DEVICE FOR INCREASED LOADING WHILE RUNNING OR SPRINTING

Abstract

The invention is a training device that operates to make runners run faster. More particularly, the training device uses increased loading as an athlete moves it from one point to another either by running or by walking.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

This non-provisional patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/206,419. The delay in filing this subsequent non-provisional application designating the United States within the twelve-month period set forth in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section was unintentional.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a training device that operates to make runners run faster. More particularly, the training device uses increased loading as an athlete moves it from one point to another either by running or by walking.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The idea of bigger, stronger, faster is ancient. Since the dawn of mankind, man's survival has been closely tied to his ability to chase and successfully hunt down his prey for the feeding of himself, family and tribe and to move faster than what chases and pursues him. Once farming was established, man's need for speed lessened as he became able to build towns, cities and civilization. Man's ability to domesticate animals and put them in predictable places ended his need to exert the necessary survival skills associated with hunting and flight from predators.

But man, nonetheless, has still strived to be bigger, stronger and faster throughout the millennia if, for no other reason, than to best his fellow man through sport and also through warfare. Training for such needs is shown on the temple walls of almost all ancient civilizations from the Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans and Chinese dynasties. Mankind has known for thousands of years that the application of weights to almost any exercise regime increases power, strength and usually speed.

Today, sprinters work with weights in various ways to help them to achieve greater power that may translate into greater speed gains. Such methods have included weighted vests, ankle weights, weighted gloves, bands, weighted sleds and the like. In all such methods, the weight of such devices or apparatus is static. It does not change. Thus, when a sprinter (or other kind of athlete) uses any of the foregoing, such sprinter is limited by the weight used. Because the weight is unchanging, the sprinter can max out at that weight thereby experiencing diminished benefits from her training once her endurance for a given weight is met. The only change occurs when an athlete or trainer manually changes the weight by either adding more or taking some away.

What is needed, therefore, is a device that an athlete can use that, by its use, enables gains in power that lend themselves to gains in speed. Such a device will not be limited by the static application of weight but will instead be able to provide increased weight loads over time and/or over the distance of a training course as well as decreasing weight loads over time and/or over the distance of a training course.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the invention herein provides a device for increasing load while it is in motion. The invention contains a frame. The frame has a front end and a back end that is positioned oppositely to it. A handle for moving the device is attached to the back end of the frame.

At least two movable members are attached to the back end of the frame. At least one movable member is attached to the front end of the frame. A movable weight bearing device is attached to the frame. The movable weight bearing device moves linearly between the back end of the frame and the front end of the frame when the device is in motion.

In one execution herein, the movable weight bearing device comprises a platform. The platform is configured to receive a load. The load comprises one or more weighted objects, such weighted objects being free weights of the kind well known in the art for use in weight bearing exercises.

The movable weight bearing device preferably comprises a sprocket and roller system. The sprocket and roller system is actuated by the at least two movable members attached to the back end of the frame. In practice, the sprocket and roller system transfers a weighted load linearly along the frame of the device. That is, the load increases as the device is moved in a linear direction. The load is increased as it moves from the back end of the frame to the front end of the frame.

As the device moves, an athlete pushing it from behind will experience a load increase thereby making the device harder to push. The load increase happens as it moves toward the at least one movable member thereby increasing its resistance to linear motion. Thus, an athlete is caused to work harder by increase of the load onto the one movable member.

Alternatively, the movable weight bearing device comprises a gradual braking system instead of a sprocket and roller system. The gradual braking system is actuated by the at least two movable members attached to the back end of the frame. It transfers the load linearly along the frame of the device.

Importantly, the movable weight bearing device moves reversibly linearly based upon the direction of linear motion of the device. When the device is pushed by the handle, the movable weight bearing device moves in a linear direction away from the back end of the device. When it is pulled by the handle in the reverse linear direction, the movable weight bearing device moves in a linear direction toward the back end of the device and away from the front end of the device.

In another embodiment herein, a device for increasing a weighted load while in motion comprises a frame. The frame has a front end and a back end that is positioned oppositely to it. A handle for moving the device is attached to the back end of the frame. At least two movable members are attached to the back end of the frame. At least one movable member is attached to the front end of the frame. A graduated resistance system is attached to the device. It is actuated upon linear motion of the device. The graduated resistance system providing increased resistance as the device moves linearly.

The graduated resistance system is programmable either manually or electronically. Preferably, the graduated resistance system is computerized. It may also be programmably releasable. In a training regiment in which a heavy load that is needed at the top of a sprint but is later released to allow a spring action to a sprinter is desired, such releasability is desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, which will become more apparent as the description proceeds, are described in the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the device herein;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the inventive device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the inventive device of FIG. 1 herein; and

FIG. 4 is a top view of the inventive device of FIG. 1 herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention herein increases an athlete's sprinting power by use a novel and unique training device. In practice, the device enables a sprinter to increase her workload while she sprints by pushing or pulling the device linearly. As she moves, more weight is loaded toward the front of the device thereby increasing inertia at the front end. By the term “inertia” herein, it is meant resistance to motion.

By increasing the resistance of the runner as the athlete is running. The claimed invention differs from what currently exists in the field of training runners, sprinters and athletes. For example, there are no known inventions that increase work load as an athlete trains. By increasing workload on the athlete during the actual running and/or sprinting motion, the invention moves athletes beyond previous training maximums.

The invention provides a device for increasing load while it is in motion. The invention contains a frame. The frame has a front end and a back end that is positioned oppositely to it. A handle for moving the device is attached to the back end of the frame.

At least two movable members are attached to the back end of the frame. At least one movable member is attached to the front end of the frame. A movable weight bearing device is attached to the frame. The movable weight bearing device moves linearly between the back end of the frame and the front end of the frame when the device is in motion.

In one execution herein, the movable weight bearing device comprises a platform. The platform is configured to receive a load. The load comprises one or more weighted objects, such weighted objects being free weights of the kind well known in the art for use in weight bearing exercises.

The movable weight bearing device preferably comprises a sprocket and roller system. The sprocket and roller system is actuated by the at least two movable members attached to the back end of the frame. In practice, the sprocket and roller system transfers a weighted load linearly along the frame of the device. That is, the load increases as the device is moved in a linear direction. The load is increased as it moves from the back end of the frame to the front end of the frame.

As the device moves, an athlete pushing it from behind will experience a load increase thereby making the device harder to push. The load increase happens as it moves toward the at least one movable member thereby increasing its resistance to linear motion. Thus, an athlete is caused to work harder by increase of the load onto the one movable member.

Importantly, the movable weight bearing device moves reversibly linearly based upon the direction of linear motion of the device. When the device is pushed by the handle, the movable weight bearing device moves in a linear direction away from the back end of the device. When it is pulled by the handle in the reverse linear direction, the movable weight bearing device moves in a linear direction toward the back end of the device and away from the front end of the device.

In another embodiment herein, a device for increasing a weighted load while in motion comprises a frame. The frame has a front end and a back end that is positioned oppositely to it. A handle for moving the device is attached to the back end of the frame. At least two movable members are attached to the back end of the frame. At least one movable member is attached to the front end of the frame. A graduated resistance system is attached to the device. It is actuated upon linear motion of the device. The graduated resistance system providing increased resistance as the device moves linearly.

The graduated resistance system is programmable either manually or electronically. Preferably, the graduated resistance system is computerized. It may also be programmably releasable. In a training regiment in which a heavy load that is needed at the top of a sprint but is later released to allow a spring action to a sprinter is desired, such releasability is desired.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of device 10 herein. Device 10 comprises frame 15. Frame 15 comprises front end 20 and back end 22 that is positioned oppositely to front end 22. Back end 22 comprises handle 24. In practice, an athlete grips handle 24. She stands behind device 10 at back end 22. She places her hands onto handle 24 and then pushes device 10 along a linear path for a distance determined by either her or her trainer.

As shown, device 10 comprises two rear movable members 25 attached to back end 22. Preferred rear movable members 25 herein are wheels 27 as shown in FIG. 1. Wheels 27 enable device 10 to readily move once either pushed or pulled by an athlete. Ideally, rear movable members 25 do not provide significant resistance to movement of device 10.

FIG. 1 shows front movable member 35 attached to front end 20 of frame 15. Ideally, front movable member 35 is not a wheel, but is preferably a metal glide that slides across a surface when device 10 is pushed by an athlete A metal glide is preferred because of its strength. The metal glide should be made from the same material as frame 15 of device 10. Frame 15 is preferably made from a light-weight but strong metal like a steel composite (e.g., a steel and aluminum composite). Front movable member 35 also serves as a support to frame 15. This is an important feature to device 10 once weight is shifted from back end 22 to front end 20 of frame 15.

Movable weight bearing device 40 is shown connected to frame 15. In particular, movable weight bearing device 40 as shown in FIG. 1 comprises plate 42 upon which items like weights would sit; two glides 44 upon which plate 42 is movably attached; and plate moving mechanism 46 (not shown) that moves plate 42 from back end 22 to front end 20 of frame 15 and also in reverse from front end 20 to back end 22.

Importantly, device 10 is constructed to shift the weight loaded onto weight bearing device from back end 22 to front end 20 thereof. To an athlete, the weight load will feel different as the weight (not shown) moves from the back to the front of device 10. Weight bearing device 40 is movable and sits upon glides 44. Glides 44 extend substantially along the length of device 10. Weight bearing device 40 is held in fixed to frame 15, but it moves linearly on glides 44 along the length of frame 15.

FIG. 2 is a side view of device 10 of FIG. 1. Additionally, athlete 70 is shown applying a force to device 10 to begin to move it in a linear direction. In practice, athlete 50 applies her hands to handle 24 and moves her legs to exert a force to device 10. Weights 60 rest upon plate 44 as shown. Once force is exerted upon device 10, rear movable members 25 begin to move, and if wheels 27, they rotate.

Rear movable members 25 are attached to movable weight bearing device 40. When rear movable members 25 move, they actuate the motion of movable weight bearing device 40. In fact, as wheels 27 rotate, such rotation translates into linear motion of weight bearing device 40. At such motion, weight shifts along frame 15 from back end 22 to front end 20. Eventually, the weight will reside right above or approximate to front movable member 35. Along the path of linear motion of device 10, it becomes more and more difficult to move as athlete 70 exerts force thereon. As device 10 becomes harder to move, more force is required from athlete 50 thereby increasing athlete 50's force exertion and also her power.

FIG. 2 partially shows linear weight motion system 50. Herein, the preferred linear weight motion system 50 comprises a chain and at least one sprocket. As shown, chain 52 is releasably connected to front sprocket 54, similarly to that of a bicycle chain and gear. Not shown is a rear sprocket 55 that is attached to an axle (not shown). The axle is connected to preferred wheels 27. Chain 52 is releasably attached to both front sprocket 54 and rear sprocket 55. Linear weight system 50 is also attached to weight bearing device 40 that is moved by linear weight motion system 50 as device 10 is itself moved by athlete 70. As device 10 is pushed and wheels 27 rotate, rear sprocket 55 rotates thereby moving chain 52 that in turn rotates front sprocket 54.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of preferred movable weight bearing device 40 herein. Back end 22 of device 10 is shown. Handle 24 is provided and rear movable members 25 as wheels 27 are also provided. Wheels 27 should be large enough to enable the ready movement of device 10 in a linearly. In a traditional weighted sled, wheels are not included because the entirety of the sled is needed to provide constant resistance to motion by an athlete. Herein, the goal is to move device 10 in a line as the applied weight is shifted from lighter to heavier as device 10 is pushed from behind.

Device 10 in FIG. 3 may also be pulled. Handle 24 may be grasped by an athlete and pulled. However, this is not ideal. Preferably, a harness (not shown) is attached to handle 24 and/or some other portion of back end 22, and also, attached to an athlete. Once both attachments are made and the athlete has enough clearance to spring away from device 10, movable weight bearing device 40 will move weight from its original positioned above or proximate to front movable member 35. The weight, now moving in reverse from front end 20, moves along frame 15 back toward back end 22 thereby decreasing the weight load of device 10. Such decrease in weight load provides a spring effect to an athlete that pulls device 10 by harness.

FIG. 4 is a top view of device 10 of FIG. 1 herein. In particular, it provides a top view of movable weight bearing device 40. The preferred embodiment of movable weight bearing device 40 is linear weight motion system 50. Sprocket and roller chain system comprises at least one sprocket connected to a chain. Persons of skill in the art will well recognize linear weight motion system 50 used herein as being well known in many other applications by which items are moved from one point to another. The chain of linear weight motion system 50 is akin to a bicycle chain. The sprocket of linear weight motion system 50 is akin to the large gear of a bicycle.

Herein, linear weight motion system 50 has multiple connection points. First, one part of linear weight motion system 50 is connected to back end 22 of frame 15. Second, another part thereof is connected to front end 20 of frame 15. Last, and importantly, linear weight motion system 50 is connected to at least one rear movable members 25.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A device for increasing load while in motion, comprising:

a. A frame having a front end and back end positioned oppositely to said front end;

b. A handle for moving said device, said handle being attached to said back end of said frame;

c. At least two rear movable members attached to said back end of said frame;

d. At least one front movable member attached to said front end of said frame;

e. A movable weight bearing device attached to said frame, said movable weight bearing device operably moving between said back end of said frame and said front end of said frame when said device is in motion.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein said movable weight bearing device comprises a platform, said platform being configured to receive a load.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein said load comprise one or more weighted objects.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein said movable weight bearing device comprises a sprocket and roller chain system.

5. The device of claim 4 wherein said sprocket and roller chain system is actuated by said at least two movable members attached to said back end of said frame.

6. The device of claim 4 wherein said sprocket and roller chain system transfers said load linearly along said frame of said device.

7. The device of claim 1 wherein said load increases as said device is moved in a linear direction.

8. The device of claim 7 wherein said load is increased in a linear direction.

9. The device of claim 8 wherein said load is increased as said load moves from said back end of said frame to said front end of said frame.

10. The device of claim 1 wherein said load increases upon said at least one movable member as said device moves linearly.

11. The device of claim 10 wherein said athlete is caused to work harder by increase of said load onto said one movable member.

12. The device of claim 1 wherein said movable weight bearing device comprises a gradual braking system.

13. The device of claim 12 wherein said gradual braking system comprises four springs, two brake pads and two points of attachment connected to said rolling chain.

14. The device of claim 12 wherein said gradual braking system is actuated by said at least two movable members attached to said back end of said frame.

15. The device of claim 12 wherein said gradual braking system actuates by narrowing of said frame.

16. The device of claim 1 wherein movable weight bearing device moves reversibly linearly based upon the direction of linear motion of said device.

17. The device of claim 16 wherein said movable weight bearing device moves gradually back to said back end of said frame.

18. The device of claim 1 wherein said two movable members are wheels.

19. A device for increasing load while in motion, comprising:

a. A frame having a front end and back end positioned oppositely to said front end;

b. A handle for moving said device, said handle being attached to said back end of said frame;

c. At least two movable members attached to said back end of said frame;

d. At least one movable member attached to said front end of said frame; and

e. A graduated resistance system actuated upon linear motion of said device, said graduated resistance system providing increased resistance as said device moves linearly.

20. The device of claim 19 wherein said graduated resistance system is programmable.

21. The device of claim 20 wherein said graduated resistance system is computerized.

22. The device of claim 19 wherein said graduated resistance system is programmably releasable. (This is the training method in which a load is applied at the beginning of a sprint but then a runner is later released from that load.)