GB2547632A

GB2547632A - Sports training device

Info

Publication number: GB2547632A
Application number: GB1600927.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Gray Richie
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-01-18
Filing date: 2016-01-18
Publication date: 2017-08-30
Anticipated expiration: 2036-01-18
Also published as: GB201600927D0; GB2547632B

Abstract

A sports training device 1 comprises an elongate body 2 having a generally prismatic or cylindrical outer surface and defines a longitudinal axis and which defines a base 3 on which the device may be stood upright and one or more of: at least two elongate gripping members or handles 5 disposed about the elongate body at an angle of between 15° and 75° to the longitudinal axis; a truncated upper end 4 of the body defining an angle to the normal to the longitudinal axis; and a recess 6 formed in the face of the body for removably retaining a ball for use in training. The device is for training collision and tackle techniques in rugby. The body may include an enclosed cavity that holds a movable material.

Description

Sports Training Device

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention pertains generally to the field of sports training equipment and in particular to articles and apparatus to facilitate training in the tackle and collision area of ruby and other sports. More particularly, the invention relates to device for use as a tackle bag, target shield or hit shield or for other collision and tackling training purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Aids to facilitate tackling and the collision area of sports, such as the game of rugby, exist in the form of tackle bags of cylindrical form which may stand on the ground, optionally supported by a coach, for use by someone training in the sport to tackle, in the form of collision shields fitted with straps to be held by a coach and tackled by someone training in the sport and in the form of tackle bags having a cut-out formed therein to partially receive a ball, which may be held in place with an integrated strap. A rugby ball may be placed in the cut out and retained in place with the strapping. Users then may carry out tackling exercises on the bag. A disadvantage of the existing art is that the articles are expensive to buy and limited in their function. Other more sophisticated apparatus is available in the form of steel frame devices with padded portions for particular training exercises. These typically have a disadvantage in terms of cost to purchase but also limited functionality.

The present inventor has invented a new training device for use in rugby or other collision sport training.

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

There is a need for improvements in sports training devices which improve the versatility and specificity of rugby training articles for the tackle.

It is an object of this invention to provide an article for facilitating sports training that is versatile, low-cost, efficient to manufacture and adaptable for use in a range of training exercises with tackle bags.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a sports training device having an elongate body having an outer surface having a generally prismatic form or a generally cylindrical form, the elongate body defining a longitudinal axis, the device having a base at one end of the elongate body upon which the device may be stood and having one or a combination of two or more of the following features: A) Disposed about the outer surface of the elongate body at least two elongate gripping members each disposed at an angle to the longitudinal axis of between 15° and 75°. B) The generally prismatic form or generally cylindrical form is a truncated prism or truncated cylinder whereby the upper end of the body opposing the base is disposed at an angle to normal to the longitudinal axis; and C) A ball-receiving recess is formed in a face of the elongate body into which may be disposed and removably retained a ball for use in training.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

The sports training device of the invention provides an adaptable yet effective device for use in training in the collision and tackle area of sports such as mgby, which is versatile and enables a variety of focused training exercises to be carried out.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figures 1 is a front view of an article of one embodiment ofthe present invention fitted to a tackle bag and fitted with a rugby ball;

Figure 2 is a close-up side view of a portion of the article of Figure l;

Figure 3 is a plan view of an exterior surface of an article of one embodiment of the present invention in open configuration;

Figure 4 is a plan view of an opposing surface of an article of Figure 3 in open configuration; and

Figure 5 is a top view of an article of Figure 3 in closed configuration (without a tackle bag or ball).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a sports training device having an elongate body having an outer surface having a generally prismatic form or a generally cylindrical form, the elongate body defining a longitudinal axis, the device having a base at one end of the elongate body upon which the device may be stood and having one or a combination of two or more of the following features: A) Disposed about the outer surface of the elongate body at least two elongate gripping members each disposed at an angle to the longitudinal axis of between 15° and 75°. B) The generally prismatic form or generally cylindrical form is a truncated prism or truncated cylinder whereby the upper end of the body opposing the base is disposed at an angle to normal to the longitudinal axis; and C) A ball-receiving recess is formed in a face of the elongate body into which may be disposed and removably retained a ball for use in training.

In one embodiment, the device comprises disposed about the outer surface of the elongate body at least two elongate gripping members, each disposed at an angle to the elongate body at an angle to the longitudinal axis of between 15° and 75°.

Preferably, the two gripping members are symmetrically disposed at an angle to the longitudinal axis of between 20° and 60°, preferably between about 30° and about 45°.

Preferably, the two gripping members are symmetrically disposed about the longitudinal body, defining a plane of symmetry parallel with the longitudinal axis.

Preferably, each gripping member extends at least 20% about a perimeter of the elongate body. Preferably, each gripping member extends from 30% to 50 % about a perimeter of the elongate body.

Optionally, the gripping members are removably attached to the elongate body (e.g. with a hook and loop fixing), but preferably, the gripping members are permanently affixed to the elongate body.

The gripping members may define a profile that is selected from generally quadrangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, elliptical or circular. Preferably, the gripping members define a generally circular or partially circular profile.

The gripping members each have a cross sectional maximum diameter or width of 5 to 20 cm, preferably 10 to 15 cm. Preferably the gripping members are formed of a foam material with a plastic outer coating.

In a second embodiment, which may be a preferred feature of the first embodiment, the generally prismatic form or generally cylindrical form is a truncated prism or truncated cylinder whereby the upper end of the body opposing the base is disposed at an angle to normal to the longitudinal axis.

Preferably the upper end of the body defines a planar upper end face and is disposed at an angle to the normal of up to 60°, preferably from 10 to 45°, more preferably 15 to 35° and most preferably about 20° to 30°. Preferably the device further comprises disposed about the outer surface of the elongate body at least two elongate gripping members, each disposed at an angle to the elongate body at an angle to the longitudinal axis of between 15° and 75° as defined in any one of claims 2 to 12.

Preferably, the two elongate gripping members are symmetrically disposed defining a first plane of symmetry and wherein the planar upper end face disposed at an angle of up to 60° defines a second plane of symmetry and wherein the first and second planes of symmetry are co-planar.

Preferably, the first and second planes of symmetry are aligned with the longitudinal axis.

Preferably, the planar upper end face and the two elongate gripping members are disposed at an angle to one another of up to 70°, preferably from 5° to 60°, more preferably from about 30° to 55° and most preferably about 45°.

In a further, optionally preferable, embodiment, a ball-receiving recess is formed in a face of the elongate body into which may be disposed and removably retained a ball for use in training.

Preferably, at least one retaining strap is disposed on the elongate body to removably retain the ball in the receiving recess.

Preferably, the receiving recess is configured to receive a rugby ball or an American football and preferably disposed orthogonally to the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the receiving recess is disposed in the elongate body from 10 to 40% along the length of the elongate body from one of the ends, preferably from 20 to 35% and more preferably about 30% and more preferably nearer to the upper end than to the base.

Preferably, the device further comprises disposed about the outer surface of the elongate body at least two elongate gripping members, each disposed at an angle to the elongate body at an angle to the longitudinal axis of between 15° and 75° as defined above, and preferably the two elongate gripping members flank the receiving recess, e.g. wherein the recess is disposed nearer to the upper end of the elongate member and the elongate gripping members extend from a position closer to the upper end of the elongate member than the receiving recess to a position closer to the base than receiving recess and preferably at an angle extending away from receiving recess.

Preferably the generally prismatic form or generally cylindrical form is a truncated prism or truncated cylinder whereby the upper end of the body opposing the base is disposed at an angle to normal to the longitudinal axis as defined above.

The receiving recess may define a third plane of symmetry in the elongate body.

The two elongate gripping members maybe symmetrically disposed defining a first plane of symmetry and wherein the planar upper end face disposed at an angle of up to 60° defines a second plane of symmetry and wherein the first, second and third planes of symmetry are co-planar.

The receiving recess may be disposed on the cylinder half or semicylinder having the longer elongate extent.

The elongate body may have a generally prismatic form having a profile shape selected from a triangle, square, rectangle, pentagon, hexagon, pentagon or octagon, preferably regular or a generally cylindrical form.

The device may have the following dimensions. The maximum elongate extent of the elongate body in the range 100 to 180 cm, preferably 125 to 160 cm. The maximum diameter or cross-sectional width of the elongate member from 25 to 100 cm, preferably from 30 to 75 cm and most preferably from 40 to 60 cm. The minimum diameter or cross-sectional width of the elongate member is from 25 to 100 cm, preferably from 30 to 75 cm and most preferably from 40 to 60 cm.

The elongate body preferably comprise a resiliently compressible foam material coated with a synthetic coating material or a cover.

Optionally, the elongate body has formed therein an elongate enclosed cavity containing a mobile material, which occupies a portion of the cavity. The mobile material may be any suitable material capable of moving when the device is tipped or an equivalent change in force is applied. The mobile material may be, for example, a single solid form (e.g. a disc on a rod, or a large ball) or may comprise multiple parts (e.g. marbles) or may be particulate in nature (e.g. sand) or may be a liquid (e.g. water). Optionally, the mobile material is a weight formed on a rod fixedly mounted in the elongate cavity whereby the weight may move along the rod when the apparatus is tipped or other appropriate change in force is applied. Alternatively, the mobile material is sand or other suitable particular material or water (or other non-viscous liquid) which may move along the internal cavity. Preferably, the mobile material is a flowable solid, such as sand.

In use, the collision training apparatus of this aspect may be provided in an upright (i.e. elongate direction upwards) configuration and the user may attempt to ‘tackle’ the padded member from the side as if it is another player (e.g. in Rugby) bringing it to ground in a manner whereby the apparatus is tipped so as to be grounded in a substantially horizontally extended position. During the change in force applied to the apparatus during the ‘tackle’ or collision, by virtue of tipping and striking the apparatus an equivalent force is applied to the mobile material within the internal cavity. As the player brings the apparatus to rest on the ground, the mobile material is typically caused to continue to move in the direction of the force, which is typically after a tackle along the length of the internal cavity and as it strikes the other end of the internal cavity, the mobile material applies a corresponding force (a supplemental force) to the padded member surrounding it causing it to move further in the direction of the original ‘tackle’ or collision (a supplemental movement). This makes holding the apparatus during and after the ‘tackle’ more difficult and somewhat mimics the struggle and effort of a tackled player during the game of Rugby. Thus, the apparatus may be useful in training for improved holding technique and holding strength during and after tackle. Optionally the amount or weight of mobile material may be variable or adjustable by providing access to open the internal cavity, whereby the power of the supplemental force and quantum of supplemental movement may be varied as desired.

The elongate body (or contact member) useable in any of the embodiments may be formed of any suitable material that is suitable for receiving contact or collisions. Typically, the contact member is formed of a rigid frame (which provides the back of the member) and a pad element. The pad element may be, for example, a shaped cover (e.g. of leather or synthetic leather, such as PVC, or textile or fabric, as is known in the art) attachable or fixed to the rigid frame and stuffed with an appropriate filler (e.g. fibrous filler, fabrics, wool, reconstituted foam or shaped foamed plastic filler), or may be for example a shaped pad of resilient or resiliently compressible foam material (e.g. polyurethane) coated with a synthetic coating material or a cover (of, e.g. leather or synthetic leather, such as PVC, or textile or fabric, as is known in the art).

Preferably the coating material is a laminate such as a woven or textile fabric with a PVC coating.

The invention will now be described in more detail, without limitation, with reference to the accompanying Figures.

In Figure 1 a device 1 is shown having a generally cylindrical elongate body 2 with a truncated upper planar surface 4 disposed at an angle to the longitudinal and defining a second plane of symmetry bisecting the elongate body at an upper end face of the elongate body being the opposing end to the base 3. A pair of griping members extend about the body member at an angle and define a a first plane of symmetry co-planar with the second plane of symmetry. A recess 6 is disposed in the elongate body which can receive a rugby ball 8 (Figure 2) which is held in position with a pair of stretchable straps 7.

The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it will be appreciated that variations and modifications can be effected by a person of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A sports training device having an elongate body having an outer surface having a generally prismatic form or a generally cylindrical form, the elongate body defining a longitudinal axis, the device having a base at one end of the elongate body upon which the device may be stood and having one or a combination of two or more of the following features: D) Disposed about the outer surface of the elongate body at least two elongate gripping members each disposed at an angle to the longitudinal axis of between 15° and 75°. E) The generally prismatic form or generally cylindrical form is a truncated prism or truncated cylinder whereby the upper end of the body opposing the base is disposed at an angle to normal to the longitudinal axis; and F) A ball-receiving recess is formed in a face of the elongate body into which may be disposed and removably retained a ball for use in training.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1, which comprises disposed about the outer surface of the elongate body at least two elongate gripping members, each disposed at an angle to the elongate body at an angle to the longitudinal axis of between 15° and 75°.

3. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the two gripping members are symmetrically disposed at an angle to the longitudinal axis of between 20° and 60°, preferably between about 30° and about 45°.

4. A device as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein two gripping members are symmetrically disposed about the longitudinal body, defining a plane of symmetry parallel with the longitudinal axis.

5. A device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein each gripping member extends at least 20% about a perimeter of the elongate body

6. A device as claimed in claim 5, wherein each gripping member extends from 30% to 50 % about a perimeter of the elongate body.

7. A device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the gripping members are removably attached to the elongate body (e.g. with a hook and loop fixing).

8. A device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the gripping members are permanently affixed to the elongate body.

9. A device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the gripping members define a profile that is selected from generally quadrangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, elliptical or circular.

10. A device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the gripping members define a generally circular or partially circular profde.

11. A device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the gripping members each have a cross sectional maximum diameter or width of 5 to 20 cm, preferably 10 to 15 cm.

12. A device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein the gripping members are formed of a foam material with a plastic outer coating.

13. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the generally prismatic form or generally cylindrical form is a truncated prism or truncated cylinder whereby the upper end of the body opposing the base is disposed at an angle to normal to the longitudinal axis.

14. A device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the upper end of the body defines a planar upper end face and is disposed at an angle to the normal of up to 60°, preferably from 10 to 45°, more preferably 15 to 35° and most preferably about 20° to 30°.

15. A device as claimed in claim 14, which further comprises disposed about the outer surface of the elongate body at least two elongate gripping members, each disposed at an angle to the elongate body at an angle to the longitudinal axis of between 15° and 75° as defined in any one of claims 2 to 12.

16. A device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the two elongate gripping members are symmetrically disposed defining a first plane of symmetry and wherein the planar upper end face disposed at an angle of up to 60° defines a second plane of symmetry and wherein the first and second planes of symmetry are co-planar.

17. A device as claimed in claimed in claim 16, wherein the first and second planes of symmetry are aligned with the longitudinal axis.

18. A device as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the planar upper end face and the two elongate gripping members are disposed at an angle to one another of up to 70°, preferably from 5° to 60°, more preferably from about 30° to 55° and most preferably about 45°.

19. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a ballreceiving recess is formed in a face of the elongate body into which may be disposed and removably retained a ball for use in training.

20 A device as claimed in claim 19, wherein at least one retaining strap is disposed on the elongate body to removably retain the ball in the receiving recess.

21. A device as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the receiving recess is configured to receive a rugby ball or an American football and preferably disposed orthogonally to the longitudinal axis.

22. A device as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the receiving recess is disposed in the elongate body from 10 to 40% along the length of the elongate body from one of the ends, preferably from 20 to 35% and more preferably about 30%.

23. A device as claimed in claim 22, wherein the receiving recess is disposed nearer to the upper end than to the base.

24. A device as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 23, which further comprises disposed about the outer surface of the elongate body at least two elongate gripping members, each disposed at an angle to the elongate body at an angle to the longitudinal axis of between 15° and 75° as defined in any one of claims 2 to 12.

25. A device as claimed in claim 24, wherein the two elongate gripping members flank the receiving recess.

26. A device as claimed in claim 24 or 25, wherein the recess is disposed nearer to the upper end of the elongate member and the elongate gripping members extend from a position closer to the upper end of the elongate member than the receiving recess to a position closer to the base than receiving recess and preferably at an angle extending away from receiving recess.

27. A device as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 26, wherein the generally prismatic form or generally cylindrical form is a truncated prism or truncated cylinder whereby the upper end of the body opposing the base is disposed at an angle to normal to the longitudinal axis as defined in any one of claims 13 to 18.

28. A device as claimed in claim 27, wherein the receiving recess defines a third plane of symmetry in the elongate body.

29. A device as claimed in claim 28, wherein the two elongate gripping members are symmetrically disposed defining a first plane of symmetry and wherein the planar upper end face disposed at an angle of up to 60° defines a second plane of symmetry and wherein the first, second and third planes of symmetry are co-planar.

30. A device as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein the receiving recess is disposed on the cylinder half or semi-cylinder having the longer elongate extent.

31. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate body has a generally prismatic form having a profile shape selected from a triangle, square, rectangle, pentagon, hexagon, pentagon or octagon, preferably regular.

32. A device as claimed in claim 31, wherein the elongate body has a generally cylindrical form.

33. A device as claimed in claim 32, wherein the elongate body has an elliptical profile.

34. A device as claimed in claim 32, wherein the elongate body has a circular profile.

35. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the maximum elongate extent of the elongate body is in the range 100 to 180 cm, preferably 125 to 160 cm.

36. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the maximum diameter or cross-sectional width of the elongate member is from 25 to 100 cm, preferably from 30 to 75 cm and most preferably from 40 to 60 cm.

37. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the minimum diameter or cross-sectional width of the elongate member is from 25 to 100 cm, preferably from 30 to 75 cm and most preferably from 40 to 60 cm.

38. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate body is a padded elongate body.

39. A device as claimed in claim 38, wherein the elongate body comprise a resiliently compressible foam material coated with a synthetic coating material or a cover.

40. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate body has formed therein an elongate enclosed cavity containing a mobile material, which occupies a portion of the cavity.

41. A device as defined hereinbefore with reference to the drawings.