Training device for improving reaction capabilities, reflexes, speed and further associated, sports-related, physical and cognitive skills of a user in training

Abstract

A training device, including: at least two respective response target (7); at least two elastic holder cords (6), each holding said at least one respective response target, wherein each said elastic holder cord (6) is located, in a taut state, between at least one attachment point above a training area and a floor attachment, wherein said at least two holder cords (6) are placed at a distance from one another, with response targets (7) placed thereon, and are connected by a momentum coupling.

Claims

1. A training device, comprising: at least two response targets (7); at least two elastic holder cords (6), each respectively holding at least one of said at least two response targets, wherein each of said at least two elastic holder cords (6) is located, in a taut state, between at least one attachment point above a training area and a floor attachment, wherein said at least two holder cords (6) are placed at a distance from one another and are connected in a momentum propagation arrangement wherein momentum impacted on one of said response targets, is propagated, at least partially to other holder cords of said at least two elastic holder cords via a support element.

2. The training device of claim 1, wherein said at least two elastic holder cords (6) are stretched between said support element (3) and at least one of: a respective floor attachment, a ceiling attachment or at least one additional support element.

3. The training device of claim 2, wherein mobile or rigid intermediate elements (2) are placed between the support element (3) and each of said at least two elastic holder cords (6), each thereof operationally coupled with at least one holder cord (6).

4. The training device of claim 3, wherein the intermediate elements (2) on the support elements (3) are U-shaped.

5. The training device of claim 4, wherein said at least two elastic holder cords (6) are placed on both extremities of the U-shaped intermediate elements (2).

6. The training device of claim 3, wherein said at least two elastic holder cords (6) are operationally coupled to the intermediate elements via elastic cords placed between the intermediate elements (2).

7. The training device of claim 2, wherein an additional holder cord (6) is stretched between the attachment point of the support element (3) and the floor attachment.

8. The training device of claim 2, wherein the support element (32) is positioned on the floor by means of at least one support surface or support point, which results in the mobility of the support element (32) and thus in momentum propagation over said at least two elastic holder cords (6).

9. The training device of claim 8, wherein the support surface or support point of the support element (3) has a spherical or hemispherical form.

10. The training device of claim 2, wherein the support element (3) or the support elements (3) are placed on an upper part, a lower part or said upper and lower parts of the training device and are combinable with one another.

11. The training device of claim 2, wherein the support element (3) is directly coupled to a ceiling or the floor.

12. The training device of claim 1, wherein the support element (3) comprises at least one rigid, elastic or flexible suspension element (4) for attaching the support element (3) on at least one upper attachment point, wherein mobility of the support element (3) is adjustable on or through the suspension element (4), and wherein said at least two holder cords (6) attached to the support element (3) are coupled at attachment points placed at a distance from one another, on the support element (3).

13. The training device of claim 1, wherein said floor attachment includes at least one freely movable floor weight (9).

14. The training device of claim 1, further comprising weight bodies arranged on said at least two elastic holder cords (6), such that said weight bodies form counterweights (8) to the response targets (7), thereby enabling adjustment of the momentum propagation arrangement of the response targets.

15. The training device of claim 14, wherein the response targets (7) and the counterweights (8) are coupled in an adjustable manner on said at least two elastic holder cords (6).

16. The training device of claim 1, further comprising adjustable cord stoppers (10) positioned at least below the response targets (7), such that the response targets (7) are coupled to said at least two elastic holder cords (6) in a detachable and adjustable manner by means of said adjustable cord stoppers (10).

17. The training device of claim 1, wherein constructive elements of the training device are connected in a detachable manner by hook-like components, said constructive elements including: at least one said response target, at least one of said at least two elastic holder cords and elements forming said momentum propagation arrangement.

18. The training device of claim 17, wherein spherical joints (24) are placed within one of said constructive elements or between several said constructive elements of the training device causing or enhancing momentum propagation.

19. The training device of claim 1, wherein the support element (3) includes at least one arm, wherein said at least two elastic holder cords (6) are attached to the support element (3) at least at an upper edge of said at least two elastic holder cords or distributed over the support element (3).

20. The training device of claim 1, wherein the support element is formed by upper extremities of said at least two elastic holder cords connected together with a carrier body.

21. The training device of claim 1, wherein said at least two elastic holder cords (6), which are distanced from one another, run vertically, with response targets (7) placed thereon, and are connected in said momentum propagation arrangement over at least one other horizontally running holder band (38), which connects said at least two elastic holder cords (6) with or without response targets (7) placed thereon.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The embodiments listed and described herein are examples; other embodiments, combinations and materials are possible if the principle aspects of the invention are retained. Various embodiments are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the invention with three individual elements attached to a support element by means of intermediate elements;

(3) FIG. 2 shows an embodiment comprising the support element equipped with several arms that can be designed as rigid or flexible;

(4) FIG. 3 shows another embodiment variant, where the individual elements are attached to elastic cords stretched crosswise on the support element comprising fork-shaped extensions;

(5) FIG. 4 shows an embodiment comprising a fourth individual element in its center;

(6) FIG. 5 shows an embodiment comprising response targets and counterweights of differential sizes and weight, whereby the momentum propagation is influenced;

(7) FIG. 6 shows embodiments comprising two individual elements attached to each of the intermediate elements;

(8) FIG. 7 shows embodiments comprising an additional counterweight above the response target, which can also be used as a second reaction target;

(9) FIG. 8 shows a close-up side view of the response target or counterweight with cord stoppers;

(10) FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of the floor weight with crank, whereby the length of the cord can be adjusted, as an alternative to manual unwinding;

(11) FIG. 10 shows an embodiment comprising no counterweights on individual elements, wherein only individual elements, i.e. the reaction targets act as counterweights and generate the required countermotion;

(12) FIG. 11 shows a variant provided with a lower support element attached to the floor weight by means of several holder cords;

(13) FIG. 12 shows a variant provided with a lower support element comprising flexible arms;

(14) FIG. 13 shows a variant provided with a pedestal connected to the floor weight by means of a spherical element;

(15) FIG. 14 shows a variant, where the pedestal has a spherical lower end and is firmly connected with the lower support element;

(16) FIG. 15 shows a variant, where both upper and lower support elements are equipped with telescope arms;

(17) FIG. 16 shows a variant, where the holder cords of the individual elements are brought together in the lower part and attached to the floor weight;

(18) FIG. 17 shows a variant with a lower support element, where the momentum propagation takes place in the upper support element and in the lower support element;

(19) FIG. 18 shows a fixed support element and fixed floor element with telescopic arms;

(20) FIG. 19 shows the variant, wherein the floor element is provided with an element, whereby the arms of the floor element can be adjusted from in the terms of their angles in the horizontal plane;

(21) FIG. 20 shows a variant, where the floor element is provided with a sphere positioned on the floor), the floor element is mobile;

(22) FIG. 21 shows a variant, where the support element comprises the holder cords in the upper extremities further connected together to a carried body;

(23) FIG. 22 shows a variant, where holder cords are connected together by means of a holder cord or several holder cords;

(24) FIG. 23 shows an example, where one or more training device are interconnected with momentum coupling via a support element.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(25) FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the invention with three individual elements (1) attached to a support element (3) by means of intermediate elements (2). The support element is attached to a suspension element (4) which is attached by a hook (5) (e.g. spring hook) to a corresponding suspension device e.g. on the ceiling. Thus, the invention can move freely in all directions and react with outmost sensitivity to the application of external force.

(26) The individual element in this embodiment is constructed as follows: on the floor, there is a freely movable weight (e.g. 0.5 kg, preferably coated with rubber or suchlike), comprising a rod in its center around which the elastic cord (6) of the individual element is wound and finally fixed in position with a small hook (14) firmly connected to one end of the cord. It is thus guaranteed that the tension of the cord can be adjusted by further winding around the rod. Alternatively, the cord is firmly connected with the rod, which can be turned by means of a crank (16) positioned on the side of the weight, whereby length or tension of the cord can be adjusted.

(27) The counterweight (8), which generates the countermotion to the response target (7), is placed in this embodiment at 30-40 cm distance from the floor weight or height above the floor, whereas the response target is placed above the counterweight and within blow height of the user, e.g. at an eye level. In prototype trials of the invention, good results were obtained when a cord with the length of 150 to 200 cm reaches in taut state a length between 200 and 250 cm. These, however, are merely values for exemplification. The tension can be adjusted in accordance with the training requirements.

(28) In the present example, the distance between the response target and the suspension on the support element is approx. 80 to 100 cm. The distance of the reaction target from the suspension on the support element can vary, but should not be too small. The lateral length of the support element is approx. 55 cm. In the prototypes, the elastic cord comprised 65% elastodiene and 35% of polyester featuring thickness of 1.5 mm. Other compositions and materials are possible, as long as the high elasticity and thus the sensitivity to application of external force is guaranteed. In this embodiment, balls with a diameter of approx. 4 cm, with a weight of approx. 25 g made of rubber and hollow inside (similar to squash balls) were used as response target and counter weight, which yielded good results.

(29) Alternatives in terms of material and size are possible, as long as they do not hinder the irregular movement and match the elastic cord and other elements in terms of weight etc. In this embodiment, the rubber balls are provided on the upper and lower part with a small hole, through which the cord is run. As the cord is pushed through the rubber material of the ball upon manufacturing, the ball does not slip downwards and can nevertheless be moved easily up and down by the user. Alternatively, below or both above and below the ball, cord stoppers (10) can be used, which, while preventing the possible slipping of the ball, nonetheless guarantee the adjustability of its height by pressing on the cord stopper, whereby the cord is released again. Alternatively, rubber band or suchlike can be knotted below and above the balls and can also be untied for adjustment.

(30) An embodiment is also conceivable where the cord does not pass through the ball but the balls are equipped with small hooks on top and bottom, whereto the cords are attached. This embodiment would, however, have the disadvantage that the height of the response targets and the counterweights can no longer be adjusted easily. Cord (6) is provided at its upper end with a small spring hook, preferably of synthetic material or with rubber coating or suchlike. In the present embodiment variant, the cord is attached by means of the hook on a specific point at the intermediate element (2). The intermediate element serves, inter alia, for attaching several individual elements to the support element, as described in the embodiments hereinafter, in order to intensify or perplex training. For this purpose, the intermediate element is foreseen with several points whereto the individual elements can be attached or removed using e.g. a small spring hook. The intermediate element with the individual element(s) is also suspended using a small spring hook from the suspension points (11) on the support element (3) and can be removed together with the individual element for training using one or several individual elements without support element, for example, when traveling. In the present embodiment, the support element has the form of a triangle and is provided with six suspension points for individual elements, three of which are placed in the corners.

(31) Other forms of support elements are possible, some of which are presented hereinafter. The support element, as well as the intermediate elements, should be made from a light material to guarantee sensitivity to force propagation and thus irregularity of movement of the balls. It can be coated with a material such as rubber. In prototypes of the present embodiments, the support element had the form of a triangle with side lengths of 50 to 55 cm. However, other dimensions are possible.

(32) In the present embodiment, the support element is connected with a suspension element (4) (either fixed or mobile), comprising elastic cords of the same type and the cords of the individual elements brought together in the center from the corners and centers of the sides of the support element in a slightly taut state, where they are attached to the ceiling by means of a suspension spring hook. This type of suspension guarantees that the support element is mobile and, in particular, reacts sensitively to force propagation by the individual elements, which is important for the momentum propagation and the irregular effect of the response targets. Other suspension designs are conceivable as long as they do not affect negatively the movement of the response targets. Several alternative variants of the suspension element presented in FIG. 1 are presented in the following figures.

(33) The elastic cords (6) of the individual elements are especially long and can be adjusted as described above, so that the invention can also be suspended from high ceilings. The tension of the cords can be adjusted easily on the floor weight, in accordance with the desired effect. This has the great advantage that, apart from the other adjustment options, scope and type of the irregular movement, as well as speed of the response targets can be influenced to a certain extent by adjustability of the height of response targets and counterweights.

(34) Due to its design, the invention is under permanent tension and reacts sensitively to the smallest application of force, which results in a particularly intense irregular, chaotic motion. In the present examples, the position of the floor weights is such that the position of the elements is not perpendicular, but rather inclined, which, in the prototypes, had a positive effect on the chaotic, irregular movement.

(35) An alternative configuration comprises no intermediate elements (2), while individual elements are suspended directly from the support element (3).

(36) FIG. 2 shows an embodiment comprising the support element of a different form. The support element is equipped with several arms that can be designed as rigid or flexible, which has an additional effect on the momentum propagation and thereby on the mobility of the response targets and counterweights.

(37) FIG. 3 shows another embodiment variant, where the individual elements are attached to elastic cords stretched crosswise on the support element comprising fork-shaped extensions.

(38) FIG. 4 shows an embodiment comprising a fourth individual element in its center.

(39) FIG. 5 shows an embodiment comprising response targets (7) and counterweights (8) of differential sizes and weight, whereby the momentum propagation is influenced.

(40) FIG. 6 shows embodiments comprising 2 individual elements (1) attached to each of the intermediate elements (2).

(41) FIG. 7 shows embodiments comprising an additional counterweight (8) above the response target (7), which can also be used as a second reaction target. Further combinations of this type can be installed on the individual elements of this and other embodiments.

(42) FIG. 8 shows a close-up side view of the response target or counterweight (7 or 8) with cord stoppers (10).

(43) FIG. 9 shows a view of a floor weight (9), where the elastic cord (6) is wound around the rod 15 and is held in position by the hook (14). This is an embodiment of the floor weight with crank (16), whereby the length of the cord can be adjusted, as an alternative to manual unwinding.

(44) FIG. 10 shows an embodiment comprising no counterweights on individual elements, where only individual elements, i.e. the reaction targets act as counterweights and generate the required countermotion.

(45) FIG. 11 shows a variant, where a lower support element (17) is attached to the floor weight by means of several holder cords (6). This creates a difference in the movement of the lower support element and in the momentum propagation with the upper support element (3).

(46) FIG. 12 shows a variant, where a lower support element (22) comprises flexible arms having a special effect on the irregular behavior of the response targets or response targets and counterweights. Alternatively, it comprises a fixed or flexible pedestal, which ensures an alternative type of momentum propagation in the lower support element. In this variant, the momentum propagation takes place in the lower and upper support elements, whereby both degree and type of irregularity are modified. It is, however, necessary to point out that flexible elements can be arrayed in great variability on both lower and upper support element.

(47) FIG. 13 shows a variant, where a pedestal (18) is connected with the floor weight by means of a spherical element (24), and is thus mobile. Similarly, the lower support element (17) is connected with the pedestal by means of a spherical element and is mobile. This increases the mobility of the lower support element, which leads to an increase in sensitivity to momentum propagation. A variant is envisaged, wherein each individual arm of the lower support element is made mobile by means of a spherical element (24). No momentum propagation takes place in the lower support element, however, the movement of the individual arms of the lower support element affects the movement of the holder cords and response targets.

(48) FIG. 14 shows a variant, where the pedestal has a spherical lower end and is firmly connected to the lower support element, whereby application of force to the response target makes the lower support element and pedestal move, causing momentum propagation.

(49) FIG. 15 shows a variant, where both upper and lower support elements are equipped with telescope arms, whereby the angle and distance between the holder cords can be modified, for example, when several persons intend to use the training device. In addition, the tension of the holder cords can be modified by the telescopic design of the pedestal (20).

(50) This telescopic structure can be attached to a multitude of constructive elements to both upper and lower carrier and fixing elements.

(51) FIG. 16 shows a variant, where the holder cords (6) of the individual elements are brought together in the lower part and attached to the floor weight (9). The distances between the holder cords and thus between the response targets are adjustable in this variant due to the telescopic design of the upper support element (26). This enables the user to select between training with smaller and larger field of vision. Another variant envisages for example the use of the upper support element without telescopic carrier arms.

(52) FIG. 17 shows a variant with a lower support element (17), where the momentum propagation takes place in the upper support element (3) and in the lower support element (17). The optimum connection of the lower support element to the floor weight is by means of the elastic holder cords (6), however, as in this and other examples, use of non-elastic holder cords is possible, whereby the mobility of the lower support element is limited. When using non-elastic holder cords, the movement of the support element after application of force is more confined to horizontal plane, thus being rather a movement around the own axis. The same applies to the variant where the upper support element is attached to the ceiling by the holder cords and hooks. In this case both elastic and non-elastic holder cords can be used for suspension of the support elements.

(53) The upper support element (3) is attached in this case to a fixed, flexible or elastic vertical suspension, whereas the arms in this embodiment are positioned on a spherical joint.

(54) FIG. 18 shows a fixed support element and fixed floor element (29) with telescopic arms. In this variant, no momentum propagation to the response targets occurs. The training is focused in this case on development of skills such as extension of the field of vision, speed, etc. Position of the floor element on the floor can be modified in this and other examples. In general, various types of mobility of the support element result in somewhat different momentum propagation, and thereby different movement of the response targets or response targets and counterweights.

(55) In FIG. 19, the floor element is provided with an element (30), whereby the arms of the floor element can be adjusted in terms of their angles in the horizontal plane. Thus, the users are able to adjust the distance of the individual response targets from themselves and from one another.

(56) FIG. 20 shows a variant, where the floor element is provided with a sphere (24) positioned on the floor), whereby the floor element is mobile and enables momentum propagation.

(57) FIG. 21 shows a variant, where the support element (37) comprises the holder cords (6) in the upper extremities further connected together to a carried body, which enables momentum propagation. Another embodiment of this variant is possible, where the carrier body comprises no holder cords in the upper extremities, but forms a separate unit whereto the holder cords are attached. The advantage of this variant consists in the fact that several training units of this type can be connected together so that several persons are able to train. The individual units can be attached to the upper support element by the hook (5).

(58) FIG. 22 shows a variant, where individual holder cords are connected together (elastically or non-elastically) by means of a holder cord or several holder cords (38). The connecting holder cords (38) can be provided or not with response targets. This variant has the advantage that momentum occurs contributing to the momentum of the support element(s) or no momentum contribution occurs. Moreover, the scope of training can be extended to the response targets attached to the connecting holder cords (38).

(59) Finally, FIG. 23 shows an example, where one or more training devices are interconnected with momentum coupling via a support element (3), so that several persons can train together, which leads to a stronger momentum propagation and thus to a higher degree of irregularity of the response targets. A connection of this kind or a similar connection of several training devices is possible, in principle, in all embodiments presented.

REFERENCE LIST

(60) 1. Individual element 2. Intermediate element 3. Support element 4. Suspension element 5. Hook 6. Elastic cord or rubber cable or rubber band 7. Response target 8. Counterweight 9. Floor weight 10. Cord stopper 11. Suspension points 16. Crank 17. Lower support element 18. Pedestal 19. Lower support element with extendible telescopic arms 20. Extendible pedestal 21. Flexible pedestal 22. Lower support element with flexible arms 24. Mobile spherical element 25. Pedestal with spherical (oval or round etc.) lower end 26. Support element with extendible telescopic arms 30. Element for the adjustment of the arms of the floor element 32. Floor element 37. Support element/carrier body, consisting of the upper extremities of the holder cord, which are connected together with the carrier body.