Abstract:
The sprinter&#39;s training aid is a wearable athletic training apparatus designed to improve a sprinter&#39;s technique. The apparatus teaches proper arm-swing action and proper trunk attitude for sprinters. The apparatus is worn over the shoulders and down the back. The apparatus is lightweight and is attached to the body via shoulder straps and adjustable trunk straps. The apparatus provides physical landmarks and visual indicators for proper arm-swing and trunk attitude. The apparatus allows the athlete to move freely and does not encumber the arms, hands, legs or head. The apparatus teaches the athlete to see and feel the correct movement patterns and trunk attitude for maximum sprinting speed.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not applicable 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable 
       REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENIX 
       [0003]    Not applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The ability to run sprint is important for most sporting activities. Optimal sprinting form is difficult to perform and difficult to teach. Arm-Swing and trunk attitude are two problem areas for sprinters. For the first part, arm swing angles tend to be inefficient and secondly, sprinters have too much or not enough flexion at the elbow. A known runner&#39;s aid includes straps that go around the upper arm and attach at the wrist. The device trains the arm to stay in a 90 degree angle at the elbow. A static 90 degree angle at the elbow, is however, not the most efficient motion as the forward and backward arm swings cancel each other out. There is another known device that has straps running from a vest to wrist cuffs and is designed to improve arm-swing. The device does not, however, address contralateral rotation of the pelvis. The current art calls for restrictive features and the arm action it promotes is not the most efficient. 
         [0005]    Correct body posture is critical to optimum sprinting speed. One body posture issue is incorrect tilt of the pelvis. Optimum running stride is not possible if the sprinter has an anterior tilt or a posterior tilt of their pelvis. There is a known training device that attaches to the upper back and connects to the head. The device claims to improve the head and neck position during running The device does not address the attitude of the trunk does not address the location of the pelvis in relation to the shoulders. 
         [0006]    Full speed sprinting is a free form activity and should be practiced without restrictive devices attached to the body. Prior art in this field, all have restrictive devices attached to the body. In addition, each only claims to correct one flaw in technique. The current invention is a lightweight guide that prompts the runner to the correct body movements with visual and physical references. The current invention corrects arm swing issues and teaches the sprinter to maintain the optimum trunk attitude. 
         [0007]    The following patents are related to sprinter&#39;s training aid, and contents of each of the following patents are hereby incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,147,590; 3,697,065; 7,998,034; 5,518,480; 8,088,045; 6,691,318; 6,287,242; 61,323,346; 591,607; 7,297,090. 
       PATENT CITATIONS 
       [0008]      
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 U.S. Patent Documents 
               
             
          
           
               
                 3,697,065 
                 Training aid for sprinters 
                 Oct. 10, 1972 
                 Glassburner 
               
               
                 5,518,480 
                 Arm training device 
                 May 21, 1996 
                 Frappier 
               
               
                 5,916,070 
                 Exercise device 
                 Jun. 29, 1999 
                 Donohue 
               
               
                 6,132,346 
                 Full mobility resistance 
                 Oct. 17, 2000 
                 Weeks 
               
               
                   
                 device 
               
               
                 6,287,242 
                 Athletic trainer 
                 Sep. 11, 2001 
                 Fray 
               
               
                 6,691,318 
                 Exercise vest 
                 Feb. 17, 2004 
                 Davis 
               
               
                 7,147,590 
                 Runner&#39;s training aid 
                 Dec. 12, 2006 
                 Toven 
               
               
                 7,297,090 
                 Personal exercise device 
                 Nov. 20, 2007 
                 Torres 
               
               
                 7,998,034 
                 Runner arm training 
                 Aug. 16, 2011 
                 Cobo 
               
               
                   
                 apparatus 
               
               
                 8,088,045 
                 Core stabilizing running 
                 Jan. 3, 2012 
                 Hoffman 
               
               
                   
                 exercise system and 
               
               
                   
                 apparatus 
               
               
                 8,932,191 
                 Portable training device, 
                 Jan. 13, 2015 
                 Failer 
               
               
                   
                 In particular for arm 
               
               
                   
                 exercises 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Foreign Patents 
               
             
          
           
               
                 DE 19605046 
                 Training device 
                 Nov. 12, 1996 
                 Dirk Zom 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention relates to training aids for athletes, more particularly to a sprint training device. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The apparatus is worn on the sprinter&#39;s back and projects over their shoulders. The apparatus is lightweight and does not limit the sprinter&#39;s movements in any way. The apparatus provides landmarks and aiming points for the sprinter&#39;s hands and trunk attitude. The apparatus does not encumber the sprinter with straps, cords, bands or harnesses. The apparatus teaches the sprinter the correct arm swing, trunk attitude and shoulder rotation for optimum sprinting efficiency. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1 . is a perspective view of the sprinter&#39;s training aid. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2 . is a plan view of the sprinter&#39;s training aid. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3 . is an elevation view of the sprinter&#39;s training aid. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4 . is an elevation view of the sprinter&#39;s training aid. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    The present invention is a wearable apparatus that teaches proper arm swing, proper stride mechanics and optimum trunk attitude. The preferred embodiment of the apparatus provides physical and visual landmarks as reference points for the user. The apparatus does not restrict or encumber the user and teaches proper sprinting techniques in a free form, landmark based training style. 
         [0016]    Referring initially to  FIG. 1 . the sprinter&#39;s training aid of the present invention is shown in the preferred embodiment. The apparatus includes a trunk bar  FIG. 1 . ( 1 ) that is secured to the trunk by adjustable and or elastic materials ( 10 ). The trunk bar is secured flush against the dorsal side of the trunk. The trunk bar is secured on the mid-sagittal plane on the dorsal side of the trunk. The trunk bar is approximately parallel to the sagittal plane and does not extend below the user&#39;s waist. The trunk bar is at least 10 inches in length and is rigid. 
         [0017]    The apparatus is further comprised of a shoulder union ( 2 ). The shoulder union is pivotally coupled to the trunk bar ( 1 ). The fixing point is the mid-point of the shoulder union and the superior end of the trunk bar. The shoulder union is approximately perpendicular to the trunk bar and is approximately parallel to the coronal plane. The shoulder union is rigid. 
         [0018]    The apparatus is further comprised of two trunk attitude indicator bars. The trunk attitude indicator bars are pivotally coupled to the lateral ends of the shoulder union ( 2 ) at angles of approximately 90 degrees, these angles can be adjusted. The trunk attitude indicator bars are parallel to each other and project toward the anterior side of the coronal plane. The right side trunk attitude indicator bar ( 3 ) extends over the right shoulder, near the right side of the neck and is secured to the shoulder by an elastic device ( 11 ). The left side trunk attitude indicator bar ( 4 ) extends over the left shoulder, near the left side of the neck and is secured to the shoulder by an elastic device ( 11 ). The trunk attitude indicator bars are approximately parallel to the parasagittal plane. The trunk attitude indicator bars are located on parasagittal planes passing thru the user&#39;s ears and on a horizontal plane passing thru the user&#39;s chin. The trunk attitude indicator bars project across the shoulders, alongside the neck and end approximately 12 inches in front of the sprinter&#39;s face. The pitch of the trunk attitude indicator bars is adjustable. The trunk attitude indicator bars are resilient. 
         [0019]    The apparatus is further comprised of forward hand stop targets ( 5 ). The hand stop targets are approximately 4 inches in length. At least one forward hand stop target is attached to each trunk attitude indicator bar. The forward hand stop targets project away from the mid-sagittal plane at an angle of approximately 90 degrees, this angle can be adjusted. The forward hand stop targets are approximately parallel to the transverse plane and are on a horizontal plane that runs thru the wearer&#39;s chin. The location of the forward hand targets can be adjusted to fit the user. The forward hand stop targets should be positioned such that the user&#39;s elbow flexion is approximately 140 degrees when their hands touch the forward hand stop targets. The hand stop targets are resilient. 
         [0020]    The apparatus is further comprised of a lower union ( 6 ). The lower union is coupled to the trunk bar ( 1 ). The fixing is point is the mid-point of the lower union and the inferior end of the trunk bar. The lower union is approximately perpendicular to the trunk bar and is approximately parallel to the coronal plane. The lower union is rigid. 
         [0021]    The apparatus is further comprised of two rear arm swing bars. The right side rear arm swing bar ( 7 ) is near the right buttock. The left side rear arm swing bar ( 8 ) is near the left buttock. The rear arm swing bars are pivotally coupled to the lateral ends of the lower union ( 6 ) at an angle of 90 degrees, these angles can be adjusted. The rear arm swing bars extend toward the posterior side of the coronal plane and the inferior side of the transverse plane at a downward angle of approximately 45 degrees. The rear arm swing bars are parallel to each other and are slightly wider than the trunk attitude indicator bars. The rear arm swing bars are approximately parallel to the parasagittal plane. The rear arm swing bars are on parasagittal planes that pass thru the user&#39;s hips. The rear arm swing bars extend approximately 8 inches past the user&#39;s buttocks. The pitch of the rear arm swing bars can be adjusted to fit the user. The pitch of the rear arm swing bar should be adjusted such that the user&#39;s elbow is at 40 degrees of extension when the user&#39;s hand touches the rear hand stop target. 
         [0022]    The apparatus is further comprised of rear hand stop targets ( 9 ). At least one rear hand stop target is attached to each rear arm swing bar. The rear hand stop targets project away from the mid-sagittal plane at an angle of approximately 90 degrees, this angle can be adjusted. The rear hand stop targets are approximately parallel to the transverse plane. The rear hand stop targets are approximately 4 inches in length. The location of the rear hand stop targets can be adjusted to fit the user. The rear hand stop targets should be positioned such that the user&#39;s elbow extension is approximately 40 degrees when their hands touch the rear hand stop targets. The rear hand stop targets are resilient. 
         [0023]    A second embodiment of the apparatus would be comprised all the aforementioned features with the exception of alterations for a visually impaired athlete. The hand stop indicators would contain devices for emitting audible signal when contacted by the hand. The trunk attitude indicator bars would contain a device that emits an audible signal when the trunk attitude indicator bars pitch is not horizontal. The audible signal will stop when the trunk attitude indicator bars are horizontal. The audible signal could also be set to turn on when the trunk attitude indicator bars were horizontal and turn off when not horizontal. 
         [0024]    A third embodiment of the apparatus would include all the aforementioned features of the second embodiment with the exception of utilizing electronic sensors in the trunk attitude indicator bars and sensors worn on the user&#39;s wrists. The apparatus would contain sensors worn on the user&#39;s wrists. An audible signal would emit when the user&#39;s arm was in the proper position. The arm swings could be counted and timed by the apparatus. An audible signal would emit when the trunk attitude indicator bars were not horizontal and would stop when a horizontal pitch was achieved. For an athlete struggling to achieve the proper trunk attitude, the horizontal off feature could be reversed and the audible signal would sound when the trunk attitude indicator bars were horizontal. 
         [0025]    A forth embodiment of the apparatus would be comprised of all the features described in the first embodiment with the exceptions of utilizing electronic sensors in the trunk attitude indicator bars and sensors worn on the user&#39;s wrists. Lights would be located on the trunk attitude indicator bars. The lights would turn on when the trunk attitude indicator bars were horizontal. The apparatus would contain sensors worn on the user&#39;s wrists. An audible tone would emit when the user&#39;s arm swing was in the proper position. The arm swings could be counted and timed by the apparatus. 
         [0026]    A fifth embodiment of the apparatus would be comprised of all the aforementioned features in the previous embodiments with the exception of using a garment to secure the apparatus to the user. 
         [0027]    A sixth embodiment of the apparatus would be comprised of all the aforementioned features described in the 5 th  embodiment with the exception of using a sensor mounted on each shoulder and sensors on the user&#39;s wrists. The shoulder mounted sensors would detect trunk attitude and emit an audible signal when the trunk was not in the proper attitude. The shoulder mounted sensors would emit an audible signal when the user&#39;s arm swing was in the proper position. 
         [0028]    The methods of using the sprinter&#39;s training aid apparatus are discussed here. The apparatus does not place any restrictive devices on the wearer. The apparatus provides physical targets and visual indicators for correct arm swing and correct trunk attitude. The user&#39;s hands should touch the forward and rear hand stop targets ( 5 ) and ( 9 ) as they swing their arms. Horizontal thrust will be generated by elbow flexion during the forward arm swing and elbow extension during the rearward arm swing. Elbow flexion is approximately 140 degrees during the forward arm swing and elbow extension is approximately 40 degrees during the backswing. The 100 degree difference in elbow flexion and elbow extension generates forward thrust. 
         [0029]    The hand stop targets are located such that the user must utilize the correct arm swing angle to touch the hand targets. The forward arm swing is angled toward, but not across the mid-sagittal plane. The rearward arm swing is angled away from the mid-sagittal plane. The forward hand targets are on parasagittal planes running thru the user&#39;s ears. The forward hand targets are located such that, when the user touches the forward hand targets ( 5 ), their hands will be in front of their face. The rear hand stop targets ( 9 ) are on parasagittal planes running thru the user&#39;s hips. The rear hand stop targets provide a physical reference for the user during the rearward arm swing. The proper arm swing angle forces the shoulders to rotate with the arm swing and the shoulder rotation causes contralateral rotation of the pelvis. Contralateral rotation of the pelvis increases the length of each stride 1 to 4 in inches. The hand targets provide physical and visual reference points for the user and forces them to utilize the correct arm swing. 
         [0030]    The trunk attitude indicator bars ( 3 ) and ( 4 ) provide the user a visual representation of their trunk attitude and the attitude of their pelvis. Trunk attitude indicator bars pitched downward indicate an anterior tilt to the pelvis, trunk attitude indicator bars pitched upward indicate a posterior tilt to the pelvis, and trunk attitude indicator bars pitched horizontally indicate a neutral pelvis. An anterior tilt to the pelvis causes the forward foot strike and the rear toe off, to occur too early. The early toe off reduces the propulsion phase of the stride. The early forward foot strike causes a braking action. A posterior tilt to the pelvis causes the forward foot strike and the rear toe off to occur too late. The late forward foot strike reduces the propulsion phase of the stride. The late toe off, results in too much vertical force during the stride. The neutral pelvis allows for the forward foot strike to occur under the hip and a proper toe of The proper forward foot strike does not cause any braking action and the propulsion phase of the stride is maximized by the properly timed toe off. 
         [0031]    For maximum effectiveness, the apparatus must be properly fitted to the user. The trunk bar ( 1 ) must be secure against the dorsal area of the trunk and adjacent to the spine. Optimal trunk attitude is when the user is in an upright position and the pelvis is directly underneath the shoulders. The user must stand upright and ensure their pelvis is directly underneath their shoulders. The pitch of the trunk attitude indicator bars ( 3 ) and ( 4 ) can then be adjusted until the trunk attitude indicator bars are horizontal. The apparatus can be properly fitted to users with different body shapes, and sizes. 
         [0032]    The apparatus is ideal for teaching a sprint from start to finish. At the start, the trunk attitude indicator bars will be angled downward as the user begins to sprint. As the user accelerates, the pelvis will move underneath the shoulders and the trunk attitude indicator bars will move towards horizontal. When the user gets to top speed, the pelvis should be directly underneath the shoulders and the trunk attitude indicator bars should be horizontal. The trunk attitude indicator bars provide visual reference points for the user to focus on while training. A training progression could consist of emphasis on single reference points, then multiple reference points and finally, all reference points. When mastery is achieved, the user can remove the apparatus and continue training. The user can re-apply the apparatus if necessary.