Patent Description:
Wheeled version of blocking sleds are depicted in <CIT> (a three wheeled skid-steer version) and <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> (a single wheel version) whereby frictional skidding is substantially eliminated, but at the expense of a loss in stability when pushing the sled - resulting in the need for an onboard operator to steer the sled of <CIT>, or the need for additional space to accommodate the uncontrolled instability of the sled of <CIT>.

Stable wheeled weight training sleds are disclosed in <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>. While these weight training sleds constitute a significant advance over prior weight training sleds, a need still exists for a compact, lighter weight wheeled weight training sled. <CIT> discloses an exercise device that provides dynamic, rolling, adjustable resistance in multiple directions, which includes a variable resistance system adjustment mechanism permitting a user to adjust the resistance independently applied to each of the first and second wheels.

The invention is directed to a weight training sled.

The weight training sled is a wheeled weight training sled that includes (a) a chassis having longitudinally spaced first and second ends and laterally spaced first and second sides, (b) at least two longitudinally spaced rotatable wheels for supporting the chassis a vertical distance above a support surface, (c) a brake for applying resistance to rotation of at least one of the wheels, (d) a first pair of laterally spaced push handles extending upward from proximate a first longitudinal end of the chassis, and (e) a second pair of laterally spaced push handles extending from proximate a second longitudinal end of the chassis wherein the first pair of push handles are pivotable as a unit about a laterally extending pivot axis as between an upward use position and a lowered stowage position extending towards the second longitudinal end of the chassis. Each of the push handles comprising the second pair of push handles is (i) curvilinear, (ii) releasably engageable with a post or sleeve extending upward from the chassis, and (ii) rotatable about a central axis of each post or sleeve as between a first axially rotated locked position and a second axially rotated locked position.

A wall hanging bracket set is described, which does not form part of the present invention, comprises (a) an upper laterally elongated bracket configured and arranged for attachment to a vertical surface and supportively contact a second longitudinal end of the sled at two laterally spaced contact points when attached to the vertical surface, and (b) a lower laterally elongated bracket configured and arranged for attachment to the vertical surface and supportively contact a first longitudinal end of the sled at a single contact point when attached to the vertical surface at a defined distance away from and vertically below the attached upper bracket.

The wall hanging bracket set may include at least one hook or loop available for use in attaching one end of a battle rope or resistance band while a weight training sled is supported upon the hanging bracket set. The at least one hook or loop can be provided on either the upper or lower bracket, with a preference for providing at least one hook or loop on each of the upper and lower brackets.

As utilized herein, including the claims, the term "neutral resistance" means resistance at or near zero, whereby the wheeled exercise sled of the present invention is rendered suitable for use as a wheeled transport wagon when the braking mechanism is set to neutral.

With reference to the illustrative drawings, the invention is directed to a wheeled weight training sled <NUM> (hereinafter "sled") and a wall hanging bracket set <NUM> for supporting a weight training sled such as sled <NUM> in an elevated vertical stowage position.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the wheeled sled <NUM> includes a chassis <NUM>, at least two wheels <NUM>, two pair of push handles <NUM> with a pair proximate each longitudinal end <NUM> and <NUM> of the sled <NUM>, and at least one braking mechanism <NUM>. The wheeled sled <NUM> preferably includes at least one of (i) three fixed-directional wheels <NUM> comprised of a single front wheel <NUM> mounted upon a first axle <NUM> proximate the first longitudinal end <NUM> of the sled <NUM> and a pair of rear wheels <NUM> mounted upon a second axle <NUM> proximate the second longitudinal end <NUM> of the sled <NUM>, (ii) a push handle pivot feature wherein a first pair of the push handles <NUM> proximate the front or first longitudinal end <NUM> of the sled <NUM> is pivotable as a unit about a laterally y extending pivot axis <NUM> as between an upward use position and a lowered stowage position extending towards the rear or second longitudinal end <NUM> of the sled <NUM>, (iii) a tow hook <NUM> mounted between and pivotable with the first pair of push handles <NUM>, and (iv) a push handle conformation adjustment feature wherein the second pair of push handles <NUM> are curvilinear and releasably engageable with a post or sleeve <NUM> extending upward from the chassis <NUM>, and rotatable up to <NUM>° about a central axis 170z of each post or sleeve <NUM> as between a first axially rotated locked position and a second axially rotated locked position.

The wheeled sled <NUM> has longitudinally x spaced first and second ends <NUM> and <NUM>, and laterally y spaced first and second sides <NUM> and <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, a preferred chassis <NUM> is a metal structure having first and second longitudinally x elongated and laterally y spaced side rails <NUM> and <NUM> rigidly interconnected by cross-beams <NUM>, defining a chassis <NUM> with first and second longitudinal ends <NUM> and <NUM>, first and second lateral sides <NUM> and <NUM>, and a transversely z spaced top <NUM> and bottom <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>and <FIG>, the wheels <NUM> are rotatably mounted to the chassis <NUM> for supporting the bottom <NUM> of the chassis <NUM> a distance above a surface (hereinafter referenced as "clearance"). The wheels <NUM> can be fixed-directional wheels <NUM> so as to constrain the chassis <NUM> to reciprocating travel upon a surface along a substantially linear longitudinal x path.

When two wheels <NUM> are employed they are preferably longitudinally x aligned in the midsagittal plane of the sled <NUM>. When three wheels <NUM> are employed they are preferably spaced at the corners of an isosceles triangle with two of the wheels <NUM> laterally y aligned proximate one end <NUM> of the sled <NUM> and the third centrally positioned proximate the other end <NUM> of the sled <NUM>. When four wheels <NUM> are employed the wheels <NUM> are mounted in laterally y spaced pairs upon each of two laterally y extending axles <NUM> and <NUM> mounted proximate each longitudinal end <NUM> and <NUM> of the sled <NUM> with the wheels <NUM> in each pair of wheels mounted proximate opposite sides <NUM> and <NUM> of the sled <NUM>. Alternatively, the four wheel embodiment may employ a pair of longitudinally x aligned and laterally y centered wheels <NUM> proximate the longitudinal ends <NUM> and <NUM> of the sled <NUM>, with a vertically z raised or vertically z aligned outrigger wheel <NUM> extending from each side <NUM> and <NUM> of the sled <NUM>.

The wheels <NUM> are preferably pneumatic wheels <NUM> with good traction in order to limit undesired sliding of the wheels <NUM> across the floor during exercise as opposed to desired rotation of the wheels <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the sled <NUM> includes two pair of push handles <NUM> and <NUM>, with a first pair of push handles <NUM> secured to the first end <NUM> of the sled <NUM>, preferably secured to the first ends 117a and 118a of the chassis side rails <NUM> and <NUM>, and a second pair of push handles <NUM> secured to the second end <NUM> of the sled <NUM>, preferably secured to the second ends 117b and 118b of the chassis side rails <NUM> and <NUM>. This allows a user to exercise by pushing the sled in either direction along the longitudinal x path of travel.

Referring to <FIG>, the first pair of the push handles <NUM> can be configured and arranged to pivot as a unit about a laterally y extending pivot axis <NUM> as between an upward use position and a lowered stowage position extending towards the rear or second longitudinal end <NUM> of the sled <NUM>. The first pair of push handles <NUM> can be releasably locked in the upward use position and a lowered stowage position by a spring biased locking pin <NUM> attached to the first pair of push handles <NUM> for pivoting with the first pair of push handles <NUM>, which can be selectively inserted into at least two radially spaced orifices (not numbered) attached to the chassis <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the second pair of push handles <NUM> can be configured and arranged to allow conformational adjustment of the push handles <NUM> on the sled <NUM> by releasably engaging each of the push handles <NUM> to the sled <NUM> via a post or sleeve <NUM> extending upward from the chassis <NUM>, and configuring the push handles <NUM> and the posts or sleeves <NUM> with cross-sectional shapes that allows each push handle <NUM> to be engaged with a post or sleeve <NUM> at different rotated angles of up to <NUM>° about a central axis 170z of each post or sleeve <NUM> thereby allowing mounting of the push handles <NUM> as between a first axially rotated locked position and a second axially rotated locked position. The second pair of push handles <NUM> can be releasably locked in each axially rotated position by a locking pin <NUM> at the proximal end 140p of each handle <NUM> that engages locking slots <NUM> in the distal end (unnumbered) of each post or sleeve <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>and <FIG>, the second pair of push handles <NUM> are preferably curvilinear, with grips <NUM> proximate the distal ends 140d of the push handles <NUM> that angle inward towards one another and downward towards the chassis <NUM> when in one of the axially rotated locked positions.

Inward angling of the grips <NUM> provides a more natural ergonomic rotational gripping position, while downward angling of the grips <NUM> redirects at least some of the vertical force vector created when a user is pushing the sled <NUM> from an upwardly directed force vector to a downwardly directed force vector, thereby preventing or at least limiting lifting of the work end of the sled <NUM> off the ground.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, a tow hook <NUM> can be mounted between and pivotable with the first pair of push handles <NUM>. The distal end 140d of the first pair of push handles <NUM> can be interconnected by an interconnecting member <NUM>. This interconnecting member <NUM> provides both stabilization of the paired push handles <NUM> and an elevated position for attachment of an elongate flexible exercise pull <NUM> such as a pull strap, battle rope, elastic band, etc. to the sled <NUM>. A tow hook <NUM> preferably extends longitudinally x outward from the lateral y center of this interconnecting member <NUM> to facilitate temporary attachment of an elongate flexible exercise pull <NUM>. The an interconnecting member <NUM> can also be gripped by a user pushing the sled <NUM> as an alternative gripping position.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, the interconnecting member <NUM>, and thereby the tow hook <NUM>, is preferably located so as to provide a clearance of at least <NUM> between the tow hook <NUM> and ground when the first pair of push handles <NUM> are pivoted into the use position. Such elevated positioning of the tow hook <NUM> serves to limit the amount of upward force vector created when a user pulls upon a elongate flexible exercise pull <NUM> attached to the sled <NUM> at the tow hook <NUM>, thereby limiting and potentially eliminating lifting of the first or front end <NUM> of the sled <NUM> off the ground.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, one or more weight plate horns <NUM> can be provided on the chassis <NUM> for mounting weight plates (not shown) onto the top <NUM> of the chassis <NUM> in order to increase exercise resistance offered by the sled <NUM> and, more importantly, counteract any upward lifting force vector exerted by a user that would tend to lift an end of the sled <NUM> and thereby lift the wheel(s) <NUM> closest to the user off the floor. The preferred embodiment has a weight plate horn <NUM> positioned along the midsaggital plane of the sled <NUM> secured to a cross beam <NUM>. Rubber pads (not shown) can be provided atop the chassis <NUM> proximate the horn <NUM> for cushioning and protecting the chassis <NUM> when weight plates are added to or removed from the horn <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a braking mechanism <NUM> is attached to the chassis <NUM> and in communication with at least one of the wheels <NUM>, preferably in communication with the first or front wheel <NUM>, for exerting a bidirectional controlled variable resistive force against rotation of the wheel(s) <NUM> along the longitudinal x path of travel. Separate braking mechanisms <NUM> and <NUM> can be provided for each wheel <NUM> or each axle <NUM>. Many types of resistance devices are known such as braking motors, generators, brushless generators, eddy current systems, magnetic systems, alternators, tightenable belts, friction rollers, fluid brakes, etc., any of which could be effectively utilized in the present invention. A braking mechanism capable of providing progressive resistance based upon acceleration or speed of travel is generally preferred.

In further detail, a preferred braking mechanism <NUM> is an eddy current brake mounted to a side rail <NUM> or <NUM> of the chassis <NUM> for exerting resistance to rotation of the first axle <NUM>. An eddy current brake generally includes (i) a mounting plate which would be rigidly attached to the chassis <NUM>, (ii) a drive sprocket rotatably with and secured to a portion of the first axle <NUM> extending through an orifice in the mounting plate, (iii) a pulley assembly with a pulley and driven sprocket rotatably mounted via an internal hub and a sprocket mount onto a first mounting post projecting from the mounting plate in rotatable driven communication with the drive sprocket via a drive chain, (iv) an eddy disk assembly comprised of an eddy disk rotatably mounted via a disk mount having a shaft and mounting plate onto a second mounting post projecting from the mounting plate in rotatable driven communication with the pulley assembly via a drive belt, (v) a drive belt tensioning assembly secured within an adjustment slot in the mounting plate for adjustably tensioning the drive belt, and (vi) a magnetic stator assembly secured to the mounting plate for manual (as shown) or automatic (not shown) repositioning of the magnets relative to the eddy disk of the eddy disk assembly via an adjustment slot in the mounting plate or a multi-stop lever <NUM> as depicted in <FIG>, to increase or decrease resistance as desired.

Referring to <FIG>, in a preferred embodiment the braking mechanism <NUM> is adjustable into a neutral resistance setting, whereby the sled <NUM> is effectively converted from an exercise sled to a transport wagon. The neutral setting facilitates movement of the sled <NUM> from one location to another, such as transport back and forth between a storage location and a use location. The neutral setting preferably applies some modest resistance to rotation of the wheels which does not appreciably interfere with transport of the sled <NUM> but is effective for preventing or at least slowing down gravity induced movement of the sled <NUM>.

A protective shroud (unnumbered) may be provided over the components of the braking mechanism <NUM>.

Rubber bumpers <NUM> can be provided on the front end <NUM> of the sled <NUM> to minimize any structural damage should a user strike an object while pushing the sled <NUM>.

Various acceptable, preferred and most preferred dimensions having some significance to the value and/or performance of the sled <NUM> are provided below.

Referring to <FIG>, the wall hanging bracket set <NUM> includes an upper laterally y elongated bracket <NUM> and a lower laterally y elongated bracket <NUM>. The upper bracket <NUM> is configured and arranged for attachment to a vertical surface and for supportively contacting the second longitudinal end <NUM> of the sled <NUM> at two laterally y spaced contact points 201p when attached to the vertical surface. The contact points 201p on the upper bracket <NUM> preferably engage the chassis <NUM> of the sled <NUM>. The lower bracket <NUM> is configured and arranged for attachment to the same vertical surface and, when attached to the vertical surface at a defined distance away from and vertically below the attached upper bracket <NUM>, can supportively contact a first longitudinal end <NUM> of the sled <NUM> at a single contact point 202p. The contact point 202p on the lower bracket <NUM> preferably engages the front wheel <NUM> of the sled <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the lower bracket <NUM> preferably includes upward projecting sleeves or posts <NUM> upon which the second pair of push handles <NUM> can be secured for storage when detached from the chassis <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the wall hanging bracket set <NUM> preferably has a low mounted horizontal projecting profile, with each of the upper <NUM> and lower <NUM> brackets extending less than <NUM> inches away from a vertical surface upon which the brackets <NUM> and <NUM> are attached.

In a preferred embodiment, the wall hanging bracket set <NUM> includes at least one hook or loop <NUM> and/or <NUM> available for use in attaching one end of an elongate flexible exercise pull <NUM> while a weight training sled <NUM> is supported upon the hanging bracket set <NUM>. The at least one hook or loop <NUM> and/or <NUM> can be provided on either the upper <NUM> or lower <NUM> bracket, with a preference for providing at least one hook or loop <NUM> and <NUM> on each of the upper <NUM> and lower <NUM> brackets respectively.

The sled <NUM> can be conveniently and safely used in a confined space as small as <NUM> meters wide and <NUM> meters long, by (i) setting the braking mechanism(s) <NUM> to the desired resistance, (ii) standing at the second end <NUM> of the sled <NUM>, (iii) leaning forward and gripping the second pair of push handles <NUM>, (iv) pushing the sled <NUM> in a first longitudinal x direction along a longitudinal path, (v) walking around the sled <NUM> to the first end <NUM> of the sled <NUM>, (vi) leaning forward and gripping the first pair of push handles <NUM>, (vii) pushing the sled <NUM> in a second longitudinal x direction back along the longitudinal path, (viii) walking back around the sled <NUM> to the second end <NUM> of the sled <NUM>, and (ix) repeating steps (iii)-(viii) for as many reps as desired.

Claim 1:
A weight training sled (<NUM>), comprising:
(a) a chassis (<NUM>) having longitudinally spaced first and second ends (<NUM>, <NUM>) and laterally spaced first and second sides (<NUM>, <NUM>),
(b) at least two longitudinally spaced rotatable wheels (<NUM>, <NUM>) for supporting the chassis (<NUM>) a vertical distance above a support surface,
(c) a brake (<NUM>) for applying resistance to rotation of at least one of the wheels (<NUM>, <NUM>),
(d) a first pair of laterally spaced push handles (<NUM>) extending upward from proximate a first longitudinal end (<NUM>) of the chassis (<NUM>) wherein the first pair of push handles (<NUM>) are pivotable as a unit about a laterally extending pivot axis as between an upward use position and a lowered stowage position extending towards the second longitudinal (<NUM>) end of the chassis (<NUM>), and
characterised by
(e) a second pair of laterally spaced push handles (<NUM>) extending from proximate a second longitudinal end (<NUM>) of the chassis, each of the push handles (<NUM>) comprising the second pair of push handles (<NUM>) is (i) curvilinear, (ii) releasably engageable with a post or sleeve (<NUM>) extending upward from the chassis (<NUM>), and (ii) rotatable about a central axis of each post or sleeve (<NUM>) as between a first axially rotated locked position and a second axially rotated locked position.