Patent Publication Number: US-2010125025-A1

Title: Training device for training a body part of a user

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of International (PCT) Application No. PCT/NL2008/000279, filed on Dec. 17, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a training device for training a body part of a user, and more particularly to a vibrating device for generating a vibration and an associated pretensioning device for generating a pre-tension in a muscle of the body part. 
     In training devices known in the prior art, vibrating training devices may include tensioning devices. Such tension devices generally comprise a reeling means, a flexible coupling member operably connected to the reeling means and a handling member connected to the flexible coupling member. In use, a user grasps and pulls the handling member, thereby pulling the flexible coupling member from the reeling means and creating a tension. 
     Prior art tensioning devices typically comprise a spring biased to drive the reeling means. The spring is biased such that a retractive reeling force is exerted on the flexible coupling member towards the reeling means. Due to this, the reeling means, in use, constantly exerts a retractive reeling force on the flexible coupling member. Thus, a resistance against the unreeling of the flexible coupling member is provided, and the flexible coupling member thereby is tensioned such that the vibration generated by the vibrating device is transferred to the handling member attached to the flexible coupling. 
     Due to the vibration generated by the vibrating device, the tensioned flexible coupling member will undesirably resonate such that the flexible coupling member moves with a resonance movement, and said resonance movement is undesirably transferred to the handling member. As a result, the handling member is not only desirably subjected to the vibration generated by the vibrating device, but also to the undesirable resonance movement of the flexible coupling member. This has a negative effect on the efficiency of the training. 
     Thus, what is needed is an improved training device for training a body part of a user that is configured to counter the negative effects the resonance movement described above. Desirably, such an improved training device comprises a vibrating device for generating a vibration and a pretensioning device for generating a pre-tension in a muscle of the body part. More desirably, the pretensioning device is connected to the vibrating device and comprises a handling member configured to be held by the user, and a reeling means for reeling a flexible coupling member, which flexible coupling member couples the handling member to the reeling means. 
     More desirably still, the pretensioning device further comprises a tensioning means for driving the reeling means such that, in use, the flexible coupling member is tensioned for transferring the vibration generated by the vibrating device to the handling member. Most desirably, the pretensioning device further comprises a movement limiter for in use limiting a resonance movement of the flexible coupling member generated by the vibration of the vibrating device. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The training device for training a body part of a user of the present invention is configured to advantageously limit the resonance movement of the flexible coupling member generated by the vibration of the vibrating device. 
     In a disclosed embodiment of the present invention, the improved training device comprises a vibrating device for generating a vibration and a pretensioning device for generating a pre-tension in a muscle of the body part. In a disclosed embodiment of the present invention, the pretensioning device is connected to the vibrating device and comprises a handling member configured to be held by the user, and a reeling means for reeling a flexible coupling member, the flexible coupling member coupling the handling member to the reeling means. 
     In a disclosed embodiment of the present invention, the pretensioning device further comprises a tensioning means for driving the reeling means such that, in use, the flexible coupling member is tensioned to allow the vibration generated by the vibrating device to be advantageously transferred to the handling member. The pretensioning device further comprises, in a disclosed embodiment, a movement limiter for in use limiting a resonance movement of the flexible coupling member generated by the vibration of the vibrating device. 
     Additionally, in a disclosed embodiment of the present invention, the unreeled part of the flexible coupling member comprises a length L 1  and a first longitudinal axis, and the movement limiter extends along at least part of said length L 1  and surrounds said first longitudinal axis. 
     In a disclosed embodiment of the present invention, the vibrating device is configured to vibrate with a frequency between 10-100 Hz, and more preferably with a frequency between 20-80 Hz, and most preferably with a frequency between 20-50 Hz. 
     In a disclosed embodiment of the present invention, the vibrating device is configured to vibrate with a vibration amplitude between 0.01-15 mm, and more preferably with a vibration amplitude between 0.1-7 mm, and most preferably with a vibration amplitude between 0.1-3 mm. 
     In a disclosed embodiment of the present invention, a distance D between the flexible coupling member and the movement limiter in a direction substantially perpendicular to a first longitudinal axis of the flexible coupling is smaller than an in use generated amplitude A of the resonance movement of the flexible coupling member. Preferably, the distance D may be between the 5 and 80% of said in use created amplitude A of the resonance movement of the flexible coupling member, or between 1 and 20 mm. 
     In an additional disclosed embodiment of the present invention, the movement limiter comprises a second longitudinal axis and the first longitudinal axis of the flexible coupling member and the second longitudinal axis of the movement limiter substantially coincide. 
     In a disclosed embodiment of the present invention, the movement limiter extends from the pretensioning device or the handling member and along the length L 1  of the flexible coupling member for at least ¼ th  of a wavelength  2 , of the in use created resonance movement of the flexible coupling member, and in an additional disclosed embodiment of the present invention, the movement limiter extends along substantially the full length L 1  of the flexible coupling member. In a disclosed embodiment of the present invention, the movement limiter substantially completely surrounds the flexible coupling member. 
     In a further disclosed embodiment of the present invention, the movement limiter comprises an adjustable length L 2 . The movement limiter may be configured such that the length L 2  thereof is adjustable to correspond to the length L 1  of the flexible coupling member. The movement limiter also may be configured with one end thereof connected to the pretensioning device and with the other end thereof connected to the handling member. 
     Finally, in a disclosed embodiment of the present invention, the movement limiter comprises a helix member, such as a helix spring. 
     These and other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, in conjunction with the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The benefits and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective schematic view of a disclosed embodiment of the training device according the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional schematic view, along line II-II, of the pretensioning device shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional schematic view, along line III-III, of the pretensioning device shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded cross-sectional perspective view of the pretensioning device shown in  FIG. 1 ; and, 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged view of part V of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described and disclosed a present embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiment illustrated. 
     It should be further understood that the title of this section of this specification, namely, “Detailed Description of the Invention,” relates to a requirement of the United States Patent Office, and does not imply, nor should be inferred to limit the subject matter disclosed herein. 
       FIG. 1  shows a training device  1  for training a body part of an user according to the principles of the present invention. The training device generally comprises a vibrating device  2  and a pretensioning device  3  for generating a pre-tension in a muscle of the body part. The pretensioning device  3  is connected to the vibrating device  2 . The pretensioning device  3  may be connected to the vibrating device  2  using any appropriate means as is known in the art, including by clamping, bolting, screwing and other means, and pretensioning device  3  may be removably connected to vibrating device  2  or non-removably connected to vibrating device  2 . 
     The pretensioning device  3  in the disclosed embodiment comprises a handling member  4  configured to be held by the user  32  and a reeling means ( 6  of  FIG. 2 ) for reeling a flexible coupling member  5 . The flexible coupling member  5  couples the handling member  4  to the reeling means ( 6  of  FIG. 2 ). The flexible coupling member  5  is unreeled over a length L 1 , and comprises a first longitudinal axis  21  over unreeled length L 1 . 
     The pretensioning device  3  further comprises in the disclosed embodiment a tensioning means ( 7  of  FIG. 2 ) for driving the reeling means ( 6  of  FIG. 2 ) such that in use the flexible coupling member  5  is tensioned for transferring a vibration generated by the vibrating device  2  to the handling member  4  and, ultimately, to the user  32 . The tensioning means  7  comprises in the disclosed embodiment a fluid resistance means ( 8  of  FIG. 2 ) configured to provide a resistance against the unreeling of the flexible coupling member  5 . 
     Due to fact that the flexible coupling member  5  transfers the vibration of the vibrating device  2 , a resonance movement ( 20  in  FIG. 5 ) of the flexible coupling member  5  is created. Thus, the pretensioning device  3  further comprises a movement limiter  9  for use in advantageously limiting the resonance movement  20  of the flexible coupling member  5  generated by the vibration of the vibrating device  2 . Using the movement limiter  9 , handling member  4  is not subjected to (or at least is strongly isolated from) the resonance movement  20  of the flexible coupling member  5 . Thus, the handling member  4  is advantageously only (or at least mainly) subjected to the vibration generated by the vibrating device  2 . This has a positive effect on the efficiency of the training. 
     The movement limiter  9  in the disclosed embodiment of the present invention is connected at one end to the pretensioning device  3  and is connected at the other end to the handling member  4 . The movement limiter  9  has a length L 2  and preferably extends along the full length L 1  of the flexible coupling member  5 . Further, the length L 2  of the movement limiter  9  is adjustable such that the length L 2  of the movement limiter  9 , in use, corresponds to the length L 1  of the flexible coupling member  5 . In the disclosed embodiment of the present invention, the movement limiter  9  comprises a helix member  24  in the form of a helix spring  25 . 
     The vibrating device  2  comprises a vibrating plate  30  configured to vibrate as indicated by the arrow  31 , as is known in the art. The vibrating device  2  is configured to vibrate with a frequency between 10-100 Hz, and more preferably with a frequency between 20-80 Hz, and most preferably with a frequency between 20-50 Hz. 
     The vibrating device  2  is further configured to vibrate with a vibration amplitude between 0.01-15 mm, and more preferably with a vibration amplitude between 0.1-7 mm, and most preferably with a vibration amplitude between 0.1-3 mm. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the user  32  of the training device stands on the vibrating plate  30 . As appreciated by those skilled in the art, the vibrating device  2  may have instead of the vibrating plate  30  any other type of vibrating member. The pretensioning device  3  is connected to the vibrating device  2  such that vibrations generated by the vibrating device  2  are transferred to the pretensioning device  3 . 
     In use, the tensioning means ( 7  of  FIG. 2 ) constantly drives the reeling means ( 6  of  FIG. 2 ) for reeling the flexible coupling member  5 . Due to this, the reeling means ( 6  of  FIG. 2 ), in use, constantly exerts a retractive reeling force F r  on the flexible coupling member  5 . This creates three advantageous effects: first, a resistance against the unreeling of the flexible coupling member  5  is provided; second, the flexible coupling member  5  is tensioned such that the vibration generated by the vibrating device  2  is transferred to the handling member  4 ; and, third, an unreeled flexible coupling member  5  is reeled by the reeling means ( 6  of  FIG. 2 ). 
     The fluid resistance means ( 8  of  FIG. 2 ) also provides a resistance against the unreeling of the flexible coupling member  5 . Such resistance is the fluid resistance force F fr  which the fluid resistance means ( 8  of  FIG. 2 ) exerts on the flexible coupling member  5  during the unreeling thereof. The fluid resistance force F fr  is in addition to the reeling force F r  of the reeling means ( 6  of  FIG. 2 ) driven by the tensioning means ( 7  of  FIG. 2 ). 
     This is shown in  FIG. 1 , as the user  32  exerts a user force F u , on the flexible coupling member  5  via the handling member  4 . The user force F u , is in the opposite direction of the reeling force F r  which is constantly exerted on the flexible coupling member  5  by the reeling means ( 6  of  FIG. 2 ). When the user force F u , is smaller than or equal to the reeling force F r , the pretensioning device  3  exerts a force equal to the reeling force F r  on the flexible coupling member  5 . 
     As those skilled in the art will appreciate, when the user force F u , equals the reeling force F r , the flexible coupling member  5  will be in a static position which means that the flexible coupling member  5  will not be unreeled or reeled. When the user force F u , is smaller than the reeling force F r , the flexible coupling member  5  will be reeled. And, when the user force F u , is larger than the reeling force F r , the flexible coupling member  5  will be unreeled. In such situation the pretensioning device  3  exerts a force equal to the sum of the reeling force and the fluid resistance force (F r +F fr ) on the flexible coupling member  5 . 
     With the use of the fluid resistance means ( 8  of  FIG. 2 ) a high resistance (F r +F fr ) against the unreeling of the flexible coupling member  5  is achieved, in combination with a smaller reeling force (F r ) of reeling means ( 6  of  FIG. 2 ) for reeling the flexible coupling member  5 . Such high resistance advantageously reduces the chance that the flexible coupling member  5  and the handling member  4  connected thereto are so strongly reeled by the reeling means ( 6  of  FIG. 2 ) such that they make an uncontrolled sweeping movement. 
     Furthermore, due to this combination of resistance, the training device  1  of the present invention is advantageously suitable for exercises which require a large resistance (F r +F fr ) against the unreeling of the flexible coupling member  5  and a smaller force (F r ) pulling on the handling member  4  of an unreeled flexible coupling member  5 . 
     In the disclosed embodiment, the fluid resistance means ( 8  of  FIG. 2 ) is configured such that the magnitude of the resistance of the fluid resistance means ( 8  of  FIG. 2 ) against the unreeling of the flexible coupling member  5  is dependent on the speed by which the flexible coupling member  5  is unreeled. 
     That is, unreeling the flexible coupling member  5  with a higher speed leads to a higher resistance of the fluid resistance means ( 8  of  FIG. 2 ). Unreeling the flexible coupling member  5  with a lower speed leads to a lower resistance of the fluid resistance means ( 8  of  FIG. 2 ). It thus follows that the fluid resistance means ( 8  of  FIG. 2 ) is configured such that an increase of the speed by which the flexible coupling member  5  is unreeled leads to an increase of the resistance of the fluid resistance means ( 8  of  FIG. 2 ), and a decrease of the speed by which the flexible coupling member  5  is unreeled leads to a decrease of the resistance of the fluid resistance means ( 8  of  FIG. 2 ) against the unreeling of the flexible coupling member  5 . 
     Due to this, the training device  2  of the disclosed embodiment of the present invention is advantageously suitable for exercises wherein the user  32  experiences a larger resistance when he or she rapidly unreels the flexible coupling member  5  and a smaller resistance when he or she slowly unreels the flexible coupling member  5 . In this manner, rapid (more “aggressive-like”) movements by which the flexible coupling member  5  is unreeled requires a larger effort than slower (less “aggressive-like”) movements. This advantageously provides an additional dimension to the performed exercises. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2-4 , the reeling means  6  comprises a reel  10  which is rotatable around a reel axis  11 . The reeling means  6  is configured to rotate the reel  10  in a reel direction  12  for reeling the flexible coupling member  5  and to rotate the reel  10  in an unreel direction  13  for unreeling the flexible coupling member  5 . 
     As also shown in  FIGS. 2-4 , the fluid resistance means  8  is connected to the reel axis  11  via freewheel means  14  configured to freely rotate around the reel axis  11  in the reel direction  12  and to engage the reel axis  11  in the unreel direction  13 . This also ensures that, in use, the flexible coupling member  5  is not unreeled by the vibrations generated by the vibrating device  2 . Thus, the fluid resistance means  8  is configured to substantially provide no resistance against the reeling of the flexible coupling member  5 . 
     As further shown in  FIGS. 2-4 , the reel axis  11  comprises a longitudinal axis  27 , and the tensioning means  7  comprises a spiral spring  28  connected to the reel axis  11 . As also shown in  FIG. 2 , the fluid resistance means  8  in the disclosed embodiment comprises a fluid casing  16  forming a fluid chamber  15  filled with a damper fluid  17 . A resistance member  18  is disposed inside the fluid chamber  15 . The fluid casing  16  is connected to the reel axis  11  via the freewheel means  14 . 
     The resistance member  18  is configured such that it is not rotatable around the longitudinal axis  27 . To that end, in the disclosed embodiment, the pretensioning device  3  device further comprises a pretensioning casing  29  and the resistance member  18  is connected to the pretensioning casing  29  such that the resistance member  18  is not rotatable around said longitudinal axis  27 . 
     In some embodiments of the present invention, the resistance member  18  may be connected to the vibrating device  2  such that the resistance member  18  is not rotatable around said longitudinal axis  27 . By configuring the fluid resistance means  8  such that the fluid casing  16  is rotatable and the resistance member  18  is not rotatable, a higher inertia resistance is created. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2-4 , the resistance member  18  in the disclosed embodiment comprises first protrusions  41  extending towards an inside wall  43  of the fluid casing  16 . The inside wall  43  comprises second protrusions  42  extending towards the first protrusions  41 . The fluid casing  16  is rotatable around the longitudinal axis  27  such that the second protrusions  42  do not collide with the first protrusions  41 . This means that the second protrusions  42  are movable between the first protrusions  41 . The degree of overlap of the first protrusions  41  and the second protrusions  42  determines the degree of resistance provided by the fluid resistance means  8 . 
     The fluid resistance means  8  is configured to adjust the resistance against the unreeling of the flexible coupling member by moving the resistance member  18  inside the fluid chamber  15  and substantially in the direction of the longitudinal axis  27 . The direction of movement of the resistance member  18  is indicated by arrow  44 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2-4 , the pretensioning device  3  in the disclosed embodiment further comprises adjusting means  19  for moving and holding the resistance member  18  in a number of specific locations along the longitudinal axis  27 . Each of the specific positions creates a different degree of overlap between the first protrusions  41  and the second protrusions  42 . 
     To that end, the resistance member  18  comprises a lever  45  pivotable about a pivot point  46  and connected to the resistance member  18 . The pivot movement of the lever  45  is indicated by arrow  47 . In this disclosed embodiment, the adjusting means  19  are configured to move and hold the resistance member  18  in three specific locations along said longitudinal axis  27 , although those skilled in the art will appreciate that the adjusting means  19  may be configured to move and hold the resistance member  18  in between two and five specific locations along the longitudinal axis  27 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2-4 , in the disclosed embodiment, the reel  10  is configured to hold the flexible coupling member  5  in a spiral-like configuration, which spiral-like configuration is located in a fictive plane extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  27  of the reel axis  11 . The reel  10  comprises a reel opening  23  at the circumference of the reel  10 , and the width W of the reel opening  23  is such that the windings of the flexible coupling member  5  are placed on top of each other. 
     The pretensioning device  3  further comprises in the disclosed embodiment connection means for connecting said pretensioning device  3  to the vibrating device  2  such that vibrations generated by the vibrating device  2  are transferred to the pretensioning device  3 . The connection means may include combinations of clips and clamps  34  to removably attach the pretensioning device  3  to the vibrating device  2 , or may include any other appropriate connection means as is known in the art, including bolting, screwing and other means. To that end, pretensioning device  3  may be removably connected to vibrating device  2  or non-removably connected to vibrating device  2 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the movement limiter  9  in the disclosed embodiment of the present invention comprises a first end  35  connected to the handling member  4  and a second end  36  connected to the pretensioning device  3 . The length L 2  of the movement limiter  9  extends along the full length L 1  of the flexible coupling member  5 . The flexible coupling member  5  comprises a first longitudinal axis  21  and the movement limiter  9  comprises a second longitudinal axis  22 , wherein said first and second longitudinal axes,  21  and  22 , respectively, substantially coincide. 
     Due to the vibration of the vibration device  2 , the flexible coupling member  5  will resonate such that a resonance movement  20  is created. The resonance movement  20  undesirably creates waves  26  in the flexible coupling member  5 , the waves  26  comprising an amplitude A. 
     The movement limiter  9  extends along the length L 1  of the flexible coupling member  5  such that the movement limiter  9  surrounds a part of flexible coupling member  5  where, in use, an amplitude A of the resonance movement  20  of the flexible coupling member  5  is created. In some embodiments of the present invention, the movement limiter  9  may be configured such that it extends along only a portion of the flexible coupling member  5 . Preferably, the movement limiter  9  entirely surrounds the flexible coupling member  5 ; however, the movement limiter  9  should at least partly surround the flexible coupling member  5 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the waves  26  created by the resonance movement  20  have a wavelength  2 . In the disclosed embodiment of the present invention, the movement limiter  9  extends from the pretensioning device  3  or the handling member  4  and along the length L 1  of the flexible coupling member  5  for at least ¼ th  (and, preferably, at least ½ th ) of a wavelength  2 , of the in use created resonance movement  20  of the flexible coupling member  5 . 
     The distance D between the flexible coupling member  5  and the movement limiter  9  in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis  21  of the flexible coupling member  5  is smaller than the in use generated amplitude A of the resonance movement  20  of the flexible coupling member  5 . Preferably, the distance D is between the 5 and 80% (and, more preferably, between 10 and 70%) of said amplitude A, with the distance D being between 1 and 20 mm (and, more preferably, between 3 and 15 mm). 
     The length L 2  of the movement limiter  9  is adjustable to account to the changing length of flexible coupling member  5  when it is reeled and unreeled. Thus, the length L 2  of the movement limiter  9 , in use, preferably corresponds to the length L 1  of the flexible coupling member  5 . In the disclosed embodiment of the present invention, the movement limiter  9  comprises a helix member  24 , and in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the helix member comprises a helix spring  25 . However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other helical members may be used. 
     All patents referred to herein, are hereby incorporated herein by reference, whether or not specifically done so within the text of this disclosure. 
     In the present disclosure, the words “a” or “an” are to be taken to include both the singular and the plural. Conversely, any reference to plural items shall, where appropriate, include the singular. 
     From the foregoing it will be observed that numerous modifications and variations can be effectuated without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present invention. 
     It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiments illustrated is intended or should be inferred. The disclosure is intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.