Tackling training devices and methods

Abstract

The disclosure provides embodiments of tackling devices and methods of use thereof that are useful for training safer techniques of tackling.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A tackling training device comprising:
 a frame including a plurality of outwardly extending projections coupled at a central origin, wherein the frame includes four outwardly extending projections configured in a tetrahedral arrangement, and further wherein a free end of each said outwardly extending projection defines an apex of a tetrahedron in three-dimensional space; and   a plurality of pads, each said pad of the plurality of pads being coupled to and surrounding at least a portion of each said projection in the plurality of projections of the frame; and   at least one coupling to removably attach each said pad in the plurality of pads to each said outwardly extending projection in the plurality of projections of the frame, the at least one coupling including a strap attached to each of the plurality of pads at a plurality of locations, the strap being routed over a respective portion of the frame that is geometrically opposed to a respective outwardly extending projection on which a respective pad is mounted.   
     
     
         2 . The tackling training device of  claim 1 , wherein the frame includes a hub removably attached to each said outwardly extending projection. 
     
     
         3 . The tackling training device of  claim 2 , wherein each said outwardly extending projection is removably attached to the hub in a physically overlapping relationship and further wherein the hub and each outwardly extending projection define a surface with a continuous contour at a location where the hub and each outwardly extending projection meet. 
     
     
         4 . The tackling training device of  claim 3 , wherein each said outwardly extending projections is removably attached to the hub by a fastener oriented transversely with respect to an axis defined by each respective outwardly extending projection. 
     
     
         5 . The tackling training device of  claim 4 , wherein the hub defines a plurality of elongate passages therein, each elongate passage being configured to receive at least a portion of a respective outwardly extending projection therein. 
     
     
         6 . The tackling training device of  claim 1 , wherein each said pad of the plurality of pads is formed from a padding material surrounded by a fabric layer. 
     
     
         7 . The tackling training device of  claim 6 , wherein the fabric layer includes a plurality of layers of fabric located at a free end of each said pad that surround a planar section of resilient material, and further wherein said plurality of layers is connected about a periphery thereof to a fabric jacket that surrounds the pad along its length. 
     
     
         8 . The tackling training device of  claim 7 , wherein the fabric layer further includes a ring-shaped layer of fabric disposed at an inward end of the pad, said ring-shaped layer of fabric defining an opening therethrough to receive a respective outwardly extending projection of the frame therethrough. 
     
     
         9 . The tackling training device of  claim 8 , wherein each said outwardly extending projection of the frame terminates in a free end having an enlarged cross-sectional area. 
     
     
         10 . The tackling training device of  claim 9  wherein the free end having an enlarged cross-sectional area includes an end cap formed from resilient material. 
     
     
         11 . The tackling training device of  claim 10  wherein each end cap is configured to directly contact an inwardly facing surface of one of the layers of fabric located at the free end of each respective pad. 
     
     
         12 . The tackling training device of  claim 1 , wherein each said pad of the plurality of pads includes an external contour having at least one raised surface extending from the external contour forming a gripping surface to be gripped by a user. 
     
     
         13 . The tackling training device of  claim 12 , wherein the at least one raised surface has a shape resembling a portion of an opposing player. 
     
     
         14 . The tackling training device of  claim 12 , wherein the at least one raised surface includes a visual indicia distinct from the at least one raised surface to provide a visual target for a user of the device to aim for when practicing a tackle. 
     
     
         15 . The tackling training device of  claim 2  in a disassembled state inside of a container to facilitate storage and shipment. 
     
     
         16 . A method of providing a tackling training device according to  claim 15 , comprising disposing the plurality of outwardly extending projections, hub and plurality of pads in a container, and shipping the container. 
     
     
         17 . A method of assembling a tackling training device according to  claim 15 , comprising opening the container, coupling the plurality of outwardly extending projections to the hub to form the frame, and attaching the plurality of pads to the frame after the coupling step. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein attaching the plurality of pads to the frame includes sliding each pad in the plurality of pads over a respective outwardly extending projection and coupling each respective pad to the frame using a fastener. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the fastener includes a strap that a user directs over a portion of the frame to hold the pad in place. 
     
     
         20 . A method of performing a tackling drill including providing a device according to  claim 1  and running and tackling the device by gripping at least one of the pads and pushing the device forward, wherein the gripping step includes gripping a raised surface extending outwardly from an external contour of one of the pads.