WO2016068724A1

WO2016068724A1 - Rugby scrummaging training apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2016068724A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2015/050178
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kent Thomas RAE; Micheal John David PILGRIM
Original assignee: Ace Leisure & Sports (2009) Limited
Priority date: 2014-10-29
Filing date: 2015-10-28
Publication date: 2016-05-06
Also published as: GB2548272B; NZ731803A; GB201708250D0; GB2548272A

Abstract

In one aspect the invention provides a rugby scrummaging training apparatus formed from at least one engagement member, and at least one base member. The apparatus also includes at least one linking member having a pivoting connection to the base member and a pivoting connection to the engagement member, one connection of the linking member to either the base member or engagement member being a translating connection which is adapted to move parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connected base or engagement member. Also provided is at least one variable length drive element configured when activated to move the translating connection of the linking member in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of either the engagement member or the base member. Activation of at least one drive element applies a force arranged to increase or maintain the distance between the engagement member and the base member.

Description

RUGBY SCRUMMAGING TRAINING APPARATUS

Field of the Invention This invention relates to a Rugby scrummaging training apparatus. Background of the Invention

Rugby football incorporates scrummaging or "scrums" as a part of gameplay. A scrum requires players from each team to engage so that the player's heads interlock with those of the opposing team. To restart play from a stoppage the ball is played between the feet of the opposing players. The players then push against each other to retrieve the ball for their teammates using their feet. A variety of machines and apparatus have been developed to assist players practicing their scrummaging technique and to develop strength for

scrummaging play. These existing machines generally consist of a series of pads connected to a frame mounted to a sled or a similar form of carriage. Players engage with the pads and push against the frame with the weight of the sled acting as resistance to their attempts to move forward. Some more sophisticated forms of scrummaging machines also incorporate hydraulic rams or springs which are used to resist the forward motion of the players pushing against the pads of the machine. These existing scrum machines are relatively simple devices which do not accurately simulate scrummaging play. In practice players experience a range of forces coming from different directions during scrummaging - not just a single force originating from directly in front of the player. For example, a team may deliberately apply a lateral twisting force to the scrum to upset the play of an opposing team with the ball feed to the scrum. Furthermore the opposing forward forces generated by the scrum can have a destabilising effect and result in upward or downward pressures which must be resisted if the scrum is not to collapse.

Existing scrum machines are also limited in terms of their performance or the scrummaging behaviors they can simulate. Simple sled based machines present less resistance to players once in motion, while scrum machines incorporating springs or hydraulic rams present varying levels of resistance or active backwards pushing force when compressed or activated. Prior art scrum machines are also large heavy pieces of equipment which are difficult to transport and store. Furthermore, due to the heavy nature of the construction materials used these existing scrummaging machines are also relatively expensive to construct. It would therefore be of advantage to have improvements over the prior art which addressed the above issues or at least provided the public with an alternative choice. In particular, it would be of advantage to have a rugby scrummaging training apparatus which provides a better simulation of scrummaging gameplay. An apparatus which could be used effectively by a single player in isolation or a group of players together would also be of advantage. An improved scrummaging training apparatus which has a portable character and which is cost-effective to manufacture would also be of advantage. Disclosure of the Invention

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a rugby scrummaging training apparatus which includes

at least one engagement member, and

at least one base member, and

at least one linking member having a pivoting connection to the base member and a pivoting connection to the engagement member, one connection of the linking member to either the base member or engagement member being a translating connection which is adapted to move parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connected base or engagement member, and at least one variable length drive element configured when activated to move the translating connection of the linking member in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of either the engagement member or the base member,

wherein activation of the said at least one drive element applies a force arranged to increase or maintain the distance between the engagement member and the base member. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a rugby scrummaging training apparatus substantially as described above wherein a force applied to one end of the engagement member directed towards the base member will reduce that ends distance to the base member while maintaining the distance between the opposite end of the engagement member and the base member.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a rugby scrummaging training apparatus substantially as described above wherein said at least one drive element is formed by a pneumatic ram.

Preferably said pneumatic ram includes a pressure release valve linked to a control element, said pressure release valve and control element being configured to dynamically adjust the force applied by the drive ram which increases or maintains the distance between the base member and engagement member.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a rugby scrummaging training device which includes two rugby scrummaging training apparatuses substantially as described above with the said at least one base member of the first apparatus being fixed to the said at least one engagement member of the second apparatus, wherein the longitudinal axis of the base member of the first apparatus is orientated substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the engagement member of the second apparatus.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of operating a rugby scrummaging training apparatus or device substantially as described above characterised by the steps of

i. activating at least one drive member to apply a force arranged to

increase or maintain the distance between an engagement member and base member, and

ii. adjusting the force applied by said at least one drive member to

simulate either the application of increasing or decreasing pressure from a scrum or the wheeling of a scrum.

Preferably the apparatus includes at least two linking members used to connect an engagement member to a base member.

Preferably the apparatus includes two or more engagement elements aligned substantially parallel to one another and connected together to form an engagement frame.

Preferably the apparatus includes two or more base elements aligned substantially parallel to one another and connected together to form a base frame.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a rugby scrummaging training device which includes two rugby scrummaging training apparatus substantially as described above, the base member of the first apparatus being fixed to the engagement member of the second apparatus, wherein the longitudinal axis of the base member of the first apparatus is orientated substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the engagement member of the second apparatus.

The present invention is arranged to provide a rugby scrummaging training apparatus, and in some preferred embodiments a rugby scrummaging training device formed from two or potentially more of such apparatus.

A training apparatus provided by the invention includes at least one engagement member. An engagement member may in some instances be arranged or configured to mount one or more pads to the apparatus, allowing a user to engage with and push against the apparatus in a similar way to which prior art scrum machines are used. Alternatively in other embodiments where a training device is provided an engagement member may not necessarily mount a pad or pads, but instead can be fixed to the base member or members of a further training apparatus.

In a preferred embodiment a training apparatus may include two or potentially more engagement members orientated substantially parallel to one another and connected together to form an engagement frame. In such embodiments one or more intermediate spacing bars may be deployed between the engagement members and can be used to fix the distance between these members. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some embodiments the invention may be implemented using a single engagement member of an appropriate size and shape - or alternatively using a number of smaller engagement members used to define an engagement frame. A training apparatus provided by the invention includes at least one base member. In some embodiments a base member may be configured to connect the apparatus to a stationary element such as - for example - the wall of a building or the rear of a vehicle by way of towing hitch. Preferably the stationary element involved may be large and/or heavy. In such embodiments this connection allows the apparatus to be deployed and used effectively in a range of environments. Alternatively in other embodiments where a training device is provided by the invention a base member may be fixed to the engagement member or members of a further training

apparatus.

In a preferred embodiment a training apparatus may include two or potentially more base members orientated substantially parallel to one another and connected together to form a base frame. In such embodiments one or more intermediate spacing bars may be deployed between the base members and can be used to fix the distance between these members.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some embodiments the invention may be implemented by a single base member of an appropriate size and shape or alternatively a number of smaller base members used to define a base frame.

Reference throughout this specification is made to various components of the invention being connected together - be it by pivoting connections, fixed connections and/or translating connections. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that these connection references include both a direct contact between the components, in addition to indirect connections implemented by intermediary components. For example, in some embodiments a variable length drive element may be connected to an engagement member or base member through an intermediary spacing bar connected to the relevant member. Furthermore in various embodiments translating connections between linking members and engagement or base members may be made through an intermediary carriage element. In yet other embodiments base members may again be connected to building, vehicles or other engagement members by intermediary elements.

A training apparatus provided by the invention also includes at least one linking member. A linking member is connected through at least two pivots to both an engagement member and a base member. Preferably a linking member may be formed from a substantially straight length of material with its ends having a pivoting connection to an engagement member and a base member. A linking member incorporated into a training apparatus also includes one translating connection which is associated with or connected to either a base member or an engagement member. A translating connection is configured to move parallel to the longitudinal axis of the member it is connected to. For example in some embodiments a translating connection may be provided by a carriage element configured to travel along a locating guide such as a track or a channel attached to or formed in at least a section of the length of a base member or engagement member. One end of a linking member can be connected to this carriage by way of a pivot to provide a pivoting translating connection.

Providing linking members with a translating connection allows the

associated training apparatus to be expanded or compressed when used. This system of pivoting and translating connections are provided to allow an engagement member to move towards and away from a base member, in addition to allowing one end of the engagement member to tilt inwards towards the base member while its opposite end stays approximately in the same place. A training apparatus provided in accordance with the present invention also includes at least one variable length drive element. The length of this drive element can be expanded or contracted to impart motion to the translating connections of the linking member or members. A drive or power system associated with a drive element can therefore provide the energy required to resist the efforts of a user employing the invention during scrummaging training. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the ends of a drive element may be connected to various components of a training apparatus to achieve the above results. For example, in one embodiment one end of a drive element may be fixed to a base or an engagement member, with its opposite end connected to the translating or moving portion of a translating connection engaged with the same base or engagement member. In yet another embodiment one end of a drive element can include a pivoting connection to a base member and the opposite end of the drive element can include a pivoting connection to an engagement member.

In a preferred embodiment the present invention may include a

microprocessor control element configured to control the activation of said at least one drive element. This control element can preferably be used to control both the activation of a drive element in addition to the degree to which the drive element is extended or the degree of force applied by the drive element. In embodiments where the invention includes a plurality of drive elements a single microprocessor control element may also be used to independently control the activation and performance of each of these drive elements.

In a preferred embodiment a variable length drive element may be formed by a pneumatic ram. In these embodiments an air pump may be used to pressurise and power this form of ram, working to extend the length of the ram to push back against forces applied by a user. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that these types of rams may be provided with a pressure release value, where the trigger value of this valve can be adjusted to control the performance of the apparatus. In various embodiments players may push against - or be pushed backwards - by a ram concurrently being supplied with pressurised air. In other instances a ram may not necessarily be concurrently supplied with pressurised air, with the ram's pressure release valve being set to a pressure value which must be overcome by players as part of a training exercise.

In a preferred embodiment a training apparatus provided by the invention may include a number of drive elements deployed along the length of its base and engagement members. For example in one further preferred embodiment a training apparatus may include two drive elements, each being deployed adjacent to either end of the base and engagement members provided. Each of these drive elements can in combination resist the forward motion of a user pushing against the engagement member. Furthermore each of these drive elements may be controlled or powered independently to present varying degrees of resistance to the user at either end of the engagement member.

Reference in general throughout this specification will also be made to the invention incorporating a number of variable length drive elements formed by pneumatic rams. However those skilled in the art will appreciate that other configurations or arrangements of the invention are envisioned and reference to the above should in no way be seen as limiting.

In a preferred embodiment a drive ram provided with a training apparatus may also include a pressure release valve operated or controlled by a microprocessor control element. These components can provide an operator of the apparatus with dynamic control of the resistance forces applied by each drive ram, and therefore the resistance forces experienced by a user of the invention. For example in some embodiments a microprocessor-based control element may be able to set the air pressure values which will trigger opening of the associated pressure release valve.

This control system can therefore provide a constant level of resistance to the efforts of the user, or can modify the resistance experienced by a user at various portions or ends of an engagement member. For example, the driving pressure of a ram at one end of the engagement member may be reduced while increasing pressure at the opposite end to simulate the tilting or wheeling of a scrum by an opposing team. As indicated above the invention may be used to implement a rugby scrummaging training apparatus in addition to a rugby scrummaging training device formed from two such apparatus. Such a device may be provided by connecting together two the training apparatus referenced above with the engagement member or members of the second apparatus lacking any pads.

Preferably a training device may be provided by two training apparatus connected together with a substantially perpendicular orientation. In such embodiments one apparatus may be used to simulate lateral turning of a scrum, while the other may simulate vertical tilting forces experienced within a scrum. This arrangement of a training device therefore provides a

relatively accurate simulation of the forces experienced by a player in a real scrum.

The present invention may provide many potential advantages over the prior art. A training apparatus or training device implemented by the invention can be provided with a lightweight and portable character. The invention does not require a large heavy sled as is the case with the prior art, and can simply be mounted to any convenient large static element or surface. Furthermore when not in use the engagement and base members can be collapsed towards one another to allow for ease of storage and transportation.

The invention may also provide a dynamic resistance facility capable of simulating the actual forces experienced in a scrum. The invention can be used to apply a constant resistance force, or may be dynamically

reconfigured to stimulate scrum wheeling or upwards and downwards scrum forces.

Brief description of the drawings Additional and further aspects of the present invention will be apparent to the reader from the following description of embodiments, given in by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which :

• Figure 1 shows a plan view a training apparatus configured in

accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, and

· Figure 2 shows an end view of the apparatus of figure 1, and

• Figure 3 shows a side view of the apparatus of figure 1, and

• Figure 4 shows a plan view of the training apparatus configured in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention, and

• Figure 5 shows an end view of the apparatus of figure 4, and • Figure 6 shows a side view of the apparatus of figure 4, and

• Figure 7a shows a perspective view of a training apparatus as

provided in accordance with an alternative embodiment to that of figures 1 to 6 when placed in an extended configuration, and · Figure 7b shows a perspective view of the training apparatus of figure 7a when placed in a compressed configuration.

Further aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention which is given by way of example only of particular embodiments.

Best modes for carrying out the invention

Figures 1 to 3 show a number of views of a rugby scrummaging training apparatus as provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment. In the embodiment shown the apparatus is configured for use by three players at the same time.

The apparatus 1 includes a pair of parallel aligned engagement members 2 which are connected together by a set of spacing bars 15 to form an engagement frame. Each of these engagement members has a U-shaped profile which defines a channel as discussed further below. This engagement frame is used to mount a set of pads for a user to push comfortably against. Pad mounting brackets 4 can be connected at various points to the

engagement frame using a series of connection holes 5.

Also provided are a pair of parallel aligned base members 6 which are connected together by a set of spacing bars 15 to form a base frame. In use the base frame can be bolted to a wall of a structure (not shown). Each engagement member is connected to a corresponding base member by two linking members 7 located at either end of the base and engagement members. Each linking member has a pivoting connection 8 to the base member and a pivoting connection 8 to the engagement member. Each linking member is connected to an engagement member by a

translating connection 9. This translating connection includes a carriage arranged to run inside a channel or track formed in the U- shaped engagement member, with the linking member connected to the carriage using a pivot. The travel of the carriage along the track is terminated by a stop bolt 10.

These translating connections allow one end of each linking member to move parallel to and along the longitudinal axis of the engagement member, compressing or expanding the form of the training apparatus when used. Furthermore, a force applied to one end only of the engagement member directed towards the base member will reduce that ends distance to the base member while maintaining the distance between the opposite end of the engagement member and the base member.

The training apparatus also includes two variable length drive elements formed in this embodiment by pneumatic drive rams 11. The rams 11 are powered by a compressor 12 which provides high pressure air by way of a set of on/off switches 13 and pressure release valves 14. The trigger pressure value of each release valve 14 is dynamically controlled by a microprocessor controller (not shown) which can receive input commands from a user to change the behaviour of the training apparatus.

A drive ram 11 is provided at each end of the engagement and base frames, with the ends of the ram being connected with pivoting connections 8. Each ram is arranged to move the translating connection of the linking member in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the engagement member. This motion applies a force which increases or maintains the distance between the engagement frame and the base frame and which resists forces applied by the user to urge the engagement frame towards the base frame. Each pneumatic drive ram includes a pressure release valve 14 linked to a control element (not shown). These pressure release valves and control element are configured to dynamically adjust the force applied by the drive ram to increase or maintain the distance between the base member and engagement member.

The control element can therefore be used to apply a constant resistance force to the efforts of the user, or may dynamically adjust the force applied to each end of the engagement frame. The application of unequal pressures to the rams of the apparatus can therefore be used to simulate turning of the scrum, or vertical forces experienced within the scrum. Figures 4 through 6 shows a rugby scrummaging training device formed in accordance with an alternative embodiment to that shown in relation to figures 1 to 3. In the embodiment of figures 4-6 a training device is provided for use by a single player. A similar arrangement is provided in this embodiment to that of the three player device, other that the engagement members and base members having shorter lengths, and the device including a single linking member 7 and pneumatic ram 11 only. Again the ram is arranged to move the translating connection of the linking member in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the engagement member. This motion again applies a force which increases or maintains the distance between the engagement frame and the base frame and which resists forces applied by the user to urge the engagement frame towards the base frame. Figure 7a and 7b show a perspective views of a training apparatus as provided in accordance with an alternative embodiment to that of figures 1 to 6. Figure 7a shows the apparatus 101 when placed in an extended configuration, while shows the apparatus when placed in a compressed configuration.

The views provided by figures 7a and 7b show a simplified version of the apparatus with it's two variable length drive elements not shown. In this embodiment a drive element is again formed by a pneumatic ram, with rams being provided between each set of engagement members 102 and base members 106 running from the middle of the base members to the outer ends of the engagement members.

Again a set of linking members 107 are connected via pivoting connections 108 to the base members 106. The opposite ends of the linking members are connected by translating connections 109 through to the engagement members 102. Each translating connection 109 is formed by a ring shaped carriage 116 which runs over a cylindrical track 117. The freedom of movement provided to the apparatus by these translating connections 109 is shown by the contrasting extended and compressed configurations of figures 7a and 7b respectively. Players pushing against the extended engagement members can move the apparatus into the compressed configuration of figure 7b against the resistance force provided by the pneumatic rams (not shown). These translating connections also allow tilting or twisting of the

engagement members to the left or right to simulate wheeling of a scrum.

In the preceding description and the following claims the word "comprise" or equivalent variations thereof is used in an inclusive sense to specify the presence of the stated feature or features. This term does not preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein and further and additional embodiments within the spirit and scope of the invention will be apparent to the skilled reader from the examples illustrated with reference to the drawings. In particular, the invention may reside in any combination of features described herein, or may reside in alternative embodiments or combinations of these features with known equivalents to given features. Modifications and variations of the example embodiments of the invention discussed above will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departure of the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

What we claim is:

1. A rugby scrummaging training apparatus which includes

at least one engagement member, and

at least one base member, and

at least one linking member having a pivoting connection to the base member and a pivoting connection to the engagement member, one connection of the linking member to either the base member or engagement member being a translating connection which is adapted to move parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connected base or engagement member, and

at least one variable length drive element configured when activated to move the translating connection of the linking member in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of either the engagement member or the base member,

wherein activation of the said at least one drive element applies a force arranged to increase or maintain the distance between the engagement member and the base member.

2. A rugby scrummaging training apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein a force applied to one end of the engagement member directed towards the base member will reduce that ends distance to the base member while maintaining the distance between the opposite end of the engagement member and the base member.

3. A rugby scrummaging training apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein a translating connection is provided by a carriage element configured to travel along a locating guide.

4. A rugby scrummaging training apparatus as claimed in 3 wherein one end of a linking member is connected to the carriage by a pivoting connection.

5. A rugby scrummaging training apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the length of a drive element is expanded or contracted to impart motion to the translating connection of said at least one linking member.

6. A rugby scrummaging training apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein one end of a drive element includes a pivoting connection to a base member and the opposite end of the drive element includes a pivoting connection to an engagement member.

7. A rugby scrummaging training apparatus as claimed in claim 1 which includes a plurality of drive elements deployed along the length of the base and engagement members.

8. A rugby scrummaging training apparatus as claimed in claim 7 which includes two drive elements, each drive element being deployed adjacent to either end of the base and engagement members.

9. A rugby scrummaging training apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein each drive element is capable of being activated independently.

10. A rugby scrummaging training apparatus as claimed in claim 1 which includes a microprocessor control element configured to control the activation of said at least one drive element.

11. A rugby scrummaging training apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein a variable length drive element is formed by a pneumatic ram.

12. A rugby scrummaging training apparatus as claimed in claim 11

wherein said pneumatic ram includes a pressure release valve controlled by a microprocessor control element.

13. A rugby scrummaging training apparatus as claimed in claim 12 which wherein the microprocessor-control element sets the air pressure value which will trigger opening of the pressure release valve.

14. A rugby scrummaging training apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said at least one linking member is formed from a substantially straight length of material with one of its ends including a pivoting connection to a base member and the opposite end of the linking member including a pivoting connection to an engagement member.

15. A rugby scrummaging training apparatus as claimed in claim 1 which includes at least two linking members used to connect an engagement member to a base member.

16. A rugby scrummaging training apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein a base member is configured to connect the apparatus to a stationary element.

17. A rugby scrummaging training apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein a base member is fixed to the engagement member or members of a further training apparatus.

18. A rugby scrummaging training apparatus as claimed in claim 1 which includes two base members orientated substantially parallel to one another and connected together to form a base frame.

19. A rugby scrummaging training apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said at least one engagement member mounts one or more pads to the apparatus.

20. A rugby scrummaging training apparatus as claimed in claim 1 which includes two engagement members orientated substantially parallel to one another and connected together to form an engagement frame.

21. A rugby scrummaging training device which includes two rugby

scrummaging training apparatuses as claimed in claim 1 with said at least one base member of the first apparatus being fixed to the said at least one engagement member of the second apparatus, wherein the longitudinal axis of the base member of the first apparatus is

orientated substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the engagement member of the second apparatus.

22. A method of operating a rugby scrummaging training apparatus or device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 21 characterised by the steps of ivating at least one drive member to apply a force arranged to increase or maintain the distance between an engagement member and base member, and

usting the force applied by said at least one drive member to simulate either the application of increasing or decreasing pressure from a scrum or the wheeling of a scrum.