Patent Application
20250186850
The present disclosure relates to the field of sports and athletic training equipment, specifically focusing on devices designed to enhance and measure vertical jumping capabilities and even more specifically a device that integrates adjustable object retainers and support structures, allowing for versatile applications across various sports to both train and evaluate athletes' vertical leap performance.
Athletes, particularly those involved in sports that require high vertical jumps, are constantly seeking ways to enhance their jumping capabilities. The ability to jump higher can significantly improve an athlete's performance in sports such as basketball, volleyball, soccer, tennis and football. Vertical jump performance is a critical metric in various sports, such as basketball, volleyball, and football, as it reflects an athlete's explosive power and overall athleticism. Traditional training methods often utilize basic tools such as jump mats or wall markers, which, while informative to a degree, fail to provide comprehensive data on grip strength and coordination, or do not offer scalable resistance or height adjustments for a personalized training experience.
Traditional training devices for improving vertical jumps often have limitations. Some of these devices are not adjustable, limiting their effectiveness for athletes of different heights and skill levels. Others may not provide a reliable measure of an athlete's jumping capability, making it difficult to track progress over time. For example, devices such as jump mats are limited in providing comprehensive feedback for training customization and fail to incorporate additional metrics such as grip strength and object retrieval, which are useful for more complete athletic assessment and development. While some apparatuses offer adjustable heights, they often lack stability or the ability to easily reconfigure for different sports-specific training needs, limiting their practical application range.
Additionally, many of these devices are not designed to securely hold an object at a specific height, which can lead to inaccurate measurements or potential injury if the object falls during training. Furthermore, many existing training devices lack versatility. They are often designed for a specific sport or type of training, limiting their usefulness for athletes involved in different sports or those who wish to vary their training routines. Moreover, these devices often have a fixed base, making them difficult to move or adjust to different training environments.
Therefore, there is a need for a versatile, adjustable, and reliable training device for evaluating and enhancing an athlete's vertical jumping capability. Such a device should be able to securely hold an object at a specific height, provide a reliable measure of an athlete's jumping capability, and be adjustable to accommodate athletes of different heights and skill levels. Additionally, the device should be versatile enough to be used in different sports and training scenarios, and easy to move or adjust to different training environments.
The present invention pertains to athletic training devices, specifically to a jump training device designed to evaluate and enhance an athlete's vertical jumping capability. The device can comprise a base with a front and a rear, and a vertical extension removably affixed to the front of the base. The vertical extension can include a first section, second section, and third vertical section, with the second section and third section telescopically extending in the direction of the axis of the first vertical section.
A top section extends from the third vertical section at an angle to the axis of the third vertical section. A flexible hanger, which can be a cable or a rope, has a first end affixed to the top section and a second end coupled to an extension fastener. An object fastener is configured to detachably couple an object to the extension fastener. The object fastener can be coupled to a harness configured to allow the object fastener to be affixed about the object or embedded in the object.
The extension fastener and the object fastener can be opposite portions of a hook and loop fastener, or one can be a magnet and the other a ferrous metal operative to provide the retaining force. The base can be configured to be set on a floor, and the vertical extension is marked to indicate the total height of the extension fastener or the portion of the object closest to the floor at different positions of the vertical sections relative to each other.
The device can also include a weight retainer on the second end of the base, at least one measuring indicator on the vertical extension, and at least one vertical support coupled to the at least one vertically telescoping section. The vertical support can be coupled to the base having at least one caster coupled to it. The base can be wider at the second end than at the first end, and the vertical extension can be rotatable relative to the base.
The invention also includes a method for evaluating and enhancing an athlete's vertical jumping capability using the jump training device. The method can involve positioning the device, providing an extension fastener to the vertical extension and an object fastener configured to detachably couple to the extension fastener, adjusting the height of the flexible hanger, and allowing a user to jump and attempt to interact with the object.
The method can also include providing a harness configured to secure the object to the object fastener and securing the object to the flexible hanger using the object fastener embedded in or coupled to the object. The flexible hanger material can be selected to allow controlled movement of the object during the athlete's jump. The base of the jump training device can be set on a floor and the vertical extension adjusted to mark the height of the object relative to the floor for measurement purposes. The method can include providing a loader configured to allow the user to support the object and raise it such that the object fastener contacts the extension fastener.
The invention also encompasses a training apparatus comprising at least one vertical support structure having adjustable elements, operative to telescoping position a plurality of objects at discrete vertical heights; object retainers associated with the objects, each providing a retaining force; and a stabilization base connected to the vertical support structure, configured for either free-standing application or secure attachment in varied environments. The at least one object retainers can each employ a magnetic mechanism to achieve the retaining force. The vertical support structure is adapted for use with high-intensity training modules, allowing for seamless integration into diverse athletic training systems.
Aspects and applications of the invention presented here are described below in the drawings and detailed description of the invention. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and the claims be given their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. The inventors are fully aware that they can be their own lexicographers if desired. The inventors expressly elect, as their own lexicographers, to use only the plain and ordinary meaning of terms in the specification and claims unless they clearly state otherwise and then further, expressly set forth the “special” definition of that term and explain how it differs from the plain and ordinary meaning. Absent such clear statements of intent to apply a “special” definition, it is the inventors' intent and desire that the simple, plain and ordinary meaning to the terms be applied to the interpretation of the specification and claims. Aspects and applications of the invention presented here are described below in the drawings and detailed description of the invention.
The inventors are also aware of the normal precepts of English grammar. Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be further characterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, then such noun, term, or phrase will expressly include additional adjectives, descriptive terms, or other modifiers in accordance with the normal precepts of English grammar. Absent the use of such adjectives, descriptive terms, or modifiers, it is the intent that such nouns, terms, or phrases be given their plain, and ordinary English meaning to those skilled in the applicable arts as set forth above.
Further, the inventors are fully informed of the standards and application of the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f). Thus, the use of the words “function,” “means” or “step” in the Detailed Description or Description of the Drawings or claims is not intended to somehow indicate a desire to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f), to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f) are sought to be invoked to define the inventions, the claims will specifically and expressly state the exact phrases “means for” or “step for, and will also recite the word “function” (i.e., will state “means for performing the function of . . . ”), without also reciting in such phrases any structure, material or act in support of the function. Thus, even when the claims recite a “means for performing the function of . . . ” or “step for performing the function of . . . ,” if the claims also recite any structure, material or acts in support of that means or step, or that perform the recited function, then it is the clear intention of the inventors not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f). Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f) are invoked to define the claimed inventions, it is intended that the inventions not be limited only to the specific structure, material or acts that are described in the preferred embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures, materials or acts that perform the claimed function as described in alternative embodiments or forms of the invention, or that are well known present or later-developed, equivalent structures, material or acts for performing the claimed function.
A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description when considered in connection with the following illustrative figures. In the figures, like reference numbers refer to like elements or acts throughout the figures.
Elements and acts in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and have not necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence or embodiment.
In the following description, and for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the invention. It will be understood, however, by those skilled in the relevant arts, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, known structures and devices are shown or discussed more generally to avoid obscuring the invention. In many cases, a description of the operation is sufficient to enable one to implement the various forms of the invention, particularly when the operation is to be implemented in software. It should be noted that there are many different and alternative configurations, devices, and technologies to which the disclosed inventions may be applied. The full scope of the inventions is not limited to the examples that are described below.
Referring to
In embodiments, the first vertical section 34 and the second vertical section 28 and the second vertical section and the third vertical section 22 can have a first retention mechanism 26 and a second retention mechanism 32 for selectively securing each section at the user's desired height, thereby permitting adjustable height retention. The first retention mechanism 26 and the second retention mechanism 32 can be such as, for example, tube clamps, push pin, cam locks, thumb screw, push button release, snap locks, ratchet mechanism, lever locking or the like allowing the user to lock the first vertical section 34 relative to the second vertical section 28 and the third vertical section 22 relative to the second vertical section to achieve a desired height.
The first retention mechanism 26 and the second retention mechanism 32 can be coupled to the first vertical section 34 and second vertical section 28 by such as, for example, press fit, fasteners, locking mechanism, or the like. The vertical extension 21 is not limited to three sections, in other embodiments, the at least one vertically telescoping section can be one section, two sections, three sections, four sections, five sections or the like wherein each section can be dimensioned to telescopically receive the adjacent section allowing relative axial movement between each section, enabling extension and retraction to various selectable heights. The first section 34 and the second vertical section 28 and the second vertical section and the third vertical section 22 can be moved manually or can have a motor attached to it that can be controlled by a mobile app or a remote allowing the user to easily move the jump training device 10 to the athlete's desired height.
In embodiments, the vertical extension 21 can be removably affixed to the front 76 of the base 60 having a front 76 and a rear 78, wherein the base can provide stability to the overall structure. In other embodiments, the vertical extension is rotatable relative to the base. In embodiments, the base 60 can be configured to be set on a floor. The base 60 can be wider at the front than at the rear. The front 76 can comprise at least one vertical support 66 that can be coupled to first vertical section 34. The at least one vertical support 66 can be coupled a first base section 63 and a second base section 65 which can extend from the at least one vertical support 66 wherein the first base section and the second base section can have a third base section 67 extending horizontally between the first base section and the second base section forming a triangular shape with the point of the triangle forming at the at least one vertical support 66. In other embodiments, the base 60 can be any suitable shape or size and can be such as for example, rectangular, triangular, polygonal, circular, or the like in shape having more than one base section.
In embodiments, the at least one vertical support 66, the first base section 63, the second base section 65 and the third base section 67 can be such as, for example, square tubing, round tubing, rectangular tubing, oval tubing, polygonal tubing or the like and can be welded, fastened, pressed, joined or the like together. The at least one vertical support 66 can have at least one attachment hole 68 wherein the first vertical section 34 can be operatively coupled to the at least one vertical support 66 by such as, for example, cotter pins, fasteners, bolt and nut, compression fit, snap or button fastener, or the like. The first base section 63, the second base section 65 and the third base section 67 can comprise non-marking materials 62 suitable for protecting support surfaces such as the ground, basketball courts, volleyball courts or the like. The non-marking materials 62 can be such as, for example, rubber, neoprene, silicone, textured PVC, anti-slip tape or the like. The base 60 can further comprise have a weight retainer 74 on the rear 78 wherein the weight retainer can hold such as, for example, standard weights, Olympic weights, fractional plates, or the like and can hold the jump training device 10 down on the floor and keep it from tipping over if a weight is exerted on the front of the device.
In embodiments, the base 60 can further comprise a top base section 64 which can be coupled to the top of the first base section 63, the second base section 65 and the third base section 67. The top base section 64 can be such as, for example, sheet metal, metal plate, plastic plate, carbon steel plate, stainless steel plate, or the like. The top base section 64 can be coupled to the first base section 63, the second base section 65 and the third base section 67 by such as, for example, weld, pin, fasteners, clamping, adhesive bonding, crimping or the like wherein the top section can add strength to the base 60. The base 60 can have a second vertical section 74 coupled to the at least one of the top base section 64 and the third base section 67. The second vertical section 74 can be such as, for example, sleeve tube, threaded tube, guide tube, hollow cylinder, clamp tube, or the like. In certain embodiments, the base 60 can either be removably attached together allowing the base to be easily assembled and disassembled by the user allowing the base to be disassembled and stored.
In embodiments, the first base section 63, the second base section 65, the third base section 67, and the top base section 64 can be made from any suitable material such as, for example, stainless steel, carbon steel, galvanized steel, aluminum, titanium, plastic, or the like. At least one caster 72 can be coupled to the top base section 64 and/or the third base section 67 by such as, for example weld, pin, fasteners, clamping, adhesive bonding, crimping or the like either directly or by a caster bracket 70. The at least one caster 72 can allow the user to easily move the jump training device 10 around when not in use allowing the user to tilt the jump training device back towards the casters and being able to easily roll the jump training device on a surface. In certain embodiments, the at least one caster 72 can be such as, for example, a glider, a wheel, a skate assembly, rubber wheel, plastic wheel, metal wheel, or the like which can roll the jump training device 10 around. In other embodiments, the at least one caster 72 can be omitted or the caster can be on a pivot and can be folded up or down and folded out of the way.
In embodiment, the top section 12 can extend from the third vertical section 22 at an angle to the axis of the third vertical section and can be coupled by at least one bracket 16 and at least one fastener 18 which can be such as, for example, a pin, a screw, at least one bolt and nut, rivets, pins, or the like. The top section 12 can be such as, for example, square tubing, round tubing, rectangular tubing, oval tubing, polygonal tubing or the like. The top section 12 can be removably or permanently coupled to the third vertical section 22 by the bracket wherein the bracket can be such as, for example, corner bracket, angle bracket, clevis bracket, angle bracket, flange bracket or the like. The top section 12 and the at least one bracket 16 can be made from such as, for example, stainless steel, carbon steel, galvanized steel, aluminum, titanium, plastic, or the like. In the preferred embodiment the at least one bracket 16 can be on both sides of the top section 12 and the third vertical section 22. In certain embodiments the top section 12 can be telescopic having more than one top section allowing it to extend to a user specified distance away from the base 20.
In embodiments, the top section 12 can have at least one retaining device hole 51 wherein a retaining device 50 can be secured to wherein the retaining device can have a flexible hanger 52 having a first end 57 and a second end 59, wherein the first end is affixed to the top section by an hanger fastener 56 such that the flexible hanger extends down from the top section. The flexible hanger 52 can be coupled to the top section 12 by a hanger fastener 56 which can be such as, for example, thread and bolt, crimped ferrule, or the like. An extension fastener 54 can be coupled to the second end 59 of the hanger 52. An object fastener 94 can be configured to detachably coupled to an object 90 to the extension fastener 54. The extension fastener 54 can be a first magnet having a first polarity and the object fastener 94 can be a second magnet having a second polarity configured to be attracted to the extension fastener. The first magnet and the second magnet can be such as, for example, neodymium magnet, bar magnets, disc magnets, block magnets, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, friction locking surface, suction cup, elastic band, vacuum or the like, which can provide a retaining force on the object 90. In certain embodiment the extension fastener 54 is and the object fastener 94 can be opposite portions of a hook and loop fastener or one of the extension fastener 54 and the object fastener 94 can be a magnet and the other of the extension fastener and the object fastener is a ferrous metal operative to provide the retaining force. In other embodiments, the object fastener 54 can be on the inner surface or coupled to the outer surface of the object 90 wherein the strap can be omitted. The object fastener 54 can be in multiple locations on the object and can be adhered to the outer surface and on the inner surface allowing the object fastener to be releasably coupled to the extension fastener 54.
In embodiments, the flexible hanger 52 can be such as, for example, rope, rod, bar, cord, both metal and non-metal cable, or the like. The top section 12 can further comprise an end cap 53 on the distal end of the top section wherein the end cap can be such as, for example, plastic end cap, rubber end cap, vinyl end cap, push on end cap, domed end cap, flat end cap, or the like. The base 60 can be configured to be set on a floor and wherein the vertical extension 20 can be marked to indicate the total height of the extension fastener 54 relative to the floor at different positions of the first vertical section 34, the second vertical section 28 and the third vertical extension 22 relative to each other. In other embodiments, the base can be configured to be set on a floor and wherein the vertical extension 20 can be marked to indicate the total height of the portion of the object 90 closest to the floor at different positions of the first vertical section 34, the second vertical section 28 and the third vertical extension 22 relative to each other.
Referring to
The arrangement of multiple objects enables a range of functions, tests, and uses. For instance, the athlete may be directed to acquire (i.e., grip and retrieve) a specific object from among the multiple options of objects 90. This instruction can be provided at various points during the athlete's approach to the device, at the initiation of a jump from the ground (e.g., ground 18), or other stages. The variation in objects to be grasped or retrieved serves to evaluate aspects such as agility, reach, and decision-making ability.
Referring back to
In certain embodiments, the extension fastener 54 and the object fastener 94 may each comprise at least one attractive element, wherein the attractive elements may be magnetic elements configured to exert a mutual attractive force, thereby facilitating secure retention between the retaining element and the opposing retaining element. The extension fastener 54 and the object fastener 94 can be configured to provide an adjustable attractive force by replacing the extension fastener and the object fastener with stronger or weaker elements such as magnets, wherein the magnitude of the attractive force can be selectively varied based on user requirements.
The extension fastener 54 and the object fastener 94 may be substituted with a piece of ferrous metal material instead of a magnet. The combination of the remaining magnet and the ferrous metal material would still exhibit mutual attraction and provide a retaining force. The characteristics of this retaining force, such as its magnitude or strength, would depend on factors including the size, magnetic material, and density of the remaining magnet, as well as the size, magnetic permeability, and composition of the ferrous metal material. A loader configured to support the object 90 and allow a user to raise the object such that the object fastener 94 contacts the extension fastener 54 and coupled the object fastener to the extension fastener allowing the user to easily reload the object on the retaining device 50.
In embodiments, base 60 can be configured to be set on a floor and wherein the vertical extension can be marked to indicate the total height of the extension fastener relative to the floor at different positions of the first vertical section 34, second vertical section 28 and third vertical section 22 relative to each other. At least one of the first vertical section 34, second vertical section 28 and third vertical section 22 can comprise at least one measuring indicator and 30, allowing for precise adjustments of the object's height wherein the user can selectively vary the height based on the user requirements. The measuring indicator 24, 30 can be such as, for example, measuring tape, digital measuring device, linear scale, or the like having units in both metric and imperial units or can be engraving or stamped in the vertical extensions. The measuring indicators 24, 30 can be on the first section 22 and the second section 28 wherein the user can set a height. The measuring indicator 24, 30 can be coupled to the first section 22 and the second section 28 by such as, for example, adhesive, rivets, fasteners, or the like.
In other embodiments, jump training device 10 can be tilted by such as, for example, scissor jack, jack screws, acme screw, or the like. The tilt mechanism may confer a variety of functional benefits. For instance, the induced tilt may facilitate the positioning of overall weight distribution to counteract an applied pulling force exerted by an athlete when gripping and pulling an object or helping the user move the jump training device around on the floor. This redistribution of weight aids in maintaining stability and optimizing force resistance during the athlete's interaction with the object.
The jump training device 10 includes a method for evaluating vertical jumping capability of an athlete, which can involve positioning an object at a predetermined vertical height using an adjustable support. The method for evaluating and enhancing an athlete's vertical jumping capability using a jump training device, the method can comprise positioning a jump training device having a base, a vertical extension removably affixed to the base and having an adjustable height, and a flexible hanger extending from the vertical extension. Providing an extension fastener to the vertical extension and an object fastener configured to detachably couple to the extension fastener. Adjusting the height of the flexible hanger. Allowing a user to jump and attempt to interact with the object. The step of providing a harness configured to secure the object to the object fastener and securing the object to the flexible hanger using the object fastener embedded in or coupled to the object. The flexible hanger comprises a cable or rope, and the method further comprises selecting the flexible hanger material to allow controlled movement of the object during the athlete's jump. The step of setting the base of the jump training device on a floor and adjusting the vertical extension to mark the height of the object relative to the floor for measurement purposes. The method further comprising providing a loader configured to allow the user to support the object and raise it such that the object fastener contacts the extension fastener.
The retaining force can also be dynamically altered using electromagnetics based on adjustable current supplied. Multiple objects can be configured at varying heights and positions to simulate different sports-specific training scenarios. The invention further includes a training apparatus comprising a vertical extension having telescoping elements, operative to adjustably position a plurality of objects at discrete vertical heights. Object retainers associated with the objects each provide a retaining force. A base connected to the vertical extension can be configured for either free-standing application or secure attachment in varied environments. The object retainers each employ a magnetic mechanism to achieve the retaining force. The vertical extension is adapted for use with high-intensity training modules, allowing for seamless integration into diverse athletic training systems.
The retaining force generated by extension fastener 54 and the opposing object fastener 94, is intended to correlate with the amount of pulling (e.g., removal) force that the athlete must exert, by gripping the object 90, to detach it from the retaining device 50. Specifically, the pulling force applied by the athlete must exceed the retaining force to enable proper release of the object 90. If the athlete fails to establish a secure grip on the object 90, release will not occur as intended. Additionally, it is recognized that the athlete may impart a non-gripping impact to the object 90, potentially dislodging it. However, in this scenario, the object 90 would be displaced from both the jump training device 10 and the athlete's possession, without being retained in the athlete's hand. Consequently, this action would indicate that the athlete's attempt at release was not entirely successful.
In closing, it is to be understood that although aspects of the present specification are highlighted by referring to specific embodiments, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that these disclosed embodiments are only illustrative of the principles of the subject matter disclosed herein. Therefore, it should be understood that the disclosed subject matter is in no way limited to a particular methodology, protocol, and/or reagent, etc., described herein. As such, various modifications or changes to or alternative configurations of the disclosed subject matter can be made in accordance with the teachings herein without departing from the spirit of the present specification. Lastly, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, which is defined solely by the claims. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those precisely as shown and described.
Certain embodiments are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the methods and devices described herein. Of course, variations on these described embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described embodiments in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
This application claims benefit from currently pending U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/607,627 titled “Jump Training Device” and having a filing date of Dec. 8, 2023, all of which is incorporated by reference herein.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63607627 | Dec 2023 | US |
