AGILITY TRAINING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF AGILITY TRAINING
The present invention relates to the field of exercise apparatuses that provide exercises which are used for speed and agility training as well as strength training, with an emphasis on plyometric training, comprising a multi-directional, multi-configurable, and adjustable system of ladders.
This application claims benefit to U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/872,685, filed on Aug. 28, 2013.
FIELD OF INVENTIONThe present invention relates to the field of exercise apparatuses that provide exercises which are used for speed and agility training as well as strength training, with an emphasis on plyometric training, comprising a multi-directional, multi-configurable, and adjustable system of ladders. The present invention improves upon currently sold devices by incorporating cognitive and mental training in conjunction with agility and movement training.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Providing an exercise route via an agility ladder specific to speed of movement, directional movement, and a combination of the two movements is known as agility training. Currently, exercisers use agility training devices consisting of a single ladder element to exercise because these devices provide a route to facilitate training of the user's speed and agility, stretching, movement, or coordination. The route is normally provided by laying an agility ladder on a flat surface such as the ground or floor. The user then runs, jumps, side-steps, crawls, or moves in a plurality of ways as quickly as possible using the agility ladder as a route to execute the chosen exercise.
The usefulness of the devices currently known in the art depends in part on the ease with which a user performs different types of speed and agility exercises, the range or number of exercises that are performed with the device, and the ease with which users can configure the devices for different exercises according to his or her training needs and abilities.
Agility ladders when used lie flat on the ground or floor to provide a route over which the user moves as quickly and accurately as possible, exercising the user's muscles, joint complexes, and mental dexterity. Agility ladders currently known in the art are portable and available in a variety of lengths, but variable directional elements and variable spacing of the directional elements are currently not available, thus limiting the diversity of exercises that can be performed. Such devices, in order to be useful for a wide variety of exercises, and training techniques must be composed of a multi-directional, multi-configurable, adjustable system of agility ladders, but currently are not.
Exercise devices consisting of one agility ladder that is not adjustable or multi-directional can be used on the ground or floor. At a fixed length an agility ladder allows a user to train for agility and speed by moving either the length, width, or length and width of the agility ladder using a specific movement pattern incorporating speed, balance, and stability. A single directional agility ladder is limited in its usefulness due to lack of adjustability and configurability.
Single directional agility ladders that are adjustable due to changing the spacing between the shortened cross members along the length of the ladder overcome some of the limitations of single directional non-adjustable agility ladders. Increased or decreased spacing between the shortened cross members allows the user to adjust the spacing at which the user must negotiate to perform the chosen particular movement pattern in relation to the chosen exercise. A single directional adjustable agility ladder is limited in its usefulness with limited configurability, and it is still limited to its linear direction because of its singularity.
One way to encourage regular exercise is to make exercising fun and to provide a variety of exercises. Such variations keep the exercise and the competition fresh for the participants. The present invention provides a large variety of exercises to the user and is therefore fun to use.
The present invention comprising a flexible, configurable, inexpensive, more complex agility training apparatus is an improvement over the agility ladders currently known in the art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION1.) An agility training apparatus comprising:
one or more a multi-configurable, multi-directional core elements having multiple core sides each one of the multiple core sides detachably coupled to one or more different core sides of the multiple core sides; and
one or more ladder elements detachably coupled to the core element, wherein each of the one or more ladder elements further comprise two or more ladder sides and one or more cross members is attached between two ladder sides.
2.) The agility training apparatus of claim 1 wherein the core element is configured in a shape selected from the group consisting of triangle, square, pentagon, rectangle, quadrilateral, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, nonagon, decagon, henagon, dodecagon and other multi-sided polygon.
3.) The agility training apparatus of claim 1 wherein each one of the multiple core sides further comprise:
multiple core fasteners spaced apart and disposed on each one of the multiple core sides,
4.) The agility training apparatus of claim 3 wherein each one of the multiple core fasteners further comprise:
a fastener selected form the group consisting of plastic snaps, metal snaps, fabric hook-and-loop, magnets, and metal clips with flexible sides.
5.) The agility training apparatus of claim 3 wherein each one of the multiple core sides is rotatable about each one of the multiple core fasteners.
6.) The agility training apparatus of claim 1 wherein each of the one or more cross members is detachably coupled to each of the two ladder sides.
7.) The agility training apparatus of claim 6 further comprising a plurality of anchor points variably spaced and disposed on the ladder sides providing for the cross members to be attached at variable locations,
8.) The agility training apparatus of claim 6 wherein the multiple ladder sides and each of the one or more cross members are various colors.
9.) The agility training apparatus of claim 8 wherein the various colors of the multiple ladder sides and of each of the one or more cross members is selected from the group of colors consisting of orange, blue, green, yellow, and black.
10.) The agility training apparatus of claim 1 wherein the multiple ladder sides and each of the one or more cross members further comprise material selected from the group consisting of flexible material, rubber, plastic, webbing, nylon, and fabric.
11.) An agility training apparatus comprising:
a multi-configurable, multi-directional core element having multiple core to ladder fasteners: and
one or more ladder elements detachably coupled to the core element by the core to ladder fasteners,
12.) The agility training apparatus of claim 11 wherein the core element further comprises:
multiple core sides each one of the multiple core sides detachably coupled to one or more other core side(s) of the multiple core sides,
13.) The agility training apparatus of claim 11 wherein the core element is configured in a shape selected from the group consisting of triangle, square, pentagon, rectangle, quadrilateral, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, nonagon, decagon, henagon, dodecagon and other multi-sided polygon.
14.) The agility training apparatus of claim 11 wherein each one of the multiple core to ladder fasteners is selected from the group of fasteners consisting of plastic snaps, metal snaps, fabric hook-and-loop, magnets and metal clips with flexible sides.
15.) The agility training apparatus of claim 11 wherein each of the one or more ladder elements further comprises material selected from the group consisting of flexible material, rubber, plastic, webbing, nylon, and fabric.
16.) An agility training apparatus comprising: a first ladder element detachably coupled to one or more second ladder elements.
17.) The agility training apparatus of claim 16 wherein the first ladder element and each of the one or more second ladder elements further comprises:
multiple ladder sides each one of the multiple ladder sides having multiple cross fasteners space apart and disposed along the ladder side; and
one or more cross members detachably coupled to each of the multiple ladder sides by the cross fasteners.
18.) The agility training apparatus of claim 17 wherein the first ladder element is detachably coupled to the one or more of the second ladder elements by the cross fasteners.
19.) The agility training apparatus of claim 16 wherein the first ladder and each of the one or more second ladders are variously colored.
20.) The agility training apparatus of claim 16 wherein the first ladder and each of the one or more second ladders comprise material selected from the group consisting of flexible material, rubber, plastic, webbing, nylon, and fabric.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a part of the specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating one or more preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention in the drawings.
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of exercising, movement, agility and speed training and more particularly to an apparatus comprising a system of easily configurable connectors for performing a wide variety of movements, exercises and stretches, and the method of using the apparatus.
An agility training apparatus comprising multi-functional, multi-configurational agility ladders for exercising, fitness, and athletic training is disclosed. Embodiments include a multi-directional core providing multiple configuration possibilities, adjustable agility ladders comprising two elongated ladder sides with multiple points of attachment on each elongated side, and shortened cross members. Shortened cross members are attached perpendicularly between two elongated ladder sides thus forming a ladder. A plurality of anchor points variably spaced and disposed on the elongated ladder sides provide for the shortened cross members to be attached at variable locations, thus providing for the shortened cross members of the individual ladder to be variably spaced. Multiple agility ladders are connected to the individual sides of the multi-directional core to form a plurality of configurations of agility ladders that are used for exercise, fitness, and athletic training.
The agility training apparatus comprising an exercise apparatus of the present invention preferably comprises a substantially multi-configurational apparatus that is easily conformable into a plurality of different lengths, shapes, and directions that allow the user to easily perform a variety of varying directional specific exercises. For instance, variably spacing the shortened cross members of the individual ladder can create different challenges for one user. For instance, cross members can be placed approximately 18 inches (46 cm) apart for agility drills. With variable spacing, cross members can be placed closer together to create a drill requiring shorter, quicker steps, or to accommodate athletes of all sizes, including men, women and children. With variable spacing, cross members can be placed further apart, The present invention improves upon and overcomes deficiencies of the agility exercise devices known in the art. The present invention comprises an exercise apparatus comprising a plurality of particular and beneficial elements, specifically comprising a configuration system comprising fasteners that easily allow a user to perform a variety of exercises, stretches, and physical therapy techniques.
The exercise apparatus described herein comprises a substantially multi-configurational apparatus that is easily adjustable by adjusting a system of fasteners comprising metal snaps, plastic snaps, fabric hook and loop fasteners, such as VELCRO®, metal clips or magnets, and flexible sides of varying lengths that allow the user to perform a variety of exercises, stretches, and physical therapy techniques, when laid on the ground or floor.
The method of use includes a plurality of movements, exercises, stretches, and physical therapy techniques that is accomplished by adjusting the length and configuration of any element of the apparatus. Other embodiments of the method of use of the apparatus include mental exercises performed in conjunction with physical exercises, balancing movements and matrix based movements and exercises.
The invention also includes a means for and methods of storing, organizing a td carrying the exercise apparatus.
Elements of the embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in more detail in
One embodiment of the present invention provides an exercise apparatus comprised of eight (8) detachable/connectable sides of the core fastened to each other using core component fasteners. Extending from each individual connectable core side 20, sometimes called core connector 20, is a ladder fastened to its respective core side 20 using core to ladder fasteners.
An example of specific usage follows. The exerciser first sprints in one direction of the ladder element, then catches a ball at the end of the ladder element, and then must perform another exercise, for example sidestepping along another ladder element. The exerciser thus must perform an agility exercise combined with a hand-eye coordinated exercise, and ultimately finish the set by performing yet another exercise after the catch. Muscles and cognitive functioning of the brain as well are thus stimulated.
For example, three users stand at the ends of each of three parallel ladder elements 11 respectively. Each of the three exercisers are provided with separate, distinct, and different instructions on how to run through the system of ladder elements.
For example, the first exerciser sprints through his designated ladder element 11 and upon reaching core 21 pivots 90 degrees left and then sidesteps outside of ladder element 11. The middle exerciser sprints along her designated ladder element 11, then catches a football, then proceeds through core 21 and then sprints along ladder element 11 on the opposite side of the core. The third user sprints through his designated ladder element 11, posts a block for the exerciser who caught the football, then pivots 90 degrees right and sprints out designated ladder element 11. This system of team exercising, in this case a football team, incorporates physical and mental training along with integrating a system of teamwork.
The preceding examples can be repeated with similar success by substituting generically or specifically described operating conditions of this invention for those used in the preceding examples. Although the invention has been described in detail with particular reference to these preferred embodiments, other embodiments can achieve the same results. Variations and modifications of the present invention are obvious to those skilled in the art and it is intended to cover all such modifications and equivalents.
Claims
1. An agility training apparatus comprising:
- one or more a multi-configurable, multi-directional core elements having multiple core sides each one of the multiple core sides detachably coupled to one or more different core sides of the multiple core sides; and
- one or more ladder elements detachably coupled to the core element, wherein each of the one or more ladder elements further comprise two or more ladder sides and one or more cross members is attached between two ladder sides.
2. The agility training apparatus of claim 1 wherein the core element is configured in a shape selected from the group consisting of triangle, square, pentagon, rectangle, quadrilateral, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, nonagon, decagon, henagon, dodecagon and other multi-sided polygon.
3. The agility training apparatus of claim 1 wherein each one of the multiple core sides further comprise:
- multiple core fasteners spaced apart and disposed on each one of the multiple core sides.
4. The agility training apparatus of claim 3 wherein each one of the multiple core fasteners further comprise:
- a fastener selected form the group consisting of plastic snaps, metal snaps, fabric hook-and-loop, and metal clips with flexible sides.
5. The agility training apparatus of claim 3 wherein each one of the multiple core sides is rotatable about each one of the multiple core fasteners.
6. The agility training apparatus of claim 1 wherein each of the one or more cross members is detachably coupled to each of the two ladder sides.
7. The agility training apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of anchor points variably spaced and disposed on the ladder sides providing for the cross members to be attached at variable locations.
8. The agility training apparatus of claim 1 wherein the multiple ladder sides and each of the one or more cross members are various colors.
9. The agility training apparatus of claim 8 wherein the various colors of the multiple ladder sides and of each of the one or more cross members is selected from the group of colors consisting of orange, blue, green, yellow, and black.
10. The agility training apparatus of claim 1 wherein the multiple ladder sides and each of the one or more cross members further comprise material selected from the group consisting of flexible material, rubber, plastic, webbing, nylon, and fabric.
11. An agility training apparatus comprising:
- a multi-configurable, multi-directional core element having multiple core to ladder fasteners; and
- one or more ladder elements detachably coupled to the core element by the core to ladder fasteners.
12. The agility training apparatus of claim 11 wherein the core element further comprises:
- multiple core sides each one of the multiple core sides detachably coupled to one or more other core side(s) of the multiple core sides.
13. The agility training apparatus of claim 11 wherein the core element is configured in a shape selected from the group consisting of triangle, square, pentagon, rectangle, quadrilateral, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, nonagon, decagon, henagon, dodecagon and other multi-sided polygon.
14. The agility training apparatus of claim 11 wherein each one of the multiple core to ladder fasteners is selected from the group of fasteners consisting of plastic snaps, metal snaps, fabric hook-and-loop, magnets and metal clips with flexible sides.
15. The agility training apparatus of claim 11 wherein each of the one or more ladder elements further comprises material selected from the group consisting of flexible material, rubber, plastic, webbing, nylon, and fabric.
16. An agility training apparatus comprising:
- a first ladder element detachably coupled to one or more second ladder elements.
17. The agility training apparatus of claim 16 wherein the first ladder element and each of the one or more second ladder elements further comprises:
- multiple ladder sides each one of the multiple ladder sides having multiple cross fasteners space apart and disposed along the ladder side; and
- one or more cross members detachably coupled to each of the multiple ladder sides by the cross fasteners.
18. The agility training apparatus of claim 17 wherein the first ladder element is detachably coupled to the one or more of the second ladder elements by the cross fasteners.
19. The agility training apparatus of claim 16 wherein the first ladder and each of the one or more second ladders are variously colored.
20. The agility training apparatus of claim 16 wherein the first ladder and each of the one or more second ladders comprise material selected from the group consisting of flexible material, rubber, plastic, webbing, nylon, and fabric.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 28, 2014
Publication Date: Apr 9, 2015
Applicant: TRUEFIT, LLC (Rio Rancho, NM)
Inventors: John White (Rio Rancho, NM), Adam White (Rio Rancho, NM), John Hardy (Denver, CO)
Application Number: 14/472,360
International Classification: A63B 17/00 (20060101); A63B 69/00 (20060101);