Training Device and Training Method for Quarterbacks

Abstract

A training device for quarterbacks includes at least one mobile unit configured to simulate a teammate of the quarterback. The at least one mobile unit includes a target at which the quarterback can throw a football. The training device further includes a drive operatively connected to the at least one mobile unit, wherein the drive is configured to move the at least one mobile unit in at least two mutually perpendicular directions, and a controller operatively connected to the drive, wherein the controller is configured to control the drive. A training method for quarterbacks using at least one training device, wherein each training device comprises at least one mobile unit having a target at which the quarterback can throw a football includes moving the at least one mobile unit autonomously along at least one of a predetermined, semi-predetermined, or non-predetermined path of motion, and activating a target signal.

The invention claimed is: 
     
         1 . A training device for quarterbacks comprising:
 at least one mobile unit configured to simulate a teammate of the quarterback, wherein the at least one mobile unit comprises a target at which the quarterback can throw a football;   a drive operatively connected to the at least one mobile unit, wherein the drive is configured to move the at least one mobile unit in at least two mutually perpendicular directions; and   a controller operatively connected to the drive, wherein the controller is configured to control the drive.   
     
     
         2 . The training device for quarterbacks of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one mobile unit further comprises a target sensor, wherein the target sensor is configured to detect whether a football thrown by the quarterback has hit the target. 
     
     
         3 . The training device for quarterbacks of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one mobile unit further comprises a target signal device associated with the target, wherein activation of the target signal device includes transmission of at least one of a visual signal or audio signal perceptible by the quarterback. 
     
     
         4 . The training device for quarterbacks of  claim 1 , wherein the target comprises at least one of:
 a target frame;   two rods spaced apart; or   a strikeable panel.   
     
     
         5 . The training device for quarterbacks of  claim 2 , wherein the target comprises a target frame, and wherein the target sensor is configured to detect whether the football thrown by the quarterback has passed through the target frame. 
     
     
         6 . The training device for quarterbacks of  claim 2 , further comprising:
 a goal signal device coupled to the target sensor, wherein the goal signal device is configured to signal whether the football thrown by the quarterback has hit the target, and wherein activation of the goal signal device includes transmission of at least one of a visual signal or audio signal perceptible by the quarterback.   
     
     
         7 . The training device for quarterbacks of  claim 1 , further comprising: an interface unit operatively connected to the at least one mobile unit and/or the controller through at least one of a cable connection, a wireless communication link, a wireless network, Bluetooth, or a mobile network. 
     
     
         8 . The training device for quarterbacks of  claim 7 , wherein the interface unit comprises an input interface, and wherein the input interface comprises a plurality of plays selectable by a user of the interface unit to be performed by the at least one mobile unit. 
     
     
         9 . The training device for quarterbacks of  claim 1 , wherein the target is rotatable about a vertical axis of rotation relative to the drive. 
     
     
         10 . The training device for quarterbacks of  claim 1 , further comprising: a location sensor operatively connected to the controller and/or the at least one mobile unit, wherein the location sensor is configured to detect the location of the quarterback. 
     
     
         11 . The training device for quarterbacks of  claim 1 , further comprising: a speed sensor operatively connected to the at least one mobile unit, wherein the speed sensor is configured to measure the speed of the football thrown by the quarterback. 
     
     
         12 . The training device for quarterbacks of  claim 1 ,
 wherein the at least one mobile unit further comprises:
 a target sensor, wherein the target sensor is configured to detect whether a football thrown by the quarterback has hit the target; and 
 a target signal device associated with the target, wherein activation of the target signal device includes transmission of at least one of a visual signal or audio signal perceptible by the quarterback, 
   wherein the training device further comprises a data processor coupled to the target sensor and the target signal device,   wherein the data processor is configured to detect whether the football thrown by the quarterback has hit the target during activation of the target signal device, and/or   wherein the data processor is configured to determine the period of time between activation of the target signal device and the moment the football thrown by the quarterback has hit the target.   
     
     
         13 . The training device for quarterbacks of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 an operating device operatively connected to the at least one mobile unit and/or the controller through at least one of a cable connection, a wireless communication link, a wireless network, Bluetooth, or a mobile network.   
     
     
         14 . The training device for quarterbacks of  claim 13 , wherein the operating device comprises a plurality of plays selectable by a user of the operating device to be performed by the at least one mobile unit. 
     
     
         15 . The training device for quarterbacks of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a receiving device operatively connected to the at least one mobile unit and/or the controller, wherein the receiving device is configured to receive a play to be performed by the at least one mobile unit.   
     
     
         16 . A training method for quarterbacks using at least one training device, wherein each training device comprises at least one mobile unit having a target at which the quarterback can throw a football, comprising:
 moving the at least one mobile unit autonomously along at least one of a predetermined, semi-predetermined, or non-predetermined path of motion.   
     
     
         17 . The training method for quarterbacks of  claim 16 , further comprising at least one of:
 activating a target signal by transmission of at least one of a visual signal or audio signal perceptible by the quarterback; or   detecting whether a football thrown by the quarterback has hit the target.   
     
     
         18 . The training method for quarterbacks according to  claim 16 , further comprising:
 activating a goal signal, by transmission of at least one of a visual signal or audio signal perceptible by the quarterback, to signal whether a football thrown by the quarterback has hit the target.   
     
     
         19 . The training method for quarterbacks according to  claim 16 , further comprising:
 rotating the target about a vertical axis of rotation to focus the target towards or away from the quarterback.   
     
     
         20 . The training method for quarterbacks according to  claim 16 , further comprising:
 measuring the speed of a football thrown by the quarterback.