Field:

The present technology is a trainer for assessing an athlete's performance both with regard to force applied and efficiency of force applied. More specifically, the technology is for training rugby players to correctly and effectively contact and apply force to their opponents.

Background:

In contact sports such as football, hockey and rugby, it is important that the athletes learn how to properly contact their opponent. This involves both the point of contact, the angle of contact and the force of contact. In order to accurately coach athletes in this, aids are needed.

In rugby, the scrum is an important aspect of the game. One key factor in determining a team's scrumming success is how effectively each player can push in the horizontal plane. A successful scrum is one that can transfer all off its force in a direct line into the opposing team. If a player is pushing with any vertical motion at all, some of his force is being wasted. The goal of the 7's Pivot Power Trainer scrum machine is to teach players how to transmit 100% of their force in the horizontal plane.

A scrum machine is an effective tool for training players on proper scrumming technique. It usually consists of two or four pads mounted on a weighted frame which the players contact with their shoulders and push.

Examples of machines to assist in training athletes to correctly use their force are as follows. United States Patent No. 8,328,664 discloses a motion tackier for simulating an opponent during tackle training. The motion tackier has an elongated frame with a first side and a second side. A dummy module is attached to the first side of the elongated frame. A handle frame is attached to the second side of the elongated frame. A plurality of wheels are attached to the elongated frame. The motion tackier further has a resistance bar capable of engaging with the ground upon the dummy module being lifted.

United States Patent No. 8,226,503 discloses a sports training apparatus for accurately simulating the football maneuver known as the ^" cut-block. ^" The invention comprises a track, a rolling cart fitted to the track, an upright blocking pillar connected to the cart, and a triggering system for lowering and raising the blocking pillar at specified intervals in order to simulate the cut-block maneuver. It additionally includes a stopping mechanism for stopping the movement of the cart.

United States Patent No. 8,167,743 discloses a football training system which allows for the quick and easy movement of the target unit, i.e., a blocking dummy. The training system comprises one or more combinations of a base, a flexible support member mountable at one of three locations on the base, and a padded target mounted on the flexible support member.

United States Patent No. 7,794,337 discloses a tackling dummy that includes a slide having a ground-engaging skid and an upward extending frame configured to receive a channel formed in an anthropomorphic body having a front side and a relatively narrower profile side. The channel extends upwardly into the anthropomorphic body from a lower side thereof and engages the upwardly extending frame for positioning the anthropomorphic body in one of two primary configurations relative to the slide. These configurations are rotationally spaced about the longitudinal axis of the channel approximately 90 degrees from one another. United States Patent No. 7,727,089 discloses a weight sled apparatus useful for strength training and simulating the resistance of an opponent during a blocking event that has a tubular construction forming a U-shaped member having a pair of parallel legs which serve as runners. A weight bearing member affixed to and extending between the pair of runners allows mounting of removable mount weights on a horn projecting therefrom. A crossbar extending between the runner ends presents a rearward facing surface at least 8 inches above the plane of the runners against which force may applied. An optional handlebar attachment presents a rearward facing surface against which force may applied in a range from 8 inches to 40 inches above the plane of the runners and normal thereto. The weight sled affords a trainee multiple force application surfaces near the center of gravity of the sled and at differing vertical heights, enabling a more realistic simulation of the resistance presented during a blocking event.

United States Patent No. 7,527,568 discloses a football training system and method for training a player football technique, strength and endurance. The system provides an engagement member that can be engaged and driven upward and substantially simultaneously rearward. The system includes a life-size simulator, dummy or engagement member for providing a true-to-life training experience. The system is capable of providing increased resistance to the player as the player drives the dummy and also provides a speed and power indication to the player, his or her coach or trainer.

United States Patent No. 7,322,893 discloses a collapsible football tackling block includes a base; a pad support, wherein the pad support is pivotally connected to the base by a hinge; a detachable support between the pad support and the base; a detachable connection between the one end of the detachable support and an intermediate portion of the pad support; and a detachable connection between a second end of the detachable support and an intermediate portion of the base, wherein the pad support is foldable against the base for storage by detaching at least one of the connections of the detachable support.

United States Patent No. 7,131,917 discloses a football blocking and tackling dummy adapted with an electrically actuated rotatable torso that provides resistance during blocking drills thereby improving the effectiveness of the drills is disclosed. The football blocking dummy includes a base, and a blocking dummy pivotally connected to the base. The blocking dummy has an upper torso portion rotatably connected to a lower body portion connected to the base. The upper torso portion includes left and right pressure pad sensors that function, upon application of a force, to actuate rotation of the upper torso in a direction opposing the applied force. As a result, the football blocking dummy provides resistance to a force applied thereto, thus simulating the forces and reactions experienced when one football player applies force to an opposing player.

United States Patent No. 6,942,585 discloses a football training sled for improving players blocking skills has an elongated main frame in the shape of a pan with a flat bottom and a tipped up rear end. A dummy module is secured to the front end of the main frame and a single wheel is mounted rearwardly of the front end and midway between the laterally opposite sides of the main frame. When a player strikes and raises the dummy of the dummy module, the front end of the sled is raised so as to be supported on its wheel as the player drives the sled rearwardly. Wings may be provided on the main frame to prevent the sled from being tipped over sideways. In a second embodiment of the invention two dummy modules are supported on the front of the main frame of the sled and a football position device is used to simulate the snap of a football.

United States Patent No. 6,761,650 discloses a football training apparatus provides for simultaneous strength and technique training to improve player strength as applied functionally to blocking. A frame structure includes left and right movable arms with strike pads mounted on the distal ends thereof. The height of the strike pads is adjustable for differently sized players. A variable resistance mechanism provides a quantitative resistance to rearward movement of the arms. The frame structure is mounted on left and right rear wheels. When the left and right strike pads are driven rearward a sufficient distance a brake actuator mechanism is engaged to release independently operable brake mechanisms in the left and right rear wheels, respectively. Handles, with hand brake release mechanisms, may be provided on the rear end of the frame structure to allow the apparatus to be pushed without engaging the strike pads.

United States Patent No. 5,743,821 discloses a scrum machine with an articulated head formed of an extendable actuator arm mounted on the forward end of the scrum machine and extending upwardly from the ground, and preferably extending forwardly as well, with a pad carrying forward thrusting ram pivotally mounted on a pivot on the extendable actuator arm and locatable in selected angular positions about the pivot. An angle actuator controllably changes the angular position of the forward thrusting ram about the pivot. The angle actuator is pivotally attached to an end of the forward thrusting ram remote from the pad and pivotally mounted on the extendable actuator arm. A scrum machine having a movable pad carrying head is provided with a ground engaging base that includes a front wheel mounted on the forward end of the frame and a rear wheel or wheels mounted for steering about a substantially vertical axis on the rearward end of the frame. Steering of the rear wheel or wheels is controlled by a steering actuator. The rear wheel or wheels are braked, according to one aspect of the invention, by an adjustable resistance brake controlled by a braking actuator.

United States Patent Application Publication No. 20110165972 discloses a blocking sled includes a first main blocking pad reciprocable on a frame between extended and retracted positions. When a lineman hits the main blocking pad, it is moved to the position of retraction and when the lineman releases the pad, it extends back to its original un-retracted position. In association with each main blocking pad, an auxiliary pad is provided that in one position closely overlies and extends forward of the main blocking pad in its extended position. The auxiliary blocking pad is pivotably mounted to the frame and is latched in the position closely overlying and extending forward of the main blocking pad. An actuator facilitates release of a latching mechanism for the auxiliary pad and moves along with a support rod for the main blocking pad. When the rod is reciprocated, eventually it engages the latch of the auxiliary pad and releases that latch causing a biasing means to pivot the auxiliary pad up and forward with respect to its position when latched. In the latched position of the auxiliary pad, it is so positioned that it forces a blocker to lower their center of gravity and bend down and forward to enable them to engage the main blocking pad while passing under the auxiliary pad. Once the main blocking pad has been reciprocated to its retracted position, the auxiliary pad pivots upward and forward of the main blocking pad so the blocker can lift up and complete the block in a manner simulating play in an actual football game.

United States Patent Application Publication No. 20060035734 discloses an improved football sled for training football players has a frame with one or more upwardly extending blocking units attached thereto, an action signal device for signaling to the player to strike the blocking unit and a control unit for operatively controlling the action signal device. Each of the blocking units has a force measurement device disposed at the striking area thereof that is operatively connected to the control unit. The control unit is configured to measure, display and analyze the player's reaction time in response to the signal from the action signal device and the amount of force the player is able to impact against the blocking unit. The action signal device can be a visual or an audible signal. In the preferred embodiment, the action signal device comprises a mechanism for slideably moving a football so as to best simulate the hiking conditions experienced during a football game. What is needed is a device that assists coaches and athletes to improve the performance in the scrum and in other situations where core strength is an asset. The device would preferably provide immediate physical feedback. Preferably, the device would also provide electronic feedback. It would be of further advantage if the device was easily folded and stored, or transported.

Summary:

The present technology is a scrum machine. A pivoting sled provides immediate physical feedback of an athlete's performance. Pressure sensors provide electronic feedback that can be stored and reviewed. The device is designed to meet the weight and size restriction of commercial airlines, allowing for easy transportation when in the folded configuration.

In one embodiment a force trainer is provided, the force trainer comprising a proximal sled, a distal sled, the distal sled adjustably, pivotally connected to the proximal sled, a framework and pads or handles, the pads or handles mounted on a proximal side of the framework to define an opening between the pads or handles.

In the force trainer, the framework may comprise a distal frame, the distal frame including a first series of apertures, and a proximal frame, the proximal frame including a second series of apertures, the first and second series of apertures aligned to accept a pin through a pair of apertures, the pin and the first and second series of apertures providing an adjustable pivot point.

The force trainer may further comprise a mounting assembly, the mounting assembly adjustably mounted on the proximal side of the proximal frame, the pads or handles mounted on the mounting assembly. In the force trainer, the mounting assembly may include a vertical force measurer and a horizontal force measurer.

The force trainer may further comprise a data acquisition system.

In the force trainer, the proximal frame and the distal frame may be collapsible.

In the force trainer, the distal frame may comprise an at least one pad.

The force trainer may further comprise locking push pins and push pin aperture pairs for releasably mating the proximal frame to the proximal sled and the distal frame to the distal sled.

In the force trainer, the force trainer may be foldable.

In another embodiment, a scrum trainer for rugby is provided, the scrum trainer comprising a distal sled, a proximal sled and a pair of pads, the scrum trainer configured to provide physical feedback to an athlete wherein a horizontal force on the pair of pads pushes the proximal sled and the distal sled horizontally and an off-horizontal upward force causes the proximal sled to pivot upward from the distal sled.

The scrum trainer may comprise a distal frame mounted on the distal sled and a proximal frame mounted on the proximal sled, the distal and the proximal frameworks adjustably, pivotally connected.

The scrum trainer may comprise locking push pins and push pin aperture pairs for releasably mating the proximal framework to the proximal sled and the distal framework to the distal sled. The scrum trainer may comprise a vertical force measurer and a horizontal force measurer.

The scrum trainer may comprise a data acquisition system. The scrum trainer may be foldable. The scrum trainer may be collapsible.

In another embodiment, a method of training an athlete to exert a horizontal force is provided, the method comprising: (i) providing a force trainer, the force trainer comprising a proximal sled, a distal sled, the distal sled adjustably, pivotally connected to the proximal sled to provide a pivot point, a framework and pads or handles, the pads or handles mounted on a proximal side of the framework to define an opening between the pads or handles; and the athlete either: a) exerting a non-horizontal, upward force; and the proximal sled pivoting upward about the distal sled; or b) exerting a horizontal force and the proximal sled remaining coplanar with the distal sled.

The method may further comprise adjusting the pivot point upward to reduce a level of difficulty, or downward to increase the level of difficulty.

The method may further comprise measuring the force and the direction of the force. The method may further comprise folding the force trainer for storage. The method may further comprise collapsing the force trainer for travel. Figures:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the scrum trainer of the present technology. Figure 2 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present technology.

Figure 3 is a sectional view through the sled and framework of the present technology.

Figure 4A and B are exploded views of the pads and mounting assemblies of two embodiments.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the scrum trainer of Figure 1 with a distal pad.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment with the distal pad removed. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the folded scrum trainer.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the collapsed scrum trainer. Description:

Except as otherwise expressly provided, the following rules of interpretation apply to this specification (written description, claims and drawings): (a) all words used herein shall be construed to be of such gender or number (singular or plural) as the circumstances require; (b) the singular terms "a", "an", and "the", as used in the specification and the appended claims include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise; (c) the antecedent term "about" applied to a recited range or value denotes an approximation within the deviation in the range or value known or expected in the art from the measurements method; (d) the words "herein", "hereby", "hereof", "hereto", "hereinbefore", and "hereinafter", and words of similar import, refer to this specification in its entirety and not to any particular paragraph, claim or other subdivision, unless otherwise specified; (e) descriptive headings are for convenience only and shall not control or affect the meaning or construction of any part of the specification; and (f) "or" and "any" are not exclusive and "include" and "including" are not limiting. Further, The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted.

To the extent necessary to provide descriptive support, the subject matter and/or text of the appended claims is incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. Where a specific range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range, is included therein. All smaller sub ranges are also included. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges are also included therein, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the relevant art. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used, the acceptable methods and materials are now described.

A scrum trainer, generally referred to as 10 is shown in Figure 1. A proxima l sled 12 is pivotally attached to a distal sled 14. The sleds are constructed from aluminum diamond plate. A pivot point is defined by the placement of a pair of pivot pins 16 in a series of apertures 18 on an inner tubular member 20 and a pair of outer tubular members 22. The apertures are located on two inch centres. The inner tubular member 20 is generally U-shaped and extends upward from the proximal end 24 of the distal sled 14 and across the width 26 of the distal sled 14. A strut 28 extends between the upper section 30 of the inner tubular member 20 and the distal end 32 of the distal sled 14.

The outer tubular members 22 are U-shaped and extend from the distal end 36 of the proximal sled 12 to the proximal end 38 of the proximal sled 12. Two pad assemblies 40 are located at the proximal end 38 of the proximal sled 12 and are adjustably mounted on the outer tubular members 22 on their proximal side. A cross member 42 extends between the outer tubular members 22 and through cross member apertures 43. It is releasably retained with cross member cotter pins 44 that are located in cotter pin apertures 46. A soft edge 54 on at least the leading edges of the sleds 12, 14 can also be seen. This reduces the chance of the edges catching on the surface they are moving on.

As shown in Figure 2, the pads may be replaced with handles 55 for sports where the shoulders are not the point of contact or as an alternative point of contact. These include, but are not limited to, sprinting and cross country skiing. In these situations, the scrum trainer 10 would assist athletes in creating more acceleration and less vertical motion, especially during starts.

As shown in Figure 3, the inner tubular member 20, the outer tubular members 22 and the strut 28 are releasably attached to the respective sleds 12, 14 by sliding over posts 48 with locking push pins 50. Push pin apertures 52 in the members 20, 22 and strut 28 accept the push pins 50. A cup 56 further locates the members 20, 22, 24.

The pads 40 are mounted on a mounting assembly, generally referred to as 60. An exploded view of the pads 40 and mounting assembly 60 are shown in Figure 4A and B. The pads 40 are wrapped in material and have a mesh backing 62. An adhesive layer 64 affixes the pads 40 to the mounting assembly 60. As shown in Figure 4A, the mounting assembly may simply be a plate 66 and mounts 68, for example, bolts or welds. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 4B, the mounting assembly 60 may include a box 70 and a cage 72. Each of the box 70 and cage 72 are provided with load cells or strain gauges 74 mounted on upper and lower brackets 76, 78, 80, 82. The vertical force strain gauge brackets 76, 78 are attached to the box 70, with one end being free. A slide 86 or rollers are attached to the wings 88 of the box 70. The cage 72, which has the pad 40 attached to it, slidably engages the slide 86 or rollers. The horizontal force strain gauge brackets 80, 82 that measure horizontal force are attached to the cage 72, with one end free. A pressure plate 90 with blocks 92 protruding is slidably mounted to the cage 72 with bolts 94. It was found that having one end of strain gauge bracket fixed and the other end free provided a curved deflection over the entire bracket which resulted in accurate readings. A data acquisition system 100 is mounted on the cross member 42, as shown in Figure 1. The data acquisition system 100 collects and displays, in real-time, force measurement data. The software can send the data, via Wi-Fi, to a smartphone or tablet for analysis by coaches or trainers.

As shown in Figure 5, in an alternative embodiment, the scrum trainer 10 may have a distal pad 102 that is mounted on the distal sled 14. As for the pads 40 and mounting assembly 60, described above, an adhesive layer affixes the distal pad 102 to a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly 104 may simply be a plate and mounts, for example, bolts or welds or may include a box and a cage. If it includes the box and cage, then the strain gauges and strain gauge brackets would also be included.

As shown in Figure 6, the inner tubular member, generally referred to as 106, is generally U-shaped and extends upward from the proximal end 24 of the distal sled 14 and across the width 26 of the distal sled 14. It has two inserts 108 extending distally, on a set angle, from the horizontal section 110 of the inner tubular member 106. These inserts 108 each are accepted by a top strut sleeve 111 of a distal strut 112. A pair of handles, generally referred to as 114, extend through the top strut sleeves 111 and the inserts 108, releasably lock them in place. The handles 114 curve proximally at each of a top 116 and bottom 118 section. An elongate section 119 extends between the top and bottom sections 116, 118. A lower U shaped member, generally referred to as 120, is releasably mounted distally on the distal sled 14 by sliding over posts 122 with locking push pins 130. Push pin apertures 132 in the member 120 accept the push pins 130. The lower U-shaped member 120 has two inserts 140 extending upward proximally, on a set angle, from the horizontal section 142 of the U-shaped member 120. These inserts 140 each are accepted by a bottom strut sleeve 144 of the distal strut 112. The bottom sections 118 of the handles 114 are releasably retained in the bore 146 of the horizontal section 142.

As shown in Figure 7, once the pads 40 are removed, the scrum trainer 10 can be folded for storage, simply by removing the pair of pins 16 from the apertures 18 in the inner tubular member 20 and outer tubular members 22.

As shown in Figure 8, the scrum trainer 10 can be further compacted for travel by releasing the locking push pins 50 in addition to removing the pair of pivot pins 16 from the apertures 18 in the inner tubular member 20 and outer tubular members 22, and removing the cross member pins 44 from the apertures 46 in the cross member 42 and the outer tubular members 22. The compacted scrum trainer 10 meets the luggage weight and size restrictions of commercial airlines, for example 90x75x43cm and 23kg.

In use, the scrum trainer 10 is moved to a location, unfolded and assembled by placing the pivot pins 16 in the apertures 18. The height of the pivot pins 16 is determined based on the experience of the athlete. For a beginner, the pivot pin 16 can be placed very high such that the proximal sled 12 will not pivot. For an athlete with more experience, it is desirable to have the pivot point higher as the proximal sled 12 will be more difficult to lift, but it will lift if the force is not applied horizontally. As the athlete gains experience, the pivot point is lowered, making the proximal sled 12 easier to lift. This allows athletes to continually improve as they master each difficulty setting. When the proximal sled 12 lifts, the athlete and coach can immediately see that the force is not being applied correctly. If the scrum trainer 10 includes the strain gauges 74 and the data acquisition system

100, when the athlete hits the pads 40 up or down, in other words, in a non-horizontal manner, the cage 70 slides on the rollers 86 or slide and deflects either the top strain gauge bracket 76 or bottom strain gauge bracket 78 and a force can be measured. The horizontal component of the force causes the pressure plate to deflect the strain gauge brackets 80, 82 allowing the horizontal force to be measured. The data can be stored.

It can also be viewed by other parties by accessing the data on a smart phone, a computer, a tablet and the like.

While example embodiments have been described in connection with what is presently considered to be an example of a possible most practical and/or suitable embodiment, it is to be understood that the descriptions are not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the example embodiment. For example, the pads may be replaced with handles for sports where the shoulders are not meant as the contact point. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific example embodiments specifically described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed in the scope of the claims, if appended hereto or subsequently filed.