U.S. patent application number 13/177430 was filed with the patent office on 2012-01-12 for exercise apparatus for starting motion.
This patent application is currently assigned to Joseph Gordon Doyle. Invention is credited to Joseph Gordon Doyle.
Application Number | 20120010057 13/177430 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45438998 |
Filed Date | 2012-01-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120010057 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Doyle; Joseph Gordon |
January 12, 2012 |
Exercise Apparatus for Starting Motion
Abstract
Disclosed is a unique concept of a physical training apparatus
which applies resistance to a trainee during athletic movements
from a set position in the natural environment of the sporting
activity to aid in enhancing speed and acceleration. The said
physical training apparatus is designed to be used in conjunction
with a starting apparatus to allow the trainee to execute resistive
movements with identical technique to a sporting activity. The
versatility of design of the disclosed invention allows the trainee
to better translate the benefits of a resistive exercise into a
sporting activity by incorporating the use of common athletic
elements. Further benefits stem for the reduction of time and
movement between a resistive exercise and an unrestrained athletic
routine due to the ability of the disclosed invention to be
utilized within the environment of the sporting activity.
Inventors: |
Doyle; Joseph Gordon;
(Greenwood, IN) |
Assignee: |
Doyle; Joseph Gordon
Greenwood
IN
|
Family ID: |
45438998 |
Appl. No.: |
13/177430 |
Filed: |
July 6, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61399171 |
Jul 7, 2010 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/124 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/0442 20130101;
A63B 21/00061 20130101; A63B 2220/51 20130101; A63B 2225/093
20130101; A63B 5/10 20130101; A63B 21/023 20130101; A63B 21/00192
20130101; A63B 21/0552 20130101; A63B 2225/09 20130101; A63B
21/00065 20130101; A63B 21/4007 20151001; A63B 21/4043 20151001;
A63B 2210/50 20130101; A63B 2071/026 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/124 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/02 20060101
A63B021/02 |
Claims
1. A physical training apparatus to be used in the natural
environment of a sporting activity and used in conjunction with
common starting apparatus of such sporting activity, said physical
training apparatus comprising: a harness adapted to be worn by the
trainee for providing an attachment means to the body of the
trainee; a strap which is secured at one end to said harness and
attached at the other end to a resistive device; said resistive
device is connected to a rigid structure; said rigid structure is
bound to elements of the said natural environment of a sporting
activity to provide a stable and secure structure for which devices
to be connected.
2. The physical training apparatus of claim 1 wherein said rigid
structure contains incrementing connection points to facilitate
variation in the angle or vector of resistance to the trainee.
3. The physical training apparatus of claim 1 wherein said
resistive device applies a predetermined resistance during a
predetermined range of movement prior to releasing the trainee into
an unrestricted state.
4. The physical training apparatus of claim 3 wherein said strap
incorporates protruding features and said resistive device contains
mating slots to better facilitate a connection between said strap
and said resistive device.
5. The physical training apparatus of claim 1 wherein said
resistive device applies a predetermined resistance during a
predetermined range of movement prior to restraining the trainee
from departing off said starting apparatus.
6. The physical training apparatus of claim 1 wherein said
resistive device restrains trainee until a predetermined force is
produced by the trainee in which said resistive device releases
trainee into an unrestrained state.
7. The physical training apparatus of claim 1 wherein said rigid
structure contains protruding features on the bottom face of said
rigid structure to enhance the traction with the mating
surface.
8. A physical training apparatus to be used in the natural
environment of a sporting activity and used in conjunction with
common starting apparatus of such sporting activity, said physical
training apparatus comprising: a harness adapted to be worn by the
trainee for providing an attachment means to the body of the
trainee; a strap which is secured at one end to said harness and
attached at the other end to a resistive device; said resistive
device is connected to a rigid structure; said rigid structure
contacts a rigid element at the forward edge.
9. The physical training apparatus of claim 8 wherein said rigid
structure is weighted on the aft end for enhanced stability.
10. The physical training apparatus of claim 8 wherein said rigid
structure contains incrementing connection points to facilitate
variation in the angle or vector of resistance to the trainee.
11. The physical training apparatus of claim 8 wherein said
resistive device applies a predetermined resistance during a
predetermined range of movement prior to releasing the trainee into
an unrestricted state.
12. The physical training apparatus of claim 11 wherein said strap
incorporates protruding features and said resistive device contains
mating slots to better facilitate a connection between the
elements.
13. The physical training apparatus of claim 8 wherein said
resistive device applies a predetermined resistance during a
predetermined range of movement prior to restraining the trainee
from departing off said starting apparatus.
14. The physical training apparatus of claim 8 wherein said
resistive device restrains trainee until a predetermined force is
produced by trainee in which instance said resistive device
releases trainee into an unrestrained state.
15. The physical training apparatus of claim 8 wherein said rigid
structure contains protruding features on the bottom face of said
rigid structure to enhance the traction with the mating surface.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] This invention and method relate, but are not limited to,
the athletic exercising and conditioning field which focuses on
strength and speed for high intensity movements from a still or set
position used in the natural training or competitive environment of
the sport or activity.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Competitive activities based on the speed at which someone
can perform an explosive and sudden movement have been present
since the beginning of sports and the desire to increase such speed
has been around just as long. The two largest contributors to
increasing speed and acceleration for an explosive and sudden
movement from a still or set position relate to muscle strength and
technique. Muscle strength is developed by applying additional
resistance to a particular movement so that the specific muscle
group is stressed beyond what is achievable by comparable movements
without resistance. The additional strain applied to a muscle group
trains that specific muscle group to attempt to move with
resistance, so that when resistance is removed, a greater speed and
acceleration may be achieved. Often when a muscle group is being
stress during a resistive exercise, the technical portion of speed
enhancement cannot be addressed due to the isolation of exercising
a singular muscle group. Furthermore, when a sudden burst of energy
requires sport specific equipment and ample space to properly
perform the movement, a traditional resistance-based exercise
cannot adequately capture all of the integrated movements due to
the location of the apparatus, the means by which it is fastened to
the trainee, or the design of use. Limitation of movement or
distance, or not allowing the trainee to use common elements of his
or her sport, creates a greater disconnect between an athletic
technical-based movement and a resistive-based athletic
movement.
[0003] Previous inventions address the importance of applying
resistance to high speed athletic movements while simulating a
specific athletic routine. It is understood that the trainee will
experience a greater benefit by resisting the specific movements of
his or her sport compared to traditional weight room exercises that
carry no technical similarities to the desired sport. Previous
patents have strived to bridge the gap between specific athletic
movements and a resistance based exercise so that the trainee's
body is performing the same movements during competition as he or
she would during a resistive training session. Although many
localized movements have been replicated for a resistive exercise,
a trainee is unable to perform a specific athletic routine without
the use of common elements that are used in his or her specific
sport.
[0004] Previous physical training apparatus do not address the
importance of using familiar starting structures and other athletic
apparatus and elements that are used during traditional
competitions for resistive exercises. The limitation of all
trainees to a single apparatus prevents trainees from using sport
specific apparatus and structures that are paramount to the
execution of an explosive and sudden movement in regards to a
specific athletic event.
[0005] Previous inventions also fail to address the importance of
time between a resistive exercise and the execution of a specific
athletic movement. The increase of time between a resistive
exercise and the execution of a specific athletic movement causes a
greater likelihood that the trainee will not react with the same
intensity as he or she did in the resistive exercise, reverting
back to old habits or muscle memory that has been developed using
the specific athletic apparatus and structures without resistance.
Similar to time, the less the trainee moves between an exercise and
the execution of a routine, the more likely he or she will be able
translate the movement of a resistive exercise into an athletic
routine.
[0006] If a trainee is able to resistively stress a specific
movement, he or she will be able to combine sport specific
technique and muscle development to teach his or her body to work
as a whole to improve speed and acceleration for a specific
movement. When all muscle groups are working together, the trainee
will begin to understand how to sequentially move certain body
parts while executing the proper timing to best perform a
movement.
[0007] It is an object of the disclosed invention to provide a
resistance-based device that will apply resistance over a
predetermined period and then release the trainee to continue in
the desired direction of travel.
[0008] It is another object of the invention to provide a
resistance device that applies resistance to the initial movements
of an explosive routine without allowing the trainee to depart from
the starting fixture. Following a resistive exercise, the trainee
will detach himself or herself to allow minimal time and movement
between a resistive exercise and a sport specific unrestrained
routine.
[0009] It is yet another object of the invention to provide a
resistance device that only allows the trainee to depart,
unrestrained, from the starting structure when a predetermined
force is applied by the trainee.
[0010] It is another object of the invention to provide an
apparatus which provides a stable and rigid structure for a
resistance device to be mounted in a wide range of athletic
environments.
[0011] It is yet another object of the invention to provide a
stable and rigid base that can accommodate the interchangeability
of the resistance mechanism to allow for various resistance types
and intensities.
[0012] It is a further object of the invention to provide a stable
and rigid base that contains various connection points at
incrementing heights as to provide the correct angle or vector of
resistance to best suit an athletic movement for a particular body
type, stance, sport, or routine.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] This embodiment relates to the discovery of a unique rigid
structure which supports, but is not limited to, three unique types
of resistance devices/systems that assists in the improvement of
explosive and sudden movements from a still or set position for a
wide variety of athletic movements. The disclosed invention
understands the need to pair an athletic movement to a resistance
based exercise and allow the trainee to do so by operating the
disclosed invention in the natural environment of his or her sport
while using common athletic elements which are used during
competitions and practice. By applying resistance to a specific
movement in the natural environment of a sport, the trainee is able
to better translate the benefits of a resistive exercise into an
athletic movement because of the identical environment, features
used, and technique, as well as reduced time and movement between a
resistive exercise and the execution of an athletic movement.
[0014] There are three distinct types of resistance disclosed in
this embodiment, all of which apply resistance to a trainee
performing an explosive or sudden movement from a still or set
position. Each of the three distinct resistance devices are to be
mounted to a rigid structure in the natural environment of a sport
and used in conjunction with sport-specific starting apparatus.
[0015] The first device is a resistive device which applies a
predetermined amount of resistance over a predetermined distance
prior to releasing the trainee into an unrestrained state. The
advantage of releasing the trainee is to further build the
connection between the resistive exercise and specific athletic
movement by the allowing the trainee to complete a full athletic
routine in the environment of the sport.
[0016] The second device, herein referenced as `short movement
resistance system,` applies a predetermined amount of resistance
over a predetermined distance prior to restricting the trainee from
departing from the starting apparatus. The advantage of the short
movement resistance system is that a high level of resistance can
be applied to the initial `twitch` of an explosive movement which
relates to how quickly the trainee can engage his or her body to
provide thrust. An additional advantage of the short movement
resistance system is that the trainee can execute more initial
twitch movements compared to the time it takes to do a fully
executed starting motion, which involves returning to the starting
location and resetting in the starting stance. The trainee will
also have the advantage of performing a resistive exercise with
minimal time and movement prior to a fully executed athletic
routine. After the completion of the resistive exercise, the
trainee simply disconnects himself or herself and is able to
perform a fully and unrestrained athletic movement.
[0017] The third device is a resistive device which restricts
departure from a starting apparatus until a predetermine force is
generated by the trainee, in which case, the trainee can depart
unrestrained. The advantage of this device is that the trainee will
be required to apply large forces during the initial movements of a
routine opposed to gradually increasing his or her speed.
Additionally, allowing the trainee to continue his or her routine,
unrestrained, further promotes the unity of a resistive exercise
and a specific athletic movement from a still or set position.
[0018] A further advantage of each resistance device/system is that
the trainee will naturally alter his or her body position to
attempt to overcome the excess resistance. As the trainee uses any
of the aforementioned resistance devices, he or she will find the
most powerful body position and movement to which can overcome the
resistance, which translates identically into the fastest and most
powerful body position and movement when the harness is no longer
attached. Additionally, a force gauge can be integrated into any of
the aforementioned resistance devices/systems to discretely measure
the forces generated by the trainee to more accurately determine
the optimal stance and/or motion for a specific starting
routine.
[0019] Each of the three distinct types of resistance incorporates
a harness which is adapted to be worn by a trainee to which a
compatible strap is bound and extends from the trainee towards any
of the aforementioned resistive devices/systems.
[0020] Each resistance device will be securely connected to a rigid
fixture. Said rigid fixture contains various connection points for
a resistive device as to allow the vector angle of resistance to be
customizable to the trainee's body type, stance, sport, and desired
direction of travel. The resistive device can be easily moved from
one connection point to the next as well as interchanging from one
type of resistive device to the next. The rigid structure is
designed to utilize features of the surrounding athletic
environment to provide a secure base for any resistive device in a
wide range of athletic venues. The rigid structure may be
specifically designed for a certain athletic environment or a
versatile design may be used as long as the rigid structure acts as
a secure connecting element for a resistive device.
[0021] With the short movement resistance system or another other
highly stressed system, the rigid structure will need to be
designed to adequately absorb and transfer the increased forces
incorporated with abruptly stopping or slowing the trainee during
an explosive movement.
[0022] Greater explanation can be found in the detailed description
of the invention, in view of the fact that an optional system
configuration has been selected to provide reference to key
features found on the disclosed invention. Orientation and location
of such features are described to build a greater understanding on
how the system operates rather than limit the system design.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] Referenced features of the disclosed invention are described
in FIGS. 1-24.
[0024] FIG. 1 is a side view of a resistive device which applies
resistance over a predetermined period prior to releasing athlete;
figure include how the corresponding strap interacts with the
device.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a front view of the FIG. 1 illustrating the
U-shaped member as well as the groove at which the corresponding
strap resides.
[0026] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the resistive wheel in FIG. 2
further detailing the slots in the wheel.
[0027] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the resistance device in
FIG. 1 further depicting the U-shaped member and pin.
[0028] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the resistance device in
FIG. 1 illustrating the relative orientation of each feature.
[0029] FIG. 6 is a front view is the corresponding strap to the
resistive device in FIG. 1
[0030] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the strap in FIG. 6 further
detailing the protruding elements of the strap.
[0031] FIG. 8 is a front view of a resistive device that only
allows departure of a trainee once a predetermined force is
generated.
[0032] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the resistance device in
FIG. 8 further detailing the latching magnetic components.
[0033] FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of the resistance device
in FIG. 8 further detailing the latching magnetic components when
detached.
[0034] FIG. 11 is a side view of a resistive device which applies
resistance over a predetermined period prior to restricting the
training; illustration is in the relaxed state.
[0035] FIG. 12 is a side view of the resistive device of FIG. 11 in
the tension state.
[0036] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a versatile rigid
structure.
[0037] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a versatile rigid structure
with an addition rear angle support.
[0038] FIG. 15 is a top view of a versatile rigid structure.
[0039] FIG. 16 is a side view of a versatile rigid structure.
[0040] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the bottom surface of a
versatile rigid structure.
[0041] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a specialized additionally
reinforced rigid structure.
[0042] FIG. 19 is a side view of a specialized rigid structure.
[0043] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a specialized rigid
structure including a swimming starting apparatus
[0044] FIG. 21 is a side view of a specialized rigid structure with
a slight rearward position.
[0045] FIG. 22 is a side view of the specialized rigid structure of
FIG. 20 depicted with a swimmer position on the starting
apparatus.
[0046] FIG. 23 is a harness, to be worn by a trainee, is placed
around the torso and shoulders of the trainee.
[0047] FIG. 24 is a harness, to be worn by a trainee, is placed
around the torso of the trainee.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0048] Referencing the figures where like elements have been given
like numerical designations to facilitate an understanding of the
present invention, the proceeding embodiments of the resistive
training apparatus of the disclosed invention are described.
[0049] The invention herein describes three unique resistance
systems, apparatus and methods that are designed to apply
resistance to a trainee, herein referenced as `athlete,` during
explosive and sudden athletic movements from a still or set
position in a specific athletic environment used in conjunction
with common athletic elements that are used in practice and/or
competition for a particular athletic event. The disclosed
embodiment comprises of three unique types of resistance devices
found in FIGS. 1 through 12. Each resistive component is a unique
device and/or system that provide a distinct type of resistance
experienced by the athlete.
[0050] Resistance device and components 123 are illustrated in
FIGS. 1 through 7. Resistance device 123 comprises of at least one
resistive wheel 132 that has a predetermined level of force
required to rotate it. The greater the amount of force required to
rotate the resistive wheel 132 translates to a greater resistance
experience by an athlete trying to move away from the resistance
device 123. Strap 150 is attached to the trainee via loop 167 on
harness 165 or harness 166 and is pulled across the resistive wheel
132 as the athlete moves away from the resistive device 123.
Similar to a bike chain spinning the gearing of a bike, it is best
practice, but not required, to have the strap 150 include
protruding ridges 133 while the resistive wheel contains slots 170
which receive the protruding features 133 of the strap 150 or vice
versa. The resistive wheel 132 rotates allowing the athlete to move
forward under a resistive state. After the strap 150 is no longer
in contact with the resistive wheel 132, which is dependent on the
strap length, the athlete will no longer be resisted or restrained
and is free to continue with the routine required by the sporting
activity. The resistive wheel 132 is attached to a U-shaped member
130 which also contains a pin 129 and a strap guiding aid 131. The
pin 129 is inserted into a selected hole 121 on the rigid structure
126, 128, 169 and then the U-shape member 130 rotates onto the
rigid structure 126, 128, 169 to provide a secure attachment for
the resistive device 123 to the rigid structure 126, 128, 169. Said
attachment method is not unique to the disclosed invention and any
attachment method may be used to securely attach any resistive
device 123, 124, 125 to a rigid structure 126, 128, 169.
[0051] A short movement resistance system 124, found in FIGS. 11,
12, incorporates springs or stretch cords 143 as well as a
restraining mechanism 144. The resistance assembly 124 does not
release the athlete into an unrestricted state. In order to prevent
the athlete from leaving the sport specific starting structure a
restraining device 144 must be used. In FIGS. 11, 12 the
restraining device 144, comprised of nylon or like material which
is strong and non-elastic, is attached to the rigid structure 1 and
connecting member 142. As shown in FIGS. 11, 12 a strap 139 is
attached to a harness 165, 166 via loop 167 and wound through a
series of resistive and/or non-resistive wheels 132, 141 before the
strap 139 is permanently attached to the rigid structure 126 via a
hook or loop 140. When the athlete is not providing a forward
force, the resistive system 124 is in the relaxed state 145 and the
restraining device 144 does not have a load applied to it. As the
athlete advances forward the strap pulls the second wheel 141 and
connecting member 142 upward which stretches the springs or stretch
cords 143. Said springs are made of metal or a like material and
said stretch cords made of a rubber or like material. Stretching
and/or expanding occur until the springs or stretch cords 143
become the same length as the restraining device 144; this is
considered the tension state 146 for the resistance system 124.
Once the restraining device 144 is engaged, the second wheel 141
and connecting member 142 can no longer move upwards and the strap
139 cannot extend, abruptly stopping the athlete from advancing
forward. The sum of resistance from the elastic members 143 is able
to provide various levels of resistance to accommodate different
applications or ability of athlete. Altering the resistance from
the elastic member 143 entails connecting or disconnecting any
number of springs or stretch cords 143 to the connecting member 142
or replacing any number of springs or stretch cords 143 with a less
resistive spring or stretch cord 143.
[0052] A further type of resistance device 125 will not allow the
athlete to advance until the pulling force generated by the athlete
becomes greater than the predetermined force required to separate
the components of the resistance device 125. Said components of
resistance device 125 are illustrated in this embodiment as
magnetic components 137, 138. The magnetic components 137, 138 are
covered by soft foam 136 or like material to reduce injury when the
magnets 137, 138 depart during an athletic movement. The strap ends
opposite of the magnetic components 137, 138 attach securely to the
athlete's harness 165, 166 via loop 167 and a rigid structure 126,
128, 169. After the magnets depart from each other, the athlete
will then continue with the rest of the athletic routine without
any resistance. Magnets can be replaced by a more suitable
mechanical device that releases once a certain force is obtained.
Practically, the two approaches, magnetic and mechanical, will
perform in the same manner.
[0053] In the instances where a strap 139, 150, 151 is permanently
attached to a harness 165, 166 via loop 167 or rigid element 126,
128, 169 a ring 134, made of a rigid metal or plastic, is
permanently attached to a strap 139, 150, 151 by reinforcement
stitching 135 which secures the ring 134 from detaching under any
level of tension which can be generated by an athlete using the
disclosed invention. Strap 150 is, but not required to be, a fixed
length, yet straps 139 and 151 include any variety of adjustment
devices that alter the effective length of the strap 139, 151 to
best fit the application and body-type of the athlete. Harness 165,
166 which are worn by the trainee are illustrated in FIGS. 23 and
24, respectively.
[0054] The application of the rigid structure 126, 128, 169 is an
integral part to the versatility of the disclosed invention. The
simple objectives of the rigid structure 126, 128, 169 consist of a
study base for various resistance devices/systems, some of which
including devices/systems 123, 124, 125; contain multiple
connection points 121 to allow a resistive device (i.e. 123, 124,
and 125) to be attached at incrementing heights; and safely
disperse incurred forces into surrounding environment without
damage. Three types of rigid structures will be shown, a versatile
rigid structure 128 which can be used in a wide variety of athletic
venues and two types of specific rigid structures 126, 169 which
uniquely adapt to the specialized features 119, 147 of a
competitive swimming facility. It is also to be noted that for such
resistance devices or systems similar to resistance system 124,
where the rigid structure is required to transfer large amounts of
force to the surrounding environment, extra reinforcement or a more
suitable rigid structure design, such as 169, is required to
appropriately meet the objective of providing a sturdy and stable
base for any resistance system. FIG. 18 illustrates a rigid
structure 169 which is able to transfer larger loads, due to rear
vertical beams 103, 107 and horizontal beam 104. Specialized rigid
structure 126 is designed to accommodate relatively lower levels of
stress.
[0055] A versatile rigid structure 128 is found in FIGS. 12 though
17. The holes 121 on main vertical post 102 are connection means
for which a resistive device 123, 124, 125 or any other resistive
device can be attached. The forward edge 153 of the rigid structure
contains, but is not required to have, a rubber or like material
padding as to provide a nonabrasive surface as the forward edge 153
contacts the aft portion of a starting apparatus or another rigid
feature that is found in the athletic environment. Pins 152 are
located in the vicinity of the forward edge to provide a locking
point for at least one strap or rubber band 158. Said strap or band
158 is used, but not required, to aid in the connection between the
rigid structure 128 and the element to which it is in contact with.
The number of pins 152 relate to the number of connection points to
which is appropriate for a wide range of athletic environments. The
aft end of the rigid structure 159 contains pegs 155 that are, but
not required to be, present to aid in the confinement of a heavy or
weighted aid, such as, but not limited to, a bag of sand or
container filled with a liquid, to prevent the rigid structure 128
from tilting forward when in use. A strap, wire or bar 156 can be
present to aid in the transfer of load from the main vertical post
102 to the weighted aft end of the rigid structure 159. Support
beam 154 is used to aid in the rigidity of the main vertical post
102. In instances when the disclosed invention is used outdoors,
the bottom surface of the rigid structure will, but does not
require to, contain protruding elements or spikes 157 to
additionally aid in the traction of the rigid structure 128 to the
mating surface.
[0056] Not all athletic venues are best suited for a versatile
rigid structure 128 due to the design and orientation of the
starting structure and the surrounding environment. Swimming
starting blocks 127 and pools are an example of where a specialized
rigid structure 126 or 169 would be more conducive to unique
elements 119, 147 which are found in a competitive pool area.
Specialized rigid structures 126, 169 which are specific to a
competitive swimming environment are illustrated in FIGS. 18
through 21. Specialized rigid structures 126, 169 utilize unique
features of the environment, such as the starting block post 119
and pool wall 147, to provide a secure and stable base for a
resistive device 123, 124, 125. Swimming is not the only sport
which may require a specialized rigid structure; each specialize
structure may vary depending on the sport but each of the three
main elements (secure structure, connection means, and incrementing
highs of connection means) should be present.
[0057] Angled beam 105, in FIGS. 18, 19, 21, is connected to the
specialize rigid structure 126 or 169 and the starting block post
119, which is the only contact with the starting structure 127.
Similar to the versatile rigid structure 128, minimal contact with
a starting structure 127 allows the specialized rigid structure
126, 169 to be used on a wider range of starting structures 127.
The connection of the angled beam 105 to the starting block post
119 contains a clamping attachment 117. An alternative connection
means, such as the leading edge of rigid structure 128, may also be
used. A reinforcement plate 118 is, but not required to be,
connected to the angled beam 105 and clamping attachment 117 to
enhance the rigidity of the rigid structure 126 or 169. The other
contact point for the angled beam 105 is on the rigid structure 126
or 169; the connection point between the angled beam 105 and rigid
structure 126 is a pivoting joint 106. The ability to pivot between
the angle beam 105 and the rigid structure 126 enables the vertical
tower components 102, 103, 104, 107, 108 to be at various
orientations 160. Flexibility in the final orientation is
advantageous because vertical members 102, 103, 104, 107, 108 are
dependent on the position of the bottom connection joints 110,
where vertical members 107, 108 connect to members 109, as well as
pivot joint 106 , where angled beam 105 connects to the rigid
structure 126 or 169. FIG. 21 illustrates vertical members 102, 108
having an acceptable slight rearward lean 160, relative to
vertical, which is due to joint 110 being positioned closer to the
pool wall 147. The position of joint 110 and alternatively vertical
members 102, 103, 104, 107, 108 is based on the alignment of holes
112 and 113. Hole position should be aligned such that vertical
members 102, 103, 104, 107, 108 are vertical or slightly leaning
backwards 160. The arm beams 111, which transfer load from the
rigid structure 126 or 169 to the pool wall 147, slides into
members 109 and are locked into place via pins 114 through holes
112, 113. The arm beams 111 contain a member 115 which is
positioned 90 degrees to arm beam 111. Member 115 transfers most of
the force created by the swimmer into the pool wall 147 via member
116, which has a greater surface area, containing a rubber or like
material, to disperse the forces into a larger area to not damage
the pool wall while the disclosed invention is in use.
[0058] All surfaces of the disclosed invention that contact another
object or surface which is not disclosed within the present
invention contain, but do not require, a rubber or softened layer
at the interface to prevent any damage to the integrity of the
surroundings. All components that have not been previously defined
by a material type or characteristic should be composed of a metal,
preferably aluminum, or rigid polymer.
[0059] The main vertical post 102 for rigid structure 126, 128, 169
contains a series of holes 121 at various heights throughout the
main vertical post 102. Said holes 121 are used to secure a wide
range of resistant devices, some of which include resistive devices
123, 124, 125. The various heights of holes give greater
flexibility to the disclosed invention so that various angles of
resistance can be applied to address a wide range of sports,
athletes, and stances. FIG. 22 illustrates how the angle of
resistance 161, 162, 163, 164 can vary depending on which
attachment point 121 the resistive device 123, 124, 125 is
connected to. The angle or vector of resistance aids in the
versatility to accommodate various movements, athletes, and
stances.
[0060] To properly use the disclosed invention, an athlete must
secure rigid structure 126, 128, or 169 to natural rigid elements
that are found near the intended area of use. Once secure,
attachment of a resistive device 123, 124, 125 is required to a
desired connection point 121 on main post 102. The athlete must
then secure a harness 165, 166 to his or her body and attach the
corresponding strap 139, 150, 151 of resistive device 123, 124, 125
to said harness 165, 166 via loop 167. The strap should then be
properly inserted into the resistive device 123, 124, 125 as the
athlete positions himself or herself into the desired athletic
position on a specific athletic starting apparatus. The strap 139,
150, 151 should be taut between the harness 165 or 166 and the
resistance device 123, 124, or 125, so that resistance is incurred
during the first initial movements of the athlete. Once prepared
correctly, the athlete should use all common elements of his or her
sport to perform a specific athletic movement that identically
replicates an explosive and sudden movement of the sport,
preferably, from a still of set position.
[0061] Persons skilled in the art will recognize that many
variations and modifications are possible in the details,
attachment methods, materials, and arrangements of the parts and
actions which have been described and illustrated. It is to be
understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative and do not
limit the scope or spirit of the invention as defined by the
appended claims.
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