Patent Publication Number: US-2003236156-A1

Title: Speedkick

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001] 1. Field of the Invention  
       [0002] The present invention relates to a training device for all Sports and sports related activities. More specifically, the present invention relates to a training device used in developing leg muscles for the users running speed and for walking and running power.  
       [0003] 2. Prior Art  
       [0004] Fear of injury to ankles, knees, and hip joints due to high impact is common among both inexperienced and seasoned athletes. In the past, most serious weight training methods for running had to be taught or accomplished with the athlete in something other than an upright running position. In the past, the movement resistance threshold for athletes in training with conventional leg weights while running was quite shallow. The ceiling for how much safe and affective weight an athlete in training can have while running was reached quite quickly, and this ceiling became the standard for years.  
       [0005] For most sports, training devices are known which assist only in development of effective techniques to enhance athletic motor skills and to improve muscle strength and flexibility.  
       [0006] Until now, no device was known,has been developed for training athletes to improve running speed and increase running power in a very effective and safe manner.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007] The principal object of the present invention is to provide a device for use in training athletes in effective and safe weight resistance technique while running or walking.  
       [0008] It also is an object of the present invention to provide such a device which can also aid in the rehabilitation of individuals with some prior sports related injuries.  
       [0009] Another object is to provide such a device in a sturdy and durable form that it can be used by numerous individuals such as those in a public health club and fitness facility.  
       [0010] A further object is to provide such a device which is of simple, inexpensive construction so that it can be purchased privately for home use.  
       [0011] The foregoing objects can be accomplished by providing a training device having one manual treadmill in the decline position. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the standard is formed by a large slanted frame, the bottom section Being two horizontal pieces made of the same material as the main frame unit. The connection between the base and the large slanted frame are two braces made of the same material. The afore mentioned treadmill is free standing and in the middle of the embodiment and on the floor. On the embodiment of the device is the adjustable balance bar and adjustable elbow braces. On the balance bar is an adjustable stomach bench. Attached to the horizontal bottom section is the swivel bench. Attached to the top of the large slant frame are two nylon adjustable straps that support weight bags. These weight bags are attached to the users legs and in turn are used for motion resistance. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS AND PHOTOGRAPHS  
     [0012] Drawing  1  is a front elevation of the Speedkick in accordance with the present invention.  
     [0013] Drawing  2  is a side elevation of the Speedkick in accordance with the present invention.  
     [0014] Drawing  3  is a front elevation of the Speedkick with the portion called the swivel bench rotated away from the main frame.  
     [0015] Drawing  4  is a fragmentary, ¾ side perspective of middle section.  
     [0016] Photograph  1  is a frontal view of the Speedkick without leg weights,and with portion called the swivel bench rotated away from the main frame unit in accordance with the present invention.  
     [0017] Photograph  2  is a frontal view of the Speedkick with leg weights.  
     [0018] Photograph  3  is a ¾ side view of the Speedkick with leg weights  
     [0019] Photograph  4  is a side view of the Speedkick in use with the inventor.  
     [0020] Photograph  5  is a ¾ view of the Speedkick in use with the inventor.  
     [0021] Photograph  6  is a fragmentary side perspective of the middle section of the present invention.  
     [0022] Photograph  7  is a Front/back view of support belt and thigh weight bags when used away from main frame unit  
     [0023] Photograph  8  is a Front/back view of support belt, thigh weight bags, and calf weight bags when used away from main frame unit. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
     [0024] As shown in the drawings and photographs, the Speedkick, in accordance with the present invention includes one manual treadmill, one padded swivel bench, one slanted main frame with adjustable padded handgrips and adjustable padded elbow braces, one balance bar with adjustable padded stomach bench, two thigh weight bags with 16 steel rods for weight,two calf weight bags with 24 steel rods for weights, and two adjustable hanging straps.  
     [0025] The Position of the manuel treadmill ( 11 ) is on the floor in the middle of the main frame unit. The width of the manuel treadmill is 19 and ¼ wide and 46 and ½ long, it is in the shape of a rectangle and their are four support legs, one leg on each corner. The two legs in the rear of the manuel treadmill ( 15 ) are 6 and ½ long and the legs of the front of the manuel treadmill are 4 and ½ long. The bed of the manuel treadmill is constructed of ½ inch plywood, the frame of the manuel treadmill is constructed with ¾ inch by 1 and ½ inch steel tubing,with a {fraction (1/16)} inch thickness in the wall. The legs for the manuel treadmill are 1 and ¼ inch square steel tubing with a {fraction (1/16)} inch thickness for the wall. The Belt for the manuel treadmill is 13 and ¼ inch wide and is constructed of cloth, rubber, and nylon. The front axel is weighed roller axel. The rear axel is non-weighted. The purpose of the manuel treadmill is to add a sense of traction and footing while the user is working out on the invention. The manuel treadmill stays in place by a 3 and ½ inch by 4 and ¾ inch by 2 inch L shaped bracket ( 8 ) that holds it into place. This bracket is attached to the main frame of the invention via the flat front brace ( 28 ).  
     [0026] The largest section of the invention is the main frame unit From The side view, starting from the floor, The main frame consist of two 60 inch base legs ( 16 ), two 19 and ½ inch support braces ( 9 ), two 89 inch slanted bars ( 2 ) on a 65 degree angle from the floor, with a 16 inch rounded 1 and ¾ inch steel tubing ( 29 ) welded to each at the top.  
     [0027] The tubing at the top ( 29 ) is welded together with the slanted bar on a 90 degree angle. Their is a flat brace ( 28 ) in the front on the ground that connects both sides of the main frame. This flat brace is 2 inches wide, 44 and ½ long and it has a ⅛ inch thickness. The side support braces are connected to the main frame unit by 2 and ½ inch carriage bolts and nuts. There are braces ( 20 ) welded at the top of the main frame unit at a 45 degree angle.These braces are for added stability. Helping hold together both sides of the main frame together is an inner pipe that is 32 inches long and 1 and ¼ inch in diameter and has a nut welded at each end which is threaded by two handled carriage bolts ( 22 ) on each end.On the top of the main frame unit is a rounded pad ( 1 ) 11 inches long, and a 1 and ½ inch thickness. The purpose of this pad is for added safety for taller users.  
     [0028] On both sides of the main frame unit slanted bar, are adjustable elbow braces ( 3 ). The purpose of these adjustable elbow braces are for added arm support and to help keep arms straight while using the invention.These elbow braces can slide up and down the slanted bar of the invention to accommodate various heights of the users. These elbow braces can be tightened into place by two hand bolts on each brace ( 17 ). The Angle of the elbow brace can also be adjusted by a large bolt ( 25 ) on the side of the elbow brace. The elbow braces are 17 inches long, 4 and ½ wide with 1 inch foam padding. The elbow braces are constructed of ⅛ inch steel plates, 1 inch by 1 inch square steel tubing, ½ inch plywood, and 1 inch foam padding and vinyl covering.  
     [0029] Located on both sides of the slanted bars is the multi-position handgrips ( 4 ). The multi-position handgrips are constructed of 1 and ¾ inch diameter rounded steel pipe. The bottom portion being 7 inches long and is used for upright movements. The top portion of the handgrips are welded on the bottom portion at a 125 degree angle and is used for more leaning forward movements. These handgrips can be adjusted to slide up or down the slanted bar to accommodate various heights and arm lengths of the users and can be tightened into place by two hand bolts ( 18 ) on each grip. These handgrips are used to help distribute the users weight evenly between the manuel treadmill, the elbow braces, and the balance bar with the stomach bench.  
     [0030] The swivel bench ( 12 , 13 ) has a 26 inch height, it&#39;s seat is 14 inches wide and 41 inches long. The base for the swivel bench is a rounded base pipe ( 14 ) 1 and ¼ in diameter and a ⅛ inch wall thickness. This rounded base pipe is mounted to the base of the main frame unit with 2 and ½ inch carriage bolts. There Is a swivel bench pipe ( 13 ) 1 and ¾ in diameter and a ⅛ inch wall thickness welded to the bottom section of the swivel bench. This Swivel bench pipe is mounted on the rounded base pipe with a 14 inch overlap.There is also a 1 and ½ inch spring on the tip of the rounded base pipe to push the swivel bench leg ( 21 ) 1 and ½ off of the floor when not in use. This spring compresses when more than 20 pounds is applied to the seat of the swivel bench. The swivel bench has 1 inch foam rubber padding and vinyl covering. The swivel bench is constructed of 1 and ¼ inch square steel pipe with a {fraction (1/16)} inch thickness, ⅛ inch steel plate, ½ inch plywood.The purpose of the swivel bench is to make it easier for the user to apply the leg weights while seated and for resting between workout intervals  
     [0031] The balance bar ( 7 ) is 48 inches long and 1 and ¼ in diameter. It has two 24 inch support bars ( 24 ) welded to it, 5 inches from each end. The support bars are positioned through support mounts ( 23 ) that are welded to the side of the main frame slanted bar at a 90 degree angle from the floor. The support mount can be tightened down on the support bars to adjust the height of the balance bar. Mounted on the middle of the balance bar is the adjustable stomach bench ( 5 ). The Stomach bench is 13 and ½ inches long, and 13 and ½ wide, and 3 inches thick. It is constructed of {fraction (1/2 )} inch plywood, 2 inch thick foam rubber padding,and vinyl covering.The Adjustable stomach bench can be tilted between 0 and 90 degrees with the rod/hole system ( 6 ). The purpose of the stomach bench is to help distribute most of the weight of the user off of the treadmill.  
     [0032] There are two removable standing plates ( 10 ) mounted to the main frame base unit. The standing plates are 15 and ¾ long, and 6 and ½ wide,and are made of ⅛ inch steel plate. The purpose for the standing plate is to have a immediate stationary surface to stand between workout intervals on the manuel treadmill.  
     [0033] There are two sitting foot rest ( 19 ) located on the main frame units slanted bar. They are 2 inches wide long each. These foot rest are constructed of 1 inch by 2 inch steel pipe with a {fraction (1/16)} inch thickness. The purpose of the sitting foot rest is to have foot support while sitting on the swivel bench and to hold the foot closer to the body while applying the calf weight bags to the legs.