Agility Training and Exercise Device and Method of Agility Training

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a device for exercising. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an agility training and exercise device, and method of agility training, useful for improving overall body agility and coordination of the users. The present agility training and exercise device provides customized course configurations, which can be used by all levels of athletes—from professional to the average individual—wishing to improve overall body and mental agility. The present agility training and exercise device may also be useful for rehabilitation therapy or those with disabilities seeking to improve both physical and mental agility.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an exercise device. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an agility training and exercise device useful for improving overall body agility and coordination of the users. The present disclosure further relates to a method of agility training. The present device is adjustable to create a variety of obstacle configurations, which makes the present device customizable for use by anyone, including all levels of athletes to the average individual wishing to improve overall body and mental agility. The present training device may also be useful in rehabilitative therapy and is suitable for use by persons with disabilities seeking to improve both physical and mental agility.

BACKGROUND

In many kinds of sports and exercise, agility can be an important skill to perform many sports successfully. Agility is the ability to move quickly and change direction easily, while maintaining body control. Agility can mean both physical and mental agility, both of which can diminish with age. Agility is also a principal determining factor for success in sports because it helps an athlete's collective coordinative abilities. Having effective agility training can assist in a variety of sports, for example, tennis, football, basketball, volleyball and hockey, martial arts such as judo, taekwondo, karate and kickboxing. Effective agility training can help avoid injury by improving the body's ability to efficiently control eccentric forces in different directions.

There are many forms of exercise and exercise equipment that can be useful as drills for improving both physical and mental agility. One popular item is a step ladder or agility ladder. The ladder incorporates a plurality of rungs and allows the user to select any number of combinations of foot movements and speed through the ladder. The ladder provides both a cardio workout as well as a mental workout as the routine is varied. Another form of agility exercise can be presented as a series of hurdles, using bars, cones, or yoga blocks, which are spaced at various intervals. Again, the user can vary speed, direction of movement over these obstacles to improve agility. However, it would be advantageous to have an agility training and exercise device which is adjustable and customizable for a particular individual and his/her level of ability, training, and/or rehabilitation.

A need, therefore, exists for an improved agility training and exercise device which is adjustable and customizable for those seeking to improve both mental and physical agility. Specifically, a need exists for an agility training and exercise device capable of being arranged into a variety of configurations and courses to vary the types of agility drills performed to improve both mental and physical agility.

A need further exists for agility training and exercise device offering unlimited possibilities for course configurations which can created be based on the specific needs of the user.

A need further exists for an improved agility training and exercise device which can be easily set up to accommodate the user, including users with disabilities, to create various exercise routines and courses to improve both mental and physical agility.

Additionally, a need exists for an improved agility training and exercise device which is generally inexpensive and easy to set up and take down and is easily portable compared to current agility training and exercise devices.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to exercise equipment, devices and methods for use in improving the agility of the user. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an agility training and exercise device, which can be arranged in multiple configurations thereby offering unlimited options for exercise routines targeted to improving both mental and physical agility. The present agility training and exercise device can be used by people with a variety of skill levels for agility training, as well as by those individuals with disabilities or recovering from injury as a form of therapy.

To this end, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, an agility training and exercise device is provided. The exercise device comprises a series of posts with each post set within a base, wherein the posts are capable of being arranged in a multitude of configurations. The posts include a plurality of openings placed longitudinally along the length of the post, wherein each opening is configured for retaining a connector.

Each connector is designed to receive and secure a rope or cord between at least a first post and a second post, and optionally between a plurality of posts, to create a variety of obstacle course configurations. The components of the present training device permit an unlimited number of customizable configurations, including varying heights of the ropes or cords and varying the sequence and arrangement of the posts, resulting in a course customized for the needs of the user.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of agility training is provided. The method includes the steps of building an agility course by providing a series of vertical posts set within a base, the posts capable of receiving a connector, positioning the posts into an agility course configuration, connecting a plurality of cords to the connector within each post and determining a height for each cord between the posts.

It is, therefore, an advantage and objective of the present disclosure to provide an agility training and exercise device useful for improving the mental and physical agility of the user. Specifically, the present disclosure provides an agility training and exercise device which is adjustable and customizable for improving the mental and physical agility of various users having different skill sets and abilities.

It is yet another advantage and objective of the present disclosure to provide an agility training and exercise device useful and adjustable for improving the mental and physical agility of persons recovering from injury and/or by persons with disabilities.

It is a further advantage and objective of the present disclosure to provide an agility training and exercise device which is capable of being arranged in a variety of configurations or course configurations depending on the needs and training goals of the user.

It is further another advantage and objective of the present disclosure to provide an agility training and exercise device which is easy to set up, easy to disassemble and is portable.

It is another advantage and objective of the present disclosure to provide a method of agility training, which includes the steps of building an agility course having a variety of configurations using a series of posts and ropes or cords secured between the posts.

Additional features and advantages of the present disclosure are described in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments and from the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an agility training and exercise device set up in an example of a configuration according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a post for the agility training and exercise device according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a connector in a receiver on the post for the agility training and exercise device of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the connector for the agility training and exercise device of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a cord within a connector for the agility training and exercise device of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates an end of a cord secured within a connector for the agility training and exercise device of the present disclosure; and,

FIG. 7 illustrates the agility training and exercise device of the present disclosure in use as an agility course configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to exercise equipment and devices for use in improving the agility of the user. The present disclosure further includes a method of agility training. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an agility training and exercise device, which is adjustable and can be arranged in a variety of configurations or courses thereby offering multiple options for exercise routines targeted to improving both mental and physical agility. The present agility training and exercise device is suitable for use by a variety of individuals, including athletes of any level, as well as by those individuals with disabilities and/or recovering from injury as a form of therapy.

Now referring to the figures, wherein like numerals refer to like parts, FIG. 1 illustrates an agility training and exercise device in an example of a course configuration according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 illustrates a post for constructing the agility training and exercise device according to the present disclosure. FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a connector for use in a receiver on the post for constructing the agility training and exercise device of the present disclosure. FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a rope or cord passing through and secured within a connector for the agility training and exercise device of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 illustrates the agility training and exercise device in use.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of an agility training and exercise device 10 set up in an example of a course configuration according to the present disclosure. The device 10 is designed to be set up and arranged on the ground, using a series of vertical posts 12 with each post having a top 12a and a bottom 12b, which is secured into a base 14, creating a post and base assembly. The base 14 can have any geometric shape but is generally flat and sized to provide a stable foundation for the post 12. Optionally, the posts 12 could be driven into the ground, if a more permanent structure is desired. Cap 15 is secured to the top 12a of each post 12 (FIG. 3). Cap 15 can be shaped to wrap and hold the cords 16 when not in use. Additionally, the cap 15 may include a screwdriver built-in to assist in securing the post 12 to the base 14 with a screw (not shown) provided for assembly of the device.

The post 12 and base 14 assembly secure a series of ropes or cords 16 into a variety of course configurations for use in agility training. As shown in FIG. 1, the cords 16 are secured between multiple posts 12, creating an obstacle course, in which the user steps or jumps over the cords for agility training. An example of suitable cords are ropes or bungee cords 16. The elasticity of bungee cords provides give or stretch if the user steps onto the cord, thus preventing the posts 12 from falling over and requiring reset.

In an embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the post 12 includes a plurality of openings 18, which are spaced in a linear arrangement along a vertical length of the post from top 12a to bottom 12b. Optionally, the openings 18 may be randomly placed along the vertical length of the post 12. Locating the openings 18 longitudinally along the length of the post 12 permits the user to adjust and vary the height of the cords 16 along the post.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the openings 18 have a keyhole shape with a round circular top opening 18a extending downward to a narrower slot 18b. As will be described, the openings 18 are configured for receiving and securing a connector 20, which is used to secure the ropes or cords 16 to the individual posts 12 (FIG. 4) for setting up a particular course.

FIG. 3 illustrates a connector 20 positioned within one of the openings 18 of a post 12. The connecter 20 includes two sections, a receiving end 22 configured for receiving and securing a cord 16 within the connector, and a locking end 24, which engages with the slot 18b of the opening 18 to secure the connector to the post 12. The receiving end 22 is connected to the locking end 24 by stem 26.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the receiving end 22 of the connector 20 has an aperture 23 having a generally curved, or looped configuration, similar to a figure “8.” The aperture 23 is formed from a first lobe-shaped opening 23a connected to a second lobe-shaped opening 23b. Positioned around the inner circumference of the first lobe-shaped opening 23a is a plurality of teeth or projections 28. The teeth 28 are designed to provide traction to hold or secure a cord 16 when the cord passes within the aperture 23 of the connector 20. As the cord 16 passes through the aperture 23, it engages with the teeth 28, thereby securing the cord in place at a desired length (FIG. 5). For example, a 10-foot cord can be locked into position at 6 feet by the cord catching on the teeth 28. This feature permits customized construction of the obstacle course. The second lobe-shaped opening 23b is also configured for receiving and holding a knotted end of a cord 16 (FIG. 6).

The locking end 24 of the connector 20 is shaped to engage within the openings 18 of the post 12. The locking end 24 includes a first section 24a and a second section 24b, which are connected by a narrow neck 24c. The second section 24b initially fits within the round circular top 18a of the opening 18 and slides downward such that the neck 24c slides into the narrower slot 18b, which then engages the locking end 24 within the opening 18 (FIG. 3). Through use of the locking end 24, the connector 20 is held in a secure perpendicular relationship to the vertical post 12, which in turn secures the cord 16 to and between a series of posts to create the desired exercise course configuration.

An advantage of the present agility training and exercise device 10 is that it is capable of being set up into an unlimited number of configurations and courses. For example, the device 10 can be set simply as two posts 12 with a single cord 16 between them. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, a more complicated course can be constructed from a series of posts 12 and cords 16, which can be arranged in unlimited configurations in number of cords used and height. Additionally, the posts 12 include a plurality of openings 18 positioned at varying heights along a vertical length of the post, which provides virtually an unlimited possibility of options to set the cords 16 at various heights. Thus, an advantage of the present agility training and exercise device 10 is that it provides an unlimited number of options for course configurations to suit the needs of any user.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. Further, references throughout the specification to “the invention” are nonlimiting, and it should be noted that any claim limitations presented herein are not meant to describe the invention as a whole. Moreover, the invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An exercise device comprising: a series of posts, wherein each post set within a base;a plurality of openings placed longitudinally along a length of each of the posts;a connector configured for placement within an opening of each post, wherein the connector is configured for receiving a cord.

2. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein each connector secures a cord between a first post and a second post.

3. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein each connector secures a plurality of cords between a corresponding plurality of posts to create a course configuration.

4. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the openings are in a linear arrangement along the length of the post.

5. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the openings have a keyhole shape.

6. The exercise device of claim 5, wherein the keyhole shape is configured to receive and secure the connector.

7. The exercise device of claim 6, wherein the connector within the opening is held in perpendicular relationship to the post.

8. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the connector has a receiving end connected to a locking end by a stem.

9. The exercise device of claim 8, wherein the receiving end is configured to receive and secure the cord, and the locking end is configured to engage the opening in the post.

10. The exercise device of claim 9, wherein the receiving end of the connector includes an aperture.

11. The exercise device of claim 10, wherein the aperture is formed from a first lobe-shaped opening connected to a second lobe-shaped opening.

12. The exercise device of claim 11, wherein the first lobe-shaped opening includes a plurality of projections around an inner circumference of the first lobe-shaped opening.

13. The exercise device of claim 12, wherein the projections are configured to secure the cord into a length.

14. An agility and exercise device comprising: a series of posts, wherein each post is set vertically within a base;a plurality of openings longitudinally positioned along a length of each of the posts;a connector secured within an opening of each post, wherein the connector receives a cord for placement between at least two posts; and,wherein the posts and cords are arranged into a plurality of agility course configurations.

15. A method of agility training comprising the steps of: building an agility course by providing a series of vertical posts set within a base, the posts capable of receiving a connector;positioning the posts into an agility course configuration;connecting a plurality of cords to the connector within each post; and,determining a height for each cord between the posts.

16. The method of agility training of claim 15, wherein the method further comprises connecting the cords in a horizontal position between each post.

17. The method of agility training of claim 15, wherein the method further includes connecting the cords in a sloping position between each post.

18. The method of agility training of claim 15, wherein the method further includes rearranging the agility course configuration by adding or removing posts in the series of posts.

19. The method of agility training of claim 18, wherein the method further includes rearranging the agility course configuration by repositioning the cords between the series of posts.