Jump Box

Abstract

A jump box for training athletes that eliminates a lot of the hazards of using a traditional jump box. The device has a base, a back frame and a platform the height of which can be adjusted in small increments. The platform is sized and shaped to extend further towards the athlete than any other portion of the jump box making it considerably safer than other devices on the market. In addition, the platform of the jump box is angled downward slightly to make it easier for the athlete to jump on the device. The weight and construction of the device makes it virtually impossible to knock over. In addition, because of the shape and orientation of the platform, athletes can use the box without injuring themselves if they miss a jump.

Claims

1. A jump box for use in training comprising: a platform; a base having a plurality of legs; and one or more vertical supports with a first end and a second end; wherein the first end of the one or more vertical supports is attached to the base such that the one or more vertical supports extend upward and away from the base; and wherein the second end of the one or more vertical supports is attached to a horizontally oriented crossbar; and wherein the one or more vertical supports features a height adjustment system.

2. The jump box of claim 1 wherein the height adjustment system comprises a plurality of holes featured by the one or more vertical supports and at least one cable operably connected to at least one spring that is operably connected to a pin configured to fit into the plurality of holes, such that pulling on the at least one cable causes the spring to stretch producing a pulling force on the pin.

3. The jump box of claim 1 in which the platform is attached to the one or more vertical supports such that the platform slopes downward as it extends away from the one or more vertical supports.

4. The jump box of claim 1 wherein the plurality of legs extends away from the vertical supports such that the plurality of legs are not parallel with each other.

5. The jump box of claim 1 further comprising a counterweight operably connected to the platform.

6. The jump box of claim 2 in which the platform is attached to the one or more vertical supports such that the platform slopes downward as it extends away from the one or more vertical supports.

7. The jump box of claim 4 in which the platform is attached to the one or more vertical supports such that the platform slopes downward as it extends away from the one or more vertical supports.

8. The jump box of claim 5 in which the platform is attached to the one or more vertical supports such that the platform slopes downward as it extends away from the one or more vertical supports.

9. A jump box for use in training athletes comprising: a platform having means to adjust the height of the platform relative to the rest of the jump box; one or more vertical supports; a base with at least two legs extending away from a crossbar; wherein each leg extends away from the crossbar at an obtuse angle to the crossbar.

10. The jump box of claim 9 further comprising a counterweight operably connected to the platform.

11. The jump box of claim 10 wherein the means to adjust the height of the platform comprises a plurality of holes featured by the one or more vertical supports and at least one cable operably connected to at least one spring that is operably connected to at least one pin configured to fit into the plurality of holes, such that pulling on the at least one cable causes the at least one spring to stretch producing a pulling force on the at least one pin.

12. The jump box of claim 11 wherein the platform is attached to the jump box such that it is not level.

13. A jump box for training athletes to jump comprising: a base having a plurality of legs each leg having a distal end and a proximate end; a crossbar attached to the distal end of each leg such that each leg extends away from the crossbar at an obtuse angle; one or more vertical supports attached at a first end to the crossbar and at a second end to a horizontal support bar; and a platform extending away from the vertical supports at an acute angle to the vertical supports.

14. The jump box of claim 13 further comprising a plurality of holes featured by the one or more vertical supports and at least one cable operably connected to at least one spring that is operably connected to at least one pin configured to fit into the plurality of holes featured by the platform, such that pulling on the at least one cable causes the at least one spring to stretch producing a pulling force on the at least one pin.

15. The jump box of claim 14 further comprising a T-shaped leg attached to the crossbar and extending away from the crossbar in a direction opposite the direction the legs extend away from the crossbar.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] FIG. 1 is a right-side perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the jump box device;

[0022] FIG. 2 is a side view of the same embodiment of device;

[0023] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the same embodiment of device;

[0024] FIG. 4 is a rear view thereof; and

[0025] FIG. 5 is top-down view of the thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Referring now to the invention in more detail, in FIG. 1 there is shown a preferred embodiment of the presently disclosed jump box. FIG. 1 shows the base 11 of the device 10 which in this embodiment is made of a plurality of metal bars with a square-shaped or rectangular-shaped cross section joined together to form a frame. While a skilled artisan could appreciate that the base 11 of the device 10 could take a number of different forms, in preferred embodiments, the base consists of two legs 12 each having a distal end 13 and a proximate end 14. The proximate end 14 is the end that is farthest away from the back frame 20 and vertical supports 21. The distal end 13 of each leg 12 is attached to a first crossbar 15 that connects to the vertical supports 21.

[0027] In preferred embodiments, the legs are not “square.” That is to say that the angle formed between the first crossbar 15 and the distal end 13 of each leg 12 attached to that same distal end 13 of a leg 12 is more than 90 degrees. In other words, the legs 12 are positioned to flare outward at their proximate ends 14; the proximate ends of the legs 12 are farther away from each other than the distal ends 13 of the same legs. The legs 12 are not parallel. This feature helps to provide a space for the user to stand or land when jumping onto or off of the device 10. Optionally, there is a second crossbar 16 joining the two legs 12 at a point between the distal end 13 and the proximate end 14. Optionally, the legs 12 may feature one or more brackets 17 that serves as a means of attaching the device to the floor. The base 11 can optionally feature additional support for the device 10 in the form of an additional leg 12 extending from the first crossbar 15 away from the base 11 in a direction opposite the direction the legs 12 extend. In preferred embodiments, this leg is T-shaped and thus is referred to as a T-bar 18 and is configured to fold upward toward the rest of the device when the user needs it out of the way. Specifically, the T-bar 18 is pivotably attached to the base of the device and locked in place using a bolt or pin 19 inserted through a hole in the link between the T-bar 18 and the rest of the device.

[0028] FIG. 1 also shows the back frame 20 of the device 10. Protruding from and attached to the first crossbar 15 located at the distal end 13 of each of the legs 12, are a set of vertical supports 21. Typically, these vertical supports 21 will be attached to either end of the first crossbar 15 although, a skilled artisan can appreciate a number of other configurations such as attaching the vertical supports to the distal ends 13 of each leg 12. The vertical supports 13 extend upward and away from the first crossbar 15 to which they are attached to meet and attach to a horizontal support bar 23. In addition, preferred embodiments have a set of handlebars 15 that extend up and away from the legs 12 of the base 11. Again, a number of different configurations can be used to provide the user with structure(s) that they can grip with their hands when using the device 10. Specifically, in this embodiment, handlebars 24 are attached at one end to the horizontal support bar 23 and at the other end to the base 11 of the device 10. The handlebars 24 extend horizontally away from the horizontal support bar 23 for a distance before curving downward to meet the base 11 of the frame at a point that is forward of the vertical supports 21. FIG. 1 also shows the housing 34 that housing the counterweight 35 system discussed in more detail below.

[0029] Further, as seen in FIG. 2, the horizontal support bar 23 may feature a handle 25 extending away from the back frame 20. This handle 25 can be gripped to make it easier to move the device. Moreover, the base 11 of the device 10 can also feature one or more wheels 26. In preferred embodiments, the wheels 26 are positioned on the back side of the first crossbar 15 that makes up part of the base 11 of the device. The device 10 can be moved much like a hand truck or dolly. First, the user removes the pin 19 from the link between the T-bar 18 and the base 11 of the device, then the user grips the handle 25 on the horizontal support bar 23 and pulls the handle 25 downward to tip the jump box 10 backward. While gripping the handle 25 the user can use the wheels 26 to move the device 10 to a new location.

[0030] The platform 27 is shown in more detail in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 shows a view of the device 10 from the bottom as if the device 10 were turned over. The platform 27 is made of a horizontally oriented frame that supports a flattened surface onto which the user jumps. The back of the platform 27 is adjacent to the adjustment system 28 on the vertical supports 21 back frame 20 of the jump box 10.

[0031] In preferred embodiments and the anticipated best mode of this device, the platform 27 is angled downward slightly toward the athlete to make it easier and safer for the athlete to jump onto the platform 27 but not so much that the athlete can knock the platform 27 over by landing in correctly. This downward angle is less than 5 degrees, meaning the angle of the top of the platform to the back frame is between 85 and 90 degrees. The various components of the platform 27 are all one solid structure the height of which is adjusted as discussed below.

[0032] FIG. 3 also illustrates the portion of the adjustment system 28 featured on the underside of the platform 27 in some embodiments. A skilled artisan can appreciate the location of these structures can be varied. In the preferred embodiments and the anticipated best mode of the device, the adjustment system 28 is a series of holes 22 that are integrated into the vertical supports 21. Optionally, these holes 22 can be featured on a separate structure that is connected to the vertical supports 21 or some other portion of the back frame 20. The device uses one or more cables 30 that are operably connected to one or more pins 32 by springs 31. The pins 32 are configured to fit into the holes 22 on the vertical supports 21 of the back frame 20 to adjust the height of the platform 27. When the user pulls on tabs 29, they pull on the cables 30 causing the springs 31 to stretch and pull their respective pins 32 out of their holes 22. The user is then able to move the platform 27 up or down with respect to the vertical supports 21 featuring the adjustment system 28 and align it with another set of holes 22 on the same vertical supports 21. At that point, the cables 30 can be released, the springs 31 will relax and the pins 32 will insert into another set of holes 22 thereby supporting the platform 27 at a different height. In this manner, the user can change the height of the platform 27 in small increments. In preferred embodiments of this device, the holes 22 in the vertical supports 21 are located one inch apart thereby allowing the user to adjust the height of the platform 27 in one-inch increments. While there is a practical limitation to how close the holes 22 can be positioned to each other, a skilled artisan can appreciate that the increments by which the height of the platform 27 can be adjusted can be more or less than one inch. Preferred embodiments have a second set of holes 22 featured by the vertical supports 21 that are set more than one inch apart, ideally 5 inches apart, to allow for quicker height adjustments when desired.

[0033] FIG. 4 shows the jump box 10 from the back. Note, there is a second set of tabs 29 can be featured by the jump box 10. These tabs 29 also serve to allow the user to adjust the height of the platform 27 as discussed above. FIG. 4 also shows a cutaway of the housing 34 that houses the counterweights 35 that are operably connected to the platform 27 by one or more cables 30. The housing 34 can be open in the back or it can be a completely closed structure. The main purpose of the housing 34 is to prevent the user, or anything else, from accidentally coming into contact with the cables 30 or counterweights 35 when using the platform 27. The platform 27 is connected to these counterweights 35, so when the user detaches the platform 27 from the attachment system 28 featured by the vertical supports 21, at least part of the weight of the platform 27 is supported by the weights 35 making it easier for the user to move the platform 27 up and down and to hold it in place while the pins 32 are engaged with the attachment system 28.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a top down view of the jump box 10 and emphasizes the positioning of the legs 12 of the base 11. In particular, the legs 12 are not parallel with each other and flare outward as they extend away from the back frame 20 of the jump box 10. The legs 12 attach to the first crossbar 15 such that they form an obtuse angle with the same crossbar 15. This makes the jump box 10 wider at the front of its base 11 that it is at the back of its base 11. As discussed above, this “splaying” of the legs 12 gives the user more room to stand close to the jump box 10 when attempting a jump onto the platform 27. FIG. 5 also shows the horizontal support bar 23 featuring padding 36 and a handle 25 that can be used to tip the jump box 10 backward.

[0035] The advantages of the present invention include, without limitation, the ability to provide an athlete with a stable enough jump box to allow them to make high jumps with more safety and ease than any other method of jump boxing out on the current market. The box height will exceed over 80″ at maximum height, this will be able to accommodate all different types of jump testing that is currently performed the field of personal training. This is the only box in the world that can accommodate all box jump testing methods quickly and safely, in one-inch increments. The adjustment system allows trainers to train athletes of different abilities quickly and efficiently. With this device a child could train with an NFL superstar with effortless and seamless transition between jumps. The pull pin mechanism that moves the jumping platform was designed for speed and efficiency and allows the strength coach to find the height the jumper needs in seconds. It is impossible to kick this device out and injure the jumper. If a jumper misses a jump the pad on the jumping platform makes it absolutely impossible for the athlete to get injured anywhere on the box.

[0036] The present invention is the only type of its kind. In an industry where millions are made by manufacturers and businesses manipulating the same pieces of equipment over the last 50 years, this piece of equipment stands alone. There is nothing like it on the market that can do what it does and provide the safety it does. The inventors put the athlete first designing this jump box. This is an invention that embodies 20 years of being a head strength for thousands of athletes. This piece of equipment could be one of the most important inventions in human performance this century.

[0037] Reference throughout the specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout the specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

[0038] Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

[0039] It is understood that the above-described embodiments are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiment, including the best mode, is to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, if any, in conjunction with the foregoing description.

[0040] While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above-described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.