US20220258028A1

US20220258028A1 - Protective football equipment apparatus with alternative tackling element

Info

Publication number: US20220258028A1
Application number: US17/179,192
Authority: US
Inventors: Chandler Marietta
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-02-18
Filing date: 2021-02-18
Publication date: 2022-08-18

Abstract

An apparatus provides for a modified form of tackling in American football. A handle may be coupled to an article of protective equipment worn by players. The handle may project outwardly from the player and defenders may “tackle” a ball carrier by grabbing onto one or more of the handles present on the ball carrier's equipment, the grasping of which may be considered ending the play and the ball carrier's progress may be terminated. In this way, players may still learn to execute the fundamentals for tackling while the ball carrier is protected from high impact hits to the head or body. The ball carrier may also be protected from injuries that occur from being thrown to the ground since the use of handles may obviate the need for the ball carrier to be down by contact with the ground.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

None.

FIELD

The subject disclosure relates to sporting goods, and more particularly, to a protective football equipment apparatus with an alternative tackling element.

BACKGROUND

American football is considered a direct contact sport. In conventional tackling, a defender is required to impact and/or grab the ball carrier by direct contact and force the ball carrier to the ground to end the ball carrier's progress. As a result, it is commonly said amongst those who participate in football that it is not a question of whether one will get hurt but inevitably when one gets hurt. While the game has evolved to include more and more protection to the player, the mindset for playing has gene went away from how to keep players safe and healthy to how to best use equipment to inflict more impact on an opposing player. Where the game originally had players tackle other players in a rugby style (grab and pull down), the equipment became a teaching point for use in tackling. For example, helmets meant to protect impact to the head, were (and still are) taught to be used to ram or spear an opposing player. While there is a movement away from this style of teaching with more rules meant to punish a player using equipment to collide with other players, the rules do not prevent the act of impacting another player. The underlying basis for a tackle remains the same which is to knock the opposing players off their feet and make contact with the ground, and therefore inherently perpetuates and rewards as much impact as possible as this leads to highest rate of success in tackling the ball carrier. To this end, players for the most part still often use their equipment to hit the other player. In addition, even within the rules, the conventional form of tackling results in many injuries at each age level. The equipment is used as a buffer or armor encouraging players to inflict as much impact on each other as possible with the equipment absorbing some of the blow. The result is a lack of proper tackling fundamentals and serious injuries. While head injuries sometimes occur from head-to-head contact, head injuries and injuries to other parts of the body (for example, broken collar bones, arms, legs, and sprained joints) occur from impact with other parts of the ball carrier's body as well as the ground.
As can be seen, there is a need for a modified piece of equipment for American football which provides a safer alternative form of tackling.

SUMMARY

In one aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus for modified tackling in a game of football is disclosed. The apparatus comprises: an article of protective equipment configured to be worn by a user during the game of football; and a handle coupled to the article of protective equipment, wherein the handle projects outwardly from the article of protective equipment.
In another aspect, an apparatus for modified tackling in a game of football is disclosed which comprises a pair of football shoulder pads configured to be worn by a user during the game of football and a plurality of handles coupled to the pair of football shoulder pads, wherein each handle of the plurality of handles project outwardly from the pair of football shoulder pads.
In still yet another aspect, an apparatus comprises an article of protective equipment configured to be worn by a user during the game of football, including: a pair of football shoulder pads, a sternum plate, a spine plate, and a rib protector pad; and a plurality of handles coupled to the article of protective equipment, wherein a respective handle from the plurality of handles is coupled to: a respective shoulder pad of the pair of football shoulder pads, a respective left side section and right side section of the rib protector pad, the sternum plate, and the spine plate. Each respective handle of the plurality of handles project outwardly from the respective shoulder pad of the pair of football shoulder pads, the respective left side section and right side section of the rib protector pad, the sternum plate, and the spine plate.
It is understood that other configurations of the subject technology will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein various configurations of the subject technology are shown and described by way of illustration. As will be realized, the subject technology is capable of other and different configurations and its several details are capable of modification in various other respects, all without departing from the scope of the subject technology. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of an apparatus for modified tackling in a game of football in accordance with an aspect of the subject technology.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 with a jersey outfitted over the apparatus and handles projecting through the jersey in accordance with embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the apparatus in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective front view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 and in particular, a sternum plate with a handle according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged rear view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 and in particular, a spine plate with a handle according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged front perspective view of a shoulder pad and handle in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of a handle including a buckle system for coupling to the apparatus of FIG. 1, in an unbuckled state in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the handle of FIG. 7 in a buckled state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of various configurations of the subject technology and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the subject technology may be practiced. The appended drawings are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the detailed description. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the subject technology. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject technology may be practiced without these specific details. Like or similar components are labeled with identical element numbers for ease of understanding.
In general, exemplary embodiments of the subject technology provide an apparatus for modified tackling in a game of football. As will be appreciated, embodiments described herein may be used in a game of American football with modified rules for tackling. Aspects of the apparatus may provide a safer way of tackling a ball carrier that avoids the high impact and helmet to helmet collisions allowed under conventional football tackling.
Referring to FIGS. 1-6, in an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus 100 for modified tackling in a game of football is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The apparatus 100 generally includes an article of protective equipment 110 and a handle element 150 or grip that projects outwardly from the article of equipment 110. In some embodiments, the article of protective equipment 110 may refer to the entire set of protective equipment that is generally worn by a football player under a jersey 105 (for example, as shown in FIG. 2-3). In one aspect, the apparatus 100 may be configured so that the article of protective equipment 110 remains hidden under for example, the jersey 105 and the handle 150 projects outwardly (or approximately orthogonally) from the article of protective equipment 110 through openings in the jersey 105. Generally speaking, the apparatus 100 may be worn below the neck to promote a safer form of tackling.
In an exemplary use embodiment, the game of football may be played under most standard rules with the use of the apparatus 100 except for the aspect of tackling. In a modified version of football, tackling may be performed by a player grasping one or more handles 150 worn by the ball carrier. When a defender is able to grab a handle 150, the ball carrier's progress or general movement may be considered down and the ball dead on the spot. The rules may vary between grabbing one, two, or more handles 150 for the ball carrier to be considered down. In this manner, it may be appreciated that the apparatus 100 provides an alternative form of tackling that may be beneficial for those players transitioning into full contact football. The modified form of tackling by grabbing the handle(s) 150 encourages players to align themselves with a ball carrier and rely on using their hands to execute a proper “tackle” by grabbing a handle(s) 150. To couple the article of protective equipment 110 with an exposed handle 150 should be considered an unexpected combination of elements since conventional football equipment minimizes the surfaces that one should be able to grasp which by design is meant to have one wrap a ball carrier up with their arms and hands or knock the ball carrier to the ground rather than by grabbing equipment. Unfortunately, conventional football tackling has evolved into recklessly throwing one's body at the ball carrier. In addition, conventional football tackling has encouraged players to use the helmet as a weapon by leading with the head. This kind of progression has led to consistently growing head injuries, both in the short term and long term. It should be appreciated then, that aspects of the apparatus 100 mitigate the chances for injury associated with head (and in some instances, leg tackling) by forcing players to perform a legal tackle by grabbing handles 150 that are on or proximate the ball carrier's torso. Moreover, it should be appreciated that by having players grab the handles 150, some versions of the game may prohibit bringing the ball carrier to the ground which may prevent injuries due to the rough impact generally associated with conventional tackling.
Sometimes, as is used in the industry, the article of protective equipment 110 worn by players is a set of protective pieces which may be colloquially referred to as “shoulder pads” even though the equipment may extend beyond the shoulders. However, in some embodiments, the article of protective equipment 110 may refer to individual sections or pieces of protective equipment worn around the torso of a person. For example, the article of protective equipment 110 may comprise one or more of a pair of shoulder pads 115, rib protectors 125, (which in some embodiments may include or be integrated with hip pads), chest plates 135, back plates 145 (see FIG. 5), a sternum pad or plate 155, or a spine pad or plate 165 (FIG. 5). Any or all of these sections of protective equipment may be designated as predetermined locations for the attachment of a handle 150. In some instances, it will be understood that there may a right hand side and left hand side of the equipment.
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 4-8, the handles 150 may be coupled to any one or more of these individual section/pieces of the article of protective equipment 110. When attached, the handle 150 may form a loop between two attachment points on the article of protective equipment 110 so that a space is defined through which a player's hand may enter to wrap itself around the handle 150. In some embodiments, the handle 150 may include a textured grip surface 175 to promote increased friction and hold. See FIGS. 7 and 8. The attachment points may couple a first end and a second end of the handle 150 to the section or sections of the article of protective equipment 110. For example, handles on the shoulder pads 115 may have one end of the handle 150 attached to the shoulder pad 115 and the other end attached to a collar portion of the chest plate 135 (see FIG. 1). In other sections, the handle 150 may be attached to a single piece (for example, both attachment points are on the sternum pad 155 or on the spine pad 165) (see FIGS. 4 and 5).
In some embodiments, the handles 150 may be permanently affixed to its attachment points/piece of protective equipment using for example screws, grommets or bolts (see FIGS. 4-6) or may be detachably coupled. In embodiments with detachable handles 150, the types of fasteners may include for example, snaps, buttons, hook and loop systems, and buckle systems. FIGS. 7 and 8 show an embodiment of a detachable handle 150 which may be useful for retrofitting existing articles of protective equipment. The handle 150 may be attached to a strap 170. The ends of the strap 170 may include a buckle system (sometimes referred to as a push-in fastener or clip) comprising a male clip 165 configured for locking into a female receptacle 160. In this type of embodiment, the handle 150 may be looped around a section of the protective equipment and locked into place during use.
It should be appreciated that the aspects of the subject technology described above may be beneficial at least for youth players in teaching proper tackling technique (consistent with the “Head's Up” movement in football) while protecting players from the injuries associated with impact from other players and the ground. The helmet returns to being used as a piece of protective equipment rather than as an aid to tackle. The breaking of bones and injuries to knees may be obviated by forcing players to grab the handles rather than force the ball carrier to the ground by contact. While useful especially for youth sports, it should be understood that aspects of the subject technology may be used by adults as well should the game of football continue to look for ways to protect player health and safety.
Those of skill in the art would appreciate that various components and blocks may be arranged differently (e.g., arranged in a different order, or partitioned in a different way) all without departing from the scope of the subject technology.
The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. The previous description provides various examples of the subject technology, and the subject technology is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. Pronouns in the masculine (e.g., his) include the feminine and neuter gender (e.g., her and its) and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the invention.
Terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “above,” “below” and the like as used in this disclosure should be understood as referring to an arbitrary frame of reference, rather than to the ordinary gravitational frame of reference. Thus, a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, and a rear surface may extend upwardly, downwardly, diagonally, or horizontally in a gravitational frame of reference. Similarly, an item disposed above another item may be located above or below the other item along a vertical, horizontal or diagonal direction; and an item disposed below another item may be located below or above the other item along a vertical, horizontal or diagonal direction.
A phrase such as an “aspect” does not imply that such aspect is essential to the subject technology or that such aspect applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to an aspect may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. An aspect may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as an aspect may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa. A phrase such as an “embodiment” does not imply that such embodiment is essential to the subject technology or that such embodiment applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to an embodiment may apply to all embodiments, or one or more embodiments. An embodiment may provide one or more examples. A phrase such an embodiment may refer to one or more embodiments and vice versa. A phrase such as a “configuration” does not imply that such configuration is essential to the subject technology or that such configuration applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to a configuration may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. A configuration may provide one or more examples. A phrase such a configuration may refer to one or more configurations and vice versa.
The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example or illustration.” Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs.
All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase “step for.” Furthermore, to the extent that the term “include,” “have,” or the like is used in the description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprise” as “comprise” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for modified tackling in a game of football, comprising:

an article of protective equipment configured to be worn by a user during the game of football; and

a handle coupled to the article of protective equipment, wherein the handle projects outwardly from the article of protective equipment.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the handle is coupled to a predetermined location of the article of protective equipment.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the handle is affixed to the article of protective equipment.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the handle is detachably coupled to the article of protective equipment.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the article of protective equipment is configured to be worn below a neck of the user.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the article of protective equipment is a sternum plate.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the article of protective equipment is a shoulder pad.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the article of protective equipment is a hip pad.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the article of protective equipment is a spine plate.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising two attachment points on the article of protective equipment, wherein the attachment points are configured to couple a first end and a second end of the handle.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a fastener attached to the handle or to the article of protective equipment, wherein the handle is coupled to the article or protective equipment via the fastener.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the handle defines an enclosed loop between two attachment points on the article of protective equipment, wherein the handle is disposed to be grasped by a hand wrapping around the handle through the loop.

13. An apparatus for modified tackling in a game of football, comprising:

a pair of football shoulder pads configured to be worn by a user during the game of football; and

a plurality of handles coupled to the pair of football shoulder pads, wherein each handle of the plurality of handles project outwardly from the pair of football shoulder pads.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the plurality of handles includes pairs of handles positioned on opposite sides of the pair of football shoulder pads.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the pairs of handles are positioned on a right side shoulder section and on a left side shoulder section of the pair of football shoulder pads.

16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the pairs of handles are positioned on a right side rib section and on a left side rib section of the pair of football shoulder pads.

17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the pairs of handles are positioned on a sternum side section and on a spine side section of the pair of football shoulder pads.

18. An apparatus for modified tackling in a game of football, comprising:

an article of protective equipment configured to be worn by a user during the game of football, including:

a pair of football shoulder pads,

a sternum plate,

a spine plate, and

a rib protector pad; and

a plurality of handles coupled to the article of protective equipment, wherein a respective handle from the plurality of handles is coupled to:

a respective shoulder pad of the pair of football shoulder pads,

a respective left side section and right side section of the rib protector pad,

the sternum plate, and

the spine plate, and wherein

each respective handle of the plurality of handles project outwardly from the respective shoulder pad of the pair of football shoulder pads, the respective left side section and right side section of the rib protector pad, the sternum plate, and the spine plate.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein each respective handle is detachably coupled to the article of protective equipment.

20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein each respective handle defines an enclosed loop between two attachment points on the article of protective equipment, wherein each respective handle is disposed to be grasped by a hand wrapping around the handle through the loop.