GB2595437A

GB2595437A - Training apparatus for motocross and motorcycle riders

Info

Publication number: GB2595437A
Application number: GB2004561.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Atkins Ian
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-03-30
Filing date: 2020-03-30
Publication date: 2021-12-01
Anticipated expiration: 2040-03-30
Also published as: GB2595437B; GB202004561D0

Abstract

A training apparatus for motocross and motorcycle riders comprises a frame 6 or folding column mounted head unit 1which houses a motor; providing movement to a handlebar 7 via connections to two straps 4 which attach onto motor strap locators 5 mounted on the side of said head unit 1; foot rests 8 are provided on lower vertical frame sections 12 which are mounted perpendicularly onto base stands 11. In use a user stands on the footrests 8 and leans back against the tension of the straps 4 mounted to head unit 1 and handlebar 7. The head unit 1 may include a motor which provides movement to the straps 4.

Description

PATENT APPLICATION

OF

IAN ATKINS

FOR

TRAINING APPARATUS FOR MOTOCROSS AND MOTORCYCLE RIDERS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to training apparatus to train and prepare a person for riding in motocross or other motorcycle sports.

Background

The use of equipment and apparatus to train a person in a certain sports skill is known, these include various types of motorcycle, skiing, driving and climbing themes which mimic an action or a group of actions which are carried out during a sporting activity.

The idea behind such apparatus is to prepare the user for the operative and functional variants of said sport or activity and also physically train them to be more able and suited toward it. In the particular in the sport of motocross riding many elements exist wherein a rider needs to prepare for the very specific actions of the motorcycle and in particular the force of the motorcycle's sudden jolt of forward momentum produced by the power of the engine when revved causing the rider to forcefully grip the handlebars so that his hands don't come off the bars, causing Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome, also known as 'arm pump'. Chronic exertional compartment syndrome is an exercise-induced muscle and nerve condition that causes pain, swelling and sometimes disability in the affected muscles of the arms or legs.

Examples of general patent documents are cited in the patent archive and are shown as follows: This is shown in patent US10071277 (SENK) discloses an n exercise training device for use with a motorcycle for working out to improve a rider's physical fitness is provided. The training device includes a base, a mounting plate, and a plurality of support legs extending from the base. A coil spring is vertically mounted between the base and the mounting plate. A motorcycle can be releasably affixed to the mounting plate with a plurality of hold downs. The coil spring deflects in response to lateral forces such that the affixed motorcycle can pitch and roll when subject to sufficient force.

Patent US10071298 (McCORMACK) discloses a workout apparatus for use by a user to simulate core movement patterns of bike riding is provided. The workout apparatus includes a base deck disposed on a ground surface, a frame assembly pivotably mounted to the base deck and comprising a front portion and a rear portion, a handle bar coupled to the front portion of the frame assembly, and a pair of hydraulic damper units coupled to the frame assembly and base deck, the first hydraulic damper unit coupled to the base deck and front portion of the frame assembly, the second hydraulic damper unit coupled to the base deck and rear portion of the frame assembly. The user on the base deck grabs the handle bar to perform a pushing or pulling motion, thereby enabling the first hydraulic damper unit or second hydraulic damper unit to provide resistance to movement of the frame assembly.

PATENT AU2008100421 (BYRNES) discloses a simple motorcycle simulator which is capable of training people to ride a real motorcycle except for leaning and turning, said simulator comprising a. A real motorcycle fixed vertically in place by a customised front axle so as to not lean b. a box that contains two rollers upon which the motorcycle rests on with the rear roller driven by the motorcycles rear wheel that in turn drives the front wheel. This allows the simulation of braking c. these rollers are linked by a heavy chain. d. two tie downs are attached to the rear of the motorcycle on both sides so as to allow the motorcycle to have slight movement back and forth but not sideways e. an enclosure of both front and rear wheels to ensure the safety of the rider and anyone near the simulator 2. The device of Claim 1 may include a step on the side of the device to assist the rider in getting on and a ramp at the back to assist in loading the motorcycle onto the box. 3. The device of Claim 1 may use a toothed belt rather than drums and chain. 4. The device of Claim 1 may be built on top of a purpose built trailer so the device can be transported on a regular basis. The device of Claim 1 could have a computer and large screen added to the front to simulate riding scenarios.

Patent EP3176061 (THURNER) discloses a training device for motorcyclists with a roller arrangement (1) for receiving a rear wheel (6) and a holder (2) for supporting a front wheel (7) of a motorcycle (4), the holder (2) moving from a normal position to a support position is pivotable and, starting from this support position, has a variable free space for lifting the front wheel (7). Learning a wheelie is made easier by the fact that the rollers are free-wheeling or braked and that the support position is variable in height.

Patent US3926430 (GOOD) discloses an hydraulic resistance unit having an operating shaft is mounted above shoulder level by a support stand, the resistance unit being adjustable and designed to generate a progressively and smoothly increasing resistance torque as the speed of the operating shaft increases. A handle means, including interchangeable L-shaped and T-shaped handles, is provided that can be detachably connected with the operating shaft. By manipulating the handle means to rotate the operating shaft, a golfer can exercise and strengthen all the principal muscle groups used in playing golf.

PATENT US4386915 (GILLIAM) discloses a dry land trick ski trainer is disclosed comprising a circular platform disposed at 21/2 to 10 degrees attitude and rotatingly supported at its center on a base. The circular platform is provided with a ski boot and markings to show the proper placement of feet. A ski rope is provided, one end of which is attached through a pulley to a set of weights so as to simulate the pull of a boat.

Patent US5035418 (HARABAYASHI) discloses a cycle type athletic equipment comprising a movable support (5) for supporting a seat (3) and a handlebar (1) at desired positions is disclosed. The movable support (5) can be tilted in a controlled manner by actuating means forward, backward and both sides to thereby be able to make high training for hardening not only the physical strength of legs, but also carpal muscle, pectoral muscle and the other muscles and developing the sense of equilibrium.

Patent US8419597 (COOPER) where disclosed herein are systems and methods for a hill training apparatus for a bicycle trainer. The systems and methods disclosed herein enable cyclists to simulate hill resistance, incline; decline, and body positioning while riding on a bicycle trainer for improved training purposes.

The prior art therefore shows that there is a need for a more effective preparation and training apparatus directly for motocross or motorcycle riders which helps the rider to train and physically prepare for the sport and to help prevent chronic exertionsl compartment syndrome.

The present invention aims to provide an improved training apparatus for motocross and motorcycle riders therefore.

Summary of the invention

According to the present invention there is provided a training apparatus for motocross and motorcycle riders which is designed to enable a person who rides a motocross or other motorcycle or is training to ride said motorcycle to train at home or at a premises, due to its simple construction and portability. The steel frame or column design and dimensions of the apparatus are taken from an adult motocross motorcycle, including; the width of the foot rests; the height of the foot rests; the overall height of the apparatus. The distance between the foot rests and handlebar are all also proportionate to a modern day motocross (MX) motorcycle.

The apparatus primarily consists of a head unit with internal motor which in a first embodiment is mounted onto a frame at its upper forward extremity. The head unit provides movement to a hand held handlebar which is held by the person when using the apparatus, because said movement replicates the force of the motorcycle's sudden jolt of forward momentum produced by the power of the engine when revved causing the rider to forcefully grip the handlebars so that his hands don't come off the bars when riding. The head unit motor has an action to pull and extend two straps located from either side of the head unit to the handle bar and continually tries to pull the bars out of the users hands mimicking the effort used whilst riding a motorcycle. The said head unit is bolted onto two short horizontal ends of two frame lengths which then extend obtusely together to two short lower vertical frame sections, which are both attached perpendicularly to a base stand, as shown in the accompanying Figures 1, 2, 7 and 8. Both sides of the frame sections are held together by short horizontally opposed struts, adjoined by welding.

Power is provided to said head unit via an electrical power point located on one of the short lower vertical frame sections, this power is connected using a standard plug in method and therefore can be easily unplugged when the apparatus requires relocation or storing, the base stand of the apparatus has incorporated wheels to aid this. To the aforementioned two short lower vertical frame sections are located foot rests, which may be static or swivel types onto which the rider's feet are placed during use. The machine works by the user stepping onto the apparatus and placing their hands on the handlebar to be held with their arms apart, as the person holds the hand grips of said handlebar in the known and usual way their feet are then placed onto the foot rests, both of these actions enable them to lean back holding the handlebars, as shown in Figure 1. Then using their bodyweight they lean back against the tension of the straps from the handlebar to the head unit, putting pressure on their fingers. The eccentric pulley-wheels that are situated at either side of the main body of the motor in the head unit are designed to be offset of centre, alternating, lengthening and shortening the straps from the head unit to the handlebar simultaneously causing the handlebars to shake from side to side trying to pull the bars from the user's grip.

The apparatus is solely designed to mitigate the effects of 'chronic exertional compartment syndrome,' also known as arm pump. By standing on the foot rests and holding the handlebars and leaning back in the 'attack' position (simulating a riding position) the motion generated from the motor in the head unit continually tries to pull or 'wrest the bars out of the users hands mimicking the effort used whilst riding a real motorcycle.

The apparatus mimics exactly the action of riding a motorcycle, targeting the same key muscle groups used during this activity and building up the endurance, stamina and conditioning needed to maintain a high speed for the entirety of a full days racing.

Persons who are familiar with racing motorcycles; be it professionally or at club level are aware of the very real problems and risks that arm pump can cause, from being totally out of control to being passed by a much slower rider.

In practice the apparatus provides a solution to riders not being able to practice on a real motorcycle often enough due to work and/or family commitments, inclement weather conditions and other factors. This often results in a set-back in the ongoing condition and the problem of arm pump.

By using apparatus for as little as 15-20 minutes per day in the home or other desired location a distinct advantage can be achieved over a rider's competition. From the intense workout the user gets from this regular training on the apparatus the arms become more able to cope and adjust to the periods when the user is riding a motorcycle. The apparatus can also be used as a pre-race gentle warm up and therefore can be located at racing clubs and premises.

Studies show that arm pump, on average, comes on approximately after seven minutes of riding a motorcycle, so the important factor to getting the best results from using this apparatus is to make sure that the user puts in the necessary effort required to build and maintain the desired level of arm pump that simulates race like conditions. The length of time recommended for using the apparatus should replicate, at least, the same length of time that a race usually lasts; or possibly a longer period.

Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) of the forearm may occur in sports requiring prolonged grip strength. CECS is a function of increasing pressure following muscle expansion within an inelastic tissue envelope resulting in compromise of perfusion and tissue function. Typical symptoms are pain, distal paraesthesia and loss of function.

The forearm is divided by the deep fascia into four compartments being the superficial and deep flexor compartments and the mobile wad and dorsal extensor compartments. The extensor compartment is supplied entirely by the posterior interosseous nerve, while the flexor compartment has innervation from the median and ulnar nerves which lie on the deep fascia between the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) and the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP). The internervous plane in the superficial flexor compartment is between the FDS and the flexor carpi ulnaris (ECU).

In a second embodiment of the apparatus; the head unit is mounted directly onto a vertical column, which extends from a base stand. The base stand is of a single piece of planar wood or other suitably selected material, as shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5. To said base stand are wheels and a handle for re-locating the apparatus after use or for storage.

The second embodiment is more basic in its construction than that disclosed in said first aforementioned embodiment, as the partly obtusely angled frame is replaced by a vertical column. The vertical column is hollowed to enable it to house a ball folding joint inside its lower portion, near to the base stand. The vertical column is made of two sections adjoined by way of said ball folding section, with the first section being short and extending from the base stand and is directly attached to it. Within the first short section is a female insert hole for a short vertical member, which is a tubed opening into which said member movably inserts. The member is attached to and directly extends from the underside of a small ball hinge which is a split sphere hinge where the ball rotates on a single internal pivot on the tip of the short vertical member inside said ball and passing through an open groove in the ball surface. The moving upper portion of the ball is directly attached to a fitting collar, as shown in the accompanying Figures, the collar being a wide tubed section extending from the upper moving half of the ball and securing into the long vertical column onto which the head unit is attached.

When the apparatus is in use, the small ball hinge and the short vertical member, on top of which it is attached, are inserted down into the female insert hole and the two sections of vertical column are closed together, as shown in Figure 3. Following use of the apparatus, the user pulls the upper section of the vertical column upward, thus pulling the ball joint with its vertical member out of the female insert hole, this raises the ball joint over the rim of the lower portion of the vertical column. The user can then fold the vertical column with its attached head unit downward onto the base stand, as shown in Figures 4 and 5.

The apparatus is then folded for ease of transport or storage. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the Patent Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved training apparatus for motocross and motorcycle riders which has all the advantages of the prior art motorcycle training apparatus and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a new training apparatus for motocross and motorcycle riders which may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved training apparatus for motocross and motorcycle riders which is of durable and reliable construction.

An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved training apparatus for motocross and motorcycle riders which is susceptible of a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labour, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming thereby making such a product available to the buying public.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved training apparatus for motocross and motorcycle riders which provides in the apparatuses and methods of the prior art some of the advantages thereof while simultaneously overconhing some of the disadvantages normally associated therewith.

These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and detailed descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.

Brief description of figures

Figure 1 shows a dimensional view of the first embodiment of the training apparatus for motocross and motorcycle riders.

Figure 2 shows a rear elevation of the first embodiment of the training apparatus for motocross and motorcycle riders.

Figure 3 shows a dimensional view of the second embodiment of the training apparatus for motocross and motorcycle riders.

Figure 4 shows a dimensional view of the second embodiment of the training apparatus for motocross and motorcycle riders, being folded.

Figure 5 shows a side view of the second embodiment of the training apparatus for motocross and motorcycle riders.

Figure 6 shows an underside close view of the head unit fitting method onto the frame, first embodiment.

Figure 7 shows a dimensional close view of the lower frame and fittings of the training apparatus for motocross and motorcycle riders, first embodiment.

Figure 8 shows a side view of the first embodiment of the training apparatus for motocross and motorcycle riders.

Detailed description of figures

A typical first embodiment of the training apparatus for motocross and motorcycle riders is shown in Figure 1. It comprises a head unit 1 which houses a motor providing movement to a handlebar 7 via its connections to two straps 4 and 16 which are attached onto motor strap locators 2 and 5. Said head unit 1 is mounted on an obtuse frame 6 via bolting onto head unit support ends 3.

Obtuse frame 6 is located to lower vertical frame sections 12 which are mounted perpendicularly onto base stand 11, which has incorporated wheels 9 and 10 and a mounted electrical power unit 13.

A foot rest 8 is provided on the outer facing sides of said lower vertical frame sections, further foot rest example shown on Figure 2.

Figure 2 shows a rear full view of the training apparatus for motocross and motorcycle riders having the head unit 1A with power supply 23 located to the upper forward extremity of the obtuse frame 6A and 18. Horizontally opposed struts 17 forming the frames centre support via welding to said obtuse frame 6A and 18, welding which is also applied at all frame adjoining points. The frame 6A and 18 locating to lower vertical frame sections 12A and 20 which are both attached via welding directly to base stand 11A, with the base stand having rubber feet 21 and 22 to the underside as floor contact protection thereto.

Foot rests 8A and 19 which are static or movable are located to lower vertical frame sections 12A and 20 for the user to place their feet on when using the apparatus. Said head 1A which houses said motor is linked to the handlebar 7A via its connections to two straps 4A and 16A which are attached onto motor strap locators 2A and 5A by way of strap locators 2A and 5A, as shown. Said frame design and dimensions of the apparatus are taken from an adult motocross motorcycle, including; the width of the foot rests; the height of the foot rests; the overall height of the apparatus. The distance between the foot rests and handlebar are all also proportionate to a modern day motocross (MX) motorcycle.

A second embodiment shows the head unit 1B with handle bar 7B located to the end of a vertical column 24. The vertical column 24 is hollowed to enable it to house a ball folding joint 26 inside its lower section 29, near to the base stand 27. The vertical column 24 is made of two sections adjoined by way of said ball folding joint 26, with the first lower section 29 being short and extending from the base stand and is directly attached to it. Within the first lower section 29 is a female insert hole 42 for a short vertical member 25, the female insert hole 42 being a tubed opening into which said member 25 movably inserts.

The member is attached to and directly extends from the underside of said ball folding joint 26 which is a joint in the form of a split sphere hinge, wherein the ball rotates on a single internal pivot on the tip of the short vertical member 25 inside said ball and passing through an open groove in the ball surface, as the aforementioned member is movably inserted into the female insert hole 42, as shown in Figure 3.

The moving ball folding joint 26 is directly attached at its upper sphere to a fitting collar 33, as shown in the accompanying Figures, the fitting collar 33 being a wide tubed section extending from the upper moving half of the ball folding joint 26 and extending and securing into the long vertical column 24 onto which the head unit 1B is attached. When the apparatus is in use, the ball folding joint 26 and the short vertical member 25, on top of which it is attached, are inserted down into the female insert hole 42, and the two sections of vertical column 24 and 29 are closed together with their rims movably interlocking.

The base stand 27 is of a solid wood or other suitable weighted material and has surface grip sections 28 and 30 adhered to the base stand 27 surface, to prevent the user from slipping when in use. On this example the incorporated wheels 9B and 10B are located to the front of the base stand 27, as shown.

In Figure 4 following use of the apparatus, the user pulls the upper section of the vertical column 24C upward, thus pulling the folding ball joint 26C with its vertical member 25C out of the female insert 42C, this raises the folding ball joint 26C over the rim of the lower section 29C of the two part vertical column. The user can then fold the vertical column 24C with its attached head unit 1C downward onto the base stand 27C, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. A handle 32 extends out of the front area of the base stand 27C by pulling it, for transportation of the apparatus.

The apparatus is then folded for ease of transport or storage as shown in Figure 5, which shows the vertical column 24D fully folded onto the surface of the base stand 27D. The vertical member 25D located beneath folding ball joint 26D is shown movably and transversely inserted into female insert 42D. Base stand 27D with retracted handle 32D has incorporated wheel 9D shown with rubber mounting feet 33, 34 and 35 to the underside for protective floor standing.

The mounting of the head unit 1E is shown in Figure 6 wherein the head unit support ends 3E and 43 which extend from the obtuse frame 6E and 18E holding the head unit in a horizontal presentation by means of bolts 36, 37, 38 and 44 passing though the head unit support ends 3E and 43 and into the base of the head unit 1 E thereto.

Figure 7 shows a closer view of the bottom of the obtuse frame 6F and 18F having horizontally opposed struts 39 and 40 located between lower vertical frame sections 12F and 20F.

Foot rests 8F and 19F are fixed to the outer sides of the lower vertical frame sections 12F and 20F by bolt fittings 41, these foot rests may be static or moveable in the traditional manner. The hollow interior of said lower vertical frame sections 12F and 20F slide perpendicularly over fitting verticals 46 and 47 and are through bolted 45 to be held in place onto the base stand 11F, as shown.

Power supply 13F is shown as aforementioned.

A side view of the apparatus is shown in Figure 8 with the head unit 1G located to the ends of the obtuse frame 6G leading onto the lower vertical frame section 12G with foot rest 8G and base stand 11G.

Claims

Claims 1) A training apparatus for motocross and motorcycle riders comprising; a frame or folding column mounted head unit which houses a motor; providing movement to a handlebar via its connections to two straps which attach onto motor strap locators mounted on the side of said head unit, foot rests are provided on lower vertical frame sections which are mounted perpendicularly onto a base stand having none-slip fittings, incorporated wheels and a mounted electrical power unit, together defining an apparatus.
2) A training apparatus for motocross and motorcycle riders further comprising an obtuse frame section in a first embodiment.
3) A training apparatus for motocross and motorcycle riders further comprising head unit support ends.
4) A training apparatus for motocross and motorcycle riders further comprising horizontally opposed struts.
5) A training apparatus for motocross and motorcycle riders further comprising a handle.
6) A training apparatus for motocross and motorcycle riders further comprising bolt fittings.
7) A training apparatus for motocross and motorcycle riders further comprising a vertical column having a ball folding joint.
8) A training apparatus for motocross and motorcycle riders according to claim 1 wherein said head unit is horizontally bolted onto the head unit support ends 9) A training apparatus for motocross and motorcycle riders according to claim 8 wherein head unit support ends are located to the extremity of an obtuse frame which is located to said lower vertical frame sections.10) A training apparatus for motocross and motorcycle riders according to claim 9 wherein said lower vertical frame sections slide perpendicularly over fitting verticals presented from a base stand, to be held in place by bolts.11) A training apparatus for motocross and motorcycle riders according to claim 1 wherein a vertical column is hollowed to enable it to house a ball folding joint inside its lower section.12) A training apparatus for motocross and motorcycle riders according to claim 11 wherein said vertical column is made of two sections adjoined by way of said ball folding joint, with the first lower section being short and extending from said base stand and directly attached to it.13) A training apparatus for motocross and motorcycle riders according to claim 12 wherein said first lower section, of a two section vertical column, has a female insert hole for a short vertical member to be inserted.14) A training apparatus for motocross and motorcycle riders according to claim 13 wherein said vertical member is located underneath said folding ball joint.15) A training apparatus for motocross and motorcycle riders according to claim 14 wherein said ball joint in the form of a split sphere hinge where the ball rotates on a single internal pivot on the tip of the short vertical member inside said ball and passing through an open groove in the ball surface.16) A training apparatus for motocross and motorcycle riders according to claim 15 wherein said moving ball is directly attached to a fitting collar being a wide tubed section extending from the upper half of the ball folding joint and extending and securing into the long vertical column.17) A training apparatus for motocross and motorcycle riders according to claim 1 wherein said none-slip fittings are foot grip sections adhered to the base stand surface and rubber mounting feet to the underside of the base stand.18) A training apparatus for motocross and motorcycle riders according to any preceding claim; including a head unit which contains a motor to create movement on straps attached to a handlebar which a person uses by leaning back on foot rests against the tension of the handle bar.