Jump Training Device

Abstract

The invention pertains to a jump training device designed to evaluate and enhance an athlete's vertical jumping capability. The device comprises a base with a front and rear, a vertical extension removably affixed to the base, a top section, a flexible hanger, an extension fastener, and an object fastener. The vertical extension includes a first, second, and third vertical section, with the second and third sections telescopically extending in the direction of the first section's axis. The flexible hanger, can extends down from the top section and is affixed to the extension fastener. The object fastener is configured to detachably couple an object to the extension fastener, which can be a magnet or a portion of a hook and loop fastener. The base can be set on a floor, and the vertical extension is marked to indicate the total height of the extension fastener.

Claims

1. A jump training device for evaluating and enhancing an athlete's vertical jumping capability, the jump training device comprising: a base having a front and a rear; a vertical extension removably affixed to the front of the base, wherein the vertical extension comprises a first vertical section, a second vertical section and a third vertical section coupled to the base such that the second and third vertical sections telescopically extend in the direction of the axis of the first vertical section; a top section extending from the third vertical section at an angle to the axis of the third vertical section; a flexible hanger having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is affixed to the top section such that the flexible hanger extends down from the top section; an extension fastener coupled to the second end of the hanger; and an object fastener configured to detachably couple an object to the extension fastener.

2. The jump training device of claim 1 wherein the object fastener is coupled to a harness configured to allow the object fastener to be affixed about the object or wherein the object fastener is embedded in the object.

3. The jump training device of claim 1, wherein the flexible hanger is a cable or a rope.

4. The jump training device of claim 1, wherein the extension fastener is a first magnet having a first polarity and the object fastener is a second magnet having a second polarity configured to be attracted to the extension fastener.

5. The jump training device of claim 1, wherein the extension fastener is and the object fastener are opposite portions of a hook and loop fastener.

6. The jump training device of claim 1, wherein one of the extension fastener and the object fastener is a magnet and the other of the extension fastener and the object fastener is a ferrous metal operative to provide the retaining force.

7. The jump training device of claim 1, wherein the base is configured to be set on a floor and wherein the vertical extension is marked to indicate the total height of the extension fastener relative to the floor at different positions of the first vertical section, the second vertical section and the third vertical extension relative to each other.

8. The jump training device of claim 1, wherein the base is configured to be set on a floor and wherein the vertical extension is marked to indicate the total height of the portion of the object closest to the floor at different positions of the first vertical section, the second vertical section and the third vertical extension relative to each other.

9. The jump training device of claim 1, further comprising a weight retainer on the rear of the base.

10. The jump training device of claim 1, wherein the vertical extension comprises at least one measuring indicator.

11. The jump training device of claim 1, wherein the base comprises at least one vertical support coupled to the at least one vertically telescoping section wherein the at least one vertical support is coupled to the base wherein the base has at least one caster coupled to it.

12. The jump training device of claim 2, wherein the object is a volleyball, football, baseball, basketball, or tennis ball.

13. The jump training device of claim 1, wherein the base is wider at the front than at the rear.

14. The jump training device of claim 1 further comprising a loader configured to support the object and allow a user to raise the object such that the object fastener contacts the extension fastener.

15. The jump training device of claim 1, wherein the vertical extension is rotatable relative to the base.

16. A method for evaluating and enhancing an athlete's vertical jumping capability using a jump training device, the method comprising: positioning a jump training device having a base, a vertical extension removably affixed to the base and having an adjustable height, and a flexible hanger extending from the vertical extension; providing an extension fastener to the vertical extension and an object fastener configured to detachably couple to the extension fastener; adjusting the height of the flexible hanger; and allowing a user to jump and attempt to interact with the object.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of providing a harness configured to secure the object to the object fastener and securing the object to the flexible hanger using the object fastener embedded in or coupled to the object.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the flexible hanger comprises a cable or rope, and the method further comprises selecting the flexible hanger material to allow controlled movement of the object during the athlete's jump.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of setting the base of the jump training device on a floor and adjusting the vertical extension to mark the height of the object relative to the floor for measurement purposes.

20. The method of claim 16, further comprising providing a loader configured to allow the user to support the object and raise it such that the object fastener contacts the extension fastener.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description when considered in connection with the following illustrative figures. In the figures, like reference numbers refer to like elements or acts throughout the figures.

[0018] FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of the jump training device in accordance to one or more embodiments;

[0019] FIG. 2 shows a right-side view of the jump training device in accordance to one or more embodiments;

[0020] FIG. 3 shows a bottom view of the jump training device in accordance to one or more embodiments;

[0021] FIG. 4 shows a top view of the jump training device in accordance to one or more embodiments;

[0022] FIG. 5 shows an isometric view of another embodiment of a jump training device in accordance to one or more embodiments; and

[0023] FIG. 6 shows a front view of the jump training device in accordance to one or more embodiments.

[0024] Elements and acts in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and have not necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence or embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] In the following description, and for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the invention. It will be understood, however, by those skilled in the relevant arts, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, known structures and devices are shown or discussed more generally to avoid obscuring the invention. In many cases, a description of the operation is sufficient to enable one to implement the various forms of the invention, particularly when the operation is to be implemented in software. It should be noted that there are many different and alternative configurations, devices, and technologies to which the disclosed inventions may be applied. The full scope of the inventions is not limited to the examples that are described below.

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, a jump training device designed to evaluate and enhance an athlete's vertical jumping capability is shown generally at 10. The jump training device 10 can comprise at least one retaining device 50 configured to removably hold an object 90. The at least one retaining device 50 can be operatively coupled to a vertical extension 20 having a vertical extension 21 and a top section 12. The jump training device 10 can comprise a base 60 having a front 76 and a back 78. The vertical extension 21 can be removably affixed to the front 76 of the base 60. The vertical extension 21 can have a first vertical section 34, a section vertical section 28 and a third vertical section 22 coupled to the base such that the second vertical section and third vertical sections telescopically extend in the direction of the axis of the first vertical section. The first vertical section 34, the second vertical section 28 and the third vertical section 22 can be dimensioned to telescopically receive the adjacent section allowing relative axial movement between each section, enabling extension and retraction to various selectable heights. The first vertical section 34, the second vertical section 28 and the third vertical section 22 can be such as, for example, square tubing, round tubing, rectangular tubing, oval tubing, polygonal tubing or the like.

[0027] In embodiments, the first vertical section 34 and the second vertical section 28 and the second vertical section and the third vertical section 22 can have a first retention mechanism 26 and a second retention mechanism 32 for selectively securing each section at the user's desired height, thereby permitting adjustable height retention. The first retention mechanism 26 and the second retention mechanism 32 can be such as, for example, tube clamps, push pin, cam locks, thumb screw, push button release, snap locks, ratchet mechanism, lever locking or the like allowing the user to lock the first vertical section 34 relative to the second vertical section 28 and the third vertical section 22 relative to the second vertical section to achieve a desired height.

[0028] The first retention mechanism 26 and the second retention mechanism 32 can be coupled to the first vertical section 34 and second vertical section 28 by such as, for example, press fit, fasteners, locking mechanism, or the like. The vertical extension 21 is not limited to three sections, in other embodiments, the at least one vertically telescoping section can be one section, two sections, three sections, four sections, five sections or the like wherein each section can be dimensioned to telescopically receive the adjacent section allowing relative axial movement between each section, enabling extension and retraction to various selectable heights. The first section 34 and the second vertical section 28 and the second vertical section and the third vertical section 22 can be moved manually or can have a motor attached to it that can be controlled by a mobile app or a remote allowing the user to easily move the jump training device 10 to the athlete's desired height.

[0029] In embodiments, the vertical extension 21 can be removably affixed to the front 76 of the base 60 having a front 76 and a rear 78, wherein the base can provide stability to the overall structure. In other embodiments, the vertical extension is rotatable relative to the base. In embodiments, the base 60 can be configured to be set on a floor. The base 60 can be wider at the front than at the rear. The front 76 can comprise at least one vertical support 66 that can be coupled to first vertical section 34. The at least one vertical support 66 can be coupled a first base section 63 and a second base section 65 which can extend from the at least one vertical support 66 wherein the first base section and the second base section can have a third base section 67 extending horizontally between the first base section and the second base section forming a triangular shape with the point of the triangle forming at the at least one vertical support 66. In other embodiments, the base 60 can be any suitable shape or size and can be such as for example, rectangular, triangular, polygonal, circular, or the like in shape having more than one base section.

[0030] In embodiments, the at least one vertical support 66, the first base section 63, the second base section 65 and the third base section 67 can be such as, for example, square tubing, round tubing, rectangular tubing, oval tubing, polygonal tubing or the like and can be welded, fastened, pressed, joined or the like together. The at least one vertical support 66 can have at least one attachment hole 68 wherein the first vertical section 34 can be operatively coupled to the at least one vertical support 66 by such as, for example, cotter pins, fasteners, bolt and nut, compression fit, snap or button fastener, or the like. The first base section 63, the second base section 65 and the third base section 67 can comprise non-marking materials 62 suitable for protecting support surfaces such as the ground, basketball courts, volleyball courts or the like. The non-marking materials 62 can be such as, for example, rubber, neoprene, silicone, textured PVC, anti-slip tape or the like. The base 60 can further comprise have a weight retainer 74 on the rear 78 wherein the weight retainer can hold such as, for example, standard weights, Olympic weights, fractional plates, or the like and can hold the jump training device 10 down on the floor and keep it from tipping over if a weight is exerted on the front of the device.

[0031] In embodiments, the base 60 can further comprise a top base section 64 which can be coupled to the top of the first base section 63, the second base section 65 and the third base section 67. The top base section 64 can be such as, for example, sheet metal, metal plate, plastic plate, carbon steel plate, stainless steel plate, or the like. The top base section 64 can be coupled to the first base section 63, the second base section 65 and the third base section 67 by such as, for example, weld, pin, fasteners, clamping, adhesive bonding, crimping or the like wherein the top section can add strength to the base 60. The base 60 can have a second vertical section 74 coupled to the at least one of the top base section 64 and the third base section 67. The second vertical section 74 can be such as, for example, sleeve tube, threaded tube, guide tube, hollow cylinder, clamp tube, or the like. In certain embodiments, the base 60 can either be removably attached together allowing the base to be easily assembled and disassembled by the user allowing the base to be disassembled and stored.

[0032] In embodiments, the first base section 63, the second base section 65, the third base section 67, and the top base section 64 can be made from any suitable material such as, for example, stainless steel, carbon steel, galvanized steel, aluminum, titanium, plastic, or the like. At least one caster 72 can be coupled to the top base section 64 and/or the third base section 67 by such as, for example weld, pin, fasteners, clamping, adhesive bonding, crimping or the like either directly or by a caster bracket 70. The at least one caster 72 can allow the user to easily move the jump training device 10 around when not in use allowing the user to tilt the jump training device back towards the casters and being able to easily roll the jump training device on a surface. In certain embodiments, the at least one caster 72 can be such as, for example, a glider, a wheel, a skate assembly, rubber wheel, plastic wheel, metal wheel, or the like which can roll the jump training device 10 around. In other embodiments, the at least one caster 72 can be omitted or the caster can be on a pivot and can be folded up or down and folded out of the way.

[0033] In embodiment, the top section 12 can extend from the third vertical section 22 at an angle to the axis of the third vertical section and can be coupled by at least one bracket 16 and at least one fastener 18 which can be such as, for example, a pin, a screw, at least one bolt and nut, rivets, pins, or the like. The top section 12 can be such as, for example, square tubing, round tubing, rectangular tubing, oval tubing, polygonal tubing or the like. The top section 12 can be removably or permanently coupled to the third vertical section 22 by the bracket wherein the bracket can be such as, for example, corner bracket, angle bracket, clevis bracket, angle bracket, flange bracket or the like. The top section 12 and the at least one bracket 16 can be made from such as, for example, stainless steel, carbon steel, galvanized steel, aluminum, titanium, plastic, or the like. In the preferred embodiment the at least one bracket 16 can be on both sides of the top section 12 and the third vertical section 22. In certain embodiments the top section 12 can be telescopic having more than one top section allowing it to extend to a user specified distance away from the base 20.

[0034] In embodiments, the top section 12 can have at least one retaining device hole 51 wherein a retaining device 50 can be secured to wherein the retaining device can have a flexible hanger 52 having a first end 57 and a second end 59, wherein the first end is affixed to the top section by an hanger fastener 56 such that the flexible hanger extends down from the top section. The flexible hanger 52 can be coupled to the top section 12 by a hanger fastener 56 which can be such as, for example, thread and bolt, crimped ferrule, or the like. An extension fastener 54 can be coupled to the second end 59 of the hanger 52. An object fastener 94 can be configured to detachably coupled to an object 90 to the extension fastener 54. The extension fastener 54 can be a first magnet having a first polarity and the object fastener 94 can be a second magnet having a second polarity configured to be attracted to the extension fastener. The first magnet and the second magnet can be such as, for example, neodymium magnet, bar magnets, disc magnets, block magnets, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, friction locking surface, suction cup, elastic band, vacuum or the like, which can provide a retaining force on the object 90. In certain embodiment the extension fastener 54 is and the object fastener 94 can be opposite portions of a hook and loop fastener or one of the extension fastener 54 and the object fastener 94 can be a magnet and the other of the extension fastener and the object fastener is a ferrous metal operative to provide the retaining force. In other embodiments, the object fastener 54 can be on the inner surface or coupled to the outer surface of the object 90 wherein the strap can be omitted. The object fastener 54 can be in multiple locations on the object and can be adhered to the outer surface and on the inner surface allowing the object fastener to be releasably coupled to the extension fastener 54.

[0035] In embodiments, the flexible hanger 52 can be such as, for example, rope, rod, bar, cord, both metal and non-metal cable, or the like. The top section 12 can further comprise an end cap 53 on the distal end of the top section wherein the end cap can be such as, for example, plastic end cap, rubber end cap, vinyl end cap, push on end cap, domed end cap, flat end cap, or the like. The base 60 can be configured to be set on a floor and wherein the vertical extension 20 can be marked to indicate the total height of the extension fastener 54 relative to the floor at different positions of the first vertical section 34, the second vertical section 28 and the third vertical extension 22 relative to each other. In other embodiments, the base can be configured to be set on a floor and wherein the vertical extension 20 can be marked to indicate the total height of the portion of the object 90 closest to the floor at different positions of the first vertical section 34, the second vertical section 28 and the third vertical extension 22 relative to each other.

[0036] Referring to FIGS. 5-6, in other embodiments, a second top section 104 can be perpendicularly coupled to the top section 12. The second top section 104 can be coupled to the top section 12 by a second bracket 102 which can extend partially on the top section and partially on the second top section wherein the bracket can be such as, for example, T-bar, corner bracket, angle bracket, clevis bracket, angle bracket, flange bracket or the like allowing the top section to hold the second top section perpendicular to it. The second top section 104 can have one or more objects 90 coupled to it by the at least one retaining device 50. The at least one retaining device 50 can be evenly or unevenly spaced across the second top section 104 allowing multiple users to use the jump training device 10 or allowing a user to setup multiple objects 90.

[0037] The arrangement of multiple objects enables a range of functions, tests, and uses. For instance, the athlete may be directed to acquire (i.e., grip and retrieve) a specific object from among the multiple options of objects 90. This instruction can be provided at various points during the athlete's approach to the device, at the initiation of a jump from the ground (e.g., ground 18), or other stages. The variation in objects to be grasped or retrieved serves to evaluate aspects such as agility, reach, and decision-making ability. FIG. 5 demonstrates an adjusted configuration of the jump training device 100, with the objects positioned at a height of approximately thirteen feet, while the example Athlete 6 has an approximate height of 6.5 feet, thereby underscoring the level of challenge involved.

[0038] Referring back to FIGS. 1-4, in embodiments, the object 90 can have a strap 92 with an object fastener 94 coupled to the strap. The object 90 can be such as, for example, football, volleyball, basketball, baseball, tennis ball, or the like. The strap 92 can capture the outer perimeter of the object 90 with the object fastener 94 located on the at least one side of the object and strap. The strap 92 can be such as, for example, elastic strap, hook and loop strap, webbing strap, cinch strap, lasso strap, magnetic strap or the like. The object fastener 94 can be such as, for example, at least one magnet, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, friction locking surface, suction cup, elastic band or the like opposing the extension fastener 54 keeping the object attached until a user removes it. In other embodiments, the training device 10 can also comprise non-magnetic retention mechanisms associated with the object retainer, which can include fasteners, hook-and-loop fasteners, suction systems, or straps configured to achieve the retaining force wherein the object can directly have the object retainer directly attached to it instead of using a strap.

[0039] In certain embodiments, the extension fastener 54 and the object fastener 94 may each comprise at least one attractive element, wherein the attractive elements may be magnetic elements configured to exert a mutual attractive force, thereby facilitating secure retention between the retaining element and the opposing retaining element. The extension fastener 54 and the object fastener 94 can be configured to provide an adjustable attractive force by replacing the extension fastener and the object fastener with stronger or weaker elements such as magnets, wherein the magnitude of the attractive force can be selectively varied based on user requirements.

[0040] The extension fastener 54 and the object fastener 94 may be substituted with a piece of ferrous metal material instead of a magnet. The combination of the remaining magnet and the ferrous metal material would still exhibit mutual attraction and provide a retaining force. The characteristics of this retaining force, such as its magnitude or strength, would depend on factors including the size, magnetic material, and density of the remaining magnet, as well as the size, magnetic permeability, and composition of the ferrous metal material. A loader configured to support the object 90 and allow a user to raise the object such that the object fastener 94 contacts the extension fastener 54 and coupled the object fastener to the extension fastener allowing the user to easily reload the object on the retaining device 50.

[0041] In embodiments, base 60 can be configured to be set on a floor and wherein the vertical extension can be marked to indicate the total height of the extension fastener relative to the floor at different positions of the first vertical section 34, second vertical section 28 and third vertical section 22 relative to each other. At least one of the first vertical section 34, second vertical section 28 and third vertical section 22 can comprise at least one measuring indicator and 30, allowing for precise adjustments of the object's height wherein the user can selectively vary the height based on the user requirements. The measuring indicator 24, 30 can be such as, for example, measuring tape, digital measuring device, linear scale, or the like having units in both metric and imperial units or can be engraving or stamped in the vertical extensions. The measuring indicators 24, 30 can be on the first section 22 and the second section 28 wherein the user can set a height. The measuring indicator 24, 30 can be coupled to the first section 22 and the second section 28 by such as, for example, adhesive, rivets, fasteners, or the like.

[0042] In other embodiments, jump training device 10 can be tilted by such as, for example, scissor jack, jack screws, acme screw, or the like. The tilt mechanism may confer a variety of functional benefits. For instance, the induced tilt may facilitate the positioning of overall weight distribution to counteract an applied pulling force exerted by an athlete when gripping and pulling an object or helping the user move the jump training device around on the floor. This redistribution of weight aids in maintaining stability and optimizing force resistance during the athlete's interaction with the object.

[0043] The jump training device 10 includes a method for evaluating vertical jumping capability of an athlete, which can involve positioning an object at a predetermined vertical height using an adjustable support. The method for evaluating and enhancing an athlete's vertical jumping capability using a jump training device, the method can comprise positioning a jump training device having a base, a vertical extension removably affixed to the base and having an adjustable height, and a flexible hanger extending from the vertical extension. Providing an extension fastener to the vertical extension and an object fastener configured to detachably couple to the extension fastener. Adjusting the height of the flexible hanger. Allowing a user to jump and attempt to interact with the object. The step of providing a harness configured to secure the object to the object fastener and securing the object to the flexible hanger using the object fastener embedded in or coupled to the object. The flexible hanger comprises a cable or rope, and the method further comprises selecting the flexible hanger material to allow controlled movement of the object during the athlete's jump. The step of setting the base of the jump training device on a floor and adjusting the vertical extension to mark the height of the object relative to the floor for measurement purposes. The method further comprising providing a loader configured to allow the user to support the object and raise it such that the object fastener contacts the extension fastener.

[0044] The retaining force can also be dynamically altered using electromagnetics based on adjustable current supplied. Multiple objects can be configured at varying heights and positions to simulate different sports-specific training scenarios. The invention further includes a training apparatus comprising a vertical extension having telescoping elements, operative to adjustably position a plurality of objects at discrete vertical heights. Object retainers associated with the objects each provide a retaining force. A base connected to the vertical extension can be configured for either free-standing application or secure attachment in varied environments. The object retainers each employ a magnetic mechanism to achieve the retaining force. The vertical extension is adapted for use with high-intensity training modules, allowing for seamless integration into diverse athletic training systems.

[0045] The retaining force generated by extension fastener 54 and the opposing object fastener 94, is intended to correlate with the amount of pulling (e.g., removal) force that the athlete must exert, by gripping the object 90, to detach it from the retaining device 50. Specifically, the pulling force applied by the athlete must exceed the retaining force to enable proper release of the object 90. If the athlete fails to establish a secure grip on the object 90, release will not occur as intended. Additionally, it is recognized that the athlete may impart a non-gripping impact to the object 90, potentially dislodging it. However, in this scenario, the object 90 would be displaced from both the jump training device 10 and the athlete's possession, without being retained in the athlete's hand. Consequently, this action would indicate that the athlete's attempt at release was not entirely successful.

[0046] In closing, it is to be understood that although aspects of the present specification are highlighted by referring to specific embodiments, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that these disclosed embodiments are only illustrative of the principles of the subject matter disclosed herein. Therefore, it should be understood that the disclosed subject matter is in no way limited to a particular methodology, protocol, and/or reagent, etc., described herein. As such, various modifications or changes to or alternative configurations of the disclosed subject matter can be made in accordance with the teachings herein without departing from the spirit of the present specification. Lastly, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, which is defined solely by the claims. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those precisely as shown and described.

[0047] Certain embodiments are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the methods and devices described herein. Of course, variations on these described embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described embodiments in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.