Battle Rope Training Device

Abstract

A growing area within the physical fitness and exercise segment is what is referred to as “Battle Ropes”. Battle Ropes are typically two segments of large diameter rope that are restrained on one end while the user oscillates their hands in an up and down fashion while holding the opposite ends of the rope in their hands. These oscillations create a sine wave in the rope with a given frequency and amplitude. This invention will serve as a real time monitor of said rope motion enabling the user to perform a particular workout based on the rope sine wave characteristics.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to an electronic monitor for physical training utilizing “Battle Ropes”.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A growing category of physical exercises whereby the user oscillates lengths of large diameter ropes which are anchored on one end is commonly referred to as “Battle Ropes”. This exercise is intended to serve as a full body workout as well as a cardio trainer. Typical rope length can range from 10 feet to 50 feet or longer depending on the desired level of workout. Currently, the user will grasp one end of the rope in each hand while the opposing end is secured or anchored to a physical object or held in place by an assistant. The user then begins to oscillate the rope by moving each hand up and down to create a sine wave. This sine wave amplitude and frequency along with the rope parameters will dictate how intense the workout will be. Until now, there is no quantitative method for setting a particular workout instead the user or a under the guidance of a trainer will perform a series of oscillations for a given period of time.

The present invention helps to satisfy all of these problems by providing the ability to monitor in real time the rope sine wave parameters such as amplitude, frequency and impulse. These parameters would be processed by the on-board electronics to provide an output that is clear to understand. The invention is mounted to a rigid structure such as a wall or door and the Battle Ropes are then installed into a series of receiver tracks which allow for the sine wave to propagate to the electronics sensors.

Currently, usage of the battle ropes relies on the oversight of a training professional or physical trainer to provide guidance on what techniques to use to maximize the benefits. A typical trainer may tell the user to move each arm up and down holding the rope in sync with one another or in opposite sequence. There are no products currently on the market that provides the user with real time feedback on their form and rhythm. Additionally, usage of battle ropes does not take into account the users individual physical characteristics such as height, weight and age.

Accordingly, this invention satisfies user variations by allowing input parameters to be entered that would customize a specific workout based on the desired results.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The battle rope training device allows users to customize their workout. The invention enables real time feedback of the user-generated rope sine wave. This feedback can help teach the user proper rhythm as well as target areas designed to provide the most specific benefit for cardiovascular training. Whether the user chooses to alternate hands/ropes or whether they desire to oscillate in unison, the invention will be able to track each individual rope pattern separately. In addition to the visual display, audible triggers and alarms can be programmed to alert the user of certain thresholds such as; maximum heart rate and/or time.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, when taken into conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an assembled side view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention in use;

FIG. 2 shows a side view cutaway image illustrating the motion sensing portions of the exemplary embodiment of the invention from FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a front view of the exemplary embodiment of the invention from FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows an isometric cutaway image illustrating the assembled components of the exemplary embodiment of the invention from FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows a front view of the motion transfer cart of the exemplary embodiment of the invention from FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 shows a top view of the motion transfer cart of the exemplary embodiment of the invention from FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention in use, specifically illustrating the sine wave variables.

FIG. 8 shows a front view of the motion transfer cart and the corresponding variables being measured.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention generally provides an athlete with the means to quantitatively measure, track and improve their performance using the commonly referred to “battle ropes”. Until now there has never been a way to measure an individuals performance using the battle ropes. The most common means of utilization of said battle ropes is to grasp one end of the large diameter rope with the hands while the opposite end is firmly attached to a rigid surface. The user then begins to oscillate their hands in an upward and downward motion, which creates a sine wave in the rope. This motion when repeated for a period of time yields positive cardiovascular results by increasing the heart rate and as a result burning calories. Typically, the user doubles this effect by holding a single rope in each hand and either alternating hand motions or oscillating the hands in simultaneous fashion. While this exercise is beneficial, the user cannot track their performance with the exception being the time interval.

By replacing the rigid fixture that holds the ropes in place with the present invention, the user will be able to measure the sine wave characteristics of the generated rope profile. The opposing rope end will be placed into a receiver that is able to translate the wave motion into digital data that is processed on-board. This data is then displayed on the integrated display screen and audible notifications are delivered to the dual speakers within the assembly.

FIG. 1 shows an assembled side view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention in use. The user (1) is shown grasping one end of the rope (2) while standing on a level surface (3). The assembled invention (5) is then mounted to a rigid vertical surface (4).

FIG. 2 shows a side view cutaway image illustrating the motion sensing portions of the exemplary embodiment of the invention from FIG. 1. The assembled invention (5) houses two motion transfer carts (6) that are used to translate the rope wave motion to digital data.

FIG. 3 shows a front view of the exemplary embodiment of the invention from FIG. 1. The assembled invention (5) communicates to the user their progress by visual indicators displayed on a digital screen (8) and audible indicators through two speakers (7). The motion transfer cart assembly (10) with it integrated rope receiver slot (11) is mated to a series of vertical guide tracks (9). The motion transfer cart assembly (10) is centered between two opposing tension and compression springs (13). As the cart (10) moves up and down along vertical guide tracks (9), a series of motion sensors (12) positioned at the top and bottom of the assembly record the position of the cart and translate that into digital data that will be processed using the on-board computer processor.

FIG. 4 shows an isometric cutaway image illustrating the assembled components of the exemplary embodiment of the invention from FIG. 1. This illustration shows how the rope (2) mates with the cart assembly (10) through the integrated receiver slots (11).

FIG. 5 shows a front view of the motion transfer cart of the exemplary embodiment of the invention from FIG. 1. The motion transfer cart assembly (10) is comprised of a formed metal or plastic base (14) that has mated to the outer surface the rope receiver slots (11). Attachment to vertical guide tracks is made possible by 4 rolling concave wheels (15) that mate to the outer surface of said guide tracks.

FIG. 6 shows a top view of the motion transfer cart assembly (10) of the exemplary embodiment of the invention from FIG. 1. The cart assembly is comprised of a formed metal or plastic base (14) with a projected rope receiver slot (11). The top view illustrates the concave profile of the roller wheels (15).

FIG. 7 shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention in use, specifically illustrating the sine wave variables. This illustration is used to show the typical sine wave characteristics found in the generated wave form by the rope motion. The wave amplitude (A) is a measure of the height of the wave. While the wavelength (l) measures the distance between consecutive wave peaks, troughs or centers. The user generated wave form as defined by these variables will be translated into subsequent motion of the motion transfer cart assembly (10).

FIG. 8 shows a front view of the motion transfer cart and the corresponding variables being measured. The wave characteristics of the rope will translate into motion response on the assembled invention. This motion will be defined as travel along the vertical guide tracks and will be measured by the motion sensors above and below the cart path. Depending on the rope amplitude the cart motion amplitude (A2) with be a function of the distance between the two motion sensors at opposing ends of the fixed distance as noted as (A1).

In an exemplary embodiment, the device may be used with exercise training equipment such as battle ropes.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claim.

Claims

1. A battle rope training device comprised of:

a solid exterior frame; and

a pair of motion transfer carts; and

an on-board digital display screen; and

a pair of speakers.

2. A battle rope training device as described in claim 1 in which motion transfer carts are able to move long a series of vertical guide tracks.

3. A battle rope training device as described in claim 1 in which the said motion of the motion transfer carts is measured by infrared motion sensors.

4. A battle rope training device as described in claim 1 in which the said motion of the motion transfer carts is measured by laser-actuated motion sensors.

5. A battle rope training device as described in claim 1 in which the motion transfer carts are able to receive one end of a rope through the slotted receiver.

6. A battle rope training device as described in claim 1 that may be connected wirelessly to a personal heart rate monitor.