RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/424,507 titled, "Speed and Agility Training Set" filed November 20, 2016, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Athletic events and training sessions often utilize various forms of equipment. Speed and agility equipment is used in athletic training to improve skills such as speed, balance, and footwork. The equipment may consist of agility ladders, poles, hurdles or ground markers. Hurdles are used to jump over while poles can be arranged in various patterns such as zig-zag pattern, slalom pattern where the player runs around the poles or through a course. Ground markers are commonly used for training course or field designation and can also be used as targets or goals. Exercises such as these can help train the player to make quick changes in direction, while maintaining appropriate body positions. Unfortunately, agility equipment can be oddly sized, heavy, and numerous complicating storage and transportation. For example, agility poles have a fixed length making them difficult to transport. While other agility poles are bulky, heavy and expensive to manufacture. Some training equipment has limited functionality or no utility in combination with other exercise equipment.

Therefore, there is a need for training or exercise equipment that is not only convenient to store and transport but can also be advantageously combined in use providing the user with additional equipment options.

SUM MARY OF THE INVENTION

The training equipment, kits, systems and methods described herein will address these issues. The present invention comprises field markers, cones, agility posts, and hurdles. The multipurpose training equipment can assist in the improvement of athletic agility, balance, coordination, foot speed, and functional movement mechanics.

In one embodiment is an agility training kit for use on an exercising surface. The kit comprises at least two elongated posts, the posts having a proximate end and a distal end, the distal end for insertion into a support and the proximate end having a connector, where in the support the post is in an upright position as a visual indicator, a flexible cord, having a first end and a second end opposed ends, each end having a securing fastener to removably attach the cord to the connector of the post, at least one cone, the cone having a conical shaped upper portion attached to a lower base portion, the conical portion defining a plurality of apertures which are dimensioned and positioned so that the apertures are capable of accepting a crossbar, and at least one marker, where the marker is a substantially flat panel having an aperture, a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface for placement on the exercising surface and the top surface a visible indicator, where the aperture has a diameter wide enough to receive a hand.

In another embodiment is a field marker comprising a substantially flat panel having an aperture, a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface for placement on an area and the top surface a visible indicator, where the aperture has a diameter wide enough to receive a hand. The ability to place the marker over the hand and on to the wrist of a user is beneficial because the user does not have to hold the markers or cones with one hand while collecting or distributing the markers. In a preferred embodiment the aperture or opening in the marker is between 2.0 and 5.0 inches. In a most preferred embodiment the aperture is between 2.75 and 3.5 inches.

In another embodiment the connector on the elongated post further comprises a receptacle for receiving a second post. The ability to adjust the height of the posts allows the user to transport posts with a smaller height but obtain the benefit of posts that can be combined to create a greater height. The connector of the posts also serves to optionally fasten a flexible cord. In a preferred embodiment the connector further comprises a notch to secure and retain the fastener of the cord to the post. In order to conveniently store and transport the equipment, in another embodiment the sports agility kit further comprises a carrier, for storing the posts, cord, cone and marker.

In still another embodiment the present invention provides for a method of using a training kit, the method comprises selecting a kit having at least two elongated posts, the posts having a proximate end and a distal end, the distal end for insertion into a support and the proximate end having a connector, where in the support the post is in an upright position as a visual indicator, a flexible cord, having a first end and a second end opposed ends, each end having a securing fastener to removably attach the cord to the connector of the post, at least one cone, the cone having a conical shaped upper portion attached to a lower base portion, the conical portion defining a plurality of apertures which are dimensioned and positioned so that the apertures are capable of accepting a crossbar and at least one marker, where the marker is a substantially flat panel having an aperture, a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface for placement on an exercising surface and the top surface a visible indicator, where the aperture has a diameter wide enough to receive a hand. The user positions the posts in the support so that each post is in an upright position. Optionally, the user can extend the flexible cord in between the two posts, fastening the cord to each connector. Then the user places the base of the cone on the exercising surface and lays the marker on the exercising surface. The user can run around the posts, cone and marker. In a further embodiment the user can pick up the marker from the exercising surface and place the marker over their hand so it is resting on the wrist.

In still another embodiment the user can optionally add a second cone and a crossbar to the training kit. With the second cone and crossbar the user can position the two cones adjacent to one another, insert the crossbar into the apertures of each cone so that the crossbar is substantially parallel to the exercising surface and jump over the crossbar. By utilizing the second cone and crossbar, the user has the option of adding hurdles to his/her training routine. DRAWINGS

The following drawings form part of the present specification and are included to further demonstrate certain aspects of the present invention. The invention may be better understood by reference to one or more of these drawings in combination with the detailed description of specific embodiments presented herein, where:

FIG. 1 is a perspective of a kit having features of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a kit having features of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a an exploded view of the post ends in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the posts in an upright position;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment where a first post is connected to a second post and the posts are in an upright position in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 6 is a is a perspective view of a cord in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment where the cord is attached to the posts;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a cone in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment where cones are used in connection with th posts;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of marker in accordance with the invention; and

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a kit having features of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is directed toward an agility training equipment, kits, and methods for using the same. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a more thorough description of embodiments of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.

Unless otherwise defined all terms of art, notations and other scientific terms or terminology used herein are intended to have the meanings commonly understood by those of skill in the art to which this invention pertains unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In some cases, terms with commonly understood meanings are defined herein for clarity and/or for ready reference, and the inclusion of such definitions herein should necessarily be construed to represent a substantial difference over what is generally under stood in the art. It is noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an and "the include plural referents unless expressly and unequivocally limited to one referent. Thus, for example, reference to "a compound' includes two or more different compounds. As used herein, the term "include and its grammatical variants are intended to be non-limiting, Such that recitation of items in a list is not to the exclusion of other like items that can be substituted or other items that can be added to the listed items.

As used in this disclosure, except where the context requires otherwise, the term "comprise' and variations of the term, such as "comprising." "comprises' and "comprised are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. Thus, throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the words "comprise", "comprising" and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive sense, that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to."

As used in this disclosure, except where the context requires otherwise, the method steps disclosed are not intended to be limiting nor are they intended to indicate that each step is essential to the method or that each step must occur in the order disclosed.

Referring now to FIG. 1 there is shown a kit 100 having features of the present invention. The kit 100 comprises at least two elongated posts 102, a flexible cord 104, at least one cone 106, and at least one marker 108. Each component of the kit 100 will be described in further detail below. Individual components can be can be used alone, or the components can be used in various combinations.

Furthermore, the contents of a kit 100 can comprise a variety of component combinations and quantities. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a second kit 200 may comprise a plurality of posts 102, cords 104, cones 106, and markers 108. Other kits may comprise two posts 102, a flexible cord 104, and field markers 108. While another kit 100 may comprise field markers 108, cones 106. Additionally, the number of each component can vary among kits 100, for example, a kit 100 may have four posts 102, two cords 104, and four markers 108 while another kit 100 may have ten markers and ten cones.

Optionally, the kit 100 can comprise additional components such as crossbars 110. FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the proximate and distal ends 112, 114 of the posts 102.

Each post 102 has a proximate end 112 and a distal end 114, the distal end 114 is for insertion into a support 116. The support 116 stabilizes the posts 102 in an upright position 118. For example, the support 116 can be the surface that the user is performing training exercises on such as the ground, or the support 116 can be a structure configured to hold the posts upright 118 if the user cannot insert the posts 102 in the ground. The proximate end 112 of the posts 102 have a connector 120. The connector 120 can receive the fastener 122 of a flexible cord 104 or it can be used to add another post 102.

The posts 102 may be constructed as solid rods or hollow tubes. A hollow tube with sufficient strength and stiffness may be more desirable for transportation and storage purposes. Useful materials for the construction of the posts 102 include but are not limited to fiberglass, injection molded plastic, extruded plastic, metal, wood or combinations thereof. As shown, the posts 102 have a circular cross section, although square, triangular and other shapes may also be used, including shapes having both sharp and rounded edges, such as a half circle with a flat side. The posts 102 are generally straight, but they can optionally be curved, or have curved sections. In a preferred embodiment the length of each post 111 AA is between 20 to 75 inches and in a most preferred embodiment the length is between 30 to 40 inches. In a preferred embodiment the diameter 124 BB of the posts 102 is between 0.10 to 1.0 inches wide and in a most preferred embodiment the width is 0.25 to 0.5 inches. The distal end 114 of the posts 102 can be formed to a point 115, to enable the posts 102 to be easily inserted into the ground. If a user is exercising on artificial turf, he/she may not be able to insert the posts 102 into the ground. Therefore, optionally the posts 102 can be configured with a structure or additional part 116 to keep the posts 102 in an upright position 118. For example, the structure may be a weighted base. The base can be molded as a single part with the post 102 or as an attachment to the posts 102. Preferably the structure 116 would be separate from the post 102 so that the user can insert the post 102 in the ground or use the base. When the posts 102 are in an upright position 118, they are a visual indicator.

As mentioned above, the connector 120 is on the proximate end 112 of the posts 102. In FIG. 3 the connector 120 has a cylindrical cross section, although other shapes may also be used. In a preferred embodiment, the connector 120 is large enough to increase the surface area on the proximate end 112 of the post 102 to increase the visibility of the posts 102 and reduce the likelihood of injury if someone falls on a post 102. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter 119 CC of the connector 120 is between 0.50 to 2.0 inches wide and in a most preferred embodiment the diameter is between 1.0 to 1.5 inches. The connector 120 can be the same color as the post 102 or a different color to further highlight the proximate end 112. Optionally, the connector 120 may house an illumination source such as an LED light. The ability to light up the connector 120 can increase the visibility of the posts 120.

Plastic materials, such as polypropylene can be used to construct the connectors 120 although metal and rubber can also be used. The connector 120 can also be made out of a combination of several materials. The connector 120 may also comprise a notch 126 and its purpose will be discussed later. The connector has a top end 128 and a bottom 130. The bottom end 130 can be permanently affixed to proximate the end 112 of the posts 102 or removably attached. The top end 128 of the connector 120 can optionally include a receptacle 132, the receptacle 132 having a depth slightly shorter than the length of the connector 120. In a preferred embodiment the depth of the receptacle 132 is approximately half the length of the connector 120. Enough depth is required to ensure an attached post 102 fits securely in the connector 116. The receptacle 132 has a diameter that is equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of a second post 102. A second post 102 having a diameter less than or equal to the receptacle can be inserted into the receptacle 132 creating a post 120 with a greater length or a double post 134 as shown in FIG. 5.

In use the posts 102 are generally spaced out in an arrangement to run or dribble a ball around. Posts 102 can also be used to in a slalom pattern, or as a field marker such as a boundary line or corner flag. FIG. 4 illustrates the single posts 102 in an upright position 118 in use while FIG. 5 illustrates a double post 134 in use. Optionally, a flag may be inserted in receptacle 132 of the connector 120. In a preferred embodiment, the individual posts 102 are equal lengths, however, the posts 102 can be differing lengths.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flexible cord 104 having a first end and a second end opposed ends 136,138. Each end 136, 138 is configured with a fastener 140 to removably attach the cord 104 to the connectors 120 of the posts 102. In the embodiment shown, the fastener 122 is configured as a loop at each end of the cord 104. Each loop 122 can be placed over the connector 120 on the posts 102. To prevent the loops 122 from sliding off the posts 102, the loops 121 can be secured by a notch 126 in the connector 116. Alternatively, the posts 102 can be inserted through the loops 122 allowing the cord 104 to slide up or down the posts 102, between the exercising surface and the connectors 120. In a preferred embodiment the cord 104 is flexible meaning the cord material has the ability to expand and contract. For example, bungee or shock cord can provide sufficient elasticity. The cord 104 can also be formed using other suitable materials such as rubber tubing, rope, nylon, string, or tape. The elasticity feature is advantageous over non-elastic materials because less tension is required to create a substantially straight line. Additionally, the use of flexible or elastic cords 104 allow for distance between the two posts 102 to be altered while keeping the cord 104 tight and substantially straight. The length 142 DD of the cord 104 preferably is between 2 to 20 feet long and most preferably between 8 to 12 feet long. In use, the posts 102 in connection with the cord 104 can be positioned at a distance apart which is slightly greater than the unstretched length of the cord 104, thereby elongating the cord 104 and creating a substantially straight line or barrier. Again, the support 116 can be a weighted base if the posts 102 are used on artificial surfaces where it is not possible to insert the posts 102 into the ground. The base should be sufficiently heavy enough to resist the elastic pull of the cord 104. Posts 102 in combination with flexible cords 104 can be used as a high hurdle for jumping over, as an obstacle for ducking under, or as a crowd barrier. Figure 7 shows the posts 102 and flexible cords 104 used as a soccer tennis barrier. FIG. 8 illustrates the cone 106 having a conical shaped upper portion 144 attached to a lower base portion 146, the conical portion 144 defines a plurality of apertures 148. In a preferred embodiment the height of the cone 106 is between 5.0 to 15 inches and most preferably 8.0 to 10 inches. The apertures 148 can be angled slots, vertical, circular, oval or a combination thereof. In a preferred embodiment, there may be two sets of opposing angled slots 150 mirrored about the vertical centerline, however the angled slots 150 can be on one side of the cone 106, or can have random placement on either side of the cone 106 -not being mirrored. Furthermore, the space between opposing slots 150 may be wide enough to allow for a vertical line of slots 152. As shown in Fig.8 the openings of the angled slots 150 may be of substantially equal height and of substantially equal spacing. The vertical slots 152 may be larger at the base of the cone 106, becoming progressively smaller as the diameter of the cone 106 decreases. Plastic materials, such as polyvinylchloride may be used to provide cones 103 with sufficient strength, stiffness and flexibility. However, other suitable materials can be used such as rubber. FIG. 9 illustrates a hurdle 154. The user can separate two cones 106 on the exercising surface and insert a crossbar 156 into the desired apertures 148. The crossbar is then in a position substantially parallel to the exercising surface. In a preferred embodiment posts 102 can be used as the crossbar 156. By using the various slots 150, 152 the crossbar 156 can be adjusted to various heights. As shown in FIG. 9 the hurdle 154 EE is in its highest position, by utilizing the highest set of slots 150, 152. However, the height of the hurdle 154 EE may be adjusted by inserting the crossbar 156 in any of the lower sets of slots 150, 152. Alternatively, the configuration of a hurdle 154 FF is described, whereby the crossbar 156 can be inserted into the angled slots 150 of the two cones 106. The downward angle of the angled slots 150 creating the hurdle 154 FF.

FIG. 10 illustrates a collection method 200 for a plurality of markers 108. Each marker 108 is substantially flat panel having an aperture 158, a top surface 160 and a bottom surface 162, the bottom surface 162 for placement on the exercising surface and the top surface 160 a visible indicator. As shown, the aperture 158 has a diameter 164 wide enough to receive a hand 168. Generally, the markers 108 have circular profile, although square, triangular and irregular shapes can also be used. The cross section of the markers 108 can be sufficiently thin enough to be considered unobtrusive, so to allow an object such as a ball to roll over the marker 108 with ease. In a preferred embodiment the thickness of the marker 108 is between about 0.02 to 0.25 inches and most preferably between 0.04 to 0.10 inches.

Advantageously, the aperture is wide enough to receive a hand 168. In a preferred embodiment the width of the marker 108 typically ranges from about 3 to 12 inches, and in a most preferred embodiment 7 to 9 inches. The aperture 158 of the marker 108 allows the user to carry a plurality of markers 108 by placing their hand 168 through the aperture 158 and sliding the markers 108 on the wrist 166. This can simplify the collection and distribution of the markers 108 because both hands are free. In a preferred embodiment the aperture 158 has a circular profile, although square, triangular and other shapes may also be used, including irregular shapes and slots. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the aperture is between 2.0 to 5.0 inches and in a most preferred embodiment the width is 2.75 to 3.5 inches. As illustrated, the markers 108 are substantially flat, but they may optionally have height such as conical- shaped or pyramid shape, while retaining the aperture 158 wide enough to receive a hand 168. Materials, such as thermoplastic elastomer may be used to provide lightweight markers 108 with sufficient flexibility. However, it is contemplated that the markers 108 maybe formed by some other means, or from another suitable material such as silicone or rubber. In use, the marker 108 can be removed from its optional case 170. The user can then insert their hand 168 through the aperture 158 storing the markers 108 on their wrist 166 until all of the desired markers 108 have been placed on the exercising surface. Once placed on an area, the marker 108 is a visible indicator. The user can define a pattern based on the visibility of the top surface 160 of the marker 108. In a preferred embodiment the top surface 160 of the markers 108 are bright colors such as neon yellow, pink, green or orange. Optionally, to increase the visibility of the markers 108, a texture or pattern can be added to the top surface 160, or even a glow in the dark coating. Similarly to the posts 102, the marker 108 can be used to designate a course, field or target. Post use, the user picks up the marker 108 off the exercising surface, places the hand 168 through the aperture 158 until all of the markers 108 are collected.

All of the components described herein can be placed and stored in an optional carrying case. As mentioned above the components can be packaged individually or together in a variety of combinations.

Thus, a novel set of agility poles, hurdles, cones and markers has been shown and described. While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.

In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments can be interchanged both in whole or in part. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only, and is not intended to be limitative of the invention so further described in the appended claims.

Although the present invention has been discussed in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, other embodiments are possible. Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of preferred embodiments contained in this dis closure. All references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Methods and materials are described herein. However, methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be also used to obtain variations of the present invention. The materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

Thus, a novel training system and individual components has been shown and described. While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.