Football Throwing System and Method

Abstract

An automated football throwing system includes a route input system and display, a launch controller, and a football throwing device. In operation, a user inputs the route desired to be executed. A processor accesses a visual illustration of the route from the storage media and displays the visual illustration on the display. The data retrieval system accesses data regarding the launch variables which may include the lateral orientation, angle of elevation, and output speed corresponding to a selected route. The display plots the motion of the runner determined by a sensor to compare to the route for accuracy. The launch controller adjusts the football throwing device and the display screen in accordance with the launch variables for the specific route. The football throwing device includes a pair of coacting wheels adapted to propel a football, separated by a space in which a football may be inserted from a loading mechanism.

Claims

1) An automated football throwing system, comprising: a CPU operably connected to a user input, a memory, and a launch controller; a plurality of football routes stored on said memory; said plurality of football routes each including a lateral orientation, a launch angle, and a launch speed; wherein said plurality of football routes comprise a slant, a drag, a corner, a post, and a streak; a football throwing device comprising: a storage receptacle adapted to hold a plurality of footballs; a loading bay adjacent the storage receptacle and at a lower height, the loading bay adapted to hold a football received from said storage receptacle; a pair of coacting wheels positioned on opposing sides of the loading bay and adapted to propel a football positioned in the loading bay; a loading mechanism adapted to move a football placed in said loading bay into said space between said pair of coacting wheels; an adjustable support operably connected to said launch controller, the adjustable support housing said loading bay, wherein said adjustable support is adapted to adjust the positioning and orientation of the football throwing device corresponding to a football route selected from the plurality of football routes; a camera and a sensor operably connected to the CPU and the launch controller, the camera and the sensor configured to sense a position over time of a user; a display operably connected to the CPU and the launch controller, such that adjustment of the launch controller in a particular orientation or direction results in a corresponding adjustment of the orientation or direction of the display; wherein the display is configured to show a visual representation of a football route of said plurality of football routes overlaid with a visual representation of the sensed position over time of the user.

2) The football throwing system of claim 1, further comprising a user input device operably connected to said memory, the user input device configured to allow said plurality of football routes to be accessed by a user.

3) The football throwing system of claim 2, wherein the user input comprises a touchscreen interface.

4) The football throwing system of claim 1, wherein said memory comprises a database of routes and one or more launch variables corresponding to said routes.

5) The football throwing system of claim 1, wherein the CPU accesses data in said memory corresponding to a user input selection of a particular route, and communicates said data regarding the lateral orientation, the launch angle, and the launch speed to the launch controller.

6) The football throwing system of claim 1, wherein said adjustable support is adapted to adjust said football throwing device by means of one or more pneumatic systems.

7) The football throwing system of claim 1, wherein said adjustable support is adapted to adjust said football throwing device by means of one or more hydraulic systems.

8) The football throwing system of claim 1, wherein said adjustable support is adapted to adjust said football throwing device by means of one or more electric motors.

9) The football throwing system of claim 1, wherein said loading mechanism comprises a linearly reciprocating device adapted to move a football located in said loading bay into said space between said pair of coacting wheels.

10) The football throwing system of claim 1, wherein said loading bay has a concave upper surface.

11) The football throwing system of claim 1, wherein said storage receptacle is further adapted to feed one or more footballs into said loading bay.

12) The football throwing system of claim 1, further comprising a movable divider configured to fictionally engage an interior surface of the storage receptacle.

13) The football throwing system of claim 1, wherein said visual representation of one of said selected football routes includes a recording of a simulated football player demonstrating a selected football route.

14) A method of launching a football with an automated football throwing system, comprising: providing an automated football throwing system, comprising: a CPU operably connected to a user input, a memory, and a launch controller; a plurality of football routes stored on said memory; said plurality of football routes each including a lateral orientation, a launch angle, and a launch speed; wherein said plurality of football routes comprise a slant, a drag, a corner, a post, and a streak; a football throwing device comprising: a storage receptacle adapted to hold a plurality of footballs; a loading bay adjacent the storage receptacle and at a lower height, the loading bay adapted to hold a football received from said storage receptacle; a pair of coacting wheels positioned on opposing sides of the loading bay and adapted to propel a football positioned in the loading bay; a loading mechanism adapted to move a football placed in said loading bay into said space between said pair of coacting wheels; an adjustable support operably connected to said launch controller, the adjustable support housing said loading bay, wherein said adjustable support is adapted to adjust the positioning and orientation of the football throwing device corresponding to a football route selected from the plurality of football routes; a camera and a sensor operably connected to the CPU and the launch controller, the camera and the sensor configured to sense a position over time of a user; a display operably connected to the CPU and the launch controller, such that adjustment of the launch controller in a particular orientation or direction results in a corresponding adjustment of the orientation or direction of the display; wherein the display is configured to show a visual representation of a football route of said plurality of football routes overlaid with a visual representation of the sensed position over time of the user. receiving a route selection via the user input; adjusting the angle and position of the display and the launch device via the launch controller; displaying the route on the display; launching a football from the loading bay via the coacting wheels; sensing, via the camera and the sensor, a position over time of a user; displaying the position over time of the user on the display overlaying the displayed route.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

[0018] FIG. 1 shows a schematic of the operation of the football throwing system of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 2 shows a schematic of the data retrieval system of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the football throwing device of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 4 shows a front view of the football throwing device of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the loading bay and loading mechanism of the football throwing device.

[0023] FIG. 6 shows a view of a graphic user interface on the display.

[0024] FIG. 7 shows a view of a visual representation of a route on the display.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the football throwing system. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for providing a football throwing system that tracks the user's motions and plots them on an adjustable display to compare their motion to the selected route for accuracy. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

[0026] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a schematic representation of the operation of the route input system of the football throwing system of the present invention. The route input system 11 comprises a user input means 12, a central processing unit 13, a main memory 15, a storage media 14, and a display 17. The user input means 12 allows a user to select a route from a pre-set list of routes, and may include a touch-screen display, a remote control unit, or an input terminal positioned on the football throwing device.

[0027] Once a user selects a route, the data retrieval system 18 comprising the central processing unit (CPU) 13, storage media 14, and main memory 15 retrieves data from the storage media 14 corresponding to the selected route. The data corresponding to each route includes a set of launch variables and a visual representation of the selected route. The visual representation is output on a display 17, while the launch variables are transmitted to the launch controller 16. The launch controller 16 adjusts the football throwing device in accordance with the launch variables corresponding to the particular route selected by the user. In some embodiments, the launch controller 16 is connected to the display 17, such that the display 17 moves along with the adjustments made by the launch controller. This allows the user to easily view the display 17 from any angle.

[0028] Once the proper adjustments have been made, the launch controller may automatically signal the football throwing device to retrieve a football from the storage receptacle, and activate the loading mechanism such that a football will be thrown. Alternatively, after selecting a route the user may be required to enter an additional input signaling that the player is ready to begin executing the route. The additional input would be communicated to the launch controller, which would then signal the football throwing device to retrieve a football from the storage receptacle and activate the loading mechanism. A camera 102 and one or more sensors 103 are operably connected to the launch controller 16. The one or more sensors can be infrared sensors, optical sensors, motion sensors, or any other suitable sensors that are able to determine the relative position of an individual over time in conjunction with a camera. The positional data of the player gathered by the camera 102 and sensor 103 can be processed by the CPU and converted into visual media on the display 17. Once the launch controller 16 releases a ball, the camera 102 and one or more sensors 103 are activated and track the motion of the user as they run their selected route. This sensed information is then displayed on the display 17 overlaying a visual representation of the selected route. In this way, the user can determine the accuracy of which they completed the route, and improve their route running accuracy overtime using this information.

[0029] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a diagram of how the data retrieval system operates. The storage media of the data retrieval system 18 contains a database of routes and each route's corresponding visual representation 20 and launch variables 19. Each route has a pre-determined set of launch variables which describe the configuration and operation of the football throwing device. Launch variables 19 include but are not limited to the lateral orientation of the device, the angle of elevation of the device, and the output speed of the device. For example, for a route such as a streak route in which a player is tasked with running straight down the field, the launch variables may include a high output speed so that the ball will be propelled a sufficient, distance, and an increased angle of elevation so that the ball has a lofting trajectory.

[0030] The launch variables retrieved from the storage media are then communicated to the launch controller 16 which controls the mechanical components responsible for configuring the football throwing device and the display. Additionally, the visual representation 20 retrieved by the data retrieval system 18 is output onto a display 17. This allows the user to see a preview of the route before they run it, and compare the selected route to the user's actual movement once that is displayed as well.

[0031] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a front view of the football throwing device of the present invention. The football throwing device 21 comprises a pair of coacting, spinning wheels 22 which are adapted to propel a football 30. The wheels 22 are separated by a space 23 in which a football can be inserted. One wheel spins clockwise, while the other spins counterclockwise so that the wheels create forward propulsion for a football placed in the space 23 between the wheels. Various devices may be used to cause the wheels to spin. An electrical motor may be used to rotate the wheels, or a pneumatic or hydraulic system. One motor may be used to power both wheels, in which case both wheels are able to spin at the same speed.

[0032] In order for the football throwing device to throw a football in the manner of a forward pass, that is where the football is spinning about its longitudinal axis, the spinning wheels must impart such spin upon the football. No spin along the longitudinal axis of the football is imparted wherein both wheels are arranged in the same plane. However, by offsetting the wheels such that the wheels lie in different, planes, spin along the longitudinal axis of the football can be imparted. Thus, the spinning wheels are independently adjustable so as to allow a user to configure the wheels such that the desired amount of spin is achieved.

[0033] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a front view of the football throwing device. The football throwing device 21 includes an adjustable support 28 positioned underneath the loading bay 24. The adjustable support 28 is adapted to adjust the angle of elevation of the throwing assembly and also the lateral orientation of the throwing assembly. The adjustable support 28 allows for adjustment of the lateral orientation of the device by providing rotation about a vertical axis such that a ball can be thrown to the left, right, or central portion of a field. The adjustable support 28 allows for adjustment of the angle of elevation and allows for the loading bay 24 of the device to tilt about a horizontal axis so as to throw the football in a lofting trajectory, or so as to throw the football in a straight line. The adjustable assembly constrains the angle of elevation such that the football may only be thrown in a plane parallel to the ground, or at an angle above said parallel plane. In this way, the football throwing device is not able to throw a football downward towards the ground. Hydraulic or pneumatic systems may be used to provide the means by which the angle of elevation and lateral orientation of the throwing assembly may be adjusted. Alternatively, one or more electric motors may be used to allow for adjustment of the adjustable support. The adjustable support is disposed on a plurality of legs 29. The legs 29 provide a stable support for the football throwing device and support the football throwing device at an elevated position above the ground.

[0034] FIG. 4 also shows an adjustable divider 110. The adjustable divider 110 comprises a planar member with a pair of opposing edges that fractionally engage the interior edges of a storage receptacle 25. The storage receptacle 25 includes an elongated L-shaped channel having a generally U-shaped cross section. The storage receptacle 25 is slightly elevated and angled such that a football 30 will slide from the upper end to the lower end of the storage receptacle 25. The loading bay 24 positioned between the coacting wheels 22 is positioned beneath the lower end of the storage receptacle 25, such that a football at the end of the line can easily drop into the loading bay 24 for launching. In some embodiments, the legs of the storage receptacle 25 can be adjustable in height to achieve a proper angle for the balls to automatically move down the line to be launched.

[0035] The adjustable divider 110 can be positioned anywhere along the storage receptacle to separate footballs into a desired number. For example, the user can place the adjustable divider 110 prior to three balls, such that the machine pauses after three routes runs are completed. The system can include multiple adjustable dividers 110 for dividing the footballs into different groupings as desired.

[0036] In FIG. 4, The camera 102 and sensor 103 are shown affixed to an upper crossbar that extends between the pair of coacting wheels 22. The camera 102 and sensor 103 are positioned in such a way that the display screen (shown in FIG. 3) does not block their viewing range. As shown in FIG. 3, the display screen is affixed to the adjustable support 28 such that it moves along with the adjustable support and orients itself toward the user in a manner corresponding to the route they select, which allows better visibility of the display screen. In other embodiments, the display screen can include its own motors and the like such that it adjusts in position independently from the adjustable support 28.

[0037] Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a perspective view of the loading bay and loading mechanism of the present invention. The loading bay 24 is adapted to receive a football 30 from the storage receptacle 25 and provides a surface 23 on which a football 30 can rest until the football is brought into connection with the spinning wheels 22. The loading bay 24 has a concave channel on its upper surface such that a football 30 can rest in the loading bay 24 without the risk of failing off of the sides of loading bay 24. Further, the concave channel helps to direct the footballs toward the middle of the loading bay 24 allowing for proper entry into the space between the coacting wheels 22. As the football falls from the storage receptacle 25 into the loading bay 24, the football is positioned along its longitudinal axis, such that a pointed end of a football is directed towards the space 23 between the spinning coacting wheels 22.

[0038] The storage receptacle 25 is adapted to hold a plurality of footballs, and the storage receptacle is used to supply footballs into the loading bay 24 so that footballs can be thrown in succession without the need for a user to have to continually load a football into the loading bay prior to each throw. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the storage receptacle comprises a channel and wail members so that a series of footballs can be arranged end-to-end therein. Once a first football is moved from the storage receptacle to the loading bay, the next football in the storage receptacle is moved into position so that it may be moved to the loading bay once the first football has been launched. In some embodiments, the movable divider shown in FIG. 4 may be mechanically operated so as to push the series of footballs forward once a first football is loaded into the loading bay. Once a football is thrown, the next football may be retrieved from the storage receptacle after a pre-set period of time so that footballs are launched periodically. Alternatively, once a football is thrown, the next, football may be retrieved from the storage receptacle only after a user enters an additional input signaling that the user is ready for a football to be thrown.

[0039] The shown embodiment further includes a loading mechanism 26 that is operably connected to the launch controller, such that the loading mechanism 26 loads footballs according to user input. The loading mechanism 26 is shown as a linear reciprocating loader with a cup 27 that contours to the end shape of the football. This ensures that the loading mechanism 26 places the ball between the coacting wheels 22 at a proper angle for the launching the ball to the end of the selected route.

[0040] Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown a graphical user interface on the display of the football throwing system of the present invention. A graphical user interface (GUI) 31 is projected on the display. The GUI provides the user with a list of pre-set routes 32. An indicator 33 may be displayed on the screen to allow the user to manipulate the input means and select a route from the list provided on the GUI. Once the user selects a route, the data retrieval system accesses the data corresponding to that route. The storage media contains a database of routes and the launch variables and visual representation for each route. Each route has a particular set of launch variables, such as the lateral orientation of the football throwing device, the angle of elevation of the football throwing device, and the output speed of the football throwing device. The visual representation for the route selected is output onto the display. Additionally, the launch variables are transmitted to the launch controller so that the launch controller may make the appropriate adjustments to the football throwing device.

[0041] Since the player may want some time to review the visual representation of the route prior to attempting to run the route, the user may be required to provide an additional input into the system. For example, the user may be required to press a “Start” button 36 on a touch-screen display before running the selected route. Alternatively, a countdown timer may be provided that gives the user a pre set amount of time to review the route displayed on the display, and once the timer expires the user must begin executing the route. A menu or return button may also be included to allow a user to return to the list of routes to be executed, so as to allow the user to select a new route to practice.

[0042] Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown a visual representation of a selected route and actual runner movement on the display of the present invention. Once a user selects a route 35, the name of the route is displayed on the screen to inform the player as to the route being demonstrated, and the visual illustration 34 of that route is projected on the display. This enables the player that is going to run the route to visualize how the route should be executed. The visual illustration may comprise an arrow 38 superimposed onto a football field indicating the direction or pattern of the route, and any turns or cuts the user should make throughout the course of the route. The visual illustration may further include a recording of a player 37 running the selected route to better enable the player to understand how the route is to be executed. By selecting a route, the football throwing machine is automatically adjusted so that the system will deliver a football to the location the player should reach after successfully executing the selected route.

[0043] Additionally, the camera and sensors are adapted to track the player as they run their selected route. This sensed information is processed by the CPU and displayed as a plot 201 overlaying the displayed selected route path 38. The display can include different labels for the selected route and the detected player path, shown here labeled as ‘selected’ and ‘actual’ so that the player can determine what they are seeing. Further, the two types of paths may have different designs, for example one having an arrow and one not, in order to further make clear to the player what is being shown on the display. The player can use their displayed running path 201 by comparing it to the selected running path 38 for accuracy. This allows the player to iteratively improve their route accuracy overtime, thus further improving the present invention over prior art football throwing systems.

[0044] It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

[0045] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.