Football Sled Mounted Training Aid Pad with Independent Arms
A sled mounted training aid is disclosed including independently pivotable shoulder members and independently movable arm members for use in various training exercises. The training aid may be formed of opposing spring-loaded shoulder members that may be independently pivoted outwardly in response to a user's applied force. The training aid may also include independent arm members that include integrated coil springs attached to each of the shoulder members respectively, such that the arm members may be deflected in any direction in response to an exerted force. The combined range of motion of the shoulder members and arm members is approximately 200 degrees, and sufficient for a user to run past the pivoted arm without obstruction. Methods of using such a training aid also are disclosed.
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This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 62/458,845 filed on Feb. 14, 2017, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the InventionThe 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 ArtAs 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 INVENTIONIn 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.
Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout, and in which:
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.
Turing now to
Turning now to
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
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
Still referring to
Referring now to
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
Turning now to
Still referring to
Turing now to
Turning now to
Turning now to
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
Referring now to
Still referring to
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
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
Turning now to
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.
Claims
1. A training aid configured to be mounted to a support, comprising:
- a rigid frame having a first frame member extending in a generally horizontal direction and 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; wherein the first frame member is affixed to the second frame member at a mid-point between the first end and second ends of the first frame member;
- a first shoulder member pivotably affixed to the first frame member adjacent the first end of the first frame member;
- a second shoulder member pivotably affixed to the first frame member adjacent the second end of the first frame member;
- a first movable arm having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the first arm extends outwardly from a front surface of the first shoulder member and is movable relative thereto; and
- a second movable arm having a first end and second end, wherein the first end of the second arm extends outwardly from a front surface of the second shoulder member and is movable relative thereto.
2. The training aid of claim 1, wherein, the first shoulder member is pivotably affixed to the first frame member at a first axis that is generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first frame member; and wherein the second shoulder member is pivotably affixed to the first frame member at a second axis that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first frame member.
3. The training aid of claim 2, further comprising a first torsion spring disposed about the first axis and a second torsion spring disposed about the second axis, wherein the torsion springs are configured to exert a return force on the first and second shoulder members, respectively, sufficient to return the first and second shoulder members to a neutral position absent the application of an external force.
4. The training aid of claim 3, further comprising a first stop affixed to the first frame member adjacent the first end thereof and a second stop affixed to the first frame member adjacent the second end thereof, and wherein in the neutral position, the front surface of the first shoulder member engages the first stop and the front surface of the second shoulder member engages the second stop respectively.
5. The training aid of claim 4, wherein, each shoulder member is configured to individually pivoted outwardly about its respective axis to a fully pivoted position in response to receiving an external force applied to the corresponding movable arm.
6. The training aid of claim 5, wherein, in the fully pivoted position of the first and second shoulder members, a side of the first shoulder member engages the first stop and a side of the second shoulder member engages the second stop respectively.
7. The training aid of claim 5, wherein each shoulder member has a set range of motion of less than or equal to 90° from the neutral position.
8. The training aid of claim 5, wherein the external force required to overcome the return force of the corresponding torsion spring of either movable arm is greater than 20 pounds
9. The training aid of claim 1, wherein the support is a movable football training sled.
10. The training aid of claim 1, wherein the support is a fixed support structure.
11. The training aid of claim 1, wherein
- the first movable arm further comprises a coil spring disposed at a first portion of the first movable arm adjacent the first end thereof and an elongated length at a second portion of the first movable arm between the coil spring and the second end of the first movable arm; and wherein
- the second movable arm further comprises a coil spring disposed at a first portion of the second movable arm adjacent the first end thereof and an elongated length at a second portion of the second movable arm between the coil spring and the second end of the second movable arm.
12. The training aid of claim 11, further comprising a first post extending outwardly from the front surface of the first shoulder member and a second post extending outwardly from the front surface of the second shoulder member, wherein the coil spring of the first arm is disposed about an exterior surface of the first post; and the coil spring of the second arm is disposed about an exterior surface of the second post.
13. The training aid of claim 12, wherein the coil spring of each movable arm is configured to move independently relative to the exterior surface of the respective post in response to an application of an external force to the second portion of the corresponding movable arm.
14. The training aid of claim 13, wherein the second portion of each movable arm is individually moveable in any direction relative to the first end of the corresponding movable arm in response to the application of the external force to the second portion of the corresponding movable arm.
15. The training aid of claim 14, wherein the second end of each movable arm is individually movable to a fully extended position defining a set range of motion in response to the application of receiving the external force to the corresponding movable arm.
16. The training aid of claim 14, wherein the set range of motion of each movable arm is less than or equal to 110° from a neutral position defined by a longitudinal axis of each corresponding post.
17. The training aid of claim 15, wherein the external force applied to and end of either movable arm must be greater than 25 pounds in order to extend the corresponding movable arm to the fully extended position thereof.
18. The training aid of claim 1, further comprising a sled mount provided on the second frame member.
19. The training aid of claim 18, wherein the sled mount is adjustably affixed to the second frame member, such that a height of the sled mounting point may be altered between the first end and second end of the second frame member.
20. The training aid of claim 2, wherein the sled mount is affixed at the second end of the second frame member, and wherein the first frame member is adjustably affixed to the second frame member, such that a height of the mid-point of the first frame member may be altered between the first and second ends of the second frame member.
21. A training aid configured to be mounted to a sled, comprising:
- a rigid frame having a first frame member extending in a generally horizontal direction and 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; wherein the first frame member is affixed to the second frame member at a mid-point between the first end and second ends of the first frame member;
- a sled mount extending from the second frame member;
- first and second independently movable arm assemblies, each arm assembly comprising: a shoulder member pivotably affixed to a corresponding end of the first frame member; a torsion spring engaging the shoulder member to provide resistance to the shoulder pivoting; a post extending outwardly from a front surface of the shoulder member; and an arm having a first end and second end, wherein the first end of the arm comprised a coil that is affixed to the front surface of the shoulder member and that is disposed about an exterior surface of the post, and wherein the second end of the arm extends outwardly from the front surface of the shoulder member and is movable relative thereto; and wherein each of the two independently movable assemblies is movable through an approximate 200° range of motion respectively.
22. The training aid of claim 21, wherein the sled mount comprises a plurality of walls forming a socket that is configured to receive a sled mount post therein.
23. The training aid of claim 22, wherein a cross-section of the socket perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the socket is polygonal.
24. A method of using a sled mounted training aid, comprising the steps of:
- providing a height-adjustable pad-covered rigid frame having first and second independently movable arm assemblies mounted thereon, wherein each arm assembly defines a pivoting shoulder mounted on the frame and a movable arm having a coil spring at a first end of the movable arm affixed to the pivoting shoulder;
- affixing a sled mount of the height-adjustable pad-covered rigid frame to a sled,
- a user exerting an external force on at least one of the arm assemblies;
- moving the movable arm to a fully extending position relative to the shoulder under the external force; and
- pivoting the shoulder to a fully-pivoted position relative to the rigid frame, wherein a range of combined motion of each arm assembly, including the combination of moving the movable arm of the corresponding movable arm assembly and pivoting the shoulder of the corresponding movable arm assembly, is approximately 200° from a neutral position.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 14, 2018
Publication Date: Aug 16, 2018
Applicant:
Inventors: Jeffrey L. Kraus (Racine, WI), Lawrence E. Krause (Racine, WI)
Application Number: 15/896,782