Patent Publication Number: US-10758770-B2

Title: Training devices and methods

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present patent application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/572,349, filed Oct. 13, 2017, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/573,680, filed Oct. 17, 2017. This patent application is also a continuation-in-part of and claims the benefit of priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/622,023, filed Oct. 13, 2017. The present patent application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/695,412, filed Sep. 5, 2017, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/065,369, filed Mar. 9, 2016. Each of the aforesaid patent applications is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for any purpose whatsoever. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to athletic training equipment. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure provides improvements over the state of the art, as set forth herein. 
     SUMMARY 
     Plyometrics, also known as “jump training” or “plyos”, are exercises in which muscles exert maximum force in short intervals of time, with the goal of increasing power (speed-strength). This training focuses on learning to move from a muscle extension to a contraction in a rapid or “explosive” manner, such as in specialized repeated jumping. Plyometrics are primarily used by athletes, especially martial artists, sprinters and high jumpers, to improve performance, and are used in the fitness field to a lesser degree. These types of exercises are facilitated by use of a heavy duty so-called “pylo box” which is used as a platform to jump on to or off of. 
     In recent years, with regard to other training philosophies, the popularity of using strongman training (especially the use of large tires), has exploded with many coaches and athletes incorporating the various exercises into their programming. When performing the various tire movements correctly, they can enhance the strength, power development, and conditioning of anyone willing to challenge themselves. 
     Applicant has come to appreciate that the state of the art has deficiencies. For example, Applicant has come to appreciate that truck or irrigation tires that are of a suitable size for flipping do not come in a range of weights, and it is not easy or convenient to add weight to a tire. Moreover, many tires are too large for flipping, and are too heavy. For example, a 66 inch diameter agricultural tire can easily weigh in excess of seven hundred pounds, and can cost several thousand dollars. Moreover, Applicant appreciated that such tires can scratch polished wooden gymnasium floors. Applicant further appreciated that so-called Pylo boxes can also scratch floors unless adequately padded, and they tend to be rather heavy because they need to stand up to a great deal of abuse. 
     Thus, Applicant provides herein embodiments of a training wheel that overcome the deficiencies in the art set forth above that are not designed for nor intended in use for tackling. Particular implementations of the wheel are preferably weighted so as to be heavier than an agricultural tire of similar diameter, but have a non-marking surface so as to be suitable for use on highly polished gymnasium floors. Moreover, implementations of the training wheel are also preferably made from a resilient material that, while not especially hard, does not deflect significantly, thus permitting use of the training wheel as a substitute for a pylo box. Being round, the wheel can be rolled to a desired location and used for any desired drill in any desired sport, whether it be indoors or outdoors. These and other advantages of the disclosed embodiments, and illustrated methods of use, are set forth herein below. 
     It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and are intended to provide further explanation of the disclosed embodiments. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, are included to illustrate and provide a further understanding of the disclosed methods and systems. Together with the description, the drawings serve to explain principles of the disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of a FUNCTIONAL TRAINING RING in accordance with the disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a rear view thereof; 
         FIG. 3  is a left side view thereof; 
         FIG. 4  is a right side view thereof; 
         FIG. 5  is a top view thereof; 
         FIG. 6  is a bottom view thereof; 
         FIG. 7  is an isometric view thereof; 
         FIG. 8  is a front view of a core portion thereof; 
         FIG. 9  is a rear view of a core portion thereof; 
         FIG. 10  is a first side view of a core portion thereof; 
         FIG. 11  is a second side view of a core portion thereof; 
         FIG. 12  is a top view of a core portion thereof; 
         FIG. 13  is a bottom view of a core portion thereof; 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view of a core portion thereof to show the contour of a radially inwardly located outwardly facing surface; 
         FIGS. 15-17  illustrate variations of the cross sectional shape of an illustrative functional training ring. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Description will now be given of the invention with reference to the attached  FIGS. 1-20 . It should be understood that these figures are exemplary in nature and in no way serve to limit the scope of the invention as the invention will be defined by the claims, as interpreted by the Courts in an issued U.S. Patent. 
     For purposes of illustration, and not limitation, a first embodiment of a functional training ring in accordance with the disclosure is presented in  FIG. 1 . The training ring, as depicted, is a weighted ring that can be used as a training aid in various sports, such as basketball, or any other suitable sport or training routine, as desired, where strength and power conditioning is sought. The disclosed embodiments permit strength coaches to have the benefits of having their athletes flip a tractor tire on a basketball court, for example, but avoid risks of damaging the surface of the court. 
     The ring, as depicted, includes a composite structure foam core  1  surrounded by a fabric cover, or skin  3 , that is sewn onto the ring via stitching. The cover includes two rows of eight handles  4  around the periphery of the ring. The handles  4  are preferably formed from nylon strapping that is 1, 1.5 or two inches wide and between about 8 and 14 inches long. The foam core includes a central cavity that includes a weighted tube  2  that is surrounded by a radially outward ring-shaped foam cap. 
     The foam core  1  can be seen in detail in  FIGS. 10-14 . As presented, the foam core is formed from a multilayer assembly of parallel foam panels that are attached to each other, for example, by a compatible foam adhesive. The foam layers (five in the illustrated embodiment) are preferably somewhat rigid, rather than soft, to permit the ring to be used as a pylo box wherein a user can jump from the floor, onto the ring and back down, or even use the ring as a platform for doing movements that benefit from being elevated, such as stiff legged deadlifts, and the like. The foam can be, for example, a closed cell crosslinked polyether foam sheet that is cut to shape. Preferably, the foam is sandwiched in layers as disclosed to function in a manner similar to a multilayered composite beam in order to enhance stiffness. Alternatively, the foam can be molded as a unitary member. 
     The foam can have a nominal density (in accordance with ASTM D3575) between about 25 and 50 kg/m 3 , any value between said values in increments of 0.5 kg/m 3 , inclusive of the endpoints of said range, or within any subrange therein of about 2.0 kg/m 3 , inclusive of the endpoints of said range. 
     The foam can have a tensile strength, in some embodiments, (in accordance with ASTM D412) between about 200 and 500 kPa, any value between said values in increments of 1.0 kPa, inclusive of the endpoints of said range, or within any subrange therein of about 10 kPa, inclusive of the endpoints of said range. 
     The foam can have an elongation at break, in some embodiments, (in accordance with ASTM D412) between about 150 and 300%, any value between said values in increments of 1.0%, inclusive of the endpoints of said range, or within any subrange therein of about 5%, inclusive of the endpoints of said range. 
     The foam can have a tear resistance, in some embodiments, (in accordance with ASTM D624) between about 150 and 300%, any value between said values in increments of 1.0%, inclusive of the endpoints of said range, or within any subrange therein of about 5%, inclusive of the endpoints of said range. 
     The foam can have a Shore OO hardness, or durometer, in some embodiments, (in accordance with ASTM D2240) between about 40 and about 70 any value between said values in increments of about 0.5, inclusive of the endpoints of said range, or within any subrange therein of about 5, inclusive of the endpoints of said range. 
     The foam can have a compression set within particular ranges. The compression set of a material is the permanent deformation remaining when a force that was applied to it is removed after a set period of time. Compression set represents the percentage of the original deflection that did not return within the set time period. Thus, the foam, in some embodiments, can have a 50% compression set (in accordance with ASTM D3575, Suffix B) between about 25% and about 40% one half hour after the force is removed, or any value between said values in increments of about 1.0%, inclusive of the endpoints of said range, or within any subrange therein of about 5.0%, inclusive of the endpoints of said range. The foam can additionally or alternatively have a 50% compression (in accordance with ASTM D3575, Suffix B) after 24 hours between about 25% and about 40%, or any value between said values in increments of about 1.0%, inclusive of the endpoints of said range, or within any subrange therein of about 5.0%, inclusive of the endpoints of said range. 
     The foam can have a compressive strength within particular ranges. The compressive strength of the foam material, as set forth herein, is expressed in kPa based on a certain percent compression (in accordance with ASTM D3575, Suffix D). The foam can thus have a compressive strength at 25% compression between about 45 kPa and about 75 kPa, or any value between said values in increments of about 1.0 kPa, inclusive of the endpoints of said range, or within any subrange therein of about 5.0 kPa, inclusive of the endpoints of said range. The foam can additionally or alternatively have a compressive strength at 50% compression between about 95 kPa and about 155 kPa, or any value between said values in increments of about 1.0 kPa, inclusive of the endpoints of said range, or within any subrange therein of about 5.0 kPa, inclusive of the endpoints of said range. 
     The foam can have a working temperature range between about 40 and 100 degrees Centigrade. The foam is preferably hydrophobic and has a water absorption after seven days less than about 3 weight percent of the foam, more preferably less than about 2 weight percent, most preferably less than about 1 weight percent. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a cross sectional view of the foam core showing a radially inner region in cross-hatching that bounds a circular surface that the weighted tube  2  rests against. The weighted tube can be, for example, a fabric tube with a rounded or rectangular cross section filled with a suitable dense material, such as silica sand, metal shot (spheres), gel, and the like. The weighted tube is preferably secured to itself (end to end) by a re-fastenable fastener (e.g., hook and loop fastener), tape, and the like. The weighted tube can be made of any desired material such as vinyl-coated fabric. The weighted tube is further prevented from radial outward movement by way of an annular foam strip, or cap, that surrounds the weighted tube and is secured in place, for example, by foam adhesive, two-sided tape, and the like. The annular foam strip is preferably cut from the same foam material as the rest of the core  2 . The annular foam strip provides a substantially constant hardness along the outer wall of the training ring. 
     When assembled, the core presents an annular shape with smooth sides that is then surrounded with fabric. During assembly, panels of fabric  3  that are annular (for the front and back) and rectangular (for the outer and inner side surfaces) are stitched together and the foam body  2  is inserted, and sealed inside by stitching. The fabric planar faces can include vinyl coated polyester or other suitable material having a basis weight between about 10 and about 24 oz. per square yard in increments of 1 oz. per square yard, more preferably between about 14 and 18 oz. per square yard. 
     In one implementation, the ring has a 48″ outer diameter, a 20″ inner diameter, a thickness, or depth, of about 15 inches, and a weight of about 140 lbs. In another implementation, the ring has a 48″ outer diameter, a 22″ inner diameter, a thickness, or depth, of about 18 inches, and a weight of about 175 lbs. However, it will be appreciated that the dimensions can be different. For example, the outer diameter of the ring can be between about 36 and about 72 inches (for very tall users, such as in a strongman competition), and in about one inch increments therebetween. The inner diameter can be between about 12 and about 36 inches, and in about one inch increments therebetween. The depth, or thickness, of the ring can be between about 10 and 30 inches, and in about one inch increments therebetween. The ring can weigh between about 50 pounds and about 500 or more pounds (e.g., for strongman competitions) and in any increment therebetween of about one pound. It will be further appreciated that the inner hole may be absent, or may be a shape other than a circle, such as a hexagon, triangle, square, pentagon, octagon, and the like. It will likewise be understood that while the outer surface of the ring is circular, it may alternatively be slightly elliptical, or may be a polygon such as one having 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or more sides. 
     Advantageously, the disclosed embodiments can be used both as a plyo box and a flipping tire. Thus, any desired drill can be performed with the ring as with a tire, but may be done indoors. Various other drills can be practiced with multiple rings, such as stacking the rings on top of one another and if desired, around a post, such that the athlete has to completely lift the ring off the ground and around the post, or remove the ring from around the post, or lifting the ring onto or off of a platform of a desired height. 
     The handles are provided in two rows so that when the ring lays on its side, an athlete can grip the ring at a higher or lower elevation. If provided, the inner hole can permit an athlete to do a drill wherein the athlete jumps into and out of the ring. The foam, as indicated in preferably stiff so that a user can jump from the ground to the top of the ring as with a pylo box. 
     Thus, the ring can be flipped along the ground or floor, end over end, as desired, in some implementations. Alternatively, it can be pushed or pulled along the ground or floor to work different muscle groups. For example, a user can push the ring, or pull it by the handles. Or, the user can strap on a harness and connect it to the handles on the ring and pull the ring like a weight sled. The ring can be rolled back and forth between two users along the floor, similar to a medicine ball. But, unlike a tire, the ring, having a flat outer face, is much less likely to fall over or roll out of control as compared to a large agricultural tire. 
     The following examples are provided as different drills that can be done with the ring. 
     1. Lay the ring flat on its side, stand on top of the ring and jump off to “stick the landing”. This is a test of knee stabilization and balance. 
     2. Lay the ring flat on its side like a box. Face the ring with your feet shoulder-width apart. Squat down slightly, as if you&#39;re going to jump straight into the air. Your arms will naturally swing backwards and return forward as you leap onto the ring. This is a functional exercise that can help improve an athlete&#39;s explosiveness for running and increase their vertical jump. As their vertical jump improves, they can test themselves by using thicker rings or stacking one ring on top of another. 
     3. Facing away from the ring, place your arms behind you. Rest the palms of your hands on the ring with your arms fully extended. Place your feet approximately half of your body length in front of the ring. This will be your starting position. Bend at the elbows into a 90-degree angle while lowering your body slowly until your bottom almost touches the ground. Return to a straight-arm position. This is one full repetition. This is similar to a bench dip—it&#39;s a slow, controlled movement to work your triceps. If the movement is too easy, add a plate to your lap or use it as an “active rest” in between other ring-based exercises. If desired, two rings can be stacked on top of each other permitting use of the handles or upper surface of the upper ring to change the angle of training. 
     As can be seen in the figures, the cross section of the device is rectangular, and can be square. In alternative embodiments ( FIGS. 15-17 ), however, the cross section can have different shapes. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 15 , the cross section can have a triangular shape wherein faces N, N are replaced by conically shaped faces K, K, and surface O is eliminated.  FIG. 16  illustrates an embodiment having a trapezoidal cross section, adding panels K, K that connect panels N, N to inner annular panel, O.  FIG. 17  presents a further alternative embodiment that connects a curved inner panel (or series of attached panels) P to outer panel L. It is preferred that panel L be kept generally flat across its cross section to ensure maximum ground contact, but also to ensure that the ring will roll in a straight line when used. However, it is also contemplated that panel L could be tilted slightly such that the outer surface of the device defines a conic section so as to cause the ring to curve slightly in one direction when rolled. Moreover, instead of being flat, surface L could be slightly convex or concave, or have a non-uniform cross section (e.g., undulating or serpentine), such as a tread, as long as the device rolls as intended in use. 
     The methods and systems of the disclosed embodiments, as described above and shown in the drawings, provide for equipment and related techniques with superior attributes. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the devices and methods of the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Thus, it is intended that the disclosure include modifications and variations that are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.