RESISTANCE TRAINING DEVICE FOR ON-ICE ATHLETES AND METHODS

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Provisional Patent Application No. 63/679,796 filed Aug. 6, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference and relied upon.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to resistance training, and more particularly to resistance training for athletes with a focus on skating-based sports such as ice hockey, rollerblading, speed skating, cross-country skiing, and others.

Description of Related Art

Resistance training has become a core training element for competitive sports and can provide an advantage in the constant effort to gain a competitive advantage. It consists of exercising specific muscle groups for the purpose of enhancing physical performance during competitive matches. All resistance training is not equal. Particular amounts of specifically delivered resistance that is trackable (e.g. data for collection), and easily obtainable are strongly desired for athletes, trainers, and coaches, who are interested in measurable, positive gains in performance.

Resistance Training has become the gold standard for all sports in the constant effort to gain even the slightest competitive advantage. However, all resistance training is not equal. A premium is put on having useful amounts of consistently delivered resistance that can also be measured, provide data for collection, as well as be able to be used while wearing the sport-specific equipment or attire.

The Applicants have experience as parents, coaches, and fans of athletes of various sports for well over a decade. Through this experience, they have noted the lack of training devices that effectively deliver the invaluable resistance for a variety of sports including hockey players in an on-ice training regimen. Almost every other sport involves simple shoe-based footwear and this training can be performed practically anywhere. Hockey, on the other hand, involves very unique footware in the form of skates with very sharp metal blades. Of course, hockey also has to be played/trained on ice which is unique and brings its own set of limitations.

Traditional training methods have utilized a range of techniques including weighted sleds, weighted clothing, and partnered resistant bands. All of these simple solutions can provide some level of resistance but are inadequate. What is needed are training methods are able to: (a) deliver consistent or specifically variant loads, (b) measure force/velocity accurately, and (c) deliver recorded data to a system for later analysis.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein is a resistance training device (RTD) that delivers resistance to an athlete during a typical movement stride of their selected sport. For example, in hockey, the movement stride would be a skate motion for which the resistance can be applied for either on or off ice situations or other similar applications. This flexibility also allows for enhanced targeting of training efforts by incorporating elements of form into training and thus higher overall training efforts when compared to the prior art.

When used in a skating application, the resistance training device provides a defined resistance to the on-ice skater that is deliverable in a repeatable and accurate way. The resistance can be varied depending on the activity as well as throughout a specific activity. Delivered resistance and feedback from the subject are both measured and recorded through a method that allows for later analysis. This recording and storing is performed but not limited to using a wireless means, between electronics on the Device and to a computer or smartphone, as well as storage to a cloud-based server.

The operation of the invention can involve one or two individuals, depending on the desired application. In situation A, for example, two individuals are involved, namely an athlete (user) and a coach. The user is attached by means of a line which is an elongate tension device and can be in the form of, for example, a band or rope extending from the resistance training device. The RTD applies the desired resistance or resistance profile (over time) through the line and consequently to the user. The coach oversees the operation of the RTD on the user, driving the device to apply the desired resistance profile to the User. In situation B, the user can also be the coach, covering all duties as described in situation A.

In one form, the RTD is an electric motor controlled, battery-powered, dasher board mountable resistance device. When properly mounted to the dasher board, the RTD is located inside the bench out of harm's way. In some forms, the RTD can deliver a multitude of resistance profiles and report usable data to track speed, power, progress, and isolate areas that need improvement.

In one form, the RTD is portable and can be carried by one person in one trip into any ice arena.

In one form, the RTD will mount easily to any hockey boards that don't have glass rising from them. This most typically occurs adjacent either bench.

In one form, the RTD has approximately 85 feet of line. This length is preferred due to the neutral zone being the least utilized area of the ice during standard hockey practice. In addition, this is where the benches are located. In addition, hockey rinks average 85′ from side to side.

In one form, an algorithm determines the retraction of the line. Once retraction of the line has been requested, it is retracted according to the following procedure: has the athlete position (motor position) exceeded a calibratable fraction of the duration of a programmed resistance profile? If not, the continued profile is applied. If so, has the position of the motor stabilized (as determined by velocity remaining within a calibratable boundary for a calibatable time duration)? If not, continue applying profile. If so, begin retraction. Retraction occurs as follows: command negative torque of motor to a calibrated low level, when position of the motor has stabilized, remove motor torque, ending the process of retraction, and return to applying the programmed resistance profile.

In one form, two pressure clamps are utilized to secure the RTD via friction to the boards (dasher board) with nearly all of the device being outside of the hockey ice area.

In one form, once powered up with a simple switch, a preferred level of resistance or possibly variable resistance is chosen. With a harness worn around the athlete's waist or shoulder and tethered to the RTD by the line, the athlete skates away from the RTD while staying low and using the best skating technique possible. Once the desired amount of strides are taken, the athlete skates back toward the benches while a coach simultaneously pushes a rewind cable button. Alternatively, this can be done after the athlete skates back to the device. At this point, the RTD will be ready for repetition number two. Upon completion, the line is coupled to skater #2 to begin training against the resistance of RTD. Upon completion of the skaters, associated skate data can be downloaded for analysis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more readily appreciated when considered in connection with the following detailed description and appended drawings, wherein each drawing is according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein, and wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a resistance training device mounted to a dasher board in an operational configuration;

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of a resistance training device as it is moved between an operational configuration and a folded configuration;

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a resistance training device mounted to a dasher board in a folded configuration;

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective exploded view of the resistance training device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view on an enclosure of the RTD of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the enclosure of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a palm plate from the RTD of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a support arm assembly of the RTD of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the support arm assembly of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a finger plate of the RTD of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a spanning plate of the RTD of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a clamp plate of the RTD of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a fairlead buffer of the RTD of FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a pivot plate of the RTD of FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a hinge pin of the RTD of FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a hinge boss of the RTD of FIG. 1;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a lock block of the RTD of FIG. 1;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a pivot plate bumper of the RTD of FIG. 1;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a release pin of the RTD of FIG. 1;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a mounting clamp of the RTD of FIG. 1;

FIG. 21 is an alternative perspective view of the mounting clamp of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is front view of a drive spool of the RTD of FIG. 1;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the drive spool of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the drive spool of FIG. 22;

FIG. 25 is a front view of a control panel of the RTD of FIG. 1;

FIG. 26 is an alternative perspective view of the RTD of FIG. 1;

FIG. 27 is a side view of an athlete working against the resistance of the RTD of FIG. 1;

FIG. 28 is a graphical representation of a training assembly using a RTD.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SELECTED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Select embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the Figures. Like numerals indicate like or corresponding elements throughout the several views. The terminology used in the description presented herein is not intended to be interpreted in any limited or restrictive way, simply because it is being utilized in conjunction with detailed description of certain specific embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may include several novel features, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes or which is essential to practicing the invention described herein.

FIG. 1 and FIG. 26-27 depicts a preferred embodiment of a resistance training device (RTD) coupled to a dasher board at an ice skating/hockey rink or other training environment 105. In this embodiment, a training environment 105 comprises a user (athlete 102) that moves against the resistive training device 100 as they traverse across traverse surface 103. The resistance training device 100 is typically part of a larger training assembly 101. For example, resistance training device 100 can be secured to a dasher board 106 that encircles a traverse surface 103 such as the ice on a skating rink. The RTD is typically controlled by a coach 104 through input to a computing device 258 via wired or wireless signal 259 such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), WiFi, or near-field communication.

FIG. 27 further depicts a variety of components of an RTD 100 and the relationship and function between the components with the overall goal of accurately delivering a controlled high-speed resistance through a line 207 that is coupled to the user/athlete 102. This resistance can be used to maintain and improve the user's skating form and performance during training.

As depicted in the Figures, the RTD 100 can be releasably anchored by use of a mount 126 positioned over top of the dasher board 106 of a hockey rink. A dasher board is a protective barrier wall for players that raises vertically from a ground surface approximately 25-30 inches. Commonly the top of the dasher board is capped with a slightly softer flat rail. Securely extending from mount 126 is an enclosure 116. Secured to enclosure 116 is a motor 202 used to create and control resistance, and fairlead buffer 144 which directs delivery of line 207. A coach 104 provides inputs to a control panel 110 that operates the control parameters of the RTD via motor driver software 252 to motor 202. Motor 202 and motor driver software 252 is powered by main battery 216. Main battery 216 can in turn be charged by electrical power supplied through a conductor from a nearby outlet 214. A line 207 is coiled around drive spool 200 wherein one end of line 207 is fixed to drive spool 200 and the other end of line 207 is fixable to athlete 102. Motor 202 controls distribution of line 207 as well as retraction of line 207 by imparting rotation on drive spool 200. As line 207 exits enclosure 116, it is threaded through fairlead buffer 144 to prevent damage to the line. A stopper 222 can be applied to line 207 to control release length.

As depicted in FIG. 1, a RTD 100 is fixed to dasher board 106. A typical dasher board comprises a vertical positioned front face 108 the faces the inside of a skating rink, and a spaced rear face 107 that faces in the opposite direction away from the skating rink. A top face is positioned horizontally and extends from front face 108 to rear face 107.

In this embodiment, mount 126 comprises a C-shaped clamping assembly formed by a finger plate 176 positioned against a superior end of front face 108, a spanning plate 137 adjacent top face 109, and a palm plate 170 adjacent rear face 107 of dasher board 106. Spanning plate 137 and finger plate 176 are generally fixed in a perpendicular orientation to each other via welding, fasteners, or other means known in the art. Here, fasteners 219 are utilized to secure finger plate 176 in perpendicular orientation to spanning plate 137 through mount holes 174 along one side of the plate. In some embodiments, finger plate 176 is a continuation of spanning plate 137 but formed at approximately 90 degrees by metal forming such as sheet metal bending, casting, or forging.

FIG. 10 depicts one embodiment of finger plate 176 which is generally rectangular in shape. This shape of the finger plate and other plates depicted herein may vary in shape without loss of function as those skilled in the art would recognize. Finger plate 176 comprises a clamp face 171 for clamping against dasher board 106 and an opposing free face 172. Bounding face 173 serves to join the clamp face and free face.

Spanning plate 137 is also generally rectangular in this embodiment. It comprises a upward facing spanning plate upper face 138 and a downward facing spanning plate lower face 139. A spanning plate bounding face 140 encircles the spanning plate and extends between the spanning plate lower face and spanning plate upper face. Also extending between the spanning plate upper face and spanning plate lower face is an axle recess 141 to accommodate spool shaft 224 around which drive spool 200 rotates. Positioned near one corner of spanning plate 137, is a fairlead port 142 defined by a fairlead port face 143 extending between the spanning plates upper face and lower face. The fairlead port in this embodiment, is generally oval and is positioned in relation to drive spool 200 to facilitate the easy release of line 207 as it is spooled in and out from drive spool 200. A fairlead buffer 144 can be used to assure safe delivery and protection to the line as it moves through fairlead port 142. In this case, fairlead buffer 144 is in the form of a plate that is aligned and fastened over fairlead port 142 using fasteners 219 through fastener holes 147 in the fairlead buffer. A buffer face 145 defines a buffer port 146 having smooth edges that protects the line as it moves through the buffer port. Buffer port 146 can assume a variety of profiles whether elongate, round, or other. In this embodiment, the profile is an elongate slot to accommodate a flat band like line.

FIG. 7 depicts one embodiment of palm plate 170 which is generally rectangular in shape although again, this general shape of the palm plate may vary in shape without loss of function. Palm plate 170 comprises a clamp face 171 for clamping against the rear face 107 of dasher board 106 and an opposing free face 172. Bounding face 173 serves to join the clamp face and free face. In some embodiments, palm plate 170 is secured to dasher board rear face 107 using fasteners 219 extending through mount holes 174 of the plate and left in place. In this case, the rest of the RTD 100 can be removed and remounted at the same position as desired. Engagement holes 175 extending into free face 172 of palm plate 170 are configured to receive clamp engagement pin 128 of mounting clamp 127 (FIGS. 20-21) used to clamp the RTD in position. These engagement holes 175 are spaced to align with the clamp engagement pins for rapid install and removal of the RTD. In alternative embodiments, the spaced clamp engagement pins 128 are secured to palm plate 179 by welding, fasteners, friction fit, or other means. In this case, the palm plate remains coupled to the claim engagement pins at all times and is deployed for clamping by activating the clamp lever arms 129 through clamp linkage 130 of the mounting clamps 127.

Depicted in FIG. 12 is clamp plate 133 which comprises a clamp plate superior face 134 opposed by a clamp plate inferior face 135. A clamp plate bounding face 136 extends between the clamp plates superior face and clamp plate inferior face to encircle the clamp plate. A plurality of mount holes 174 extending through clamp plate 133 can be utilized to secure clamp base surface 132 of clamp base 131 against spanning plate lower face 139 using fasteners 219 extending through the clamp plate. Pressing clamp lever arm 129 toward clamp base 131 causes consequent displacement of clamp engagement pin 128 towards finger plate 176 thereby locking the dasher board therebetween and removably fixing the RTD 100 in position.

Also secured to spanning plate lower face 139 is a pair of spaced lock blocks 247 as depicted in FIG. 17. Welds 221, fasteners 219 or other means known in the art can be utilized for fixation of the lock blocks to the spanning plate. A pin hole 248 extends into one end of the lock block 247 which is configured to receive a release pin 246 such as the one depicted in FIG. 19. In the operable mode depicted in FIG. 1, a lock hole 164 within pivot plate 158 is aligned with pin hole 248 of lock block 247 thereby securing the RTD in this operable configuration. When a user retracts release pins 246, a portion of the RTD (drive assembly 177) can then be rotated to assume the folded configuration as depicted in FIG. 3. FIG. 2 depicts a position between the folded configuration and operable configuration. In preferred embodiments therefore, pin holes 248 and lock hole 164 are aligned along an axis in the operable configuration for insertion and removal of the release pins.

Drive assembly 177 comprises enclosure 116 which in turn houses a drive spool 200 and a pair of opposing support arm assemblies 178. The drive assembly is pivotable in relation to mount 126. This motion is controlled by hinge 150 formed by a pivot plate 158 component secured over a pivot plate port 117 of enclosure 116 that articulates around a hinge pin 193. Pivot plate 158 is generally rectangular in this embodiment having an internal surface 160 opposed by an external surface 159 forming the broad flat faces of the plate, and a boundary face 161 extending between external surface 159 and internal surface 160 as depicted in FIG. 14. Formed at one end of the plate is a pivot plate notch 162 defined by a notch face 163 shaped to avoid interference (i.e. U-shaped) with line 207 as it exits drive assembly 177. Portions of boundary face 161 can be termed lock faces 165 which house lock holes 164 that are present to receive the release pin 246 discussed earlier.

Although not depicted in FIG. 14, a series of spaced pivot plate hinge bosses 152 are formed with pivot plate 158 at boundary face 161 and hinge boss outer face 153 such that the pivot plate functions as one half of a working hinge. Likewise, although not depicted in FIG. 11, a series of spaced spanning plate hinge bosses 151 are formed with spanning plate 137 at spanning plate bounding face 140 and hinge boss outer face 153 such that the spanning plate functions as the other half of the working hinge. The spanning plate hinge boss 151 and the pivot plate hinge boss 152, comprise a hinge pin hole 155 defined by a cylindrical hinge pivot face 156 extending through generally flat hinge abutment face 154. In typical configurations, the hinge bosses outer faces are generally cylindrical. The hinge bosses extending from the pivot plate and the spanning plate interlock so the hinge pin holes 155 can be aligned and secured using hinge pin 193. Hinge pin 193 comprises a generally cylindrical pin face 194 extending along an elongate axis and is sized for pivoting engagement with hinge pin hole 155. Hinge pin 193 may comprise one or more restraint grooves 195 for retaining clip and/or enlarged head to help secure the hinge pin within the articulating hinge components.

A pivot plate bumper 166 can be used as a cushion between spanning plate 137 and pivot plate 158. As depicted in FIG. 3, pivot plate bumpers are secured to the pivot plate wherein when the drive assembly 177 is moved to an operable configuration, the pivot plate bumpers cushion between the two plates. A bumper bond surface 167 can comprise an adhesive for bonding to one of the plates, whereas a bumper bump surface 168 serves as the opposing unbonded bump surface.

Drive assembly 177 includes critical components for controlled release and retraction of line 207. This includes drive spool 200 which is depicted in FIGS. 22-24 in a preferred embodiment. Drive spool 200 comprises a spool plate 197 which is substantially round disc shaped having a U-shaped spool groove 198 defined by internal track surfaces 199 encircling a radial perimeter around the plate and having a central axis A. Spool plate 197 radially extends from a centrally positioned motor 202 having a spool shaft 224 extending through opposing sides of the motor. The spool shaft can have engagement flats 225 on the spool shaft to hold the shaft in a stationary position yet permitting drive movement rotation of spool plate 197 to control movement of line 207. Inside motor 202 are motor magnets 205 and motor windings 206 to facilitate operation of the motor. The surface of motor 202 may comprise one or more cooling elements 203 which can be in the form of a cooling fin for example, to control the build up of heat in the motor during operation. Various drive conductors 201 can be used for motor interaction with control panels, power supplies, etc.

Drive assembly 177 also comprises an enclosure 116 having a primary benefit of providing injury due to access to internally moving parts of drive spool 200 and line 207. In this embodiment, enclosure 116 is formed by assembly of components including a first proximal enclosure cover 118, a first distal enclosure cover 119, a second proximal enclosure cover 120, and a second distal enclosure cover 121. Each of these covers include an internal face 122 that is directed toward drive spool 200, and an external face 123 directed away from drive spool 200. Together these plates are fixed together by means known in the art such as for example, welding, fasteners, complementary engagement flanges, etc., and together they form and define a drive spool cavity 115 in which the drive spool can reside. Enclosure 116 is designed in preferred embodiments to provide access to the drive spool cavity for repairs or adjustments. For example, the first proximal enclosure cover 118 can be removable by removal of fasteners, clips, or other means known in the art. Extending through one or more of the aforementioned enclosure covers can be a shaft aperture 125 for passage of spool shaft 224. Portions of the enclosure can include enclosure fastening holes 124 for housing fasteners 219. These can be used for example when fastening the enclosure to portions of pivot plate 158.

The drive assembly 177 can include one or more support arm assemblies 178 to support drive spool 200 within enclosure 116. In this embodiment (FIG. 4,8,9), support arm assembly 178 comprises a first strut 179, a second strut 180, and an axle capture plate 185. Here, the axle capture plate is generally triangular in shape and having a strut face 188 available for fixation (i.e. welds) to the second strut end 182 of the first strut and second strut. The first strut and second strut in this embodiment include an interior face 189 that faces the enclosure, an exterior face 190 that faces away from the enclosure, and opposing lateral faces 191. The first strut and second strut can be open channeled, tubes, or solid and here extend from the axle capture plate in a ‘V’ configuration. The first strut ends 181 are fixed to internal surface 160 of pivot plate 158 (i.e. welds). In some embodiments, portions of the enclosure covers are fastened or welded to the first strut and or second strut. Axle capture plate 185 comprises an axle notch 186 for seating ends of spool shaft 224 therein. The axle notch 186 is defined by notch face 163 that is at least partially non-circular and preferably configured with flats to engage engagement flat 225 of spool shaft 224 to restrict rotation thereby serving as an anchor during drive spool function. Shaft collars, nuts, or other restraints (preferably releasable) known in the art can be used to retain the shaft in the axle notch.

Secured within resistance training device 100 is a main battery 216 which is used to power motor 202 and in certain cases can be charged by motor 202. Power to charge main battery 216 can be obtained from a local facility outlet 214 that delivers commercial power. A suitable battery charger 220 can be used between the outlet and main battery. A variety of motor sensors 211 and other sensors can be utilized to constantly monitor stresses in the motor, stresses in the line, and other operational conditions such as motor temperature, battery charge level, line delivery rates, etc. A controller 250 can be utilized to control actions of motor 202. The controller is in communication with memory 251 in which motor driver software 252 is stored with operational instructions. In some embodiments, a computing device 258 such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop computer can be used to exert control over the RTD through a wireless signal 259 such as Bluetooth. The computing device can also be used simultaneously to receive training data from the device.

Line 207 is wrapped around spool groove 198 with a first end 208 of the line bound in the spool groove by a line binder 223 typically involving a locking screw. Line 207 exits drive assembly 177 and passes through fairlead port 142 and buffer port 146. A second end 209 of line 207 can terminate in a second end capture 210 which can be in the form of a carabiner, for example, for attaching to a restraint capture 218 on an athlete restraint 217 (FIG. 27). A stopper 222 can be placed on line 207 to limit the length of line delivery or retraction.

A coach 104 or other individual exerts control over the RTD through a control panel 110 such as depicted in FIG. 25. In this embodiment, the control panel is disposed on a portion of enclosure 116 as depicted in FIG. 1. Control panel 110 can include a control panel housing 111 as an interface with enclosure 116. Input controls 112 can be used to make adjustments to the programing or otherwise activate commands such as on/off, activate various training programs, increase/decrease line resistance or speed, the release or retraction of line, etc. In preferred embodiment, the control panel includes a display 113 which can display information such as on/off, battery levels, motor temperature, exercise modes, line speeds and resistance, etc. Control conductors 114 may extend from the control to various parts of the RTD such as the motor. Alternative resistance forms can be used in the system such as that that is created by the use of brakes or a flywheel.

A controlled resistance is applied to the athlete 102 by the line connected to the athlete that comes out of RTD 100. Internally to RTD, line 207 is kept around drive spool 200 that is of sufficient dimensions to organize and store the line as it is reeled in and let out. The drive spool 200 includes a spool groove 198 that guides the line into an orderly and consistent winding pattern. The drive spool is of sufficient strength to transmit the required torque and linear forces, is of low weight, and has consistent and controllable dynamic behavior that enables the accuracy of delivered training resistance.

The spool is supported by the support arm assembly 178 and enclosure 116 so that the spool has freedom of movement, is protected from outside elements, and is safely contained and isolated from nearby people and objects. This isolation allows for rapid internal movements that do not cause external hazards. Enclosure 116 interfaces to an external substrate with a mount 126. The RTD 100 can be mounted to any object able to support the required forces and is safely removed from the space occupied by the athlete during training while remaining accessible to a coach 104.

Drive spool 200 can rotate relative to enclosure 116 to manipulate the line. This includes allowing the line to run out when under tension, reeling line in that is under tension, and achieving and manipulating the orderly and consistent winding pattern of the line.

In alternative embodiments, the enclosure and mount can additionally support one or more configurations, including a “backpack” configuration for ease of transport and storage when not in use, a “side mount” configuration for attachment to a vertical post of sufficient strength such as a telephone pole or tree, a car attachment that uses a standard trailer receiver interface, a permanent wall-mount configuration, and all associated concepts.

In preferred embodiments, motor 202 is coupled to the spool plate 197 and they are optimized for back-EMF within the controllability limits of a motor driver powered by main battery 216. The motor magnets 205 and motor windings 206 are sized to have enough torque capability for the following: when operating in quadrant 1 and 3 to allow for the line to be reeled in on the spool; when operating in quadrant 2 and 4 to allow application of torque sufficient to resist motion of the athlete with the desired resistance set point. In some embodiments, motor 202 incorporates active and passive cooling elements, including its mass, that allows waste heat to escape to the surrounding air 260. The motor is packaged integrally to the spool to achieve reduction in the overall mass of the invention. As depicted in the FIG. 22 embodiment, motor 202 features motor sensors 211 that report rotor position, magnetic flux state, and temperature.

A motor driver 212 can include adequate power dump capability so as to prevent over-charging the main battery when operating in quadrants 2 and 4. This is achieved using motor driver resistive elements 213 (power dump) integral to the motor driver that heat the surrounding air 260 to dissipate power captured from the athlete. Ancillary cooling systems may be present depending on the application, to allow more efficient heat transfer to the surrounding air 260. This dissipation is scheduled according to the device configuration, desired resistance, charge curves, parameters of the main battery 216, and other parameters, allowing the main battery to be smaller than would be required to absorb the power generated when resisting the athlete 102. The state of charge of the main battery 216 is able to be maintained in this way. The main battery can also be connected to an external source of power to charge (such as an outlet 214).

The best mode of the device integrates one or more control panel(s) 110 that allow the RTD to be controlled and configured. The best mode embodiment of control is by a second person such as a coach 104, who manipulates device parameters to achieve desired resistances according to desired training outcomes for the athlete. An alternative method of control allows the device to follow a programmed set of resistance profiles, with the athlete resisting against an autonomous device for a prescribed schedule without the real-time input of a coach.

The best mode of the device includes software that dynamically manipulates the torque of the motor 202 and the tension of the line 207 to resist the athlete and effectuate convenient reeling in the line between resisted actions of the athlete 102. This includes maneuvers such as, but are not limited to: resisted fast all-out sprinting efforts, resisted strength or form training exercises, disturbed standing or movement (where disturbances are injected to train an athlete's reactions and/or rapid response, and disturbances may or may not mimic emergency or non-emergency scenarios); with all maneuvers sequenced and punctuated by the line 207 reeling in as needed to facilitate repeated repetition or other patterns of training. Other embodiments of the device include using mechanical mechanisms such as brakes, flywheel weights or other inertia, and dynamic manipulation of the same to effectuate training outcomes.

During use (FIG. 27) the RTD 100 is mounted to provide maximum safety to the athlete. In on-ice situations, the invention is mounted on the off-ice side of the dasher boards to reduce the chances that a skater might bump into the invention. This is similarly done in off-ice situations. It is preferred that the RTD is mounted to provides the most horizontally-linear connection to the athlete. RTD is taken into consideration, to maximize stability (more weight) with portability (less weight), as the ideal RTD requirements allow for an average person to be able to carry and mount the RTD with relative case.

During or after use, the RTD is able to be recharged using external power sources including but not limited to grid power, portable power banks, automobiles, and solar systems.

It is noted that the terms “substantially” and “about” and “generally” may be utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. These terms are also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.

The foregoing invention has been described in accordance with the relevant legal standards, thus the description is exemplary rather than limiting. Variations and modifications to the disclosed embodiment may become apparent to those skilled in the art and fall within the scope of the invention.