BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to athletic training aids, and more particularly, relates to a football sled mounted training aid that simulates a football opponent providing independently movable and resistant arms that may be deflected in any direction and then return to a starting position to assist in training of a football player. The invention additionally relates to a method of using such aids.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
As the game of American football, its prevailing game play strategies, and its training techniques have continued to evolve, so has the need for advancements in football training equipment. Current training techniques and training equipment require advanced solutions to accommodate both hand and foot training for all position players while simultaneously minimizing direct player-to-player contact. In an attempt to address this need, some new training devices have recently been introduced that attempt to anatomically simulate opponents, i.e., include appendages such as arms to existing training devices. Many of these devices simply add arms by attaching static or rigid arms to the sides of sled mounted dummies with common removable hook-and-loop fasteners. Such designs suffer from deficiencies such as, failing to provide realistic resistance to contact, undesirably moving or disengaging from the sled mounted dummies when hit by a player, and failing to return to their initial position once struck. Alternative designs simply add fixed, shortened stump-like arms to the basic pad to simulate arm position without reproducing realistic arm length and movement characteristics. None of these solutions provide a realistic simulation of an opponent with independently movable arms. Still other designs that do incorporate movable arms provide a “U” shaped unitary arm and shoulder apparatus, which rotate both arms together around a central vertical axis. Such a design is inherently limited and does not allow the trainee to practice football moves that involve different techniques to combat both of an opponent's arms simultaneously and/or individually as one often must do in game situations.
Furthermore, while some training devices do include arms, they are limited to the use of a single helical spring-based arm attachment mechanism. That is to say that some training devices affix arms to a rigid shoulder bar by use of a helical spring located forward of the shoulder area. Such devices are inherently limited in the range of motion at the shoulder because use of a helical spring alone will not provide the necessary range of motion for the corresponding arm to fully extend rearwardly of the training aid torso. Furthermore, the significant force that would be applied to a spring if it were forced to extend fully rearwardly would compromise the structural integrity of the training device's spring arm. Accordingly, prior training aids that rely only on a single helical spring-based shoulder attachment are insufficient to provide the movement range and strength desired for use in sled mounted football training applications.
Furthermore, some training devices have an integrated unitary “U” shaped shoulder bar and arm assembly that extends from a torso, which includes vertically mounted helical springs located along the center of the torso. Such training devices may allow a “U” shaped shoulder bar and its integrated arms to collectively twist or pivot at the spring. This movement anatomically corresponds to a twisting at the spine area but does not otherwise include independent arm movement. Again, such prior training devices are often inherently limited by their inability to provide independent arm movement, or any movement at the shoulder joint area, let alone the ability for the arm to fully extend rearwardly of the training aid torso.
One reason for this general lack of innovative designs for sled mounted blocking aids with independently movable arms may be appreciated in the context of the greater forces applied to this form of training device. That is to say, a handheld pad or shield, with deflectable arms, may be moved by the instructor at an angle oblique to the force applied by the oncoming player, as to minimize the force exerted on the handheld pad and its arms. In contrast a sled mounted pad must resist such high oncoming strike forces without the benefit of such side-to-side movement to relieve the applied force. Because of the significant weight and mechanical design of the sled, the sled is kept nearly stationary, or only slightly moved, when struck by the attacking player. Accordingly, the sled mounted blocking aid and any arms/shoulders that may extend from the sled mounted blocking aid must be designed to absorb the full force exerted by an attacking player that often has a weight of between 150-400 pounds, with a striking force of 1,500 pounds per square inch. Merely strapping a handheld shield with deflectable arms to a sled would not provide the required strength and stability necessary for the significant forces delivered by the training player. Due to this significant force exerted on sled mounted blocking aids, many sleds offer mounted dampening springs to provide resistance to vertical forces applied by the training played towards lifting the body of the sled mounted blocking aid. However, sled mounted blocking aids do not currently provide pivotable arms designed to absorb such elevated forces, let alone arms that quickly return to an initial neutral starting position as to allow rapid training of many players. Thus, despite prior attempts to teach proper football technique through the use of specialized sled mounting training aids, there remains need for improvement.
Still further, proper football playing technique must also be ensured when adding arms to a sled mounted dummy. When a player interacts with either or both arms on a sled mounted dummy, it is desirable that the dummy's arms are capable of horizontally rotating at least 180 degrees from the neutral starting position of straight forward to straight backward, and simultaneously provide an uninhibited path for the training player to travel around the side of the sled.
Therefore, a need exists for a football sled mounted training aid with independent, human length arms to train players without the need for player-to-player training contact. There is also need for a football sled mounted training aid with arms that may be easily mounted to the large number of pre-existing football sleds. Finally, to accurately simulate an opponent, there is need for a football sled mounted training aid with independently movable arms that automatically return to their starting position under spring force and simulate human arm movement. There is also need for the height of the training aid to be adjustable in order that it be effective for players of different heights and body types.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a training aid is provided comprising a pad configured to be mounted to a football training sled, handheld or affixed to a motorized cart where the pad includes movable arms. The arms are movable relative to the fixed frame of the training aid by way of a pivotable shoulder members or cubes, which engages a torsion spring to simulate linear shoulder rotation, and a coil spring affixing the movable arms to the shoulder member, which simulate variable arm movement over a direction of 360° relative to a neutral position axis.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the training aid includes a rigid frame having a first frame member extending in a generally horizontal direction having a first end and a second end, and a second frame member extending generally perpendicular to the first frame member and having a first end and a second end. The first frame member is affixed to the second frame member at a mid-point between the first and second ends of the first frame member. A first shoulder member is pivotably affixed to the first frame member adjacent the first end of the first frame member, and a second shoulder member is pivotably affixed to the first frame member adjacent the second end of the first frame member. A first movable arm extends outwardly from a front surface of the first shoulder member and is movable relative thereto, while a second movable arm having extends outwardly from a front surface of the second shoulder member and is movable relative thereto.
In another aspect of the invention, the two shoulder members are pivotable about individual axis that are generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the of the first frame member.
In still another aspect of the invention, a torsion spring is located about each shoulder axis and is configured to apply a returning force on the respective shoulder member. In one embodiment, a force of approximately 20 to 40 pounds is needed to overcome the returning force.
In another aspect of the invention, the shoulder members may have a range of motion of approximately 90 degrees from a neutral position.
In yet another aspect of the invention, each movable arm includes a coil spring located at a first portion of the arm located at the first end of the arm that is affixed to the shoulder member. Each arm further includes an elongated length extending from the coil to the opposing end of the arm. The coil may be positioned about a post or pin that extends from the surface of the shoulder member and is positioned within the coil spring, but not affixed thereto.
In still another aspect of the invention, the second end of the arm may be individually moved to a fully extended position in any direction, in response to an external force. In one embodiment, an external force of approximately 25 to 45 pounds applied to an end of the arm is needed to fully extend the arm.
In another aspect of the invention, the movable arm members may have a range of motion of approximately 110 degrees from a neutral position.
In yet another aspect of the invention, the sled mounting point may extend from the second frame member.
In yet another aspect of the invention, the height of the first frame member may be adjustable.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the pivotable shoulder movement and variable arm coil spring movement combine to allow the arms of the training aid to move in any direction, provide resistance when struck or held, and return to their initial position when released.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the combined movement of the pivoting shoulder members and coil springs allows either arm to be horizontally moved approximately 190-210° from a straight forward neutral starting position, to a straight backward position as to prevent a training athlete from being “hooked” by an extended arm as the athlete passes laterally along the edge of the sled.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the training aid incorporates a rigid frame and one, height adjustable, mounting point compatible with a one-man football sled or multiple man football sleds currently in use.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a rear mounting point positioned and locked at different heights allow the height of the training to be altered between a lower position, medium position and a higher position for various training drills or adjusted to the height of the user.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a bottom mounting point may allow the training aid to be compatible with vertical mounting sleds.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a method of using the sled mounted training aid is provided including the steps of: (1) affixing to a sled via a sled mount, a height-adjustable pad-covered rigid frame having a first and second independently movable arm assembly, each arm including a pivoting shoulder and a movable arm with a coil spring at a first end; (2) a user exerting an external force on at least one of the arm assemblies; (3) moving the movable arm to a fully extending position relative to the shoulder; and, (4) pivoting the shoulder to a fully-pivoted position relative to the rigid frame, such that a range of combined motion of the arm assembly, including both movement of the corresponding arm and pivoting of the corresponding shoulder member, is approximately 200° from a neutral position.
These and other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and accompanying drawings, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout, and in which:
FIG. 1 is a rear isometric view of a frame of a training aid in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention including a rigid frame and its height adjustable horizontal sled mounting point;
FIG. 2 is a rear isometric view of a frame of a training aid in accordance with one alternative embodiment of the present invention including a rigid frame and its height adjustable horizontal sled mounting point;
FIG. 3 is a rear view of a frame of a training aid in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention including a height adjustable rigid frame and its vertical sled mounting point;
FIG. 4 is a partial rear view of the training aid of FIG. 1 with a foam padding surround the rigid frame and arms;
FIG. 5 is a rear view of the training aid of FIG. 3 with a foam padding surround the rigid frame and arms;
FIG. 6 is a top view of the training aid of FIG. 1, including a chest assembly with pivoting shoulder members and with the movable arms mounted to the front surface of the shoulder members;
FIG. 7 is a partial rear isometric view of a shoulder of the training aid of FIG. 6
FIG. 8 is a partial detailed rear view of the training aid of FIG. 6 including a torsion spring and a pivoting shoulder member with a travel stop;
FIG. 9 is a partial detailed top view of the training aid of FIG. 6 showing a partially rotated shoulder member with no deflection of the movable arm;
FIG. 10A is a top schematic view of FIG. 6 showing the starting or neutral position of the training aid with no shoulder member rotation and no movable arm deflection;
FIG. 10B is a top view of FIG. 6 showing the maximum allowable rotation of the shoulder members with no movable arm deflection;
FIG. 10C is a top view of FIG. 6 showing the maximum allowable rotation of the shoulder members and maximum deflection of the movable arms;
FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of the training aid of FIG. 1 including the training aid horizontally mounted to a football sled and a training player prepared to engage the training aid; and
FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of the training aid of FIG. 3 including the training aid vertically mounted to a football sled and a training player prepared to engage the training aid.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
A wide variety of training aids and assemblies could be constructed in accordance with the invention as defined by the claims. Hence, while several exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described, it should be understood that the invention is in no way limited to any of those embodiments.
FIGS. 1-12 illustrate a football training device, i.e., training aid 10 that is configured to releasably engage a football training sled 12, 13 for use in athletic training or practice, as shown in combination in FIGS. 11 and 12. A sled 12, 13 is a useful training instrument in that it provides: (1) the ability for a player to engage the training aid 10 during a drill or training exercise and then run past the sled 12, 13; (2) the sled 12, 13 is not a fixed structure such that it will move when struck, i.e., it may move backwards and/or sideways as it absorbs the force applied to it thus reducing the potential for user injury; and, (3) the relatively high mass of the sled 12, 13 provides practical resistance to the external force applied by the user during the training exercise. Alternatively, training aid 10 could be mounted to a wall, post, column, rack or an alternatively fixed or immobile structure. In yet another alternative embodiment, the training aid may be handheld during the training exercise.
Turing now to FIGS. 1-8, training aid 10 generally includes a rigid frame 14, which defines a structure corresponding to at least a representative human torso. As shown in FIG. 4 a pair of movable arms 16A, 16B extend from top lateral portions of the rigid frame 14, in a manner generally corresponding to the anatomical position of human arms. As will be described in further detail below, the independently movable arms 16A, 16B simulate natural arm range of motion and resistances while a player or user performs various training exercises or practice drills with the training aid 10 that is mounted to and releasably supported by a training sled 12, 13. Accordingly, use of the training aid 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, with its independently movable arms 16A, 16B, will provide a training experience that is configured to provide an improved simulated engagement of opponent as compared to the use of a traditional armless sled pads or that of fixed position and non-independent armed apparatus.
Turning now to FIG. 1, the internal rigid frame 14 is shown including the first frame member 17 formed of an upper support or chest tube 18, having a top shoulder bar 19A and bottom shoulder bar 19B. Top shoulder bar 19A has a first end 28 and an opposing second end 29. Bottom shoulder bar 19B has a first end 20 and an opposing second end 22. The first ends 20, 28 define an attachment point for a first shoulder member 21A, while the second ends 22, 29 define an attachment point for a second shoulder 21B, which are not shown in FIG. 1 but described in further detail below. More specifically, top shoulder bar 19A and bottom shoulder bar 19B may extend beyond the chest tube 18 to define a recess 24 extending inwardly from the lateral edge of the shoulder bars 19A, 19B and include a rod 26 spanning the recess 24 from the top shoulder bar 19A to the bottom shoulder bar 19B. The rod 26 will provide an attachment point for the first shoulder member 21A and first movable arm 16A as will be described in further detail below. That is to say, rod 26 will define an axis about which the first shoulder member 21A will pivot, where the axis of rod 26 is generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first frame member 17, that extends from the first ends 20, 28 to the second ends 22, 29. Similarly, on the opposing side, top shoulder bar 19A and bottom shoulder bar 19B may extend beyond the chest tube 18 to define a recess 32 extending inwardly from the opposing lateral edge of the shoulder bars 19A, 19B and include a rod 34 spanning the recess 32 from the top shoulder bar 19A to the bottom shoulder bar 19B. The rod 34 will provide an attachment point for the second shoulder member 21B and the second movable arm 16B as will be described in further detail below. That is to say, rod 34 will define an axis about which the second shoulder member 21B will pivot, where the axis of rod 34 is generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first frame member 17. The first frame member 17 may be formed of rigid material such as steel, steel alloy, or an alternate material having comparable strength characteristics. In one embodiment of the present invention the chest tube 18 has a length of approximately between 8 inches and 20 inches; and, more preferably has a length of approximately 11 inches. In one embodiment of the present invention the first frame member 17 has a length of approximately between 15 inches and 35 inches; and, more preferably has a length of approximately 20 inches.
A central support, or second frame member 36 may extend approximately perpendicular to the first frame member 17, downwardly from a midway point between the first end 20, 28 and the second end 22, 29 of the first frame member 17. As shown in FIG. 1, in one embodiment of the present invention, the second frame member 36 may be formed of a tube, such as a steel tube or other rigid material, in a rectangular or elliptical shape. Such a configuration of the second frame member 36 may provide sufficient structural strength to the training aid 10 without adding additional material or weight to the rigid frame 14. However, other shapes and configurations of the second frame member 36 are considered well within the scope of the present invention.
The top end 38 of the second frame member 36 may be affixed to the first frame 17 by welding or alternative fixation methods known in the art. In one embodiment, the top edge 40 of the top end 38 of the second frame member 36 is approximately coplanar with the top edge 41 of the first frame member 17. The second frame member 36 extends downwardly from the top end 38 to an opposing bottom end 42. As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, where the second frame member 36 is a tube that has been formed in a general rectangular shape with curved ends 38, 42, the central support 36 also includes a first side tube 44 and a second side tube 46, which extend from the top end 38 to the bottom end 42.
Still referring to FIG. 1, in reference to one embodiment of the training aid 10 that is configured to be releasably mounted to a sled 12 having a horizontal attachment, the training aid 10 includes an adjustable horizontal mount assembly 47. The adjustable horizontal mount assembly 47 may include a first side collar 48 configured to slidably engage the first side tube 44, a second side collar 50 configured to slidably engage the second side tube 46, a mounting plate 52 extending between the first side collar 48 and the second side collar 50, and a mounting tube 54 extending rearwardly from the mounting plate 52. The adjustable horizontal mount assembly 47 may be locked in position by the insertion of a plurality of pins 56 that extend through the apertures 60 of both side collars 48 and 50 that are configured to adjustably overly the corresponding apertures 62 of first side tube 44 and a second side tube 46 second frame member 36. When all locking pins 56 are removed from the respective overlying apertures 60, 62, the adjustable horizontal mount assembly 47 is free to slide along second frame member 36. The relative height of the adjustable horizontal mount assembly 47 may be achieved by way of engaging the desired apertures 62 of second frame member 36. In an alternatively embodiment, the mount assembly 47 may be configured to engage a wall, post, column, rack or other fixed or immobile structure, such that the training aid 10 may be used in the absence of a football training sled 12, 13.
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the mounting tube 54, having a plurality of walls 64 and an inner cavity 66 defined within the walls 64 forms a socket that extends rearwardly from the mounting plate 52, as shown in the alternative embodiments of the training aid 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The cavity 66 is configured to receive therein a male mounting rod 68 of the sled 12, as is shown in FIG. 11, and retain the male mounting rod 68 in the cavity 66 by way of passing a locking pin (not shown) through the apertures 70 in the wall 64 of the tube 54 and corresponding apertures in the male mounting rod 68. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cross section of the mounting tube 54 and corresponding male mounting rod are preferably polygonal as to inhibit axial rotation of the training aid 10 about the longitudinal axis of the mounting rod 68, when the training aid 10 is in use.
Accordingly, in one embodiment of the present invention, the height of the training aid 10 may be adjusted by way of selecting the desired apertures 62 of second frame member 36 from the plurality of different apertures 62 extending vertically along the length of the second frame member 36. However, it should be understood that any and all combinations of fixed or adjustable rear mounting points of the present invention may be adjusted to affix the training aid 10 to desired support structure.
In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIG. 2, the training aid 10 may include an alternative adjustable horizontal mount assembly 47. In this embodiment, the second frame member 36 may also include a central mounting structure 71. The central mounting structure 71 may extend generally along the longitudinal axis of the second frame member 36, from the top end 40 to the bottom end 42. The central mounting structure 71 may preferably be formed of a metal plate and may be welded or otherwise affixed to the second frame member 36 either in front of, in back of, or coplanar with the first and second side tubes 44, 46 of the second frame member 36. In this alternative embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 2, the first and second side tubes 44, 46 do not include apertures 62. Alternatively, apertures 73 may be located at various heights along the length of the central mounting structure 71. A corresponding aperture 75 is centrally located on the mounting plate 52, preferably above or below the mounting tube 54. The adjustable horizontal mount assembly 47, in the alternative embodiment, may be locked in position by the insertion of a pin 56 that extend through the aperture 75 of the mounting plate 52 and the corresponding aperture 73 of central mounting structure 71. When the locking pin 56 is removed, the adjustable horizontal mount assembly 47 is free to slide along central support 36, as was previously described in the preceding embodiment. The relative height of the adjustable horizontal mount assembly 47 may be achieved by way of engaging the desired aperture 73 of central mounting structure 71.
Turning now to FIG. 3, an alternative embodiment of the training aid 10 is illustrated that is configured to be releasably mounted to a sled 13 having a vertical attachment, where the training aid 10 includes a bottom mounting point 74. The bottom mounting point 74, extends generally downwardly from the bottom end 42 of the second frame member 36. The bottom mounting point 74 may be provided as to allow the training aid 10 to be releasably affixed to a sled 13 that required mounting of the training aid 10 to occur at the bottom surface of the training aid 10, as generally shown in FIG. 12. Again, but for its general position and orientation, the bottom mounting point 74 is similar in general design to that of the previously described horizontal mount assembly 47. That is to say that the bottom mounting point 74 also includes a mounting plate 76 that extends from bottom end 42 of the second frame member 36, and a mounting tube 77, having a plurality of walls 78 and an inner cavity 80 defined within the walls 78, which collectively forms a socket. Due to the orientation of the bottom mounting point 74, the inner cavity 80 of the mounting tube 77 is accessed via the bottom surface of the bottom mounting point 74, rather that the rear surface of the horizontal mount assembly 47 as was described above. The cavity 80 of the bottom mounting tube 77 may be substantially identical in size and shape to the cavity 60 of the first rear mounting tube 56, such that it can also selectively receive therein a male mounting rod 82 of a sled 13 that employs a vertical rod 82 for mounting of training aids 10, and retain the male mounting rod 82 in the cavity 80 by way of passing a locking pin (not shown) through the aperture 84 in the wall 78 and through a corresponding aperture (note shown) in the mounting rod 82. While bottom mounting point 74 describes one embodiment of a bottom mount, it should be understood that any and all combinations of fixed or adjustable bottom mounting points of the present invention may be adjusted to affix the training aid 10 to desired support structure.
Still referring to FIG. 3, the training aid 10 with a bottom mounting point 74 also may be vertically adjustable, such that the height of the first frame member 17 is vertically adjustable along the length of the second frame member 38. In this embodiment, a first side collar 85 and a second side collar 87 may extend rearwardly from the chest tube 18 and shoulder bars 19A, 19B, and may slidably engage the first and second sides 44, 46 of the second frame member 38, respectively. Similar to the structure of the first side collar 48 and a second side collar 50 of the horizontal mount assembly 47 described above, the first side collar 85 and a second side collar 87 may include apertures 91 that correspond to selectable apertures 70 disposed along the length of the first and second sides 44, 46 of the second frame member 38. By way of selectively overlapping the apertures 91 and 70, and inserting locking pins 56 therein, the height of the first frame member 17, including chest tube 18 and shoulder bars 19A, 19B may be adjusted for the training aid 10 having a bottom mounting point 74. Furthermore, a u-shaped tube 93 may extend upwardly from the upper surface 41 of the top shoulder bar 19A as to provide an upper portion of the training aid 10, anatomically corresponding to the position of a head, which may be covered in padding as described below.
Turing now to FIG. 4, one embodiment of the training aid 10 is shown from a rear view with an adjustable horizontal mount assembly 47 that corresponds to the horizontal mount assembly 47 previously described and shown in FIG. 1. The training aid 10 of FIG. 4 further shows the training aid 10 covered in a foam shell 95. The foam shell 95 may cover the rigid frame 14 of the training aid 14 and the adjustable arms 16A, 16B, in discrete sections of the shell 95. That is to say, the shell 95 covering the arms 16A, 16B may be independent from the shell 95 that covers the rigid frame 14 as to allow for movement of the arms 16A, 16B relative to the frame 14. The shell 95 may also be molded to represent the anatomical features of a person, or an athlete such as a football player wearing protective padding. Still further, the shell 95 may alternatively be configured to receive protective padding such as shoulder pads, chest padding, or a helmet thereon. An opening 97, located in the rear of the foam shell 95, provides access to the adjustable horizontal mount assembly 47 to permit height adjustment and to allow the training aid 10 to engage the sled 12. This opening 97 may be approximately 10 to 14 inches in length and more typically 12 inches long. The width may be approximately 6 to 10 inches and more typically 8 inches. It should be noted that the second frame member 36 of the training aid 10, in accordance with the present invention could be made in numerous shapes and sizes or have multiple mounting assemblies. Such alternative embodiments may necessitate variable sizes and shapes of the opening 97, so as to accommodate a material height adjustability, all of which are considered within the scope of the present invention.
Turning now to FIG. 5, in another embodiment, the shell 95 is also configured to cover the rigid frame 14 of the training aid 10 that includes a rear mounting point 52, as was previously described in reference to FIG. 3. In such an embodiment, the opening 97 in the foam shell 95 is provided to allow access to the vertical height adjustment of the first side collar 85 and a second side collar 87 that extend rearwardly from the first frame member 17, and slidably engage the second frame member 38, as to allow for height adjustability.
Turning now to FIGS. 6-8, and initially FIG. 6, the movable arms 16A, 16B are shown in relationship to the rigid frame 14 of the training aid 10. FIG. 6 is a top view of training aid 10 showing the adjustable horizontal mount assembly 47 protruding rearwardly from the central support 36, as was previously described in relationship to FIG. 1. The first movable arm 16A is shown affixed to a first pivot plate or shoulder member 21A. In one embodiment, the first movable arm 16A may be welded or brazed to the front surface 88A of the shoulder member 21A at a first end 90A of the arm 16A. A length or portion of the arm 16A at the first end 90A of the arm 16A is coiled to form a spring coil section 92A. A spring protection pin or post 94A, which is also welded or brazed to the front surface 88A of the shoulder member 21A is located within, but not affixed to the interior surface of the coil spring section 92A. That is to say that soil spring section 92A is not affixed to an exterior surface 86A of the post 94A. The length and shape of the post 94A may be variable, which is to say that the length and shape of the post 94A may increase spring durability, increase spring life, and define the spring's active coils, i.e., those that move in response to an external force applied to the arm 16A. While posts 94A and 94B may not be required of the present invention, the inventors have found that inclusion of the posts 94A, 94B greatly improves the active life of training aid 10 and more specifically the joining of arms 16A, 16B to shoulder members 21A, 21B, respectively. A second length or portion 94A of the arm 16A extends forwardly from the end of the coil spring section 92A to a bend or angle 96A, thereby defining a structure that corresponds generally to an upper arm of a person, while the bend or angle 96A corresponds generally to an elbow. It should be noted that this elbow angle can be configured to numerous positions. A third length or portion 98A of the arm 16A extends forwardly from the angle 96A to a second end 100A of the arm 16A, thereby defining a structure that corresponds generally to a forearm of a person. As shown in FIG. 6, the material used to form the arm 16A may be bent at the second end 100A and double back over the distance of the third length 100A, as to provide additional structural integrity, strength and/or weight to the arm 16A. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the arm 16A does not include angle 96A, whereby lengths 95A and 98A are generally uninterrupted. In one embodiment of the present invention the arm 16A has a length of approximately between 16 inches and 24 inches; and, more preferably has a length of approximately 20 inches. In one or more alternative embodiments, the training aid 10 include a solid rod arm made of a suitable rigid material such as steel, aluminum, a metal alloy, or a material having a similar strength. Alternatively, the arm 16A may be formed of variable and/or a combination of materials over the length of the arm 16A. The arm 16A may be shaped as required, i.e., any angle bend at elbow, or the arm 16A may protrude from the spring 92A straight out, up, down or anywhere in between.
Opposing second arm 16B, which is affixed to the front surface 88B of shoulder member 21B at the first end 90B, is substantially identical in general design to that of the first arm 16A, but for its opposing location and orientation. Accordingly, as the above described structures of arm 16A equally apply to arm 16B, arm 16B has been similarly identified with like reference numerals as were described above, but include the letter “B” rather than “A.”
In use, force applied to the arm 16A, 16B will result in engagement on the coil spring section 92A, 92B, which will be transmitted through the arm 16A, 16B to the attachment point between the first end 90A, 90B of the arm 16A, 16B and the front face 88A, 88B of the shoulder member 21A, 21B. This force is minimized by the presence of the post 94A, 94B. That is to say that movement of the coil spring section 92A, 92B in response to an athlete applied external force on the corresponding arm 16A, 16B is inhibited by the post 94A, 94B, which is located within the interior of the coil spring section 92A, 92B. By way of engaging the exterior surface 86A, 86B of the post 94A, 94B with the inner surface of the coil spring section 92A, 92B, but not being directly affixed thereto, the post 94A, 94B both receives force applied by the coil spring section 92A, 92B, which would otherwise be translated to the front face 88A, 88B of the shoulder member 21A, 21B in the form of shearing forces. Additionally, the post 94A, 94B also allows for variable movement of the coil spring section 92A, 92B along the length of the post 94A, 94B, which would not otherwise occur if the coil spring section 92A, 92B was directly affixed to the post 94A, 94B. As a result, fewer coils are actively engaged in the spring, thereby significantly reducing the torque on the braze/weld point.
Each arm 16A, 16B may deflect at the spring coil section 92A, 92B in response to an athlete applying an external force on their corresponding movable arms 16A, 16B. Deflection of each arm 16A, 16B at its respective spring coil section 92A, 92B may exhibit a directional range of motion of 360° about the neutral or starting point of the arm 16A, 16B. That is to say that each arm 16A, 16B may be moved in any direction from a neutral or starting point. The neutral or starting point of the 16A, 16B includes the coil spring section 92A, 92B and the corresponding second section 95A, 95B extending generally perpendicular to the front face 88A, 88B of the corresponding shoulder member 21A, 21B, as shown in FIG. 6. Furthermore, each arm 16A, 16B is configured to exhibit a maximum deflection of approximately between 80 degrees and 120 degrees and more preferably approximately 110 degrees in either direction along a horizontal plane of the arm's neutral or starting position as is subsequently shown in FIG. 10. Each arm 16A, 16B, is further configured to exhibit a maximum deflection of approximately between 80 degrees and 120 degrees and more preferably approximately 110 degrees in either direction along a vertical plane of the arm's neutral or starting position. However, in the presence of the foam shell 95 or external padding applied to the training aid 10, it is possible that inward movement of an arm, towards the opposing arm, will be inhibited by the shell 95 or pad. In addition, to all allowed arm 16A, 16B a greater range of movement, training aid 10 also benefits from rearward rotational movement from each shoulder member 21A, 21B, as will be described further below.
Referring now to FIGS. 7-10C, the shoulder members 21A, 21B may pivot rearwardly, about their respective chest tube rods 26, 34 in response to an athlete applying an external force, i.e., pushing force, on their corresponding movable arms 16A, 16B, as shown in stepwise FIGS. 10A-10C. The starting position of the shoulder members 21A, 21B of the training aid 10 are shown in FIGS. 6-8 and 10A. In this neutral or starting position the forward rotation of the shoulder member 21A, 21B is stopped by a rotation stop 89A, 89B. The rotational stop 89a, 89B may be a bar or protrusion extending from either the top shoulder bar 19A, bottom shoulder bar 19B or chest bar 18. As shown in FIG. 8, for the shoulder member 21A, a first arm 112A of the torsion spring 106A constantly engages structure 117A, which may be a screw or bolt disposed within the first frame member 17, as to keep the spring 106A in a compressed state. The spring 106A provide resistance to the user applied external force as well as the return force that returns the shoulder member 21A to its starting or neutral position immediately after the athlete has disengaged the arm 16A, and the applied external force is removed. The range of motion of the shoulder member 21A when receiving an external force sufficient to fully overcome the return force of the torsion spring 106A, is maximum deflection of approximately between 75 degrees and 120 degrees and more preferably approximately 90 degrees, as shown in FIG. 10B, about chest bar rod 26. Rotation within the shoulder member 21A takes place within a plane that is generally perpendicular to the axis of rod 26.
Still referring to FIGS. 7-10C, and specifically FIG. 8, the shoulder member 21A is shown pivotably affixed between the top shoulder bar 19A and bottom shoulder bar 19B. The shoulder member 21A is received within the recess 24 and pivots about rod 26, which extends from the top shoulder bar 19A, through top aperture 102A and through the bottom aperture 104A in the bottom shoulder bar 19B. The first helical torsion spring 106A is disposed over rod 26 with a first spring arm 108A engaging the rear surface 110A of the shoulder member 21A and an opposed second spring arm 112A engaging the chest tube 18 and/or stop 117A. A mandrel 114A is positioned over the rod 26 and within the interior surface of the coil portion 116A of the torsion spring 106A.
In use, when the training aid 10 is in a neutral position, the compressed torsion spring 106A will exert a forward force on the first shoulder member 21A, which will in turn force the shoulder member 21A to pivot about rod 26 until the front surface 88A of the shoulder member 21A engages a forward travel stop 89A. When the front surface 88A of the shoulder member 21A engages a forward travel stop 89A, the front surface 88A of the shoulder member 21A will be approximately parallel to the front surface of the first frame member 17, such that the corresponding first arm 16A will extend forward in a neutral or starting position. In use, as shown in FIG. 9, the shoulder member 21A may pivot rearwardly, thereby further compressing the torsion spring 106A, about chest bar rod 26 in response to an athlete applying an external force on the movable arm 16A. Resultantly, the shoulder member 21A will pivot rearwardly until the rear rotation limit surface 111A of the shoulder member 21A engages the rear travel stop 89A. In one embodiment, the range of motion between the forward travel stop 89A and the rear travel stop 89A is approximately between 80 degrees and 100 degrees and more preferably approximately 90°.
When at rest, the shoulder member 21A engages the forward travel stop 89A by way of the force applied by the torsion spring 106A. An external force applied to the first arm 16A will cause the shoulder member 21A to rotate toward the rear travel stop bar 89A. The torsion spring 106A will compress or wind up during this 90° travel to the rear travel stop 89A, and when the force is removed, the shoulder member 21A will rotate back to the forward travel stop bar 89A.
It should be understood that the opposing shoulder member 21B of the second arm 16B, is substantially identical in general design to that of the first shoulder member 21A or the first arm 16A, but for its opposing location. Accordingly, the above described structures of shoulder member 21A equally apply to shoulder member 21B. Shoulder member 21B has been similarly identified with like reference numerals as were described above, but include the letter “B” rather than “A.”
Furthermore, the combination movements of the shoulder members 21A, 21B and corresponding coil spring section 92A, 92B, may allow the arms 16A, 16B to rotate rearwardly, approximately between 170 degrees and 210 degrees and more preferably approximately 200 degrees, as shown in FIG. 10C, from the initial starting or neutral position of the arms 16A, 16B. Such movement will allow a training athlete to engage and travel past the lateral edge of the training aid 10, without the arm 16A, 16B hooking or holding onto the training athlete. It should be noted that each arm 16A, 16B can be moved independently or simultaneously and may each be moved at an infinite range of deflections as was previously described. By way of combining the linear pivoting movement of the shoulder members 21A, 21B with the directionally variable movement of the coil spring section 92A, 92B, the training aid 10 may provide combination movements, where the shoulder members 21A, 21B pivot rearwardly and the corresponding arm 16A, 16B are moved in a different direction or more precisely, the arm deflection in any direction.
Turning now to FIGS. 11 and 12, and initially FIG. 11, one embodiment of the training aid 10 is depicted wherein the training aid 10 is mounted to a “horizontal mount” style football sled 12. In FIG. 11, the training aid 10 is shown with the mounting rod 68 engaging a second mounting location 50. The broken lines in FIG. 11 depict an alternative configuration of releasably affixing the training aid 10 to the “horizontal mount” style football sled 12, where the mounting rod 68 may engage the first mounting location 48, which lowers the overall height of the training aid 10.
FIG. 12 depicts an alternative embodiment of the training aid 10 of the present invention which is mounted to a “vertical mount” football sled 13 using the bottom mounting point 74.
Many changes and modifications could be made to the invention without departing from the spirit thereof. The scope of these changes and modifications will become apparent from the appended claims. Current adaptations of the sled may require slightly different mounting mechanisms dependent upon the existing sled's design. Furthermore, future device mounts may come from an overhead device or be mounted directly to an independent robotic base. Such mounts are considered within the scope of the present invention and do not limit the scope of the training aid 10.
Patent Application
20180229095
