Football counting device

Abstract

The present invention is a football counting device that utilizes a microcomputer so that a proper count can be given for backyard or sandlot football games as to when the defense can rush the passer. A push-button switch will start the sequence and the microcomputer (1) controls an audio sound that counts “1 Mississippi”, “2 Mississippi” and (2) gives a visual display as to when the quarterback can be rushed. The length of time delay and the voice utilized can be selected by the players. The sequence repeats for each new down.

1 . A football counting device for determining when defensive players may rush a quarterback in an informal football game among players, said football counting device comprising:
 a base;   a flexible cover covering said base and being secured thereon by a flexible outer rim;   a control circuit between said base and said flexible cover;   a power supply;   an ON/OFF switch for connecting said power supply to said control circuit;   said control circuit including a push-button switch to program and/or operate a microcomputer to give an audible count for a desired length of time before said defensive players may rush said quarterback, said push button switch being operated by pushing down on said flexible cover.   
     
     
         2 . The football counting device for use in an informal football game as recited in  claim 1  wherein said control circuit has an audio processor connected between said microcomputer and at least one speaker to give said audible count. 
     
     
         3 . The football counting device for use in an informal football game as recited in  claim 2  further including a display mounted in said flexible cover for visually indicating when said defensive players may rush said quarterback, said flexible cover being football-like. 
     
     
         4 . The football counting device for use in an informal football game as recited in  claim 3  wherein said microcomputer is programmed by one of said players by pressing said push-button switch in a first sequence to set said desired length of time. 
     
     
         5 . The football counting device for use in an informal football game as recited in  claim 4  wherein said microcomputer is also programmed by one of said players by pressing said push-button switch in a second sequence to give delay time before resetting. 
     
     
         6 . The football counting device for use in an informal football game as recited in  claim 5  wherein said microcomputer is further programmed by one of said players by pressing said push-button switch in a third sequence to allow recording of said audible count in said microcomputer. 
     
     
         7 . The football counting device for use in an informal football game as recited in  claim 6  wherein said recording includes a microphone connected to said microcomputer for said recording. 
     
     
         8 . The football counting device for use in an informal football game as recited in  claim 3  wherein said display is an alpha-numeric display. 
     
     
         9 . The football counting device for use in an informal football game as recited in  claim 8  wherein said alpha-numeric display is formed from light-emitting diodes and has a backlight. 
     
     
         10 . The football counting device for use in an informal football game as recited in  claim 9  wherein said backlight is red during said designed length of time and thereafter green until reset. 
     
     
         11 . The football counting device for use in an informal football game as recited in  claim 6  wherein said display indicates said first, second and/or third sequence during said programming. 
     
     
         12 . The football counting device for use in an informal football game as recited in  claim 6  wherein said recording includes a “RUSH” command after said audible count.