H:\sb nterwve\NRPort\DCC\SBT\5253943_Ltdoc-IS06/0l3 FOOTBALL GAME-PLAY SIMULATION APPARATUS Field of the Invention 5 This application claims divisional status from Australian Patent Application No. 2008229721, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. This invention relates to a football game-play simulation apparatus and, more particularly but not exclusively, to a simulation apparatus for simulating catching (or "marking") of a football in Australian Rules Football. 10 Background of the Invention For many, one of the highlights of Australian Rules Football is when one of the players catches the football (known as "marking"), and particularly when a spectacular 15 mark is taken by one player supporting himself on another player so as to reach the football. Such a mark is commonly referred to as a "specky" or a "screamer", and brings players a great deal of publicity and respect from supporters. The applicant has identified that it is difficult to practice the taking of specky 20 marks, as players involved in taking specky marks are often injured in doing so, particularly the player(s) being used as a support. Moreover, non-professional football players, particularly children, may be prone to serious injury by attempting to emulate the professional footballers seen taking specky marks. Accordingly, the applicant has determined that it would be beneficial for there to be provided an apparatus which enables 25 safe training and recreation by simulating specky marks. Summary of the Invention In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a football 30 game-play simulation apparatus including a body simulating a football player, the body being adapted to receive a user who jumps/climbs onto the body, wherein the body is resiliently deformable to deform from an upright state in response to weight of the user H:\ inerwoven\RPob\DCC\SB\5253943_Idoc-IM /2013 -2 being transferred to the body and to support the user for simulating utilisation of a football player for support during contesting catching of a football, and wherein the body is resiliently returned to the upright state after transfer of the weight from the body. 5 Preferably, the apparatus has a user approach, the body faces away from the approach, and the body is resiliently deformable in a forward direction to facilitate approach of the user from behind the body. More preferably, an upper portion of the body is arranged to pivot forwardly relative to a base portion of the body, about an axis located at or near a waist of the football player represented by the body. Even more preferably, a 10 resilient member is coupled between the upper portion and the base portion to oppose pivoting of the upper portion relative to the base portion. In a preferred form, the resilient member is adjustable to vary a rate of resilience provided by the resilient member. Preferably, the resilient member is a spring and/or a shock absorber. 15 Preferably, a height of the body is adjustable. More preferably, the body includes a plurality of pivot locations which are selectable for raising/lowering the axis of the upper portion relative to the base portion so as to adjust the height of the body. 20 In a preferred form, the body includes a torso sleeve which is arranged for being fitted over the upper portion. More preferably, the apparatus has a stowed condition wherein the torso sleeve is removed from the upper portion and the upper portion is collapsed to a compact configuration in which the upper portion lies substantially parallel to a ground support of the body. 25 In one form, the body is inflatable. Preferably, the body has a plurality of sleeves, each for receiving a separate brace member, and resilience of the body is able to be adjusted by installing and removing the brace members. 30 Preferably, arms of the body are raised to simulate jumping to catch a ball overhead. Preferably, the apparatus includes a cushion mat forward of and to each lateral side H:\shUnterwoven\NRPortb\DCC\SB15253943_1.doc-lf603 -3 of the body. More preferably, the cushion mat rests on a ground support of the body. In one form, the cushion mat is inflatable. Preferably, the cushion mat has separate inflatable zones. In one example, the inflatable cushion mat is adapted to be sealed during 5 use. In an alternative example, the inflatable cushion mat is vented during use, with a continuous supply of pressurised air. Preferably, goal posts are received in post receiving apertures formed in the mat, at a location forward of the body. More preferably, the brace members are anchored in brace 10 receiving apertures formed in the mat. It is preferred that the football game-play simulation apparatus includes a ball support which suspends a ball in a space generally above the body. More preferably, the ball is releasably held by the ball support such that the user is able to remove the ball from 15 the ball support. Even more preferably, the ball is releasably attached to the ball support by way of hook and loop fasteners. Alternatively, the simulation apparatus includes a ball which is thrown into a space generally above the body. 20 In one particular form, the body is depicted in team colours of an Australian Rules Football team. Brief Description of the Drawings 25 The invention is described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a football game-play simulation apparatus in 30 accordance with an example of the present invention; H:\sbt\lninovcn\NRPoribI\DCC\SBT\827302_ l.doc-4103/2013 -4 Figure 2 is a side view of a frame of a figure representing a football player of the football game-play simulation apparatus; 5 Figure 3 is a rear view of the frame; Figure 4 is a side view of the frame, showing movement of the frame during use; Figure 5 is a diagrammatic side view of the apparatus; 10 Figure 6 is a diagrammatic front view of the apparatus; Figure 7 is a front view of the figure of the apparatus; 15 Figure 8 is a diagrammatic view showing height adjustment of the figure; Figure 9 is a diagrammatic view showing the apparatus in a stowed condition; Figure 10 shows an inflatable football game-play simulation apparatus; 20 Figure 11 shows a figure of the apparatus of Figure 10; Figure 12 is a front view of the figure; 25 Figures 13 and 14 show examples of the invention depicted in team colours; Figure 15 is a perspective view of an inflatable football game-play simulation apparatus having a ball support; 30 Figure 16 is a rear view of a football game-play simulation apparatus in accordance with an alternative example of the present invention; H:\st\Inenove\NRPonb\DC SBl5253943_1doc. B623 -5 Figure 17 is a side view of the apparatus shown in Figure 16; Figure 18 is a perspective view of the apparatus; 5 Figure 19 is a perspective view showing the figure in an upright condition; Figure 20 is an exploded view of the apparatus; Figure 21 is a front view of a football game-play simulation apparatus having a 10 plurality of figures; Figure 22 is a side view of the football game-play apparatus of Figure 21; and Figure 23 is a side view of a trailer used for transporting the apparatus of Figure 21. 15 Detailed Description With reference to Figures 1 to 9, there is shown a football game-play simulation apparatus 10 in accordance with a first example of the invention, wherein a body or figure 20 12 of the apparatus 10 is formed of pivotally connected rigid parts. The apparatus 10 is arranged to enable a user 14 to safely mount the figure 12 to simulate taking a spectacular "specky" football mark riding on the back of the figure 12, and then to safely dismount the figure 12. The user 14 runs towards the figure 12 from behind, and jumps onto the back of the figure 12 to mark a ball, so as to simulate football game-play associated with "specky" 25 football marks. Due to the figure 12 being formed of rigid parts, this version of the invention is considered as being suitable for older children (say between the ages of 6 and 14 years old). More particularly, the football game-play simulation apparatus 10 includes the 30 figure 12 which represents a football player. The figure 12 is adapted to receive the user H:\shtlknenvovecn\NRPortbJDCC\SB'll82732_ .do-4/03/2013 -6 14 who jumps/climbs onto the figure 12. The figure 12 is resiliently deformable to deform from an upright state in response to weight of the user 14 being transferred to the figure 12 and to support the user 14 for simulating utilisation of a football player for support during contesting catching of a football. The figure 12 is resiliently returned to the upright state 5 after transfer of the weight from the figure 12. The apparatus 10 has a user approach 16 along which the user 14 runs to build momentum prior to jumping onto the back/shoulders of the figure 12, as shown in Figure 1. The figure 12 faces away from the approach 16 and is resiliently deformable in a 10 forward direction 18 to facilitate approach of the user 14 from behind the figure 12. Accordingly, when the user 14 jumps/climbs onto the figure 12, the figure 12 is able to resiliently deform so as to simulate the movement of a football player. Also, the resilient deformability of the figure 12 assists in softening the impact for the user 14, and facilitates supporting of the user 14 during contesting catching of the football. 15 A cushion mat 18 is provided forward of the figure 12 and also to lateral sides of the figure 12 to enable the user 14 to fall from taking the mark without injuring his or her self. The cushion mat 20 has a cutaway portion 22 in which the figure 12 is located, so as to provide good access to the figure 12 while providing cushioning to either side in case 20 the user 14 falls to one side of the figure 12. With reference to Figures 2 to 4, the figure 12 is formed by a frame 24 which comprises an upper portion 26 and a base portion 28. The upper portion 26 is arranged to pivot forwardly relative to the base portion 28 about an axis 30 located at or near a waist of 25 the football player represented by the figure 12. The base portion 28 is held upright by a strut 32 which extends between the base portion 28 and a ground support 34. A resilient member 36 is coupled between the upper portion 26 and the base portion 28 to oppose pivoting of the upper portion 26 relative to the base portion 28. The resilient member 36 may be in the form of a spring (as shown in Figure 3), or may be in an alternative form 30 such as, for example, a shock absorber. The resilient member 36 may be adjustable by way of a control knob 38 or the like so as to vary a rate of resilience provided by the H:\s nenovenNRPonb1\DCC\$B\5 2 5 3 94 3_.doc- I806/203 -7 resilient member 36. In this way, the apparatus may be tuned according to the ability and body weight of the user 14. Figure 4 shows the direction of pivoting of the upper portion 26 relative to the base 5 portion 28 in response to weight of the user 14 being transferred to the figure 12. Figure 5 shows a torso sleeve 40 which is fitted over the upper portion 26, as shown. The torso sleeve 40 may be formed of compressed rubber material which is itself resiliently deformable to assist in lifelike operation of the figure 12. Figures 6 and 7 show front views of the figure 12, with the torso sleeve 40 in place over the upper portion 26. As can 10 be seen, arms 42 of the figure 12 are raised to simulate jumping to catch a ball overhead. With reference to Figure 8, the height of the figure 12 may be height adjustable by providing a plurality of pivot locations which are selectable for raising/lowering the axis 30 of the upper portion 26, by extending the base portion 28. The figure 12 may be raised 15 or lowered accordingly to suit the requirements of the user 14. As shown in Figure 9, the apparatus 10 may be portable. In particular, the apparatus 10 may be brought into a stowed condition by removing the torso sleeve 40 from the upper portion 26, and by collapsing the upper portion 26 to a compact configuration in 20 which the upper portion 26 lies substantially parallel to the ground support 34. This may be achieved by decoupling the strut 32 from between the base portion 28 and the ground support 34, so as to pivot the base portion 28 downwardly as shown in Figure 9. Where the cushion mat 20 is inflatable, the mat is simply deflated for stowing, and the entire apparatus 10 may be carried in a bag, as shown. 25 With reference to Figures 10 to 15, there are shown versions of the football game play simulation apparatus 10 in accordance with another example of the present invention in which the body or figure 12 is inflatable. The versions shown in these drawings are considered suitable for younger children (say, between the ages of 3 and 6 years old). Like 30 features of the football game-play simulation apparatus 10 shown in Figures 10 to 15 are shown with H:\sbltenvove n\NRPonbl\DCC\SB'1827302_ l.doc-4/03/2013 like reference numerals to the corresponding features in the apparatus shown in Figures 1 to 9. The figure 12 is provided with a figure inflation point 44 which is separate from the 5 main inflation point 46 which is used for inflating the cushion mat 20. Accordingly, the cushion mat 20 and the figure 12 have separate inflatable zones, with the advantage that a puncture in one of the zones will not result in a complete collapse of the apparatus 10. The cushion mat 20 itself may also have its own separate inflatable zones internally. 10 In contrast to the apparatus 10 shown in Figures 1 to 9, the figure 12 may extend only to a top surface of the cushion mat 20. This results in a simplification as to the structure of the apparatus 10, however the resilient deformability of the figure 12 is retained simply by virtue of the figure 12 being inflatable. 15 As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the figure 12 may have a plurality of receptacle sleeves 48, each of which is adapted for receiving a separate brace member 50. The resilience of the figure 12 is able to be adjusted by inserting and removing the brace members 50, as appropriate. As such, the feature of the removable brace members 50 serves a similar function to the control knob 38 of the apparatus 10 shown in Figures 1 to 20 9. For example, a minimum amount of resilience may be achieved by removing all of the brace members 50; an increased level of resilience may be achieved by insertion of one brace member 50 in a central one of the receptacle sleeves 48; a further increased level of resilience may be achieved by insertion of two brace members 50 in the outer receptacle sleeves 48 and by removal of the brace member 50 from the central receptacle sleeve 48; 25 and a highest level of resilience may be achieved by insertion of a brace member 50 in each of the receptacle sleeves 48. The brace members 50 may be anchored in brace receiving apertures 52 formed in the cushion mat 20. The cushion mat 20 may, in one form, be sealed during use, such that it is inflated 30 prior to use and does not allow air to be released from the inside of the cushion mat 20 during use. Alternatively, the inflatable cushion mat 20 may be vented during use, with a H:\sb\lntenoven\NRPortbl\DCC\SB'I l827302_ .doc-4/03/2013 -9 continuous supply of pressurised air, in a similar manner to systems used for inflatable castles, and the like, used at fairs. Figures 13 and 14 show examples of football game-play simulation apparatuses 10 5 wherein the figure 12 is depicted in team colours of an Australian Rules Football team. More particularly, in each case, the figure 12 is formed so as to appear to be wearing a guernsey similar to guernseys worn by football players from the respective Australian Rules Football teams. The cushion mat 20 may also be adorned in team colours. 10 As shown in Figure 15, an example of a football game-play simulation apparatus 10 having an inflatable figure 12 may be provided with a ball support 54 which suspends a ball 56 in a space generally above the figure 12. The ball support 54 may be anchored to the cushion mat 20 by inserting a base of the ball support 54 into a corresponding receptacle 58 formed in the cushion mat 20. The ball 56 may be releasable held by the ball 15 support 54 such that the user 14 is able to remove the ball 56 from the ball support 54. This may be achieved by way of attaching the ball 56 to the ball support 54 by hook and loop fasteners, for example of the kind sold under the trade mark Velcro. Alternatively, a ball may instead be thrown into a space generally above the figure 12, either manually by a supervisor/trainer or automatically by a ball machine. 20 Goal posts 60 may be received in post receiving apertures 62 formed in the cushion mat 20, at a location forward of the figure 12, to provide the user 14 with further features reminiscent of an actual football field. 25 Figures 16 to 20 show a football game-play simulation apparatus 10 in accordance with a further example of the present invention. The apparatus 10 shown in these figures bears similarities to the apparatuses shown in Figures 1 to 15, and like features are shown with like reference numerals. The main differences between the apparatus 10 shown in Figures 16 to 20 over the versions described above reside in the ball support 54 being fixed 30 to a forward side of the figure 12, and in the resilient member 36 being in the form of a pair of shock absorbers 64, as can be seen in Figure 18. In particular, the shock absorbers H:\sbl\htitenvov~eni\NRPortb\DCC\SB-827302_..I.doc-4/03/2013 - 10 64 are coupled between the upper portion 26 (mounted at either side of the upper portion 26) and upright struts 65 which extend to a base frame 69 of the apparatus 10. As the upper portion 26 of the figure 12 pivots forward, the shock absorbers 64 retract accordingly. The resilience provided by the shock absorbers 64 causes the figure 12 to 5 return to the upright state, as shown in Figure 19, once the user has dismounted and the user's weight is transferred from the figure 12. A cushion mat similar to the mats of the versions described above may be placed around the figure 12, and its associated structure 66, so as to provide cushioning to prevent injury of the user 14. 10 The components forming the apparatus 10 are shown in the exploded view in Figure 20. Advantageously, the base frame 69 of the apparatus 10 may be formed of steel, and may be provided with wheels for easy movement of the apparatus 10. The base frame 69 may be covered by way of modular cover portions 66a, 66b, 66c and 66d to avoid injury to the user 14. 15 A football game-play simulation apparatus in accordance with another aspect of the present invention is shown in Figures 21 to 23. This apparatus 10 includes a plurality of figures 12 (eg. four or five) grouped to simulate a pack mark. In particular, there are five player figures 12 depicted in mid-action positions and arranged in a generally arcuate 20 configuration with an opening of the arcuate configuration facing rearward to facilitate entrance of the user 14 to mount the pack of figures 12, as shown in Figures 21 and 22. A screen 68 may be provided at a rear end of the apparatus 10. The screen 68 may be used to provide a suitable backdrop for the purpose of viewing and photography of the 25 user 14 taking a mark while mounted on the pack of player figures 12. The screen 68 may be inflatable, and may display advertising, examples of classic spectacular marks, and/or examples of spectacular marks taken on the apparatus 10. The applicant has determined that the form of apparatus shown in Figures 21 to 23 30 may be particularly suitable for promotional use, such as for promoting football at shows, football games, schools and football clubs.
H:\sht\Intenvoven\NRPotbl\DCC\SBT182 7302_l.doc4/03/2013 - 11 The player figures 12 may be formed of resiliently deformable rubber, in a bent over posture. A hydraulic lift may be incorporated under one or more of the player figures 12 to lift up/down to adjust height, and to move side-to-side. The hydraulic lift may be 5 operated by way of a remote control. As shown in the side view of Figure 22, an adjustable springboard 72 may be provided in front of the pack of player figures 12 to assist the user 14 in mounting the pack. The ball 56 may be suspended by a ball hanger with a cable and hook-and-loop type 10 fasteners to enable release of the ball 56 when it is held by the user 14. The cable may be lowered by way of a release handle for refitting of the ball 56 after each use. With reference to Figure 23, the apparatus 10 may be built on a trailer 70 to facilitate transportation. The cushion mat 20 may be inflatable, formed with synthetic 15 grass, and surrounds the pack for safety in receiving the user 14 after dismount from the pack. While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not by 20 way of limitation. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention should not be limited by any of the above described exemplary embodiments. 25 For example, in one variation, the ball 56 may be held in place and released automatically on sensing of the user 14 on the apparatus 10. In particular, a sensor may be used to sense contact of the user 14 (eg. a knee of the user 14) on the back of the figure 12, in response to which the ball 56 may be released automatically. 30 The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an H:\sbi\lnterwoven\NRPonbl\DCC\SBTl827302_l.doc-4/03/2013 - 12 acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates. 5 Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. 10