Exercise sled devices and methods

Abstract

An exercise sled device may include a circular base. An exercise sled device may include a weight rack rotatably coupled to the circular base. An exercise sled device may include an anchor fixed to or integrally formed from the weight rack, wherein the weight rack includes a directional axis extending from a center of gravity of the exercise sled device to the anchor, and wherein the exercise sled device is configured to track a user by aligning the directional axis of the weight rack with a tension direction applied to the anchor by the user.

Description

EXERCISE SLED DEVICES AND METHODSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 531,351, filed August 8, 2023, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to the field of exercise devices and methods, and more specifically to the field of sled exercise devices.BACKGROUND

[0003] Exercise sleds, also known as push or pull sleds, are popular fitness tools used for strength and conditioning workouts. These sleds typically generally include a base with skis or runners and handles or attachment points for weights and are designed to be pushed, pulled, or dragged across various surfaces, such as turf, grass, or concrete. Sleds are effective for building lower body strength, enhancing cardiovascular fitness, and improving overall athletic performance. Exercise sleds are inherently designed for straight-line movement. For example, the weight of the sled, friction with the surface, and momentum contribute to the difficulty in changing direction, requiring effort and various techniques from the user to overcome these challenges.SUMMARY

[0004] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an exercise sled device including: a base; a weight rack rotatably coupled to the base; and an anchor coupled to the weight rack, wherein the weight rack includes a directional axis extending from a center of gravity of the exercise sled device to the anchor, and wherein the weight rack is configured to rotate relative to the base to align the directional axis of the weight rack with a tension direction applied to the anchor.

[0005] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method of using an exercise sled device including: attaching a tether to a weight rack rotatably coupled to the exercise sled device; applying tension to the tether to align a directional axis of the exercise sled device substantially with a tension direction applied to the tether; and pulling theexercise sled device to perform an exercise in a direction aligned with the directional axis of the exercise sled device.

[0006] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an exercise sled device including: a base; a weight rack rotatably coupled to the base; an anchor coupled to the weight rack; and a weight horn coupled to the weight rack and configured to removably couple one or more plate weights to the exercise sled device, and wherein a longitudinal axis of the weight horn is perpendicular to an upper surface of the weight rack and aligned with a center of gravity of the exercise sled device.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The foregoing is a summary, and thus, necessarily limited in detail. The above- mentioned aspects, as well as other aspects, features, and advantages of the present technology are described below in connection with various embodiments, with reference made to the accompanying drawings.

[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates a user using an embodiment of an exercise sled device.

[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates a box diagram of an embodiment of an exercise sled device.

[0010] FIG. 3 A illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an exercise sled device with a weight horn.

[0011] FIG. 3B illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an exercise sled device without a weight horn.

[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an exercise sled device.

[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of an exercise sled device.

[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of an exercise sled device with a plate weight removably coupled thereto.

[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of an exercise sled device with two plate weights removably coupled to the exercise sled device.

[0016] FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a method of using an exercise sled device.

[0017] The illustrated embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the disclosure. The schematics are drawn to illustrate features and concepts and are not necessarily drawn to scale.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The foregoing is a summary, and thus, necessarily limited in detail. The above- mentioned aspects, as well as other aspects, features, and advantages of the presenttechnology will now be described in connection with various embodiments. The inclusion of the following embodiments is not intended to limit the disclosure to these embodiments, but rather to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the claimed subject matter. Other embodiments may be utilized, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. Aspects of the disclosure, as described and illustrated herein, can be arranged, combined, modified, and designed in a variety of different formulations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and form part of this disclosure.

[0019] Conventional sleds typically include skis and / or runners at the bottom of the sled for the reduction of contact area between the sled and the surface or medium (i.e., snow, ice, dirt, asphalt, etc.) over which the sled slides. Reducing contact area results in reduced friction between the sleds and the surface of the medium upon which the sleds traverse. Furthermore, the skis and runners of the sled provide directional stability to reduce effort in maintaining a course. The technical problem with conventional sleds is that conventional exercise sleds are designed for straight-line movement. For example, the weight of the sled, friction with the surface, and momentum contribute to difficulty in changing direction, requiring effort and various techniques from the user to overcome these challenges.

[0020] The technical solutions to the above-identified technical problems are solved by exercise sled devices described herein. Conventional sleds reduce friction between the sled and the surface or medium over which the sled slides, while bracing the sled for straight-line travel. The technical solutions provided by the exercise sled devices described herein are to provide a user with resistance (i.e., traversal resistance) when the user pulls and / or pushes the sled. The goal of increasing traversal resistance (i.e., the resistance of movement) is opposed by the goal of traditional sleds, which is to reduce traversal resistance and decrease course maintenance effort. Further, the technical solutions provided by the exercise sled devices described herein are to provide an exercise sled which can change course easily. For example, a user may have limited space for exercise, thus increasing the need for rapid course changes of, for example, 45 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, etc. Exercise sled device embodiments described herein exploit the goal difference of exercise sled devices versus traditional sleds.

[0021] Various embodiments of exercise sled devices described herein include a base and a weight rack rotatably coupled to the base. In some embodiments, the exercise sled devices described herein may optionally include a friction reducing device, a tether anchor coupled tothe weight rack, and / or a weight horn. For example, using the tether anchor, a user may tether themselves to an exercise sled device such that the exercise sled device may be pulled by the user. When the user changes direction, the tether, anchored to the weight rack, may cause the weight rack to rotate such that force applied by the user aligns substantially with the center of gravity of the exercise sled device. Further, when changing direction, the weight rack may rotate about the center of gravity. The aforementioned capabilities of exercise sled devices described herein increase stability of the sled with balanced rotation and reduced torque requirements, increase control with predictable motion and simplified dynamics, and lower the rotational inertia to overcome when changing direction.

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a user 90 exercising with an embodiment of an exercise sled device 100. The user 90 may be connected to the sled device 100 using a tether 85. Tethers described herein may be an attachment device such as a rope, a cord, a chain, a strap, or combination thereof, to connect a user to a sled device 100. The tether 85 may be a segment or a portion or the tether 85 may be one or more segments or portions or the tether 85 may be a plurality of segments or portions. As shown in FIG. 1, tension is being applied to the tether 85 that is coupled to a weight rack 20 of the exercise sled device 100. The exercise sled device 100 includes a base 40, the weight rack 20 rotatably coupled to the base 40, a weight horn 10, and, optionally, a plate weight 60 removably coupled to the sled device 100. By applying tension to the tether 85, the sled device 100 may be pulled to perform an exercise. Optionally, one or more plate weights 60 may be added to the sled device 100 to adjust the amount of force used to move the sled device 100.

[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of an exercise sled device 100. The exercise sled device 100 may include a base 40 and a weight rack 20 rotatably coupled to the base 40. The exercise sled device 100 may further optionally include a friction reducing device 30 positioned between the weight rack 20 and the base 40, an anchor 24 on the weight rack 20, and a weight horn 10. The base 40 may be circular such that the mechanics are uniform regardless of which direction the sled device 100 is pulled or pushed in. The anchor 24 may be fixed to, integrally formed from, or removably coupled to the weight rack 20. The anchor 24 may be a loop, a hook, a defined aperture, or any other feature that a tether may be coupled to. The anchor 24 may be used for attaching an optional tether 85 (shown in FIG. 1) to the exercise sled device 100. The optional weight horn 10 may be fixed to the weight rack 20 to removably couple weights to the exercise sled device 100. For example, a weight may be threaded onto the weight horn or the weight horn inserted through an aperture defined bythe weight so that the weight rests on the sled device 100. The sled device 100 may be used for exercise, utility, or otherwise. For example, sled devices 100 could be used to haul, transfer or otherwise convey items and / or material from one location to another.

[0024] FIGs. 3 A and 3B illustrates an embodiment of an exercise sled device 100. The exercise sled device 100 may include a base 40 and a weight rack 20 rotatably coupled to the base 40. The exercise sled device 100 may further, optionally, include a friction reducing device 30 (e.g., shown in FIGs. 4 and 5) positioned between the weight rack 20 and the base 40, an anchor 24 on the weight rack 20, and / or a weight horn 10 (e.g., shown in FIG. 3A). The anchor 24 may be integrally formed from or defined within the weight rack 20. The anchor 24 may be used to attach a tether 85 to the exercise sled device 100, for example, as shown in FIGs. 1 and 6. Further, some embodiments may include a weight horn 10 (e.g., shown in FIG. 3 A) fixed to the weight rack 20 to removably couple weights to the exercise sled device 100. The weight horn 10 may be fixed to or removably coupled to the weight rack 20. For example, the weight horn 10 may insert into the weight rack 20, the weight horn may clip into the weight rack 20, the weight horn 10 may thread into the weight rack 20, or the like.

[0025] The weight rack 20 may be rotatably coupled to the base 40. A friction reducing device 30 (e.g., shown in FIGs. 4 and 5) may be positioned at the interface between the weight rack 20 and the base 40 to reduce the friction incurred while rotating the weight rack 20 with respect to the base 40. The friction reducing device 30 may be a ball bearing, a bushing, or other friction reducing device known in the art. A bushing used as a friction reducing device 30 may be include one or more materials with a low friction coefficient. For example, when friction reducing device 30 is positioned between the weight rack 20 and the base 40, the bushing may lower the amount of friction incurred when the weight rack 20 is rotated with respect to the base 40. Bushings may be composed of, formed or, or comprise materials such as: bronze, brass, aluminum, polytetrafluoroethylene, nylon, acetal, polyethylene, or the like. Exercise sled devices 100 employing a ball bearing as the friction reducing device 30 may utilize a ball bearing with a diameter 35 considerable in relation to diameter 25 of the weight rack 20. For example, a ratio of the diameter 35 of the friction reducing device 30 to the diameter 25 of the weight rack 20 may be greater than about 50%; may be about 25% to about 80%; about 35% to about 75%; about 45% to about 65%; about 50% to about 60%o; etc. A tuned ratio of the diameter 35 of the ball bearing friction reducing device 30 to the diameter 25 of the weight rack 20 may increase stability of the weight rack 20, especially when loaded with one or moreweights 70 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7). Some embodiments may include a weight rack 20 with a diameter 25 sufficient to support large common weight rack diameter. For example, the diameter of the weight rack 20 may be about 20 cm to about 60 cm; about 25 cm to about 55 cm; about 35 cm to about 50 cm; about 40 cm to about 45 cm; etc.

[0026] Various embodiments of an exercise sled device 100 may include a weight horn 10 coupled to (e.g., fixed or removable) the weight rack 20 for the removable coupling of one or more weights, for example plate weights. As shown in FIG. 3 A, the weight horn 10 may be coupled to the weight rack 20 such that the longitudinal axis 120 of the weight horn 10 passes through the center of gravity 130 of the exercise sled device 100. By aligning the longitudinal axis 120 of the weight horn 10 such that the longitudinal axis 120 of the weight horn 10 is approximately perpendicular to the upper surface 21 of the weight rack 20 and aligns with the center of gravity 130 of the sled device 100, it is ensured that added plate weights 70 (e.g., shown in FIGs. 6 and 7) do not shift, or at least do not significantly shift, the center of gravity 130 location when added to the sled device 100. Further, the longitudinal axis 120 of the weight horn 10 may be approximately perpendicular to the directional axis 140.

[0027] Various embodiments of the exercise sled device 100 may include one or more features to aid in the placement, removal, and / or adjustment of weights removably coupled to the sled device 100. The weight rack 20 may include one or more studs 105 which may support a plate weight 70 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7) when removably coupled to the sled device 100. By supporting the plate weight 70 using one or more studs 105, the plate weight 70 does not sit flush upon an upper surface 21 of the weight rack 20, allowing a user a space underneath the plate weight 70 and above the upper surface 21 of the weight rack 20 to grip the plate weight 70 during placement, removal, and / or adjustment. The one or more studs 105 may be removable coupled to, fixed to, or integrally formed from the weight rack 20. Exercise sled devices 100 may include one or more rubber spacer rings 80, as shown in FIG. 7. The one or more rubber spacer rings 80 may include an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter 11 of the weight horn 10, such that a rubber spacer ring 80 may be placed on the weight horn 10 between plate weights 70, as shown in FIG. 7. A rubber spacer ring 80 between the plate weights 70 separates adjacent weights 70 and allows a user a space underneath the plate weight 70 to grip the plate weight 70 during placement, removal, and / or adjustment.

[0028] FIGs. 1-7 illustrate the base 40 of the exercise sled device 100. The base 40 is circular such that pulling sled device 100 in any direction results in substantially uniform motion mechanics. The base 40 may include a raised rim 45 that may aid in deterring foreign objectsand material from entering the trough 41 of the base 40. The rim 45 and trough 41 may be on a top side 46 of the base 40, opposite the side 48 of the base 40 which interfaces with the medium or surface that the sled device 100 traverses and / or rests upon. For example, the rim 45 may be deter foreign objects and material such as rocks, leaves, dirt, mud, etc. from entering the trough 41 and ultimately obstructing the friction reducing device 30. Deterring foreign objects and material from entering the trough 41 of the sled device 100 may increase the reliability and lifespan of the friction reducing device 30. The rim 40 may also be beneficial for traversing the exercise sled device 100 over uneven terrain.

[0029] FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of the exercise sled device 100. The weight rack 20 may be rotatably coupled to the base 40 to allow the weight rack 20, and any plate weights 70 coupled thereto, to rotate clockwise 150 or counterclockwise 155, as shown in FIG. 6, relative to the base 40. The exercise sled device 100 includes a directional axis 140 which extends from the center of gravity 130 (e.g., shown in FIGs. 3A and 3B) of the sled device 100 to the anchor 25. The weight rack 20 may be driven to rotate either clockwise 150 or counterclockwise 155 about the center of gravity 130 of the sled device 100, when the directional axis 140 is not aligned with the tension direction 110 (shown in FIG. 1) that the user 90 is applying to the tether 85. Said another way, the weight rack 20 may rotate in either direction (i.e., clockwise or counterclockwise) to ensure the tension direction 110 is substantially aligned with the directional axis 140 and away from the center of gravity 130 of the sled device 100. Using exercise sled device embodiments described herein ensures stability during use due to pulling force directions (parallel to tension direction 110) substantially aligning with the directional axis 140, which aligns with the center of gravity 130 of the sled device 100. As such, forces align with or near the center of gravity 130 of the sled device 100, which increases stability since significant amounts of torque are not generated about the center of gravity 130 of the sled device 100. Furthermore, a user may experience increased efficiency and stability while changing the direction of exercise sled device embodiments described herein due to the weight rack 20, and any weights 70 coupled thereto, rotating about the center of gravity 130 of the exercise sled 100. As such, the sled device 100 tracks a user pulling in any direction. Automatic tracking of, or alignment with, a user by the exercise sled device simplifies exercise procedures.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 8, a method S 10 for using an exercise sled device for exercise includes attaching a tether to a weight rack rotatably coupled to an exercise sled device in block S20; applying tension to the tether to align a directional axis of the exercise sled device substantially with the tension direction applied to the tether in block S30; pulling exercisesled device to perform exercise in a direction parallel to the directional axis of the exercise sled device in block S40; and optionally changing pull direction of exercise sled to realign the directional axis of the exercise sled device with a new tension direction in block S40. The method S10 functions to perform an exercise of pulling an exercise sled device. The method S10 is used for recreational exercise but can additionally, or alternatively, be used for any suitable applications. The method S10 can be configured and / or adapted to function for any suitable operation.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 8, an embodiment of a method S10 for using an exercise sled device for exercise includes block S20, which recites attaching a tether to a weight rack rotatably coupled to an exercise sled device. Block S20 functions to attach a tether to an exercise sled device such that a user can apply tension to the tether and pull the sled device. As described above for FIG. 2, an exercise sled device may include an anchor 24 fixed to, removably coupled to, or integrally formed from, the weight rack 20. The anchor 24 may be a loop, a hook, a defined aperture, or any other feature. The anchor 24 may be used for attaching a tether to the exercise sled device 100. In some implementations, attaching a tether to the weight rack may include a tether attached to a harness. Further, in some implementations, a tether 85 may be coupled to an anchor 25 via a carabiner 75, as shown in FIG. 6, or other quick connect clip.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 8, an embodiment of a method S10 for using an exercise sled device for exercise includes block S30, which recites applying tension to the tether to align a directional axis of the exercise sled device substantially with the tension direction applied to the tether. Block S30 functions to align the directional axis of the exercise sled device with the tension direction applied to the tether for stable maneuverability of the exercise sled device. As described above and shown in FIGs. 3A and 3B, a directional axis 140 extends from the anchor 25 to the center of gravity 130 of the exercise sled device 100. When tension is applied to the anchor 25, the weight rack 20 rotates clockwise 150 or counterclockwise 155, as shown in FIG. 6, about the center of gravity 130 of the exercise sled device 100 to substantially align the directional axis 140 with the tension direction 110 (e.g., shown in FIG. 1). Rotating the weight rack 25 about the center of gravity 130 of the sled device 100 may allow stable and / or efficient direction adjustments of the sled device 100.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 8, an embodiment of a method S10 for using an exercise sled device for exercise includes block S40, which recites pulling the exercise sled device to perform exercise in a direction substantially parallel to the directional axis of the exercisesled device. Block S40 functions to allow a stable use of the exercise sled device. As described above and shown in FIGs. 3 A and 3B, the exercise sled 100 is pulled in a direction substantially parallel to the directional axis 140. As such, the pulling force directions (parallel to tension direction 110) is substantially aligned with the directional axis 140, which aligns with the center of gravity 130 of the sled device 100 which increases the stability of the sled device 100.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 8, an embodiment of a method S 10 for using an exercise sled device for exercise includes optional block S50, which recites optionally changing pull direction of exercise sled realigning the directional axis of the exercise sled device with a new tension direction. Optional block S50 functions to enable a user to change a direction of tension or pulling when exercising with the exercise sled device. As described above and shown in FIG. 6, the exercise sled device 100 includes a weight rack 20 capable of rotating clockwise 150 or counterclockwise 155 about the center of gravity 130 of the exercise sled device 100. As such, when a user changes a pull direction, and thus changes the tension direction upon the tether, the weight rack 20 of the exercise sled device 100 rotates to align the directional axis 140 (e.g., shown in FIGs. 3A and 3B) with the tension direction 110 (e.g., shown in FIG. 1). Aligning the directional axis 140 with the tension direction 110 allows the sled device 100 to easily track the user. As such, changes in pull directions upon the exercise sled device 100 are stable, controlled, and / or efficient.

[0035] As used in the description and claims, the singular form “a”, “an” and “the” include both singular and plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term “weight” may include, and is contemplated to include a plurality of weights. At times, the claims and disclosure may include terms such as “a plurality,” “one or more,” or “at least one;” however, the absence of such terms is not intended to mean, and should not be interpreted to mean, that a plurality is not conceived.

[0036] The term “about” or “approximately,” when used before a numerical designation or range (e.g., to define a length or pressure), indicates approximations which may vary by ( + ) or ( - ) 5%, 1% or 0.1%. All numerical ranges provided herein are inclusive of the stated start and end numbers. The term “substantially” indicates mostly (i.e., greater than 50%) or essentially all of a device, substance, or composition.

[0037] As used herein, the term “comprising” or “comprises” is intended to mean that the devices, systems, and methods include the recited elements, and may additionally include any other elements. “Consisting essentially of’ shall mean that the devices, systems, and methodsinclude the recited elements and exclude other elements of essential significance to the combination for the stated purpose. Thus, a system or method consisting essentially of the elements as defined herein would not exclude other materials, features, or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed disclosure. “Consisting of’ shall mean that the devices, systems, and methods include the recited elements and exclude anything more than a trivial or inconsequential element or step. Embodiments defined by each of these transitional terms are within the scope of this disclosure.

[0038] The examples and illustrations included herein show, by way of illustration and not of limitation, specific embodiments in which the subject matter may be practiced. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred to herein individually or collectively by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept, if more than one is in fact disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.

[0039] Example Embodiments:

[0040] Example 1. An exercise sled device comprising: a base; a weight rack rotatably coupled to the base; and an anchor coupled to the weight rack, wherein the weight rack includes a directional axis extending from a center of gravity of the exercise sled device to the anchor, and wherein the weight rack is configured to rotate relative to the base to align the directional axis of the weight rack with a tension direction applied to the anchor.

[0041] Example 2. The exercise sled device of any one of the preceding examples, but in particular example 1, further comprising a weight horn coupled to the weight rack, wherein the weight horn is configured to removably couple one or more weights to the exercise sled device.

[0042] Example 3. The exercise sled device of any one of the preceding examples, but in particular example 2, wherein a longitudinal axis of the weight horn is perpendicular to an upper surface of the weight rack and aligned with the center of gravity of the exercise sled device.

[0043] Example 4. The exercise sled device of any one of the preceding examples, but in particular example 2, further comprising one or more spacer rings configured to couple to the weight horn between two or more plate weights such that the two or more plate weights are separated from one another.

[0044] Example 5. The exercise sled device of any one of the preceding examples, but in particular example 1, wherein the weight rack further comprises one or more studs configured to support one or more weights configured to be positioned on the weight rack.

[0045] Example 6. The exercise sled device of any one of the preceding examples, but in particular example 1, wherein the base further comprises a rim configured to deter foreign objects and material from entering a trough of the base.

[0046] Example 7. The exercise sled device of any one of the preceding examples, but in particular example 1, further comprises a friction reducing device positioned between the weight rack and the base, wherein the friction reducing device is configured to reduce friction incurred while rotating the weight rack with respect to the base.

[0047] Example 8. The exercise sled device of any one of the preceding examples, but in particular example 7, wherein the friction reducing device is a bushing.

[0048] Example 9. The exercise sled device of any one of the preceding examples, but in particular example 7, wherein the friction reducing device is a ball bearing.

[0049] Example 10. The exercise sled device of any one of the preceding examples, but in particular example 9, wherein a ratio of a diameter of the ball bearing to a diameter of the weight rack is greater than about 50%.

[0050] Example 11. The exercise sled device of any one of the preceding examples, but in particular example 9, wherein a ratio of a diameter of the ball bearing to a diameter of the weight rack is about 50% to about 60%.

[0051] Example 12. A method of using an exercise sled device comprising: attaching a tether to a weight rack rotatably coupled to the exercise sled device; applying tension to the tether to align a directional axis of the exercise sled device substantially with a tension direction applied to the tether; and pulling the exercise sled device to perform an exercise in a direction aligned with the directional axis of the exercise sled device.

[0052] Example 13. The method of any one of the preceding examples, but in particular example 12, further comprising changing a pull direction of the exercise sled by realigning the directional axis of the exercise sled device with a second tension direction.

[0053] Example 14. The method of any one of the preceding examples, but in particular example 12, further comprising removably coupling one or more weights to the weight rack of the exercise sled device.

[0054] Example 15. The method of any one of the preceding examples, but in particular example 12, further comprising removably coupling a weight horn to the weight rack of the exercise sled device.

[0055] Example 16. The method of any one of the preceding examples, but in particular example 15, further comprising removably coupling one or more weights to the weight rack of the exercise sled device via the weight horn 18.

[0056] Example 17. An exercise sled device comprising: a base; a weight rack rotatably coupled to the base; an anchor coupled to the weight rack; and a weight horn coupled to the weight rack and configured to removably couple one or more plate weights to the exercise sled device, and wherein a longitudinal axis of the weight horn is perpendicular to an upper surface of the weight rack and aligned with a center of gravity of the exercise sled device. 20.

[0057] Example 18. The exercise sled device of any one of the preceding examples, but in particular example 17, wherein the weight rack includes a directional axis extending from a center of gravity of the exercise sled device to the anchor, and wherein the weight rack is configured to rotate relative to the base to align the directional axis of the weight rack with a tension direction applied to the anchor.

[0058] Example 19. The exercise sled device of any one of the preceding examples, but in particular example 17, further comprising one or more spacer rings configured to couple to the weight horn between two or more plate weights such that the two or more plate weights are separated from one another.

[0059] Example 20. The exercise sled device of any one of the preceding examples, but in particular example 17, wherein the weight rack further comprises one or more studs configured to support one or more plate weights.

[0060] Example 21. The exercise sled device of any one of the preceding examples, but in particular example 17, wherein the base further comprises a rim configured to deter foreign objects and material from entering a trough of the base.

[0061] Example 22. The exercise sled device of any one of the preceding examples, but in particular example 17, further comprising a friction reducing device positioned between the weight rack and the base, wherein the friction reducing device is configured to reduce friction incurred while rotating the weight rack with respect to the base.

[0062] Example 23. The exercise sled device of any one of the preceding examples, but in particular example 22, wherein the friction reducing device is a bushing.

[0063] Example 24. The exercise sled device of any one of the preceding examples, but in particular example 22, wherein the friction reducing device is a ball bearing.

[0064] Example 25. The exercise sled device of any one of the preceding examples, but in particular example 24, wherein a ratio of a diameter of the ball bearing to a diameter of the weight rack is greater than about 50%.

[0065] Example 26. The exercise sled device of any one of the preceding examples, but in particular example 24, wherein a ratio of a diameter of the ball bearing to a diameter of the weight rack is about 50% to about 60%.

Claims

CLAIMSWHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An exercise sled device comprising: a base; a weight rack rotatably coupled to the base; and an anchor coupled to the weight rack, wherein the weight rack includes a directional axis extending from a center of gravity of the exercise sled device to the anchor, and wherein the weight rack is configured to rotate relative to the base to align the directional axis of the weight rack with a tension direction applied to the anchor.

2. The exercise sled device of claim 1, further comprising a weight horn coupled to the weight rack, wherein the weight horn is configured to removably couple one or more weights to the exercise sled device.

3. The exercise sled device of claim 2, wherein a longitudinal axis of the weight horn is perpendicular to an upper surface of the weight rack and aligned with the center of gravity of the exercise sled device.

4. The exercise sled device of claim 2, further comprising one or more spacer rings configured to couple to the weight horn between two or more plate weights such that the two or more plate weights are separated from one another.

5. The exercise sled device of claim 1, wherein the weight rack further comprises one or more studs configured to support one or more weights configured to be positioned on the weight rack.

6. The exercise sled device of claim 1, wherein the base further comprises a rim configured to deter foreign objects and material from entering a trough of the base.

7. The exercise sled device of claim 1, further comprises a friction reducing device positioned between the weight rack and the base, wherein the friction reducing device is configured to reduce friction incurred while rotating the weight rack with respect to the base.

8. The exercise sled device of claim 7, wherein the friction reducing device is a bushing.

9. The exercise sled device of claim 7, wherein the friction reducing device is a ball bearing.

10. The exercise sled device of claim 9, wherein a ratio of a diameter of the ball bearing to a diameter of the weight rack is greater than about 50%.

11. The exercise sled device of claim 9, wherein a ratio of a diameter of the ball bearing to a diameter of the weight rack is about 50% to about 60%.

12. A method of using an exercise sled device comprising: attaching a tether to a weight rack rotatably coupled to the exercise sled device; applying tension to the tether to align a directional axis of the exercise sled device substantially with a tension direction applied to the tether; and pulling the exercise sled device to perform an exercise in a direction aligned with the directional axis of the exercise sled device.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising changing a pull direction of the exercise sled by realigning the directional axis of the exercise sled device with a second tension direction.

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising removably coupling one or more weights to the weight rack of the exercise sled device.

15. The method of claim 12, further comprising removably coupling a weight horn to the weight rack of the exercise sled device.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising removably coupling one or more weights to the weight rack of the exercise sled device via the weight horn17. An exercise sled device comprising: a base; a weight rack rotatably coupled to the base; an anchor coupled to the weight rack; and a weight horn coupled to the weight rack and configured to removably couple one or more plate weights to the exercise sled device, and wherein a longitudinal axis of the weight horn is perpendicular to an upper surface of the weight rack and aligned with a center of gravity of the exercise sled device.

18. The exercise sled device of claim 17, wherein the weight rack includes a directional axis extending from a center of gravity of the exercise sled device to the anchor, and wherein the weight rack is configured to rotate relative to the base to align the directional axis of the weight rack with a tension direction applied to the anchor.

19. The exercise sled device of claim 17, further comprising one or more spacer rings configured to couple to the weight horn between two or more plate weights such that the two or more plate weights are separated from one another.

20. The exercise sled device of claim 17, wherein the weight rack further comprises one or more studs configured to support one or more plate weights.

21. The exercise sled device of claim 17, wherein the base further comprises a rim configured to deter foreign objects and material from entering a trough of the base.

22. The exercise sled device of claim 17, further comprising a friction reducing device positioned between the weight rack and the base, wherein the friction reducing device is configured to reduce friction incurred while rotating the weight rack with respect to the base.

23. The exercise sled device of claim 22, wherein the friction reducing device is a bushing.

24. The exercise sled device of claim 22, wherein the friction reducing device is a ball bearing.

25. The exercise sled device of claim 24, wherein a ratio of a diameter of the ball bearing to a diameter of the weight rack is greater than about 50%.

26. The exercise sled device of claim 24, wherein a ratio of a diameter of the ball bearing to a diameter of the weight rack is about 50% to about 60%.

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