GB2483739A

GB2483739A - An agility training ring with a high friction material disposed in a groove

Info

Publication number: GB2483739A
Application number: GB1107568.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard James Whall
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-09-16
Filing date: 2011-05-06
Publication date: 2012-03-21
Also published as: GB201015474D0; GB201107568D0

Abstract

An agility ring with a body defining a loop and at least one groove in the body which may receive an adherence means 6. The adherence means 6 may be designed to have high friction or non slip properties to help hold the device still when positioned on the floor and may be rubber. The body may be hexagon shaped and made up of a plurality of sections 4 which may have hinged connections to allow them to pivot between a plurality of fixed positions. Alternatively the segments 4 may be glued or welded together. The inserts 6 may be coarse, treaded or studded. Colour coding means may also be provided on the rings. The rings may be positioned in a pattern to define a training drill.

Description

Agility Ring The present invention relates generally to agility training devices. More particularly, but not exclusively, it relates to agility training rings suitable for use in sports training, athletic training, fitness, Physical Education and the like.

Agility training devices are known and have been used by athletes or sports persons for fitness exercises, to improve speed, agility, footwork, power, balance and dexterity of movement through increased coordination of the lower parts of the body, for example the muscles of the legs. One common type of agility devices are known as training ladders? that generally comprise an arrangement of a plurality of spaced apart struts or rungs held together by a set of bars or elongate members. Further, some training ladders may comprise webbing or a chain-like structure, made from rope or a plastics material. The rungs or partitions may be secured to the bars to keep the arrangement rigid or resilient and prevent them from dismantling while in usc. There is also another type of agility device known as a training mat, which generally comprises a mat having a grid formation that can be laid down on a floor and the like, and onto which a sports person, or athlete may perform exercises.

The term "Agility ring" is sometimes used loosely as synonymous with agility ladder; although a more accurate definition is that the "rings" are the individual parts of the ladder.

A typical training exercise using an agility ladder usually entails an athlete attempting to traverse along a path or formation' created using the ladder, sometimes done while hopping or running, or jumping over hurdles created using sections of the ladder; stepping only on the insides of the iwebbing! of the ladder, without touching the rungs or partitions of the ladder. If the exercise is part of a formal or monitored affair, a coach or fitness trainer may stand by to supervise the path a user takes, including prescribing which type of movement is used (for example whether the athlete is required to complete the formation running, jumping or hopping) and how fast the individual is required to move.

Sometimes these formal exercises may be undertaken using timing techniques to monitor the athletes progress.

There are many different types of training ladders that vary in shape and size and may include constructions that are polygonal, semi circular, square, triangular and the like. The variations generally tend to focus on user-friendliness as well as adaptability, for example if a training mat is such that it is not slip-proof, then, using it on certain surfaces could pose a safety risk to an athlete. In addition, during use of the ladder, a user may contact the rungs or the partitions of the ladder, for example by inadvertently positioning his foot under the webbing while performing a sef or drill, thereby displacing the formation. This is undesirable because if it happens that while lifting his foot in the middle of a stride, he does so without firstly removing it from underneath the rung or partition, he may slip and fall.

Furthermore, ease of storage of ladders is also an important design consideration as the various constructions in themselves can be bulky and may occupy considerable volumes of space. Thus, a number of agility devices can be folded, or dismantled into smaller pieces for easier transportation and storage. Finally, it is usually desirable to have a training ladder that is adaptable in that it can be used on a range of surfaces, including dry and wet surfaces; both indoor and outdoor environments, for example on a well trimmed grassy field, on concrete as well as in a gym or dance studio.

EP1993679A2 discloses a collapsible ladder for use in athletic training. It has a plurality of spaced-apart rungs secured with collapsible connectors to a plurality of spaced-apart rigid spacers. The collapsible connectors may be strips of flexible material extending between the rungs and spacers. A different embodiment has a second set of rungs aligned substantially parallel to the plurality of spaced-apart rungs along a common central set of spacers. The collapsible connectors allow the ladder to be constructed into an operational position, from a collapsed, storage position.

US2006229171A1 discloses a training system comprising a ladder assembly having two resilient cords, each cord extending between two weights. It has a plurality of rungs extending between the two cords.

EP2144677A1 discloses a training ladder formed of a plurality of substantially rigid polygon-shaped segments detachably secured together with segment connectors extending between them. The sides of each segment are substantially the same to allow the segment connector to join any sides between two adjacent segments and so that the path through the ladder can be varied. In one disclosed embodiment, the segments arc octagon shaped and pivotally secured to the segment connectors to allow the ladder to collapse into a stack when not in use and so that some of the segments can extend vertically to define a hurdle or other possible vertical structure.

GB 2411845A discloses an exercise pad or mat. It has a slip-proof band 1 which can be rolled up during storage and, in usc, forms a horizontal exercise ladder defined by apertures 13 and partitions 14.

The slip-proof band may comprise a first face adapted to abut a supporting surface and a second face having friction-increasing pimples (11, fig. 2). The slip-proof band may also include a reinforcing fibre layer (12, fig. 2).

There are also a range of other prior art devices comprising circular hoops that are adapted for individual use or may be laid out in patterns involving several hoops. Some of these devices may include foam feet for indoor use.

However, the devices described in these disclosures are not ideally suited for use as agility training devices for a number of reasons. Firstly, one may require different constructions and! or materials for indoor and outdoor devices, as manufacturers have a tendency to make each type of device suitable only for a specific purpose, for example most outdoor devic&s have solid rungs that will slip on hard, indoor surfaces, whereas most indoor devices are unsuitable on hard uneven ground.

A further difficulty is that, since some of the devices have fixed dimensions or space between the rungs, they tend to have intrinsic inflexibility in their construction because it may not be possible for a user to alter the sizes or paths or formations, for example to cater for athletes of varying age, height or ability Furthermore, considering the device of GB 2411845A, it will be appreciated that the straight line configuration has a potential to limit training options, in that one would have particular difficulties constructing a variety of creative winding training paths. Thus, to be able to perform a drill that involved a winding formation, an athlete would have to purchase a considerable number of mats, and lay them over a larger surface area.

Additionally, a number of the above devices appear like they may get displaced during use, which would be inconvenient as it would disrupt the flow of a drill. For example, indoor ladders that are commonly soft and lightweight may be disadvantaged in that they may be blown away by the wind, during outdoor use.

Further, it appears as though a number of the prior art devices may get entangled together during storage, which is undesirable because it necessitates spending time disentangling them before any use.

Further, some of the prior art devices may be bulky and difficult to store and transport.

Considering the device disclosed in EP2144677A1, it appears as though it would be unsuitable for indoor use because the rubber couplers described appear to have insufficient surface area and are unlikely to provide sufficient grip between the ladder and ground (for example in a studio or indoor pitch), for certain exercises during indoor use since they only surface area on which anti-slip forces will act is at the junctions between individual octagons. Also, since the rubber couplers are removable, it would be awkward and time consuming to constantly remove and re-attach couplers each time a user was changing from a rougher surface to a smoother surface, Additionally, considering the connectors which are designed to connect two polygon segments together, it would be time consuming for a user to constantly dismantle and reconnect the connectors to the segments while changing training patterns.

Finally, one crucial limitation of mats is that they are prone to design restrictions that make it difficult for them to have studs. This means that generally, they are not ideally suited for training on grass or artificial turf.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to have an agility training device that can overcome one or more of the disadvantages and limitations described above and provides a more effective alternative that is affordable, has an ergonomic design that is economical to manufacture, user-friendly and can be used on a wide range of surfaces including and for different types of drills, indoors and outdoors without requiring the user to disentangle and reconnect any of its integers together. In addition, there remains a need for a device that allows a user to effortlessly construct a varied range of training formations, for different types of exercises or drills, According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an agility ring comprising a dimensional body, having a top surface and bottom surface. wherein at least one groove means is disposable within at least one section of the body of the ring, into which adherence means arc therein received.

Preferably, the ring is provided with color coding means, disposed generally along the length on each adherence means.

Advantageously, the color coding means comprise direction means fbr a user or an athlete.

Preferably, the agility ring comprise a loop that is substantially hexagonal in shape to define six equilateral sides.

Advantageously, each of the sides comprise a separate segment.

Alternatively the agility ring comprises at least two segments connectable to define a substantially hexagonal loop.

Preferably, the agility ring comprise a loop that is generally polygonal in shape to define a plurality of sides.

Advantageously, each of the sides comprise a separate segment.

Alternatively the agility ring comprises at least two segments connectable, for example by means of a hinge to define a substantially polygonal loop.

The agility ring may comprise at least two c-shaped segments or halves connectable by a hinge arrangement to define a polygonal loop.

Alternatively, the agility may comprise at least two c-shaped segments connectable by a suitable connection means, for example a flexible or pliable connection means.

The agility may comprise at least two c-shaped segments connectable by any other suitable connection means.

The agility may comprise two identical halves, co-joined together by a reversible hinge mechanism.

Preferably, each segment is adapted to be fixedly disposable an adjacent segment by suitable connector means.

Advantageously, the co-joined segments collectively form the agility ring.

Preferably, each segment may be adapted to be welded to an adjacent segment Advantageously, each segment is fixedly immovable onto an adjacent segment by suitable connector means. The segments may be welded together by a suitable welding method, for example radio frequency or high frequency welding, or other suitable connecting method.

Alternatively, the agility ring comprises two c-shaped segments or halves, each segment being moveable relative the other segment by suitable connector means, for example a moveable hinge arrangement.

Preferably, each of the segments is provided with groove means, carved generally into at least one section of each segment, for example on the top and or bottom surface of the agility ring.

Advantageously, the groove means are adapted to fixedly receive the adherence means.

Preferably the adherence means comprise an insert means having at least one studded or coarse surface.

Advantageously, in use, the insert means provide non-slip properties or grip, by means of the friction that is created between the studs or treads and the surface with which it is in contact, for example on a gym floor, tarmac or turf grass.

The non-slip surface enables the ring to be used safely indoors.

Preferably, the ring's top surface is provided with indicator means, in the form of color coding in colours such as red, blue or yellow.

Advantageously, in use, the indicator means provides directional signals to a user attempting to traverse along a pattern or path of rings by enabling the user to follow the colour coding.

Alternatively or additionally, the ring's bottom surface is provided with said indicator means, in the form of color coding, that indicate direction.

Preferably, the connector means on the agility rings are moveable to transform the agility rings into hurdles.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of using the agility

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ring, comprising providing an agility ring apparatus as described in the first aspect above, the method including the steps of laying down a plurality of agility rings on a surface; arranging the agility rings to form a pattern or training path and using the constructed training path for athletic exercises.

Preferably, the agility rings may be placed side by side, to form reconfigurable training formations or patterns.

Advantageously, the adherence means of each ring enables the training formations to remain intact on different types of surfaces, without the need for couplers or connectors to hold the formation intact.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be more particularly described by way of example, and with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a top elevation of the top surface view of the agility ring of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a section of the agility ring of the present invention, showing the interconnected junction of two segments, and parts of their rubber inserts.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the present invention showing the arrangement of two segment pieces before they are welded together, and the position of the grooves.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the hinge arrangement at one interconnection.

Figure 5 is a top elevation of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the hinge arrangement at one interconnection.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the hinge arrangement at one interconnection.

Figures 7 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a unconnected hinge arrangement at one interconnection.

Figures 8 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the various integers of a unconnected hinge arrangement.

Figures 9 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the agility ring adjusted at the hinge to assume different angles.

Figures 10-13 are top elevations of typical training formations of the present invention showing the agility ring laid out in different patterns.

Referring now to the figures and to Figure 1 in particular, an agility ring 1, has a solid dimensional body in the shape of a loop that is substantially polygonal, preferably hexagonal to define six equilateral sides. The ring I has a top surface 2 and a bottom surface 3 which are preferably identical and generally flat.

In an alternative embodiment, the ring 1 may be made up of six equal segments 4 which can be manufactured separately, for example by injection molding and welded together at angles (Figure 3), to form the agility ring 1. The coupling may be achieved using a number of methods, for example if the segments 4 are formed of a plastics material, then they can be welded together by a suitable welding method, for example radio frequency or high frequency welding, such that the co-joined segments 4 collectively form a resilient structure of the agility ring I (Figures 1, 2). This was found to be the most efficient and cost effective method of co-joining the segments 4, although alternative methods may be employed. Further, although the preferred embodiment is made from a plastics material such as PVC, TPU or TPE, it will be appreciated to the person skilled in the art that the segments 4 could be made from other suitable materials, for example a metallic material such as a lightweight alloy, reinforced rnbber, carbon fibre and suchlike, without significantly altering the functionality of the ring 1. In a different embodiment the ring 1 could be molded as a single unit. Further, instead of welding, the segments could be glued together. Once welded, or glued, each segment 4 is substantially immovably connected to the next segment 4, and the resulting hexagonal structure is resilient. However in a different embodiment (not shown), the ring 1 could be made to have a different connection mechanism, such that in use, individual segments 4 may be separated and re-attached in different configurations (not shown).

Figure 3 shows the interface of the segments 4 before they are connected together. As can be seen, the interfaces are slightly angled so that on co-joining the segments 4 together form a regular hexagon. The ribbing 12, may be employed to increase the surface area such that upon welding / gluing, the resulting junction 11 is much stronger not easily breakable.

The top surface 2 (Figure 1 & 2) and the bottom surface 3 of each segment 4 are preferably formed identical, and each have at least one groove S (Figure 3) etched generally centrally or laterally along the length of each segment 4 (Figure 3). Depending on design parameters, various arrangements of etching the grooves 5 could be employed, but generally it would be desirable to have the grooves S occupy as much surface area as would be permitted by design parameters, because each groove S is adapted to receive a corresponding rubber insert 6 or strip (Figure 2), and the more surface area they occupy, the better the ring's 1 non-slip properties.

In a preferred embodiment, the rubber inserts 6 comprise a substantially rectangular member formed from rubber or other elastometrical material. Each rectangular member has a base 13, that is substantially embedded into each segment, by about 1.4mm, and a slightly raised eentroidal portion 14, onto which some studs 15 or threads are thereon formed (Figure 2).

Like the segments 4, each rubber insert 6 can be welded into the groove 5 in a number of ways, including "overmolding". Alternatively or additionally, the rubber insert 6 can be glued into the groove 5. This ensures that the rubber insert 6 is fixedly received vithin the groove 5.

The rubber insert 6 are formed to have at least one surface that is coarse and has studs 15 because they provide non-slip properties or grip, when the ring 1 is used on solid surfaces, for example on a gym floor, tarmac or wooden floor. This is important because it removes the necessity of using connectors or other fasteners, to hold together a formation of rings 1 in position, in order to form a particular formation that is necessary for a type of drill. This means that by merely placing the rings on the ground, side by side, such that the sides of adjacent rings 1 are barely touching (not shown) or spaced apart (figure 10) to define a formation, gravity acting on the agility ring will create enough force for

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sufficient adherence or grip between the rubber inserts and the ground (floor or turf), such that the probability of the rings being blown away by the wind, during use, or sliding along the floor (thereby dislocating' the pattern or formations shown in figures 10 to 13) upon minimal contact with an athletes foot is greatly reduced.

This characteristic is important because it extends the number of possible training patterns and variations that can be created, and that are changeable to suit different requirements and needs. For example athletes of varying height or stride length may require certain formations for fast footwork, hurdles or jumping distance (not shown).Tn addition, the non-slip surface enables the ring 1 to be used safely indoors. Further, although the disclosed embodiment uses rubber inserts 6, that are predominantly made from rubber, it will be appreciated that equivalent materials could be used to provide substantially the same functionality For example the ring 1 or segments 4 could be made from a material that is ribbed or studded on the surfaces.

In a preferred embodiment, the rubber inserts 6 have a total thickness of 2mm, with 0.6mm of this sticking out of the groove, such that there is 1.4mm of each insert embedded into the groove.

This is important because it ensures that, in use, none of the plastic surface of the loop body of the ring 1 is in contact with the floor. Typical sizes of the ring are 4mm height! thickness (between! -H, Figure 16) with the rubber inserts 6 embedded onto the top and bottom of the ring 1 protruding out by about 0.6mm on each surface, making a total ring height! thickness of 5.2mm (between AA -AX, Figures 16, l6a). Each ring I has 12 rubber inserts, 6 on each side. Preferably, the rubber inserts on one side are all the same colour, while the grips on the reverse side are in 3 different colours, although this is not necessary.

Preferably, the agility ring 1 may be formed of material that is resilient, use of a plastics material reduces the risk of injury so that any inconsequential contact with a users foot would not result in injury Referring now to Figure 1, the rubber inserts 6 are preferably provided with a form of colour coding, whereby at least one visible portion of the rubber insert 6 embedded in one segment, is colored in a colour different to the colour of a rubber insert 6 in the immediate two adjacent or adjoining segments (as shown in figure 1, where one rubber insert in one segment is illustrated as being in yellow, while the rubber inserts of the immediate adjoining segments are either in red or blue). This is important as in training, Coaches or Trainers usually prescribe drills involving hopping, jumping over hurdles, jogging, jumping or running along the formations, and the colour coding functions as a directional indicator to the athlete, in accordance with the prescribed drill. Accordingly, and as is often the case in fitness drills, a coach lays "tracks" of ring patterns over a field, of formations, for example along a 30 meter stretch. In such instances, it is common to subtly alter the formations on different parts to improve dexterity gait and footwork. An athlete or sports man is then required to run or jog along the formation, usually to time, and the quicker he can finish the length of the stretch, the better his skill i fitness is judged to be. This means that, in use, the coding mechanism provides convenience to a user attempting to traverse along a pattern or path of rings by enabling the user to follow the colour coding along only, and thereby improve his speed, since in the absence of colour coding an athlete has to concentrate on reading' the prescribed path in the webbing of the formation as well as attempt to do the drill to time, which may be call for high concentration on the part of the athlete, and affect the time it takes to complete a track.

In an preferred embodiment (figures 4, 9), the ring 1 comprises at least two identical segments, for example c-shaped or substantially semicircular halves, pivotably co-joined by a hinge mechanism, for example a reversible hinge mechanism. This hinge 100 is similar to a barrel hinge but is disengagcable and has a double ratcheted lock function that allows the pin member 20 (figure 8) to be engaged rotatably into its receiving cylinder 21 -which would be the hollow pivoting anchor formed on the other half of the segment -and disengageable when assuming only one position such that the segments are aligned relative each other with an extension lip 22 at the end of a ratchet member 23 being aligned with a corresponding recess 24 (figure 8), on the other segment. Once the pin member 20 has been pushed all the way into the receiving cylinder 21, the hinge 100 locks1 allowing only pivotal motion, and restricting any disengagement of the pin member 20 from the receiving cylinder 21. Thus, the two can only be disengaged when the segments are assuming the same inclination relative to each other that allows the extension lip 22 to slide out of the recess 24 of the hinge lock (not shown for clarity). This prevents the hinge mechanism from inadvertently disengaging the segments during use. Thus, in this arrangement, each agility ring has two hinges 100 (as shown in figure 9), one at each interconnection of the two halves. Further, adjacent the receiving cylinder 21 of the hinge 100 is the ratchet member 23, angled triangularly outwardly therefrom, and that forms a receptacle 25 (figure 7) underneath it (on its opposite side), the receptacle 25 allowing a corresponding lip or protrusion (figured 7, 8) of another ratchet member 26 on the segment having the pin member 20 (figure 8), to cooperatively fit together thcrebetween (as shown in figures 4, 5 and 6). Further, each segment is provided with a pinioned hood 27 that allows the extension member 22 of the ratchet members (23, 26) of one segment, to fixedly engage upon the pinions or gears of the other segment, thereby allowing the two segments to fixedly and firthly pivot relative each other (as shown in figure 9) and to be positionable such that applying a force to increase the angle between the segments, operates the ratchet mechanism. This allows the agility ring to be firm and steady when set at an angle. Thus, when a rotational bearing force is applied to the pivot, the angle between the two halves can be increased or decreased, thereby constructing hurdles of various heights as shown in figure 9.

This means that instead of having six separate segment, the ring can be molded as two halves co-joined together by a hinge. This provides a cost effective manufacturing solution whilst also giving additional uses to the agility ring to function as an adjustable hurdle depending on the position of the ratchet.

Alternatively, other suitable hinge mechanism may be used, and it will be apparent to the man skilled in that similar mechanical constructions may be employed to achieve the hinge function. in addition, the hinge mechanism may incorporate a single side opening instead of a reversible arrangement. Further a different hinge feature into which two halves or more pieces fit could also be used, for example a butt or pivot hinge.

In a different embodiment, the color coding may comprise a painted section, or other colour coded material, attached onto at least one of the ring's surfaces. Additionally or alternatively, the color coding may comprise directional indicators such as arrows or etching or other suitable indicators marked onto the some surfaces of the ring. This important as it may eliminate the necessity of using colour coded inserts, yet still function to direct a user.

However, it may sometimes be necessary for a Coach or trainer to use rings that have no colour coding, or that are only partly colour coded on one surface of the ring, until such a time as trainee athletes are familiar with particulars of a new training exercise / drill. This is also of particular relevance where the ring is to be used in training exercises by people with visual impairments, for example those who are colour blind. Thus, the ring 1 may be provided with inserts that have no colour coding, or that are only in one or two colour codes. This provides an option to a Coach on whether to use rings with colour coding, or those without color coding, or to use a ring either way up with or without the coding, for *rings that have only colour coding on one surface. This means that as an option, or alternatively, the *ring 1 may comprise rubber inserts 6 that have colour coding only on one visible surface, and not on both surfaces.

Further, the angles of the sides of the ring may provide a frame of reference for athletes and coaches when using the agility rings to ensure correct foot placement and angles relevant to each different drill.

For example, an exercise may be to jump from the centre of the ring over each side and back in sequence, always landing on the outside of the ring with feet parallel to the sides.

In use, it is common for a plurality of agility rings to be used together, although this is not necessary.

Thus, a user may lay down 6 rings on a surface and arrange the agility rings to form a pattern or training formation. The user then has a web-like path along which he may jog, run or jump, (for example following the direction of the arrows[included for illustration only]) from the Start position to the end, and back again, attempting to do this drill, while stepping onto the insides of the rings only, and without touching the segments. These drills may be attempted to time, with the user attempting to complete such an exercise in the least amount of time possible. A coach or trainer may prescribe other similar drills or exercises, that may involve hopping, jumping, etc. Thus, the agility rings are placed side by side to form reconfigurablc training formations or patterns. Although not strictly necessary to place them side by side, this is important because the rubber inserts on either surface of the agility ring enable the training formations to remain intact during use on different types of surfaces, without the need of connectors or couplers to hold the formation together as is common practice in some prior art devices. Further, absence of couplers gives time efficiency in that it allows patterns to be set up quickly and dismantled easily, or re-arranged into a different formation, if required.

It is also possible to place the rings side by side, in spaced apart formations, as this acts to increase the stride length' for jumping drills, and generally means that an athlete will require greater effort to jump from one ring to the next.

Having described and illustrated the principles of the invention with reference to a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be apparent that the invention can be modified in arrangement and detail without departing from such principles. Accordingly, in view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles may be put, it should be noted that the detailed embodiments are illustrative only and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims I. An agility ring comprises a dimensional loop body, having a top surface and bottom surface, wherein the agility ring is provided with at least one groove means disposable within at least one section of the body of the ring, into which adherence means may be received.
2. An agility ring as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ring comprises a substantially polygonal loop to define a plurality of sides.
3. An agility ring as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ring is hexagonal in shape to define six equal sides.
4. An agility ring as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ring comprises a pair of segments or halves that are connectable by atleast one hinge means.
5. An agility ring as claimed any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ring comprises a pair of In c-shaped or substantially semicircular segments that are connectable by atleast one hinge C means.(0
6. An agility ring as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ring comprises a

-plurality of segments that are co-joined by a plurality of hinge means.
7. An agility ring as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the segments are pivotably moveable relative one another, about the hinge means, so as to assume a plurality of steady positions 8. An agility ring as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the sides comprises a separate segment means.9. An agility ring as claimed in claim 8, wherein each segment means is adapted to be fixedly immovable to an adjacent segment means by welding, gluing or other suitable connection methods, such that the co-joined segments collectively form the agility ring.10. An agility ring as claimed in claim 1, wherein each groove means is disposable generally laterally along the length of each segment means.ii. An agility ring as claimed in claim 1 and claim 10, wherein each groove means is adapted to fixedly receive the adherence means.12. An agility ring as claimed in claim I and claim 11, wherein the adherence means comprises rubber insert means having at least one coarse, treaded or studded surface.13. An agility ring as claimed in claims 12, wherein in use, the rubber insert means provide non-slip properties or grip, by the friction created between the studs or treads and the surface with which the ring is in contact, for example a gym floor, tarmac or turf grass, and may be colour coded.14. An agility ring as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the groove means are adapted to fixedly receive color coding means, the colour coding means being disposable, generally on the top surface of the agility ring as as to be visible to a user.15. An agility ring as claimed in claim 14, wherein, the colour coding means comprise colored inserts, optionally phosphorescent inserts.16. A method of using the agility ring, comprising providing an agility ring apparatus as described C in the preceding claims hereinabove, the method including the steps of laying down at least one (0 agility ring, preferably a plurality of agility rings on a surface such as a gym floor or grass; arranging the agility rings to form a pattern, training formation; and using the constructed training pattern to undertake drills or training exercises involving running, jumping, hopping and the like.17. An agility ring pattern as claimed in claim 16, wherein the rings are generally disposable side by side, to form reconfigurable training paths, formations or patterns.18. An agility ring as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adherence means enables the training formations to remain intact on different types of surfaces, without the need of connectors to hold the formations together.19. An agility ring substantially as described herein with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows: 1. An agility ring comprises a dimensional loop body, having a top surface and bottom surface, wherein the agility ring is provided with at least one groove means disposable within at least one section of the body of the ring, into which adherence means may be received.2. An agility ring as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ring comprises a substantially polygonal loop to define a plurality of sides.3. An agility ring as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ring is hexagonal in shape to define six equal sides.4. An agility ring as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ring comprises a pair of segments or halves that are connectable by atleast one hinge (SI means.(0 5. An agility ring as claimed any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ring comprises a pair of c-shaped or substantially semicircular segments that are connectable by atleast one hinge means.6. An agility ring as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ring comprises a plurality of segments that are co-joined by a plurality of hinge means.71 An agility ring as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the segments are pivotably moveable relative one another, about the hinge means, so as to assume a plurality of steady positions.
8. An agility ring as claimed in claim 2, wherein each of the sides comprises a separate segment means.
9. An agility ring as claimed in claim 8, wherein each segment means is adapted to be fixedly immovable to an adjacent segment means by welding, gluing or other suitable connection methods, such that the co-joined segments coUectively form the agility ring.
1O.An agility ring as claimed in claim 1, wherein each groove means is disposable generally laterally along the length of each segment means.
11. An agUity ring as claimed in claim 1 and daim 10, wherein each groove means is adapted to fixedly receive the adherence means.
12. An agility ring as claimed in claim 1 and claim 11, wherein the adherence means comprises rubber insert means having at least one coarse, treaded or studded surface.
13. An agility ring as claimed in claims 12, wherein in use, the rubber insert means provide non-slip properties or grip, by the friction created between the studs or treads and the surface with which the ring is in contact, for example a gym floor, tarmac or turf grass, and may be colour coded.(SI. . o
14. An agihty ring as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the groove (0 means are adapted to fixedly receive color coding means, the colour coding meansCbeing disposable, generally on the top surface of the agility ring as as to be visible to a user.
15. An agility ring as claimed in claim 14, wherein5 the colour coding means comprise colored inserts.
16. A method of using the agility ring, comprising providing an agility ring apparatus as described in the preceding claims hereinabove, the method including the steps of laying down at least one agility ring, preferably a plurality of agility rings on a surface such as a gym floor or grass; arranging the agility rings to form a pattern, training formation; and using the constructed training pattern to undertake drills or training exercises involving running, jumping, hopping and the like, 17 An agility ring pattern as claimed in claim 16, wherein the rings are generally disposable side by side, to form reconfigurable training paths, formations or patterns.18.An agility ring as daimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adherence means enables the training formations to remain intact on different types of surfaces, without the need of connectors to hold the formations together.19. An agility ring substantially as described herein with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings. (4 (4 (0