A SPORTS TRAINING APPARATUS

Abstract

A training apparatus for use in training a sportsperson, the apparatus comprising: a pair of elongate rails defining a training space therebetween; at least one support structure engaged with the pair of elongate rails and slidable along the rails in both directions towards the sportsperson in use and away from the sportsperson in use through the training space; the support structure comprising a support beam extending upwardly from the support structure; and a simulated opponent attached to the support beam for the sportsperson to engage with in use, the simulated opponent movable along the rails at least upon force being applied by the sportsperson in use.

Claims

1. A training apparatus for use in training a sportsperson, the apparatus comprising: a pair of elongate rails defining a training space therebetween; at least one support structure engaged with the pair of elongate rails and slidable along the rails in both directions towards the sportsperson in use and away from the sportsperson in use through the training space; the support structure comprising a support beam extending upwardly from the support structure; and a simulated opponent attached to the support beam for the sportsperson to engage with in use, the simulated opponent movable along the rails at least upon force being applied by the sportsperson in use.

2. The training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein upon application of force from the sports person the support structure is movable along the rails from a first position to a second position and further wherein the support structure is biased to return to the first position.

3. The training apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the support structure is biased to return to the first position by means of an elastic tether.

4. The training apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the elastic tether is attached towards the rear of the support structure and towards the front of at least one the elongate rails, the elastic tether being elongatable upon application of force from the sportsperson.

5. The training apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the elastic tether is attached at one end to the support structure and at another end to the sportsperson, the elastic tether being elongatable upon application of force from the sportsperson.

6. The training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support structure comprises at least one joist straddling the elongate rails, and wherein the support beam extending upwardly from the support structure comprises a first beam and a second beam, the first beam having a first end towards rear of the apparatus and a second end towards the front of the apparatus, the second end being the end closest to the sportsperson in use, the first beam being supported by the at least one joist and arranged substantially horizontally parallel with the elongate rail portions; the second beam being attached perpendicularly and arranged vertically with respect to the first beam.

7. The training apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a third beam is attached to the first end of the first beam and optionally supported by the second beam, the third beam being for suspending the sportsperson or the simulated opponent in use.

8. The training apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a fourth beam is provided on the third beam for suspending the sportsperson or the simulated opponent in use.

9. The training apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the sportsperson or the simulated opponent is suspended by a cable associated with the fourth beam, the cable passing through a pulley mounted in a rail on the fourth beam.

10. The training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the simulated opponent is a mannequin.

11. The training apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the second beam comprises a mount onto which the simulated opponent is mounted, wherein mount is pivotable so as to provide at least an upright position (vertical) for the mannequin and a laying flat position (horizontal) for the mannequin.

12. The training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the simulated opponent is a punchbag or one or more focus mitts mounted in a frame.

13. The training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second beam comprises a mount onto which the simulated opponent is mounted, wherein the mount includes a spring that allows the simulated opponent to have some bounce back when impact is applied to it.

14. The training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first beam is telescopic and or tiltable to change the position of the simulated opponent relative to the sportsperson.

15. The training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support structure is mounted on each rail respectively by at least one carriage each of which smoothly slide along each rail in use to provide the movement.

16. A method of training or rehabilitating a sportsperson comprising tethering the sportsperson to a training apparatus according to claim 1.

17. A method of training or rehabilitating a sportsperson comprising suspending the sportsperson from a training apparatus according to claim 1.

18. The training apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the support structure comprises at least one joist straddling the elongate rails, and wherein the support beam extending upwardly from the support structure comprises a first beam and a second beam, the first beam having a first end towards rear of the apparatus and a second end towards the front of the apparatus, the second end being the end closest to the sportsperson in use, the first beam being supported by the at least one joist and arranged substantially horizontally parallel with the elongate rail portions; the second beam being attached perpendicularly and arranged vertically with respect to the first beam.

19. The training apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the simulated opponent is a punchbag or one or more focus mitts mounted in a frame.

20. The training apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second beam comprises a mount onto which the simulated opponent is mounted, wherein the mount includes a spring that allows the simulated opponent to have some bounce back when impact is applied to it.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0036] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which are not drawn to scale and which are exemplary only and in which:

[0037] FIG. 1a and FIG. 1b are perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus.

[0038] FIG. 2 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus.

[0040] FIG. 4a to d shows various close-up views of the rail of the apparatus.

[0041] FIG. 5 is a view of a part of the support structure (some components not shown).

[0042] FIG. 6 is a mount for a simulated opponent.

[0043] FIG. 7 is a side view of an embodiment showing the sportsman.

[0044] FIG. 8 is an alternative position of the simulated opponent.

[0045] FIG. 9 shows the first and second positions of the apparatus relative to the sportsperson.

[0046] FIG. 10 shows the sportsperson tethered to the apparatus.

[0047] FIG. 11 is an alternative embodiment in which the first beam is telescopic, and the third beam is in two parts.

[0048] FIG. 12 is the embodiment of FIG. 11 showing how the first beam can be pivotable to change the height of the simulated opponent.

[0049] FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of the apparatus folded when not in use.

[0050] FIG. 14 is an embodiment in which the first beam is tiltable.

[0051] FIG. 15 is an embodiment in which the sportsperson can be suspended from a fourth beam.

[0052] FIG. 16 is an embodiment in which a simulated opponent (e.g. punching bag) can be suspended from a fourth beam with a pulley system.

[0053] FIG. 17a shows a pre-tackle side view schematic of the apparatus of FIG. 16. FIG. 17b a post-tackle side view schematic of the apparatus of FIG. 16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0054] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a training apparatus 10 for use in training a sportsperson 100. The apparatus 10 comprises a pair of elongate rails 14 defining a training space T therebetween. The width of the training space T can be seen in e.g. FIG. 1 marked by a dotted line. The training space T is an area into which the sportsperson 100 can move during engagement with the apparatus 10. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 the training space T is 1.4 m in width to allow for the insertion of a mat (not shown).

[0055] As can be seen in FIG. 4, in order to provide sliding movement along the rail 14, each rail portion 114 is associated with a carriage 115. The carriage 115 has more than one carriage part (e.g. 115, 115). The carriage 115 is configured to work with the rail 114 to provide optimum movement with as little friction as possible. Each carriage 115 is coupled with a bar 14 that slides with the carriage 115 in use. The bar 14 can provide a flat surface on to which other structures can be attached. In the Figures rails 14 are labelled but it should be understood bar 14 may be the item that is seen as part of the rail 14.

[0056] At least one support structure 110 (comprising 14, 16, 16, 18, 20 and so on) engages with the pair of elongate rails 14. The support structure 110 is associated with the rails 14 so that upon movement of the carriage 115 along each rail part 114, the support structure 110 is also movable. The support structure 110 is attached to the bar 14 that is coupled with the carriage 115. The first bar 14 supported by the first rail 14 can be connected to the second bar 14 supported by the second rail 14. The connection is by two joists 16, 16. Once the first and second bars 14, 14 are connected by the one or more joists, the whole structure 110 moves along the rails 14.

[0057] The simulated opponent 12 is shown in FIG. 1 as a mannequin 12. In FIG. 2, the simulated opponent 12 is a punchbag 12. In FIG. 3, the simulated opponent is a series of focus mitts 112 arranged on a stand 13. In FIG. 7, in which the simulated opponent 12 is a mannequin 12 it is shown at about the height of the sportsperson 100.

[0058] The support beam 22 extending upwardly from the support structure is intended to allow for mounting of the simulated opponent 12. The mounting may be adjustable for the reasons outlined above.

[0059] For opponent bodies 12 mounted from below (e.g. FIG. 1), the support beam 22 comprises a first beam 18 connected with the joists 16, 16. The first beam 18 is arranged substantially parallel with the elongate rail portions 16, 16. The first beam 18 has a first end 118 at towards rear of the apparatus 10 and a second end 118 towards the front of the apparatus 10 (the second end 118 being the end closest to the sportsperson 100 in use (refer FIG. 7)). A second beam 22 is attached at the second end 118 of the first beam 18. The second beam 22 is substantially perpendicular (vertically) to the horizontal first beam 18. The second beam 22 perpendicular to the first beam 18 has bracing 20 to provide additional reinforcement for impact (e.g. FIGS. 1 to 10). In some embodiments (FIGS. 11 to 14), the bracing 20 can be in the form of support arms 21 which extend to the rails 14. The second beam 22 can have a mount 24 onto which the simulated opponent 12 can be mounted. The mount 24 includes a spring that allows the simulated opponent 12 to have some bounce back when impact is applied to it.

[0060] For simulated opponents 12 mounted from above (e.g. FIG. 2), the support beam 22 comprise a first beam 18 connected with the joists 16, 16 but arranged substantially parallel with the elongate rail portions. A third beam 25 can be attached to the first end 118 of the first beam 18. The third beam 25 can be disposed at an angle from the first end 118 in the direction towards the sportsperson 100 in use. The third beam 25 is at an angle such as a 45 degree angle, with its weight supported by the first beam 18 and optionally second beam 22 once it is located in position. Support from the second beam 22 can be seen in e.g. FIG. 2. A free end of the third beam 25 remote from the attachment point to the first beam can be used to suspend a simulated opponent such as a punch bag 12. The hanging point for the simulated opponent 12 allows the bag to move freely and swing when impact is applied. The height of the third beam can be adjusted by lengthening the support beams.

[0061] The third beam 25 can be in one whole part as shown in e.g. FIG. 2. The third beam can be provided in two or more parts hingedly connected with one another. When the third beam 25 is required for use, the beam can be unfolded about the hinge(s) into the fully extended position. The hinged folding of the third beam 25 can be an advantage for storage of the apparatus when not in use.

[0062] In an embodiment, the first beam 18 is pivotable about the first end 118. This can be useful where the elevation of the simulated opponent 12 is required to be adjustable. By pivoting about a pivot point P at the first end 118, the simulated opponent 12 can be raised or lowered as shown in FIG. 12. Once at the desired height, the simulated opponent 12 can be locked into position using e.g. a locking pin passing through apertures in mated poles, or other known fixing method.

[0063] The first beam 18 can also be telescopic which can allow for some adjustability in the distance that the simulated opponent 12 extend forward of the rails 14. This is shown in e.g. FIG. 11 where part 18a is telescopically receivable into part 18b. A telescopic first beam 18a, 18b also provides for some advantages in storage since the beam 18 can be reduced in size when the apparatus 10 is not being used. In an embodiment, the first beam 10 is also tiltable to adjust the angle at which the simulated opponent 12 is mounted. This is shown in FIG. 14. Typically, the simulated opponent is vertical (0 degrees). However, the tilt can allow for a e.g. 10 degree tilt from vertical.

[0064] In an upright position, when the simulated opponent 12 is mounted from below, the sportsperson can punch and kick the simulated opponent or otherwise apply force to it. Upon the application of force, the simulated opponent will move, in the direction of the applied force which is typically away from the sportsperson 100. The simulated opponent 12 will start to move, the second beam 22 will start to move, the first beam 18 will start to move, the joists 16, 16 will start to move and then the bars 14, 14 mounted by carriages 115 to the elongate rails 14 will start to move. The consequence is that the carriages 115 will slide along the rails 14. What the sportsperson 100 experiences is that upon application of force, the simulated opponent 12 moves away from them in the direction shown by the arrow.

[0065] Once the apparatus 10 has slid away from the sportsperson 100 in the direction of the arrows shown in FIG. 1, the sportsperson 100 can grab the apparatus 10 (optionally grab the simulated opponent 12) and pull it back towards themselves to start the process over. In some instances, there will be some bounce back of the apparatus once it reaches the terminal point TP at the end of the elongate rails, it will naturally slide back towards the sportsperson 100.

[0066] Upon application of force from the sportsperson 100 the support structure 14, 16, 16, 18, 20 is movable along the rails 14, 14 from a first position closest to the sportsperson 100 to a second position away from the sportsperson (refer FIG. 9). The support structure is biased to return to the first position by elastic tether 26. The bias of the tether 26 causes the support structure to slide back along the rails to the first position. In FIG. 9, the elastic tether 26 is shown attached towards the rear of the support structure (A) and towards the front of the rail or rails (B). Upon application of force by the sportsperson 100, the elastic tether is elongated and under stress as the tether stretches. As the stressed elastic forces are released, the tether returns to its original length and as it does so it pulls the support structure back along the rails and towards the sportsperson 100.

[0067] In some embodiments the sportsperson 100 can be attached to the simulated opponent 12 by a tether (28) As the simulated opponent slides away from the sportsperson 100, there is a stop instigated by the tether 28. The tether 28 length is adjustable. The tether 28 is shown attached to the sportsperson 100 around their waist.

[0068] In embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the simulated opponent 12 is shown in a second position which is a laying down position. When the simulated opponent 12 is in the laying down position, the simulated opponent can be used to simulate how to scrummage with another person.

[0069] To further simulate movement of the simulated opponent and or to assist in rehabilitation of the sportsperson 100, the sportsperson 100 can be attached to the apparatus 10 (FIG. 15). The sportsperson 100 can be suspended from the third beam 25 of apparatus 10 (see FIG. 2B) or from a fourth beam 40 (see FIG. 15). A ratchetted cable system 30 can be used to suspend the sportsperson 100 wearing harness 32. Once in position, the sportsperson 100 can use the apparatus 10 as described herein. The height of the apparatus can be adjustable to accommodate different heights of users are required. In some embodiments, for additional stability, the beam from which the sportsperson is suspended (i.e. the third or fourth beam) can be fixed to the ceiling or some other upper structure.

[0070] In embodiments in which the sportsperson is hanging from the third beam 25, an extension to the third beam may be required. The extension can be a fourth beam 40 connected with the third beam 25 that increases the reach over the apparatus 10. The fourth beam 40 can be unfolded from the third beam 25 as required. In some embodiments, in order to counter-balance the weight of the sportsperson hanging from the fourth beam 40, the fourth beam 40 can comprise a forward part 40b extending towards the direction of the sportsperson 100 (from which part they will hang), and a backward part 40a extending towards the direction away from the sportsperson 100 to the rear of the apparatus 10. The backward part 40a of the fourth beam 40 can have a support arm 42 that extends downward to the third beam 25 for stability. The support arm (or arms) 42 can help to prevent the fourth beam 40 from moving under the weight of the sportsperson 100 once suspended. Additional counterweight can be provided by cables 44 running from the rear end of the backward part 40a of the fourth beam 40 and being secured to the base of the apparatus 10. The cable(s) 44 can be rigid.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 16, the extension provided by the fourth beam 40 can allow for the suspension of a simulated opponent 12 that can take increased impact forces when compared with a simulated opponent suspended 12 from the third beam 25 alone. Furthermore, due to the extension, the training area can be expanded to allow for different types of actions to be practiced. One type of action that could be practised where the training area is increased is a running tackle. In an embodiment, the forward part 40b of the fourth beam 40 is telescopically extendable by beam part 40c and a simulated opponent 12 can be suspended from the first remote end. Due to the impact expected when the simulated opponent 12 is met with the force of the sportsperson 100, cables 44 can be connected to the rear of the fourth beam 40a (second remote end) connecting to the base of the apparatus 10 and or to the carriage 110 (preferably the base since it is fixed). In some embodiments, the base of the apparatus 10 may be required to be bolted to the ground for additional structural stability. The cable(s) 44 can extend along the length of the fourth beam 40 and then pass over a pulley 46 located towards the first remote end) before reaching the simulated opponent 12. A drop of cable of about 500, 600 or 700 mm can be established between the pulley 46 and the simulated opponent 12. The pulley 46 can be mounted in a rail on the fourth beam 40. The rail can allow the pulley 46 to slide along the length of the fourth beam 40 in a forward direction towards the first remote end and in a backwards direction away from the first remote end. When the sportsperson 100 runs towards the simulated opponent and applies force to the simulated opponent 12, the pulley 46 can be pushed along the rail of the fourth beam 40 in the direction of the applied force. Movement of the pulley 46 allows slack in the cable 44 to be such that the simulated opponent 12 can contact the floor (usually with the sportsperson 100 on top of it).

[0072] FIG. 17a shows a pre-tackle side view schematic of the apparatus of FIG. 16. FIG. 17b a post-tackle side view schematic of the apparatus of FIG. 16. The cable retractor 54 allows for movement of the cable upon impact with the simulated opponent punchbag 12. The change of the cable length 52 from pre-tackle to post-tackle can be about 2.3 meters. The change in the retractor cable length 54 from pre-tackle to post tackle can be about 3 m.

[0073] It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

[0074] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word comprise or variations such as comprises or comprising is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

[0075] Any promises made in the present description should be understood to relate to some embodiments of the invention and are not intended to be promises made about the invention as a whole. Where there are promises that are deemed to apply to all embodiments of the invention, the applicant/patentee reserves the right to later delete them from the description and does not rely on these promises for the acceptance or subsequent grant of a patent in any country.