Abstract:
Apparatus and method for, inter alia, training a sprinter to transition from a crouched starting position through a drive phase to a running phase. At least 3 height and width indicators are positioned in front of a sprinter at pre-set intervals with pre-determined height and with settings. The width and height settings are based upon certain anatomical features of the sprinter. Positioning the height and width indicator should be at increasing heights approximately one foot, nine feet, and fifteen feet in front of the sprinter in a normal starting position. Apparatus of the invention used in single sets or multiple sets at fixed height can be used to train athletes such as football and basketball players to back pedal or shuffle while maintaining a crouched posture.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This Application is a continuation of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/498,534 filed Aug. 28, 2003 and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/526,338 filed Dec. 2, 2003. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention pertains to training devices for athletes transitioning from a crouched starting position to a generally vertical performance position or for maintaining a crouched or semi-crouched position while moving forward, backward or laterally. In particular, in one aspect the present invention pertains to training sprint racers (sprinters) to transition from a crouched starting position to a generally upright running position.  
         [0003]     The prior art contains numerous devices for training runners, especially sprinters, to increase their running speed or decrease the elapsed time for a particular event such as the 100 yard dash, 400 yard dash or other sprint races. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,469,324; 4,728,100; 5,176,597; 5,683,330; 6,482,128 B1; and 6,454,679 B1 are illustrative of devices adapted to help a sprinter increase his or her speed.  
         [0004]     U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,754,965; 4,913,420; 5,199,930; and 5,746,684 illustrate various devices for helping a sprinter with his or her starting or running technique.  
         [0005]     U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,158,389 and 5,070,816 teach rather complex devices for training humans or animals to improve their sprint technique.  
         [0006]     There are prior art devices for training athletes such as football players to maintain a crouched position as they move to respond to the development of a play during an actual contest. One such device is an adjustable tent like device sold as a “Complete Adjustable Agility Chute” by Olympia Sports, offered for sale through OnLine Sports.com.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     The present invention in one aspect pertains to a posture training apparatus for an athlete starting competitive activity from a crouched position and transitioning to a generally upright or vertical position for the competitive activity. In this aspect the apparatus of the present invention consists of at least three height adjustable devices for placement in front of the starting position of the athlete, e.g. a sprinter, at various heights and widths to give the athlete a visual and tactile indication of improper starting posture. The device of the present invention consists of height adjustable and width adjustable members that can be positioned at the required distances and at the required heights to train an athlete to transition from a crouched starting position to an upright running position with the fewest number of strides.  
         [0008]     Therefore, in one aspect the present invention is a posture training apparatus for athletes starting competitive activity from a crouched position comprising in combination: a pair of base members, each of the base members supporting an upright member in a generally vertical position; a variably positionable horizontal member disposed on each of the upright members, the horizontal member cushioned in the event of contact by the athletes; whereby a plurality of pairs of the apparatus can be positioned at pre-determined intervals in front of the athlete when in a crouched position with successive apparatus pairs having the horizontal members positioned at increasing height&#39;s to teach the athletes to effectively transition from a crouched starting position to a generally vertical position during competitive activity.  
         [0009]     In another embodiment the present invention is a method for teaching a sprint racer to emerge from a crouched starting position with head down to a running phase with head and body erect comprising the steps of: placing a first height indicating guide approximately one and one-half feet in front of the sprinter in a normal starting position, the guide set at a height approximately one foot above the sprinters pelvic height when the sprinter is in a normal starting position; placing a second height indicating guide approximately nine feet in front of the first height indicating guide; the second height indicating guide set at a height equal to the height of the sprinters mid-pectoral muscles, and placing a third height indicating guide approximately fifteen feet in front of the second guide, the third guide set at a height equal to the height of the sprinter&#39;s eyes whereby when the sprint racer leaves a starting position and passes through the height indicating guides just below or with brushing contact with the sprinter&#39;s head the sprinter will be positioned properly for transition from a drive phase to a running phase.  
         [0010]     The apparatus of the present invention can be used to train athletes, e.g. football players to maintain a crouched position as they move about the field of play either executing or responding to a play.  
         [0011]     Thus in another embodiment the invention is a method for training an athlete to maintain a crouched position during at least a part of the athletes playing of a position in a team sport comprising the steps of: placing at least one height indicating guide approximately in front of or in back the athlete in a normal starting position the guide set at a height required to teach the athlete to maintain a proper crouched position while executing his position; and placing a second height indicating guide at a location in line with or at an angle to the first height indicating guide; the second height indicating guide set at a height equal to the height of the first height indicating guide, and whereby when the athlete leaves a starting position and passes through the height indicating guides just below or with brushing contact with the athlete&#39;s head the athlete will be positioned properly for executing his position.  
         [0012]     In yet another embodiment the invention is a posture training apparatus for athletes starting competitive activity from a crouched position comprising in combination: a pair of base members, each of the base members supporting an upright member in a generally vertical position; a variably positionable horizontal member disposed on each of the upright members the horizontal members cushioned in the event of contact by the athletes; whereby a pair of the apparatus can be positioned at a pre-determined height in front of or behind the athlete to train the athlete maintain a crouched position while moving forward, back pedaling, or shuffling. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]      FIG. 1  is a front elevational view of one pair of an apparatus according to the present invention.  
         [0014]      FIG. 2  is a left perspective view showing positioning of a full set of the apparatus in the training mode for a sprinter.  
         [0015]      FIG. 3  is a right perspective view showing positioning of a full set of the apparatus in the training mode for a sprinter.  
         [0016]      FIG. 4  is an elevational view of the apparatus of the present invention used in conjunction with the starting position for a sprint racer.  
         [0017]      FIG. 5  is a front view of the sprint racer passing through a second of the devices of the present invention.  
         [0018]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the sprint racer in an alternate starting position in relation to devices according to the present invention.  
         [0019]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the transition of the sprint racer moving between the starting position of  FIG. 6  and passing through a first device according to the present invention.  
         [0020]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the sprint racer of  FIG. 7  passing through a second of the devices according to the present invention.  
         [0021]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the sprint racer of  FIG. 8  passing through a third of the devices according to the invention.  
         [0022]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a single device according to the invention used to train an athlete to back pedal while in a crouched position.  
         [0023]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of set of devices according to the invention used to train an athlete to move laterally in a crouched position.  
         [0024]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view illustrating two devices according to the invention used to teach an athlete to back pedal and change direction while in a crouched position.  
         [0025]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view illustrating two devices according to the invention used to teach an athlete to move forward and change direction while in a crouched position.  
         [0026]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view illustrating a full set of devices according to the invention used to train an athlete to back pedal while in a crouched position, the athlete shown at the start of the exercise.  
         [0027]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view illustrating a full set of devices according to the invention used to train an athlete to back pedal while in a crouched position, the athlete shows at the end of the exercise. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0028]     While the present invention is applicable to training athletes that start from a crouched position such as sprint racers, it can be used in training other athletes such as football players who should maintain a low or crouched position during their entire burst of competitive activity.  
         [0029]     The start of a sprint race is extremely important for the sprinter to set-up for a good and effective finish. The most efficient start for a sprinter requires that the sprinter come out of the starting blocks or starting position with his or her body and head down. This is known as the drive phase. The drive phase provides a sprinter with more power and keeps the sprinter from wasting strides during the race. After approximately  10  to  30  meters at the beginning of a sprint race it is important for the sprinter to make a transition from the drive phase to the running phase. The transition should be gradual with the head and body of the sprinter coming upright into the running phase after leaving the starting blocks.  
         [0030]     Referring to  FIG. 1  one set of the apparatus (devices) of the present invention includes bases or base members  10 ,  11  which support uprights  12 ,  13 . The base members  10 ,  11  can be made of any tubular material or any other material suitable to provide a secure foundation for positioning the uprights. In particular, the base members  10 ,  11  can be made from various sections of PVC pipe. Optionally base members  10 ,  11  can be filled with sand or weighted to increase stability of the overall apparatus in windy conditions. Base members  10 ,  11  support upright members  12 ,  13  in a generally vertical position. Upright members  12 ,  13  are constructed so that horizontal arms  14 ,  15  can be positioned at various distances from the surface (.e.g. a running track) supporting the base  10 . Each of the arms  14 ,  15  is covered with a padding or cushioning material or is itself made of a material that will maintain a horizontal position when in use but readily flex or move when contacted by the head of a sprinter. Alternatively arms  14 ,  15  can be hinged, using a spring loaded hinge, at the connection to the vertical or upright member  12 ,  13  to swing out of the way if it is contacted by the user during a training exercise.  
         [0031]     The apparatus according to the present invention is conveniently constructed with vertical poles approximately 73 inches in height with a base 18 inches by  19{fraction (1/2)} inches and  26 inch length arms for vertical indicating devices.  
         [0032]     Optionally a horizontal stabilizer  16  can be fastened to vertical poles  12 ,  13  to enable each set of apparatus to resist movement under windy conditions. Stabilizer ban  16  will be at a sufficient height, e.g. approximately 72 inches, to not interfere with the training function of the apparatus.  
         [0033]     Referring to  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3  the invention, in one aspect, pertains to utilizing at least three sets of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  positioned as shown when used to train a sprint runner. The first pair of apparatus  20 ,  22  are positioned 18 inches in front of the sprinter when the sprinter is in a normal starting position i.e. using conventional starting blocks (not shown), as shown in  FIG. 4 . The height of the cross members  24 ,  26  of the first pair of apparatus  20 ,  22 , are adjusted so that the height is approximately 1 foot (12 inches) above the pelvic position of the sprinter when in the starting position of  FIG. 4  or  FIG. 6 .  
         [0034]     The second pair of apparatus  30 ,  32  ( FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 5 ) has the arms or cross members  34 ,  36  positioned at a level that is equal to the mid pectoral muscles of the sprinter. The second pair of devices  30 ,  32  are positioned 9 feet in front of the first pair of devices  20 ,  22 .  
         [0035]     A third and final set ( FIG. 5 ) of apparatus  40 ,  42  having arms  44 ,  46  is placed 15 feet in front of the second set of apparatus  30 ,  32 . The arms  44 ,  46  of the third pair of apparatus  40 ,  42  are set at a height that is equal to the eye level of the sprinter being trained.  
         [0036]     Referring back to  FIG. 1  each of the vertical supports  12 ,  13  should be placed so that they are approximately six (6) inches on either side of the shoulders of the athlete being trained as the athlete moves through the various pairs of devices. Setting the posts or vertical supports ( 12 ,  13 ) of apparatus pairs  20  and  22 ,  30  and  32 , and  40  and  42  about six inches on each side of the athletes shoulders and arms will prevent the athlete from having a wide arm swing during the sprint.  
         [0037]     Referring to  FIGS. 4, 5 ,  6 ,  7 ,  8  and  9  a sprinter moving from a starting position ( FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 6 ) will pass through the first set of the apparatus ( 20 ,  22 ) without raising his or her body to touch the horizontal members ( 24 ,  26 ) as shown in  FIG. 7 . As the sprinter moves through the second set of apparatus ( FIGS. 5 and 8 ) he or she will begin to raise up but pass through the apparatus pair  30 ,  32  without excessive contact with arms  34 ,  36 . As shown in  FIG. 9  the sprinter will increase the erectness of his or her body when passing the apparatus pair  40 ,  42 , again without excessive contact with arms  44 ,  46 . After passing through apparatus pair  40 ,  42  the sprinter will assume full running posture.  
         [0038]     Referring to  FIG. 5  illustrates that placement of the vertical supports approximately six inches on either side of the shoulders of the sprinter will prevent excessive arm swing. Placing the devices as disclosed will enable the sprinter to transition from the drive phase to the running phase with a minimum number of strides thus increasing the sprinters overall speed and decreasing the elapsed time to complete the race.  
         [0039]     The apparatus of the present invention will prevent a sprinter from standing up when coming out of the starting blocks or from a starting position.  
         [0040]     The apparatus of the present invention will help the sprinter stay low during the drive phase of the race and prevent the sprinter from taking a wide first step and will enable a sprinter to control arm swing during the race.  
         [0041]     The present invention can also be used for other sports training, such as training athletes to stay in a crouched or a semi-crouched position while back pedaling or moving sideways.  
         [0042]     Referring to  FIG. 10 a  single set of the apparatus according to the invention can be used to train an athlete, e.g. a defensive back on a football team or a lineman on a football team, to stay low while coming out of a crouched position. In order to do so the apparatus is set so that the defensive back or the lineman can learn back pedaling in a crouched position by back pedaling through the apparatus as shown in  FIG. 10 .  
         [0043]     A set of the apparatus can be used as shown in  FIG. 11  to teach agilities for multi sport use. For example, using three of the devices of the present invention set at a constant height an individual such as shown in  FIG. 11  can practice shuffling or sideways movement in a crouched position to enhance their playing abilities. For example, basketball players can use these devices to practice a defensive shuffle. Such devices can be set up on a basketball court as well as in outdoor areas such as shown in  FIG. 11 .  
         [0044]      FIG. 12  show two of the devices according to the invention positioned so that an athlete can maintain the crouched position and move in other than a straight line. The devices set as shown in  FIG. 12  can train an athlete to back pedal, or break and change direction while keeping a in crouched position.  
         [0045]      FIG. 13  show two of the devices according to the invention positioned so that an athlete can maintain a crouched position while moving forward and changing direction.  
         [0046]      FIG. 14  further illustrates the starting position for training an athlete to maintain a crouched position while back pedaling through a series of the devices of the present invention set at a constant height.  
         [0047]      FIG. 15  illustrates the finishing position for training an athlete to maintain a crouched position after back pedaling through a series of the devices of the present invention set at a constant height.  
         [0048]     Constructing the devices of the present invention from materials such as PVC pipe with cushioning or flexible arms will prevent injury to the athlete or sprinter since they can either cushion contact or move out of the way quickly, thus providing immediate tactile indication if the sprinter or athlete being trained does not maintain the proper position during the training exercise.  
         [0049]     The apparatus according to the present invention can be used in various sports and in particular any sport that requires the athlete to stay low during an initial phase of the athletic endeavor.  
         [0050]     The apparatus according to the invention can be used in various ways to train athletes to run, change direction, back pedal or shuffle. For example, a set of the apparatus can be arranged in a T, C, or generally Z shaped array to enable an athlete to stay in a crouched position to perform a forward run, change direction and shuffle, change direction and back pedal. Another exercise can be back pedal, change direction, run, change direction and shuffle. The number of combinations is limited only by the needs and imagination of the user.  
         [0051]     The apparatus according to the invention can be conveniently referred to as low-drive acceleration training devices. A full set of devices according to the present invention can be conveniently referred to as low-drive acceleration training system.  
         [0052]     Having thus described my invention what is desired to be secured by Letters Patent of the United States is set forth in the appending claims.