EXERCISE DEVICE FOR ACTION SPORTS TRAINING
An exercise device for action sports training is introduced herein. The device is configured for training and conditioning of the muscles associated with moto-induced CECS or “arm pump”. In various embodiments the exercise device can be configured for self-standing; mounting to a stationary object; or a combination thereof.
This application claims benefit of priority with U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 61/865,404, filed Aug. 13, 2013; the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to exercise equipment for action sports training; and more particularly, to such exercise equipment for training and conditioning of muscles used in motocross and related sports.
2. Description of the Related Art
“Motocross” is a form of motorcycle racing; and is known to be a physically demanding sport.
Racers who participate in motocross and other related motorcycle racing sports often experience muscle cramps and fatigue of the wrists, arms, and the related musculature.
In particular, “arm pump”, or chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS), is a compartment syndrome overuse type injury. Arm pump exists due to the complex coordination necessary at the hands and wrists required to control a high powered motorcycle. When you grip something in your hand there is co-contraction between the muscle groups on the back (dorsal) and front (volar) of the forearm. To necessitate a stronger grip the wrist is pulled into extension. This co-contraction results in an increase in compartment pressure, i.e. It is harder for the blood to flow through this region.
Thus, to simply grip a handlebar increases pressure. To grip the handlebar of a rapidly accelerating or decelerating motorcycle necessitates stronger grip levels. If you then add the throttle action, which uses the dorsal wrist extensors more than the volar wrist flexors, then the clutch and brake levers, which use the volar finger flexors, then the complex nature of this injury starts to appear.
If you then factor in a “technical” circuit or track requiring repeated braking from high speeds followed by lots braking zones, lots of direction changes, short periods of acceleration, it becomes clear that the forearms do not get a lot of rest per lap.
Ergonomics are extremely important with this type of injury, hence handlebar and lever position are crucial. As are lever pressures, short travel throttles and so on.
Although various ergonomic accessories such as grips have recently become commercially available, there has yet to be provided an exercise device for training and conditioning these specific muscles for minimizing the likelihood of a CECS onset.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn view of the above limitations in the art, an exercise device for action sports training is introduced herein. The device is configured for training and conditioning of the muscles associated with moto-induced CECS or “arm pump”.
Features of the claimed exercise device for action sports training are illustrated in the appended drawings, wherein:
With reference to the appended drawings, certain examples are provided for the purpose of illustrating novel features and benefits of an exercise device for action sports training. Although particular examples are referenced herein, these examples are being described for illustrative purposes only and shall not be construed as limiting the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. Rather, those having skill in the art will understand that certain modifications, substitutions and variations may be implemented to yield substantially similar results. Moreover, since various components can be individually redesigned or substituted to yield a similar device, a plurality of embodiments are being disclosed in an effort to illustrate in part a number of possible variations of the claimed invention.
In the drawings, three product embodiments are disclosed herein.
A first embodiment, as illustrated in
In a second embodiment, as illustrated in
Finally, in a third embodiment as illustrated in
Each of these embodiments and respective features, though similar, will be described in turn.
Although the illustrated embodiments physically resemble a motorcycle or racing bike, the claimed invention may be used across a wide spectrum of action sports for the purpose of training arm and hand muscle groups for reducing arm pump attributed to participation in such action sports, including motocross, kite boarding, wake boarding, jet skiing, and many others.
In a general embodiment, an exercise device comprises a handlebar assembly configured to provide a user with resistance training as the handlebar assembly is translated both forward and backward. The handlebar assembly is coupled to a frame at a pivot, and further coupled to a resistance mechanism adapted to provide resistance in two opposing directions, such as for example a conventional shock absorber. The frame is secured to a stable structure or ground and provides a reference from which the user translates the handlebar assembly. Optionally, but preferably, a seat is provided for user comfort and stability during a training session. Other optional features may include one or more of: a resistive clutch handle; a resistive brake handle; a resistive throttle lever or grip; heated seat for warming the users body in anticipation of an upcoming heat or event; heated grips for warming the users hands; an adjustable seat configured to adjust height or length about the device; one or more adjustable standing braces configured for setting about multiple angles within a horizontal bottom plane; an adjustable hitch mount configured for selectable positioning about a vertical height of the frame at a front end thereof; an adjustable resistance mechanism such as an adjustable shock absorber configured to selectably adjust resistance provided in one or more directions along a shock axis; one or more static foot pegs configured for static positioning about the device frame or other stable structure thereof; and a dynamic foot peg assembly configured to extend outwardly from a bottom portion of the handlebar assembly for enhancing foot work in conjunction with the hand and arm training provided by the handlebar assembly.
First EmbodimentNow turning to the first embodiment as illustrated in
Moreover, the handlebar assembly is shown having an optional dynamic foot peg assembly 140 extending behind the handlebar assembly. The dynamic foot peg assembly comprises a first elongated structural element 142a and a second elongated structural element 142b, each extending from respective elongated forks at an angle between about forty five degrees and about one hundred and thirty five degrees in a rearward direction with respect to the vertical forks. The dynamic foot peg assembly further comprises a first foot peg 141a and a second foot peg 141b, each disposed at a distal end of the elongated structural elements.
The vertical support element 162 of the seat assembly 160 may optionally comprise a plurality of apertures disposed along a length thereof for selectable engagement of a static foot peg assembly 166 having static foot pegs 165a; 165b, respectively. The static foot peg assembly is adjustable up or down along the plurality of apertures of the vertical support element 162, and may be selectable engaged with a removable pin.
A rear base plate 167 is coupled to the vertical support element 162 at the bottom end, and one or more standing braces may be optionally attached (two standing braces 120c; 120d are shown). The standing braces may optionally comprise one or more gripping knobs 117c; 117d as described above.
It is important to note that when loaded with a mass of a user at the dynamic foot pegs, the user's weight is compounded with exerted force in the F2 direction while the user's weight is counteracted against the exerted force in the F1 direction, thus the force of F2 is less than the force of F1 when loaded with the mass of a given user. Thus, mimicking the effect of motorcycle suspension, the user's weight is properly distributed with use of the dynamic foot pegs for a more realistic training. Alternatively, the user may place her feet about the static foot peg assembly for experiencing an even training in both directions. No other device has been provided which accomplishes each of these functions.
The standing braces 120 extend laterally within a horizontal plane for maintaining the exercise device in an upright standing position during use.
Second EmbodimentThe seat assembly comprises a seat 161, a vertical support element 162 extending beneath the seat 161, and an orthogonal tube 163 configured to slideably engage and nest within a tube portion of the frame 110 at the rear side thereof. A pin 121 is used to selectably engage the orthogonal tube 163 within the frame at a desired length. Similarly, a pin can be used to select a height of the seat about the vertical support element 162.
The handlebar assembly comprises a handlebar 135 coupled to forks 131 at handlebar couplers 129 in a manner similar to the first embodiment as described above. A number plate 170 can be optionally affixed to the handlebar assembly, for example to indicate ownership or otherwise indicating the rider for which the device is adjusted or configured for use. The handlebar assembly is coupled to the frame at handlebar-assembly mount 114 with a pivot bolt 133 extending through the forks and the handlebar-assembly mount. A dynamic foot peg assembly extends behind the handlebar assembly and comprises elongated structural elements 142 and dynamic foot pegs 141 also similar to the first embodiment.
Shock absorber 150 is coupled to the handlebar assembly at a brace thereof, and further coupled to the frame near a front side thereof.
A hitch assembly comprises a hitch mount 125 and a hitch tube 126 secured to the hitch mount at hitch bolts 127. The hitch assembly is engaged with the frame using pins 121 inserted through vertical apertures of the frame. No standing braces are present in this embodiment since the device is configured to mount to a hitch receiver, such as for example a hitch receiver of a truck, vehicle, or stationary structure. Other than the method for maintaining the device in an upright position, the device substantially functions as described in the first embodiment,
In an alternative version of the device, and also relating to the second embodiment wherein the exercise device for action sports training is configured to attach to a conventional receiver hitch, as illustrated in
As shown in
In the exploded view of
In a third embodiment as illustrated in
The seat assembly comprises a seat 161 coupled to a vertical support element 162. The vertical support element extends to a bottom end to attach with rear base plate 167. Two opposing standing braces 120 extend outwardly in opposite directions from the rear base plate 167. The angle from which the standing braces extend with respect to the rear base plate is configurable using a pin 121 and aperture in the base plate (not shown). A slot extending axially creates the ability for moving the standing brace about the rear base plate. The vertical support element 162 further comprises a plurality of apertures extending along a length thereof to form a second vertical aperture group 164. An optional static foot peg assembly having a static foot peg assembly mount 166 is secured to the vertical support element 162 using a pin extending through one or more apertures of the vertical aperture group 164.
The handlebar assembly comprises a handlebar 135 coupled to forks 131 at handlebar couplers 129. An optional number plate 170 is affixed to the handlebar assembly for identification purposes. An optional dynamic foot peg assembly 140 extends behind the handlebar assembly at a bottom end thereof. The handlebar assembly is coupled to the frame 110 at pivot 139, and further coupled to the frame 110 via a shock absorber 150 extending therebetween.
The frame is further outfitted with adjustable standing braces 120 that are coupled to a front base plate 116 via pins 121, slots 122 and base plate apertures as described above.
A hitch mount assembly is coupled to the frame at a front side thereof using pins 121 extending through hitch mount 125 and vertical apertures 115 of the first vertical aperture group. The hitch mount assembly further comprises a hitch tube 126 extending forward from the hitch mount and configured for insertion and nesting within a conventional hitch receiver.
Thus, in the third embodiment, the exercise device is configured for any of (i) standing upright about a substantially flat surface; or (ii) engagement with a conventional hitch receiver of a vehicle or other support structure.
Alternative versions of the device are shown in
In a first alternative version of the device,
In a second alternative version of the device,
An optional feature for inclusion with any embodiment of the exercise device, a rotating handlebar assembly is described.
With the particular embodiments as illustrated above, the exercise device can be utilized outdoors such as at an action sports event, or indoors such as within a gym or workout facility.
With reference to the illustrated embodiments, it should be understood that variations in the described features, or those known in the art, may provide alternative embodiments that are deemed to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.
Claims
1. An exercise device for action sports training, comprising:
- a rigid tubular frame having a front side and a rear side;
- a seat assembly;
- a handlebar assembly; and
- a shock absorber;
- the seat assembly being coupled to the rigid tubular frame at the rear side thereof;
- the handlebar assembly being coupled to the rigid tubular frame at a pivot, the pivot being disposed between the front side and the rear side of the rigid tubular frame and configured to promote pivoting movement of the handlebar assembly about the rigid tubular frame;
- the shock absorber having a first mount and a second mount, the second mount being disposed opposite of the first mount, the first mount being coupled to the rigid tubular frame near the front side thereof, and the second mount being coupled to the handlebar assembly;
- wherein the exercise device is configured to provide resistive training during translation of the handlebar assembly in each of a forward and backward direction.
2. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising an adjustable hitch adapter for engaging the device with a hitch receiver of a motorized vehicle.
3. The exercise device of claim 1, comprising one or more standing braces for maintaining the device in an upright position on a flat surface.
4. The exercise device of claim 3, wherein one or more of the standing braces are adjustable about a plurality of angles within a horizontal base plane.
5. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising a dynamic foot peg assembly extending outwardly from the bottom portion of the handlebar assembly, the dynamic foot peg assembly comprising one or more elongated structural elements, and a pair of opposing foot pegs, wherein the foot peg assembly is configured to extend from the handlebar assembly at a fixed angle therebetween, and wherein the foot peg assembly is configured to communicate resistance of the shock absorber.
6. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising a static foot peg assembly, the static foot peg assembly being configured to adjustably engage with a vertical structural element extending between the seat assembly and one or more rear standing braces.
7. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the first mounting point of the shock absorber comprises an adjustable shock mount configured for positioning vertically about a vertical portion of the rigid frame.
8. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising a wheel assembly for portability; said wheel assembly comprising a wheel coupled to the device at a wheel bracket.
9. The exercise device of claim 1, the handlebar assembly comprising pivoting handlebars configured to pivot the handlebars about a yaw axis and a roll axis.
10. The exercise device of claim 1, comprising a handlebar pivot lockout configured to engage a pin extending through the forks for locking the handlebar assembly in a fixed position relative to the pivot.
11. The exercise device of claim 1, comprising a handlebar pivot lockout configured to engage a pin extending through the forks for locking the handlebar assembly in a fixed position relative to the pivot.
12. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising a resistive pedal assembly.
13. The exercise device of claim 12, wherein said resistive pedal assembly is removeably attached to the frame of the device.
14. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said shock absorber is an adjustable shock absorber for providing adjustable resistance about the pivoting handlebar assembly.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 13, 2014
Publication Date: Feb 19, 2015
Inventor: Todd Barnhill (Alpine, CA)
Application Number: 14/459,279
International Classification: A63B 21/008 (20060101);