Mobile Practice Targets

Abstract

A mobile practice target is described, which 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 a football propelled at the mobile practice target comprising resilient material attached to said vertical and angled supports, said means comprising a pocket formed from a resilient material for containing the propelled football and having at least one opening for receiving the propelled football into the pocket, (c) said pocket comprising an unobstructed opening for receiving a propelled football from the horizontal direction and further comprising an opening for receiving a propelled football from above, and (d) a mobility means associated with the base support to facilitate movement of the mobile practice target to simulate dynamic training conditions such as encountered by athletes under game conditions.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a Continuation-in-Part Application claiming priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 078,008, filed Mar. 11, 2005, and further claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 552,597, filed Mar. 12, 2004, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates to training equipment useful in the practice of sports, the development of throwing skills and the like.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Many devices are known for the purpose of teaching basic throwing, hitting, kicking skills and the like for beginners or for more advanced players, typically under static conditions. Such devices include golf ball targets, devices for pitching practice, tennis training, football kicking practice and the like. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,679,795 to Ouimette discloses a portable target for baseball or softball pitchers. U.S. Pat. No. 5,516,115 to McLain, U.S. ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0026]In particular embodiments, the mobile practice target offers the following advantages over the prior art: rapid assembly and/or breakdown, easy transportation from home to vehicle to practice field, adjustable to different heights for different sizes of players or different uses, useful for teaching different targeting and/or ball placement skills, facilitates coaching and evaluation of a player's form, and utilization indoors or out. In addition, the practice target is easily assembled and disassembled. The practice target can be formed from a frame constructed from metal or light-weight plastic that can be easily press fit together for easy assembly and disassembly. The panels or netting can be formed of a unitary construction if desired with a front or vertical panel and angled panels that are integral with each other, or can be separate. Any additional forms of the resilient materials, such as the funnel or pocket shaped embodiments, can also be made of unitary construction. The resilient material can be integral with or attached to a vertical support means using anchor points and rope. The front panel can be provided with a centrally located pocket and the angled panel can be

Problems solved by technology

Further, prior art devices are not designed to be specifically useful for the development of ball placement skills under simulated game conditions.

However, the device described in Kelleher acts as an obstacle to a live receiver, and thus does not describe a simulat

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