U.S. patent application number 13/633121 was filed with the patent office on 2013-10-10 for system for training athletes.
The applicant listed for this patent is Mark Eldridge. Invention is credited to Mark Eldridge.
Application Number | 20130267384 13/633121 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49292761 |
Filed Date | 2013-10-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130267384 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Eldridge; Mark |
October 10, 2013 |
System for Training Athletes
Abstract
A system for training athletes comprises a drive unit and an
output unit, a rope spool disposed on the output unit, and a rope
disposed on the rope spool. The drive unit comprises a motor shaft,
a pulley, a clutch, the clutch being operatively coupled to the
motor shaft and pulley. The output unit includes a one-way bearing,
a brake, a brake controller, and a pulley, which output shaft
pulley may be coupled to the drive shaft pulley. The rope applies a
force on an object to which it is attached when the drive unit
and/or output unit cause the rope spool to wind or unwind the rope,
and the force exerted by the rope may be regulated by the clutch of
the drive unit and may be one of an overspeed mode, a constant
resistance, an increasing resistance, a decreasing resistance, a
constant force, and a varying force.
Inventors: |
Eldridge; Mark; (Brasher
Falls, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Eldridge; Mark |
Brasher Falls |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49292761 |
Appl. No.: |
13/633121 |
Filed: |
October 1, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61540642 |
Sep 29, 2011 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/0058 20130101;
A63B 69/0053 20130101; A63B 2220/24 20130101; A63B 23/047 20130101;
A63B 24/0087 20130101; A63B 21/157 20130101; A63B 2024/0093
20130101; A63B 21/00181 20130101; A63B 2220/40 20130101; A63B
2225/107 20130101; A63B 21/0059 20151001; A63B 21/4007 20151001;
A63B 2225/20 20130101; A63B 21/153 20130101; A63B 2220/54 20130101;
A63B 2071/0683 20130101; A63B 69/0028 20130101; A63B 21/169
20151001; A63B 24/0062 20130101; A63B 21/002 20130101; A63B
2024/0068 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/5 |
International
Class: |
A63B 24/00 20060101
A63B024/00 |
Claims
1. A system for training athletes, the system comprising: a motor,
a unit controller, a power supply, a drive unit operatively coupled
to the motor such that the may cause the drive shaft to rotate in
at least one direction, the drive unit comprising a motor shaft, a
first pulley operatively coupled to the motor shaft, a clutch, a
clutch controller, the clutch being operatively coupled to the
motor shaft and first pulley, and the drive shaft being operatively
coupled to the motor, an output unit, the output unit comprising an
output shaft, a rope spool, a one-way bearing, a brake, a brake
controller, and a second pulley, a rope disposed on the rope spool
of the output unit, wherein the drive unit and output unit are
operatively coupled to one another such that when the motor causes
the drive shaft to rotate, the drive shaft causes the output shaft
to rotate, wherein the output shaft may also rotate in the absence
of the drive shaft causing the output shaft to rotate and wherein
the output shaft may rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise
direction, wherein, when the output shaft rotates, the rope spool
causes the rope to wind onto or unwind off of the rope spool, and
wherein when the rope winds onto or unwinds off of a rope spool,
the rope imparts a force on an object to which the rope may be
attached.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the drive unit is operatively
coupled to the output unit by the first pulley of the drive unit to
the second pulley of the output unit.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the motor shaft of the drive unit
rotates in one direction such that the drive shaft causes the
output shaft to rotate in one direction, which direction causes the
rope to wind onto the rope spool.
4. The output unit of claim 1, wherein the one-way bearing
comprises one of a sprag bearing and a clutch.
5. The drive unit of claim 1, wherein the clutch controller
comprises a potentiometer coupled to the power supply of the
system.
6. The output unit of claim 1, wherein the brake controller
comprises a potentiometer coupled to the power supply of the
system.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the output unit is capable of
regulating force that is applied on an object to which the rope may
be attached.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the force exerted by the rope on
an object when the rope is being rewound onto the rope spool is
regulated at least in part by the clutch of the drive unit.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the force imparted by the rope on
an object is one of an overspeed mode, a constant resistance, an
increasing resistance, a decreasing resistance, a constant force,
and a varying force.
10. A system for training athletes, the system comprising a motor,
a drive unit, which drive unit is operatively coupled to the motor,
and which motor is capable of causing the drive unit to rotate in
at least one direction, a rope spool operatively coupled to the
drive unit, a rope disposed on the rope spool, and a motor control
mechanism, wherein the motor control mechanism allows a user to
selectively adjust at least one of the force imparted by the drive
unit on the rope and the direction in which the motor causes the
rope spool to rotate, and wherein when the rope winds onto or
unwinds off of a rope spool, the rope imparts a force on an object
to which the rope may be attached.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the force imparted by the rope
on an object is one of an overspeed mode, a constant resistance, an
increasing resistance, a decreasing resistance, a constant force,
and a varying force.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present disclosure claims priority under 35 U.S. Code,
Section 119 on the U.S. Provisional Patent Application numbered
61/540,642, filed on Sep. 29, 2011, the disclosure of which is
incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to sport training
equipment, and, more particularly, to a system for training
athletes involved in a variety of sports such as football,
basketball, and track and field, and particularly, track events,
such as sprints.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Running is an important athletic skill in and of itself, and
as part of other sports. Running is an integral part of track and
field events. Running is also a vital component of the sports of
football and basketball, as athletes participating in such sports
run back and forth in the course of play. Running also has
collateral benefits to athletes engaged in still other sports that
do not involve running during the course of play (such as hockey,
for example), as running offers benefits to an athlete's
conditioning.
[0004] Running events, such as sprints and relay races, are
featured competitions in track and field athletics. During such
events, an athlete is required to run at a high speed. For example,
during a running event, such a sprint event, an athlete is required
to cover a substantially short distance in a short time interval.
Accordingly, the athlete participating in the sprint event is
expected to acquire a high running speed such that he or she will
be able to cover the short distance in the small amount of time. In
other sports, such as team sports, running speed, quickness, power,
and acceleration have benefits in evading opposing players, for
example.
[0005] Typically, to become able to acquire a high running speed,
the athlete may undertake an exercise or training regimen. For
example, the athlete may undergo running and/or jogging as part of
this regimen. However, such a regimen may not be efficient enough
to improve the athlete's running speed quickness, power, or
acceleration to a desired level that would enable the athlete to
excel, for example, during the running event, such as a sprint.
[0006] Currently, various exercising devices are available that may
help the athletes to improve their running speed, quickness, power,
and acceleration. However, most of the currently available
exercising devices do not enable the athletes to perform exercises
in a controlled manner. More specifically, the exercising devices
are not capable of being set into specific modes that may enable
the athletes to perform exercises in the controlled manner.
[0007] For example, an athlete may wish to train for an overspeed
mode of running for a track and field event, such as a sprint. The
term "overspeed" used herein refers to a method of training that
permits an athlete to run, with assistance, at a speed that is
faster than his or her normal top speed. Traditional examples of
generating overspeed are downhill running, running with wind
assistance, and towing the athlete. Overspeed training is
particularly beneficial for sprint events, as in a sprint event,
the athlete is required to run at an accelerated speed in order to
excel. However, the currently-available exercise devices lack
ability to provide overspeed training in an accurately- and
effectively-controlled manner. Moreover, such exercise devices are
incapable of providing information, data collection, and graphing,
for example, regarding the performance of the athlete using the
devices.
[0008] Accordingly, there persists a need for training athletes in
capabilities required for excelling in running events and field
sports that incorporate running. Specifically, there exists a need
for a system for training athletes involved in running events, such
as sprints, and field events that incorporate running. Also, there
is a need for a system for training athletes by applying highly
controlled resistance or assistance forces on the athlete.
Additionally, there exists a need for a system for training
athletes by providing updates, data collection, and graphing of
data, on the athletes' performance.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0009] Therefore, it is an object of the present disclosure to
obviate the above and other disadvantages from existing art and to
provide a system for training athletes involved in the activity of
running or a sport that incorporates running.
[0010] It is further an object of the present disclosure to provide
a system for training athletes by applying highly controlled
resistance or assistance forces on the athlete.
[0011] It is further an object of the present disclosure to provide
a system for training athletes that may update the athletes as to
their performance.
[0012] To achieve the above objects, the present disclosure
provides a system for training athletes. In an embodiment, the
system comprises a drive unit and an output unit operatively
coupled to one another (by way of a clutch, for example), and a
rope coupled to the output unit, which rope may be attached to an
athlete that is training with the system. The drive unit (powered
by a motor, for example) and/or output unit are capable of
selectively imparting and varying a resistance or assistance on the
athlete when the athlete moves away from or toward the drive unit
and output unit. The drive unit is capable of unwinding or
rewinding the rope to impart a force on the athlete. The output
unit may include a brake that may increase the resistance force
imparted on the athlete.
[0013] In another embodiment, the system comprises a drive unit and
a rope coupled thereto, which rope may be attached to an athlete
that is training with the system. The drive unit (powered by a
motor, for example) is capable of selectively imparting and varying
a resistance or assistance on the athlete when the athlete moves
away from or toward the drive unit. The drive unit is capable of
unwinding or rewinding the rope to impart a force on the athlete.
The drive unit preferably further comprises a motor, which motor is
capable of supplying a winding and rewinding tension on the
rope.
[0014] The system for training athletes disclosed herein is capable
of providing a resistive force to an athlete for training the
athlete in various kinds of modes (such as an overspeed mode of
running, or modes such as constant resistance, increasing
resistance, decreasing resistance, and varying and constant speed
modes.) In an embodiment, the motor of the drive unit may be set to
rotate a motor shaft, and, in an embodiment, the clutch may engage
to cause the output unit to rotate the spool to rewind the rope,
thereby providing a pulling force on the athlete running toward the
system. It will be evident to a person skilled in the art that the
resistive force offered by the system to the athlete in accordance
with a predetermined range of running speeds of the athlete.
[0015] This together with the other aspects of the present
disclosure, along with the various features of novelty that
characterize the present disclosure, is pointed out with
particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forms a part of the
present disclosure. For a better understanding of the present
disclosure, its operating advantages, and the specified object
attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying
drawing and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated
exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The advantages and features of the present disclosure will
become better understood with reference to the detailed description
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, wherein like
elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system for training
athletes, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0018] The best mode for carrying out the disclosure is presented
in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted in FIG. 1.
The preferred embodiments described herein provide detail for
illustrative purposes are subject to many variations. It is
understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents
are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient,
but are intended to cover the application or implementation without
departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.
[0019] The terms "a" and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of
quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the
referenced item.
[0020] The present disclosure provides a system for training
athletes involved in running activities, such as sprints or team
field sports, by facilitating an improvement in the athletes'
running speed, power, acceleration, and quickness. More
specifically, the disclosed system provides a resistance upon an
athlete while the athlete is running away from a location and
provides assistance (via a pulling force) to an athlete when the
athlete is running toward a location. The system may provide
resistance in any direction or movement pattern that can be done
while running away from a location, such as a pattern around a
series of cones or other obstacles, a pattern whereby the athlete
performs a pivot or series of pivots, or a pattern that includes a
series of "cuts" or changes of direction, thereby enhancing speed
management skills of an athlete. The system also allows for either
resistance or overspeed training and such training to be conducted
at extended distances from the system due to a rope and spool
configuration of the system. Further, the system of the present
disclosure provides resistance or pulling force to the athlete in a
controlled manner, thereby providing safe and controlled training
for the athlete. Moreover, the system of the present disclosure
offers an option of enables in training the athlete by updating the
athlete about his or her performances.
[0021] Referring to FIG. 1, a block diagram of a system 100 for
training athletes (hereinafter referred to as system 100) is
illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure. The system 100 includes a drive unit 101, (depicted in
FIG. 1 as a motor 102 having a motor shaft 104, a first pulley 106
operatively coupled to the motor shaft 104) and a clutch 107
disposed between and operatively coupled to the motor and first
pulley. The system 100 also comprises a unit controller (depicted
in FIG. 1 as a motor controller 110) adapted to control operation
of the drive unit 101, and a clutch controller 112 for operating
the clutch 107. In an embodiment, the clutch controller 112
comprises a potentiometer that is coupled to the clutch and a power
supply. The system may also include a data input unit, display
unit, and memory unit for inputting, displaying and storing data
related to the operation of the system 100, as well as a processor
for processing such data relating to the operation of the
system.
[0022] The system further comprises an output unit 201, the output
unit comprising a rope spool 202 (and rope disposed thereon), a
one-way bearing 203, a brake 205, and a second pulley 206, all of
which components are disposed on an output shaft 204. The first
pulley 106 and second pulley 206 receive a belt or chain thereon,
which belt causes the drive unit 101 to be able to cause the output
unit 201 and shaft 204 to rotate. The output unit 201 further
comprises a brake controller 212, for operating brake 205. In an
embodiment, the brake controller 212 comprises a potentiometer that
is coupled to the brake and a power supply. The components of the
system (other than the rope) may be contained in a cabinet for
protection of the components from elements and for protection of a
user or athlete from coming in contact with the moving parts of the
system.
[0023] The drive unit 101 and output unit 201 are disposed in
sufficient proximity that the output unit 201 is operatively
coupled to the drive unit 101. In an embodiment, such operative
coupling is accomplished by way of a belt that joins first pulley
106 to second pulley 206.
[0024] The motor 102 may be one of an alternating current (AC)
motor and a direct current (DC) motor. In the present embodiment,
the motor 102 is an AC motor. The motor 102, and particularly, the
motor shaft 104 thereof may rotate upon receiving an electrical
signal from the motor controller 110. Due to the rotation of the
motor shaft 104, the first pulley 106 may rotate. The rotation of
the first pulley 106 facilitates rotation of the output unit 201 by
virtue of the belt that couples the first pulley 106 of the drive
unit 101 to the second pulley 206 of the output unit 201. The drive
unit 101 is capable of causing the motor shaft to rotate in a
clockwise or counterclockwise direction, and in a preferred
embodiment, the motor shaft will rotate only in a direction whereby
the rotation would cause the rope spool 202 of the output unit to
rewind rope back onto the spool 202 (i.e., pulling the rope toward
the units 101 and 201).
[0025] As disclosed herein, the operation of the drive unit 101 is
controlled by a unit controller, and, in an embodiment, the
operation of the motor 102 is controlled by the motor controller
110. More specifically, parameters input (hereinafter referred to
as control parameters) to the drive unit 101 are controlled by the
unit controller, and, in an embodiment, the motor 102 are
controlled by the motor controller 110. Examples of the control
parameters may include, but are not limited to, input voltage,
torque, rotational speed of the motor 102, and the like. In one
embodiment of the present disclosure, the motor controller 110 may
include a variable frequency drive (VFD) for controlling the
rotational speed of the motor 102. More specifically, the VFD may
control a torque of the motor 102 by controlling frequency of
electrical power supplied to the motor 102. The VFD may utilize the
method of direct torque control (DTC) for controlling the torque of
the motor 102. Further, the motor controller 110 may include a
dynamic brake resistor to be used in conjunction with the VFD for
providing a braking torque to stop the motor 102. The motor
controller 100 may also control engagement of the clutch 107 for
translating rotation of the drive unit 101 to the output unit
201.
[0026] Other control parameters that may be fed to the system
through the unit controller, brake controller, and/or clutch
controller include, but are not limited to a change in direction of
the drive unit 101, a maintenance of steady tension (within a range
of 1/2 to 1 pound, for example), to avoid the build-up of slack in
the rope, a desired pull-in force, a desired pull-in speed, a
one-time increase in speed or torque of the drive unit 101 (with a
return to a previous speed or torque level thereafter), a reduction
or elimination in force, an increase to force over a distance or
time interval, whether constant or at sub-intervals or
sub-distances, or a decrease to force over a distance or time
interval, whether constant or at sub-intervals or sub-distances.
Furthermore, the data input unit may further provide the system 100
with parameters based on a total torque calculation, which
calculation is reached by adding the starting torque to the
increase in torque over a specified distance or time that the
athlete is using the system. It will be apparent to one skilled in
the art that one may reduce the total torque by increasing the
distance or time in which an athlete is engaged to the system in
its operational mode.
[0027] The control parameters to be acquired from the motor
controller 110 may be fed to the system 100 through the unit
controller. The display unit and memory unit enable displaying and
storing data related to the operation of the motor 102. The data
related to the control parameters may be fed into unit controller
for allowing the motor 102 to operate in various modes. Further,
the unit controller may facilitate in setting profiles related to
the various modes (which modes will be explained in further detail
below) for enabling a user to operate the motor 102 according to
the various set profiles. For example, the motor 102 may be set to
operate in one of the various modes, such as a constant torque
mode, a variable torque mode, a maximum speed mode, and a constant
speed mode.
[0028] The output unit 201 is capable further regulating resistance
that can be applied on an athlete using the system. The output unit
201 is capable of rotation in a clockwise and a counterclockwise
direction, thereby allowing the rope to wind onto or unwind off of
the spool 202, for example. In an embodiment, the output unit 201
will rotate in a direction that causes the rope to unwind, which
unwinding will occur notwithstanding the fact that the drive unit
101 will be rotating in a winding direction, because the clutch 107
will be disengaged such that the rotational direction of the output
unit 201 is thereby not dependent on the rotational direction of
the drive unit 101. When the clutch 107 is so disengaged, an
athlete may move away from the system, the rope may unwind from the
rope spool 202, although the drive unit 101 may still be rotating
in a winding direction. In such an embodiment, brake 205 of the
output unit 201 may apply resistance on the rope such that the
athlete may encounter resistance when he or she moves away from the
system (and causes the rope to unwind.) The brake 205 may be
engaged by way of a one-way bearing (such as a sprag bearing or
clutch) that is operatively coupled to the brake 205 and spool 202.
When the brake is engaged, it will apply resistance on the output
shaft 204 such that the unwinding of the rope from the spool 202
requires more power by the athlete.
[0029] It will be apparent that the motor and clutch may also apply
resistance on an athlete when the rope is unwinding from the spool
202 independent of the force or engagement of the brake 205, as
when the rope is unwinding from the spool, the clutch 107 will
still provide some (albeit minimal) resistance force against the
unwinding of the spool 202.
[0030] For when the athlete moves toward the system, the brake 205
and one-way bearing may disengage the output shaft 204 to remove
resistance upon the output shaft 204. Further, the clutch 107 of
the drive unit 101 may engage the drive shaft 104, causing the
pulley 106 of the drive unit 101 to translate motion to the pulley
206 of the output unit 201. With the brake 205 disengaged from the
output shaft 204 and the second pulley 206 operatively coupled to
the first pulley 106, rotational motion of the first pulley 106 is
translated to the second pulley 206 via the belt that connects the
pulleys such that the output shaft 204 rotates in the same
(winding) direction as the drive shaft 104, and the rope winds back
onto the spool 202. With the rope winding onto the spool, a pulling
(i.e., an assistance) force may be exerted on an athlete, even when
the athlete is moving toward the system, which force provides
overspeed training capability. The force can be adjusted by way of
the unit control or motor control, for example. In a preferred
embodiment, on rewind the pull-in force on the rope may be
primarily dependent on the clutch 107. In this embodiment, the
force may be set at a low level such that the rope does not
generate slack as the athlete moves back toward the system 100, and
further, to provide a firm and constant assistance force for
overspeed training.
[0031] The system may vary the resistance force applied on the
athlete when the rope is unwinding from the spool, by adjusting at
least the pressure of the brake 205 on the output shaft 204. The
system may vary the resistance force applied on the athlete when
the rope is winding direction by changing the motor speed, by
changing the pressure of the clutch 107, or by a combination
thereof.
[0032] In another embodiment, the system for training athletes
comprises drive unit, which drive unit is capable of imparting
resistance and assistance on an athlete. In such an embodiment, the
system further comprises a rope spool (and rope disposed thereon),
which rope spool is operatively coupled to the drive unit. In such
an embodiment, the drive unit of the system comprises a motor that
is capable of causing the drive unit to rotate in at least one
direction, and preferably, in directions that cause the rope to
wind onto and unwind from the rope spool. In this embodiment, the
system further comprises a motor control mechanism (such as a
programmable logic controller), which control mechanism allows a
user to selectively adjust the force level imparted by the drive
unit on the rope and/or the direction in which the motor causes the
rope spool to rotate.
[0033] The disclosed system 100 is capable of providing a resistive
force to an athlete for training the athlete in various kinds of
modes such as an overspeed mode of running, or modes such as
constant resistance, increasing resistance, decreasing resistance,
and varying and constant speed modes. In use, the rope may be
fastened to a body portion, such as a back or a torso of the
athlete, and thereafter the athlete may be allowed to run in a
direction away from the motor 102. Further, the motor 102 may be
set to rotate the motor shaft 104, and the clutch may engage to
cause the output unit to rotate the spool 202 to rewind the rope,
thereby providing a pulling force on the athlete running toward the
system 100. It will be evident to a person skilled in the art that
the resistive force offered by the system 100 to the athlete in
accordance with a predetermined range of running speeds of the
athlete.
[0034] The system 100 may be operated in at least one mode of the
various modes from a distance by means of a remote control 114.
Specifically, the drive unit 101 or output unit 201 of the system
100 may be operated in the various modes by using the remote
control 114, and the remote control may selectively operate the
motor, brake, and/or clutch. Moreover, the remote control 114
facilitates in training the athlete in a controlled manner. For
example, while training the athlete in a maximum torque mode, the
athlete may experience a large amount of resistive force from the
brake when he or she is moving away from the system, and a
assistive force from the clutch and motor when he or she is moving
toward the system. In the event that the athlete is not able to
balance or accommodate the resistive force from the brake, a coach
or trainer of the athlete may decrease or cease the resistive force
offered by the brake by means of the remote control 114, thereby
avoiding any chance of injury to the athlete. In one embodiment of
the present disclosure, the system 100 may include a sensor (not
shown) capable of detecting the rotation of the pulley 106 in a
manner such that the sensor facilitates in turning OFF the motor
102 upon detecting that the pulley 106 has stopped rotating.
[0035] The memory unit of the system 100 may store and be set in at
least one of the various profiles for enabling the athlete to be
trained in one of the various modes. For example, the brake may be
set into a constant torque mode, in which the brake 205 provides a
constant resistive force to the athlete running away from the
system 100. Alternatively, the brake 205 may be set into a maximum
speed mode such that the brake 205 may provide a highest resistive
force to the athlete running away from the system by constantly
adjusting the resistive force to prevent an athlete from running
above a predetermined speed. In this mode, as the athlete reaches a
set speed the resistive force will increase to continue to act as a
braking force so the athlete can not run above the set speed. Upon
removal of the resistive force offered by the system 100 to the
athlete, the athlete may run faster, thereby improving his or her
running speed.
[0036] While operating the motor 102 in a constant speed and
constant torque mode, the memory unit may set the brake 205 to
provide a constant torque such that the athlete may experience a
constant resistive force. Specifically, when the athlete moves away
from the system, the rope may apply a resistance force on the
athlete, thereby experiencing the constant resistive force from the
brake. Alternatively, when the athlete moves toward the machine,
the speed and the torque (or a combination of the motor and clutch)
may be set at a constant value such that the rope 108 may rewind on
the pulley 106 at the set speed and torque. Accordingly, the
athlete may be pulled by the rope 108 and may thereby experience a
constant pulling force from the motor/clutch combination to undergo
overspeed training. Similarly, upon removal of the pulling force
offered by the system 100 to the athlete, the athlete may run
faster, thereby improving the running speed thereof.
[0037] Where the system 100 is in a mode where the output unit 201
is rewinding the rope, the remote control 114 may further transmit
to the system 100 commands such as selecting or adjusting the
tension exerted of the rope 108, and selecting and adjusting the
speed of the motor.
[0038] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the display
unit may show data that has been collected by the memory unit or
data input unit relating to a performance of the athlete.
Specifically, the display unit enables in updating the athlete
about his or her performance on using the system 100 during
training. For example, the memory unit and/or data input unit may
collect data associated with a force and a speed of each pull-out
throughout an entire length of the rope 108 pull-out by the
athlete. The processor may facilitate an evaluation of a force
applied by the athlete to overcome the resistive force offered by
the system 100, and a speed with which the athlete runs while
overcoming the resistive force offered by the system 100.
[0039] In an embodiment, the data collected by the memory unit may
include a velocity in feet per seconds, a distance in feet, a time
(in seconds, for example), tension on the rope for at least one
stride (striking of a foot on a surface), time of a foot's contact
with a surface, work (in watts), reaction time, stride frequency,
stride length, number of strides for each pull-out or run-in, or an
angle or angles of the rope that occur when the athlete moves
laterally with respect to the center of the cabinet (described
further below) of the system.
[0040] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor
of the memory unit is capable of evaluating a reaction time
associated with a starting motion of the athlete. More
specifically, the system 100 may include an option of cueing the
athlete with either a light system or an audible system for
initiating the starting motion. For example, the system 100 may
include sensors (not shown) to record the reaction time from the
cue until the athlete actually starts running. Accordingly, the
display unit of the system may display such data that is recorded
by the sensors to update the athlete about his or her
performance.
[0041] In another embodiment, the processor may process data
collected from an athlete, and may produce output in the form of
graphs, tables, histograms, and the like. Output produced by the
processor may include acceleration of an athlete (the change in
velocity with respect to a time interval), power (the multiple of
force and distance over a time interval) of an athlete, and the
like. The output may further be in the form of a single graph that
includes processed data from a plurality of athletes or a plurality
of runs conducted by a single athlete (under varying conditions),
to enable the user to compare a plurality of athletes' performance
against one another, or to compare a single athlete's performance
under different conditions, for example.
[0042] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the system 100
may further include a cabinet capable of enclosing elements of the
system 100. More specifically, the cabinet 116 is capable of
enclosing the drive unit and output unit (and their constituent
components). As explained herein, the rope 108 is adapted to be
rolled on the spool 202. Accordingly, an end portion of the rope
108 may be disposed outside of the cabinet. In one embodiment of
the present disclosure, the rope 108 may include a fastener (not
shown) coupled to the end portion of the rope 108. The fastener may
enable in coupling the rope 108 to the body portion of the athlete,
while training the athlete with the help of the system 100.
[0043] Whether the system is contained within a cabinet, it will be
apparent that the rope may be of any length so long as said length
can be contained on the spool when the rope is wound onto the
spool. In an embodiment, the rope may be 200 feet in length. In
that the length of rope utilized in the system is not limited to a
particular maximum length, the system 100 allows an athlete to use
the system in a vicinity that is larger than other training devices
known in the art.
[0044] The above-described embodiment can be modified into many
alternative preferred embodiments. For instance, the memory unit,
processor, data input unit, and display unit may be a computer
capable of displaying and storing data related to the operation of
the motor 102 of the system 100. More specifically, the computer
may enable in setting the motor 102 in various profiles based on
the control parameters, such as the speed and the torque, to be
provided by the motor controller 110. The computer may set profiles
for the operation of the motor 102, thereby operating the motor 102
in the controlled manner. Further, the computer may enable in
updating the athlete about his or her performance by displaying
data, such as a force, a speed, and a reaction time, of the
athlete.
[0045] The system 100 of the present disclosure may include a
computer interface that is compatible via Ethernet/Internet
Protocol (IP) networking for allowing the system 100 to select
torque and speed profiles for controlling speed and torque of the
motor 102. Further, the system 100 may provide capability to
monitor both speed and torque via a computer network connection for
purposes of observing and analyzing performance data in real time
and for purposes of data collection. Moreover, as mentioned above
the motor 102 may be turned ON and OFF with the help of the remote
control 114.
[0046] The system 100 of the present disclosure may be utilized for
training a plurality of athletes simultaneously. More specifically,
a plurality of systems, such as the system 100, may be communicably
coupled to a server (not shown) for operating the plurality of
systems for training the plurality of athletes simultaneously. In
such an instance, each system of the plurality of systems may
include a drive system operatively coupled to a pulley such that
each system may be utilized for an individual athlete. Accordingly,
the server may enable in setting profiles for the each system of
the plurality of systems, thereby operating the plurality of
systems in various modes. Further, the server may enable in
updating the plurality of athletes about their performances by
displaying data, such as a force, a speed, and a reaction time
thereof.
[0047] Preferably, all the elements, such as the elements of the
drive unit 101 and output unit 201, utilized in the system 100 may
conform to standards as per National Electrical Manufacturers
Association (NEMA). More specifically, most of the elements may
conform to NEMA 12 standard. The NEMA 12 type enclosures are
intended for use indoors to protect the enclosed equipment against
designated environmental conditions, such as fibers, flying, lint,
dust and dirt, and light splashing, seepage, dripping and external
condensation of noncorrosive liquids. Further, the enclosures may
have no holes, conduit knockouts, conduit openings, except that oil
tight or dust tight mechanisms may be mounted through holes in the
enclosure when provided with oil-resistant gaskets. Furthermore,
doors of the enclosures may be provided with oil-resistant gaskets.
In addition, enclosures for controllers may have hinged doors
capable of swinging horizontally and may require a tool to open.
When intended for wall mounting, NEMA 12 type enclosures may
include mounting means external to the equipment cavity, captive
closing hardware, and provisions for locking.
[0048] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the
present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration
and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit
the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed, and
obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light
of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and
described in order to best explain the principles of the present
disclosure and its practical application, to thereby enable others
skilled in the art to best utilize the present disclosure and
various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the
particular use contemplated.
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