Abstract:
The present invention relates to the field of exercise apparatuses that provide exercises which are used for speed and agility training as well as strength training, with an emphasis on plyometric training, comprising a multi-directional, multi-configurable, and adjustable system of ladders.

Description:
CLAIM TO DOMESTIC PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This application claims benefit to U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/872,685, filed on Aug. 28, 2013. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to the field of exercise apparatuses that provide exercises which are used for speed and agility training as well as strength training, with an emphasis on plyometric training, comprising a multi-directional, multi-configurable, and adjustable system of ladders. The present invention improves upon currently sold devices by incorporating cognitive and mental training in conjunction with agility and movement training. 
         [0003]    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
         [0004]    Providing an exercise route via an agility ladder specific to speed of movement, directional movement, and a combination of the two movements is known as agility training. Currently, exercisers use agility training devices consisting of a single ladder element to exercise because these devices provide a route to facilitate training of the user&#39;s speed and agility, stretching, movement, or coordination. The route is normally provided by laying an agility ladder on a flat surface such as the ground or floor. The user then runs, jumps, side-steps, crawls, or moves in a plurality of ways as quickly as possible using the agility ladder as a route to execute the chosen exercise. 
         [0005]    The usefulness of the devices currently known in the art depends in part on the ease with which a user performs different types of speed and agility exercises, the range or number of exercises that are performed with the device, and the ease with which users can configure the devices for different exercises according to his or her training needs and abilities. 
         [0006]    Agility ladders when used lie flat on the ground or floor to provide a route over which the user moves as quickly and accurately as possible, exercising the user&#39;s muscles, joint complexes, and mental dexterity. Agility ladders currently known in the art are portable and available in a variety of lengths, but variable directional elements and variable spacing of the directional elements are currently not available, thus limiting the diversity of exercises that can be performed. Such devices, in order to be useful for a wide variety of exercises, and training techniques must be composed of a multi-directional, multi-configurable, adjustable system of agility ladders, but currently are not. 
         [0007]    Exercise devices consisting of one agility ladder that is not adjustable or multi-directional can be used on the ground or floor. At a fixed length an agility ladder allows a user to train for agility and speed by moving either the length, width, or length and width of the agility ladder using a specific movement pattern incorporating speed, balance, and stability. A single directional agility ladder is limited in its usefulness due to lack of adjustability and configurability. 
         [0008]    Single directional agility ladders that are adjustable due to changing the spacing between the shortened cross members along the length of the ladder overcome some of the limitations of single directional non-adjustable agility ladders. Increased or decreased spacing between the shortened cross members allows the user to adjust the spacing at which the user must negotiate to perform the chosen particular movement pattern in relation to the chosen exercise. A single directional adjustable agility ladder is limited in its usefulness with limited configurability, and it is still limited to its linear direction because of its singularity. 
         [0009]    One way to encourage regular exercise is to make exercising fun and to provide a variety of exercises. Such variations keep the exercise and the competition fresh for the participants. The present invention provides a large variety of exercises to the user and is therefore fun to use. 
         [0010]    The present invention comprising a flexible, configurable, inexpensive, more complex agility training apparatus is an improvement over the agility ladders currently known in the art. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    1.) An agility training apparatus comprising: 
         [0012]    one or more a multi-configurable, multi-directional core elements having multiple core sides each one of the multiple core sides detachably coupled to one or more different core sides of the multiple core sides; and 
         [0013]    one or more ladder elements detachably coupled to the core element, wherein each of the one or more ladder elements further comprise two or more ladder sides and one or more cross members is attached between two ladder sides. 
         [0014]    2.) The agility training apparatus of claim  1  wherein the core element is configured in a shape selected from the group consisting of triangle, square, pentagon, rectangle, quadrilateral, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, nonagon, decagon, henagon, dodecagon and other multi-sided polygon. 
         [0015]    3.) The agility training apparatus of claim  1  wherein each one of the multiple core sides further comprise: 
         [0016]    multiple core fasteners spaced apart and disposed on each one of the multiple core sides, 
         [0017]    4.) The agility training apparatus of claim  3  wherein each one of the multiple core fasteners further comprise: 
         [0018]    a fastener selected form the group consisting of plastic snaps, metal snaps, fabric hook-and-loop, magnets, and metal clips with flexible sides. 
         [0019]    5.) The agility training apparatus of claim  3  wherein each one of the multiple core sides is rotatable about each one of the multiple core fasteners. 
         [0020]    6.) The agility training apparatus of claim  1  wherein each of the one or more cross members is detachably coupled to each of the two ladder sides. 
         [0021]    7.) The agility training apparatus of claim  6  further comprising a plurality of anchor points variably spaced and disposed on the ladder sides providing for the cross members to be attached at variable locations, 
         [0022]    8.) The agility training apparatus of claim  6  wherein the multiple ladder sides and each of the one or more cross members are various colors. 
         [0023]    9.) The agility training apparatus of claim  8  wherein the various colors of the multiple ladder sides and of each of the one or more cross members is selected from the group of colors consisting of orange, blue, green, yellow, and black. 
         [0024]    10.) The agility training apparatus of claim  1  wherein the multiple ladder sides and each of the one or more cross members further comprise material selected from the group consisting of flexible material, rubber, plastic, webbing, nylon, and fabric. 
         [0025]    11.) An agility training apparatus comprising: 
         [0026]    a multi-configurable, multi-directional core element having multiple core to ladder fasteners: and 
         [0027]    one or more ladder elements detachably coupled to the core element by the core to ladder fasteners, 
         [0028]      12 .) The agility training apparatus of claim  11  wherein the core element further comprises: 
         [0029]    multiple core sides each one of the multiple core sides detachably coupled to one or more other core side(s) of the multiple core sides, 
         [0030]    13.) The agility training apparatus of claim  11  wherein the core element is configured in a shape selected from the group consisting of triangle, square, pentagon, rectangle, quadrilateral, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, nonagon, decagon, henagon, dodecagon and other multi-sided polygon. 
         [0031]    14.) The agility training apparatus of claim  11  wherein each one of the multiple core to ladder fasteners is selected from the group of fasteners consisting of plastic snaps, metal snaps, fabric hook-and-loop, magnets and metal clips with flexible sides. 
         [0032]    15.) The agility training apparatus of claim  11  wherein each of the one or more ladder elements further comprises material selected from the group consisting of flexible material, rubber, plastic, webbing, nylon, and fabric. 
         [0033]    16.) An agility training apparatus comprising: a first ladder element detachably coupled to one or more second ladder elements. 
         [0034]    17.) The agility training apparatus of claim  16  wherein the first ladder element and each of the one or more second ladder elements further comprises: 
         [0035]    multiple ladder sides each one of the multiple ladder sides having multiple cross fasteners space apart and disposed along the ladder side; and 
         [0036]    one or more cross members detachably coupled to each of the multiple ladder sides by the cross fasteners. 
         [0037]    18.) The agility training apparatus of claim  17  wherein the first ladder element is detachably coupled to the one or more of the second ladder elements by the cross fasteners. 
         [0038]    19.) The agility training apparatus of claim  16  wherein the first ladder and each of the one or more second ladders are variously colored. 
         [0039]    20.) The agility training apparatus of claim  16  wherein the first ladder and each of the one or more second ladders comprise material selected from the group consisting of flexible material, rubber, plastic, webbing, nylon, and fabric. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0040]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a part of the specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating one or more preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention in the drawings. 
           [0041]      FIG. 1  is an illustration of a top view of one embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the present invention comprising ladder elements connected to a core element; 
           [0042]      FIG. 2  is an illustration of an overhead view detail illustrating one ladder element as illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0043]      FIG. 3  is an illustration of one ladder element as illustrated in  FIG. 1  comprising alternate spacing of the cross elements; 
           [0044]      FIG. 4  is an illustration of a front view of the core element constructed as an octagon, one of a plurality of core configurations; 
           [0045]      FIG. 5  is a detailed illustration of core element connectors and fasteners; 
           [0046]      FIG. 6A  is an illustration of an alternate configuration of the embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the present invention comprising two ladder elements connected to each other to form a 90 degree angle; 
           [0047]      FIG. 6B  illustrates how the two ladder elements illustrated in  FIG. 6A  are connected; 
           [0048]      FIG. 7  is a detailed illustration depicting the connection points of a ladder element to the core as well as the connection points of the cross members, sometimes called cross connectors, and the side elements, sometimes called ladder sides or side connectors of the ladder element; 
           [0049]      FIG. 8  is an illustration of a top view of an alternate embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the present invention; and 
           [0050]      FIG. 9  is an illustration of a top view of yet another alternate embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the present invention. 
           [0051]      FIG. 10A  is an illustration of a means for carrying and organizing the exercise apparatus, including multiple ladder elements of the present invention. 
           [0052]      FIG. 10B  is an illustration of how the ladder elements are attached to the means. 
           [0053]      FIG. 10C  is an illustration of an alternate means for carving the exercise apparatus, in particular the ladder elements of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0054]    The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of exercising, movement, agility and speed training and more particularly to an apparatus comprising a system of easily configurable connectors for performing a wide variety of movements, exercises and stretches, and the method of using the apparatus. 
         [0055]    An agility training apparatus comprising multi-functional, multi-configurational agility ladders for exercising, fitness, and athletic training is disclosed. Embodiments include a multi-directional core providing multiple configuration possibilities, adjustable agility ladders comprising two elongated ladder sides with multiple points of attachment on each elongated side, and shortened cross members. Shortened cross members are attached perpendicularly between two elongated ladder sides thus forming a ladder. A plurality of anchor points variably spaced and disposed on the elongated ladder sides provide for the shortened cross members to be attached at variable locations, thus providing for the shortened cross members of the individual ladder to be variably spaced. Multiple agility ladders are connected to the individual sides of the multi-directional core to form a plurality of configurations of agility ladders that are used for exercise, fitness, and athletic training. 
         [0056]    The agility training apparatus comprising an exercise apparatus of the present invention preferably comprises a substantially multi-configurational apparatus that is easily conformable into a plurality of different lengths, shapes, and directions that allow the user to easily perform a variety of varying directional specific exercises. For instance, variably spacing the shortened cross members of the individual ladder can create different challenges for one user. For instance, cross members can be placed approximately 18 inches (46 cm) apart for agility drills. With variable spacing, cross members can be placed closer together to create a drill requiring shorter, quicker steps, or to accommodate athletes of all sizes, including men, women and children. With variable spacing, cross members can be placed further apart, The present invention improves upon and overcomes deficiencies of the agility exercise devices known in the art. The present invention comprises an exercise apparatus comprising a plurality of particular and beneficial elements, specifically comprising a configuration system comprising fasteners that easily allow a user to perform a variety of exercises, stretches, and physical therapy techniques. 
         [0057]    The exercise apparatus described herein comprises a substantially multi-configurational apparatus that is easily adjustable by adjusting a system of fasteners comprising metal snaps, plastic snaps, fabric hook and loop fasteners, such as VELCRO®, metal clips or magnets, and flexible sides of varying lengths that allow the user to perform a variety of exercises, stretches, and physical therapy techniques, when laid on the ground or floor. 
         [0058]    The method of use includes a plurality of movements, exercises, stretches, and physical therapy techniques that is accomplished by adjusting the length and configuration of any element of the apparatus. Other embodiments of the method of use of the apparatus include mental exercises performed in conjunction with physical exercises, balancing movements and matrix based movements and exercises. 
         [0059]    The invention also includes a means for and methods of storing, organizing a td carrying the exercise apparatus. 
         [0060]    Elements of the embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in more detail in  FIGS. 1-10C . The plurality of configurations and methods of use embodied in the present invention does not limit the scope of the present invention. 
         [0061]    One embodiment of the present invention provides an exercise apparatus comprised of eight (8) detachable/connectable sides of the core fastened to each other using core component fasteners. Extending from each individual connectable core side  20 , sometimes called core connector  20 , is a ladder fastened to its respective core side  20  using core to ladder fasteners. 
         [0062]      FIG. 1  is an illustration of a top view of one embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the present invention comprising ladder elements  11  connected to a core element  21 . Agility training apparatus  10  comprises a plurality of ladder elements  11 . Ladder element  11  comprises side connector  12 , cross connector  16 , and cross fasteners  14 . The elements of cross fasteners  14  are disposed on side connector  12  and cross connector  16 , respectively, thus securely yet flexibly fastening connectors  12  and  16 . The core element  21  is comprised of a plurality of core connectors  20  comprising flexible straps, rubber, plastic, webbing, nylon webbing, or any other material. Core element  21  comprises a shape such as triangle, square, pentagon, rectangle, quadrilateral, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, nonagon, decagon, henagon, dodecagon, other multi-sided polygon or any other shape dependant on the number of core connectors  20  fastened together. Core connectors  20  are fastened to other connectors via core fasteners  18 . Core fasteners  18  comprise a metal snap, a plastic snap, a fabric hook and loop fastener, such as VELCRO®, a metal clip, magnets, or any other fastener that fasten core connectors  20 . Any fasteners that quickly and easily and flexibly fasten core connectors  20  are preferred embodiments of this invention. 
         [0063]      FIG. 2  is an enlarged overhead view detailing a ladder element, as illustrated in Fig,  1 . Ladder element  11  comprises side connectors  12 , sometimes called ladder sides  12 , cross connectors  16  sometimes called cross members  16 , and cross fasteners  14 . Cross fasteners  14  comprise a metal snap, a plastic snap, a fabric hook and loop fastener, such as VELCRO®, a metal clip, magnets, or any other fastener that quickly and easily fasten cross connectors  16  to side connector  12 . Cross connectors  16  are any desired thickness, length, or width and are comprised of any suitable material, including but not limited to rubber, plastic, webbing, nylon webbing, fabric, or any other flexible and inexpensive material. Ladder element  11  comprises a plurality of cross connectors  16  and usually two side connectors  12 . Side connectors  12  are any desired thickness, length, or width and are comprised of any suitable material, including but not limited to rubber, plastic, webbing, nylon webbing, fabric, or any other flexible and inexpensive material. 
         [0064]      FIG. 3  is an illustration of one ladder element comprising an alternate spacing of the cross elements. In  FIG. 3 , ladder element  11  comprises side connectors  12 , cross connectors  16 , and cross fasteners  14 . Here, ladder element  11  comprises fewer cross connectors  16  than the ladder element that is illustrated in  FIG. 2 . This configuration of agility training apparatus  10  provides for additional exercises. 
         [0065]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged overhead view of the core in an octagon configuration, one of a plurality of possible core configurations.  FIG. 4  illustrates core  21  comprising an opening comprising eight core connectors  20 . Core connectors  20  and side connectors  12  are provided in a plurality of sizes. Core connectors  20  are fastened to each other via core fasteners  18 . Core to ladder fasteners  22  disposed on core connector  20  fastens ladder elements  11  to core connectors  20  via cross fasteners  14  disposed on side connectors  12 . Core to ladder fasteners  22  comprise a metal snap, a plastic snap, a fabric hook and loop fastener, such as VELCRO®, a metal clip, magnets, or any other fastener that quickly and easily fastens core connectors  20  to side connectors  12 . 
         [0066]      FIG. 5  is a detailed illustration of core connectors  20  and core fasteners  18  and core to ladder fasteners  22  that were previously illustrated in  FIG. 4 , showing the method of fastening sideconnectors  12  with core fasteners  18 . Side connectors  12  are rotatable via core fasteners  18  to produce a plurality of core  21  configurations, comprising a triangle, square, pentagon, and so on, as desired for the method of exercise. 
         [0067]      FIG. 6A  is an illustration of an alternate configuration of the embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the present invention comprising two ladders connected to each at a 90 degree angle. 
         [0068]      FIG. 6B  illustrates how the two ladder elements illustrated in  FIG. 6A  are connected via cross fasteners  14 . This configuration provides an alternate agility exercise for the exerciser, combining running forward with sideways squats. Ladder elements are provided in a variety of colors to provide cues to the exerciser, so he or she knows it&#39;s time for a different exercise when the exerciser sees a new color. This alternate configuration provides for a variety of agility exercises to be performed by the exerciser moving in multiple directions. Additionally, it allows the user to incorporate mental exercises with the physical exercises by having to focus on the multi directional layout of the elements of the present invention. 
         [0069]    An example of specific usage follows. The exerciser first sprints in one direction of the ladder element, then catches a ball at the end of the ladder element, and then must perform another exercise, for example sidestepping along another ladder element. The exerciser thus must perform an agility exercise combined with a hand-eye coordinated exercise, and ultimately finish the set by performing yet another exercise after the catch. Muscles and cognitive functioning of the brain as well are thus stimulated. 
         [0070]      FIG. 7  is a detailed illustration depicting the connection points of a ladder to the core connector as well as the connection points of the cross connectors and the side connectors of the ladder element. Cross fasteners  14  provide stability when core connectors  20  are fastened to side connectors  12  and also provide stability when side connectors are fastened to cross connectors  16 . Core fasteners  18  also provide stability when fastening core connectors  20 , but also provide flexibility when core connectors are rotated around the axis located at core fasteners  18  in order to provide a variety of core  21  configurations. 
         [0071]      FIG. 8  is an illustration of a top view of an alternate embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the present invention.  FIG. 8  illustrates agility training apparatus  10  of the present invention comprising five ladders  11 , and two alternate core  21  configurations, both comprising three core connectors  20 . The configuration illustrated in  FIG. 8  comprises a plurality of potential exercise options that incorporate both physical and mental training. For example, an individual exerciser is provided a set of ladder elements disposed in several directions that incorporate different exercises to be performed in a specific order based on color of each individual ladder element and/or direction. For example, an exerciser first reverse runs into a specified ladder element. Upon entering the core  21 , the user pivots 90 degrees then sidesteps through the connecting ladder element. Once the user has reached the second core  21  the user must perform a matrix of lunges using the three ladder elements extending from the juncture then finally sprints along a specified ladder element, thus completing a specified order of directions and exercises. 
         [0072]      FIG. 9  is an illustration of a top view of yet another alternate embodiment of agility training apparatus  10  of the present invention comprising six ladders  11 , and an alternate core  21  configuration comprising eight core connectors  20 . The configuration in  FIG. 9  provides similar exercises provided in previous configurations of the agility training apparatus of the present invention, but also provides for a variety of configurations to incorporate multiple exercisers to train and learn to function as a team. 
         [0073]    For example, three users stand at the ends of each of three parallel ladder elements  11  respectively. Each of the three exercisers are provided with separate, distinct, and different instructions on how to run through the system of ladder elements. 
         [0074]    For example, the first exerciser sprints through his designated ladder element  11  and upon reaching core  21  pivots 90 degrees left and then sidesteps outside of ladder element  11 . The middle exerciser sprints along her designated ladder element  11 , then catches a football, then proceeds through core  21  and then sprints along ladder element  11  on the opposite side of the core. The third user sprints through his designated ladder element  11 , posts a block for the exerciser who caught the football, then pivots 90 degrees right and sprints out designated ladder element  11 . This system of team exercising, in this case a football team, incorporates physical and mental training along with integrating a system of teamwork. 
         [0075]      FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate two possible configurations of agility training apparatus  10 . An almost limitless number of configurations of agility training apparatus  10  are possible, according to the needs and desires of the exerciser. 
         [0076]      FIG. 10A  illustrates of a means  23 , sometimes called a case, for storing, organizing and carrying the exercise apparatus. A series of case fasteners  24 , sometimes called tie downs, are attached to the inside of the case  23 . The case fasteners  24  are designed to hold down the ladder elements. The case  23  can be a hard material, such as plastic, leather, cardboard, fiber composite, recycled material, or other inexpensive rigid material. Alternatively, the case  23  may be made of a soft material, such as fabric, cloth, a flexible and durable plastic, a flexible and durable synthetic material, or any other flexible and durable material. The case  23  closes using a zipper, metal buckle laches, fabric hook and loop fasteners, such as VELCRO® or other similar methods of closing the case. The case  23  may also have a handle or strap attached to the outside of the case. The handle or strap can be adjustable. The handle or strap can be can be made of a durable fabric, stretchy material, plastic, rubber, or other flexible material. 
         [0077]      FIG. 10B  illustrates how the ladder elements  11  are organized and attached to the means  23 . The ladder elements can be organized and stacked into the case  23 . The ladder elements are held in place by a series of case fasteners  24  on the inside of the case. The case fasteners  24  can secure one or more ladder elements, and as many as ten ladder elements. The case fasteners  24  comprise metal snaps, plastic snaps, fabric hook and loop fasteners, such as VELCRO®, metal clips, elastic cords, such as bungee cords or cords made of propylene covered with cloth, and other similar types of fasteners. 
         [0078]      FIG. 100  illustrates of an alternate means for storing and carrying the exercise apparatus, in particular the ladder elements  11  of the present invention. One or more ladder elements, made of a substantially flexible material. In this configuration, the ladder sides form two ends of a rolled up shape  25 . A strap or length of material  26  having a first end and a second end is attached to each end of the rolled up ladder elements. Each end of the strap can he attached directly to the ladder sides that create the ends of the roll with fasteners. The fasteners comprise metal snaps, plastic snaps, fabric hook and loop fasteners, such as VELCRO®, metal clips, elastic cords, such as bungee cords or cords made of propylene covered with cloth, and other similar types of fasteners. Alternatively, the two ends of the strap can form a loop at each end of the strap. The two large loops can encircle and tightly wrap around the roll at two points. The loop can be secured and fitted around the roll with a metal loop buckle, a plastic buckle, plastic snaps, metal snaps, hook and loop fasteners, such as VELCRO®, or other similar types of fasteners. The handle or strap  26  can be used to carry the ladder elements. The handle or strap  26  can be made of a durable fabric, stretchy material, plastic, rubber, or other flexible material. The handle or strap  26  can be adjustable. 
         [0079]    The preceding examples can be repeated with similar success by substituting generically or specifically described operating conditions of this invention for those used in the preceding examples. Although the invention has been described in detail with particular reference to these preferred embodiments, other embodiments can achieve the same results. Variations and modifications of the present invention are obvious to those skilled in the art and it is intended to cover all such modifications and equivalents.