Patent Application
20240108944
The present disclosure relates to a body training tool. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for aiding in the training of lower extremities, and methods thereof.
Strength training has been found to provide a variety of benefits to those seeking health improvements, including but not limited to an improvement in cardiovascular health, bone health, and increased energy levels. Proper strength training may further decrease risk of injury when engaging in other forms of physical activity. However, when seeking these benefits, proper form becomes tantamount to preventing injury when engaging new muscle groups. One such exercise which may benefit from increased attention is the standard squat.
Currently, there exist training devices aimed at aiding the user when training the lower extremities. One such exercise this aims to aid in is a standard squat, such that the range of motion is deeper and more controlled. These training devices provide a ramp-like device under each foot such that the user's heel is raised when performing a standard squat. A common issue when squatting is weak ankle mobility, therefore this modification provided by the squat wedge rectifies that. Further, a squat wedge targets the quads more, giving a user a better workout. Users may further utilize resistance bands around the squat wedge blocks for a greater workout. However, users may vary in the optimum height for their heel when performing squats due to varying degrees of familiarity and skill with standard squats and varying body types. Further, resistance band adjustment becomes an issue when a squat wedge block provides for only one placement of the resistance band.
Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a device where users seeking deeper standard squat workout may adjust the height of the block such that the optimum heel height for them may be achieved. As a user's skill level increases, they may even prefer greater squat engagement, thus an increase in heel height may be preferable. Further, a device which may provide for resistant band adjustment may be of interest to users.
This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claims included herewith.
An aspect of the present disclosure may include a training device. The training device may comprise a ramp block. The ramp block may include a short side facet; an incline facet; a right face and a left face disposed on opposing sides of the training device; a main base ridge and a plurality of alternate base ridges disposed along a bottom border of the right face and the left face respectively; and a ramp block base disposed along the incline facet. The right face and left face may be integrally formed with the short side facet and incline facet. A right plurality of holes and a left plurality of holes may be disposed on the right face and the left face. The training device may further include a height adjustment member comprising a height adjustment member base configured to rest on a flat surface; a securing slot; and a frame configured to provide height adjustment vie the plurality of holes and securing slot. The securing slot may align with the right/left plurality of holes
In an embodiment, the ramp block may be embossed with a plurality of surface grips.
In another embodiment, the short side facet may define a short side aperture.
In yet another embodiment, the right plurality of holes and the left plurality of holes may be secured to the securing slot by a right security pin and a left security pin.
In a further embodiment, the right plurality of holes and the left plurality of holes may be sized to accept the right security pin and the left security pin.
In an embodiment, a securing member may provide a primary means of securement between the height adjustment member and the ramp block.
Objects, aspects, features, and advantages of embodiments disclosed herein will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawing figures in which like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements. Reference numerals that are introduced in the specification in association with a drawing figure may be repeated in one or more subsequent figures without additional description in the specification in order to provide context for other features, and not every element may be labeled in every figure. The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating embodiments, principles and concepts. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the claims included herewith.
In the following detailed description, reference will be made to the accompanying drawing(s), in which identical functional elements are designated with like numerals. The aforementioned accompanying drawings show by way of illustration, and not by way of limitation, specific aspects, and implementations consistent with principles of this disclosure. These implementations are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure and it is to be understood that other implementations may be utilized and that structural changes and/or substitutions of various elements may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be construed in a limited sense.
It is noted that description herein is not intended as an extensive overview, and as such, concepts may be simplified in the interests of clarity and brevity.
All documents mentioned in this application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Any process described in this application may be performed in any order and may omit any of the steps in the process. Processes may also be combined with other processes or steps of other processes.
The ramp block 102 may be comprised of a material suitable to withstand an average user's body weight such that the user may be able to stand upon the ramp blocks 102. The material of the ramp block 102 may include but is not limited to polyethylene, aluminum, carbon steel, or metal alloy. However, the present embodiment may comprise any material capable of withstanding the weight of an average person. In further embodiments, the ramp block 102 may be capable of withstanding at least 200 kg. For the purposes of this disclosure, “average body weight” may refer to any possible human weight.
The ramp block 102 may comprise a thickness such that the ramp block 102 may be able to withstand the force applied when used by a person of average body weight. For example, the thickness of the ramp block 102 may be in the range of 2-20 mm, depending on the specific material, or combination of materials, used. The ramp block 102 may have uniform thickness or may comprise varying levels of thickness throughout. The ramp block 102 may comprise a hollow cavity on the underside. In an alternate embodiment, the ramp block 102 may include a solid core.
The ramp block 102 may include a proximal end 102A and a distal end 102B. The ramp block 102 may be shaped like a wedge or a triangular prism. The ramp block 102 may be comprised of a short side facet 104, an incline facet 106, a right face 108, a left face (not shown), a ramp base ridge 112, an alternate base ridge 114, and a ramp block base 116. The short side facet 104 may be disposed on the distal end 102B. The incline facet 106 may include a sloped plane. The proximal end 102A may comprise the bottom-most portion of the incline facet 106 decline.
The incline facet 106 may be greater in length than the short side facet 104. For example, the incline facet 106 may be in the range of 20-50 cm and the short side facet 104 may be 10-25 cm in length. However, any suitable combination of lengths may be used. The incline facet 106 may further be the same width as the short side facet 104 such that the ramp block 102 has a uniform width throughout.
The short side facet 104 may be disposed at an angle to the incline facet 106. Such an angle may be greater than, or equal to, ninety degrees. The incline facet 106 may be sized such that a standard user's foot may rest upon the incline facet 106. In an exemplary embodiment, the incline facet 106 may sized to be large enough to facilitate a standard user's foot size being placed upon it. However, the incline facet 106 may be any size suitable for the uses of the present disclosure.
The short side facet 104 and the incline facet 106 may form a juncture. The juncture disposed along the short side facet 104 and the incline facet 106 may be curved. In an alternate embodiment, the juncture may form a sharp angle. The ramp block 102 may rest on a flat surface, for example a gym floor, such that a lower edge formed right face 108 and/or the left face rests on the floor.
The short side facet 104 and the incline facet 106 may be secured on either side of the ramp block 102 by the right face 108 and the left face. The right face 108 and the left face may be identical in size, shape and material. Further, the right face 108 and the left face may be the same material or a different material as the short side facet 104 and the incline facet 106. The right face 108 may be disposed along the right side of the ramp block 102. Further, the left face may be disposed along the left side of the ramp block 102. The right face 108 and the left face may be composed of the same material as the short side facet 104 and the incline facet 106. In an alternate embodiment, the right face 108 and the left face may be a different material than the short side facet 104 and the incline facet 106.
The incline facet 106, the right face 108, and the left face may be secured by the ramp block base 116. The ramp block base 116 may be an extension of the incline facet 106 such that it rests on a flat surface on the underside of the ramp block 102. The ramp block base 116 may form an angle with the incline facet 106. The ramp block base 116 may be disposed along the right face 108 and the left face. The ramp block base 116 may be identical in width to the incline facet 106 and the short side facet 104. The ramp block base 116 may comprise a length less than the length of the lower edge formed right face 108 and/or the left face. For example, the ramp block base 116 may extend one inch along the flat surface from the incline facet 106, however may extend any distance such that the ramp block 102 rests securely on a flat surface while in use and/or not in use. The ramp block base 116 may be comprised of the same material as the incline facet 106 or may be a different material such that the uses of the present invention are satisfied.
The short side facet 104 and the incline facet 106 may be embossed with a plurality of surface grips 118. The plurality of surface grips 118 may be imprinted upon the short side facet 104 and/or the incline facet 106 to prevent or mitigate possible slippage when utilizing the training device 100. For example, the plurality of surface grips 118 may enable a user's shoe to secure onto the ramp block 102 while performing a standard squat. However, in an alternate embodiment, the plurality of surface grips 118 may emboss the entirety of the ramp block 102, or none of the ramp block 102. The plurality of surface grips 118 may be oblong ovals pointing in various directions on the short side facet 104 and the incline facet 106. However, the plurality of surface grips 118 may be any shape or orientation such that the uses of the present disclosure are satisfied. The plurality of surface grips 118 may be the same material as the ramp block 102 or may be an alternate material. In an alternate embodiment, the plurality of surface grips 118 may be substituted with non-slip silicone grip material, polyvinyl chloride, or plastic such as anti-skid rubber secured onto the short side facet 104 and/or the incline facet 106. In one embodiment, the plurality of surface grips 118 may protrude from the various surfaces of the training device 100. In another embodiment, the plurality of surface grips 118 may be depressions disposed on the various surfaces of the training device 100. Further, the present disclosure is not limited by the presence of a plurality of surface grips 118 or any anti-slippage material. In an alternate embodiment, the ramp block 102 may comprise straps wherein the user may secure their foot to the block, with or without the presence of the plurality of surface grips 118.
The short side facet 104 may comprise a short side aperture 124. The short side aperture 124 may be an oblong oval wherein a section of the short side facet 104 may be extracted to display a cavity. Thus, the short side aperture 124 may be defined by the short side facet 104. The short side aperture 124 may enable the user to grasp the cavity to transport the training device 100 to a desired location. The short side aperture 124 may further comprise a scalloped border. In an exemplary embodiment, the scalloped border may further enable proper grasping of the short side aperture 124 such that each scalloped edge aligns with the placement of a user's fingers. However, the short side aperture 124 may be any shape to enable transporting the device. Further, the training device 100 may include multiple apertures with various placements on the training device to provide a means of transporting. In an alternate embodiment, the training device 100 may have alternate means of transporting such as but not limited to handles or straps. Further, in alternate embodiments, the training device 100 may not enable a means of transport.
The right face 108 and the left face may each comprise a bottom border that may rest on a flat surface. The bottom border of each the right face 108 and the left face may be structured to comprise a main base ridge 112 and an alternate base ridge 114. The main base ridge 112 may include a scalloped edge. There may be a main base ridge 112 on the bottom border of the right face 108 and left face. The main base ridge 112 may form a gap between the floor and the respective right face 108 and left face. The main base ridge 112 may be disposed at the midpoint of the bottom border of the respective right face 108 and left face. The main base ridge 112 may enable a user to grip the ramp block 102 when transporting it. In an exemplary embodiment, the main base ridge 112 may enable a user to supplement their training with a standard resistance band or a plurality of standard resistance bands. For example, the resistance band may fasten around the main base ridge 112 such that it is secured in place at the midpoint of the bottom border of the respective right face 108 and left face. In an embodiment, a tension band, or similar apparatus, may be captured between the ground surface and the main base ridge 112.
The main base ridge 112 may be accompanied by a plurality of alternate base ridges 114. The plurality of alternate base ridges 114 may comprise one alternate base ridge 114 on either side of the main base ridge 112 located on the right face 108 and left face, respectively. The plurality of alternate base ridges 114 may be a plurality of scalloped edges on the respective right face 108 and left face. However, the suitable number of scalloped edges may be used. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of alternate base ridges 114 may enable the user to modify the placement of the standard resistance bands such that the resistance bands are closer to the proximal end 102A or the distal end 102B. Such variable placements may enable a user to better modify the resistance to their skill level or body. Upon securement to the plurality of alternate base ridges 114, the resistance bands may be held in place such that the user may utilize the training device 100. Accordingly, the weight of a user upon the training device 100 and the rounded shape of the ridges 112/114 may maintain the position of the resistance band on the training device 100. For example, the user may utilize the main base ridge 112 and/or the alternate base ridge 114 to secure the resistance band to be used in a standard squat.
The right face 108 may comprise a right plurality of holes 120. Further, the left face may comprise a left plurality of holes 120. As a non-limiting example, there may be a set of two holes on each respective right face 108 and left face comprising the plurality of holes 120. The plurality of holes 120 may be sized to accept a right security pin 126 and a left security pin 128, respectively. The right security pin 126 and the left security pin 128 may enable the user to secure the ramp block 102 following adjustment. In an alternate embodiment, the ramp block 102 may be secured by utilizing alternate means of locking following adjustment.
The training device 100 may further comprise a height adjustment member 132. The height adjustment member 132 may enable the user to adjust the height of the ramp block 102 such that the angle between the ramp block 102 and the floor is modified according to the respective user's preference. The height adjustment member 132 may comprise at least one securing slot (not shown), a height adjustment member base 136, and a frame 138. There may be one securing slot present on the right and/or left side each of the height adjustment member 132. In an alternate embodiment, the height adjustment member may have a plurality of securing slots on each of the right and left sides to enable the user to make further adjustments. The securing slot may comprise a hole disposed on the frame 138, and configured to align with each of the plurality of holes 120 such that the left and/or right securing pin 126/128 may be inserted through both the hole 120 and securing slot.
The height adjustment member base 136 may increase stability to the training device 100 and allow for adjustability of the training device's 100 height. The height adjustment member base 136 may be sized to sit on a flat surface and work in tandem with the ramp block base 116 to keep the training device 100 level on a flat surface.
The frame 138 may provide structural support to the height adjustment member 132 such that it may support the ramp block 102. The frame 138 may be composed of aluminum, steel, metal alloy, or any material suitable to withstand a standard user performing the disclosed uses upon it. In an alternate embodiment, the frame 138 may be composed of a material suitable to withstand a standard user performing the disclosed uses upon it, such as plastic or metal.
The frame 138 may work in tandem with the ramp block 102 to enable height adjustment of the training device 100. The height adjustment member 132 may be arranged at the underside of the ramp block 102. The height adjustment member 132 may be locked to the ramp block 102 by a securing member 130. There may be a plurality of securing members 130, one on the right face 108 and left face, respectively, of the training device 100. However, alternate embodiments may have a plurality of securing members 130 on each side to enable greater securement of the ramp block 102 to the height adjustment member 132.
The height adjustment member 132 may have an adjustable height such that configurations of the adjustment member 132 may result in different angles between the ramp block 102 and the floor. The height adjustment member 132 may secure to the ramp block 102 by the left/right plurality of holes 120 and the securing slot. The height adjustment member 132 may rest on a flat surface. The ramp block 102 may be aligned on top of the height adjustment member 132. The user may adjust the height by utilizing the right/left plurality of holes 120. Alignment of the right/left plurality of holes 120 to the securing slot may enable securement. As a non-limiting example, there may be a primary and a secondary right/left plurality of holes 120. Alignment of the primary right/left plurality of holes 120 to the securing slot may enable a primary height. Further, alignment of the secondary right/left plurality of holes 120 to the securing slot may enable a secondary height. The height may alter the angle degree of the ramp block 102. The angle selected may correspond to the user's skill level and/or body type and/or exercise sought. The securement of the right/left security pin 126/128 on the respective sides into the alignment of the right/left plurality of holes 120 supplemented by the securing slot may enable the locking of the ramp block 102 to the height adjustment member 132. Further, the right/left plurality of holes 120 may interface with the securing slot wherein the right/left security pin 126/128 may be locked into place.
The securing member 130 may provide a primary means of securement of the ramp block 102 to the height adjustment member. The securing member 130 may be comprised of a screw providing a primary means of securement between the ramp block 102 and the height adjustment member 132. However, the securing member 130 may be any means of securement including but not limited to nails, ribbed nails, spiral nails. The securing member 130 may fix the ramp block 102 to the height adjustment member 132, however the locking may be enabled by the alignment of the securing slot and the right/left plurality of holes 120.
The user may align two ramp blocks 102 side by side, spaced a preferred distance apart. The user may secure their left foot and right foot upon the respective ramp blocks 102 such that the bottom of the foot rests on the incline facet 106. The user may orient themselves such that the user's toes are facing the proximal end 102A and the user's heel is facing the distal end 102B. Such an orientation may enable the user's heels to be raised while the toes are secured firmly on the flat surface. This may enable the user to perform a standard squat. This placement may allow the performance of the standard squat such that the user's ankles are supported, promoting greater security.
Turning to
The ramp block 102 may include one or more slots 504. In an embodiment, the slots 504 are configured to receive the frame 138 when the height adjustment member 132 is in its primary height state. The width of the one or more slots 504 may be slightly wider than the width of the interfacing portion of the frame 138 so as to achieve a snug fit. However, any suitable width may be used. In an embodiment, the one or more slots 504 may include a flexible friction coating such that, when the one or more slots 504 interface with the frame 138, the friction coating may prevent undesired slipping of the frame 138 relative to its respective slot 504.
Various elements, which are described herein in the context of one or more embodiments, may be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Further, the processes described herein are not limited to the specific embodiments described. For example, the processes described herein are not limited to the specific processing order described herein and, rather, process blocks may be re-ordered, combined, removed, or performed in parallel or in serial, as necessary, to achieve the results set forth herein.
It will be further understood that various changes in the details, materials, and arrangements of the parts that have been described and illustrated herein may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the following claims.
All references, patents and patent applications and publications that are cited or referred to in this application are incorporated in their entirety herein by reference. Finally, other implementations of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosure disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims.
