WO2012172098A1

WO2012172098A1 - A rugby training apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2012172098A1
Application number: PCT/EP2012/061533
Authority: WO
Inventors: Philip James PATTERSON; Mark John Charles HUTCHINSON; Ian George FERGUSON
Original assignee: Patterson Philip James; Hutchinson Mark John Charles; Ferguson Ian George
Priority date: 2011-06-15
Filing date: 2012-06-15
Publication date: 2012-12-20
Also published as: GB201110101D0

Abstract

There is provided a rugby lineout training apparatus (1) which will assist in improving lifters'technique and at the same time will condition the muscles which are required for lifting. The apparatus (1) comprises a ground engaging base (3) mounting a square sectioned upright (7) which is connected to the ground engaging base (3) for a limited pivotal movement. Carrier means (30) supports weights (38) and has gripping handles (35, 36) for facing lifters. Suitable indications of lifting off the vertical are provided.

Description

"A Rugby Training Apparatus"

Introduction This invention relates to a rugby lineout lifting technique and condition training apparatus of a type similar to a weight lifting training apparatus comprising: a framework including guide means operatively connected to a weight and carrying a user gripping device to allow the user gripping device to be raised substantially vertically against a downward force exerted by the weight.

All the usual terms designating the playing pitch and the players as used in the game of rugby are deemed to be well-known and not requiring detailed definition. Thus for example the terms "lifter", "jumper", "blocker", "thrower", " touchline", "offside line" and " lineout" are used throughout this specification without any or minimal definition.

During the game of rugby, if the rugby ball enters touch by crossing the touchline and going out of play the game is stopped and then a lineout is used to restart the game. During a lineout, the rugby ball is thrown into the field of play by the thrower towards two opposing lines of players made up from players on the teams participating in the rugby game. The opposing lines of players line up in parallel to one another on either side of an offside line orthogonal to the touchline which is where the thrower stands. The vertical plane including this offside line is identified in this specification as the "offside plane". As the rugby ball is thrown toward the two opposing lines of players, the jumpers spring into the air and are caught and lifted by the lifters who propel them higher to gain an advantage in catching the rugby ball. Typically two lifters will lift one jumper. A front lifter, facing away from the thrower, will grip the jumper's legs just above the jumper's kneecaps, and a back lifter, facing towards the thrower, will grip the jumper at the back at their legs just below the buttocks. The timing of the lift, speed of the lift, the straightness of the lift and overall height achieved in the lift is crucial, amongst other factors, to effect a good lineout lift and catch. The main difficulties with lineout lifting involve the timing between the front and back lifters and the jumper, in addition to the timing of the throw of the rugby ball into the field of play. It is important that the front lifter and back lifter are able to lift the jumper straight upward in a balanced, yet speedy, motion. Therefore, it is important for the lifters to build up muscle mass in order to lift up the jumper, who can weigh upwards of 130 kilograms, as high as possible in as short a time as possible. A number of gym techniques have been developed in order to assist the lineout lifters with building muscle mass by conventional weight training such as one comprising: a framework including guide means operatively connected to a weight and carrying a user gripping device to allow the user gripping device to be raised substantially vertically against a downward force exerted by the weight. However, these gym techniques do not accurately simulate the technique of lifting in the lineout and do not accurately strengthen the exact muscle groups that are used when lifting in the lineout. In short, the current weightlifting techniques which have been developed to be used in the gym by lineout lifters do not realistically train the lineout lifters in correct lineout lifting technique nor indeed do they condition the lifters correctly. At present, the only way to accurately train the muscle groups, in addition to training the synchronisation and timing requirements, is to train the lineout lifting technique on a training pitch with a lineout jumper present. This is sometimes impractical as the lineout jumper has other tasks within the game of rugby which they must also train. Further, there is no system whereby one lifter can train without at least two others

It is a goal of the present invention to provide an apparatus that overcomes at least some of the above mentioned problems.

Statements of Invention

According to the invention there is provided a rugby lineout lifting technique and condition training apparatus of a type similar to a weight lifting training apparatus comprising: a framework, including guide means, operatively connected to a weight and carrying a user gripping device to allow the user gripping device to be raised substantially vertically against a downward force exerted by the weight characterised in that the guide means is mounted on the framework for limited pivotal movement in a lift plane parallel to a notional offside line plane. This is the simplest configuration which will allow lifters train, even on their own, or ideally with one other lifter. This would definitely improve the lifting technique and will condition the correct muscles which a lifter uses when playing the game. It avoids the necessity of having to have a jumper to a practice with, or even another lifter.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention there are two spaced-apart gripping devices namely a front gripping device and a rear gripping device connected to the guide means. This allows two lifters to practice without the need to involve a jumper.

Ideally the front gripping device and the rear gripping device are mounted at different heights on the guide means so that they replicate what happens in the sense that they when facing towards the jumper, grip the jumper below the knees and when behind the jumper the lifter lifts above the knees. Ideally they can be shaped to replicate a jumper's anatomy at that particular portion of the anatomy where the jumper would be held by the lifter.

In another embodiment of the invention biasing means are provided to urge the gripping device upwards a preset distance on a lifter commencing to lift, thus replicating a jumper in action. It will be immediately appreciated how advantageous this is in that it will ensure that in a real life situation the lifter will be aware of the fact that initially the jumper is doing most of the lifting work in effect. Ideally means will be provided to vary the biasing strength which can be provided by a gas strut.

The guide means is preferably mounted for limited pivotal movement either side of the vertical in the lift plane, additionally it can be mounted for limited pivotal movement octagonal to the lift plane. The advantage of this is that it will ensure that lifters are trained to anticipate the weight shifting during the lifting operation. The pivotal movement may be restricted to 10° or even 15°. Ideally the degree of pivotal movement is provided to the lifter as this will clearly assist in the training processing. The whole object of lifting in the lineout is to lift vertically and unfortunately at present it can be very subjective to suggest that one person in the three people involved, namely the jumper and the two lifters, is the culprit for a bad lift.

Preferably various forms of audible and visual indications are given to the lifters to ensure that they are aware immediately when a lift has taken place which was outside desired limits.

In one embodiment of the invention the framework forming the apparatus comprises: a ground engaging base; guide means comprising a bored square-sectioned upright terminating in a cylindrical stub shaft carrying a ball joint secured by a bored keeper plate in a socket in the ground engaging base, the dimensions of the keeper plate being such as to allow limited pivotal movement of the bored square-sectioned upright; carrier means forming part of the guide means comprising a square- sectioned sleeve having a square-sectioned bore slidably mounted on the bored square- sectioned upright and carrying a plurality of removable weights and a front gripping device and a rear gripping device; a spring-loaded gas strut mounted in the bored square-sectioned upright between the carrier means and the ground engaging base. In another embodiment of the invention the rugby lineout lifting technique and condition training apparatus comprises: a framework including a central framework and a pair of side frameworks; the central framework comprising a base plate mounting a pair of opposed frames, each comprising a pair of spaced-apart uprights bridged by a top bar, and a crossbar connecting the top bars intermediate the uprights; guide means comprising a pair of outer cylindrical runner bars and an inner runner bar connecting the crossbar and the base plate the runner bars carrying a slidable actuator bar, the slidable actuator bar having an inner oversize hole for reception of the inner runner bar and having elliptical outer cylindrical runner bar embracing holes, each elliptical hole having its major axis in the lift plane and the slidable actuator bar mounting a front gripping device and a spaced-apart rear gripping device; weights mounted on the side frameworks and connected by suitably arranged flexible connectors and a plurality of pulleys to the slidable actuator bar to urge the slidable actuator bar downwards; and actuating rams mounted below the slidable actuator bar for moving the slidable actuator bar upwards on operating the rugby lineout lifting technique and condition training apparatus.

In another embodiment of the invention the rugby lineout lifting technique and condition training apparatus is mounted on ground engaging guide rails for movement of the user gripping device back and forth in the lift plane. In this way the users can replicate what happens in the lineout when immediately before the ball is thrown in the jumper and their attendant lifters swap places with other players.

When a lifter wants to practice without even having another lifter for company it is envisaged that the pivotal movement may be greatly restricted if not completely eliminated.

Finally, in accordance with the invention there is provided a considerable amount of suitable computer means, or other electronic programmable devices for operation of the invention. Detailed Description of the Invention

The invention will be more clearly understood by the following description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a rugby lineout lifting technique and condition training apparatus according to the invention,

Figure 2 is a side view of the apparatus of Figure 1 , Figure 3 is a sectional view along the lines Ill-Ill of Figure 2,

Figure 4 is an enlarged view a portion of Figure 3, indicated by the arrow A,

Figure 5 is an enlarged view of another portion of Figure 3 identified by the arrow B,

Figure 6 is a rear perspective view of portion of the guide means forming part of the apparatus of Figure 1 ,

Figure 7 is a front perspective view of the guide means of Figure 6,

Figure 8 is a perspective view of an alternative construction of rugby lineout lifting technique and condition training apparatus in accordance with the invention,

Figure 9 is a plan view of the apparatus of Figure 8, Figure 10 is a front view of the apparatus of Figure 8,

Figure 1 1 is a side view of the apparatus of Figure 8 and

Figure 12 is an enlarged view of the circled portion of the apparatus of Figure 8 identified by the arrow C.

Referring to the drawings and initially to Figures 1 to 7 inclusive, there is provided a rugby lineout lifting technique and condition training apparatus, hereinafter "the lineout apparatus" indicated generally by the reference numeral 1. The lineout apparatus 1 comprises a framework indicated generally by the reference numeral 2. The framework 2 comprises a ground engaging base 3 on which is mounted guide means indicated generally by the reference numeral of 5 which comprises a bored square-sectioned upright 7. Referring specifically to Figure 5, the upright 7 terminates in a cylindrical stub shaft 9 carrying a ball joint 10 secured by a bored keeper plate 15 into a socket 16 in the ground engaging base 3. The dimensions of the bored keeper plate 15 are such as to allow limited pivotal movement of the stub shaft 9 within the socket 16 and hence limited pivotal movement of the upright 7.

Referring now specifically to Figures 3 and 4 there is provided biasing means, indicated generally by the reference numeral 20, which comprises a spring-loaded gas strut 21 mounted in the upright 7 and connected to the stub shaft 9 at 22. The spring- loaded gas strut 21 has an arcuate head 23 which in use bears against a carrier described below.

Referring now again to Figure 1 and Figures 6 and 7 there is illustrated a carrier means, indicated generally by the reference numeral 30, forming part of the guide means 5. The carrier 30 comprises a square-sectioned sleeve 31 , having a bore 32 for slidably engaging the upright 7. A front gripping device 35 and a rear gripping device 36 are mounted on opposite sides of the sleeve 31. The gripping devices 35 and 36 have spaced apart handles 37. It will be noted that the front gripping device 35 is lower than the rear gripping device 36. The reason for this is that in use the lifter to the rear of the jumper, as explained already, supports the jumper higher up the jumper's body The carrier 30 supports a plurality of removable weights 38. In the rest position the carrier 30 is supported on the upright 7 by engaging the arcuate head 22 of the spring- loaded gas strut 21. As noted already, the upright 7 can pivot slightly and various conventional sensing devices are provided to measure the amount a pivoting of the upright 7 in a lift plane between the two lifters which essentially is a plane that would be parallel to the offside line plane in practice and therefore probably it should be more correctly designated a lift plane parallel to a notional lift plane. Ideally, the pivoting orthogonal to the lift plane will also be measured. As well as various sensing devices there can also be provided screens available to the lifters to indicate to them how the lift was carried out. Further, the full height of the lift will also be measured. The reason for this is that as well as lifting the jumper as high as possible the lifters in practice almost throw the jumper into the air. There will also be many types of warning, or other alerting devices in respect of of the performance of the lifters. All of these features and many more requirements that may arise in the future in respect of the measurement and recording of performance to enhance the operation of the lineout apparatus may be easily provided in conventional manner and do not require any further description.

In use, generally two lifters, only one of whom is illustrated in the drawings, face each other with the carrier 30 between them. All that is shown here is the rear lifter. Each of the lifters will grasp their respective handles and on a signal which may be delivered by one of them or a third person such as a coach or trainer they will commence lifting. As they start lifting against the weight of the carrier 30 the biasing means 20 will assist the lifters replicating somewhat the fact that initially a jumper will propel himself upwards.

When one person wishes to train using the lineout apparatusi it will be possible for that lifter to at least train in the sense of developing the muscles required for lifting and for general conditioning as it is envisaged that means will be provided to prevent little or no pivoting of the guide means.

Referring now to Figures 8 to 12 inclusive there is illustrated an alternative construction of rugby lineout lifting technique and condition training apparatus, hereinafter referred to as the lineout apparatus 50. Generally, in the description of the embodiment now being described, where parts are substantially similar to those already described the same reference numerals are used. This particularly applies to the main features of the invention as will be understood from the following description. The lineout apparatus 50 comprises a framework indicated generally again by the reference numeral 2, however, it now comprises a central framework, indicated generally by the reference number 51 and two side frameworks indicated generally by the reference numeral 52 which are spaced apart from the central framework 52 and joined by a connector bar 53.

The central framework 51 comprises a base plate 53 mounting a pair of opposed frames 54. Each frame 54 comprises a pair of spaced apart uprights 55 bridged by a top bar 56. A crossbar 57 connects the two top bars 56 intermediate their ends.

Each side framework 52 carries a plurality of weights 38 and has ground engaging wheels 58 for ease of transport.

Referring now specifically to Figure 12, guide means, again indicated generally by the reference numeral 5, are provided comprising a pair of outer cylindrical runner bars 60 and an inner cylindrical runner bar 61 mounted on the base plate 53 and connected to the crossbar 57. The runner bars 60 and 61 carry a slidable actuator bar 65 which in turn mount user gripping devices, again identified by the reference numerals 35 and 36. It will be noted that these user gripping devices 35 and 36 have a somewhat different shape that those disclosed in the previous embodiment and are shaped to more clearly replicate a jumper's anatomy at that portion of the anatomy where the jumper would be held by a lifter. The slidable actuator bar 65 has an oversized inner hole 66 to receive the central cylindrical runner bar 61 and a pair of oval or elliptical outer holes 67 for reception of the outer cylindrical runner bars 60. The major axis of these holes is in the lift plane. These holes 67 accordingly allow pivoting back and forth between the lifters.

The weights 38 are connected by pulleys 70 and flexible connectors 71 , not all of which are shown on the drawings, for clarity, but can be easily envisaged, to the slidable actuator bar 65. Accordingly, the weights as before act against the lifters.

Finally a pair of actuator pneumatic rams is provided which on operation will act similar to the biasing means 20 as described in the previous embodiment.

Finally it will be noted that in this embodiment there is provided a pair of ground engaging removable rails 80 which can be placed beneath the base 53 to allow the whole lineout lifting apparatus to be moved back and forth along the lift plane as happens in practice during a rugby match in the sense that the jumpers and lifters move around the lineout swapping places with other players prior to the ball being thrown into the lineout.

Information regarding the lift is provided by means of screens 82. As before suitable computers are provided to indicate the necessary information required by the lifters and a coach. It will be further understood that the rugby lineout lifting technique and condition training apparatus 1 , 50 may also comprise a force sensing or pressure sensing means to allow the rugby lineout lifting technique and condition training apparatus 1 , 50 to determine if an equal force is being applied by both lifters when the rugby lineout lifting technique and condition training apparatus 1 , 50 is in use. The force sensing or pressure sensing means may be advantageously mounted on or within the user gripping devices 35 and 36. The force sensing or pressure sensing means may simply be comprised of a pressure pad, spring biased force measurement device and the like, and in yet a further embodiment, an alarm may be provided to sound when an incorrect lift is detected by the force sensing device or by the pressure sensing device. Preferably, the alarm may sound when a differential in force/pressure is detected between the two user gripping device 35 and 36 indicating that one lifter is doing more of the lifting than the other. The terms "comprise" and "include" and any necessary variations thereof for grammatical are to be considered as interchangeable and afforded the widest possible interpretation.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments thereof but may be varied in construction and detail within the scope of the claims.

Claims

A rugby lineout lifting technique and condition training apparatus (1 , 50) of a type similar to a weight lifting training apparatus comprising a framework (2) including guide means (5), operatively connected to a weight (38), and carrying a user gripping device (35,36) to allow the user gripping device (35, 36) to be raised substantially vertically against a downward force exerted by the weight (38), characterised in that the guide means (5) is mounted on the framework (2) for a limited pivotal movement in a lift plane parallel to a notional offside line plane.

A rugby lineout lifting technique and condition training apparatus (1 , 50) as claimed in claim 1 in which there are two spaced-apart gripping devices (35, 36) namely a front gripping device (35) and a rear gripping device (36) connected to the guide means (5).

A rugby lineout lifting technique and condition training apparatus (1 , 50) as claimed in claim 2 in which the front gripping device (35) and a rear gripping device (36) are mounted at different heights on the guide means (5).

A rugby lineout lifting technique and condition training apparatus (1 , 50) as claimed in claim 2 or 3 in which the front gripping device (35) and the rear gripping device (36) are shaped to replicate a jumper's anatomy at that particular portion of the anatomy where the jumper would be held by a lifter.

A rugby lineout lifting technique and condition training apparatus (1 , 50) as claimed in any preceding claim in which biasing means (20) is provided to urge the gripping device (35, 36) upwards a preset distance on a lifter commencing to lift, thereby replicating a jumper in action.

A rugby lineout lifting technique and condition training apparatus (1 , 50) as claimed in claim 5 in which the biasing means (20) includes means to vary the biasing strength.

7. A rugby lineout lifting technique and condition training apparatus (1 , 50) as claimed in claim 5 or 6 in which the biasing means (20) is a spring loaded gas strut (21 ).

8. A rugby lineout lifting technique and condition training apparatus (1 , 50) as claimed in any of claims 5 to 7 in which means are provided to vary the preset distance of travel of the gripping device (35, 36) by varying the strength of the biasing means (20).

9. A rugby lineout lifting technique and condition training apparatus (1 , 50) as claimed in any preceding claim in which the guide means (5) is mounted on the framework (2) for limited pivotal movement either side of the vertical in the lift plane.

10. A rugby lineout lifting technique and condition training apparatus (1 , 50) as claimed in claim 9 in which the guide means (5) is mounted on the framework (2) for limited pivotal movement orthogonal to the lift plane.

1 1 . A rugby lineout lifting technique and condition training apparatus (1 , 50) as claimed in claim 9 or 10 in which the pivotal movement is up to 10°.

12. A rugby lineout lifting technique and condition training apparatus (1 , 50) as claimed in claim 9 to 1 1 in which the pivotal movement is up to 15°.

13. A rugby lineout lifting technique and condition training apparatus (1 , 50) as claimed in any of claims 9 to 12 in which a recording of the degree of pivotal movement is provided to the lifter.

14. A rugby lineout lifting technique and condition training apparatus (1 , 50) as claimed in any of the claims 9 to 13 in which one or both of a visual and audible indication is given of the amount of, if any, pivoting occurred during any operation of the rugby lineout lifting technique and condition training apparatus (1 , 50).

15. A rugby lineout lifting technique and condition training apparatus (1 , 50) as claimed in any preceding claim in which the weight can be varied to replicate the weight of different jumpers.

16. A rugby lineout lifting technique and condition training apparatus (1 ) as claimed in any preceding claim in which the framework (2) comprises: a ground engaging base (3); guide means (5) comprising a bored square-sectioned upright (7) terminating in a cylindrical stub shaft (9) carrying a ball joint (10) secured by a bored keeper plate (15) in a socket (16) in the ground engaging base (3), the dimensions of the keeper plate (15) being such as to allow limited pivotal movement of the bored square-sectioned upright (7); carrier means (3) forming part of the guide means (5) comprising a square sectioned sleeve (31 ), having a square-sectioned bore (32) slidably mounted on the bored square-sectioned upright (7) and carrying a plurality of removable weights (38) and a front gripping device (35) and a rear gripping device (36); a spring-loaded gas strut (21 ) mounted in the bored square-sectioned upright (7) between the carrier means (5) and the ground engaging base (3).

A rugby lineout lifting technique and condition training apparatus (50) as claimed in any of claims 1 to 15 in which the framework (2) comprises: a central framework (51 ) and a pair of side frameworks (52); the central framework (51 ) comprising a base plate (53) mounting a pair of opposed frames (54) each comprising: a pair of spaced apart uprights (55), bridged by a top bar (56); and a crossbar (57) connecting the top bars (56) intermediate the uprights (55); guide means (5) comprising a pair of outer cylindrical runner bars (60) and an inner runner bar (61 ) connecting the crossbar (57) and the base plate (53), the runner bars carrying a slidable actuator bar (65), the slidable actuator bar (65) having an inner oversize hole (66) for reception of the inner runner bar (61 ) and having elliptical outer cylindrical runner bar embracing holes (67), each elliptical hole (67) having its major axis in the lift plane and the slidable actuator bar (65) mounting a front gripping device (35) and a spaced-apart rear gripping device (36); weights (38) mounted on the side frameworks (52) and connected by suitably arranged flexible connectors (71 ) and a plurality of pulleys (70) to the slidable actuator bar (65) to urge the slidable actuator bar (65) downwards; and actuating rams (75) mounted below the slidable actuator bar (65) for moving the slidable actuator bar (65) upwards on operating the rugby lineout lifting technique and condition training apparatus (50).

18. A rugby lineout lifting technique and condition training apparatus (1 , 50) as claimed in any preceding claim in which the framework (2) is mounted on ground engaging guide rails (80) for movement of the user gripping devices (35, 36) back and forth in the lift plane.

19. A rugby lineout lifting technique and condition training apparatus (1 , 50) in which means are provided to prevent some or all of the limited pivotal movement of the guide means (5) for one lifter operation.

20. A rugby lineout lifting technique and condition training apparatus (1 ,50) as claimed in any preceding claim in which the operation of the lineout training apparatus (1 ,50) is controlled by suitable computer means or other electronic means.