GB2478266A

GB2478266A - Scrummaging apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2478266A
Application number: GB0914288A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jason Allen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-08-17
Filing date: 2009-08-17
Publication date: 2011-09-07
Anticipated expiration: 2029-08-17
Also published as: GB0914288D0; HK1162379A1; GB2478266B

Abstract

A scrummaging apparatus 200 comprises an engagement component 210 and a coupling mechanism 230 for coupling the engagement component to a supporting apparatus 220. The coupling mechanism is arranged such that the engagement component is capable of rotational movement within a first plane relative to the supporting apparatus. At least one contact element 212, 214, 216 may be provided to receive a force exerted by at least one user. Said rotational movement of the engagement component within said first plane may occur about a first axis (320, figure 3) parallel to the principal direction 10, 20, 30 of the force exerted by the user or users. Further movement within second and possibly third planes may be facilitated, all planes being mutually perpendicular. Said further movement may be rotational about one or two further axes (420, figure 4; 520, figure 5).

Description

SCRUMMAGING MACHINE AND SCRUMMAGING APPARATUS THEREFOR

Field of the invention

The field of the invention relates to a scrummaging machine and a scrummaging apparatus therefor, and more particularly to a scrummaging apparatus for use during scrummaging training.

Background of the Invention

In physical contact sports such as rugby, American football, etc. it is known for scrummaging machines and the like to be used during training in an attempt to improve the strength and technique of players. Not only is this an important part of improving the performance of players during a game, but it is also an essential means of improving the safety of the players by particularly developing the required muscles and techniques needed for minimizing injuries that could occur during a game.

Typically, scrummaging machines comprise a plurality of pads supported on a frame, and with which players can engage and practice their scrummaging techniques. Such frames are generally supported on a sled or other supporting apparatus which provides resistance against a scrummaging force applied by the players. In this manner, players may practice scrummaging as a unit (or pack' in typical rugby parlance).

A problem with current scrummaging machines is that the pads are typically fixed relative to the sled or other supporting apparatus. As a result, when players engage with the pads, they experience a stable resistance against which to exert a force. As a result, the players engaging the pads are encouraged to apply the greatest force possible, without consideration for their own stability, since they are stabilised by the pads against which they are exerting a force. However, during a game in which a pack of players from one team is required to scrummage against a pack of players from the opposing team, there is no such supporting apparatus to stabilise the opposing packs whilst scrummaging. Consequently, if either or both packs of players attempts to engage and scrummage as encouraged by current scrummaging machines, since there is no stabilising element, the scrum will inevitably collapse due to instability resulting from poor scrummaging technique, with a serious potential risk of injury to one or more players.

Whilst current scrummaging machines may help with developing the individual driving strength of players, and with enabling a pack of players to impact and engage the pads with force as a unit, they do not help to develop the technical precision and core strength and stability required for safe scrummaging during a game, and in fact may encourage bad scrummaging techniques that could lead to serious injuries.

Thus, there exists a need for an improved apparatus for developing scrummaging techniques that aims to address at least some of the shortcomings of past and present techniques and/or mechanisms for developing scrummaging techniques.

Summary of the Invention

Accordingly, the invention seeks to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the abovementioned disadvantages singly or in any combination.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a scrummaging apparatus comprising an engagement component and a coupling mechanism for coupling the engagement component to a supporting apparatus. The coupling mechanism is arranged such that the engagement component is capable of rotational movement within at least a first plane relative to the supporting apparatus.

In this manner, the engagement component is afforded a degree of instability, in particular when a force is exerted during use by one or more users. As a consequence, in order for the one or more users to scrummage effectively against the scrummaging apparatus, a degree of stability is required to be provided by the one or more players themselves. In this manner, the scrummaging apparatus helps develop technical precision and core strength and stability required for safe scrummaging during a game.

In one optional embodiment of the invention, the engagement component may comprise at least one contact element arranged to receive a force exerted during use by at least one user, and the coupling mechanism may be arranged such that the engagement component is capable of rotational movement about a first axis, said first axis being arranged in parallel with a principal direction of force exerted on the at least one contact element during use. In this manner, the instability of the scrummaging apparatus is at least partially representative of instability that is likely to be encountered during scrummaging within a game setting.

In one optional embodiment, the coupling mechanism may be further arranged such that the engagement component is further capable of movement within a second plane, said second plane being perpendicular to the first plane. For example, the coupling mechanism may be arranged such that the engagement component is capable of further rotational movement within the second plane, said rotational movement being arranged about a second axis, said second axis being perpendicular to the direction of the first axis. Furthermore, the coupling mechanism may be further arranged such that the engagement component is further capable of movement within a third plane, said third plane being perpendicular to the first and second planes. For example, the coupling mechanism may be arranged such that the engagement component is capable of rotational movement within a third plane, said rotational movement being about a third axis, said third axis being perpendicular to the direction of the first axis and to the direction of the second axis. In this manner, yet further instability reflecting typical scrummaging within a game setting may be introduced into the scrummaging apparatus. As a result, a greater degree of stability is required to be provided by users of the scrummaging apparatus, thereby further improving the development of technical precision and core strength and stability required for safe scrummaging during a game.

In one optional embodiment of the invention, the coupling mechanism may comprise a pivot element comprising an at least partially spherical configuration, and a pivot housing element arranged to at least partially receive therein the pivot element.

In one optional embodiment of the invention, the coupling mechanism may be arranged to apply a resistance to movement of the engagement component, and said resistance may be adjustable.

In one optional embodiment of the invention, the engagement component comprises a plurality of pivotable joints, each pivotable joint being located between the coupling mechanism and at least one contact element. In this manner, yet further instability in order to reflect typical scrummaging within a game setting may be introduced into the scrummaging apparatus.

In one optional embodiment of the invention, the scrummaging apparatus may comprise a coupling mechanism for coupling the engagement component to at least one of: a sled, a roller, a wall and a vehicle.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a scrummaging machine comprising the scrummaging apparatus of the first aspect of the invention.

In one optional embodiment of the invention, the scrummaging machine may comprise at least one of: a scrummaging sled and a scrummaging roller.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from, and elucidated with reference to, the embodiments described hereinafter.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective of an example of a set scrum of rugby union.

FIG's 2 to 5 illustrate an example of a scrummaging apparatus adapted in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a scrummaging apparatus according to some alternative embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the scrummaging apparatus of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a scrummaging apparatus according to some further alternative embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a scrummaging machine adapted in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention Embodiments of the invention described herein find particular applicability within the field of rugby union scrummaging machines. Those skilled in the art, however, will recognize and appreciate that the specifics of these examples are merely illustrative of some embodiments, and that the teachings set forth herein are applicable in a variety of alternative settings. For example, the inventive concept herein described may applied to apparatus used for training in alternative physical contact sports, such as American football, rugby league, etc. For clarity, the term scrummaging' used herein may refer to any activity involving one or more persons exerting a force, for example a driving or impact force, against an object, such as one or more members of an opposing team, within a sporting setting. Accordingly, whilst the term scrummaging' is used herein in relation to rugby union, and in particular with respect to a set scrum' in rugby parlance, the term is equally applicable to alternative activities both within the sport of rugby union, such as rucking and/or mauling, and within alternative sports, such as for example American football.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a top perspective from above an example of a set scrum' 100 that forms an integral part of the game of rugby union. The set scrum 100 typically comprises eight players from either team, these eight players making up a pack', and are generally known as forwards' in rugby parlance. Each pack comprises a front row, a second row and a back row. The front row is made up of a loose head prop 1, a hooker 2 and a tight head prop 3. The second row is made up of two locks 4, 5. The back row is made up of a blind side flanker 6, an open side flanker 7 and a number eight 8.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, for a set scrum 100, the front row forwards 1, 2, 3 of each team bind together, and engage with the front row forwards of the opposing team. The second row forwards 4, 5 of each team also bind together, and engage behind their respective front row forwards 1, 2, 3. Finally, the back row forwards 6, 7, 8 bind onto and engage with the front and second row forwards of their respective packs. During an active scrum, each pack will typically attempt to drive the opposing pack backwards by exerting a force in a principal direction generally towards the opposing pack. However, each pack may additionally (whether intentionally or not) apply forces in different directions resulting in sideways movement of the scrum, and even in rotation of the scrum. In addition, the front row of each pack may experience vertical forces from the opposing front row.

As will be appreciated by a skilled person, scrummaging within a game setting, for example during a set scrum as illustrated in FIG. 1, is an inherently unstable environment due to the myriad of forces being exerted by the individual players on both teams. Accordingly, it is extremely important for players to develop not only their driving' strength that enables them to exert a driving force on the opposition's pack, but also to develop their scrummaging technique and core stability and strength in order to be able to cope with counter forces from the opposition pack within the unstable scrummaging environment. Without developing proper scrummaging technique and the required core stability and strength, players are at significant risk of serious and potentially fatal injury.

Referring now to FIG. 2 there is illustrated a top perspective of an example of a scrummaging apparatus 200 adapted in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The scrummaging apparatus 200 comprises an engagement component 210 with which one or more users may engage. The engagement component 210 typically comprises one or more contact elements arranged to receive a force exerted during use by the one or more users. For the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the engagement component comprises three contact elements 212, 214, 216 arranged such that a front row of a rugby pack may engage with the three contact elements 212, 214, 216 in a similar manner to when engaging with a front row of an opposition pack in a game setting.

More particularly, a first contact element 212 is arranged to engage with a right shoulder of the loose head prop 1 from FIG. 1 exerting a force in a principal direction generally indicated by arrow 10, and a left shoulder of the hooker 2 exerting a force in a principal direction generally indicated by arrow 20. A second contact element 214 is arranged to engage with a right shoulder of the hooker 2 also exerting a force in a principal direction generally indicated by arrow 20, and a left shoulder of the tight head prop 3 exerting a force in a principal direction generally indicated by arrow 30. A third contact element 216 is arranged to engage with a right shoulder of the tight head prop 3 also exerting a force in a principal direction generally indicated by arrow 30.

The scrummaging apparatus 200 further comprises a coupling mechanism 230 for coupling the engagement component 210 to a supporting apparatus 220. For example, the supporting apparatus 220 may be in the form of a sled or roller apparatus as are well known within the field of rugby scrummaging machines, whereby the sled or roller apparatus comprises a support structure or frame to which the coupling mechanism 230 may be attached. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the supporting apparatus 220 may comprise a wall or similar fixed structure, or a vehicle such as a tractor or the like.

As previously mentioned, a problem with current scrummaging machines is that contact elements such as pads are typically fixed relative to a supporting apparatus such as a sled or the like. As a result, when players engage the pads, they experience a stable resistance against which to exert a force. Consequently, the players engaging the pads are encouraged to apply the greatest force possible, without consideration for their own stability since they are stabilised by the pads against which they are exerting a force. As a result, such known scrummaging machines do not help to develop the technical precision and core strength and stability required for safe scrummaging during a game.

In contrast to traditional scrummaging machines, the coupling mechanism of the scrummaging apparatus 200 of FIG. 2 is arranged such that the engagement component 210 is capable of rotational movement within at least a first plane relative to the supporting apparatus. In this manner, the engagement component 210 is afforded a degree of instability, in particular when a force is exerted during use by one or more players/users. As a consequence, in order for the one or more players/users to scrummage effectively against the scrummaging apparatus 200, a degree of stability is required to be provided by the one or more players themselves. In this manner, the scrummaging apparatus helps develop technical precision and core strength and stability required for safe scrummaging during a game.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a frontal perspective of the scrummaging apparatus of FIG. 2, for example from the perspective of the line A:A in FIG. 2. For the example illustrated in FIG. 3, the coupling mechanism 230 of FIG. 2 is arranged such that the engagement component 210 is capable of rotational movement, illustrated generally by arrows 310, about a first axis 320. In particular for the illustrated example, said first axis 320 is aligned generally parallel with a principal direction of force exerted on the contact elements 212, 214, 216 during use. As previously mentioned, in the case of a scrummaging apparatus adapted for engagement by a front row of a rugby pack, the principal direction of force is indicated generally by arrows 10, 20, 30 of FIG. 2.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the coupling mechanism 230 is further arranged such that the engagement component 210 is further capable of movement within a second plane, said second plane being generally perpendicular to the first plane. For example, referring back to FIG. 3 the second plane may comprise a substantially horizontal plane as illustrated at 330.

In particular, and as illustrated from a top perspective in FIG. 4, it is contemplated that the coupling mechanism 230 may be arranged such that the engagement component 210 is capable of rotational movement within the second plane, illustrated generally by arrow 410, said rotational movement being about a second axis 420, said second axis 420 being generally perpendicular to the direction of the first axis 320.

Alternatively, the second plane may comprise a substantially vertical plane, as illustrated at 340 in FIG. 3.

For example, and as illustrated from a side perspective in FIG. 5, for example from the perspective of the line B:B in FIG. 2, it is contemplated that the coupling mechanism 230 may be arranged such that the engagement component 210 is capable of rotational movement within the second, vertical plane, illustrated generally by arrow 510, about an axis 520 generally perpendicular to the direction of the first axis 320.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the coupling mechanism 230 may further be arranged such that the engagement component 210 is further capable of movement within a third plane, for example said third plane being generally perpendicular to the first and second planes. Thus, for the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the engagement component 210 is capable of rotational movement within a first plane, illustrated generally by arrows 310, about a first axis 320, and also capable of movement within second and third planes illustrated generally by arrows 330 and 340. In particular for the illustrated embodiment, the coupling mechanism 230 may be arranged such that the engagement component 210 is capable of rotational movement within each of the first, second and third planes, as illustrated in FIG'S 3, 4 and 5.

By enabling movement of the engagement component 210 within the second plane, and in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention the third plane, further instability may be introduced into the scrummaging apparatus 200. In this manner, a greater degree of stability is required to be provided by users of the scrummaging apparatus 200, thereby further improving the development of technical precision and core strength and stability required for safe scrummaging during a game.

In particular, it has been found that by enabling rotational movement within all three planes, a scrummaging apparatus tends to react in a substantially realistic manner as compared to a real rugby scrum. For example, if an initial contact between a practicing front row and the scrummaging apparatus is inconsistent with good scrummaging technical practices, the scrummaging apparatus tends to react in a similar manner to a real scrum, either by twisting and dropping the front row to the ground, or by placing the front row in a position where they are ineffective.

Whilst for the illustrated embodiments a coupling mechanism has been illustrated and described such that the engagement component is capable of rotational movement within a first plane, as well as rotational movement within one or both of a second plane and a third plane, it is contemplated that the coupling mechanism may alternatively be arranged such that the engagement component is capable of linear movement within one or both of the second plane and third plane. Furthermore, the coupling mechanism may alternatively be arranged such that the engagement component is capable of linear movement in one of the second and third planes and capable of rotational movement within the other of the second and third planes.

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is illustrated a more detailed example of a scrummaging apparatus 600 according to some embodiments of the present invention. The scrummaging apparatus 600 comprises an engagement component 610 with which one or more users may engage. For the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the engagement component 610 comprises a plurality of contact elements arranged to receive a force exerted during use by the one or more players/users. More particularly, the engagement component 610 of FIG. 6 comprises five contact elements in the form of impact pads 611, 612, 614, 616, 618 arranged such that a front row of a rugby pack may engage with the impact pads 611, 612, 614, 616, 618 in a similar manner to when engaging with a front row of an opposition pack in a game setting. For example, and as illustrated in FIG. 6, and with reference to FIG. 1, a first impact pad 611 is arranged to engage with a right shoulder of a loose head prop 1, a second impact pad 612 is arranged to engage with a left shoulder of a hooker 2, a third impact pad 614 is arranged to engage with a right shoulder of the hooker 2, a fourth impact pad 616 is arranged to engage with a left shoulder of a tight head prop 3, and a fifth impact pad 618 is arranged to engage with a right shoulder of the tight head prop 3.

The scrummaging apparatus 600 further comprises a coupling mechanism 630 for coupling the engagement component 610 to a supporting apparatus (not shown). For example, the supporting apparatus may be in a form of a sled or roller apparatus as are well known within the field of rugby scrummaging machines, whereby the sled or roller apparatus comprises a support structure or frame to which the coupling mechanism 630 may be attached. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the supporting apparatus may comprise a wall or similar fixed structure, or a vehicle such as a tractor or the like.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the scrummaging apparatus 600 of FIG. 6. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the engagement component 610 of FIG. 6 comprises support frame members 720, 722, 724 which in use are assembled together to form a support frame for impact pads 611, 612, 614, 616, 618. The support frame members 720, 722, 724 for the scrummaging apparatus 600 are only one example of a support frame for impact pads 611, 612, 614, 616, 618, and are not intended to be limiting to the inventive concept. For example, a support frame for impact pads 611, 612, 614, 616, 618 may be provided by a single support frame member. The engagement component 610 further comprises a plurality of contact plates 711, 712, 714, 716, 718 to which impact pads 611, 612, 614, 616, 618 are respectively attached. Each contact plate 711, 712, 714, 716, 718 comprises a shaft, such as shaft 719 of contact plate 718, arranged to be received within a corresponding sleeve provided by a corresponding one of support frame members 720, 722, 724, such as sleeve 726. For the illustrated example, springs 728 are provided within each sleeve 726 for providing additional shock absorption during, for example, an initial impact of users against the impact pads 611, 612, 614, 616, 618. Whilst the provision of the springs 728 advantageously provides additional shock absorption, it will be appreciated that the provision of such springs is not essential, and sufficient shock absorption may be provided by the impact pads 611, 612, 614, 616, 618.

For the example illustrated in FIG's 6 and 7, the coupling mechanism 630 comprises a pivot element 732 comprising a partially spherical configuration. For the illustrated example, the pivot element 732 is arranged to be operably coupled to the engagement component 610 by way of a coupling shaft 733 extending therefrom, and arranged to be received within an aperture 723 of the engagement component 610. For example, the coupling shaft 733 of the pivot element 732 may comprise a thread on an external surface thereof, and a nut (not shown) or the like comprising a complimentary thread on an inner surface thereof may be arranged to engage with an end of the coupling shaft that in use protrudes from aperture 723.

In this manner, the nut (not shown) is able to retain the coupling shaft 733 within the aperture 723, operably coupling the pivot element 732 to the engagement component 610.

The coupling mechanism 630 of FIG. 7 further comprises a pivot housing element 730 arranged to at least partially receive therein the pivot element 732. More specifically for the illustrated example, the pivot housing element 730 comprises a first housing component 734 and a second housing component 736. Each of the first and second housing components 734, 736 comprises a generally semi-spherical internal recess (not shown), which when the first and second housing components 734, 736 are assembled together as illustrated in FIG. 7 combine to form a generally spherical cavity (not shown) within the pivot housing element 730, said cavity within the pivot housing element 730 comprising dimensions generally complimentary with the dimensions of the spherical configuration of the pivot element 732. In this manner, the pivot housing element 730 is arranged to receive the spherical configuration of the pivot element 732 within said cavity.

The pivot housing components 734, 736 further comprise formations which, when assembled together as illustrated in FIG. 7, combine to form a channel 738 through which the coupling shaft 733 of the pivot element 732 is able to extend. The channel 738 for the illustrated example is sufficiently broad to enable movement of the coupling shaft 733 therein such that in use the spherical configuration of the pivot element 732 is capable of at least some degree of rotation within the cavity of the pivot housing element 730. In particular, it is envisaged that the pivot element 732 may be capable of sufficient rotational movement within the pivot housing element 730 such that, for the illustrated example, in use the engagement component 610 of the scrummaging machine is capable of sufficient rotation to place a practicing front row in a position whereby they are ineffective. In this manner, the engagement component 610 is capable of at least a degree of rotational movement within at least a first plane relative to the pivot housing element 730, and may also be capable of at least a degree of rotational movement within a second plane and/or a third plane relative to the pivot housing element 730.

In accordance with some examples of the present invention, the coupling mechanism 630 may be arranged to apply a resistance to movement of the engagement component 610.

For the illustrated example, the first and second housing components 734, 736 are retained in place relative to one another by way of bolts 738, which are arranged to extend through the first housing component 734, and to engage with the second housing component 736.

Accordingly, it is contemplated that the cavity within the pivot housing element 730 may be arranged such that a compressive force may be applied to the pivot element 732 received therein by tightening the bolts 738. Furthermore, said compressive force may be adjusted by adjusting the amount by which the bolts 738 are tightened. Thus, the compressive force applied to the pivot element 732 causes resistance to be applied to movement of the pivot element 732 within the cavity of the pivot housing element 730. In this manner, the coupling mechanism 630 applies a resistance to movement of the engagement component 610.

Furthermore, said resistance is adjustable by adjusting the amount by which the bolts 738 are tightened.

For the example illustrated in FIG. 7, the coupling mechanism 630 is arranged to be operably coupled to a supporting apparatus (not shown) by way of bolts 742 arranged to extend through the pivot housing element 730, and to engage with a mounting plate 740 provided on the supporting apparatus. For example, the mounting plate 740 may form part of support structure of a scrummaging machine such as a scrummaging sled or roller. It is envisaged that such a mounting plate 740 may be fitted to a supporting structure of an existing traditional scrummaging machine, thus allowing the scrummaging apparatus 600 to be retro fitted to existing traditional scrummaging machines. Alternatively, the mounting plate 740 may be mounted on a wall or other fixed structure, or to a vehicle etc. Typically within a rugby scrum the predominant forces during correct scrummaging technique are exerted through the props, for example corresponding generally to arrows 10 and 30 in FIG. 2. Accordingly, for the illustrated example, the coupling mechanism 630 is located generally centrally relative to the positions of the props, providing a generally centred pivotal coupling.

Referring now to FIG. 8, there is illustrated an example of a scrummaging apparatus 800 according to some alternative embodiments of the present invention. For the example illustrated in FIG. 8, the scrummaging apparatus 800 comprises an engagement component 810 with which one or more users may engage. The engagement component 810 comprises a plurality of contact elements arranged to receive a force exerted during use by one or more players/users. More particularly, the engagement component 810 of FIG. 8 comprises five contact elements in the form of impact pads 811, 812, 814, 816, 818 arranged such that a front row of a rugby pack may engage with the impact pads 811, 812, 814, 816, 818 in a similar manner to when engaging with a front row of an opposition pack in a game setting.

For example, and as illustrated in FIG. 8, a first impact pad 811 is arranged to engage with a right shoulder of a loose head prop, a second impact pad 812 is arranged to engage with a left shoulder of a hooker, a third impact pad 814 is arranged to engage with a right shoulder of the hooker, a fourth impact pad 816 is arranged to engage with a left shoulder of a tight head prop, and a fifth impact pad 818 is arranged to engage with a right shoulder of the tight head prop.

The scrummaging apparatus 800 further comprises a coupling mechanism 830 for coupling the engagement component 810 to a supporting apparatus (not shown). For example, the supporting apparatus may be in a form of a sled or roller apparatus as are well known within the field of rugby scrummaging machines, whereby the sled or roller apparatus comprises a support structure or frame to which the coupling mechanism 830 may be attached. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the supporting apparatus may comprise a wall or similar fixed structure, or a vehicle such as a tractor or the like.

The scrummaging apparatus 800 of FIG. 8 further comprises a plurality of pivotable joints, each pivotable joint being located between the coupling mechanism 830 and at least one contact element. More specifically for the illustrated example, scrummaging apparatus 800 comprises a first pivotable joint 832 located between the coupling mechanism 830 and impact pad 811. Furthermore, scrummaging apparatus 800 comprises a second pivotable joint 834 located between the coupling mechanism 830 and impact pads 816 and 818. In this manner, contact elements engaged by each individual user are separated by the pivotable joints 832, 834, thereby advantageously providing a degree of independent movement, and therefor increased instability there between. It is contemplated that further pivotable joints 820, 822, 824, 826, 828 may be additionally/alternatively provided, one for each impact pad 811, 812, 814, 816, 818 respectively, as illustrated in FIG. 8, introducing further instability to the scrummaging apparatus 800.

Referring now to FIG. 9 there is illustrated an example of a scrummaging machine 905 according to some embodiments of the present invention. For the example illustrated in FIG. 9, the scrummaging machine 905 comprises scrummaging apparatus 900 for example as hereinbefore described with respect to any of FIG's 2 to 8, and a supporting apparatus comprising a support structure 940. More particularly, the scrummaging apparatus 900 comprises an engagement component 910 and a coupling mechanism 930 for coupling the engagement component 910 to the support structure 940. The engagement component 910 comprises at least one contact element 912 arranged to receive a force exerted during use by at least one user, and the coupling mechanism 930 is arranged such that the engagement component 910 is capable of rotational movement within at least a first plane relative to the support structure 940. For the example illustrated in FIG. 9, the scrummaging machine 905 comprises a scrummaging sled, whereby the support structure 940 is mounted onto one or more runners 950. However, the scrummaging machine 905 may comprise any suitable alternative type of apparatus, such as a scrummaging roller.

As previously mentioned, a scrummaging apparatus adapted in accordance with the present invention is not limited to forming part of a scrummaging machine such as a scrummaging roller or sled. For example, scrummaging apparatus adapted in accordance with the present invention may be mounted on a wall or other fixed structure, or to a vehicle etc. Various examples of embodiments of the present invention have been herein before described, wherein in contrast to traditional scrummaging machines, the scrummaging apparatus is arranged such that the engagement component is capable of rotational movement within at least a first plane relative to the supporting apparatus. In this manner, the engagement component is afforded a degree of instability, in particular when a force is exerted during use by one or more players/users. As a consequence, in order for the one or more players/users to scrummage effectively against the scrummaging apparatus, a degree of stability is required to be provided by the one or more players themselves. In this manner, the scrummaging apparatus helps develop technical precision and core strength and stability required for safe scrummaging during, for example, a game.

In this manner, the instability provided by a scrummaging apparatus adapted in accordance with the present invention more accurately simulates the conditions of a scrum or the like within a game setting. As a result, players/users are encouraged to develop better scrummaging technique, and also to improve their core strength and stability required for safe scrummaging. As a result, the likelihood of serious and even potentially fatal injuries whilst scrummaging within a game or during training may be significantly reduced.

Although the invention has been described in connection with some embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the specific form set forth herein. Rather, the scope of the invention is limited only by the claims. In particular, the specific embodiments herein described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings relate to scrummaging machines and apparatus suitable for use during rugby scrum training etc. and as such have been arranged to be engaged simultaneously by three front row players/users. However, the inventive concept is equally applicable to scrummaging machines and apparatus suitable for alternative forms of scrummaging. For example, it is contemplated that the inventive concept as defined in the claims may be applied to a scrummaging apparatus intended for engagement by, say a single player/user, such as may be used for blocking training within American football or the like. Additionally, although a feature may appear to be described in connection with particular embodiments, one skilled in the art would recognize that various features of the described embodiments may be combined in accordance with the invention.

Furthermore, although individually listed, a plurality of means, elements or method steps may be implemented by, for example, a single component or element. Additionally, although individual features may be included in different claims, these may possibly be advantageously combined, and the inclusion in different claims does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and/or advantageous. Also, the inclusion of a feature in one category of claims does not imply a limitation to this category, but rather the feature may be equally applicable to other claim categories, as appropriate.

Furthermore, the order of features in the claims does not imply any specific order in which the features must be performed and in particular the order of individual steps in a method claim does not imply that the steps must be performed in this order. Rather, the steps may be performed in any suitable order. In addition, singular references do not exclude a plurality. Thus, references to a', an', first', second', etc. do not preclude a plurality.

Thus, a scrummaging apparatus and scrummaging machine have been described that may alleviate at least some of the shortcomings of past and present techniques and/or mechanisms.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A scrummaging apparatus comprising an engagement component and a coupling mechanism for coupling the engagement component to a supporting apparatus, wherein the coupling mechanism is arranged such that the engagement component is capable of rotational movement within at least a first plane relative to the supporting apparatus.
2. The scrummaging apparatus of Claim 1 wherein: the engagement component comprises at least one contact element arranged to receive a force exerted during use by at least one user.
3. The scrummaging apparatus of Claim 2 wherein the coupling mechanism is arranged such that the engagement component is capable of rotational movement about a first axis, said first axis being arranged in parallel with a principal direction of force exerted on the at least one contact element during use.
4. The scrummaging apparatus of Claim 3 wherein the coupling mechanism is further arranged such that the engagement component is further capable of movement within a second plane, said second plane being perpendicular to the first plane.
5. The scrummaging apparatus of Claim 4 wherein the coupling mechanism is arranged such that the engagement component is capable of further rotational movement within the second plane, said rotational movement being arranged about a second axis, said second axis being perpendicular to the direction of the first axis.
6. The scrummaging apparatus of Claim 4 or Claim 5 wherein the coupling mechanism is further arranged such that the engagement component is further capable of movement within a third plane, said third plane being perpendicular to the first and second planes.
7. The scrummaging apparatus of Claim 6 wherein the coupling mechanism is arranged such that the engagement component is capable of rotational movement within a third plane, said rotational movement being about a third axis, said third axis being perpendicular to the direction of the first axis and to the direction of the second axis.
8. The scrummaging apparatus of any preceding Claim wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a pivot element comprising an at least partially spherical configuration, and a pivot housing element arranged to at least partially receive therein the pivot element.
9. The scrummaging apparatus of any preceding Claim wherein the coupling mechanism is arranged to apply a resistance to movement of the engagement component.
10. The scrummaging apparatus of Claim 9 wherein said resistance is adjustable.
11. The scrummaging apparatus of any preceding Claim wherein the engagement component comprises a plurality of pivotable joints, each pivotable joint being located between the coupling mechanism and at least one contact element.
12. The scrummaging apparatus of any preceding Claim wherein the scrummaging apparatus comprises a coupling mechanism for coupling the engagement component to at least one of: a sled; a roller; awall; and a vehicle.
13. A scrummaging machine comprising the scrummaging apparatus of any preceding Claim.
14. The scrummaging machine of Claim 13 wherein the scrummaging machine comprises at least one of: a scrummaging sled; and a scrummaging roller.