An agile ladder that is easy to fold and store

By incorporating magnetic components and flexible connecting straps within the flexible ladder ropes of the Agile Ladder, the problems of the Agile Ladder spreading out and deforming after folding are solved, enabling convenient storage and safe training.

CN224442033UActive Publication Date: 2026-07-03NINGBO UNIV
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
NINGBO UNIV
Filing Date
2025-08-01
Publication Date
2026-07-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing agile ladders are prone to unfolding and deforming after being folded and stored, and are time-consuming and labor-intensive, making them difficult to store efficiently.

Method used

Flexible ladder ropes are used as the sides of the frame, and magnetic components are installed in each ladder rope. Adjacent frames are connected by flexible connecting strips. The magnetic components attract each other when folded to form a stable rectangular frame structure, which is easy to fold and store.

Benefits of technology

It enables the quick and neat storage of the agile ladder, avoiding it from falling apart and deforming, improving storage efficiency, and ensuring training safety in low-light environments through fluorescent strips.

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Abstract

This utility model relates to an agile ladder that is easy to fold and store, comprising several connected rectangular frames, each rectangular frame including four flexible ladder ropes, the four flexible ladder ropes being connected end to end to form the four sides of the rectangular frame; each flexible ladder rope is provided with two sets of magnetic attraction components, the magnetic attraction components including long strip-shaped magnetic strips and carbon steel strips, the magnetic strips and carbon steel strips being arranged side by side and attached to each other within the flexible ladder rope, the two sets of magnetic attraction components being spaced apart along the length direction of the flexible ladder rope; the sides of two adjacent rectangular frames are connected by a flexible connecting strip; in the magnetic attraction components, the carbon steel strips serve as both support members and, when the ladder ropes are folded, engage and align with the magnetic strips in other parts, facilitating neat folding, easy flat storage, and preventing the ladder from easily falling apart; when folding the agile ladder, a rectangular frame itself can be folded twice, that is, the minimum planar projection of the agile ladder after folding is one-quarter of the area of ​​a rectangular frame.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of sports equipment technology, specifically to an agile ladder that is easy to fold and store. Background Technology

[0002] The agility ladder, also known as the speed ladder, is a functional training device used to improve athletes' footwork, coordination, and dynamic balance. Its main body consists of a trapezoidal structure made up of parallel horizontal bars, which is placed flat on the ground. Users move quickly between the ladder sections using specific footwork techniques to enhance neuromuscular control.

[0003] Currently, mainstream agile ladder products on the market are made of soft polymers (such as PP plastic and ABS plastic) or polyester fiber ropes, which are both flexible and wear-resistant, and can maintain the shape of the ladder to a certain extent.

[0004] Agility ladders are important equipment for training children's agility and are often used in children's physical fitness training. They are used frequently and need to be stored and retrieved often. Existing agility ladders (multi-functional agility butterfly ladders) will deform after being stored and folded for a long time, and the steps will easily fall apart and take up space. In addition, folding agility ladders is time-consuming and laborious, and it is not easy for some people with less strength to fold and store them. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to develop an agile ladder that is easy to fold and store, in order to solve the problems of existing agile ladders being inconvenient to fold and store and the steps spreading out and easily deforming after folding, thereby improving the storage efficiency of the agile ladder and making the stored agile ladder less prone to deformation.

[0006] This utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0007] A foldable and easy-to-store ladder includes several interconnected rectangular frames. Each rectangular frame includes four flexible ladder ropes, which are connected end-to-end to form the four sides of the rectangular frame. Each flexible ladder rope contains two sets of magnetic assemblies, each comprising a long, thin magnetic strip and a carbon steel strip. The magnetic strip and carbon steel strip are arranged side-by-side and abutting each other within the flexible ladder rope. The two sets of magnetic assemblies are spaced apart along the length of the flexible ladder rope. The sides of adjacent rectangular frames are connected by a flexible connecting strip. The flexible ladder ropes and flexible connecting strips can be polypropylene braided ropes. The magnetic assemblies can be inserted during the weaving of the flexible ladder ropes or made into a braided sleeve, with the magnetic assemblies positioned within the braided sleeve.

[0008] The beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows: four flexible ladder ropes serve as the sides of the rectangular frame of the agile ladder, and two sets of magnetic components are set at intervals in each flexible ladder rope (i.e., the interruption between the two sets of magnetic components is a flexible connection). The carbon steel strips serve as support strips and also attract magnetic strips in other parts when the ladder ropes are folded; the sides of two adjacent rectangular frames are connected by flexible connecting strips; when folding the agile ladder, the rectangular frames overlap each other, the magnetic components attract each other, and one rectangular frame can be folded twice. That is, the minimum planar projection of the agile ladder after folding can be one-quarter of the area of ​​a rectangular frame. During the folding process, the magnetic components attract and align each other, which facilitates neat folding, makes it easy to store and prevents it from falling apart. After storage, it can be laid flat, and the rope ladder is not easily deformed.

[0009] Furthermore, the surface of the flexible ladder rope is provided with fluorescent strips; the fluorescent strips on the exterior of the rope ladder can clearly display the outline of the agility ladder in low-light environments, effectively ensuring the training process and the safety of the trainees; the fluorescent strips can be fixed to the surface of the flexible ladder rope by sewing or other means, or, in one possible embodiment, the fluorescent strips can be detachably connected to the surface of each flexible ladder rope by pasting or magnetic attraction.

[0010] Furthermore, each flexible ladder rope is provided with two segments of fluorescent strips, and each segment of fluorescent strips corresponds to the length and position of the magnetic attraction component; the fluorescent strips on the flexible ladder ropes are segmented, so that the fluorescent strips will not be folded when the agile ladder is folded and stored, effectively extending the life of the fluorescent strips, and without affecting the shape and outline of the agile ladder.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the flexible ladder rope has a rectangular or near-rectangular cross-section. Based on existing rope ladders, the original cylindrical ladder rope is improved to have a rectangular or near-rectangular cross-section, making it easier to grip the ground. The flexible ladder rope can be made of polypropylene braided rope, which has advantages such as light weight, high strength, high elongation, good abrasion resistance, and chemical corrosion resistance, making it suitable for long-term outdoor use. Furthermore, the rope ladder incorporates a magnetic attraction component, increasing its self-weight and ensuring stable placement during use, preventing it from being blown away in windy conditions.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the rectangular frame is square, and two sets of magnetic assemblies on each flexible ladder rope are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the midpoint of the flexible ladder rope, so that the eight magnetic assemblies on the rectangular frame are axially symmetrical with respect to any axis of symmetry of the rectangular frame. The square rectangular frame has multiple axes of symmetry, so whether a single rectangular frame is symmetrically folded first and then overlapped with other rectangular frames, or several rectangular frames of the agile ladder are overlapped first and then folded a second time, it can ultimately be stored as a block structure, which is convenient for storage.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the width of the flexible connecting strip is not less than the thickness of the flexible ladder rope wrapping the magnetic component. When folded, the rectangular frames overlap each other, and the width of the flexible connecting strip is not less than the thickness of the flexible ladder rope, so that the folded rectangular frames overlap flatly, while avoiding excessive stretching of the flexible connecting strip.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the surface of the flexible ladder rope has an anti-slip texture, which refers to the flexible ladder rope having a rough surface. Alternatively, anti-slip grooves or anti-slip protrusions may be provided on the surface of the flexible ladder rope. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the agile trapezoidal frame structure provided in the embodiment of this utility model;

[0016] Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of the flexible ladder rope of the rectangular frame provided in Example 1;

[0017] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the agile ladder structure provided in Example 1;

[0018] Figure 4 A three-dimensional view of the agile ladder provided in Example 1.

[0019] In the diagram, 1 is a rectangular frame; 11 is a magnetic strip; 12 is a carbon steel strip; 13 is a fluorescent strip; and 2 is a flexible connecting strip. Detailed Implementation

[0020] First, those skilled in the art should understand that the following embodiments are merely used to explain the technical principles of the embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the embodiments of this application. Those skilled in the art can make adjustments as needed to adapt to specific application scenarios.

[0021] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0022] In the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0023] To make the objectives, features and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] Example

[0025] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, this embodiment provides a foldable and easy-to-store ladder, including several connected rectangular frames 1. Each rectangular frame 1 includes four flexible ladder ropes, which are connected end to end to form the four sides of the rectangular frame 1. Each flexible ladder rope is provided with two sets of magnetic components, which include a long magnetic strip 11 and a carbon steel strip 12. The magnetic strip 11 and the carbon steel strip 12 are arranged side by side and attached to each other within the flexible ladder rope. The two sets of magnetic components are spaced apart along the length of the flexible ladder rope. The sides of two adjacent rectangular frames 1 are connected by a flexible connecting strip 2. In this embodiment, the sides of two rectangular frames 1 are sewn together with the flexible connecting strip 2.

[0026] This agility ladder is suitable for soccer training, basketball training, and children's physical education classes. In soccer training, it can be used to train students' ability to quickly change direction and stop suddenly. In basketball training, it can be folded into a frame shape, allowing students to simulate jumping under the basket, improving jump height and landing stability. In children's physical education classes, it can be used to improve students' agility and for footwork exercises.

[0027] The flexible ladder rope is made of polypropylene braided rope with a thickness of ≥18 mm. Polypropylene is lightweight, strong, has high elongation, good abrasion resistance, and chemical corrosion resistance, making it suitable for long-term outdoor use. The carbon steel strips inside the flexible ladder rope allow it to maintain its shape even when unfolded at high temperatures. A long bar magnet is installed at each end of the flexible ladder rope, with nothing placed between the two long bar magnets (only for flexible connection), leaving space for folding.

[0028] In one embodiment, the surface of the flexible ladder rope is provided with a fluorescent strip 13; the fluorescent strip 13 on the exterior of the rope ladder can clearly display the outline of the agility ladder in low lighting conditions, effectively ensuring the training and ensuring the safety of the trainees; the fluorescent strip 13 is sewn onto the surface of the flexible ladder rope, or the fluorescent strip 13 can be detachably connected to the surface of each flexible ladder rope by Velcro or magnetic attraction.

[0029] In one embodiment, each flexible ladder rope is provided with two segments of the fluorescent strip 13, and each segment of the fluorescent strip 13 corresponds to the length and position of the magnetic attraction component; the fluorescent strips on the flexible ladder rope are segmented, so that the fluorescent strips will not be folded when the agile ladder is folded and stored, effectively extending the life of the fluorescent strips, and without affecting the shape and outline of the agile ladder.

[0030] In one embodiment, the flexible ladder rope has a rectangular or near-rectangular cross-section. Based on existing rope ladders, the original cylindrical ladder rope is improved to have a rectangular or near-rectangular cross-section, making it easier to grip the ground. The flexible ladder rope can be made of polypropylene braided rope, which has advantages such as light weight, high strength, high elongation, good abrasion resistance, and chemical corrosion resistance, making it suitable for long-term outdoor use. Furthermore, the rope ladder includes a magnetic attraction component, increasing its self-weight and ensuring stable placement during use, preventing it from being blown away in windy conditions.

[0031] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the rectangular frame 1 is square, and the two sets of magnetic components on each flexible ladder rope are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the midpoint of the flexible ladder rope, so that the eight magnetic components on the rectangular frame 1 are axially symmetrically distributed with respect to any axis of symmetry of the rectangular frame (1); the square rectangular frame 1 has multiple axes of symmetry, and whether a single rectangular frame is symmetrically folded first and then overlapped with other rectangular frames, or several rectangular frames of the agile ladder are overlapped first and then folded a second time, it can eventually be stored into a rectangular structure (its projection on the plane is...). Figure 1 It is one-quarter the size of a rectangular frame, making it easy to store.

[0032] In one embodiment, the width of the flexible connecting strip 2 is not less than the thickness of the flexible ladder rope wrapping the magnetic component. When folded, the rectangular frames 1 overlap each other, and the width of the flexible connecting strip 2 is not less than the thickness of the flexible ladder rope, so that the folded rectangular frames 1 overlap flatly and avoid excessive stretching of the flexible connecting strip 2.

[0033] In one embodiment, the surface of the flexible ladder rope has an anti-slip texture, which can be a rough surface, anti-slip grooves, or anti-slip protrusions.

[0034] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that the terms "inner" and "outer" and other terms indicating direction or positional relationship are based on the direction or positional relationship shown in the drawings. This is only for the convenience of description and does not indicate or imply that the device or component must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0035] In the description of this application, the reference to terms such as "this embodiment," "an embodiment," etc., means that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0036] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A portable folding agile ladder comprising a plurality of rectangular frames (1) connected together, characterized in that: Each rectangular frame (1) includes four flexible ladder ropes, which are connected end to end to form the four sides of the rectangular frame (1). Each flexible ladder rope is provided with two sets of magnetic attraction components. The magnetic attraction components include a long strip of magnetic strip (11) and a carbon steel strip (12). The magnetic strip (11) and the carbon steel strip (12) are arranged side by side and attached to each other in the flexible ladder rope. The two sets of magnetic attraction components are arranged at intervals in the length direction of the flexible ladder rope. The sides of two adjacent rectangular frames (1) are connected by a flexible connecting strip (2).

2. The fold stowable agility ladder of claim 1, wherein: The surface of the flexible ladder rope is provided with fluorescent strips (13).

3. The fold stowable agility ladder of claim 2, wherein: The fluorescent strip (13) can be detachably attached to the surface of each flexible ladder rope by means of adhesive or magnetic attraction.

4. The fold stowable agility ladder of claim 2 or 3, wherein: Each flexible ladder rope is provided with two fluorescent strips (13), and each fluorescent strip (13) corresponds to the length and position of the magnetic attraction component inside the flexible ladder rope.

5. The fold stowable agility ladder of any of claims 1-3, wherein: The cross-section of the flexible ladder rope is rectangular or approximately rectangular.

6. The foldable and easy-to-store ladder according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: The rectangular frame (1) is square, and two sets of magnetic components on each flexible ladder rope are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the midpoint of the flexible ladder rope. The eight magnetic components on the rectangular frame (1) are symmetrically distributed with respect to any axis of symmetry of the rectangular frame (1).

7. The conveniently stowable agility ladder of claim 1, wherein: The surface of the flexible ladder rope has an anti-slip texture.