Self-locomotion training systems and methods

Abstract

Embodiments allow the application of a settable and/or a programmable resistance to a trainee's leg Drive Phase and/or Recovery Phase while walking or running over extended or infinite distances. Multiple mechanical or electrical feedback loops or combinations of both to monitor the applied resistance to the Trainee by the tether or tethers and then control the amount of breaking (drag) or propulsion created by the Mobile training module during the acceleration and constant speed training phases to accurately generate, control and transfer resistance through the elastic tethers to the Trainee. Embodiments apply multiple, non-varying loads or programmable loads to multiple body parts of a trainee where applied resistance can be manipulated to both increase or decrease over distance as desired by trainee while the trainee is walking, running or sprinting over any distance.

Claims

1. A physical training system for providing resistance to a trainee during self-locomotion, said system comprising: a mobile training module; one or more drive phase loading resistance members anchored at one end to said training module and adapted to be connected to the trainee to thereby effect loading of the trainee during a plurality of drive phases of the act of self-locomotion; and one or more swing phase loading resistance members anchored at one end to said training module and adapted to be connected to the trainee to thereby effect loading of the trainee during a plurality of swing phases of the act of self-locomotion, wherein said one or more drive phase or swing phase loading resistance members are at least partly housed in one or more resistance modules for loading the trainee during a plurality of drive or swing phases during the act of self-locomotion, said resistance module being carried by said mobile training module, said resistance module comprising: an elastic cord having one end secured by an anchor and a free end adapted to be connected to a selected portion of the trainee; and a plurality of tracking mechanisms directing said elastic cord from said anchor to said free end; and wherein the drive phase and swing phase loading to the trainee during the act of self-locomotion being independent of the distance locomoted by the trainee.

2. The physical training system of claim 1 wherein said mobile training module is adapted to shadow the trainee while the trainee locomotes along a predetermined training path.

3. The physical training system of claim 2 wherein said mobile training module comprises wheels for locomotion along the training path.

4. The physical training system of claim 2 wherein said mobile training module comprises means for locomotion on one or more rails or belts.

5. The physical training system of claim 2 wherein said mobile training module is adapted to be towed by the trainee.

6. The physical training system of claim 1 wherein said one or more drive phase loading resistance members are adapted to be connected to a midsection of the trainee.

7. The physical training system of claim 6 wherein said one or more swing phase loading resistance members are adapted to be connected to a leg of the trainee.

8. The physical training system of claim 1 wherein said one or more swing phase loading resistance members are adapted to be connected to a leg of the trainee.

9. The physical training system of claim 1 wherein at least one of said drive phase or swing phase loading resistance members comprises an elastic cord.

10. The physical training system of claim 9 comprising a pair of swing phase loading resistance members, each member comprising an elastic cord adapted to be attached to a leg of the trainee.

11. The physical training system of claim 1 comprising a pair of resistance modules carried by said mobile training module for loading legs of the trainee during a plurality of swing phases during the act of self-locomotion.

12. The physical training system of claim 1 wherein said mobile training module locomotes along a training path at selectable velocity and acceleration.

13. A physical training system for providing resistance to a trainee during self-locomotion, said system comprising: a mobile training module; a pair of drive belts defining a training path, said mobile training module being coupled to said belts and being adapted to move along the training path at varying and selectable velocities and accelerations; one or more drive phase loading resistance members anchored at one end to said training module and adapted to be connected to the trainee to thereby effect loading of the trainee during a plurality of drive phases of the act of self-locomotion; and one or more swing phase loading resistance members anchored at one end to said training module and adapted to be connected to the trainee to thereby effect loading of the trainee during a plurality of swing phases of the act of self-locomotion, wherein the drive phase and swing phase loading to the trainee during the act of self-locomotion being independent of the distance locomoted by the trainee.

14. A physical training system for providing resistance to a trainee during the act of self-locomotion, said system comprising: a mobile training module; and one or more resistance members anchored at one end to said training module and adapted to be attached to the trainee at the other end, wherein said one or more resistance members are at least partly housed in one or more resistance modules for loading the trainee during the act of self-locomotion, said resistance module being carried by said mobile training module, said resistance module comprising: an elastic cord having one end secured by an anchor and a free end adapted to be connected to a selected portion of the trainee; and a plurality of tracking mechanisms directing said elastic cord from said anchor to said free end; said mobile training module being spaced from the trainee at a predetermined distance and being adapted to move with the trainee during the act of self-locomotion over a predetermined path, said system providing a selectively constant or varying load to the trainee during a plurality of drive and swing phases while the trainee self-locomotes over the predetermined path, wherein said load is independent of the distance locomoted by the trainee.

15. The physical training system of claim 14 wherein said mobile training module is adapted to shadow the trainee while the trainee locomotes along a predetermined training path.

16. The physical training system of claim 15 wherein said mobile training module comprises wheels for locomotion along the training path.

17. The physical training system of claim 15 wherein said mobile training module comprises means for locomotion on one or more rails or belts.

18. The physical training system of claim 15 wherein said mobile training module is adapted to be towed by the trainee.

19. The physical training system of claim 14 wherein said one or more resistance members are adapted to be connected to a midsection of the trainee.

20. The physical training system of claim 19 wherein said resistance members are adapted to be connected to a leg of the trainee.

21. The physical training system of claim 14 wherein said one or more resistance members are adapted to be connected to a leg of the trainee.

22. The physical training system of claim 14 wherein at least one of said resistance members comprises an elastic cord.

23. The physical training system of claim 14 wherein one or more resistance modules comprise a plurality of elastic cords.

24. The physical training system of claim 14 comprising a pair of resistance modules carried by said mobile training module for loading the trainee during the act of self-locomotion.

25. A physical training system for providing resistance to a trainee during the act of self-locomotion along a training path, said system comprising: a mobile training module for providing resistance to the trainee as the trainee locomotes along the training path, said mobile training module comprising: a chassis; a housing carried by said chassis; a breaking mechanism for providing resistance to the movement of said mobile training module along the training path; and a controller for controlling said breaking mechanism, said controller being programmable for selectively controlling the resistance to the movement of said mobile training module to thereby control the velocity and acceleration of said mobile training module, and one or more resistance modules for loading the trainee during a plurality of drive or swing phases during the act of self-locomotion, said resistance module being carried by said mobile training module, said resistance module comprising: an elastic cord having one end secured by an anchor and a free end adapted to be connected to a selected portion of the trainee; and a plurality of tracking mechanisms directing said elastic cord from said anchor to said free end.

26. The physical training system of claim 25 further comprising a pair of drive belts defining the training path, said breaking mechanism being coupled to at least one of said drive belts for creating a breaking force opposing the movement of said mobile training module along the training path.

27. The physical training system of claim 25 further comprising one or more rigid rails defining the training path, said breaking mechanism being coupled to at least one of said rails for creating a breaking force opposing the movement of said mobile training module along the training path.

28. The physical training system of claim 27 wherein one or more of said rigid rails is positioned above a training surface.

29. The physical training system of claim 27 wherein one or more of said rigid rails is positioned below a training surface.

30. The physical training system of claim 25 further comprising one or more wheels supporting said chassis for facilitating movement of said mobile training module along the training path.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The following will be apparent from elements of the figures, which are provided for illustrative purposes and are not necessarily to scale.

(2) FIG. 1 is a graph showing how the force required to stretch an elastic band steadily increases as a function of distance.

(3) FIG. 2 is a graph showing the force per distance applied to a trainee according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

(4) FIG. 3 is a side view of an example of a prior art training setup using elastic bands to load a trainee during the act of running.

(5) FIG. 4 is a side view of an example of another prior art system.

(6) FIG. 5 is a side view of the system illustrated in FIG. 4.

(7) FIG. 6 shows a top view of one embodiment of the present disclosure.

(8) FIG. 7 is a side view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6.

(9) FIG. 7A shows a top view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7.

(10) FIG. 8 is a top view of another embodiment of the present disclosure.

(11) FIG. 9 is a side view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8.

(12) FIG. 10 is a top view of another embodiment of the present disclosure.

(13) FIG. 11 is a side view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10.

(14) FIG. 12 is a top view of another embodiment of the present disclosure.

(15) FIG. 13 is side view of a prior art training system.

(16) FIG. 14 is a side view of another embodiment of the present disclosure.

(17) FIG. 15 is a side view of another embodiment of the present disclosure.

(18) FIG. 16 is a side view of another embodiment of the present disclosure.

(19) FIG. 17 is a side view of another embodiment of the present disclosure.

(20) FIG. 17A is a side view of another embodiment of the present disclosure.

(21) FIG. 18 is a top view of another embodiment of the present disclosure.

(22) FIG. 19 is a side view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 18.

(23) FIG. 20 is a top view of another embodiment of the present disclosure.

(24) FIG. 21 is a side view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 20.

(25) FIG. 22 is a top view of another embodiment of the present disclosure.

(26) FIG. 23 is a top view of another embodiment of the present disclosure.

(27) FIG. 24 is a side view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 23.

(28) FIG. 25 is a top view of another embodiment of the present disclosure.

(29) FIG. 26 is a rear view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 25.

(30) FIG. 27 is a top view of another embodiment of the present disclosure.

(31) FIG. 28 is a rear view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 27.

(32) FIG. 29 is a top view of another embodiment of the present disclosure.

(33) FIG. 30 is a rear view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 29.

(34) FIG. 31 is a top view of another embodiment of the present disclosure.

(35) FIG. 32 is a side view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 31.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(36) With reference to the figures, like elements have been given like numerical designations to facilitate an understanding of the present disclosure which has multiple embodiments. For illustration only, certain embodiments may be described where the trainee is performing the act of running. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the act of running and provides systems and methods for training a trainee during the act of self-locomotion by any mode.

(37) FIGS. 6-12 illustrate one embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the self-locomotion training system includes a mobile training module 3; a pair of coupling belts 1,2; resistance loading module 4; and tethers 40-43. The mobile training module 3 carries the braking/drive element 6 coupled to drive belts 1,2. The braking/drive element 6 may include means to measure velocity and receive and process data indicating the level of applied resistance to the trainee from controller 5 and provided automatic control of the magnitude of the resistance load by adjusting the breaking load applied to the drive belts 1,2. Braking element 6 may also create resistance to the movement of the mobile training module 3 using mechanical braking means such as disk brakes acting on the coupling device with the drive belts 1,2.

(38) In another embodiment, the braking/drive element 6 may provide wind resistance derived from a rotating wheel with variable pitched blades. The wheel within element 6 that is coupled to element 1 and/or 2 will spin when element 3 is pulled. The variable pitched blade positions (on the spinning wheel coupled to the drive belts) will be controlled either manually or by an electric servo. By altering the pitch of the blades the wheel it will be possible to alter the force required to drive the blades (which are attached to the wheel) through the air and thus alter the required force to tow mobile training module 3. The electric pitch control servo can be programmed to change resistance based on mobile training module 3 velocity, distance traveled or resistance applied to the Trainee.

(39) The braking/drive element 6 may also include a drive motor coupled to drive belts 1,2 so that electromechanical braking and drive capability is included in the mobile training module 3. Self-propulsion with programmable means will provide the mobile training module 3 with the ability to compensate for the mass of the module when the trainee accelerates so that the mobile training module 3 may accurately maintain a specified resistance load on the trainee without the mass of the module affecting the applied resistance during acceleration.

(40) Data connectivity between elements 5 and 6 enable programmable means to apply fixed or varying resistance to the trainee. The applied resistance controlled by the interaction of elements 5, 6, 1 and 2 may be controlled such that the resistance applied to the trainee is maintained independent of acceleration, deceleration or velocity. The combined capabilities of elements 3 and 4 will have the capability to alter resistance acting on the trainee as a function of distance traveled, velocity, and acceleration or deceleration of the trainee. A separate hand held programmable means may also be used to communicate with and program resistance settings and other variables prior to and during the training.

(41) Resistance loading module 4 may contain one or more elastic tethers 40-42. Module 4 contains tracking means allowing the tethers 40-42 to retract into the module 4 when the trainee is no longer applying force to the tethers. As shown in more detail in FIGS. 31 and 32, module 4 contains a plurality of tracking members 402 that direct tether 40 from one end secured by an anchor 404 to a free end 406 that is adapted to be connected to a selected portion of a trainee. Module 4 may also swivel 360 degrees relative to the mobile training module 3 to allow the trainee to reverse direction as shown in FIG. 7A and run in the opposite direction between drive belts 1,2 without having to disconnect the mobile training module 3 from the drive belts 1,2 and turn it around for training in the other direction. The pivoting feature is most applicable when using the linear embodiment utilizing predetermined fixed straight-a-ways shown in FIGS. 6-12. As shown, the coupling belts 1,2 provide a physical fixed reference (portable or fixed with respect to the training surface) to define a training path.

(42) The mobile training module 3 may include a sliding surface for sliding over the training surface, or it may include one or more wheels 7 to facilitate movement of the module 3 along over the training surface 200. The module 3 may include any number of wheels.

(43) The tethers may be connected to the trainee by harnesses 10-17 at selectable body portions such as the waist, wrists, thighs and ankles. For illustrative purposes FIG. 11 shows harnesses 13 and 14 providing means to attach tethers 43 and 40 to the trainee's wrists to provide resistance against forward motion of the arm when running or walking. FIG. 12 shows attachment means 16 and 17 consisting of harnesses that fit around the thigh and are supported by a waist belt 18. Rear connecting means on harnesses 16 and 17 allow tethers 41 and 42 to connect just behind the knee.

(44) FIG. 13 illustrates a prior art system that tethers a weighted mobile sled 3B to a trainee with tether 50. Weights 20 and 20A are stacked on post 19 to provide weight to the sled 3B. When the trainee pulls the sled, friction between the sled 3B and training surface 200 provide training resistance which is transferred to the trainee by tether 50. The prior art illustrated in FIG. 13 only loads the drive phase (pushing muscles when foot is in contact with ground) of the act of self-locomotion.

(45) FIG. 14 shows another embodiment of the present disclosure where resistance loading module 4 is carried by a mobile training module 3 (a sled in this embodiment) designed to be pulled over the training surface 200. One or more elastic bands 40-43 may be attached to the trainee with harnesses. As the trainee begins to run, the elastic bands 40-43 begin to stretch and apply a composite load to the trainee that increases as a function of the distance travelled by the trainee. When the composite force from all tethers exceeds the frictional force between the mobile training module 3 and the training surface 200, the mobile training module 3 will move and follow the trainee. Module 4 maintains the tension on the elastic tethers 40-43 relatively constant so that the velocity of the mobile training module 3 and the trainee reach a state of equilibrium and the mobile training module 3 will remain at a relatively fixed distance behind the trainee loading the leg drive and recovery phases and/or arm drive for as long as the trainee runs.

(46) FIG. 15 shows how multiple resistance modules 4 and 4A (elastic resistance modules with internally routed retractable elastic bands) may be stacked and carried by mobile training module 3 so that it can load the drive and recovery phases of running in addition to loading arm drive.

(47) FIG. 16 adds a heavy elastic or non-elastic or combination of elastic and non-elastic tether 50 between the trainee's waist and mobile training module 3 as a means to provide a larger pulling force on the mobile training module so that it can begin moving. Attachment 50 will allow mobile training module movement to not be so dependent on the composite force from tethers 40-43.

(48) FIG. 17 illustrates another embodiment of the disclosure whereby wheels 51,52 are attached to the mobile training module 3. The tether 50 connects at one end to the waist harness 18 worn by the trainee and connects at the other end to a steering mechanism (not shown) for steering the mobile training module 3.

(49) This embodiment allows the trainee to travel along a training path that is not linear such as an oval track while the mobile training module 3 shadows the trainee along the training path. Thus the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17 includes no distance limitations.

(50) FIG. 17A illustrates another embodiment including elements 3, 4, 5 and 6 which function as described in related FIGS. 6-12. Element 6 may serve as an electro-mechanical braking system controlling wheel brake elements 51B and 52B to generate drag resistance to be applied to the trainee primarily by tether 50. Element 5 monitors individual training resistance applied by tethers 40-43 or the composite resistance applied by all tethers and transmits resistance data to element 6 which controls drag resistance by engaging brakes 51B and 52B.

(51) Element 6 can have additional capabilities such as the ability to not only brake but electromechanical means or gas powered means to drive wheel sets 51 and 52 so mobile training module 3 can be propelled.

(52) FIG. 18 shows a top view of a three tether loading configuration applying resistance to the waist and arm drive. This particular loading configuration loads the leg drive phase and forward arm drive. FIG. 19 is a side view of the FIG. 18 configuration.

(53) FIG. 20 is another embodiment of the present disclosure that utilizes a second mobile training module 202 used in the propulsion mode. Mobile training module 202 propels itself in front of the trainee pulling tethers 44 and 45 so that the tethers resist the rearward driving movement of the arms as the trainee runs. Synchronization of velocity between the two mobile training modules is accomplished by mobile training module 202 receiving velocity information from mobile training module 3 by radio transmission and mobile training module 202 then uses the mobile training module 3 velocity information to control its propulsion system. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 20 loads the leg swing phase and also resists the rearward driving movement of the arms simultaneously. FIG. 21 is a side view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 20.

(54) FIG. 22 shows a top view of an embodiment of the system which does not require mobile training module 202 to have a propulsion system. By connecting a cable 100 between the rear of mobile training module 3 and the front end of mobile training module 202 and routing cable 100 through anchored pulleys 101-104 it will be possible to for the propulsion system in mobile training module 4 to also drive mobile training module 202 and match velocities exactly due to the non-elastic cable 100 connecting the two mobile training modules. If mobile training module 3 moves forward one foot then mobile training module 20 also moves forward one foot.

(55) FIGS. 23 and 24 illustrate another embodiment including resistance tether 40 and attaching it to harness 300 to assist in stabilizing the trainee by using the resistance of tether 40 to counteract the composite resistance from tethers 44 and 45 pulling the trainee forward.

(56) FIG. 25 is another embodiment of the present disclosure including a single above ground rigid rail 101 supported by the training surface 200. The rail 101 guides the mobile training module 3 and provides a stable structure for coupling with the braking/drive element 6. This embodiment may be advantageous utilizing the invention in a setting having a defined training path such as a running track. FIG. 26 illustrates a training surface level rear view of the system illustrated in FIG. 25.

(57) FIG. 27 illustrates another embodiment of the disclosure including a cavity 8 formed below the training surface 200 with slot 105 formed in the training surface 200 providing access to the cavity 8. The rigid rail 9 is positioned in the cavity 8 and the braking/drive element 6 is coupled to the rail 9 by coupling element C for coupling braking or driving forces between the mobile training module 3 and the rail 9. FIG. 28 illustrates training surface level rear view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 27.

(58) FIGS. 29 and 30 illustrate an embodiment including a pair of cavities 8 and rails 9 for guiding the mobile training module 3 and coupling the braking and driving forces of the module 3.

(59) With reference to the embodiments of the present disclosure as shown in FIGS. 6-12, a the Trainee may deploy grooved coupling bands 1,2 parallel to one another and thread grooved coupling bands 1,2 couple the bands to the mobile training module 3. The coupling bands are secured to the training surface 200 by any suitable means. The trainee may then program the training system using a remote hand held unit or keyed entry to set the desired training resistance while running (or performing any other appropriate mode of self-locomotion). A light weight, low voltage internal battery system contained in a housing of the mobile training module controls the data entry and resistance mechanism, for example an air dampening ergometer or a disk breaking system. A meter may be carried by the mobile training module 3 for measuring cumulative force applied by the tethers so that the resistance may be automatically controlled based on the measured resistive force. As the trainee begins to accelerate, the level of braking will increase or decrease until the force detected on the tethers attached to the trainee is within a specified range of the desired load programed into the unit by the trainee. The apparatus actively alters braking while the trainee is accelerating or decelerating to keep resistance within the programmed resistance profile, for example, a constant resistance over distance may be programmed. The trainee could also program the unit to decrease resistance as velocity increases or increase resistance as velocity increases. Many programmable options are possible that alter resistance as a function of acceleration, velocity and time.

(60) When training on a linear training path, the trainee may reverse direction without uncoupling the mobile training module 3 from the coupling bands 1,2 as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 7A.

(61) FIGS. 14-24 illustrate embodiments where one or more resistance modules 4 may be carried by the mobile training module 3 to provide resistance tethers 40-43 of extended length that may be attached to any portion of the trainee. The elastic resistance tethers 40-43 are routed on pulley systems contained by resistance module 4 to provide relatively constant loading to the trainee while running over surface 200. The embodiment of FIG. 14 allows mobile training module 3 to apply relatively constant resistance to both the drive and swing phases of running in addition to the arm drive on both arms for unlimited distances.

(62) FIGS. 25-30 illustrate alternate coupling systems which provide for linear or non-linear training paths.

(63) Although examples are illustrated and described herein, embodiments are nevertheless not limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein by those of ordinary skill within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.