US20170080285A1

US20170080285A1 - Exercise training device

Info

Publication number: US20170080285A1
Application number: US15/275,332
Authority: US
Inventors: LeCharles Bentley
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-09-23
Filing date: 2016-09-23
Publication date: 2017-03-23

Abstract

An exercise training device includes a first support portion defining a first side that supports a user and having a first coefficient of friction. The first support portion includes a second side located opposite the first side. The exercise training device includes a second support portion defining a third side that is attached to the second side of the first support portion, and a fourth side, located opposite the third side, that is in contact with the surface upon which the exercise training device is supported. The fourth side has a second coefficient of friction that is less than the first coefficient of friction. In response to a force applied by the user to the first side along a direction that is parallel to the first plane, the fourth side is moves with respect to the surface.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/222,324, filed on Sep. 23, 2015, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The instant application is generally directed towards an exercise training device. For example, the instant application is directed towards an exercise training device for assisting an athlete with proper foot positioning.

BACKGROUND

Exercise training devices may be used to help athletes. Exercise training devices may be used, for example, to help athletes train in a variety of different sports.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key factors or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
In an example, an exercise training device comprises a first support portion extending along a first plane that is substantially parallel to a surface upon which the exercise training device is supported. The first support portion defines a first side that is configured to support a user. The first side has a first coefficient of friction. The first support portion defines a second side located opposite the first side. A second support portion extends along a second plane that is substantially parallel to the first plane. The second support portion defines a third side that is attached to the second side of the first support portion and a fourth side, located opposite the third side, that is in contact with the surface upon which the exercise training device is supported. The fourth side has a second coefficient of friction that is less than the first coefficient of friction. In response to a force applied by the user to the first side along a direction that is parallel to the first plane, the fourth side is configured to move with respect to the surface
In another example, an exercise training device comprises a first support portion extending along a first plane that is substantially parallel to a surface upon which the exercise training device is supported. The first support portion defines a first side that is configured to support a user. The first side has a first coefficient of friction. The first support portion comprises a second side located opposite the first side. A second support portion extends along a second plane that is substantially parallel to the first plane. The second support portion defines a third side that faces the second side of the first support portion. A fourth side, located opposite the third side, is in contact with the surface upon which the exercise training device is supported. The fourth side has a second coefficient of friction that is less than the first coefficient of friction. A third support portion extends along a third plane that is substantially parallel to the first plane. The third support portion defines a fifth side that is attached to the second side of the first support portion, and a sixth side that is attached to the third side of the second support portion. In response to a force applied by the user to the first side along a direction that is parallel to the first plane, the fourth side is configured to move with respect to the surface
In another example, an exercise training device comprises a first support portion extending along a first plane that is substantially parallel to a surface upon which the exercise training device is supported. The first support portion defines a first opening. The first support portion defines a first side that is configured to support a user. The first side has a first coefficient of friction a second side is located opposite the first side. A second support portion extends along a second plane that is substantially parallel to the first plane. The second support portion defines a second opening. The second support portion defines a third side that faces the second side of the first support portion and a fourth side, located opposite the third side, that is in contact with the surface upon which the exercise training device is supported. The fourth side has a second coefficient of friction that is less than the first coefficient of friction. The first support portion and the second support portion are configured to receive a fastener through the first opening and the second opening to attach the first support portion and the second support portion to one another. In response to a force applied by the user to the first side along a direction that is parallel to the first plane, the fourth side is configured to move with respect to the surface due to the second coefficient of friction
The following description and annexed drawings set forth certain illustrative aspects and implementations. These are indicative of but a few of the various ways in which one or more aspects may be employed. Other aspects, advantages, and/or novel features of the disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the annexed drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the present disclosure are best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying figures. It is noted that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an example training device;

FIG. 2 is a sectional illustration of an example training device;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a portion of an example training device;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a portion of an example training device;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of an example training device; and

FIG. 6 is an illustration of an example training device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of the provided subject matter. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. For example, the attachment of a first feature and a second feature in the description that follows may include embodiments in which the first feature and the second feature are attached in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in which additional features may be positioned between the first feature and the second feature, such that the first feature and the second feature may not be in direct contact. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed.
Further, spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. The spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. The apparatus may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may likewise be interpreted accordingly.
Referring to FIG. 1, an exercise training device 100 is provided for athletic training in a variety of sports. In an example, the exercise training device 100 could be used for football training, such as assisting offensive linemen with footwork and maintaining balance while moving/sliding laterally and keeping a relatively low center of gravity. In an example training technique, one foot substantially slides along the ground without being lifted off the ground (or merely lifted a minor amount), while the other foot is repeatedly picked up and placed on the ground for movement of the lineman. In an example, the foot that is repeatedly picked up and put down is a forward foot (e.g., proximate the line of scrimmage) while the foot that slides is rearward (e.g., distal from the line of scrimmage). In this way, a user may stand on the exercise training device 100 with one foot, while pushing with the other foot to cause the exercise training device 100 to slide along a surface (e.g., the ground).
Referring to FIG. 2, a sectional view of the exercise training device 100 is illustrated. In an example, the exercise training device 100 comprises a first support portion 200 and a second support portion 202. The exercise training device 100 may be supported on a surface 204, such as the ground, a playing surface (e.g., a turf field, a grass field, etc.), etc. A user may place one foot on the first support portion 200, while the second support portion 202 remains in contact with the surface 204. In response to a force applied by the user, the exercise training device 100 may move with respect to the surface 204.
In an example, the first support portion 200 and the second support portion 202 may have substantially the same cross-sectional shape. In an example, the first support portion 200 and the second support portion 202 may have substantially the same cross-sectional size. For example, the first support portion 200 and the second support portion 202 may have a circular shape, though other shapes (e.g., oval shapes, quadrilateral shapes, etc.) are envisioned.
Referring to FIG. 3, a sectional view of the first support portion 200 is illustrated. It will be appreciated that the first support portion 200 and the second support portion 202 are illustrated separately in FIGS. 3 and 4 for the purposes of illustration. However, in operation, the first support portion 200 and the second support portion 202 may be attached in a manner similar to the example of FIG. 2. The first support portion 200 may extend along a first plane 300 that is substantially parallel to the surface 204 (e.g., illustrated in FIG. 2) upon which the exercise training device 100 is supported. In an example, the first support portion 200 defines a first side 302 and a second side 304. The first side 302 may be positioned to face away from the surface 204 while the second side 304 may be positioned to face towards the surface 204.
The first side 302 is configured to support a user, such as the foot of a user. In an example, the first side 302 may have a first coefficient of friction. For example, all or some of the first support portion 200, including the first side 302 of the first support portion 200, may comprise an elastomeric material having the first coefficient of friction. A material may be chosen such that the first coefficient of friction may contribute to a substantially non-slip surface. As such, a user's foot is limited from inadvertently moving or slipping with respect to the first side 302. The second side 304 may be located opposite the first side 302. In an example, the first side 302 and the second side 304 may be substantially flat/planar and extend parallel to each other.
The first support portion 200 may define a first opening 306. In an example, the first opening 306 may extend through the first side 302 and the second side 304 in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first plane 300. The first opening 306 may be sized to receive a fastener (e.g., a screw, a bolt, etc.) that may attach the first support portion 200 and the second support portion 202 to one another. The first opening 306 at the first side 302 may have tapered sidewalls to allow for the head of a fastener (e.g., screw, bolt, etc.) to be substantially flush with respect to the first side 302. The tapered sidewalls that define the first opening 306 at the first side 302 can substantially match a size and/or shape of the head of the fastener.
In an example, an outer edge 310 of the first support portion 200 may extend non-linearly between the first side 302 and the second side 304. The outer edge 310 may comprise one or more outer walls, such as a first outer wall 312, a second outer wall 314, a third outer wall 316, and a fourth outer wall 318. In an example, the first outer wall 312 may extend at an angle from the first side 302, and may form an angle with respect to the first plane 300 that is between about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees. In an example, the second outer wall 314 may be attached at an end to the first outer wall 312, with the second outer wall 314 extending substantially perpendicularly to the first plane 300. In an example, the third outer wall 316 may be attached at an end to the second outer wall 314 (e.g., opposite the first outer wall 312), with the third outer wall 316 extending substantially parallel to the first plane 300. The third outer wall 316 may extend substantially parallel to the first side 302 and the second side 304, while being disposed between the first side 302 and the second side 304. In an example, the fourth outer wall 318 may be attached at one end to the third outer wall 316 (e.g., opposite the second outer wall 314) and another end to the second side 304, with the fourth outer wall 318 extending substantially perpendicularly to the first plane 300, the first side 302, and the second side 304. In an example, the fourth outer wall 318 may extend substantially parallel to the second outer wall 314.
In an example, the non-linear outer edge 310 can be provided so as to allow for a relatively smooth taper along the perimeter of the first support portion 200.
Referring to FIG. 4, a sectional view of the second support portion 202 is illustrated. The second support portion 202 may extend along a second plane 400 that is substantially parallel to the surface 204 upon which the exercise training device 100 is supported and to the first plane 300. In an example, the second support portion 202 defines a third side 402 and a fourth side 404. The third side 402 may be positioned to face away from the surface 204 while the fourth side 404, located opposite the third side 402, may be positioned to face towards the surface 204. In an example, the third side 402 is configured to be attached to the second side 304 of the first support portion 200 while the fourth side 404 may be in contact with the surface 204.
In an example, the fourth side 404 may have a second coefficient of friction. For example, all or some of the second support portion 202, including the fourth side 404 of the second support portion 202, may comprise a polyethylene material having the second coefficient of friction. A material may be chosen such that the second coefficient of friction may contribute to the fourth side 404 having low friction, allowing for the fourth side 404 to move with respect to the surface 204. In an example, the third side 402 and the fourth side 404 may be substantially flat/planar and extend parallel to each other. The fourth side 404 of the second support portion 202 is not limited to a polyethylene material, and in an example, the fourth side 404 may comprise other plastic materials, metal materials, composites, etc.
The second support portion 202 may define a second opening 406. In an example, the second opening 406 may extend through the third side 402 towards the fourth side 404 in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the second plane 400. The second opening 406 may be sized to receive the fastener that may attach the first support portion 200 and the second support portion 202 to one another. In an example, in response to a force applied by the user to the first side 302 along a direction that is parallel to the first plane 300 and the second plane 400, the fourth side 404 is configured to move with respect to the surface 204, thus causing the user's foot and the exercise training device 100 to move with respect to the surface 204.
The second support portion 202 may comprise a first wall 410 and a second wall 412. In an example, the first wall 410 may extend along the second plane 400 and may define the third side 402 of the second support portion 202. The first wall 410 may be substantially flat/planar. The second wall 412 may be attached to the first wall 410 and may extend in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the second plane 400. In an example, the second wall 412 may extend along an outer perimeter 418 of the first wall 410, such that the second wall 412 defines a substantially circular shape. The second wall 412 may define a support opening 414 located at an interior of the second support portion 202. The support opening 414 may be bounded along an outer side by the second wall 412. In an example, the first support portion 200 may be received within the support opening 414 of the second support portion 202.
In an example, an outer edge 420 of the second support portion 202 may extend non-linearly between the third side 402 and the fourth side 404. The outer edge 420 may comprise one or more outer walls, such as an edge wall 422. In an example, the edge wall 422 may extend at an angle between the second wall 412 and the fourth side 404, and may form an angle 424 with respect to the second plane 400 that is between about 20 degrees to about 70 degrees. In an example, the edge wall 422 may be attached at one end to the second wall 412 and at an opposing end to the fourth side 404. In this way, an outer edge of the fourth side 404 may be located inwardly from an outer edge of the second wall 412. As such, the angle 424 may limit the likelihood of the fourth side 404 inadvertently catching on the surface 204 and/or another object as the exercise training device 100 moves with respect to the surface 204.
Turning to FIG. 5, a second example exercise training device 500 is illustrated. The exercise training device 500 may comprise a first support portion 502, a second support portion 504, and a third support portion 506. The exercise training device 500 may be supported on the surface 204. A user may place one foot on the first support portion 502, while the second support portion 504 remains in contact with the surface 204. In response to a force applied by the user, the exercise training device 100 may move with respect to the surface 204.
The first support portion 502 may extend along a first plane 508. In an example, the first support portion 502 may define a first side 510 and a second side 512. The first side 510 may be positioned to face away from the surface 204 while the second side 512 may be positioned to face towards the surface 204. The first side 510 may support the user and may have the first coefficient of friction. The second side 512 may be located opposite the first side 510. In an example, the first side 302 and the second side 304 may be substantially flat/planar and extend parallel to each other.
The first support portion 502 may have a first outer edge 514 that is located along an outer perimeter of the first support portion 502. The first outer edge 514 may extend non-parallel to and non-perpendicular to the first plane 508. For example, the first outer edge 514 may form a first angle 516 with respect to the first plane 508 that is between about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees. In an example, the first support portion 502 may comprise a first opening (not illustrated in FIG. 5, but the first opening may be similar to the opening illustrated in FIG. 2, 3 or 4) that is similar to the first opening 306 illustrated in FIG. 3. The first opening may extend through the first support portion 502 between the first side 510 and the second side 512, with the first opening capable of receiving a fastener.
The second support portion 504 may extend along a second plane 520. In an example, the second support portion 504 may define a third side 522 and a fourth side 524. The third side 522 may be positioned to face away from the surface 204 while the fourth side 524, located opposite the third side 522, may be positioned to face towards the surface 204. In an example, the third side 522 is configured to be attached to the second side 512 of the first support portion 502 while the fourth side 524 may be in contact with the surface 204. It will be appreciated that the third side 522 may be attached directly to the second side 512 (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 2), or may be indirectly attached to the second side 512 (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 5). For example, in FIG. 5, the third side 522 may be attached to the third support portion 506, with the third support portion attached to the second side 512. In an example, the third side 522 and the fourth side 524 may be substantially flat/planar and extend parallel to each other. In an example, the fourth side 524 may have the second coefficient of friction.
The second support portion 202 may define a second opening 526. In an example, the second opening 526 may extend through the third side 522 towards the fourth side 524 in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the second plane 520. The second opening 526 may be sized to receive the fastener that may attach the first support portion 502, the second support portion 504 and the third support portion 506 to one another. In an example, the second support portion 202 may have a second opening edge 528 that defines a perimeter of the second opening 526. The second opening edge 528 may extend between the second opening 526 and the fourth side 524. In an example, the second opening edge 528 may form an angle with respect to the second plane 520 that is between about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees.
The second support portion 504 may have a second outer edge 530 that is located along an outer perimeter of the second support portion 504. The second outer edge 530 may extend non-parallel to and non-perpendicular to the second plane 520. For example, the second outer edge 530 may form a second angle 532 with respect to the second plane 520 that is between about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees. In an example, in response to a force applied by the user to the first side 510 along a direction that is parallel to the first plane 508 and the second plane 520, the fourth side 524 is configured to move with respect to the surface 204, thus causing the user's foot and the exercise training device 500 to move with respect to the surface 204.
The third support portion 506 may extend along a third plane 550 that is substantially parallel to the first plane 508 and the second plane 520. In an example, the third support portion 506 may define a fifth side 552 and a sixth side 554. The fifth side 552 may be positioned to face away from the surface 204 while the sixth side 554, located opposite the fifth side 552, may be positioned to face towards the surface 204.
In an example, the fifth side 552 may be attached to the second side 512 of the first support portion 502. The sixth side 554 may be attached to the third side 522 of the second support portion 504. In this way, the third support portion 506 may be positioned between the first support portion 502 and the second support portion 504. The third support portion 506 may function to attach the first support portion 502 to the second support portion 504. In an example, the first support portion 502, the second support portion 504, and the third support portion 506 may have substantially the same cross-sectional size and shape. For example, the first support portion 502, the second support portion 504, and the third support portion 506 may have a circular shape, though other shapes (e.g., oval shapes, quadrilateral shapes, etc.) are envisioned.
In an example, the third support portion 506 comprises a material having a relatively high degree of rigidity and inflexibility so as to provide support to the exercise training device 500. By comprising the relatively rigid material, the third support portion 506 may support the first support portion 502 and the second support portion 504 so as to limit the likelihood of inadvertent bending, folding, bowing, or other types of deformation to the exercise training device 500 that may otherwise occur as a result of supporting the weight of a user. In an example, the third support portion 506 comprises a metal material that has a higher degree of rigidity than the first support portion 502 and/or the second support portion 504. The third support portion 506 is not limited to comprising a metal material, and in an example, may comprise a polymeric material, such as plastic, composite materials, etc.
The third support portion 506 may comprise a third outer edge 560 that extends substantially perpendicularly with respect to the third plane 550. In an example, the third outer edge 560 can be adjacent to the first outer edge 514 at one end and to the second outer edge 530 at an opposing end. In an example, the third outer edge 560 can define an outermost radial location of the exercise training device 500, with the third support portion 506 having a maximum cross-sectional size. That is, a cross-sectional size (e.g., diameter in this example) of the third support portion 506 may be larger than a cross-sectional size of the first support portion 502 and/or the second support portion 504.
The third support portion 506 may define a third opening that extends through the third support portion 506 between the fifth side 552 and the sixth side 554. The third opening is configured to receive a fastener therethrough. In an example, the fastener can function to attach the first support portion 502, the second support portion 504, and the third support portion 506. For example, the fastener can be positioned to extend through the first opening in the first support portion 502, the second opening 526 in the second support portion 504, and the third opening in the third support portion 506. The fastener may comprise a screw, a bolt, a nut, etc. In an example, the exercise training devices 100, 500 may comprise one or more fasteners to attach the support portions. While twelve fasteners are illustrated with respect to the exercise training device 100 illustrated in FIG. 1, any number of fasteners are envisioned.
It will be appreciated that the exercise training devices 100, 500 are not limited to incorporating fasteners as an attachment means for attaching the support portions. Rather, any number of different types of fasteners may be provided. For example, the exercise training devices 100, 500 may comprise adhesives for attaching the support portions. In an example, the exercise training devices 100, 500 may comprise a locking or snap-fit structure, such as a twist-in-place locking means that removably locks the support portions. In another example, the exercise training devices 100, 500 may be provided as a unitary, single piece body that has a first side (e.g., a top side) having the first coefficient of friction and a fourth side (e.g., a bottom side) having the second coefficient of friction.
Referring to FIG. 6, an example operation of the exercise training device 100 is illustrated. It will be appreciated that while the exercise training device 100 is illustrated in FIG. 6, a similar operation can occur with the exercise training device 500.
In an example, a user can stand upon the exercise training device 100, such as by placing his or her foot 600 onto the first support portion 200. The user's foot 600 can be supported on the first side 302 of the first support portion 200 while the fourth side 404 of the second support portion 202 can rest upon the surface 204 (e.g., the ground, a playing surface, etc.). Due to the first coefficient of friction of the first side 302 (e.g., being relatively high, which is indicative of a rough surface or surface with a higher amount of friction), the user's foot 600 tends not to move with respect to the first side 302. That is, when the user's foot 600 rests upon the exercise training device 100, the user's foot 600 is substantially maintained in place with respect to the first side 302. Due to the second coefficient of friction of the second side 304 (e.g., being relatively low, which is indicative of a smoother surface or a surface with a lower amount of friction), the exercise training device 100 can move freely with respect to the surface 204. That is, in response to a force applied by the user's foot 600 to the exercise training device 100, the exercise training device 100 can move with respect to the surface 204. In this way, due to the difference between the first coefficient of friction of the first side 302 and the second coefficient of friction of the fourth side 404, the user's foot 600 may tend not to move with respect to the exercise training device 100 while the exercise training device 100 may tend to move with respect to the surface 204.
In an example, a user can place a first foot 600 (e.g., a right foot or a left foot) on the exercise training device 100. The user can place a second foot (e.g., the other of the right foot or the left foot) on the surface 204, and apply a force to the surface 204. This force can allow for the first foot 600 to apply a corresponding force along a first direction 602 to the exercise training device 100. The force applied by the user's foot 600 to the exercise training device 100. along the first direction 602 can cause the exercise training device 100 to move along the first direction 602, such as by causing movement of the fourth side 404 with respect to the surface 204.
In an example operation, the first side 302 of the first support portion 200 accommodates a (e.g., rearward) foot of an offensive lineman, while the fourth side 404 of the second support portion 202 contacts the surface 204 (e.g., football field, grass, dirt, artificial turf, etc.). The relatively higher coefficient of friction of the first side 302 inhibits movement of the foot 600 relative to the exercise training device 100, while the relatively lower coefficient of friction of the fourth side 404 promotes movement of the exercise training device 100 relative to the ground. Accordingly, the exercise training device 100 facilitates (e.g., lateral) movement of the lineman by maintaining one foot (e.g., rearward foot) on the exercise training device 100 while the exercise training device 100 moves/slides along the surface 204 responsive to force generated between the other foot (e.g., forward foot) of the lineman and the surface 204.
The exercise training devices 100, 500 illustrated herein comprise only some possible examples of embodiments. Indeed, in an example, the exercise training devices 100, 500 may comprise other features, structures, components, etc. that may assist with operation. For example, the exercise training devices 100, 500 may comprise one or more attachment structures that can attach the user's foot 600 to the exercise training devices 100, 500 in a more secure manner. For example, the attachment structures may comprise straps that can attach the user's foot 600 to the first side 302. The straps may comprise, for example, a hook and loop fastener, a locking fastener, etc. to adjustably receive the user's foot 600. In an example, the user can place his/her foot 600 into the straps when using the exercise training devices 100, 500, and can detach or unlock the straps when the user intends to remove his/her foot 600 from the exercise training devices 100, 500.
In an example, the exercise training devices 100, 500 may comprise one or more surface features on the first side 302 of the exercise training devices 100, 500 to further facilitate attachment between the user's foot 600 and the exercise training devices 100, 500. For example, the first side 302 can define a recess, a depression, or an opening that is sized and/or shaped to match a size or shape of the user's foot 600. The recess may be defined by one or more sidewalls on the first side 302. In an example operation, the user can place his/her foot 600 into the recess on the first side 302, and during movement of the exercise training devices 100, 500, the user's foot 600 is substantially limited from moving with respect to the first side 302. However, in the event that the user's foot 600 inadvertently moves with respect to the first side 302, the user's foot 600 can contact one or more of the sidewalls that define the recess, thus restricting the user's foot 600 to being located within the recess.
In an example, the exercise training devices 100, 500 may comprise a friction adjustment to adjust the second coefficient of friction of the fourth side 404. For example, movement/adjustment of the first support portion 200 with respect to the second support portion 202 can adjust the coefficient of friction of the fourth side 404, by increasing or decreasing the coefficient of friction of the fourth side 404. In an example, the first support portion 200 can be tightened with respect to the second support portion 202 to a degree that causes ends of the fasteners to protrude through the fourth side 404. The protruding fasteners can contact the surface 204, thus increasing the degree of friction between the exercise training devices 100, 500 and the surface 204. In a similar example, tightening of the first support portion 200 with respect to the second support portion 202 can cause other protruding structures (e.g., barbs, tips, spurs, spikes, etc.) to protrude downwardly from the fourth side 404. These protruding structures can contact the surface 204, thus increasing the degree of friction between the exercise training devices 100, 500 and the surface 204.
The first support portion 200 is not limited to being tightened with respect to the second support portion 202 by the fasteners. Rather, in an example, the first support portion 200 and the second support portion 202 may be threadingly attached, such that rotation of the first support portion 200 with respect to the second support portion 202 in a first rotational direction can cause the protruding structures or fasteners to extend further out of the fourth side 404. Rotating of the first support portion 200 with respect to the second support portion 202 in an opposing second rotational direction can cause the protruding structures or fasteners to retract into the fourth side 404, thus lowering the coefficient of friction of the fourth side 404.
In an example, rotation of the exercise training devices 100, 500 can adjust the second coefficient of friction of the fourth side 404. In an example, the fourth side 404 may comprise one or more friction features, such as scores, scales, cuts, etc. These friction features may facilitate easier movement in one direction than another direction (e.g., by establishing a grain of sorts on the fourth side 404). For example, the friction features may be oriented at an angle (e.g., scores, scales, cuts that may be angled with respect to the fourth side 404 and/or the second plane along which the second support portion extends). By being angled, the friction features can provide for a different coefficient of friction for when the exercise training devices 100, 500 moves in a first direction (e.g., against the grain) than when the exercise training devices 100, 500 moves in an opposing second direction (e.g., with the grain or against the grain to a lesser degree). As such, in an example, when a user moves the exercise training device 100, 500 along the second direction, the second coefficient of friction may be lower (e.g., because, given the direction of travel, the angled friction features may dig into the ground to a lesser degree (e.g., be oriented, angled, etc. relative to the ground so as to dig into the ground, given the direction of travel, to a lesser degree)), thus allowing for relatively easier movement of the exercise training device 100, 500 in the second direction. However, when the user moves the exercise training device 100, 500 along the first direction that may be substantially opposite the second direction, the second coefficient of friction may be higher (e.g., because, given the direction of travel, the angled friction features may dig into the ground to a greater degree (e.g., be oriented, angled, etc. relative to the ground so as to dig into the ground, given the direction of travel, to a greater degree)), thus allowing for relatively more difficult movement of the exercise training device 100, 500 in the first direction. Providing for variable resistance to movement may be beneficial to the user to allow for practice with the exercise training device 100, 500 with varying degrees of ease or difficulty at which the exercise training device 100, 500 can be moved.
In an example, an orientation between a user's foot 600 or the first support portion 200 (upon which the user's foot rests) and the second support portion 202 may be selectively adjusted to vary the relationship between the friction features and the surface 204 (e.g., ground) to make it more or less difficult for the user to move the exercise training device 100, 500 along the surface 204 (e.g., ground). In an example, straps and/or other feature(s) which fix an orientation of the user's foot 600 to the exercise training device 100, 500 may be able to pivot, rotate, click (e.g., rod/hole) into various angular or radial positions, etc. relative to the exercise training device 100, 500 so that the orientation of the user's foot 600 relative to the friction features is adjustable. Additionally or alternatively, in an example, the first support portion 200 and the second support portion 202 may be (e.g., rotationally) adjustable relative to one another (e.g., by pivoting, threading, etc. around a central axis, shaft, etc., by removing, retracting, etc. snaps, fasteners, screws, alignment members, etc. that hold the first support portion 200 and the second support portion 202 to one another, adjusting (e.g., rotating) at least one of the first support portion 200 or the second support portion 202 relative to the other support portion, and securing the first support portion 200 and the second support portion 202 in this new relative orientation, such as by reinstalling, realigning, etc. the snaps, fasteners, screws, alignment members, etc., etc.) to adjust an orientation between the user's foot 600 (which rests upon the first support portion 200) and the friction features (which protrude from the second support portion 202) so that the degree of difficulty for the user to move the exercise training device 100, 500 relative to the surface 204 (e.g., ground) may be selectively adjusted.
It will be appreciated that the first side 302 of the first support portion 200 is not limited to extending substantially parallel to the fourth side 404 of the second support portion 202 and to the surface 204. In an example, the first side 302 can be angled so as to improve the balance of a user. For example, the first side 302 can form an angle with respect to the surface 204 that is between about 1 degree to about 70 degrees. The user can place his/her foot 600 on the angled first side 302. When the user moves the exercise training device 100, 500, the angle at which one foot rests may be different than the angle at which an opposite foot rests. This difference in angles can improve the user's balance when moving.
In an example, the first side 302 is not limited to being fixed at an angle. Rather, in an example, the first side 302 and/or the first support portion 200 may be adjustable with respect to the second support portion 202. For example, the first side 302 can be adjustable between a first position, in which the first side 302 is substantially parallel to the fourth side 404 of the second support portion 202 and to the surface 204, and a second position, in which the first side 302 can form the angle with respect to the surface 204 that is between about 1 degree to about 70 degrees. As such, the exercise training device 100, 500 can allow for both use in a substantially flat orientation (e.g., the first position), and in a non-flat orientation (e.g., the second position).
It will be appreciated that while the figures illustrate possible dimensions of the first support portion, the second support portion, the third support portion, etc., these dimensions are merely exemplary and not intended to be limiting. The example dimensions merely illustrate possible dimensions of the first support portion, the second support portion, the third support portion, etc. In these examples, the first support portion, the second support portion, the third support portion, etc. may have a range of dimensions.
The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments so that those of ordinary skill in the art may better understand various aspects of the present disclosure. Those of ordinary skill in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/or achieving the same advantages of various embodiments introduced herein. Those of ordinary skill in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions, and alterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter of the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing at least some of the claims.
Various operations of embodiments are provided herein. The order in which some or all of the operations are described should not be construed to imply that these operations are necessarily order dependent. Alternative ordering will be appreciated having the benefit of this description. Further, it will be understood that not all operations are necessarily present in each embodiment provided herein. Also, it will be understood that not all operations are necessary in some embodiments.
It will be appreciated that layers, features, elements, etc. depicted herein are illustrated with particular dimensions relative to one another, such as structural dimensions or orientations, for example, for purposes of simplicity and ease of understanding and that actual dimensions of the same differ substantially from that illustrated herein, in some embodiments.
Moreover, “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, illustration, etc., and not necessarily as advantageous. As used in this application, “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or”. In addition, “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims are generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. Also, at least one of A and B and/or the like generally means A or B or both A and B. Furthermore, to the extent that “includes”, “having”, “has”, “with”, or variants thereof are used, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising”. Also, unless specified otherwise, “first,” “second,” or the like are not intended to imply a temporal aspect, a spatial aspect, an ordering, etc. Rather, such terms are merely used as identifiers, names, etc. for features, elements, items, etc. For example, a first element and a second element generally correspond to element A and element B or two different or two identical elements or the same element.
Also, although the disclosure has been shown and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others of ordinary skill in the art based upon a reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. The disclosure comprises all such modifications and alterations and is limited only by the scope of the following claims. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components (e.g., elements, resources, etc.), the terms used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure. In addition, while a particular feature of the disclosure may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An exercise training device comprising:

a first support portion extending along a first plane that is substantially parallel to a surface upon which the exercise training device is supported, the first support portion defining:

a first side that is configured to support a user, the first side having a first coefficient of friction; and

a second side located opposite the first side;

a second support portion extending along a second plane that is substantially parallel to the first plane, the second support portion defining:

a third side that is attached to the second side of the first support portion; and

a fourth side, located opposite the third side, that is in contact with the surface upon which the exercise training device is supported, the fourth side having a second coefficient of friction that is less than the first coefficient of friction;

wherein, in response to a force applied by the user to the first side along a direction that is parallel to the first plane, the fourth side is configured to move with respect to the surface.

2. The exercise training device of claim 1, wherein the second support portion defines a first wall, which extends along the second plane, and a second wall, which extends in a direction perpendicular to the second plane.

3. The exercise training device of claim 2, the second wall attached to an edge of the first wall, and extending along a perimeter of the first wall, the second wall defining a support opening.

4. The exercise training device of claim 3, wherein the first support portion is received within the support opening of the second support portion.

5. The exercise training device of claim 1, the first side of the first support portion comprising an elastomeric material having the first coefficient of friction.

6. The exercise training device of claim 1, the fourth side of the second support portion comprising a polyethylene material having the second coefficient of friction.

7. The exercise training device of claim 1, wherein an outer edge of the fourth side defines an angle with respect to the second plane that is between about 20 degrees to about 70 degrees.

8. An exercise training device comprising:

a second side located opposite the first side;

a third side that faces the second side of the first support portion; and

a third support portion extending along a third plane that is substantially parallel to the first plane, the third support portion defining:

a fifth side that is attached to the second side of the first support portion; and

a sixth side that is attached to the third side of the second support portion;

9. The exercise training device of claim 8, the first side of the first support portion comprising an elastomeric material having the first coefficient of friction.

10. The exercise training device of claim 8, the fourth side of the second support portion comprising a polyethylene material having the second coefficient of friction.

11. The exercise training device of claim 8, the third support portion comprising a metal material that has a higher degree of rigidity than the first support portion and the second support portion.

12. The exercise training device of claim 8, first support portion defining a first opening, the second support portion defining a second opening, and the third support portion defining a third opening.

13. The exercise training device of claim 12, wherein the first support portion, the second support portion, and the third support portion are configured to receive a fastener through the first opening, the second opening, and the third opening to attach the first support portion, the second support portion, and the third support portion to one another.

14. The exercise training device of claim 8, wherein the first support portion, the second support portion, and the third support portion have substantially the same cross-sectional size and shape.

15. An exercise training device comprising:

a first support portion extending along a first plane that is substantially parallel to a surface upon which the exercise training device is supported, the first support portion defining a first opening, the first support portion defining:

a second side located opposite the first side;

a second support portion extending along a second plane that is substantially parallel to the first plane, the second support portion defining a second opening, the second support portion defining:

a third side that faces the second side of the first support portion; and

wherein the first support portion and the second support portion are configured to receive a fastener through the first opening and the second opening to attach the first support portion and the second support portion to one another, and wherein, in response to a force applied by the user to the first side along a direction that is parallel to the first plane, the fourth side is configured to move with respect to the surface due to the second coefficient of friction.

16. The exercise training device of claim 15, the first side of the first support portion comprising an elastomeric material having the first coefficient of friction.

17. The exercise training device of claim 15, the fourth side of the second support portion comprising a polyethylene material having the second coefficient of friction.

18. The exercise training device of claim 15, wherein the first support portion and the second support portion have substantially the same cross-sectional size and shape.

19. The exercise training device of claim 18, wherein the first support portion and the second support portion have a circular shape.

20. The exercise training device of claim 15, wherein an outer edge of the fourth side defines an angle with respect to the second plane that is between about 20 degrees to about 70 degrees.