Patent Application
20090203507
This device is a hand portable exercise machine targeted at improving a user's quick start capability from a stationary or set position. The machine is an exercise device that applies spring resistance to the full range of motion in a leg as it pertains to the initial drive phase (first 3-6 steps) of a sprint. The machine can be collapsed for transport and re-assembled without the use of tools.
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The invention is directed to be a hand portable exercise and training machine to improve the user's initial linear quickness and speed from a set or stationary position. This machine is designed to give coaches, trainers, athletes, or bodybuilders at any level a functional, portable alternative to the larger stationary gym based equipment that exploits this same range of functional muscular movement of the legs. It also has a quite positive aesthetic effect on the user's legs. This machine can be used at any stage of periodization: Anatomical Adaptation, Hypertrophy, Maximum strength, Conversion to power, or Maintenance phase. Also, at low resistance it can be utilized in dynamic warm-ups. This machine's function and portability make it a must for any team or individual with a need for speed-development or enhancement.
This device is a hand portable exercise machine targeted at improving a user's quick start capability from a set or stationary position. The machine applies dynamic progressive spring resistance, where the resistance increases as the movement of the leg continues through the full exercise range. From the beginning of a sprint in any sport, body alignment is crucial to maximize leg drive into the ground. This machine allows for proper anatomical positioning, thus ensuring both safety and maximum muscle development as it applies to leg drive (leg extending out and away from the torso (upper body)).
The leg exercise machine consists of a horizontal beam that is elevated above the floor from 10 to 20 inches by adjustable legs. The beam height adjustment above the floor is to enable the most comfortable user height configuration. The height of the front and rear leg assemblies can be independently adjusted to slope the horizontal beam to increase or decrease the amount of force required. The width of the leg assembly at the floor surface is approximately 18 inches to provide adequate lateral stability. On the horizontal beam are mounted a movable foot sled, a stationary spring retainer bracket and a removable handle bar post and assembly. The stationary spring retainer bracket and handle bar post assembly are mounted near the front of the horizontal beam. This assembly can be viewed on
The foot sled assembly slides on the horizontal beam. Springs are attached to the front of the foot sled and the opposite end of the springs are attached to a stationary retainer bracket adjacent to the vertical handle bar post. The springs are about 24 inches in length, similar to garage door springs and can have a rating of up to 100 pounds force each when fully extended. Each spring is attached at each end with removable clips. The number of interconnecting springs can be changed from one (1) up to four (4) depending on the level of force desired by the user.
Also, the force rating of the springs can be changed to suit the user by replacing them with differently rated springs. The vertical height of the handle stand post can be adjusted to the user's preferred height. The angle of the foot plate on the slide is also adjustable to the user's preference. As noted above, the slope of the horizontal beam can be adjusted to the increase or decrease the force needed to be applied by the user. These features are depicted on
The machine requires the user to straddle it facing the handle bar post assembly taking hold of the handle bar with both hands for stability and to counter leg movement forces. The user then places the leg he or she intends to exercise above and in line with the machine with the foot of the exercising leg pressed solidly against the foot plate on the sled. The users other leg remains firmly on the floor or ground. The user now tucks his or her torso and head in line with the machine with the working leg at a 90 degree angle and the core engaged (belly button pulled in and up). The user is now in the correct position to execute this exercise.
To initiate the movement, begin pressing back with the heel of working leg thus engaging the gluteus maximus, concentrically and the hamstrings (biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus), eccentrically to cause hip extension first. Then, as the exercised leg extends, quickly joined by the quadriceps group (rectus, femoris, vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, and vastus intermedialis) which concentrically create extension at the knee—then at full extension of the hip and knee the user applies pressure through the ball of the foot just behind the toes, engaging the gasroenemius and soleus muscles concentrically to plantar flex (extend) the ankle. Thereby, completely extending the hip, knee, and ankle joints at the finish of the movement. Reversing this movement returns the user to the starting position.
This machine is designed to give coaches, trainers, athletes, or bodybuilders at any level a functional, portable alternative to the larger stationary gym based equipment that exploits this same range of functional muscular movement of the legs. It also has a quite positive aesthetic effect on the user's legs. This machine can be used at any stage of periodization: Anatomical Adaptation, Hypertrophy, Maximum strength, Conversion to power, or Maintenance phase. At low resistance, it can also be utilized in dynamic warm-ups. This machine's function and portability make it a must for any team or individual with a need for speed-development or enhancement.
The movement of the foot plate is resisted by a variable number of springs. As such, it is recommended that the user fully learns the technique involved with proper posture and fully develops the strength required to complete 15-20 repetitious at low resistance before adding an additional spring.
