Patent Application
20080139367
The present invention generally relates to training devices, and more particularly to mobile training devices for simultaneous use by multiple users.
Physical exercise is an important activity undertaken by many individuals to maintain their physical fitness. It has been shown, for example, that physical fitness contributes positively toward maintaining healthy body weight; building and maintaining healthy bone density, muscle strength, and joint mobility; promoting physiological well-being; reducing surgical risks; and strengthening the immune system.
Many physical exercise activities, however, such as running, mountain climbing, skiing, etc., require the correct outdoor terrain to support such activities. As such, many outdoor activities do not lend themselves conveniently for physical exercise. Thus, many individuals utilize indoor facilities instead, which offer specialized exercise equipment that may be accessed much more readily.
Public fitness centers, for example, offer a wide variety of exercise equipment within a relatively small proximity. As such, each individual may obtain convenient access to a piece of cardiovascular exercise equipment, for example, while maintaining close proximity access to other specialized fitness equipment, such as strength training equipment.
In many instances, however, athletes that require specialized fitness equipment, such as martial arts athletes, cannot find equipment within the public fitness centers that is suitable for martial arts training. As such, martial arts athletes are often required to provide their own specialized training equipment and are then relegated to train at locations such as gymnasiums, garages, rented or private facilities, parks, backyards, beaches, etc.
Martial arts athletes that train in such facilities, therefore, are often required to temporarily assemble the specialized training equipment in order to support the plurality of workout regimes that may be utilized by a typical group of martial arts athletes. The temporary accommodations are adequate, but generally require disassembly of the specialized training equipment once the workout regimes have been completed. Thus, valuable time and effort is wasted during setup/teardown of the temporary training equipment.
In addition, given that the equipment is setup for temporary use, the equipment often exhibits less than optimum structural integrity. Thus, a first martial arts athlete is often required to stabilize the equipment, while a second martial arts athlete executes the workout regime on the temporarily stabilized equipment. As such, workout efficiency is significantly reduced because the first and second athletes must switch positions after the first athlete completes the workout regime, which essentially doubles the amount of time required for two athletes to achieve a complete workout.
Furthermore, the temporarily deployed training equipment is often utilized within a gymnasium, or other facility, in support of martial arts competitions. As such, the training equipment is deployed during, e.g., warm-up or exhibition exercises, but is then required to be disassembled, relocated, and then reassembled in another area within the gymnasium in support of other competition activities. The lack of mobility offered by conventional training equipment is, therefore, another source of time inefficiency, since teardown/setup activities must be executed each time the training equipment is to be relocated.
Efforts continue, therefore, to develop a training solution that not only offers a full complement of physical training equipment, but also provides mobility for a relocatable solution that facilitates multiple exercise positions simultaneously.
To overcome limitations in the prior art, and to overcome other limitations that will become apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification, various embodiments of the present invention disclose a method and apparatus that provides a full complement of specialized martial arts equipment and/or generalized physical exercise equipment. The method and apparatus of the present invention also provides mobility for a relocatable training apparatus that facilitates multiple exercise/workout positions simultaneously.
In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a physical training device comprises a pair of longitudinal frame members, a first pair of vertical frame members having a first end that is coupled to a first end of the pair of longitudinal frame members and a second pair of vertical frame members having a first end that is coupled to a second end of the pair of longitudinal frame members. The physical training device further comprises a first plurality of workout stations that are slidably coupled to the first and second pair of vertical frame members and a second plurality of workout stations that are slidably coupled to the pair of longitudinal frame members. The physical training device further comprises a first lateral frame member having a first surface that is coupled to a second end of the first pair of vertical frame members and a second lateral frame member having a first surface that is coupled to a second end of the second pair of vertical frame members. The physical training device further comprises a mobility device that is coupled to each end of the first and second lateral frame members.
In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a cluster of physical training devices comprises a cage and a plurality of physical training devices that are coupled to the cage. Each of the plurality of physical training devices comprises a pair of longitudinal frame members, a first pair of vertical frame members having a first end that is coupled to a first end of the pair of longitudinal frame members and a second pair of vertical frame members having a first end that is coupled to a second end of the pair of longitudinal frame members. Each of the plurality of physical training devices further comprising a first plurality of workout stations that are slidably coupled to the first and second pair of vertical frame members and a second plurality of workout stations that are slidably coupled to the pair of longitudinal frame members. Each of the plurality of physical training devices further comprising a first lateral frame member having a first surface that is coupled to a second end of the first pair of vertical frame members and a second lateral frame member having a first surface that is coupled to a second end of the second pair of vertical frame members.
In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a method of utilizing at least one physical training device comprises slidably configuring a position of one or more workout stations on the at least one physical training device, engaging mobility devices of the at least one physical training device to deploy the at least one physical training device to a desired location, disengaging the mobility devices of the at least one physical training device to stabilize the at least one physical training device at the desired location, and executing one or more workout scenarios on the at least one physical training device at the desired location.
Various aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon review of the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which:
Generally, various embodiments of the present invention are applied to the field of physical training devices. In particular, physical training devices are provided to accommodate one or more athletes during support of a plurality of independent training scenarios for each athlete. In one embodiment, the physical training device provides a plurality of training stations, where each training station may be specific to martial arts training activities, or may be generalized to facilitate training that is effective for a plurality of other sporting disciplines. Each training station may then be utilized by a single athlete, so that independent training regimes may be executed simultaneously for each athlete that occupies a training station. Once each athlete completes a training scenario at a particular workout station, each athlete may then rotate to the next respective workout station existing on the physical training device to complete the training scenario on the next workout station.
By accommodating multiple workout stations within a single physical training device, each athlete is allowed to focus on his or her own workout scenario, without having to provide support to other athletes during their respective workout scenarios. That is to say, in other words, that the physical training device provides a sufficient number of workout stations with a high degree of structural integrity, so that multiple athletes may execute individual workout scenarios simultaneously. Once specific activities during a first portion of the specific workout regime have been completed, each athlete may rotate his or her position relative to the physical training device, so as to execute a subsequent portion of the specific workout regime. Completion of subsequent rotations is effective to provide each athlete with a complete workout according to his or her workout regime, without additionally requiring each athlete to provide support activities for other athletes. As such, each athlete maximizes his or her workout efficiency during his or her workout regime.
In addition, the physical training device provides mobility features that facilitate maneuvering and reconfiguration of the physical training device. In one embodiment, for example, removable casters are provided at a bottom surface of the physical training device, so as to allow relocation and reconfiguration of the physical training device during, e.g., training or exhibition events. The removable casters may be composed of a sufficiently rigid material and appropriately sized so as to facilitate movement of the physical training device across a relatively hard and flat surface, such as a gymnasium floor. In an alternate embodiment, the removable casters may be composed of a sufficiently flexible material and appropriately sized so as to facilitate movement of the physical training device across a substantially non-flat and soft surface, such as a sandy beach. In such an instance, the casters may be implemented with an inflatable rubber material, so as to further enhance traversal over soft terrain.
Lifting devices may also be configured along the bottom surface of the physical training device, so as to provide a mechanism whereby the casters of the physical training device may be lifted off of the surface that is supporting the casters. In one embodiment, pneumatically controlled lifting devices may be actuated so as to elevate the casters just above the supporting surface. In such an instance, the pneumatically controlled lifting devices may function as stationary platforms for the physical training device during a training or exhibition event while the pneumatically controlled lifting devices remain in their fully deployed positions. The pneumatically controlled lifting devices may be activated and deactivated via any convenient actuation device, such as a manual switch or remote control, so as to maximize convenience.
In an alternate embodiment, the casters may either be removed, or installed in an inverted position, while the pneumatically controlled lifting devices are fully deployed. The pneumatically controlled lifting devices may then be deactivated to a fully retracted position while functioning as stationary platforms for the physical training device during the training or exhibition event. In other embodiments, the pneumatically controlled lifting devices may remain in their fully retracted positions while the casters function as stationary platforms for the physical training device during the training or exhibition event. In such an instance, the casters may be locked so as to prevent rotation of the casters.
In accordance with one embodiment, the physical training device may be utilized in a stand-alone configuration. As such, the number of athletes that may be simultaneously accommodated by the stand-alone configuration is equal to the number of workout stations provided by the physical training device. As discussed in more detail below, the physical training station may include a multitude of workout stations, such as: one or more speed-bag stations; one or more speed-ball stations; one or more heavy punching bag stations; one or more pull-up bar stations; a Wing Chun station; a monkey-bar station; a body-shield station; and a board breaking station to name only a few.
Each physical training device may also include features such as an equipment storage cage, whereby in one embodiment, martial arts weapons and equipment, such as swords, nunchucks, throwing stars, fighting gloves, etc., may be stored during non-use. The equipment storage cage may also feature a locking mechanism, so that the physical training device may be left unattended without risk of uninvited access to the contents of the equipment storage cage. A media center may also be provided by the physical training device, so as to facilitate audio/video instruction during execution of the one or more workout scenarios.
In accordance with an alternate embodiment, two or more physical training devices may be interconnected, so as to provide a localized cluster of physical training devices. In such an instance, the number of athletes that may be simultaneously accommodated by the cluster configuration is equal to the combined number of workout stations that are provided by all of the physical training devices interconnected within the cluster.
As discussed in more detail below, the cluster configuration may be facilitated through the use of an exhibition cage, whereby each physical training device is interconnected to a respective supporting member of the exhibition cage. In such an instance, a plurality of workout scenarios may be facilitated by the two or more physical training devices that are interconnected to an exterior region, as defined by the exhibition cage, while an exhibition or competition match is facilitated within an interior region as defined by the exhibition cage. In other embodiments, a cluster of physical training devices may be arranged without the need for the exhibition cage, whereby each stand-alone physical training device is situated in close proximity to other physical training devices in accordance with the particular training scenario that is desired.
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An alternate configuration, for example, may include the relocation of heavy punching bag station 102 from lateral bar 202 of monkey-bar station 116, as illustrated in
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Channels 302 are configured to accept a multitude of fastening systems, such as the combination of screw 306 and wingnut 308. In particular, head portion 304 aligns with channels 302, so that insertion of head portion 304 into channel 302 at the end points of frame arrangement 300 allows screw 306 to be slidably positioned along the length of frame arrangement 300. Once an adequate position of screw 306 along the length of frame arrangement 300 is located, wing nut 308 may be threaded onto screw 306 and tightened so as to prevent further repositioning of screw 306.
Alternate fastening systems, such as illustrated in
Ergonomic aspects may also be incorporated along frame arrangement 300 as well as illustrated in
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The use of slidably attached mechanisms to adjoin two or more intersecting frame members and the attachment of the various workout stations to one of the intersecting frame member sets facilitates the correct positioning of the various workout stations of the physical training device. Turning to
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Lifting devices may also be configured along bottom surface 522 of, e.g., lateral frame members 124, so as to provide a mechanism whereby casters 122 of the physical training device may be lifted off the supporting surface for the physical training device. In particular, pneumatically controlled lifting devices, such as pneumatic discs 504, may be actuated so as to elevate casters 122 to a position that is just above the supporting surface. In such an instance, pneumatic discs 504 are inflated until supporting members 506 and 508 engage the supporting surface, so as to elevate caster 122 in direction 512 relative to the supporting surface. In such an instance, supporting members 506 and 508 function as stationary platforms for the physical training device during a training or exhibition event while pneumatic disks 504 remain in their fully deployed positions.
In an alternate embodiment, casters 122 may either be removed, installed in an inverted position, or left in a mobility configuration while pneumatic disks 504 are fully deployed. Turning to
In a first embodiment, pneumatic discs 504 may be inflated/deflated using a combination of air compressor (not shown) and intake/exhaust valve (not shown), and air tubing (not shown), so as to effectuate the raising and lowering of the physical training device as discussed above. Furthermore, the air compressor and intake/exhaust valve may be actuated manually, or via remote control, whereby in a first mode of operation, the intake/exhaust valve is configured as an intake valve and the compressor is actuated to inflate pneumatic disk 504, thus raising the physical training device in direction 512. Alternately, the intake/exhaust valve may be configured as an exhaust valve, thus lowering the physical training device in direction 510.
It should be noted that placement of the compressor and the intake/exhaust valve may be on surface 522, or may be placed in any other convenient location where concealment and protection of the compressor and the intake/exhaust valve may be optimized. Air tubing may be routed to pneumatic disks 504 from the compressor and the intake/exhaust valve using the cavities of frame arrangement 300, such as hollow portions 310, 312 and/or channels 302, as discussed above in relation to
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In operation, the media center may be used by the one or more athletes as an audio/visual aid during execution of their respective workout scenarios. The training information provided by the media center may be consumed either while door 706 of equipment cage 106 is open, or conversely, while door 706 of equipment cage 106 is closed. Consumption of audio/video information while door 706 remains closed is made possible by the wire mesh configuration of equipment cage 106, which allows the audio/video information to egress equipment cage 106 even while the door of equipment cage 106 remains closed.
The wire mesh configuration of equipment cage 106 is further illustrated in
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Strike board station 802, for example, may be comprised of multiple strike boards 808-812 that are arranged in various configurations depending upon the particular strike training regime that is to be employed. Strike boards 808 and 810, for example, may facilitate a strike training regime to improve the execution of front kicks, side kicks, roundhouse kicks, front punches, reverse punches, etc. Strike board 812 may be used to further improve the flexibility of the athlete, since either foot or hand of the athlete is required to contact strike board 812 despite the fact that the position of strike board 812 is adjusted, for example, above the head of the athlete.
Frame members utilized for the support of strike boards 808-812 may be comprised of frame arrangement 300, as discussed above in relation to
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As can be verified, a large number of athletes may be simultaneously accommodated by the cluster configuration of physical training devices of
It should be noted, that since the physical training devices described herein may be deployed in stand-alone configurations, exhibition cage 1002 is an optional component. That is to say, in other words, that virtually any other cluster configuration, i.e., non-circular, may be implemented using any number of physical training devices in their respective stand-alone configurations as required.
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In order to facilitate the deployment of the physical training device, as in step 1104, removable casters, as discussed above in relation to
If, on the other hand, more than one physical training device is to be utilized, then step 1108 determines whether the cluster of physical training devices are to be utilized in a substantially circular configuration, or whether the cluster of physical training devices are to be utilized in a substantially random configuration. If a random configuration is desired, then step 1106 is executed, whereby stand-alone configurations of each physical training device are deployed randomly as may be required by the particular application. If a substantially circular configuration is desired, then step 1110 is executed, whereby in one embodiment, each physical training device is mechanically engaged to an exhibition cage, as discussed above in relation to
Once each physical training device is deployed, then the mobility mode of each physical training device is determined as in step 1112. In particular, if the mobility mode for each physical training device is to be deactivated, as determined in step 1112, then lifting devices, such as pneumatic disks 504 may be activated in step 1114 to hoist the physical training device off of the associated supporting surface. In step 1116, casters 122 may then be removed, or configured into an inverted configuration, as discussed above in relation to
If, on the other hand, the mobility mode for each physical training device is to remain activated, as determined in step 1112, then either casters 122 or support members 506/508 provide support for the physical training device as determined in step 1118. If casters 122 are to provide support, as determined in step 1118, then locking mechanism 502 is engaged in step 1120, as discussed above in relation to
In optional step 1126, the use of slidably attached mechanisms, as discussed above, are used to configure the correct positioning of the various workout stations of the physical training device(s) if necessary. It should be noted, however, that the correct positioning of the various workout stations of the physical training device(s) may be selected prior to execution of steps 1102-1124, thus making step 1126 an optional execution step if correct positioning has already been implemented. The support platform of a speed-bag station, for example, may be slidably configured to the associated vertical frame members, so as to select the correct height of the speed-bag station. The support platforms of the body shield and speed-ball stations may also be slidably attached to respective frame members so as to properly adjust their height as well. The various strike boards of the physical training device may be similarly configured using slidable adjustments, whereby the orientation of the strike boards may be further configured using associated clamp members. Once usage of the physical training device(s) has terminated, then the mobility aspects of each physical training device may be reactivated for relocation of the physical training devices as required.
Other aspects and embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and illustrated embodiments be considered as examples only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.
