Storable wheeled weight training sled

Abstract

A weight training sled and a wall mount bracket device for supporting the weight training sled in an elevated, upright storage position. A push handle on the sled is pivotable as a unit about a laterally extending pivot axis between an upward use position and a lowered storage position extending toward a second longitudinal end of the chassis. The wall mount bracket device includes an upper bracket for connecting to a vertical surface and supportively contacting the second longitudinal end of the sled at two laterally spaced apart contact points, and a lower bracket for connecting to the vertical surface and supportively contacting the first longitudinal end of the sled at a single contact point.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a stowable wheeled weight training sled and a wall mount bracket device for supporting the weight training sled in an elevated vertical stowed position. BACKGROUND

[0002] Weight sleds have become an increasingly popular exercise device in indoor fitness clubs, many of which have limited open space. Weight sleds, also known as blocking sleds, typically support a weight on one or more sleds that exerts a frictional resistance to movement of the sled. An exemplary conventional weight sled is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2014 / 0073492. Weight sleds were originally designed for outdoor use, where space and damage caused by the frictional sliding of the sled against the ground are inconsequential. The transition from outdoor to indoor use has presented certain challenges, including the need for considerable open space and installation of a floor capable of withstanding the wear effects of repeated frictional sliding of the sled against the floor.

[0003] U.S. Patents 3,326,553 (three-wheel sliding steering type) and 6,942,585 (single-wheel type) describe wheeled blocking sleds, whereby the frictional sliding is substantially eliminated, but at the expense of loss of stability when pushing the sled, resulting in the need for an onboard operator to steer the sled of U.S. Patent 3,326,553, or the need for additional space to accommodate the uncontrolled instability of the sled of U.S. Patent 6,942,585.

[0004] Stable wheeled weight training sleds are disclosed in U.S. Patents 10,398,926, 10,398,927, and 10,799,750. While these weight training sleds represent a considerable advance over existing weight training sleds, there remains a need for a compact, lighter weight wheeled weight training sled. SUMMARY

[0005] The present invention relates to a stowable wheeled weight training sled and a wall mount bracket device for supporting the weight training sled in an elevated vertical stowed position.

[0006] The weighted training sled is a wheeled weighted training sled that includes (a) a chassis having longitudinally spaced first and second ends and laterally spaced first and second sides, (b) at least two longitudinally spaced rotatable wheels for supporting the chassis at a vertical distance above a support surface, (c) a brake for applying resistance to rotation of at least one wheel, (d) a first pair of laterally spaced handles extending upwardly from near the first longitudinal end of the chassis, and (e) a second pair of laterally spaced handles extending from near the second longitudinal end of the chassis, wherein the first pair of handles are pivotable about a laterally extending pivot axis as a unit between an upwardly used position and a lowered storage position extending toward the second longitudinal end of the chassis.

[0007] The wall mount bracket assembly includes (a) an upper bracket that is laterally elongated and configured and arranged for attachment to a vertical surface and that, when attached to the vertical surface, supportively contacts the second longitudinal end of the sled at two laterally spaced contact points, and (b) a lower bracket that is laterally elongated and configured and arranged for attachment to the vertical surface and that, when attached to the vertical surface vertically below the attached upper bracket at a defined distance from the attached upper bracket, supportively contacts the first longitudinal end of the sled at a single contact point.

[0008] In preferred embodiments, the wall mount bracket assembly includes at least one hook or loop that can be used to attach one end of a battle rope or resistance band when the weighted training sled is supported on the wall mount bracket assembly. The at least one hook or loop can be provided on the upper bracket or the lower bracket, preferably at least one hook or loop on each of the upper bracket and the lower bracket. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a weighted training sled according to the present invention with the first pair of handles pivoted to the used position.

[0010] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the present invention with the second pair of handles removed and the first pair of handles pivoted to the storage position. Figure 1 is a partial exploded perspective view of the present invention shown without the rear wheels and the second pair of handles with the first pair of handles pivoted to the storage position.

[0011] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the present invention with the second pair of handles removed and the first pair of handles pivoted to the storage position. Figure 1

[0012] Figure 4 Figure 1 is a perspective view of the present invention with the second pair of handles removed and the first pair of handles pivoted to the storage position.

[0013] ​​Figure 4A is Figure 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of the application enclosed by A in

[0014] Figure 5 is Figure 1 a rear perspective view of the application shown in

[0015] Figure 6 is Figure 1 a front perspective view of the application shown in

[0016] Figure 7 is Figure 1 a side view of the application shown in

[0017] Figure 8 is Figure 1 a perspective view of the application shown in

[0018] Figure 8A is Figure 8 is an enlarged view of a portion of the application enclosed by A in

[0019] Figure 9 is Figure 1 a perspective view of the application shown in

[0020] Figure 9A is Figure 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of the application enclosed by A in

[0021] Figure 10 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a wall mount bracket apparatus according to the application.

[0022] Figure 11 is Figure 10 a front view of the application shown in

[0023] Figure 12 is Figure 3 a front perspective view of the weight training sled shown in Figure 10 and the wall mount bracket apparatus shown in

[0024] Figure 13 is Figure 3 a front perspective view of the weight training sled shown in Figure 10 overhanging the wall mount bracket apparatus shown in

[0025] Figure 14 is Figure 10 an enlarged front perspective view of the application shown in

[0026] Figure 15 is Figure 1 a perspective view of the present invention shown with the first pair of push handles pivoted to the storage position.

[0027] Figure 15A is Figure 15 an enlarged view of a portion of the present invention enclosed by A in

[0028] Figure 16 is Figure 1 a bottom perspective view of the present invention shown with the first pair of push handles pivoted to the storage position.

[0029] Figure 17 is Figure 16 a bottom perspective view of the present invention shown with the first pair of push handles pivoted to the storage position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] DEFINITIONS

[0031] As used herein, including in the claims, the term "neutral resistance" means that the resistance is zero or near zero, whereby the wheeled exercise sled of the present invention is adapted for use as a wheeled dolly when the braking mechanism is set to neutral.

[0032] NOMENCLATURE

[0033]

[0034]

[0035]

[0036] CONSTRUCTION

[0037] With reference to the drawings, the present invention relates to a wheeled weight training sled 100 (hereinafter "sled") and a wall mount bracket apparatus 200 for supporting a weight training sled (e.g., sled 100) in an elevated, vertically stored position.

[0038] Ski

[0039] With reference to Figures 1-9and 15-17, the wheeled sled 100 includes a chassis 110, at least two wheels 130, two pairs of push handles 140, and at least one braking mechanism 180, with one pair of push handles proximate each longitudinal end 101 and 102 of the sled 100. The wheeled sled 100 preferably includes at least one of (i) three fixed direction wheels 130 including a single front wheel 131 mounted on a first axle 121 proximate a first longitudinal end 101 of the sled 100 and a pair of rear wheels 132 mounted on a second axle 122 proximate a second longitudinal end 102 of the sled 100, (ii) a push handle pivot feature in which a first pair of push handles 141 proximate the front or first longitudinal end 101 of the sled 100 is pivotable as a unit about a pivot axis 146 extending along the lateral y between an upward in use position and a lowered stowed position extending toward the rear or second longitudinal end 102 of the sled 100, (iii) a tow hitch 160 mounted between and pivotable with the first pair of push handles 141, and (iv) a push handle configuration adjustment feature in which a second pair of push handles 142 are curvilinear and releasably engageable with posts or sleeves 170 extending upward from the chassis 110 and rotatable up to 180° about a central axis 170z of each post or sleeve 170 between a first axially rotational locked position and a second axially rotational locked position.

[0040] The wheeled sled 100 has a first end and a second end 101 and 102 spaced apart along the longitudinal x and a first side and a second side 103 and 104 spaced apart along the lateral y.

[0041] With reference to Figure 2 , 3 and 16, the preferred chassis 110 is a metal structure having first and second side rails 117 and 118 elongated along the longitudinal x and spaced apart along the lateral y rigidly interconnected by a cross beam 119 defining the chassis 110 having a first longitudinal end 111 and a second longitudinal end 112, a first lateral side 113 and a second lateral side 114, and a top 115 and a bottom 116 spaced apart along the transverse z.

[0042] With reference to Figure 1 , 3 -9 and 15-17, the wheels 130 are rotatably mounted to the chassis 110 for supporting the bottom 116 of the chassis 110 a distance (hereinafter referred to as a "clearance") above a surface. The wheels 130 can be fixed direction wheels 130 so as to constrain the chassis 110 to reciprocate along a substantially linear longitudinal x path on the surface.

[0043] When two wheels 130 are used, they are preferably aligned in the longitudinal x direction in a mid-sagittal plane of the sled 100. When three wheels 130 are used, they are preferably spaced apart at the corners of an isosceles triangle, with two wheels 130 aligned in the lateral y direction near one end 102 of the sled 100, and a third wheel positioned centrally near the other end 101 of the sled 100. When four wheels 130 are used, the wheels 130 are mounted in pairs spaced apart in the lateral y direction on each of two lateral y extending shafts 121 and 122 mounted near each longitudinal end 101 and 102 of the sled 100, with the wheels 130 in each pair mounted near opposite sides 103 and 104 of the sled 100. Alternatively, a four wheel embodiment can employ a pair of wheels 130 aligned in the longitudinal x direction and centrally in the lateral y direction near the longitudinal ends 101 and 102 of the sled 100, with a bracket wheel 130 raised in the vertical z direction or aligned in the vertical z direction extending from each side 103 and 104 of the sled 100.

[0044] The wheels 130 are preferably pneumatic wheels 130 with good traction in order to limit undesired slippage of the wheels 130 on the ground during exercise, as opposed to desired rotation of the wheels 130.

[0045] Referring to Figure 1 , 4 -9 and 15-17, the sled 100 includes two pairs of push handles 141 and 142, with a first pair of push handles 141 fixed to the first end 101 of the sled 100, preferably to the first ends 117a and 118a of the chassis side rails 117 and 118, and a second pair of push handles 142 fixed to the second end 102 of the sled 100, preferably to the second ends 117b and 118b of the chassis side rails 117 and 118. This allows the user to exercise by pushing the sled in either direction along the longitudinal x travel path.

[0046] Referring to Figure 6 , the first pair of push handles 141 can be constructed and arranged to pivot as a unit about a lateral y extending pivot axis 146 between an upward in use position and a lowered storage position extending toward the rear or second longitudinal end 102 of the sled 100. The first pair of push handles 141 can be releasably locked in the upward in use position and the lowered storage position by a spring biased locking pin 147 attached to the first pair of push handles 141 for pivoting therewith that can be selectively inserted into at least two radially spaced apart holes (not numbered) attached to the chassis 110.

[0047] Referring to Figure 4 and 4A, the second pair of push handles 142 can be configured and arranged to allow structural adjustment of the push handles 142 on the sled 100 by releasably engaging each of the push handles 142 to the sled 100 via a post or sleeve 170 extending upwardly from the chassis 110 and configuring the push handles 142 and the post or sleeve 170 to have a cross-sectional shape that allows each push handle 142 to be engaged with the post or sleeve 170 at different rotational angles of up to 180° about a central axis 170z of each post or sleeve 170 to allow the push handles 142 to be mounted between a first axial rotational lock position and a second axial rotational lock position. The second pair of push handles 142 can be releasably locked in each axial rotational position by a locking pin 149 at a proximal end 140p of each push handle 142 that engages a locking slot 179 in a distal end (not numbered) of each post or sleeve 170.

[0048] Referring to Figure 1 , 4 -9 and 15-17, the second pair of push handles 142 are preferably curved, where the grips 143 proximate the distal ends 140d of the push handles 142 are tilted inwardly toward each other and downwardly toward the chassis 110 when in one of the axial rotational lock positions.

[0049] The inward tilt of the grips 143 provides a more natural ergonomic rotational gripping position, while the downward tilt of the grips 143 causes at least some of the vertical force vectors generated when a user pushes the sled 100 to be redirected from upwardly directed force vectors to downwardly directed force vectors, thereby preventing or at least limiting the working end of the sled 100 from lifting off the ground.

[0050] Referring to Figure 8 , 8A , 9 and 9A, a tow hook 160 can be mounted between and pivotable with the first pair of push handles 141. The distal ends 140d of the first pair of push handles 141 can be interconnected by an interconnecting member 145. This interconnecting member 145 provides stability to the pair of push handles 141 and an elevated location for attaching an elongate flexible exercise pull 300, such as a drawstring, battle rope, elastic band, etc., to the sled 100. The tow hook 160 preferably extends outwardly in the longitudinal x direction from a lateral y center of this interconnecting member 145 to facilitate temporary attachment of the elongate flexible exercise pull 300. The interconnecting member 145 can also be grasped by a user pushing the sled 100 as an alternative gripping location.

[0051] Referring to Figure 8 , 8A, 9 and 9A, the interconnecting member 145 and the tow hook 160 are preferably positioned to provide at least 30 cm of clearance between the tow hook 160 and the ground when the first pair of push handles 141 are pivoted to the use position. This elevated positioning of the tow hook 160 serves to limit the amount of upward force vector that is generated when a user pulls on the elongate flexible exercise pull 300 attached to the sled 100 at the tow hook 160, thereby limiting and potentially eliminating the lifting of the first or front end 101 of the sled 100 off the ground.

[0052] Referring to Figures 1-9 and 15, one or more weight plate horn 150 can be provided on the chassis 110 for mounting weight plates (not shown) to the top 115 of the chassis 110 in order to increase the exercise resistance provided by the sled 100 and, more importantly, to counteract any upward lift force vector applied by the user that would tend to lift the end of the sled 100 and thereby lift the wheel 130 closest to the user off the ground. The preferred embodiment has weight plate horns 150 positioned along the median sagittal plane of the sled 100 that are fixed to the crossbar 119. Rubber pads (not shown) can be provided on the top of the chassis 115 proximate the horns 150 for cushioning and protecting the chassis 110 when adding or removing weight plates to or from the horns 150.

[0053] Referring to Figures 1-9 and 15-17, a braking mechanism 180 is attached to the chassis 110 and is associated with at least one wheel 130, preferably the first or front wheel 131, for applying a bi-directional controlled variable resistance to resist the rotation of the wheel 130 along the longitudinal x path of travel. Separate braking mechanisms 201 and 202 can be provided for each wheel 130 or each axle 120. There are many types of resistance devices known, such as a brake motor, a generator, a brushless generator, an eddy current system, a magnetic system, an alternator, a tensionable belt, a friction roller, a fluid brake, etc., any of which can be effectively used in the present invention. It is generally preferred that the braking mechanism be capable of providing a progressive resistance based on the acceleration or speed of travel.

[0054] In more detail, the preferred brake mechanism 180 is an eddy current brake mounted to the side rails 117 or 118 of the chassis 110 for applying resistance to rotation of the first axle 121. The eddy current brake generally includes (i) a mounting plate rigidly attached to the chassis 110, (ii) a drive sprocket rotatable with and fixed to the portion of the first axle 121 that extends through a hole in the mounting plate, (iii) a pulley assembly having a pulley and a driven sprocket rotatably mounted to a first mounting post protruding from the mounting plate by an inner hub and sprocket mount and rotatably driven by a drive belt from the drive sprocket, (iv) an eddy current disc assembly including an eddy current disc rotatably mounted to a second mounting post protruding from the mounting plate by a disc mount having a shaft and a mounting plate and rotatably driven by a drive belt from the pulley assembly, (v) a drive belt tension assembly fixed within an adjustment slot in the mounting plate for adjustably tensioning the drive belt, and (vi) a magnetic stator assembly fixed to the mounting plate for manually (as shown) or automatically (not shown) repositioning the magnets relative to the eddy current disc of the eddy current disc assembly to increase or decrease the resistance as desired. Figure 15 and 15A The magnetic stator assembly is preferably manually repositionable by a user of the sled 100 by rotating a knob 186 on the magnetic stator assembly to move the magnets relative to the eddy current disc of the eddy current disc assembly to increase or decrease the resistance as desired.

[0055] Referring to Figure 15 and 15A In the preferred embodiment, the brake mechanism 180 is adjustably settable to a neutral resistance setting whereby the sled 100 is effectively converted from an exercise sled to a transport cart. The neutral setting facilitates movement of the sled 100 from one location to another, such as to and from a storage location and a use location. The neutral setting preferably applies some modest resistance to rotation of the wheels that does not significantly interfere with transport of the sled 100, but is effective to prevent or at least slow movement of the sled 100 due to gravity.

[0056] Protective covers (not numbered) can be provided on components of the brake mechanism 180.

[0057] Rubber bumpers 190 can be provided on the front end 101 of the sled 100 to minimize any structural damage in the event that the sled 100 strikes an object while being pushed by a user.

[0058] Various acceptable, preferred and most preferred dimensions that have some significance to the value and / or performance of the sled 100 are provided below.

[0059]

[0060]

[0061] Wall mount bracket device

[0062] Referring to Figures 10-14 The wall mount bracket apparatus 200 includes an upper bracket 201 elongated along the lateral y and a lower bracket 202 elongated along the lateral y. The upper bracket 201 is structured and arranged for attachment to a vertical surface and for supportively contacting the second longitudinal end 102 of the sled 100 at two laterally y spaced apart contact points 201p when attached to the vertical surface. The contact points 201p on the upper bracket 201 preferably engage the chassis 110 of the sled 100. The lower bracket 202 is structured and arranged for attachment to the same vertical surface and is capable of supportively contacting the first longitudinal end 101 of the sled 100 at a single contact point 202p when attached to the vertical surface at a distance defined from the attached upper bracket 201 and vertically below the attached upper bracket. The contact point 202p on the lower bracket 202 preferably engages the front wheel 131 of the sled 100.

[0063] Referring to Figures 10-14 The lower bracket 202 preferably includes an upwardly protruding sleeve or post 203 upon which the second pair of push handles 142 can be secured for storage when detached from the chassis 110.

[0064] Referring to Figure 10 and 12 -14, the wall mount bracket apparatus 200 preferably has a low mounting level protrusion profile in which each of the upper bracket 201 and the lower bracket 202 extends less than 6 inches away from the vertical surface to which the brackets 201 and 202 are attached.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, the wall mount bracket apparatus 200 includes at least one hook or loop 201h and / or 202h that can be used to attach one end of an elongated flexible exercise pull 300 when the weighted training sled 100 is supported on the wall mount bracket apparatus 200. The at least one hook or loop 201h and / or 202h can be provided on the upper bracket 201 or the lower bracket 202, preferably at least one hook or loop 201h and 202h is provided on each of the upper bracket 201 and the lower bracket 202, respectively.

[0066] Using

[0067] By (i) setting the brake mechanism 180 to the desired resistance, (ii) standing at the second end 102 of the sled 100, (iii) leaning forward and grasping the second pair of push handles 142, (iv) pushing the sled 100 in the first longitudinal x direction along the longitudinal path, (v) walking around the sled 100 to the first end 102 of the sled 100, (vi) leaning forward and grasping the first pair of push handles 141, (vii) pushing the sled 100 back in the second longitudinal x direction along the longitudinal path, (viii) walking around the sled 100 back to the second end 102 of the sled 100, and (ix) repeating steps (iii)-(viii) for the desired number of times, the sled 100 can be used conveniently and safely in a limited space as small as 1.2 meters wide and 5 meters long.

[0068] Alternatively, by (i) setting the brake mechanism 180 to the desired resistance, (ii) standing at the second end 102 of the sled 100, (iii) leaning forward and grasping the second pair of push handles 142, (iv) pushing the sled 100 in the first longitudinal x direction along the longitudinal path, (v) tilting the first end 101 of the sled 100 upward until the front wheels 131 lose contact with the ground, (vi) rotating the sled 101 180° only if the rear wheels 132 are in contact with the ground, (vii) pushing the sled 100 back in the second longitudinal x direction along the longitudinal path, and (viii) repeating steps (v)-(vii) for the desired number of times, the sled 100 can be used conveniently and safely in a limited space as small as 1.2 meters wide and 5 meters long.

Claims

1. A weighted training sled, comprising: (a) A chassis having a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end spaced apart longitudinally, and a first side portion and a second side portion spaced apart laterally. (b) At least two longitudinally spaced rotatable wheels for supporting the chassis at a vertical distance above the supporting surface. (c) A brake for applying resistance to the rotation of at least one of the wheels. (d) A first pair of laterally spaced push handles, the first pair of push handles extending upward from near a first longitudinal end of the chassis, wherein the first pair of push handles are pivotable as a unit about a laterally extending pivot between an upward use position and a lowered storage position extending toward a second longitudinal end of the chassis, and (e) A second pair of push handles spaced laterally apart, the second pair of push handles extending near the second longitudinal end of the chassis. Each of the push handles, including the second pair of push handles, is (i) curved, (ii) releasably engaged with a post or sleeve extending upward from the chassis, and (iii) rotatable about the central axis of each post or sleeve between a first axial rotation lock position and a second axial rotation lock position.

2. The weighted training sled according to claim 1, further comprising a tow hook mounted between the laterally spaced first pair of push handles and pivotable together with the laterally spaced first pair of push handles.

3. The weight-bearing training sled according to claim 1, wherein, The rotation angle between the first axial rotation locking position and the second axial rotation locking position is 180°.

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