RESISTIVE SLED DEVICE
A training sled having an adjustable resistance. The training sled may have one or more wheels coupled to a brake. The brake may be configurable to provide a desired level of resistance against rotation of the one or more wheels. The brake may be a disc brake with a disc arranged between a pair of calipers. The calipers may be configured to provide friction resistance on the disc or magnetic resistance on the disc. The amount of resistance provided by the brake may be set via a brake adjust, which may allow a user to increase or decrease an amount of resistance applied to the disc by the calipers. The brake adjust may be a turnable or twistable knob or handle, for example. In this way, the resistance of the training sled may be set or adjusted with relative ease.
The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/573,253, filed on Oct. 17, 2017, entitled Resistive Sled Device, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present disclosure relates to exercise and training equipment. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to a training sled device. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a training sled having an adjustable resistance.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventor, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.
Training sleds are often used by athletes and others for training and exercise. A training sled is typically loaded with weights, such as weight plates, to provide resistance. Many training sleds have a bar for receiving weight plates. After loading a desired amount of weight onto the sled, a user typically pushes or pulls the weighted sled while running or walking, for example. However, in order to obtain a relatively high resistance, a user may be required to load several weights onto the sled. Additionally, in order to increase or decrease resistance, a user may have to load or unload weights, and in some cases, several weights. As a result, a user may spend a relatively high amount of energy and time preparing the sled for training, increasing or decreasing the weight during training, and unloading the sled after training. Additionally, a user may be subject to injury from carrying or moving the weights. Thus, there is a need in the art for an improved training sled device.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe following presents a simplified summary of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of such embodiments. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated embodiments, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of all embodiments, nor delineate the scope of any or all embodiments.
The present disclosure, in one or more embodiments, relates to a training sled having at least one wheel arranged on an axle, at least one brake coupled to the axle and configured to resist rotation of the axle, a frame supporting the at least one wheel and at least one brake, and a brake adjust for setting an amount of resistance of the at last one brake. The frame may include an extension portion and a handle bar for driving the sled against the resistance of the brake. In some embodiments, the sled may have two wheels. Moreover, the extension portion may have an adjustable height in some embodiments. The handle bar may be configured such that the sled may be driven by a user pushing or pulling against the handle bar with the user's body. In some embodiments, the handle bar may be padded. In some embodiments, the brake may be a disc brake. The disk brake may be a hydraulic or cable-actuated brake. The amount of resistance of the sled may be adjusted to at least 200 pounds, or to at last 500 pounds in some embodiments. The brake adjust may be a turnable handle, and may have indicator marks for indicating an amount of resistance.
The present disclosure, in one or more embodiments, additionally relates to a method of using a training sled having at least one wheel and a brake arranged on an axle. The brake may be configured to resist rotation of the axle. The method may include setting a resistance of the sled by adjusting a brake adjust coupled to the brake, and pushing or pulling the training sled to overcome the resistance. In some embodiments, the brake may be a disc brake. The disc brake may be a hydraulic or cable-actuated brake. Moreover, the training sled may additionally include an extension portion supporting a handle bar. The method may including arranging the handle bar against a user's body.
The present disclosure, in one or more embodiments, additionally relates to a training sled having at least one wheel arranged on an axle, first means for providing resistance against rotation of the axle, a frame supporting the at least one wheel and first means, and second means for setting an amount of resistance provided by the first means. In some embodiments, the frame may have an extension portion and a handle bar for driving the sled against the resistance. The first means may be a disc brake in some embodiments. The disc brake may be hydraulic or cable-actuated.
While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, the various embodiments of the present disclosure are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.
While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter that is regarded as forming the various embodiments of the present disclosure, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying Figures, in which:
The present disclosure relates to a training sled device. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to a training sled having an adjustable resistance. The training sled may generally have one or more wheels coupled to a brake. The brake may be configurable to provide a desired level of resistance against rotation of the one or more wheels. For example, in some embodiments, the brake may be a hydraulic or cable-actuated disc brake. The amount of resistance provided by the brake may be set via a brake adjust, which may allow a user to increase or decrease the pressure or tension of the brake. The brake adjust may be a turnable or twistable knob or handle, for example. In this way, the resistance of the training sled may be set or adjusted with relative ease. Rather than loading weights, such as plate weights, a user may set a desired level of resistance by simply turning a knob, for example, on the brake adjust. This may significantly reduce the amount of time and energy needed to set up the sled for training, to adjust resistance of the sled during training, and may eliminate the need to unload the sled after training.
Turning now to
The frame 108 may generally be configured to support the wheels 112, brakes 116, and/or other components. The frame 102 may be constructed of one or more metals, such as steel or aluminum in some embodiments. For example, the frame 102 may include square or round metal bars or tubes welded together in a suitable configuration. In other embodiments, the frame 102 may be constructed of one or more plastics. In still other embodiments, the frame 102 may be constructed of other or additional suitable materials. The frame 102 may generally have a base portion 104 and an extension portion 106.
The base portion 104 of the frame 102 may support the one or more wheels 112 and the one or more brakes 116. The base portion 104 may have one or more members configured in any suitable arrangement. The base portion may have any suitable size configured to accommodate the one or more wheels 112, brakes 116, and/or other components. For example, the base portion 104 may have a width of between less than 1 foot and approximately 4 feet in some embodiments. In particular, the base portion 104 may have a width of between approximately 1 foot and approximately 3 feet. The width of the base portion 104 may extend between two wheels 112 in some embodiments. The base portion 104 may have a height of between approximately 6 inches and approximately 4 feet in some embodiments. In particular, the base portion 104 may have a height of approximately 8 inches and 2 feet in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the base portion 104 may have any other suitable width and height. In some embodiments, the base portion 104 may have a stand or stop portion 124. The stand or stop portion 124 may be configured to allow the sled 100 to stand upright in a stationary position. That is, where the sled 100 comprises one or more wheels 112, for example, the sled may be tilted, such that the stand 124 extends between the sled and a ground surface in order to support the sled against the ground surface, and generally prevent the wheels from rolling while the sled is not in use.
The extension portion 106 may extend outwardly from the base portion 104. For example, when the base portion 104 is arranged upright such that the stand 124 rests against the ground surface, the extension portion 106 may extend generally vertically from the base portion. The extension portion 106 may be configured to position the handle bar 108. In some embodiments, the extension portion 106 may have an adjustable height. For example, the extension portion 106 may have an inner member 134 configured to nestably fit within an outer member 136. The inner member 134 and/or outer member 136 may have a plurality of through holes. Holes in the inner 134 and outer 136 members may be aligned, and one or more bolts 138 may be arranged through the aligned holes in order to set the height of the extension portion 106. In some embodiments, the extension portion 106 may have a ball plunger mechanism or any other suitable mechanism for adjusting the height. In some embodiments, the extension portion 106 may have a minimum or shortest adjusted height of between approximately 2 feet and approximately 5 feet. In particular, the extension portion 106 may have a minimum or shortest adjusted height of between approximately 3 feet and approximately 4 feet. The extension portion 106 may additionally have a maximum or tallest adjusted height of between approximately 5 feet and approximately 8 feet. In particular, the extension portion 106 may have a maximum or tallest adjusted height of between approximately 6 feet and approximately 7 feet. In other embodiments, the extension portion 106 may have any other suitable minimum and maximum heights.
In some embodiments, one or more handle bars 108 may be supported by, or otherwise coupled to, the extension portion 106. The handle bar 108 may provide a point against which a user may push, or pull, to move the sled 100. For example, the handle bar 108 may provide a hand hold where a user may grasp the sled 100 with one or both hands to push or pull the sled 100. In some embodiments, the handle bar 108 may be configured to be arranged against a user's shoulders, chest, waist, or another position on the user's body, for the user to push or pull the sled 100. In some embodiments, the handle bar 108 may provide an attachment point for a strap, harness, belt, rope, or other device with which a user may pull the sled. As shown in
In some embodiments, the handle bar 108 may have a padded surface. For example, each half 110 or portion of the handle bar 108 may have a padded surface 132 for comfort when a user pushes against the bar. In some embodiments, the sled 100 may have more than one handle bar 108. For example, two, three, or more handle bars 108 may be arranged at varying locations along the extension portion, and may extend at varying angles, such that a user may push or pull the sled using different grips or positions. For example, one or more handle bars 108 may be configured to provide a handle or hand hold while another handle bar may be configured to be positioned against a user's shoulders or chest.
In some embodiments, the handle bar 108 may be removable and/or rotatable. For example, in at least one embodiment, the inner member 134 of the extension portion 106, may be removed from the outer member 136. The inner member 134, together with the handle bar 108, may be rotated to approximately 90 degrees, approximately 180 degrees, and/or any other suitable degree of rotation, and replaced to engage with the outer member 136. In this way, the inner member 134 may be configured to engage with the outer member 136 in two or more rotational positions. As described above, the inner member 134 and/or outer member 136 may have a plurality of through holes configured for alignment, such that a bolt or other suitable mechanism may be arranged through the aligned holes to position the inner member with respect to the outer member. Where the inner member 134 is configured to be rotatable, the inner member and/or outer member 136 may have through holes arranged on more than one side or may have more than one set of through holes, such that the holes of the inner and outer members may be aligned when the inner member is arranged at more than one rotational position.
By rotationally repositioning the handle bar 108, the sled 100 may be configured or reconfigured to suit a variety of training needs. For example, by rotating or repositioning the handle bar 108, the sled 100 may be bi-directional. For example, the inner member 134 may be positioned in the outer member 136 to arrange the handle bar 108 in a first position for pushing/pulling the sled 100 in a first direction. Additionally, the inner member 134 may be positioned in the outer member 136 to arrange the handle bar 108 in a second position, which may be approximately 180 degrees from the first position. With the handle bar 108 in the second position, the sled 100 may be pushed/pulled in a second direction opposing the first direction.
Moreover, in at least one embodiment, the inner member 134 may be removed from the outer member 136, such that the sled 100 may be operated without a handle bar 108. For example, where a user couples the sled 100 to a harness or belt, the user may wish to remove the handle bar 108 by removing the inner member 134 of the extension portion 106.
As indicated above, the sled 100 may be arranged on one or more wheels or tires 112, such as rubber tires. For example, a pair of wheels 112 may be provided on a wheel axle 114 coupled to the base portion 104 of the frame 102. In other embodiments, the sled 100 may have one wheel, three wheels, four wheels, or any other suitable number of tires or wheels. It is to be appreciated that the tires or wheels 112 may allow the sled 100 to be used on a variety of surfaces, including grass, gravel, dirt, concrete, carpet, AstroTurf, padded surfaces, and other indoor and outdoor surfaces. In some embodiments, the tires or wheels 112 may have a relatively wide width to increase a footprint of the sled and thereby help mitigate sliding or slipping of the sled 100 during operations. For example, in some embodiment, each wheel or tire 112 may have a width of between approximately 4 inches and approximately 30 inches or between approximately 7 inches and approximately 16 inches. In still other embodiments, the sled 100 may have other mobility means.
As shown particularly in
For example, where the calipers 126 are configured to provide friction resistance, each caliper may have a brake pad, and may be configured to contact the disc 128. A brake pad may be constructed of one or more metallic materials, non-metallic materials, ceramic materials, and/or other suitable materials. As the calipers 126 squeeze the disc 128 therebetween, friction from the brake pads may resist rotation of the disc. As the calipers 126 are moved closer together to squeeze the disc 128 more tightly, resistance on the disc may be increased. Thus, with the calipers 126 engaged on the disc 128 to resist rotation, more force may be required to overcome the resistance and cause the disc, and thus the axle 114 and wheels 112, to turn. In this way, with the calipers 126 engaged on the disc 128, more force from a user may be required to push or pull the sled 100 by overcoming the friction from the brake pads on the disc.
Where the calipers 126 are configured to provide magnetic resistance, the calipers may be or include a pair of opposing magnets arranged on each side of the disc 128. The disc 128 may be constructed of one or more metals or other conductive materials. The two magnets may be arranged and configured to create a magnetic field therebetween. As the disc 128 is rotated via the wheel axle 114 and thus passes through the magnetic field of the caliper magnets, the magnetic field may slow or resist rotation of the disc. Slowing of the disc 128 may be a result of eddy currents introduced in the conductive disc as it passes through the magnetic field. Where the calipers 126 are magnetic, they may be configured not to contact the disc 128. In some embodiments, the magnets may be permanent magnets, and as the magnetic calipers move toward one another, resistance on the disc 128 may be increased. Similarly, as the permanent magnets are moved apart, resistance on the disc 128 may be decreased. In some embodiments, the magnets may be electromagnets and a current may be directed therethrough. The current may be increased or decreased to increase or decrease resistance on the disc 128. In still other embodiments, a single magnet may be used to introduce resistance on the disc 128. For example, the brake may have a single magnetic caliper. In some embodiments, a single magnet may be radially arranged adjacent a portion of the perimeter of the disc 128. In still other embodiments, one, two, three, or any other suitable number of magnets may be arranged adjacent the disc 128 in a different configuration.
The calipers 126 may be controlled mechanically and/or hydraulically. In some embodiments, a hydraulic cylinder 120 may couple to the pair of calipers 126 via a brake line 122. The cylinder 120 may be arranged at any suitable location on the frame 102, and the line 122 may extend between the cylinder and brake 116 to transfer hydraulic fluid to the calipers 126. The brake line 122 may extend over a guiding pulley 130 in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the brake 116 may be a cable-actuated brake, and the line 122 may extend between the brake and a mechanism, such as a spring, hinge, or other suitable mechanism. The mechanism may operate to pull the brake line 122 in order to generally close the calipers 126 to resist rotation of the disc 128, and to release the brake line in order to generally open the calipers to reduce resistance. In still other embodiments, the brake 116 may be controlled by any other suitable mechanism or device. Moreover, in some embodiments, the sled 100 may have more than one brake 116. For example, each of two, three, or more wheels 112 may have a separate brake 116, or for multiple axles 114, each axle may have a brake. In some embodiments, the sled 100 may have a different type of brake or device for providing resistance against movement of the sled.
Actuation of the one or more brakes 116 may be controllable using a brake adjust 118. For example, the brake adjust 118 may be used to increase or decrease hydraulic pressure from the hydraulic cylinder 120. In other embodiment, the brake adjust 118 may be used to increase or decrease tension on the brake line 122 where the brake 116 is actuated mechanically. In some embodiments, the brake adjust 118 may be a turnable or twistable knob or handle. In some embodiments, turning the knob in a first direction may increase pressure or tension on the brake 116 to tighten the calipers 126 and increase resistance to the rotating axle 114. Turning the knob in a second, opposing, direction may decrease pressure or tension on the brake 116 to loosen the calipers 126 and decrease resistance to the rotating axle 114. In this way, the brake adjust 118 may provide means for setting a resistance of the sled 100 by adjusting the brake pressure or tension. In other embodiments, the brake adjust 118 may be or include a button, dial, switch, lever, handle, or other device. In some embodiments, indicator marks arranged on or near the brake adjust 118 may provide a visual indication of the amount of resistance to which the brake 116 is set. In some embodiments, the indicator marks may correspond with an amount of resistance. That is, a selectable amount of resistance of the brake may correspond with an amount of force needed to push the device. In general, the amount of force needed to push (or pull) the device may correspond to caliper strength and a friction coefficient of the brake.
For example, the brake 116 may provide, and the indicator marks may show, a resistance of between approximately 0 pounds and approximately 2000 pounds in some embodiments. In particular, the brake 116 may provide, and the indicator marks may show, a resistance of between approximately 0 pounds and approximately 1000 pounds in some embodiments. More particularly, in some embodiments, the brake 116 may provide, and the indicator marks may show, a resistance of between approximately 0 pounds and approximately 500 pounds. In other embodiments, the sled 100 may provide other levels of resistance, and/or the resistance may be measured using different units.
When the brake 116, via the brake adjust 118, is set to have a relatively low resistance of, for example, less than 20 pounds, less than 10 pounds, less than 5 pounds, or of approximately 0 pounds, a user may relatively easily push or pull the sled 100. At 0 pounds or approximately 0 pounds, the calipers 226 may be opened. That is, where the calipers 126 provide friction resistance, a setting of 0 pounds or approximately 0 pounds may set the calipers far enough apart so as not to contact the disc 128. Where the calipers 126 provide magnetic resistance, a setting of 0 pounds or approximately 0 pounds may set the calipers far enough apart so as to minimize a magnetic field therebetween. It is to be appreciated that even when the brake adjust 118 is set to 0 pounds of resistance, weight of the sled 100, coefficients of friction, and wheel bearing resistance may cause some resistance to push and pull of the sled.
In some embodiments, the sled 100 may have a counter-weight. The counter-weight may be configured to help reduce sliding or slipping of the sled 100 during operations. In particular, the counter-weight may be configured to mitigate or prevent the wheels 112 from sliding or slipping along a ground surface when the sled 100 is pushed or pulled. In some embodiments, the counter-weight may be readily removable. In other embodiments, the counter-weight may be fixedly coupled to the sled 100, such as by welding. The counter-weight may be coupled to the sled 100 at the base portion 104 in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the counter-weight may be coupled to the sled 100 at another suitable location. Generally, the counter-weight may be coupled to the sled 100 at a location relatively near the wheels 112 and/or relatively near a ground surface on which the sled is arranged. Additionally, the counter-weight may be centrally arranged on the sled 100 along a lateral axis parallel to the ground surface. For example, the counter-weight may be centrally arranged between a pair of wheels 112. The counter-weight may be constructed of one or more metals or other suitable materials. The counter-weight may have a weight of between approximately 5 pounds and approximately 90 pounds, or between approximately 10 pounds and approximately 60 pounds, or between approximately 15 pounds and approximately 45 pounds.
In use, a user may push, pull, or tow a training sled 100 of the present disclosure, while walking or running, as a training exercise. As described above, for example, a user may hold the handle bar 108 with one or two hands while walking or running, or may push against the handle bar by leaning it against the user's shoulders or chest, for example, while walking or running. Alternatively, a user may attach a harness or other device between the user's body and the sled 100, such that a user may pull or tow the sled by walking or running away from the sled. A user may pull, push, or tow the sled 100 at an angle. That is, the user may tilt the extension portion 106 toward the user, thus pulling the stand 124 away from a ground surface. A user may adjust resistance of the sled 100 by turning or otherwise adjusting the brake adjust 118. In particular, the user may select a level or weight of resistance for the sled 100, to increase or decrease the force needed to push or pull the sled. In this way, a user may easily select the amount of resistance suitable for the user's training level or strength level.
It is to be appreciated that a training sled 100 of the present disclosure may allow a user to adjust the resistance with relative ease. That is, a user may increase or decrease the resistance of the sled 100 without the need to load or unload weights. In this way, a sled 100 of the present disclosure may allow a user to adjust resistance relatively quickly. For example, the user may increase resistance from 20 pounds to 220 pounds by simply turning the brake adjust 118, and without the need to load several weight plates onto the sled 100.
A training sled 100 of the present disclosure may provide other improvements over conventional equipment as well. For example, by providing resistance using a brake rather than loaded weights, a training sled 100 of the present disclosure may be easier to store than a conventional weight sled. The sled 100 may additionally be more cost effective, as a user would not be required to purchase individual weights for adding and varying resistance on the sled. A training sled 100 of the present disclosure may additionally provide reduced set-up time and easier transportability, as compared with conventional weight sleds. Sleds 100 of the present disclosure also provide improved training applications and functionality. For example, direction of push or pull can be easily reversed by simply rotating handle position. In contrast, conventional weight sleds typically need to be turned around in order to reverse direction. As another example, a sled 100 of the present disclosure may be useable over surfaces, such as a basketball court surface, tennis court surface, or other indoor or outdoor surface that may otherwise risk being damaged by a conventional weight sled arranged on skids.
As used herein, the terms “substantially” or “generally” refer to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, an object that is “substantially” or “generally” enclosed would mean that the object is either completely enclosed or nearly completely enclosed. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context. However, generally speaking, the nearness of completion will be so as to have generally the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained. The use of “substantially” or “generally” is equally applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, an element, combination, embodiment, or composition that is “substantially free of” or “generally free of” an element may still actually contain such element as long as there is generally no significant effect thereof.
In the foregoing description various embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The various embodiments were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principals of the disclosure and their practical application, and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the present disclosure as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.
Claims
1. A training sled, comprising:
- at least one wheel arranged on an axle;
- at least one brake coupled to the axle, and configured to provide resistance against rotation of the axle;
- a frame supporting the at least one wheel and at least one brake, the frame comprising an extension portion and a handle bar for driving the sled against the resistance of the brake; and
- a brake adjust for setting an amount of resistance of the at least one brake.
2. The training sled of claim 1, wherein the at least one wheel comprises two wheels.
3. The training sled of claim 1, wherein the extension portion has an adjustable height.
4. The training sled of claim 3, wherein the handle bar is configured such that the sled is driven by a user pushing against the handle bar with the user's body.
5. The training sled of claim 4, wherein the handle bar is padded.
6. The training sled of claim 1, wherein the at least one brake is a disc brake.
7. The training sled of claim 6, wherein the brake comprises a pair of calipers providing friction resistance.
8. The training sled of claim 6, wherein the brake comprises a pair of calipers providing magnetic resistance.
9. The training sled of claim 1, wherein the amount of resistance can be adjusted to at least 200 pounds.
10. The training sled of claim 9, wherein the amount of resistance can be adjusted to at least 500 pounds.
11. The training sled of claim 1, wherein the brake adjust is a turnable handle.
12. The training sled of claim 11, wherein the brake adjust comprises indicator marks for indicating the amount of resistance.
13. A method of using a training sled having at least one wheel and a brake arranged on an axle, the brake configured to resist rotation of the axle, the method comprising:
- setting a resistance of the sled by adjusting a brake adjust coupled to the brake; and
- pushing or pulling the training sled to overcome the resistance.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the brake is a disc brake.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the brake is a hydraulic brake or a cable-actuated brake.
16. The method of claim 13, wherein the training sled further comprises an extension portion supporting a handle bar, the method further comprising arranging the handle bar against a user's body.
17. A training sled, comprising:
- at least one wheel arranged on an axle;
- first means for provide resistance against rotation of the axle;
- a frame supporting the at least one wheel and the first means, the frame comprising an extension portion and a handle bar for driving the sled against the resistance; and
- second means for setting an amount of resistance provided by the first means.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first means is a disc brake.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the brake comprises a pair of calipers providing friction resistance.
20. The method of claim 18 wherein the brake comprises a pair of calipers providing magnetic resistance.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 17, 2018
Publication Date: Apr 18, 2019
Inventor: Mark Asanovich (Victoria, MN)
Application Number: 16/163,086
