Weighted resistance sled

Abstract

An assessment system for evaluating an athlete using a weighted resistance sled, the sled comprising: a sled body; a load cell, the load cell connected to the sled body; a handle connected to the sled body and the load cell, the handle operable to move the sled; and a connector, the connector connected to the load cell, the connector configured to connect to a tether, and the tether configured to connect to the athlete, wherein the loadcell is connected to the handle and the connector, and wherein the load cell is operable to measure the force exerted on the sled by the athlete: in a first and second modes when the athlete moves the sled body using the handle, and when the athlete moves the sled by pulling on the tether respectively. 1 / 10 Figure 1 120 101 140 110 135 115 125 180 140 180 20 26 20 62 43 20 J ul 2 02 6 1 / 1 0 2 0 2 6 2 0 6 2 4 3 2 0 J u l 2 0 2 6 1 0 1 1 2 5 1 4 0 1 8 0 1 1 5 1 / 1 0 2 0 2 6 2 0 6 2 4 3 2 0 J u l 2 0 2 6 1 2 5 1 4 0 1 8 0 1 1 5

Description

FIELD This invention relates to a weighted resistance sled. BACKGROUND Unbalanced unilateral (single leg) horizontal force is linked to various type of injuries include hamstring, groin injury, hip flexor, knee ligament and lower back. Understanding unilateral horizontal force is also useful for training performance and monitoring. Injuries above commonly occur in athletes of many popular sport events in which high speed sprinting is frequently performed, including track and field events, football, and rugby. Injuries such as hip injury has a very high recurrence rate. In many cases, hamstring injuries have led to considerable time lost from training and competition, which result in financial loss and diminished athletic performance. Epidemiological data indicates that hamstring injuries have not declined in recent decades. Despite the serious implications of hamstring injury, current methods such as instrumented treadmills, shoe sensors, isokinetic dynamometer and force plates are inadequate owing to high cost, limited portability, and the requirement for experienced operators to use the device. The present invention may provide an improved weighted resistance sled and measurement system or at least provide the public or industry with a useful choice. 2026206243   20 Jul 2026 SUMMARY According to one example embodiment there is provided an assessment system for evaluating an athlete using a weighted resistance sled, the sled comprising: a sled body; 5               a load cell, the load cell connected to the sled body; a handle connected to the sled body and the load cell, the handle operable to move the sled; and a connector, the connector connected to the load cell, the connector configured to connect to a tether, and the tether configured to connect to 10               the athlete, wherein the loadcell is connected to the handle and the connector, and wherein the load cell is operable to measure the force exerted on the sled by the athlete: in a first mode when the athlete moves the sled body using the 15                     handle, and in a second separate mode when the athlete moves the sled by pulling on the tether. In an example the handle is connected to the load cell by a reaction arm, the handle connected to a handle arm, the handle arm connected to the reaction arm, 20       the reaction arm substantially about a right angle to the handle arm. In an example the connection of the handle arm to the reaction arm is pivoting. In an example the load cell is a multidimensional load cell. 2026206243   20 Jul 2026 In an example the multidimensional load cell is connected to the sled body and the connection between the load cell and the reaction arm is a pin passing through at least one hole in the reaction arm and a hole in the multidimensional load cell, the hole in the reaction arm allowing the pin to slide. 5       In an example the hole is an oversized circle. In an example the hole is a slot. In an example when the handle is pushed by the athlete the multidimensional load cell measures the resulting Y force exerted by the athlete on the multidimensional load cell. 10       In an example the load cell is a one dimension load cell. In an example the one dimensional load cell is an s-beam load cell. In an example wherein the one dimension load cell is connected to the sled body and the connection between the load cell and the reaction arm is a pin passing through at least one hole in the reaction arm and a hole in the one dimension load 15       cell, the hole in the reaction arm allowing the pin to slide. In an example the hole is an oversized circle. In an example the hole is a slot. In an example when the handle is pushed by the athlete the one dimension load cell measures the resulting force exerted by the athlete on the one dimension load 20         cell. In an example when the athlete pulls on the tether the load cell measures the resulting force exerted by the athlete on the load cell. In an example the one dimension load cell is in tension when measuring the forces. 2026206243   20 Jul 2026 In an example the connection of the handle arm to the reaction arm is fixed. In an example the reaction arm comprises a reaction arm handle end, a reaction arm connector end, and the load cell, the load cell connected to the reaction handle end at a first end of the load cell and to the reaction arm connector end at a second end of the load cell, wherein the load cell is an one dimension load cell and each of the reaction handle end and the reaction arm connector end are slidably attached to the sled body at a connection point, in a first position the reaction arm connector end connection point being under load when the athlete moves the sled body using the handle and in a second position when the athlete pulls on the tether the reaction handle end connection point being under load, in the first position the one dimension load cell measuring the horizontal forces exerted by the athlete on the one dimension load cell when the handle is pushed by the athlete, and in the second position the one dimension load cell measuring the horizontal forces exerted by the athlete on the one dimension load cell when the athlete pulls on the tether. In an example the one dimension load cell is in tension when measuring the forces. In an example the load cell is a shear pin load cell and the shear pin load cell connects the handle arm and the reaction arm at a pivot point, the reaction arm slidably attached to the sled body at, at least one connection point, in a first position the connection point being under load when the athlete moves the sled body using the handle, in a second position when the athlete pulls on the tether the connection point being under no load, in the second position a stop on the sled body limiting movement of the handle arm, in the first position the shear pin load cell measuring the forces exerted by the athlete on the shear pin load cell when the handle is pushed by the athlete, and in the second position the shear pin load cell measuring the forces exerted by the athlete on the shear pin load cell when the athlete pulls on the tether. 2026206243   20 Jul 2026 In an example the shear pin load cell is under compression when measuring the forces. In an example the height of the handle is adjustable. It is acknowledged that the terms “comprise”, “comprises” and “comprising” may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, these terms are intended to have an inclusive meaning - i.e., they will be taken to mean an inclusion of the listed components which the use directly references, and possibly also of other non-specified components or elements. Reference to any document in this specification does not constitute an admission that it is prior art, validly combinable with other documents or that it forms part of the common general knowledge. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings which are incorporated in and constitute part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description of the invention given above, and the detailed description of embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention, in which: Figure 1      is a top isometric view of an example sled; Figure 2      is a bottom isometric view of an example sled; Figure 3      is an isometric view of an example load cell; Figure 4      is an isometric view of an example sled handle and connector; Figure 5      is an isometric view of a further example sled handle and connector; 2026206243   20 Jul 2026 Figure 6      is a schematic in an example embodiment illustrating the forces on the load cell when the handle is pushed; Figure 7      is a schematic in an example embodiment illustrating the forces on the load cell when the sled is pulled; Figure 8      is a schematic in another example embodiment illustrating the forces on the load cell when the handle is pushed; Figure 9      is a schematic in an example embodiment illustrating the forces on the load cell when the sled is pulled; Figure 10     is a schematic in a further example embodiment illustrating the forces on the load cell when the handle is pushed; Figure 11     is a schematic in a further example embodiment illustrating the forces on the load cell when the sled is pulled; Figure 12     is a schematic in a further example embodiment illustrating the forces on the load cell when the handle is pushed; Figure 13     is a schematic in a further example embodiment illustrating the forces on the load cell when the sled is pulled; Figure 14     is a schematic in a further example embodiment illustrating the forces on the load cell when the handle is pushed; and Figure 15     is a schematic in a further example embodiment illustrating the forces on the load cell when the sled is pulled. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to Figures 1 to 15. Figures 1 and 2 illustrates a weighted resistance sled 101 according to an example embodiment. 2026206243   20 Jul 2026 The weighted resistance sled 101 comprises a sled body 110 and a load cell 115 connected to the sled body 110. The weighted resistance sled 101 can be pushed by an athlete by a handle 120 connected to the sled body 110 and the load cell 115. The weighted resistance sled 101 can be pulled by an athlete by a connector pin 135. The connector 135 being connected to the load cell 115. In use the connector 135 connects to connect to a tether, and the tether is connected to an athlete. Weights may be added to and removed from the weighted resistance sled 101 as appropriate for the athlete or the testing. Weights may be located and held in place by a weight locating and holding pin 140. The weighted resistance sled 101 further comprises a measurement system 200 that can communicate with the load cell 101. The measurement system 200 comprises a microcontroller, including a processor and memory in communication with the processor. The measurement system 200 is typically wired to the load cell 115. The measurement system 200 may share the load cell 115 body 300. In an embodiment further measurement sensors (not shown) may be used. For example a magnetometer, a gyroscope and at one or more accelerometers. The loadcell 115 being connected to the handle 120 and the connector 135, can measure the force exerted on the sled 101 by the athlete. The forces are measured in a first mode when the athlete moves (pushes) the sled 101 using the handle 120, and in a second separate mode when the athlete moves the sled 101 by pulling on the tether connected to the connector 135. The measurement system 200 may include a battery and a wireless communication system 180 for communicating the sensed forces to an external system. In one embodiment the measurement system 200 may process the measurements obtained from the load cell 115 or other sensors before communicating the information to an external system (not shown). In another 2026206243   20 Jul 2026 embodiment the measurement system 200 may communicate the raw measurements obtained from the load cell 115 or other sensors to an external system. The measurement system 200 in one embodiment is removable for charging or replacing the battery. The measurement system 200 or external measurement system may be integrated with other technologies (e.g. video or radar) to provide additional information or to validate information. The sled 101 is a tool for the training, testing and monitoring of maximal sprinting performance during all sprint phases. Including, but not limited to: initial acceleration (first few steps), acceleration, maximum velocity and deceleration. The outputs will enable the user and or training supervisors to make empirical judgements surrounding the current performance level of the athlete, potential risk of sports injury, and directly implement training protocols using the device itself. The system can process the information from the load cells to provide left and right leg forces, stride rate and stride length, left right force imbalance, rates of force development, and actual horizontal force vectors (friction). This information can be used to monitor the ability of an athlete to return to play readiness, injury likelihood, horizontal force profile loads and loaded acceleration profiles. The handle 120 is connected to the load cell 101 by a reaction arm 160. Thus the handle 120 is connected to a handle arm 125, the handle arm 125 is connected to the reaction arm 160. The reaction arm 160 is substantially about a right angle to the handle arm 125. The connection of the handle arm 125 to the reaction arm 160 can be a pivot or alternatively can be fixed either by a weld or using a socket. 2026206243   20 Jul 2026 The load cell 115 is in one embodiment a multidimensional load cell. In a further embodiment the load cell 115 is a one dimension load cell such as an s-beam load cell. In yet another embodiment the load cell 115 can be a shear pin load cell. When a multidimensional load cell 115 is connected to the sled body 110 the connection between the load cell 115 and the reaction arm 160 is a pin 135 passing through at least one hole 1135 in the reaction arm 160 and a hole in the multidimensional load cell 115, the hole 1135 in the reaction arm 160 allowing the pin 135 to slide. This is illustrated in Figures 10, 11, 14 and 15. Figures 10 and 14 shows the force on the load cell 115 when the sled 101 is pushed 1110, and Figures 11 and 15 shows the force on the load cell 115 when the sled 101 is pulled 1120. The hole 1135 in the reaction arm 160 may be an oversized circle or alternatively may be a slot. In this embodiment the connection 1070 of the handle arm 125 to the reaction arm 160 is fixed. As shown in Figure 11 with a multidimensional load cell the x-axis 1118 and the y-axis 1119 forces may be calculated / outputted. When a one dimension load cell 115 is connected to the sled body 110 the connection 1070 between the load cell 101 and the reaction arm 160 may be a pin 810 passing through at least one hole 830 in the reaction arm 160 and a hole in the one dimension load cell 115, the hole 830 in the reaction arm 160 allowing the pin 810 to slide. This is illustrated in Figures 8 and 9. Figure 8 shows the force on the load cell 115 when the sled 101 is pushed 1110, and Figure 9 shows the force on the load cell 115 when the sled 101 is pulled 1120. The hole 830 in the reaction arm 160 may be an oversized circle or alternatively may be a slot. The one dimension load cell 115 is in tension when measuring the forces as illustrated in Figures 8 and 9. In this embodiment the connection of the handle arm 125 to the reaction arm 160 pivots. In another embodiment illustrated in Figures 6 and 7 the reaction arm 160 may comprise a reaction arm handle end 600 a reaction arm connector end, 610 and 2026206243   20 Jul 2026 incorporate the load cell 115. The load cell 115 is connected to the reaction handle end 600 at a first end of the load cell 115 and to the reaction arm connector end 610 at a second end of the load cell 115. In this embodiment the load cell 115 is a one dimension load cell and each of the reaction handle end 600 and the reaction arm connector end 610 are slidably attached to the sled body 110 at, at least one connection point 700, 710. In a first position illustrated in Figure 6 the reaction arm connector end, 610 connection point being under load 740 when the athlete moves the sled body 110 using the handle 120 . In a second position illustrated in Figure 7 when the athlete pulls on the tether the reaction handle end 600 connection point 700 being under load 750. In the first position illustrated in Figure 6 the one dimension load cell 115 measures the horizontal forces exerted by the athlete on the one dimension load cell 115 when the handle 120 is pushed by the athlete. In the second position illustrated in Figure 7 the one dimension load cell 115 measures the horizontal forces exerted by the athlete on the one dimension load cell 115 when the athlete pulls on a tether via a tether point 135. In this embodiment the one dimension load cell 115 is in tension when measuring the forces both when pushing and pulling. In another embodiment illustrated in Figures 12 and 13 the load cell 115 is a shear pin load cell 115 and the shear pin load cell 115 connects the handle arm 125 and the reaction arm 160 at a pivot point 1320. The reaction arm 160 is slidably attached to the sled body 110 at, at least one connection point 1310. In a first position illustrated in Figure 12, the connection point 1310 being under load when the athlete pushes the sled body 110 using the handle 120. In a second position illustrated in Figure 13 when the athlete pulls on the tether (via tether connection 135) the connection point 1310 is not under load. In the second position a stop 1300 on the sled body 110 limits movement of the handle arm 125. In the first position the shear pin load cell 115 measures the forces exerted by the athlete on 2026206243   20 Jul 2026 15 the shear pin load cell 115 when the handle 120 is pushed 1110 by the athlete, and in the second position the shear pin load cell 115 measures the forces exerted by the athlete on the shear pin load cell 115 when the athlete pulls 1120 on the tether (via tether connection 135). In this embodiment the shear pin load cell 115 5       is under compression when measuring the forces. In all embodiments the height of the handle 120 may be adjustable via an adjustment mechanism in the handle arm 135. While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of the embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in detail, 10       it is not the intention of the Applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and method, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departure from the spirit or scope of the Applicant’s general inventive concept.

Claims

1. An assessment system for evaluating an athlete using a weighted resistance sled, the sled comprising:a sled body;a load cell, the load cell connected to the sled body;a handle connected to the sled body and the load cell, the handle operable to move the sled; anda connector, the connector connected to the load cell, the connector configured to connect to a tether, and the tether configured to connect to the athlete,wherein the loadcell is connected to the handle and the connector, and wherein the load cell is operable to measure the force exerted on the sled by the athlete:in a first mode when the athlete moves the sled body using the handle, andin a second separate mode when the athlete moves the sled by pulling on the tether.

2. The assessment system of claim 1, wherein the handle is connected to the load cell by a reaction arm, the handle connected to a handle arm, the handle arm connected to the reaction arm, the reaction arm substantially about a right angle to the handle arm.

3. The assessment system of claim 2, the connection of the handle arm to the reaction arm is pivoting.

4. The assessment system of claim 3, wherein the load cell is a multidimensional load cell.2026206243   20 Jul 20265. The assessment system of claim 4, wherein the multidimensional load cell is connected to the sled body and the connection between the load cell and the reaction arm is a pin passing through at least one hole in the reaction arm and a hole in the multidimensional load cell, the hole in the reaction arm allowing the pin to slide.

6. The assessment system of claim 5, wherein the hole is an oversized circle or wherein the hole is a slot.

7. The assessment system of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein when the handle is pushed by the athlete the multidimensional load cell measures the resulting Y force exerted by the athlete on the multidimensional load cell.

8. The assessment system of claim 3, wherein the load cell is a one dimension load cell.

9. The assessment system of claim 8, wherein the one dimensional load cell is an s-beam load cell.

10. The assessment system of claim 9, wherein the one dimension load cell is connected to the sled body and the connection between the load cell and the reaction arm is a pin passing through at least one hole in the reaction arm and a hole in the one dimension load cell, the hole in the reaction arm allowing the pin to slide.

11. The assessment system of claim 10, wherein the hole is an oversized circle or wherein the hole is a slot.

12. The assessment system of claim 10 or claim 11, wherein when the handle is pushed by the athlete the one dimension load cell measures the resulting force exerted by the athlete on the one dimension load cell.2026206243   20 Jul 202613. The assessment system of any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein when the athlete pulls on the tether the load cell measures the resulting force exerted by the athlete on the load cell.

14. The assessment system of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the one dimension load cell is in tension when measuring the forces.

15. The assessment system of claim 2, wherein the reaction arm comprises a reaction arm handle end, a reaction arm connector end, and the load cell, the load cell connected to the reaction handle end at a first end of the load cell and to the reaction arm connector end at a second end of the load cell, wherein the load cell is an one dimension load cell and each of the reaction handle end and the reaction arm connector end are slidably attached to the sled body at a connection point, in a first position the reaction arm connector end connection point being under load when the athlete moves the sled body using the handle and in a second position when the athlete pulls on the tether the reaction handle end connection point being under load, in the first position the one dimension load cell measuring the horizontal forces exerted by the athlete on the one dimension load cell when the handle is pushed by the athlete, and in the second position the one dimension load cell measuring the horizontal forces exerted by the athlete on the one dimension load cell when the athlete pulls on the tether.

16. The assessment system of claim 15, wherein the one dimension load cell is in tension when measuring the forces.

17. The assessment system of claim 3, wherein the load cell is a shear pin load cell and the shear pin load cell connects the handle arm and the reaction arm at a pivot point, the reaction arm slidably attached to the sled body at, at least one connection point, in a first position the connection point being under load when the athlete moves the sled body using the handle, in a second position when the athlete pulls on the tether the connection point being under no load, in the second2026206243   20 Jul 2026position a stop on the sled body limiting movement of the handle arm, in the first position the shear pin load cell measuring the forces exerted by the athlete on the shear pin load cell when the handle is pushed by the athlete, and in the second position the shear pin load cell measuring the forces exerted by the athlete on the shear pin load cell when the athlete pulls on the tether.

18. The assessment system of claim 17, wherein the shear pin load cell is under compression when measuring the forces.

19. The assessment system of claim 3, wherein the reaction arm comprises a reaction arm handle end, a reaction arm connector end, and the load cell, the load cell connected to the reaction handle end at a first end of the load cell and to the reaction arm connector end at a second end of the load cell, wherein the load cell is an one dimension load cell and each of the reaction handle end and the reaction arm connector end are slidably attached to the sled body at a connection point, in a first position the reaction arm connector end connection point being under load when the athlete moves the sled body using the handle and in a second position when the athlete pulls on the tether the reaction handle end connection point being under load, in the first position the one dimension load cell measuring the horizontal forces exerted by the athlete on the one dimension load cell when the handle is pushed by the athlete, and in the second position the one dimension load cell measuring the horizontal forces exerted by the athlete on the one dimension load cell when the athlete pulls on the tether.

20. The assessment system of claim 19, wherein the one dimension load cell is in tension when measuring the forces.

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