PLYOMETRIC BOX

Abstract

Provided herein is a plyometric box comprising a rigid body having one or more recessed edges, each of the one or more recessed edges being filled by a resilient component that is attached to a surface of the recess.

Description

The present invention relates to a plyometric box. In particular, the present invention provides a plyometric box that significantly reduces the risk of injury to users.

Plyometrics, also known as “jump training” or “plyo”, is a form of exercise that involves rapid and repeated stretching and contracting of the muscles, designed to increase muscular power and explosiveness.

Originally developed for Olympic athletes, plyometric training has become a popular part of general strength and conditioning programs used in the fitness industry for individuals of various abilities, and also for sports-specific training for athletes from a wide variety of sports. In particular, with the rapid growth in the popularity of exercise programs such as CrossFit®, High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), and Tabata, the number of people that regular perform plyometric exercises has increased enormously over the past few years.

Plyometric training conditions the body with dynamic resistance exercises that rapidly stretch a muscle (eccentric phase) and then rapidly shorten it (concentric phase). Hopping and jumping are therefore typical examples of the types of exercises used in plyometric training, as these exercises subject the quadriceps, hamstrings and gluteal muscles to a stretch-shortening cycle that can strengthen these muscles and improve the nervous systems ability to contract the muscle—recruitment of motor units, increasing vertical jump and improving the ability to handle the force of impact on the joints.

A plyometric box, or plyo box, is an exercise apparatus that is intended for use as a platform for performing plyometric exercise, such as box jumps or depth jumps. For example, a box jump involves a person standing on the floor facing a plyometric box and performing a two-footed jump onto the top surface of the plyometric box. When used as a plyometric exercise, the box jump will typically involve repeatedly jumping onto and jumping or stepping back off the plyometric box.

Conventional plyometric boxes typically comprise a wooden box, or a wooden or metal frame supporting a rigid platform. However, one of the problems that arises from the use of such conventional plyometric boxes is the risk of injury to the user if they fail to land correctly on the top of the plyometric box and/or slip off the edge of the top of the plyometric box. In particular, as the plyometric exercises performed using a plyometric box typically involve rapid and repeated movements from the floor to the top of the box, tiredness and lack of concentration increases the chances that a user will make an error that could lead to an injury. By way of example, if a user were not to land with their toes close to the edge of the top of the plyometric box, they could slip off this edge and catch their shins on the sharp edge presented by the box. At the minimum, this would likely lead to a graze or scratch, and in more severe cases, a deep wound or gash that requires medical treatment.

To both reduce the risk of shin injuries due to missed jumps and to reduce the impact during landing, it is known to provide ‘soft’ plyometric boxes that have a core of foam or other similar material covered with a flexible, non-slip material such as a flexible vinyl material (e.g. polyvinyl chloride or a related polymer) or polyurethane leather. However, as the entire core of these soft plyometric boxes is formed from a resilient material, these soft plyometric boxes are partially compressed by the force of a person landing on them, such that they do not provide a stable surface. In particular, local deformations occur beneath and around the locations where the person's feet apply pressure to the top surface of a soft plyometric box, thereby making it difficult to maintain balance when landing and standing on the box.

In view of the above, it will be appreciated that it is desirable to provide an improved arrangement for a plyometric box that reduces the risk of injury to users whilst also ensuring that the box provides a stable surface.

Therefore, according to a first aspect there is provided a plyometric box. The plyometric box comprises a rigid body having one or more recessed edges, each of the one or more recessed edges being filled by a resilient component that is attached to a surface of the recess.

The rigid body may have one or more planar surfaces that each provide a platform for performing plyometric exercises, and at least one of the edges adjacent to at least one of the surfaces is recessed and filled by a resilient component.

The resilient component may comprise a resilient material. The resilient material may be any of a rubber and a solid foam. The resilient material may be any of foam rubber, closed-cell polyethylene foam, open-cell polyethylene foam, and cross-linked polyethylene foam.

The resilient component may be attached to one or more surfaces of the recess using one or more of tacks, pins, staples and adhesive. Alternatively, the resilient component may be attached to one or more surfaces of the recess using a hook-and-loop fastener.

The resilient component may further comprises a flexible non-slip material covering the resilient material. Alternatively, the rigid body and the resilient components that fill each the one or more recessed edges may be covered with a flexible non-slip material. As a further alternative, the resilient components filling each of the one or more recessed edges may be covered with a flexible non-slip material. The flexible non-slip material may be any of flexible vinyl and polyurethane leather.

The rigid body may have a substantial shape that is any of a cuboid and a frustum. The rigid body may have a substantial shape that is any of a square cuboid, a rectangular cuboid, a pyramidal frustum, and a conical frustum.

Each of the one or more recessed edges of the rigid body may have a cross-sectional shape that is a regular quadrilateral. The resilient component filling each of the one or more recessed edges may then have a cross-sectional shape that is a regular quadrilateral.

Each of the one or more recessed edges may be recessed relative to an adjacent surface of the rigid body by a distance that is between 2.5% and 15% of a length of the adjacent surface of the plyometric box.

All edges of the rigid body may be recessed and each recessed edge filled by a resilient component.

The present invention will now be more particularly described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an improved plyometric box as described herein;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of some of the components of the improved plyometric box of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of some of the components of an improved plyometric box as described herein with exemplary dimensions;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of an improved plyometric box as described herein;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a further embodiment of an improved plyometric box as described herein;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a yet further embodiment of an improved plyometric box as described herein;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an improved plyometric box as described herein; and

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of an improved plyometric box as described herein.

The plyometric box arrangement described herein reduces the risk of injury to users whilst also ensuring that the box provides a stable surface, further improving safety when compared with conventional plyometric boxes. The plyometric box comprises a rigid body having one or more recessed edges, wherein each of the one or more recessed edges is occupied/filled by a resilient component/segment that is attached to a surface of the recess. In particular, the body has at least one planar surface that provides a platform for performing plyometric exercises, and at least one of the edges of this surface are recessed and filled by a resilient component. In this regard, the edges of the rigid body are the borders of each face of the body, and a recessed edge is an edge that is set back from the adjoining face(s) of the body, effectively forming an alcove within which the resilient component can be located.

The arrangement described herein therefore provides a plyometric box that has predominantly rigid structure, but that has at least one resilient edge. The predominantly rigid structure ensures that the plyometric box provides a stable surface for performing plyometric exercises whilst the resilient edge(s) cushions any impacts so as to reduce the risk of injury to users. In particular, if a user were to catch their shins on a resilient edge then the edge would compress thereby preventing any significant damage to the user.

Referring to FIG. 1 there is illustrated an embodiment of an improved plyometric box 10, and FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of some of the components of the plyometric box 10 of FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the plyometric box 10 comprises a rigid body 11 the shape of which is substantially that of a rectangular cuboid. In this regard, the shape of the rigid body 11 is substantially/essentially that of a rectangular cuboid; however, the edges 11a of the rigid body are recessed such that the edges 11a are set back from the adjoining face(s) 11b of the body 11, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The recessed edges 11a of the rigid body 11 form channels or alcoves that are each filled with a resilient component 12.

In this embodiment, each of the resilient components 12 comprises a block of resilient material 12a that is affixed within a recess using an adhesive (not shown). Alternatively, each of the resilient components 12 could be tacked, pinned, or stapled within a recess, or could be attached using a combination of tacks/pins/staples and adhesive. In addition, it may be desirable to use a temporary attachment means, such a hook-and-loop fasteners, to attach the resilient components 12 within the recess. Doing so would allow straightforward replacement of the resilient components 12, for example, if they were to become worn or if it were desired to attach alternative resilient components 12 that are made from an alternative resilient material. Preferably, the resilient material 12a is a natural or synthetic rubber or a solid foam. By way of example only, the resilient material 12a could be any of foam rubber, closed-cell polyethylene foam, open-cell polyethylene foam, cross-linked polyethylene foam etc. If the resilient material 12a is a solid foam, then it is preferable that it is a high density foam.

By way of example, a conventional plyometric box that is used in CrossFit® programs is a wooden rectangular cuboid with dimensions of 30 inches×24 inches×20 inches that can therefore be used in anyone of three different orientations that each effectively provides rigid platforms at different heights (i.e. 30 inches, 24 inches, and 20 inches). An improved plyometric box 10 as described herein could therefore also comprise a rigid body 11 the shape of which is substantially that of a rectangular cuboid having dimensions of 30 inches×24 inches×20 inches. However, in contrast with a conventional plyometric box, the edges 11a of the rigid body are recessed such that the edges 11a set back from the adjoining face(s) 11b of the body 11. In such an embodiment, the recessed edges 11a of the rigid body 11 would preferably have a cross-sectional shape that is a regular quadrilateral with side that are 2 inches in length. The recessed edges 11a of the rigid body 11 would then each be filled a block of resilient material 12a that has a cross-sectional shape that corresponds with that of the recessed edges 11a (i.e. a regular quadrilateral with side that are 2 inches in length). FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of some of the components of an improved plyometric box 10 that has such a configuration.

In the example described above in relation to FIG. 3, the resilient edges of the improved plyometric box 10 are 2 inches deep so as to optimise the protection provided to users whilst also ensuring that an adjacent surface of the rigid body provides a suitably large, stable platform for performing plyometric exercises. However, the distance by which the edges of the rigid body are recessed relative to an adjacent surface of the rigid body could be varied. Preferably, it is submitted herein that the optimal distance by which the edges of the rigid body are recessed relative to an adjacent surface of the rigid body could be anywhere between 2.5% and 15% of the length/depth of the adjacent surface of the rigid body.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate alternative embodiments of the improved plyometric box 10. In this regard, the embodiment of FIG. 3 is substantially the same as that of FIGS. 1 and 2; however, in this embodiment the resilient components 12 further comprise a flexible non-slip material 13 covering the resilient material 12a. The embodiment FIG. 4 is also substantially the same as that of FIGS. 1 and 2; however, in this embodiment both the rigid body 11 and the resilient components 12 filling the recessed edges 11a of the rigid body 11 are covered with a flexible non-slip material 13. By upholstering either the resilient components 12 individually or the combination of the rigid body 11 and the resilient components 12 with a flexible non-slip material 13 these embodiments provide for further structural support of the resilient components 12, and also further reduces the risk of injury to users by providing improved grip between the user and the edges and/or the surface of the box 10. By way of example only, the flexible non-slip material 13 could be a vinyl or polyurethane leather material.

In the embodiments described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 all of the edges of the rigid body 11 are recessed and each filled with resilient components 12. However, it is equally possible that some but not all of the edges of the rigid body 11 are recessed. For example, FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment that is substantially the same as that of FIG. 1; however, in this embodiment only the edges 11a of one of the faces of the rigid body 11 are recessed and filled with resilient components 12. Such an arrangement would be suitable if it is intended that only one surface of the box 10 is to be used as a platform for plyometric exercises. Similarly, FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment in which only one of the edges 11a of the rigid body is recessed and filled with a resilient component 12.

Furthermore, whilst the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 7 illustrate the shape of the rigid body 11 as essentially that of a rectangular cuboid it is equally possible that the rigid body could have a different shape. In particular, the rigid body 11 could have a substantial shape that is either a cuboid or a frustum. For example, the rigid body 11 could have a shape that is substantially/essentially any of a square cuboid, a rectangular cuboid, a pyramidal frustum (i.e. a truncated pyramid), and a conical frustum (i.e. a truncated cone). In this regard, the rigid body 11 has a shape that is substantially/essentially that of any of the shapes listed, however, one or more of the edges 11a of the rigid body are recessed such that the edges 11a are set back from the adjoining face(s) 11b of the body 11.

In this regard, FIG. 8 illustrates an example of an embodiment in which shape of the rigid body 11 as essentially that of a pyramidal frustum. In an arrangement such as that illustrated in FIG. 7 the base of rigid body 11 could be open so as to allow nesting of a number of boxes 10 for convenient storage.

Preferably, the shape of the rigid body 11 is essentially that of a rectangular cuboid with all of its edges recessed, and each recessed edge filled with a resilient component 12, as this allows the box 10 to be used in anyone of three different orientations that each effectively provides rigid platforms at different heights. Furthermore, by providing that all of the edges are recessed and filled with resilient components 12, such a box 10 can be used from all directions, making it possible for multiple users to make use of the box 10 simultaneously. In this case, it is also preferable that each of the recessed edges 11a has a cross-section that is a regular quadrilateral (i.e. a square or rectangle) and that the resilient component filling each of the recessed edges also has a cross-section that is a regular quadrilateral. This is advantageous because it is the most straightforward shape to construct, and also ensures that the surfaces of the recess provide effective support for the resilient components. However, the recessed edges could have alternative cross-sectional shapes if desired.

The rigid body 11 could be an entirely enclosed structure (i.e. having no open faces), a partially enclosed structure (e.g. having a single open face), or a generally open framework with only a single rigid planar surface that provides a platform for performing plyometric exercises. The rigid body 11 could therefore comprise a wooden box, or a wooden or metal frame supporting one or more rigid platforms.

It will be appreciated that individual items described above may be used on their own or in combination with other items shown in the drawings or described in the description and that items mentioned in the same passage as each other or the same drawing as each other need not be used in combination with each other. In addition, the expression “means” may be replaced by actuator or system or device as may be desirable. In addition, any reference to “comprising” or “consisting” is not intended to be limiting in any way whatsoever and the reader should interpret the description and claims accordingly.

Furthermore, although the invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments as set forth above, it should be understood that these embodiments are illustrative only.

Claims

1. A plyometric box comprising:

a rigid body having one or more recessed edges;

each of the one or more recessed edges being filled by a resilient component that is attached to a surface of the recess.

2. The plyometric box of claim 1, wherein the rigid body has one or more planar surfaces that provide a platform for performing plyometric exercises, and at least one of the edges of at least one of the planar surfaces is recessed and filled by the resilient component.

3. The plyometric box of claim 1, wherein the resilient component comprises a resilient material.

4. The plyometric box of claim 1, wherein the resilient component comprises a resilient material, and wherein the resilient material is any of a rubber and a solid foam.

5. The plyometric box of claim 1, wherein the resilient component comprises a resilient material, and wherein the resilient material is any of foam rubber, closed-cell polyethylene foam, open-cell polyethylene foam, and cross-linked polyethylene foam.

6. The plyometric box of claim 1, wherein the resilient component is attached to one or more surfaces of the recessed edge using one or more of tacks, pins, staples and adhesive.

7. The plyometric box of claim 1, wherein the resilient component is attached to one or more surfaces of the recessed edge using a hook-and-loop fastener.

8. The plyometric box of claim 1, wherein the resilient component further comprises a flexible non-slip material covering a resilient material.

9. The plyometric box of claim 1, wherein the rigid body and the resilient component filling each of the one or more recessed edges are covered with a flexible non-slip material.

10. The plyometric box of claim 1, wherein the resilient component filling each of the one or more recessed edges is covered with a flexible non-slip material.

11. The plyometric box of claim 1, wherein the resilient component further comprises a flexible non-slip material covering a resilient material and wherein the flexible non-slip material is any of flexible vinyl and polyurethane leather.

12. The plyometric box of claim 1, wherein the rigid body has a substantial shape that is any of a cuboid and a frustum.

13. The plyometric box of claim 1, wherein the rigid body has a substantial shape that is any of a square cuboid, a rectangular cuboid, a pyramidal frustum, and a conical frustum.

14. The plyometric box of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more recessed edges of the rigid body has a cross-sectional shape that is a regular quadrilateral.

15. The plyometric box of claim 1, wherein the rigid body has a substantial shape that is any of a cuboid and a frustum, and wherein the resilient component filling each of the one or more recessed edges has a cross-sectional shape that is a regular quadrilateral.

16. The plyometric box of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more recessed edges is recessed relative to an adjacent surface of the rigid body by a distance that is between 2.5% and 15% of a length of the adjacent surface of the plyometric box.

17. The plyometric box of claim 1, wherein all edges of the rigid body are recessed and each recessed edge is filled by the resilient component.

18. The plyometric box of claim 1, wherein the rigid body has a substantial shape that is any of a cuboid and a frustum.

19. The plyometric box of claim 1, wherein the rigid body has a substantial shape that is any of a square cuboid, a rectangular cuboid, a pyramidal frustum, and a conical frustum, and wherein the resilient component filling each of the one or more recessed edges has a cross-sectional shape that is a regular quadrilateral.