Mobile device which simulates player motion

A self-righting mobile device which simulates player motion, the device comprising:

• a ball drive for providing rolling motion to the device, the ball drive being secured in a base of the mobile device by adjustable spring members which apply pressure to the ball drive;
• omni-directional wheels positioned proximate to and in engagement with the ball drive;
• at least one motor connected to at least one of the omni-directional wheels, the at least one motor providing the motive force to drive the at least one omni-directional wheel and the ball drive;
• a controller which controls the at least one motor;
• pads positioned on the device, the pads include high density foam around a base of the mobile device, the high density providing structure to self-right the mobile device, the pads include low density foam in an upper portion of the mobile device used as the primary impact area, the geometry and weight distribution of the pads cause the mobile device to be self-righting in no more than 5 seconds;
• wherein the device accurately mimics the unpredictable motion of a live player to provide a safer alternative to live play to increase player safety and decrease the incidence of injuries during practice sessions.

A mobile device which simulates player motion, the device comprising:

• a ball drive for providing rolling motion to the device;
• omni-directional wheels positioned proximate to and in engagement with the ball drive, at least one of the omni-wheels engage the ball drive to power the ball drive in any direction, allowing for the mobile device to have a complete range of motion and allowing the mobile device to quickly change directions;
• at least one motor connected to the at least one omni-directional wheel, the at least one motor providing the motive force to drive the omni-directional wheels and the ball drive;
• adjustable casters spaced from the omni-directional wheels, the adjustable casters cooperating with the ball drive, the casters having tension springs which force the ball into contact with the omni-directional wheels to keep the omni-wheels in contact with the ball drive at all times despite any eccentricity in the shape of the ball drive;
• a controller which controls the at least one motor;
• pads positioned on the device;
• wherein, the device accurately mimics the unpredictable motion of a live player to provide a safer alternative to live play to increase player safety and decrease the incidence of injuries during practice sessions.

A drive system for a mobile device, the drive system comprising:

• a ball drive for providing rolling motion to the mobile device;
• omni-directional members positioned proximate to and in engagement with the ball drive;
• at least one motor connected to at least one of the omni-directional members, the at least one motor providing the motive force to drive the at least one omni-directional member and the ball drive;
• adjustable casters spaced from the omni-directional wheels, the adjustable casters cooperating with the ball drive, the casters having tension springs which force the ball into contact with the omni-directional wheels to keep the omni-wheels in contact with the ball drive at all times despite any eccentricity in the shape of the ball drive;
• a controller which controls the at least one motor.