GB2507081A

GB2507081A - Full body exercise comprising a sled, sledge or sleigh attached to a person

Info

Publication number: GB2507081A
Application number: GB1218714.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Tug Wilson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-10-18
Filing date: 2012-10-18
Publication date: 2014-04-23
Anticipated expiration: 2032-10-18
Also published as: GB2507081B; GB201218714D0

Abstract

A muscle training system comprises sled arranged to receive weights, weights, and a means of attachment of the sled to a user, such as a backpack harness. The sled may comprise a pair of runners mounted on a base, a mesh for containing components held in the base and a foldable ballast weight pole for fixing the weights in use. The system may comprise walking poles to aid the user pulling the sled. The amount of weight placed on the sled may be varied to provide different levels of resistance. The base may further comprise slots to accept resistance straps to enable to sled to be pulled or for exercise to be carried out when the user is stood on the sled, such as beaming. A door stopper or chair wedge may also be provided for attaching resistance straps. The apparatus may be used to recreate Nordic walking.

Description

A MULTI-MUSCLE TRAINING APPARATUS AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEM

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to multi-muscle training apparatus and associated system; more particularly for flexible all-body exercising.

Background and Prior Art

Whole body exercise systems are desirable so as maximise health benefits. In recent years Nordic walking has become increasingly popular as a form of whole body exercise. However some people do not have access to opening countryside but may still like to try the activity or train for when they will have access.

Walking on a treadmill or using a cross training does not recreate the full technique particularly in reference to use of the traditional poles therefore multiple exercises and equipment may be required.

Whilst training it is helpful of all equipment can be easily carried by the user and that pieces of equipment may have more than one use so that less pieces of equipment can be carried Many pieces of equipment have been developed for more than one use, however the range of exercises may still be limited and may not always be suitable for in and outdoor use.

The present invention arose to overcome the problems associated with training for Nordic walking by providing a comprehensive training system that also incorporates other exercises using the same equipment.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a multi-muscle training system comprising: a sled arranged to receive weights; weights; and a means of attachment of the sled to a user.

In preferred embodiments of the system poles are used to aid the user pulling the sled. The amount of weight placed on the sled can be varied so as to provide different definable levels of resistance to a user pulling the sled.

Typically the training system comprises a kit of parts which kit includes in preferred embodiments: poles, resistance straps and connectors to join the strap or straps to parts. Typically said connectors act to secure the user at his or her hands limbs to the sled, poles or other structures or objects.

In preferred embodiments therefore the apparatus and the training system may be combined in various arrangements and using various parts to perform different training exercises.

Predominantly the apparatus is envisaged to be arranged and used to recreate Nordic walking, wherein a user walks or runs, in some embodiments whilst utilising poles to include and utilise arm and shoulder strength for the user's forward propulsion, wherein the user typically but optionally pulls resistance of a sled to improve leg and whole body fitness, and wherein the user can alter resistance of the sled, straps connecting the user to the sled and arrangement, ease of use and function of the poles. In this way the user is enabled by the kit of parts to concentrate on different body exercises and multiple muscle groups.

In preferred embodiments the sled comprises a base mounted on a pair of runners, a mesh, a foldable weight pole and a deck. Preferably the base is a moulded basin that may accept the resistance straps when not in use. Ideally the base is formed from a lightweight durable material such as synthetic plastic. The base is mounted on the runners so that the sled may be dragged along the ground. Preferably the runners are formed from carbon fibre (?) so as to be lightweight and durable.

Typically the base may house a ballast pole that is folded when not in use but may be lifted so as to accept weights when required.

Ideally the weights include an aperture so as to allow them to be passed over the ballast pole so that the weight is fixed in place whilst in use. Most preferably there are at least 3 different weights of incremental amounts so as to be able to increase the load borne by the sled.

Advantageously the base includes a plurality of slots so as to accept resistance straps, for example to enable the sled to be pulled or for exercised to be carried out when the user is stood on the sled such as beaming.

Preferably the base also includes a plurality of hooks or clips so as to accept the mesh and the deck. The mesh acts to contain any components held in the base for example the resistance straps and ideally sits recessed within the base. The deck then preferably sits above the mesh being flush or proud of the base.

Additionally or alternatively the poles and sled may be used with resistance straps in a variety of arrangements so as to enable resistance training to be carried out by the user in a plurality of fashions and arrangements with single or combined parts and other structures if necessai-y.

Typically said resistance straps are resiliently deformable lengths of material such as rubber that may be pulled taut and stretched to create resistance. Preferably type of material or thickness of material can be altered so as to change resistance created.

Ideally each strap includes an eye at each end for accepting a connector. The connector may be a clip such as a carabineer so as to attached the strap to for example the sled, or may be an adjustable loop for the user's hand or foot so as to allow the strap to be held or attachectto the user.

In preferred embodiments the connectors may be used in place of or may comprise the harness and in other embodiments the connectors may be used in addition to help the user pull the sled.

In all preferred embodiments a pair of poles is provided within the apparatus for use independently or in combination with the sled or straps wherein in preferred embodiments the poles comprise: a pneumatic handle for the user to hold whilst in use that reduces vibration, an adjustable shaft and an interchangeable boot that is tailored to conditions and/or environment.

Typically the poles are height adjustable on a 1 in 9 scale so as to allow them to be set to suit the user's height and so as to allow the pole to be retracted to a smaller size when not in use, and ideally stored and transported within the sled. The poles may be stored below the sled andfor between the sled's runners.

In preferred embodiments the poles are telescopic having at least one and preferably two adjustment points wherein the pole may be extended and locked into position.

The pole may lock into position by means of a twist fitting, clip or detent mechanism.

Ideally the pole handles include a dampening mechanism so as to reduce stress passed to the user or the user's wrist whilst in use.

Typically the dampening mechanism is provided by a pneumatic system that allows movement of the handle towards and away from the pole as the pole strikes the ground. Preferably the dampening medhanism may be inhibited or adjusted by adjustment mechanism Preferably the handle also includes a ridge so as to encourage the user's wrist to be neutrally aligned in use and may include a wrist loop so as secure the pole to the User and enabling the user to use their hands without the pole dropping to the ground.

A variety of boots are available for the pole, for example the boot may fit to the pole end so as to prevent penetrating the ground more than a predetermined depth.

In other embodiments the boot may be used with or include a disc with an aperture that be screwed on to the pole's shaft at a predetermined height so as to prevent clogging of mud on the shaft, and reduce the amount the shaft sinks in use.

In yet further embodiments the pole may be lit so as to assist when night walking.

Typically the pole may include at least one light emitting diode (LED). It is envisaged that the light may be triggered only when in contact with the ground so as to provide a visual indicator of a person walking in the dark.

In all preferred embodiments the system includes an anchor against which the user exercises or which provides resistance to the user All embodiments include the sled as anchor, however may include in addition or alternative a door stopper or chair wedge, to which resistance strap or straps may be secured.

For example the chair wedge may accept a chair leg, wherein an end of the strap is connected to the chair wedge in order that the user may be seated and the strap secured to the chair. The distal strap end may then be held by the user, or in other embodiments attached to the pole so that the strap may be stretched to create resistance.

The door stopper is typically fined between the door frame and door so that when the door is closed the stopper is secured in place to provide the anchor.

In yet further embodiments the pole may be used as an anchor, wherein the strap is attached to each end of the pole and secured to the user's foot or to the chair wedge and wherein the pole may then be lifted in a horizontal orientation so that strap is pulled taut and stretched to create resistance so as to engage a user's arm muscles.

In preferred embodiments the apparatus includes a backpack harness that may house parts for transport or storage. The bag may also serve as an anchor point for the straps for example when one strap end is connected to the sled the other strap end may be connect to the backpack so that the sled may be pulled along.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the sled and weights of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus; Figure 2 shows an exploded view of a pole according to the preferred embodiment of the apparatus; Figure 3 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment of Figure 1; Figures 4 show isometric views of a preferred embodiment of harness according to the preferred embodiment of the apparatus; Figures 5 show isometric views of a preferred embodiment of 0 bands according to the preferred embodiment of the apparatus; Figures 6 show isometric views of a W bar, according to the preferred embodiment of the apparatus; Figures 7 show isometric views of embodiments of connectors (7a foot ioop, 7b ankle strap) according to the preferred embodiment of the apparatus; Figures 8 show isometric views of embodiments of an anchor according to the preferred embodiment of the apparatus; Figures 9 show isometric views of embodiments of a wrist connector according to the preferred embodiment of the apparatus; -Figures 10 show isometric views of embodimenfs of a hand strap according to the preferred embodiment of the apparatus; And Figures 11 show isometric views-of embodiments of an anchor according to the preferred embodiment of the apparatus;

Detailed Description of Figures

The 0 bands shown in Figures 5 are for the user when walking who wants to stop occasionally, attach resistance bands and work out, and designed to prevent damage to the poles.

The W bar shown in Figures 6 to be used in conjunction with beamsled, chair wedge as shown in Figure 11, door stopper as shown in Figure 8, and connectors such as hand grips and foot loops when using resistance bands.

The embodiment of the anchor shown in Figure 8 is a door stopper, which attaches to resistance bands and wedges in a door once closed for use when exercising legs with an ankle strap such as shown in Figures 7b, or upper body with poles.

The wrist connector as shown in Figure 9 connects to the pole with a quick release mechanism.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims 1 Multi-muscle training system comprising; a sled arranged to received weights; weights; and a means of attachment of the sled to a user.
2. A system as claimed in claim 1, in which the means of attachment is a harness.
3. A system as claimed in either of claims 1 and 2, further comprising poles to aid the user pulling the sled.
4. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the sled comprises a pair of runners; a base mounted on the pair of runners; a mesh; a foldable weight pole and a deck.
5. A system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the means of attachment comprises multiple connectors.
6. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the means of attachment comprises a backpack harness that may house parts for transport or storage.B