to allow release of the removable bar from the
frame when a force that overcomes an attachment force provided by
the attachment structure is applied to the removable bar, wherein
the at least one attachment structure is configured to cooperate
with at least one of an inner dimension or an outer dimension
defined by an elongate bar for removably attaching the bar to the
frame.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] Drawings of some embodiments of the system are included to
assist in explaining the basic inventive ideas. These drawings are
intended as illustrations and are not meant to limit the inventive
aspects described herein.
[0014] FIG. 1: A football uniform/jersey outfitted with tackling
bars having inventive aspects in accordance with the present
disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 2A: A perspective view of a cylindrical tackling bar
with two attachment features in accordance with the present
disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 2B: A perspective view of a rectangular tackling bar in
accordance with the present disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 2C: A perspective view of another embodiment of a
tackling bar with finger grip features.
[0018] FIG. 2D: A tackling bar similar to that shown in FIG. 2C
with a single attachment feature.
[0019] FIG. 3A: A perspective view of a belt that can be worn
around a player's torso, the belt including a cylindrical tackling
bar similar to those shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D but with two
attachment features adjacent the ends of the bar.
[0020] FIG. 3B: A perspective view of a belt similar to that shown
in FIG. 3A with two cylindrical tackling bars attached thereto.
[0021] FIG. 4A: A perspective view of a wearable harness configured
to receive a plurality of tackling bars.
[0022] FIG. 4B: A side view of the wearable harness shown in FIG.
4A.
[0023] FIG. 4C: A rear view of the wearable harness shown in FIGS.
4A and 4B.
[0024] FIG. 5A: A close up side view of the wearable harness of
FIG. 4B shown in isolation removed from a ball carrier's torso.
[0025] FIG. 5B: A close up rear view of the wearable harness of
FIG. 4C shown in isolation removed from a ball carrier's torso.
[0026] FIG. 5C: A rear perspective view of the wearable harness of
FIGS. 5A and 5B shown in isolation removed from a ball carrier's
torso.
[0027] FIG. 6: A front perspective view of an alternative tackle
training system having features that are examples of inventive
aspects in accordance with the present disclosure, the tackle
training system including a wearable harness defining a frame and a
plurality of tackling bars attached thereto.
[0028] FIG. 7: A rear perspective view of the tackle training
system of FIG. 6.
[0029] FIG. 8: A side view of the tackle training system of FIG.
6.
[0030] FIG. 9: A rear view of the tackle training system of FIG.
6.
[0031] FIG. 9A: A cross-sectional view of the tackle training
system of FIG. 6, taken along line 9A-9A of FIG. 9, illustrating
the attachment between the frame and one of the bars of the
system.
[0032] FIG. 10: A front view of the tackle training system of FIG.
6.
[0033] FIG. 11: A top view of the tackle training system of FIG.
6.
[0034] FIG. 12: A side view of the wearable harness of the tackle
training system of FIGS. 6-11, the wearable harness defining a
frame including features that are examples of inventive aspects in
accordance with the present disclosure.
[0035] FIG. 13: A front view of the harness of FIG. 12.
[0036] FIG. 14: A rear view of the harness of FIG. 12.
[0037] FIG. 15: A rear perspective view of a portion of the harness
of FIG. 12.
[0038] FIG. 16: A rear perspective view of the inventive frame of
the harness of FIGS. 12-15, shown in isolation without the
straps.
[0039] FIG. 17: A rear view of the frame of FIG. 16.
[0040] FIG. 18: A side view of the frame of FIG. 16.
[0041] FIG. 19: A rear perspective view of one of the tackling bars
of the tackle training system of FIGS. 6-11 shown in isolation, the
bar including features that are examples of inventive aspects in
accordance with the present disclosure.
[0042] FIG. 20: A side view of the tackling bar of FIG. 19.
[0043] FIG. 21: A top view of the tackling bar of FIG. 19.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0044] The subject matter described herein may take form in a
variety of embodiments, including but not limited to, the
embodiments, components, arrangements of components, assembly
methods and arrangements of methods, and apparatus usage procedures
and arrangements of procedures as described below. The embodiments
described, while possibly being preferred embodiments, are
illustrative examples and are not meant to limit the inventive
aspects described herein.
[0045] FIG. 1 illustrates a football jersey 20 including three
elongated structures, referred to as tackling bars 10, releasably
attached to the jersey 20. A defensive player must grab and remove
one of the tackling bars 10 from the jersey to down the ball
carrier and end the play. In FIG. 1, one of the tackling bars 10 is
shown as attached laterally across the lower back area of a ball
carrier. The other tackling bars 10 are located on each side of the
jersey 20, extending vertically upward from the hip region toward
the arm pits of the ball carrier. The tackling bars 10 may be
attached in various positions and quantities on a player's body,
preferably on a player's torso between the waist and shoulders.
This upper body positioning encourages heads-up play, such that
defensive players are not lowering their heads into dangerous
positions while attempting to remove a tackling bar 10. In the
embodiment of FIG. 1, a defensive player would have to target the
side or back of the ball carrier to remove a tackling bar 10,
thereby reducing incidents of direct collisions.
[0046] According to one embodiment, the tackling bar may be an
elongated structure that is made from a soft material, such as
foam, rubber, silicone, or the like. A soft, compliable material
ensures that the tackling bar will not cause pain or injury if a
player falls or lands on the tackling bar.
[0047] FIG. 2A illustrates a cylindrical shaped tackling bar 110
defined by an elongated cylindrical body 16 with opposing ends 11
and 12. The length of the tackling bar can vary, but generally the
distance between opposing ends 11, 12 of the elongated structure
should be at least great enough to accommodate a single hand grab
during removal. In the embodiment of FIG. 2A, the cylindrical body
16 of the elongated structure may function as a handgrip. The body
16 provides appropriate form, size, and shape to be easily and
intuitively grasped by a single hand during removal. In other
embodiments, the shape of the tackling bar can take on a variety of
other forms, such as the rectangular version of a tackling bar 210
illustrated in FIG. 2B. Regardless of the configuration, the
various forms, sizes, and shapes of the tackling bar elongated
structure should preferably always include a handgrip region
appropriately constructed for a single-handed grasp. Furthermore,
the tackling bar design should position the handgrip region such
that it protrudes from the player so it can be easily distinguished
during removal. Thin cross sections or fabric like shapes would not
be desirable for a tackling bar, as they lack a handgrip region,
making them hard to grasp and distinguish. Furthermore, thin cross
sections or fabric like shapes would tend to blend in with a
player's body and uniform, rather than protruding therefrom, making
removal difficult and unpractical at game speeds. For these
reasons, it is fundamental that the tackling bar design and
construction presents an easily graspable region that protrudes or
extends from the player's body.
[0048] In other embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 2C, the hand
grip region 16 of a tackling bar 310 may even include various
features, like finger grips 41 that further provide distinction and
tactile feedback in grabbing the bar during removal.
[0049] There may be various methods and structures for providing
releasable attachment of the tackling bar(s) to a player. The
releasable connection must be robust enough to maintain tackling
bar attachment to the body while a player runs, jumps, and engages
in the various physical motions associated with the game.
Conversely, the attachment mechanism must allow release of the
tackling bar from the player when the tackling bar is grabbed by a
defensive player. Furthermore, re-attachment of the tackling bar
must be easy, efficient, and reliable.
[0050] FIG. 2A illustrates the tackling bar 110 with a
hook-and-loop type (i.e., VELCRO.RTM.) attachment. The tackling bar
110 includes hook-and-loop type fasteners 13 and 14 near each
opposing end 11 and 12 of the bar 110.
[0051] FIG. 2D illustrates a tackling bar 410 similar to the
tackling bar 310 shown in FIG. 2C with a hook-and-loop type
fastener 15 that extends substantially along the length of the bar
410. In both FIGS. 2A and 2D, a mating piece or pieces of
hook-and-loop fastener(s) would be incorporated into the player's
uniform to releasably attach the tackling bar(s) to the player's
body. Hook-and-loop fasteners provide an economical and efficient
mechanism for creating the releasable attachment. Many other
releasable connection methods will be obvious to those skilled in
the art, for example, snaps, clips, buttons, and the like. It is
fundamental that the tackling bar construction, along with its
attachment provisions, substantially limit motion of the tackling
bar independent of the player's motion. For example, the tackling
bar 110 in FIG. 2A includes attachment fasteners 13 and 14
strategically placed near each opposing end 11 and 12. In this
manner, when attached to a player, the entire elongated structure
of the tackling bar is constrained to move in unison with the
player. This is an important attribute because defensive
fundamentals require reacting to movements of a ball carrier. For
example, if the tackling bar 110 in FIG. 2A only included an
attachment provision located near one end, the opposing end of the
tackling bar 110 would be free to bounce, move, and flutter around
as the ball carrier moves, similar to the motion of a conventional
flag. Such motion of the tackling bar would be undesirable because
it would require a defensive player to react to movements of the
accessory rather than movements of the ball carrier, thereby
eroding fundamentals of playing defense.
[0052] FIG. 2D includes a version of the tackling bar with a single
attachment fastener 15 or a single attachment point, but the
attachment point extends along a majority of the length of the
tackling bar 410 to substantially prevent movement of the tackling
bar 410 independent of the movement of the player wearing it. The
general combination of provisions that work together to prevent
motion of the tackling bar independent of the player include a
tackling bar material with adequate stiffness or rigidity to resist
independent motion, regardless of where or how many attachment
points there are with respect to the player, and/or at least two
points of attachment between the tackling bar and player, and/or a
single point of attachment that is substantially large/long enough
to hold the tackling bar from independent movement. In this manner,
tackling bars are significantly integrated with the player's body
and the player's movements. This attribute enables a defensive
player to focus on and react to the ball carrier's movements,
rather than reacting to independent motion of an accessory. This
preserves many of the defensive fundamentals of the game, and
minimizes the luck factor in removing the tackling bar.
[0053] As noted above, FIG. 1 illustrates tackling bars 10 attached
to a jersey. There are many other alternative ways to attach the
tackling bars to players besides connecting with a jersey. For
example, tackling bar(s) could be attached to the waistline of
shorts or pants. In another embodiment, suspenders could be
fashioned to provide an upper body harness for releasably
connecting the tackling bar(s).
[0054] FIG. 3A illustrates a tackling bar 10 that is releasably
attached to a belt 21 via attachment fasteners 13 and 14. The belt
21 can be worn around the waistline of a player, like a
conventional belt, or alternatively could be located around the
upper body at various positions between the waist and armpits. The
belt 21 can be made of an elastic stretch material to help
comfortably secure it around the player's waist or torso.
[0055] FIG. 3B similarly illustrates a belt 121 that is configured
to receive two tackling bars. In this embodiment, for example, one
bar could be located on the front of the player, while another is
located on the back of the player. Alternatively, as another
example, the belt 121 in FIG. 3B could be utilized to position a
tackling bar on each side of the player, for example in the hip
vicinity.
[0056] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate another embodiment of a provision
for releasably attaching tackling bar(s) to a player's body. FIGS.
4A, 4B, and 4C illustrate a harness that includes a frame 50
positioned against a player's lower back region. As noted above,
the term harness should not be used in a narrowing manner and may
refer to and include structures such as a belt, a jersey, a
uniform, or the like that can include attachment provisions for
connecting the bar(s) to a player's body.
[0057] The harness, as depicted, includes attachment provisions,
for example hook-and-loop fasteners, that allow one or more
tackling bars 10 to be releasably attached thereto. In the FIG. 4
embodiment, the frame 50 of the harness is attached to the player
via means of a waist belt 51 and chest strap 52. FIGS. 4A and 4B
illustrate an additional tackling bar 10 releasably attached to the
waist belt 51 on the front side of the player. This arrangement
places tackling bars 10 on both the front and back sides of the
player, thereby providing more options for a defensive player to
down the ball carrier.
[0058] FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C further illustrate details of the
embodiment of FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C. The frame 50 of the harness,
for example, may be made of conformable foam or polymer type
materials for fit, comfort, and safety. FIG. 5A further illustrates
a lumbar curve feature 53 that helps position and fit the frame 50
against the lower back region of a player. The frame 50 along with
the waist belt 51 provides reliable and convenient means for
controlling placement and location of tackling bar(s) 10, ensuring
that players are consistently wearing the tackling bar(s) 10 in the
correct location.
[0059] Furthermore, the frame 50 of the harness can position the
tackling bar(s) 10 such that they can be easily distinguished while
attempting to down the ball carrier. For example, loose fitting
shirts or jerseys could conceal or increase the difficulty in
distinguishing, grabbing, and removing a tackling bar 10. It could
be common, for example, to inadvertently grab a player's jersey
rather than a tackling bar in attempting to down the ball carrier.
The frame 50 can overcome these difficulties by positioning the
tackling bar(s) in a stable, clear, and un-obstructed position.
FIGS. 4A and 4B clearly show the tackling bars 10, and in
particular the handgrip defined by the body 16, protruding from the
player's torso such that they can be easily identified and grasped
by the defense during removal. This arrangement is important for
minimizing the luck factor in downing the ball carrier. For
example, if the tackling bar(s) are difficult to access or grab,
the ball carrier could escape despite the defensive player being in
a good position to make a play.
[0060] FIGS. 5B and 5C further illustrate details of a system that
positions the tackling bar(s) for clear, un-obstructed removal. For
example, the frame 50 of the harness includes a cutout area 54 in
the vicinity of each tackling bar 10. The cutout areas 54 of the
frame 50 provide further open and clear access for a defensive
player to reach in and grab a tackling bar 10.
[0061] FIG. 5C illustrates the system with one of the tackling bars
removed from the harness. As shown, in an embodiment such as the
one illustrated, the waist belt 51 and chest strap 52 may not form
a permanent or integral part of the harness. The waist belt 51 and
the chest strap 52 may be removably attached to the frame 50 to
form the harness. As shown, they are threaded through slots 55 in
the frame 50, which enables the waist belt 51 and chest strap 52 to
be easily removed and replaced. This arrangement facilitates
several benefits. Certainly football players come in various shapes
and sizes. This embodiment allows the waist belt 51 and chest strap
52 to be swapped out as necessary to accommodate different sized
players. Furthermore, the waist belt 51 and chest strap 52 may be
dual purpose in that they are made from, or include, hook-and-loop
fastener material. As shown in FIG. 5C, the slots 55 allow the
waist belt 51 and chest strap 52 to thread through the frame 50 in
such a way as to present a discrete attachment location 56 for
attaching a tackling bar 10. This further ensures the tackling
bar(s) can only be connected in a single correct location,
providing a type of keying for attachment of the tackling bar(s).
Furthermore, if the hook-and-loop fasteners become worn with use,
the waist belt 51 and chest strap 52 can easily be swapped out to
provide a new hook-and-loop attachment surface.
[0062] The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 would enable
modular use of the system. For example, the system can be
universally applied to various players. By comparison, attaching
tackling bar(s) directly to a uniform has inherent challenges. For
example, the vast variations in jersey sizing and fit can present
challenges in consistently placing and locating tackling bars on a
player's body. Furthermore, when non-organized youth football
games, for example back yard or pick-up style games, are
considered, in these contexts, requiring a special shirt, jersey,
or uniform to facilitate tackling bar attachment could be
cumbersome compared to utilizing the more universal modular harness
accessory for facilitating tackling bar attachment.
[0063] As discussed, removal of a tackling bar downs the ball
carrier and ends the play. Various technologies could be included
in the system to help indicate that a tackling bar has indeed been
removed and the play is over. For example, removal of a tackling
bar could cause a light to illuminate, thereby providing a visual
cue that the play is over. The visual cue may also be provided by
the difference in the color of the tackling bar(s) and the harness
worn on the player.
[0064] Similarly a noise, such as a whistle, siren, or even a voice
could be triggered by the removal of a tackling bar, again
providing a sensory cue to players, referees, and fans that the
ball carrier is down and the play is over. Hook-and-loop fasteners
make their own distinct sound during removal, and therefore could
be another means of providing audible feedback to the players that
a tackling bar has been removed. Many other means and methods to
provide feedback that a tackling bar has been removed are
contemplated by the inventive aspects of the present
disclosure.
[0065] The tackling bar system has thus far been discussed mainly
in the context of American football and more specifically in the
context of downing a ball carrier. The system and the accessories
of the system are applicable to all types of American football,
including padded, non-padded, youth through adult, organized
leagues, or backyard pick-up games. The system is applicable to
other types of games such as Rugby and the like. As noted above,
the tackling bar harness and the systems of the present disclosure
could be used as a practice tool, for example placing the tackling
bars in strategic locations to teach form-tackling techniques.
Additionally the tackling bar system could similarly be used to
facilitate other games. For example, requiring removal of a bar
rather than simply just tagging the person could enhance a basic
game of tag. Various other games could similarly leverage the
system and its accessories.
[0066] FIGS. 6-11 illustrate yet another embodiment of a system 100
that includes an alternative provision for releasably attaching
tackling bar(s) 610 to a player's body. FIGS. 12-18 illustrate an
alternative harness 102 of the system 100 in isolation. As noted
above, the term harness should not be read broadly and may refer to
and include structures such as a belt, a jersey, a uniform, or the
like that can include attachment provisions for connecting the
tackling bar(s) to a player's body.
[0067] In the depicted harness 102, a frame 104 defined by the
harness 102 is positioned against a player's lower back region. The
frame 104 defines an upper portion 106, a lower portion 108, and a
center portion 112 connecting the upper portion 106 to the lower
portion 108. As shown, the frame 104 defines opposingly positioned
attachment provisions 114 at each of the upper and lower portions
106, 108 that allow one or more tackling bars 610 to be releasably
attached thereto. As shown, according to one embodiment, the
attachment provisions 114 are defined by a pair of posts 116 that
extend downwardly from the upper portion 106 toward a pair of
generally vertically aligned posts 116 that extend upwardly from
the lower portion 108 of the frame 104. As shown in the
cross-sectional view of FIG. 9A, the posts 116 are configured to be
received by opposing ends 118, 120 of a version of the tackling bar
610 that defines a hollow body 122 with a throughhole 124. When
mounted as such, a player has full access to the entire length of
the bars 610 for removal since the posts 116 are positioned within
the bars' hollow bodies 122.
[0068] The posts 116 are generally formed from the same material as
the rest of the frame 104, such as conformable foam or polymer type
materials, so as to allow a certain amount of flexing or bending
during placement of the tackling bars 610 on the frame 104. As
shown, each post 116 may define partial notches or slits 126 for
allowing bending at such points. It should be noted that the
specific construction of the posts 116 can provide a certain amount
of adjustment or "tuning" to the removal force that is required to
remove the tackling bars 610 from the frame 104. Such tuning may be
provided by the thickness of the posts 116, the length of the posts
116 as they extend from the frame 104, the flexibility of the
material of the posts 116, the location and the density of the
notches 126, the material and/or flexibility of the tackling bars
610 themselves, the relative difference between the outer
dimensions of the posts 116 and the inner dimensions of the
throughholes 124 of the tackling bars 610, and other factors that
can vary the amount force needed to remove the bars 610 from the
frame 104. Such tuning or variability can make the systems 100 of
the present disclosure adaptable to different games, different
skill levels, different age levels, different training aspects, and
such. As noted previously, the tackling bars 610 may be made from a
soft material, such as foam, rubber, silicone, or the like. A soft,
compliable material ensures that the tackling bar 610 will not
cause pain or injury if a player falls or lands on the tackling bar
610. As noted above, the flexibility provided by the material of
the tackling bar 610 itself can be used for "tuning" the removal
force needed.
[0069] Although the attachment provisions 114 are depicted as
opposing posts 116, it should be noted that other types of
opposingly provided attachment means 114 may be used such as
concave cups or rings that are used in fixing the tackling bars 610
to the frame 104, where such structures may cooperate with the
outer dimensions of the tackling bars 610 in fixing the bars 610.
However, such outer fixation structures may limit the full-length
access provided by "internal" attachment structures such as posts
Ho that are inserted into the hollow bodies 122 of the bars
610.
[0070] As noted above, FIG. 9A illustrates a cross-sectional view
of the attachment between the frame 104 and one of the bars 610
with opposing posts 116 of the frame 104 having been inserted into
the opposing ends 118, 120 of the bar 610, locating the bar 610
between the upper and lower portions 106, 108 of the frame 104.
[0071] As shown in FIGS. 6-8, 12, 15, and 18, similar to the frame
50 illustrated in FIGS. 4-5, the frame 104 may include a lumbar
curve feature 128 that helps position and fit the frame 104 against
the lower back region of a player.
[0072] As shown and as noted above, when the tackling bars 610 are
placed on the frame 104, they are positioned for clear,
un-obstructed removal. A cutout 130 is defined in the vicinity of
each tackling bar 610 when the tackling bars 610 have been placed
on the frame 104. The cutouts 130 are defined at both sides of the
center portion 112 of the frame 104 that connects the upper portion
106 to the lower portion 108. As shown, when the tackling bars 610
are attached via the posts 116, posts 116 allow full grip access
along the entire length of the tackling bars 610, and the cutouts
130 facilitate full grip removal.
[0073] The harness 102, shown in isolation in FIGS. 12-18, is
attached to the player via at least one strap 132. The at least one
strap 132 defines a right half 134 attached to the frame 104 and a
left half 136 that is attached to the frame 104, wherein the right
and left halves 134, 136 are removably attached to each other via
fastening means such as hook and loop type fasteners, as will be
discussed in further detail below.
[0074] As shown in FIGS. 12-18, the right half 134 of the strap 132
defines strap segments 138 attached to both the upper and lower
portions 106, 108 of the frame 104. The right segments 138 converge
toward each other to meet at a first center buckle portion 140. The
left half 136 of the strap 132 also defines strap segments 142
attached to both the upper and lower portions 106, 108 of the frame
104. The left segments 142 converge toward each other to meet at a
second center buckle portion 144 that is configured for removable
attachment to the first center buckle portion 140 to form a center
buckle structure 146.
[0075] Each of the strap segments 138, 142 are attached via slots
148 provided adjacent right and left ends of the upper and lower
portions 106, 108 of the frame 104. As shown, the slots 148 are
essentially positioned at the corners of the harness. As noted
above, the harness 102 is formed such that the upper strap segments
and the lower strap segments at each of the right and left side of
the frame 104 converge toward each other to form a triangular
configuration. The upper and lower strap segments 138 at the right
side of the frame 104 are attached to the first center buckle
portion 140, and the upper and lower strap segments 142 at the left
side of the frame 104 are attached to the second center buckle
portion 144 that is configured to be coupled to the first center
buckle portion 140 to form the center buckle structure 146.
[0076] The first and second buckle portions 140, 144 may be
attached together via hook and loop type fasteners as noted above
for a quick-release function.
[0077] The convergence of the upper and lower strap segments toward
each other positions the center buckle structure 146 at a location
generally directly across from the lower back of a player when the
harness 102 has been placed on the player. The length of each of
the upper and lower strap segments 138 at the right side and each
of the upper and lower strap segments 142 at the left side as they
extend from the frame 104 toward the center buckle structure 146
are adjustable via adjustment structures 150, as shown in FIGS.
12-18. A player can adjust the lengths of the strap segments 138,
142 to provide for a comfortable and proper fit.
[0078] The provision of a center buckle structure 146 that is
formed from two removably attached portions 140, 144 defines one of
the safety releases for the harness 102. If a player is performing
a tackle on another player wearing the harness 102, and the harness
102 starts being pulled instead of a tackling bar 610 being
removed, the safety release provided by the center buckle structure
146 limits possible injury to the player. It should be noted that a
similar safety release can also be provided individually on each of
the strap segments 138, 142 that extend from the upper and lower
portions 106, 108 of the frame 104 toward the center buckle
structure 146. The adjustment structures 150 can also include
quick-release provisions for further safety release functionality
in addition to the relatively releaseable first and second center
buckle portions 140, 144. The quick-release means may be provided
by hook and loop type fasteners or other quick-release coupling
mechanisms for the strap segments 138, 142.
[0079] The strap segments 138, 142 of the harness 102, at least
partially, may be formed from stretchable materials for comfort.
However, it is preferred that any stretchability provided on the
strap segments 138, 142 not interfere with the functionality of the
harness 102 in limiting the movement of the tackling bars 610 to
that of the harness 102 itself. Thus, in other examples, the strap
segments 138, 142 are formed from non-stretchable materials.
[0080] As noted above, the frame 104 of the harness 102, for
example, may be made of conformable foam or polymer type materials
for fit, comfort, and safety. The frame 104 along with the
converging strap segments 138, 142 provides reliable and convenient
means for controlling placement and location of tackling bar(s)
610, ensuring that players are consistently wearing the tackling
bar(s) 610 in the correct location.
[0081] FIGS. 19-21 illustrate one of the tackling bars 610 that is
configured for use with the system 100 of FIGS. 6-18 of the present
disclosure in isolation. The tackling bar 610 is similar in
configuration in certain aspects to the bars 10/310/410 shown in
FIGS. 2C, 2D, and 3-5. The bar 610 defines an elongated body 122
with opposing ends 118, 120. In the depicted embodiment, the body
122 is defined by a cylindrical configuration, but other shapes are
certainly possible.
[0082] The length of the bar 610 can vary, but generally the
distance between opposing ends 118, 120 of the elongated body 122
should be at least great enough to accommodate a single hand grab
during removal. As discussed previously, the elongated body 122 of
the bar 610 may function as a handgrip. The body 122 itself may
provide appropriate form, size, and shape to be easily and
intuitively grasped by a single hand during removal.
[0083] As noted above, in other embodiments, the shape of the bar
610 can take on a variety of other forms, such as the rectangular
version of the bar 210 illustrated in FIG. 2B. Regardless of the
configuration, the various forms, sizes, and shapes of the
elongated body 122 should preferably always include a handgrip
region 152 appropriately constructed for a single-handed grasp.
Furthermore, the bar design 610 should position the handgrip region
152 such that it protrudes from the player, so that it can be
easily distinguished during removal.
[0084] As shown in FIGS. 19-21, the hand grip region 152 of the
tackling bar 610 may even include various features, like finger
grips 154 similar to the examples shown in FIGS. 2C, 2D, and 3-5
that further provide distinction and tactile feedback in grabbing
the bar 610 during removal.
[0085] The body 122 of the version of the tackling bar 610 depicted
in isolation in FIGS. 19-21 is generally hollow, with a throughhole
124 extending between the first and second ends 118, 120. Even
though the bar 610 has been shown with a throughhole 124 that
extends all the way along the length of the bar 610, in other
examples, the bar 610 may be provided with partial slots or
depressions that are used for receiving the posts 116 of the frame
104 of the system 100 of FIGS. 6-18.
[0086] Having described the preferred aspects and embodiments of
the present disclosure, modifications and equivalents of the
disclosed concepts may readily occur to one skilled in the art.
However, it is intended that such modifications and equivalents be
included within the scope of the claims which are appended
hereto.
* * * * *