Physical training apparatus and method

A physical training apparatus and method for providing forces opposing the motion of a trainee through the range of motion of the trainee while performing various movements. The apparatus includes means for providing resistance forces to multiple body parts of the trainee for training multiple muscle groups of the trainee simultaneously. The apparatus may provide forces of relatively constant magnitude or varying magnitude to various parts of the body through a predetermined range of motion of the body performing sports specific or therapeutic body movements. In one aspect, the resistive forces are provided training modules that are easily attached and detached from the apparatus. The apparatus may also provide resistive forces originating from various lateral and vertical positions relative to the trainee.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/892,196 entitled “Swing Training Apparatus And Method” filed Jul. 16, 2004, by the inventor hereof, the contents of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a physical training apparatus and method for training persons such as athletes or physical therapy patients to improve various motor skills. More particularly, it relates to a physical training apparatus and method for providing forces of either constant or varying magnitude opposing the motion of a single or multiple points on the body of the trainee while performing slow or high speed movements.

Physical training and conditioning have long been recognized as desirable for improving various motor skills to thereby improve the performance of an athlete, the rehabilitation of a physical therapy patient, or the overall physical well-being of the trainee. Training with resistance while performing specific movements with the body has been found to be very effective in improving various physical abilities such as functional strength, running speed, first-step quickness, jumping ability, and kicking ability. Such resistance training is increasingly becoming favored over training with heavy weights using slow non-sports specific motions.

For example, if an athlete wants to run faster it has been found to be more beneficial to apply light resistance to the leg muscles while running than by performing a press with the legs with heavy weights. Both of these training methods will strengthen the leg muscles of the athlete, however, the high-speed training by providing light resistance while running allows the athlete to generate more power at high speeds since the muscle is conditioned with resistance at high speeds. Training the muscles using slow movement with resistance promotes power generation at slow speeds since the muscle is conditioned at slow speeds. Both training methods are important to most athletes. However, for athletic performance optimization at high speeds the muscles must be physically and neurologically trained at high speeds. The term “training vector” as used herein shall mean a force opposing the motion of a portion of a trainee through a predetermined range of motion. The magnitude and direction of a training vector may be relatively constant or may vary through the predetermined range of motion.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,968,028 and 4,863,163 entitled “Vertical Jump Exercise Apparatus” issued to the inventor of the present invention each disclose resistance training apparatus for vertical jump training and conditioning. The prior art system disclosed in the Wehrell patents illustrated inFIG. 1throughFIG. 6, applies two training vectors having relatively constant magnitude to the hips of the trainee (seeFIG. 1throughFIG. 4showing training vectors1A and2A) for applying resistance to the legs while performing the jumping motion.

A later modification of the exercise apparatus disclosed in the Wehrell patents is shown inFIG. 5andFIG. 6. In this embodiment, the training vectors1B and2B provide relatively constant resistance to the back of the knees of a trainee performing a running motion by attaching the elastic members of the exercise apparatus to detachable leg harnesses1worn by the trainee. This embodiment provided resistance for training the hip flexors of the trainee at high speeds.

Many sports related movements involve multiple muscle groups moving multiple body parts simultaneously to perform the specific movement. For example, when an athlete jumps he or she uses the legs, back and arms simultaneously. To optimize training for a particular movement it is beneficial to train using a natural jumping motion while applying resistance to the legs, back and arms simultaneously. Such an exercise method would be more effective methods where resistance is only applied to the legs because it allows major muscle groups used in jumping to be fired in the proper neurological sequence with applied resistance.

While it was possible in the embodiment of the prior art exercise apparatus shown inFIG. 5andFIG. 6to apply the training vectors1A and2A as well as1B and2B to the trainee performing a running motion, there remains a need for a physical training apparatus that applies training vectors to the hands and other points on the trainee's body for providing resistance to multiple muscle groups while performing complex sports specific movements such as jumping and running.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to obviate many of the deficiencies in the prior art and to provide a novel physical training apparatus and method.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a novel physical training apparatus and method for providing training vectors of relatively constant magnitude to the hands of a trainee.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a novel physical training apparatus and method for providing training vectors to multiple muscle groups of a trainee.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a novel physical training apparatus and method for providing training vectors to the hands of a trainee in combination with providing training vectors to the thighs or hips of the trainee.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a novel physical training apparatus and method for providing at least six training vectors to a trainee.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a novel physical training apparatus and method for providing multiple training vectors to a trainee wherein two or more of the training vectors originate at different elevations above the surface supporting the trainee.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a novel physical training apparatus and method for providing a training vector to a trainee wherein the origin of the training vector is variable in three dimensions.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a novel physical training apparatus and method for providing a training vector using modules.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a novel physical training apparatus and method wherein a modular change of the magnitude of a training vector may be achieved.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a novel physical training apparatus and method for providing multiple training vectors of relatively constant magnitude.

It is yet an additional object of the present invention to provide a novel

It is still an additional object of the present invention to provide a novel It is a further additional object of the present invention to provide a novel

These and many other objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains from a perusal of the claims, the appended drawings, and the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the figures where like elements have been given like numerical designations to facilitate an understanding of the present invention, the various embodiments of the physical training apparatus of the present invention are described.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a physical training apparatus and method are provided for providing multiple training vectors to a trainee while performing various athletic or therapeutic movements such as jumping, running or walking. The physical training apparatus may provide up to six or more training vectors so that multiple muscle groups of the trainee may be trained simultaneously.FIGS. 7-10illustrate side and front views of one embodiment of the physical training apparatus for providing training vectors to the hands and hips during vertical jump training. With reference toFIGS. 7-10, the physical training apparatus comprises a jumping platform or base2and means (not shown) for applying the training vectors1A and2A to the hips of the trainee200and the training vectors1C and2C to the hands or wrists of the trainee200. The training vectors1A and2A apply resistance to the legs of the trainee by applying resistance to the harness3worn around the waist of the trainee while the training vectors1C and2C apply resistance to the arms, shoulders and lower back by applying resistance to a harness (not shown) worn on the hands or wrists of the trainee. As illustrated inFIGS. 7-10, the physical training apparatus according to this aspect of the present invention applies resistance to the legs, back and arms of the trainee simultaneously while performing the vertical jumping motion. The physical training apparatus of the present invention provides a more efficient jump training system than the exercise apparatus disclosed in the prior Wehrell patents an further embodiments thereof because it stresses, in addition to the legs, several important muscle groups affecting the vertical jump performance of a trainee, i.e., the back, shoulders, and arms.

FIGS. 11,12,13and14illustrate one embodiment of the physical training apparatus according to the present invention for providing at least four training vectors to a trainee. With reference toFIGS. 11-14, the training modules10,11and pulley assemblies20,21may be removably attached to the base2of the physical training apparatus. The training modules10,11each include an elastic member12,13having a connector32,33attached at one end. The elastic members12,13are routed between a series of tracking mechanisms such as pulleys to an anchor (not shown) attached to the module10,11or the base2. The elastic members12,13have a length whereby the magnitude of the training vector provided by each elastic member12,13is relatively constant through the range of motion of the hands of the trainee performing vertical jump training. The elastic members12,13are routed through the pulley assemblies20,21which provide the point of origin for the training vectors provided by the elastic members12,13. The pulley assemblies20,21may rotate 360 degrees and tilt +/−90 degrees in any direction so that the elastic members12,13track smoothly on the pulley assemblies through the entire range of motion of the hands of the trainee. The connectors32,33attached to the respective elastic members12,13may be connected to harnesses30,31that may be worn on the hands or wrists of the trainee200.

Further as illustrated inFIG. 14, training vectors may be provided to the hips of the trainee by elastic members4,5as disclosed in the prior Wehrell patents. The elastic members4,5may be attached to a harness3worn around the waist by the trainee200.

FIG. 15illustrates a top view of the physical training apparatus shown inFIGS. 12 and 14. The pulley assemblies20,21may be fixed on the upper surface of the base2or have a flanged base allowing their position to be set anywhere along a rail assembly24,25as illustrated by arrows A and B. Thus the point of origin of the training vectors may be moved along the rails24,25.FIG. 16illustrates yet another embodiment wherein the rail assemblies24,25may be positioned at various angles relative to the modules10,11as shown by positions referenced P1, P2and P3, P4. Thus the origin of the training vectors from modules10,11provided to the hands of the trainee200may be varied in two dimensions along the training surface provided by the base2.

The elastic members12,13have ends14,15that may be extracted through the anchors16,17respectfully so that the magnitude of the training vectors provided thereby may be selectively increased by shortening the effective length of the elastic members12,13. Alternatively, the magnitude of the training vectors may be decreased by increasing the effective length of the elastic members12,13by releasing the anchors16,17and allowing the members to retract into the modules10,11respectfully. The anchors16,17may comprise any means suitable for securing the elastic members such as cleats or cam cleats. The “effective” length of the elastic members is the length of the elastic member between the anchor and the end of the member attached to a harness connector.

FIG. 17shows a front view of a trainee200in a crouched position preparing to perform a vertical jump.FIG. 18shows the trainee200in an extended position. The physical training apparatus provides training vectors to the hips and hands of the trainee through the entire range of motion of the trainee performing vertical jump training. The physical training apparatus as illustrated thus provides resistance to the legs, back, shoulders, and arms during the jump training.

FIG. 19andFIG. 20illustrate the top and side views of the training module10. With reference toFIG. 19andFIG. 20, the training module10comprises a rigid frame450that carries two stacked pulley assemblies41,42. Each of the stacked pulley assemblies includes one or more stacked pulleys. The rigid frame450includes upper and lower elongated members45and pulley assembly mounting members43,44. A suitable anchor16such as a cam cleat is mounted on the lower elongated member45. The spaced pulley assemblies41,42provide a path for routing the elastic member12therebetween so that an elastic member many times the length of elongated members45may be contained within the training module10. The elastic member12is secured near one end by the anchor16and is attached to a connector32at the other end. The effective length of the elastic member10, i.e., the length of the member between the anchor16and the connector32, may be selected by extracting the end14of the elastic member12from the module10and then securing the member12with the anchor16. The magnitude of the training vector will vary with the effective length of the elastic member12. The connector is adapted to be connected to a harness worn by the trainee. The elastic member12may have sufficient length so that the magnitude of the training vector provided to the trainee wearing the harness is relatively constant through the range of motion of the harness. A single module may also include two or more elastic members having different diameters for providing a wider range of resistive force.

FIG. 21andFIG. 22illustrate one means of stacking a plurality of training modules. In this embodiment, the upper elongated member45includes keyways46,47that are adapted to receive the pegs48,49extending from the lower elongated member of another module. By inserting and locking the pegs of one module into the keyways of another module, the modules may be securely stacked to provide additional training vectors in the physical training apparatus. The elastic members from each module may also be connected to the same harness or serially connected to each other. The elastic members from each module may be the same or different diameters.

FIG. 23andFIG. 24illustrate side and top views of another embodiment of the physical training apparatus according to the present invention for providing training vectors to the hands and hips and thighs during running training. With reference toFIGS. 23 and 24, the physical training apparatus comprises a platform or base2and means (not shown) for applying training vectors1A and2A to the hips of the trainee200, training vectors1B and2B to the hands or wrists of the trainee200, and training vectors1C and2C to the lower thighs or knees of the trainee200. The training vectors1A and2A apply resistance to the quadriceps, buttocks, and calves of the trainee by applying resistance to the harness3worn around the waist of the trainee. The training vectors1B and2B apply resistance to the arms, shoulders and lower back by applying resistance to harnesses (not shown) worn on the hands or wrists of the trainee. The training vectors1C and2C apply resistance to the hip flexors by applying resistance to harnesses (not shown) worn around the lower thighs or knees of the trainee200. As illustrated inFIG. 22andFIG. 23, the physical training apparatus according to this aspect of the present invention applies resistance to the quadriceps, buttocks, hip flexors, calves, shoulders, back and arms of the trainee simultaneously while performing a running motion. The physical training apparatus of the present invention provides a more efficient run training system than the prior art because it stresses the multiple muscle groups affecting the running performance of a trainee.

FIGS. 25,26,27,28, and29illustrate embodiments of the physical training apparatus according to the present invention for providing at least six training vectors to a trainee. With reference toFIGS. 25-29, the physical training apparatus500comprises the base2having an upper surface providing a physical training surface supporting the trainee200. Elastic members1A and2A are each attached to the harness3worn around the waist of the trainee200. Elastic members1A and2A may be directed away from the training surface by tracking means (not shown) as disclosed in the prior Wehrell patents.

Two sets of stacked training modules (10A &10B and11A &11B) may be mounted on the upper surface of the base2along opposite sides of the base to provide a training area therebetween. The modules10A,11A include elastic members1B,2B attached to the harnesses30,31that are worn on the hands or wrists of the trainee200. The modules10B,11B include elastic members1C,2C that are attached to the harnesses H1,H2worn around the thighs and/or knees of the trainee200.

The rail assembly50may be mounted to upper surface of the base2at the front or rear of the training area. In this embodiment for providing resistance to a trainee performing running training, the rail assembly50is mounted at the rear of the training area. The rail assembly50comprises a pair of rails51,52adapted to carry one or more pulley assemblies20,21,22,23. The rails51,52are slotted so that the pulley assemblies20-23may be poisoned along the length of the rails. The pulley assemblies20-23may be locked in place by any suitable means such as spring loaded locking mechanisms (not shown).

The elastic member1B extending from the training module10A is routed through the pulley assembly20and then attached to the right hand of the trainee using the harness30. The elastic member2B extending from the training module11A is routed through the pulley assembly21and then attached to the left hand of the trainee using the harness31. The elastic member1C extending from the training module10B is routed through the pulley assembly22and then attached to back of the right knee of the trainee using the harness H1. The elastic member2C extending from the training module11B is routed through the pulley assembly23and then attached to back of the right knee of the trainee using the harness H2. The pulley assemblies20,21,22,23provide the points of origin for the training vectors provided by elastic members1B,1C,2B,2C.

The adjustment path/options of pulley assemblies20-23on rails51and52are illustrated by the length of the arrow labeled20-23Adj. Path.FIG. 29illustrates one of many alternate positions of pulley assemblies20-23. The ease of adjustment of the position of the pulley assemblies allows the direction of the training vectors applied to the back of the knees and the hands to be varied to suit the trainee's specific needs.

FIGS. 30-35illustrate embodiments of the physical training apparatus according to the present invention that include a treadmill running surface60so that the trainee may run on surface60while performing resistance running training. Running on a treadmill running surface provides a more natural running motion for the trainee compared to the running motion of a trainee on a fixed surface.

FIG. 31shows a side view of a six training vector physical training apparatus combined with a treadmill61with moving surface60. Note inFIG. 31that the training modules10A,10B,11A and11B have been removed to facilitate viewing the treadmill modification.FIG. 32andFIG. 33illustrate another embodiment of the physical training apparatus wherein an area70is formed by removing a section of the base2so that the treadmill61can be positioned as illustrated.FIG. 34andFIG. 35illustrate yet another embodiment of the physical training apparatus wherein the training modules (stacked and single modules) and an adjustable pulley assembly54may be directly attached to any treadmill structure63. Additional pulley assemblies26and27may be attached to structure63to route the elastic members bands1A,2A to the waist. This embodiment allows the easy modification of standard commercial treadmills to include up to six or more training vectors.

FIG. 36illustrates another embodiment of the physical training apparatus according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the training vectors provided by elastic members1B,2B may originate from the front of the trainee for applying resistance to the hands while running so one may improve the arm pumping motion critical to sprinting. In this configuration two training modules10may be attached to a vertical support80(or wall) in front of the treadmill61. Elastic members1B and2B attached to hand straps30and31respectively will resist any hand movement away from resistance module10while athlete runs on treadmill61.

FIG. 37illustrates another embodiment of the physical training apparatus wherein the training vectors provided to the hands of the trainee are provided by pneumatic means82and84. The shafts83and85slide into pneumatic cylinders82and84respectively with very little resistance. However when the trainee moves his hands from a forward to rearward position, resistance is applied to the shafts83and85during extraction from the cylinders82and84. The cylinders82and84may rotate freely about the pivot point81so that the athlete's hands attached to shafts83and85(via hand straps30and31) may move up and down freely while running. The pneumatic cylinders82and84may have an adjustment means so that the force required to insert or extract shafts83and85may be varied to suit the trainee's specific needs.

FIG. 38illustrates an embodiment of the physical training apparatus according to the present invention wherein the training vectors applied to the hands originate from the front of the trainee while the training vectors provided to the hips and knees of the trainee originate from the rear of the trainee.

FIGS. 39-48illustrate other embodiments of the physical training apparatus according the present invention. In these embodiments, the origin for one or more training vectors may be selectively varied in three dimensions and the elevation above the training surface of the origins of two or more training vectors may be different. Variability of the position of the origins of the training vectors provide advanced mechanical configurations that enable the physical training apparatus to be used for a variety of movements in addition to running or jumping.

With reference toFIGS. 39-48, a resistance training assembly900may be formed by mounting a training module10on a ridged frame member90and including a telescoping frame member91and pivoting cord routing assembly92. The frame member90may be attached at one end to the base2or other surface using the base fixture100. The frame member90can pivot in the base100about the axis pin101. The other end of the frame member90may be elevated from the base and secured at any angle relative to the surface of the base2. The positions A, B and C illustrate elevation angles of about five, forty-five and ninety degrees respectively.

The position of telescoping frame member91relative to the frame member90may be fixed at various positions so that the distance between the base100and the routing assembly92may vary.

With reference toFIG. 41, the resistance training assemblies900,910are elevated to an angle of about 90 degrees relative to the surface of the base2. The elastic member94is directed out of training module10through the pulley units95and96and then through the pivoting pulley assembly92. The elastic member94is attached at one end to the connector97for attachment to the selected part of the body of a trainee supported by the base2.

FIGS. 42aand42billustrate front and side views of a trainee200in a crouched position with training vectors from resistance training assemblies900and910attached the hands and training vectors attached to the hips as disclosed in the prior Wehrell patents.FIG. 43illustrates a side view of the trainee200in the extended position while performing vertical jump training.

With reference toFIG. 44, the base100may rotate around an axis perpendicular to the plane of the upper surface of the base so that the resistance training assemblies900,910may be fixed at various angles relative to the position C1. An adjustment means (not shown) enables the user to rotate and fix the base100at various positions relative to the surface on which the base fixture100is attached. Alternatively, the base fixtures100may be mounted on a rail (not shown) extending laterally behind the trainee so that the position of the fixtures100may be selected. For example, as an alternative to pivoting the resistance training assemblies as illustrated inFIG. 44, the base fixtures100may be position a distance apart equally to about should width of the trainee.FIG. 45illustrates a side view of the physical training apparatus shown inFIG. 44.

FIG. 46shows the training module10A including side attachment means so that additional training modules10B and10C may be easily attached or detached to the sides of training module10A. The anchor16on each module enables the effective length of the elastic member in the module to be varied to thereby vary the magnitude of the force provided by the member. The range of variance is limited by the diameter of the elastic member. For example, the module10A may include an elastic member with a diameter of ⅜ inches. The effective length of the elastic member may be varied to thereby vary the force provided by the elastic member in the range between about twenty and about forty pounds. By adding a second module10B including an elastic member with a smaller diameter resistance band (e.g., a diameter of about 5/16 inches) would provide a useful resistance force range from about four to about twenty pounds. By adding another module10C including an elastic member with a larger diameter (e.g., a diameter of ½ inches) would provide a useful resistance force range from about thirty-five to about sixty pounds. Thus, by adding the modules10B and10C the effective range of resistance forces is expanded to the range between about four pounds to about sixty pounds. Without the ability to attach and detach additional modules, one would have to remove and then completely replace the resistance band to provide a lower or higher range of training resistances.

FIG. 49illustrates an embodiment of the physical training apparatus according to the present invention wherein the resistance training assemblies900and910are mounted directly to the left and right of the trainee200.FIGS. 50 and 51illustrate the positioning of the resistance training assemblies920and930including the triple training module configuration.

FIGS. 52 and 53illustrate two of many positions of the resistance training assemblies900,910. The base100provides an adjustment means to lock frame member90in various angular positions relative to the exercise surface110, allowing the angular position of assemblies900,910to be set at many positions. Note also that frame member90has a mechanical adjustment means to fix the position of telescoping member91(which slides within 90) at various telescopic positions.

FIG. 54illustrates the resistance training assemblies900,910positioned at 90 degrees relative to exercise surface110.FIG. 55illustrates the pivoting of the assemblies900,910about the base100of each assembly.

FIG. 56illustrates a physical training apparatus providing four training vectors by attaching training modules10A and10B to each frame member90of the respective assemblies900,910and attaching an additional pivoting pulley assembly92to each frame member90. This embodiment provides elastic members E1,E2,E3,E4for attachment to the trainee.

FIG. 57illustrates another embodiment for providing four training vectors by using the elastic members902,904(which may be directed away from the training surface110as disclosed in the prior Wehrell patents) and directing the members902,904through the respective pivoting pulley assembly92.

FIGS. 58-71illustrate the pivoting capabilities of the pulley assembly92. As the assembly92is elevated by pivoting the member90about the base100, the position of the pivoting pulley assembly92relative to member91may be adjusted. Adjustment means120may be provided as necessary to position the assembly92at the desired angles relative to member91.

FIGS. 64-67illustrate the operational features and pivoting point of the pulley assembly92. With reference toFIGS. 64-65, the tether T1is routed through the pulley122and between horizontal pulleys121A and121B. An adjustment mechanism127enables the support structure126for the pulley123to rotate clockwise to separate the pulley123from the pulley124. This allows tether T1to be placed over pulley124. With reference toFIG. 65, the support structure126is then rotated counter clockwise until it binds tether T1firmly within the races of the pulleys124and123. Locking mechanism127secures126in place so the pulleys123and124can not separate. The tight special separation between the pulleys123and124prohibit tether T1from derailing from the pulleys123and124during movement of the tether T1. The tether T1may be any means for providing a training vector to a trainee such as an elastic member.

With referenceFIGS. 66-67, it can be seen that the purpose of pulleys121A and121B are to maintain the tether T1on pulley122when the rotating assembly128pivots about the mechanical axis125. This assembly allows the user to move the tether over a wide range of points within the exercise area (180 degrees left and right, and 180 degrees up and down) without the tether derailing from the pulley assembly92.

FIGS. 68-72illustrate embodiments of the physical training apparatus according to the present invention where multiple pulley assemblies A,B,C,D are positioned about the training surface supporting the trainee200for providing multiple training vectors originating from in front of and behind the trainee. A single module100may include two elastic members A,B having different diameters for providing different ranges if resistive force. Alternatively, two or more modules may be stacked having elastic members with different diameters. The ability to provide a wide range of resistive forces is particularly important in a physical training apparatus that may be used for training or rehabilitating trainees ranging from athletes in their prime to the elderly.

FIGS. 73-81illustrate a harness according the one aspect of the present invention. With reference toFIGS. 73-77, the harness30is adapted to be worn around the left hand of a trainee. The four fingers of the left hand are inserted through the loop133of harness31. The strap135wraps around the wrist so that the left thumb is positioned between the loop133and the loop134. Any suitable attachment means may be used to secure the strap135. In the embodiment illustrated, a strip131of hook VELCRO and a strip130of loop VELCRO are provided on the strap to secure the strap in position around the wrist. The ring attachment132is provided for attachment to the means for providing a training vector to the hands.

FIGS. 78-81illustrate the right hand harness30which is a mirror image of harness31.

The innovative harnesses30,31allow the trainee to perform various tasks with the hands while wearing the harnesses such as catching balls etc. while having a force applied to the hand. Straps133and134work together in different capacities to support resistance placed on ring132in different directions. When a force is applied in the direction A, the strap133dissipates or resists force A by placing an equal and opposite force on the hand between the thumb and fore finger. When a force is applied in the direction B, the strap134behind the thumb places an equal and opposite force on the top wrist area to the support ring132. When a force is applied in the direction C, both of the straps133and134behind the thumb and between the thumb and fore finger place two forces on the hand that equal the force applied to the ring132. As a force changes from the direction A to B the force placed between the thumb and fore finger by the strap133to resist the force in direction A will gradually decrease while the force on the strap134gradually increases to resist the force in direction B as it increases. The gradual increase and decrease in resistance on the two hand straps133and134enables the two strongest support structures of the hand to support the resistance applied to the hand. This markedly improves the trainee's ability to utilize the thumb and fingers to catch objects while training. Additionally this hand strap will allow people who do not have use of their fingers (paralyzed or non-functional hands) to now comfortably perform arm exercises with resistance opposing movement of the hands.

FIGS. 82-90illustrate embodiments of the physical training apparatus of the present invention wherein up to eight or more training vectors may be provided to the trainee and wherein the origin of more than one of the training vectors may be varied from side to side and/or front to back on the surface supporting the trainee. With reference toFIGS. 82-90, the physical training apparatus800includes a generally planar base802. The pulley assemblies804,806provide the origin for up to four training vectors as disclosed in the prior Wehrell patents. The track members808may be mounted on the base802about the periphery of the training area810, and one or more of the track members may be moveable relative to the other track members. A plurality of slidable pulley assemblies812may be mounted on the track members808. The elastic members814,816may be directed through the slidable pulley assemblies812and then attached to the trainee. The slidable pulley assemblies thus provide the points of origin for the training vectors provided by the elastic members814,816.

One embodiment of the sliding pulley assembly is shown inFIG. 90. With reference toFIG. 90, the sliding pulley assembly812comprises a pivoting and rotating pulley822mounted on a base824that is slidably carried by a track808. The position of the assembly812may be fixed by any suitable locking means826such as a spring loaded locking pin.

The elastic members814and the elastic members816may have different diameters and thus provide training vectors of different magnitude. As shown by the various configurations of the physical training apparatus800illustrated inFIGS. 82-89, the physical training apparatus may be used for training athletes and physical therapy patients by providing training vectors to multiple muscle groups of the trainee from various angles and magnitudes.