Abstract:
A training device that includes a base member having opposed sides that are for grasping by the hands of a user, a cross bar supported over the base member, a support post mounted from the base member at a lower end of the support post and for supporting the cross bar at an upper end of the support post, and a pair of cables separately attached at opposite ends of the cross bar.

Description:
RELATED CASES 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/016,349, filed on Sep. 3, 2013, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/816,976, which was filed on Apr. 29, 2013, and which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates in general to an athletic training device and pertains more particularly, to an apparatus and associated technique for improving cheerleading moves. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Cheerleading is a skillful sport that involves several different types of movements. For example, stunts are defined as building performances displaying a person&#39;s skill or dexterity. The stunts may range from basic 2-legged stunts to 1-legged extended stunts and even high-flying basket tosses. There are numerous variations of each stunt, including different entries and dismounts. 
         [0004]    A review of the prior art indicates that there are several types of exercise apparatus that are associated with a shoe or sneaker. Refer, for example, to U.S. Pat. No. 4,596,387 to Roberts or U.S. Pat. No. 4,728,103 to Fulton. However, this exercise apparatus is associated with a shoe or sneaker that is actually worn by the user of the exercise equipment. Moreover, the existing prior art does not at all address any particular apparatus or device useful in improving cheerleading moves. 
         [0005]    Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device that is in particular adapted for improving cheerleading movements and that thus employs a base member of a shoe or sneaker form that is manipulated by the hands of the user. 
         [0006]    Another object of the present invention is to provide an athletic training device that is particularly adapted for enhancing the power and strength of a “base” person. 
         [0007]    Still another object of the present invention is to provide an athletic training device particularly adapted for the training of cheerleaders and important in reducing injuries associated, in particular, with “stunting.” 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    To accomplish the foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention there is provided a training device that includes a base member having opposed sides that are for grasping by the hands of a user, a cross bar supported over the base member, a support post mounted from the base member at a lower end of the support post and for supporting the cross bar at an upper end of the support post, and a pair of cables separately attached at opposite ends of the cross bar. 
         [0009]    In accordance with other aspects of the present invention there is provided a swivel joint at the upper end of the support post for supporting the cross bar from the support post and for swivel motion relative to the support post; the swivel joint enabling swiveling of the cross bar in a plane that is substantially parallel to a base surface of the base member; a pivot joint at the lower end of the support post for mounting the support post from the base member and for pivoting motion relative to the base member; the base member being in the form of a shoe or sneaker and having an elongated slot for receiving a bolt that supports the pivot joint; the elongated slot enabling linear motion of the support post and cross bar relative to the base member; the base member also having an upwardly facing channel in which the pivot joint resides; the cross bar may have a straight center section and opposed end angular sections, each end section having a means for attachment to the respective cables; and wherein the base member may be in the foam of a shoe or sneaker that has a double shape with an upwardly facing channel between the double shape. 
         [0010]    In accordance with still another version of the present invention there is provided a training device in combination with weight training equipment to which a set of cables are attached. The training device includes a base member having opposed sides that are for grasping by the hands of a user, a cross bar supported over the base member, a support post mounted from the base member at a lower end of the support post and for supporting the cross bar at an upper end of the support post, and wherein the set of cables from the weight training equipment are each separately attached at opposite ends of the cross bar. 
         [0011]    In accordance with other aspects of the present invention there is provided a swivel joint at the upper end of the support post for supporting the cross bar from the support post and for swivel motion relative to the support post; a pivot joint at the lower end of the support post for mounting the support post from the base member and for pivoting motion relative to the base member; the base member being in the farm of a shoe or sneaker and has an elongated slot for receiving a bolt that supports the pivot joint, and wherein the elongated slot enables linear motion of the support post and cross bar relative to the base member. 
         [0012]    In accordance with still another version of the present invention there is provided a training device in combination with a set of cables that are attached at a fixed position at one end thereof. The training device includes a base member having opposed sides that are for grasping by the hands of a user, a cross bar supported over the base member, a support post mounted from the base member at a lower end of the support post and for supporting the cross bar at an upper end of the support post, and wherein the set of cables, at an opposed end thereof, are each separately attached at opposite ends of the cross bar. 
         [0013]    In accordance with this last version of the present invention, other aspects include a swivel joint at the upper end of the support post for supporting the cross bar from the support post and for swivel motion relative to the support post; a pivot joint at the lower end of the support post for mounting the support post from the base member and for pivoting motion relative to the base member; the base member being in the form of a shoe or sneaker and has an elongated slot for receiving a bolt that supports the pivot joint, and wherein the elongated slot enables linear motion of the support post and cross bar relative to the base member. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    It should be understood that the drawings are provided for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to define the limits of the disclosure. In the drawings depicting the present invention, all dimensions are to scale. The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the embodiments described herein will become apparent with reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0015]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  are respective plan and side elevation views of a first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIGS. 2A-2C  are illustrative perspective views of the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1B ; 
           [0017]      FIGS. 3A-3D  are further illustrations of the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2  wherein  FIG. 3A  is a side elevation view,  FIG. 3B  is a front view,  FIG. 3C  is a top view, and  FIG. 3D  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  3 D- 3 D; 
           [0018]      FIGS. 4A-4C  are diagrams of this first embodiment of the present invention also illustrating the various motions that can be accomplished in which  FIG. 4A  is a side elevation view,  FIG. 4B  is a side elevation view in a different position and  FIG. 4C  is a top view; 
           [0019]      FIGS. 5A-5C  illustrate a second embodiment of the present invention employing a double shoe or sneaker construction in which  FIG. 5A  is a perspective view,  FIG. 5B  is a front view and  FIG. 5C  is an exploded perspective view; 
           [0020]      FIGS. 6A-6C  illustrate other views of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5  in which  FIG. 6A  is a side elevation view,  FIG. 6B  is a top view, and  FIG. 6C  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  6 C- 6 C of  FIG. 6B ; 
           [0021]      FIGS. 7A-7I  illustrate a third embodiment of the present invention in various views in which  FIG. 7A  is a front perspective view,  FIG. 7B  is an exploded front perspective view, FIG. 
           [0022]      7 C is a side elevation view,  FIG. 7D  is a side elevation view in a different position,  FIG. 7E  is a front view,  FIG. 7F  is a top view,  FIG. 7G  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  7 G- 7 G of  FIG. 7F ,  FIG. 7H  is a rear perspective view, and  FIG. 71  is a front perspective view; and 
           [0023]      FIGS. 8A-8C, 9A-9C, 10A-10C, and 11A-11C  are diagrams illustrating the use of the training device of the present invention, in which  FIGS. 8A-8C  represent a first exercise sequence,  FIGS. 9A-9C  represent a second exercise sequence,  FIGS. 10A-10C  represent a first exercise sequence with an apparatus, and  FIGS. 11A-11C  illustrate a second exercise sequence with the apparatus. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0024]    Reference is now made to the single shoe version of the present invention illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 . This is illustrated by the shoe  10 . This shoe or sneaker mimics the actual foot of the flier or person that is being lifted. The illustrations in  FIGS. 8-11  are helpful in understanding the manner in which the shoe or base member is employed by the person so as to preform certain exercises and to thus improve the strength and agility of the base person. 
         [0025]    The shoe  10  shown in  FIGS. 1-4  preferably has a hard plastic or rubber sole  12 , and an intermediate soft grip  16  (see  FIGS. 2 and 3 ). The rear portion of the soft grip  16  may be provided with a finger grip  18  as illustrated in  FIG. 2B . A similar finger grip may be provided (not shown) at the front of the shoe or sneaker construction. The shoe or sneaker construction  10  is also referred to herein as a base member. 
         [0026]    The upper shell  14  is configured with opposed, upwardly-directed walls defining a channel  19 . The channel  19  is for receiving retaining components that enable an interconnection between the shoe and cabling such as illustrated in  FIGS. 8-11 . These components such as shown in an exploded view in  FIG. 2C , include a crossbar  20 , a support post  22 , bearing  24 , and Allen bolt  26 . The upright walls that define the channel  19  receive the base end  23  of the support post  22 . The Allen bolt  26  with its associated locknut  27  retain the base  23  in place. The Allen bolt  26  is capable of sliding within opposed slots  28 . The Allen bolt  26  passes through the circular support member  23 . The top of the post  22  is engaged with the bearing  24  and is secured in place to the crossbar  20  by means of the locknut  30  and associated washer  31 . The crossbar  20  is also provided with end holes  32 . These represent eyelets for the attachment of cables 
         [0027]    Reference may now be made to  FIGS. 4A-4C  regarding the various motions regarding the various motions that are enabled by the particular apparatus disclosed. Arrow L shown in  FIG. 4A  represents a sliding linear motion when the bolt  26  is capable of sliding within the slots  28 . In  FIG. 4B  the circular Arrow M represents a pivoting action at the base  23  of the support post. This action allows a pivoting, as illustrated in  FIG. 4B  of the base member relative to the support post  22 . In the embodiment illustrated, this pivoting is basically between the base  23  of the support post and the bolt  26 , although, other pivot arrangements may also be provided at that location. Thus,  FIG. 4  illustrates the linear motion of the base member relative to the crossbar indicated by the Arrow L while  FIG. 4B  illustrates the pivoting motion of the base member relative to the support post and the crossbar as illustrated by the Arrow M. Lastly,  FIG. 4C  illustrates by circular Arrow N a rotation about the longitudinal axis of the support post  22 . Again, this is a rotation between the crossbar and the shoe structure. This may be referred to as a swivel joint. Note the bearing  24  in  FIG. 2C  which can enable this swiveling motion between the crossbar  20  and the support post  22 . 
         [0028]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 5 and 6  for an embodiment that is similar to that described in  FIGS. 1-4  but includes a double shoe construction illustrated at  40 . In this particular embodiment there is a channel  42  disposed through the middle of the separate double shoe arrangement. The remainder of the apparatus is substantially the same as described in the first embodiment, thus including the crossbar  44 , a pivot post  46 , bearing  47 , bolt  48 , and a nut  49 . These components, including the crossbar  44  and support post  46 , function basically in the same manner as previously described in connection with the first embodiment described herein. Thus, in this embodiment the various degrees of freedom as explained in  FIG. 4  also apply to this double shoe construction embodiment. Cabling can be connected at the end holes or eyelets  50  of the crossbar  44  in this embodiment. 
         [0029]    Reference is now made to a further embodiment of the present invention illustrated  FIGS. 7A-7I . The mechanism illustrated in this embodiment, in many ways, is similar to that found in the previous embodiments described. The components illustrated in  FIGS. 7A-7I  include a base member  80  in a shoe or sneaker form, a support post  82 , and the crossbar  81 . The base member  80  is provided with upright walls that define the channel  86 . The channel  86  receives the bottom end of the support post  82 . A pin  84  may pass through the base member and through a lower hole in the support post  82  for securing the support post  82  with the base member  80 . A latch  83  is also illustrated that may be a 2-piece member and that is adapted to fit within the opposed slots  85  in the aforementioned upright walls. The latch  83  includes a rod member that can transition linearly within the slots  85 . The rod member also fits within an elongated slot  89  in the support post  82 . This combination of the latch  83  and the slot in the support post enables a certain amount of adjustment between the base member  80  and the crossbar  81  in the direction of Arrow  90 , such as illustrated in  FIG. 7B . The latch  83  may be considered as having locked and unlocked positions.  FIG. 7A  shows the latch  83  in a locked position wherein the distance between the base member and the crossbar is fixed in position. 
         [0030]    The crossbar  81  also preferably has a straight section at its top that extends on either side of a hub  92 .  FIG. 7B  illustrates the support post  82  secured to the hub  92  by means of a screw  88 . The crossbar  81  also has angularly and downwardly extending ends  94 . Each of these ends has a free end receives and secures thereto the respective eyelets  87 .  FIG. 7A  shows the eyelets  87  in place.  FIG. 7A  also shows the optional use of a resilient tubular handle member  96 . 
         [0031]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 8-11 .  FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrated the base member or shoe form of the present invention as used with cables  60 .  FIGS. 10 and 11  show the use of cables or tubes  60  as associated with a functional trainer schematically illustrated at  62 . 
         [0032]    In  FIGS. 8 and 9  the Reference No.  60  may denote cabling or other types of tension members including tubing. The tubing may be secured about the foot such as with the use of Velcro securing members. Alternatively, the tubing may be fixed to the floor or may be wrapped about or suitably attached to any other sturdy and fixed object. The various positions illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9  show different positions that can be attained. In all of these positions the user grasps the shoe  10  at either side thereof and holds the shoe in place, preferably using one or more of the finger grips. For example, in  FIG. 8 , the user is shown in a first position stooped down; is shown in a more upright position with the shoe at about chest level; and is furthermore shown with the shoe stretched outwardly and upwardly. These various positions would simulate the positions used in cheerleading movements. 
         [0033]    Reference is now made to the schematic diagrams in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . These illustrations show positions substantially the same as previously illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . Again, in any one of these illustrations there are shown three separate positions to show the full motion of use. Again, in this embodiment the shoe is also grasped between the two hands of the user. This provides an improved technique in cheerleading movements, which in turn will reduce injuries that are associated in particular with stunting moves in cheerleading. The apparatus of the present invention also is useful for other sports, such as in aerobatics or in military applications. For example, these moves could simulate moves such as throwing someone over a wall without needing a second person to be involved. 
         [0034]    Having now described a limited number of embodiments of the present invention, it should now be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous other embodiments and modifications thereof are contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims