GB2499675A

GB2499675A - Exercise device to strengthen the legs of a user

Info

Publication number: GB2499675A
Application number: GB1203395.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Daniel Mckeown
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-02-25
Filing date: 2012-02-25
Publication date: 2013-08-28
Anticipated expiration: 2032-02-25
Also published as: GB2499675B; GB201203395D0

Abstract

A device for training allows a user a selection of resistance bands, each one for use in conjunction with at least two anchors; wherein in use a plurality of said anchors are disposed about the user's lower body. The anchor points may be carried on belts placed around the users knee, hip and thigh. Anchor points may also be placed on overshoes placed on the users feet. The device improves running posture as well as strengthening key muscles in the legs.

Description

PATENT APPLICATION

OF

DANIEL MCKEOWN FOR

A SYSTEM FOR TRAINING

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a system for training, more particularly a system for training a user's body.

Background

As technology and scientific awareness have increased, increasing numbers of people take participation in sport very seriously and professionally. Accordingly there are an ever increasing number of aids to improve sporting prowess and effectiveness.

Furthermore many users approach generalised exercise with great determination, and accordingly use improved techniques and regimes to make most effective use of time spent in exercise.

In tandem with the above mentioned factors there is great awareness of targeted exercise regimes, and improving facility and focus.

For example when users have damaged parts of their body or musculature it can be of great importance to focus exercise on retraining those parts individually and towards returning to maximal use patterns.

In strength and conditioning users constantly train body positions trying to improve bodies force production through running positions and use certain weight training methods to be specific to running. A big part of training is increasing power through triple extension and knee and hip flexion to extension capabilities and use of squats, Olympic lifting and plyometric I jumping techniques are used to do this.

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However this requires a specialist gym, and specialist coaches to effectively and safely train these techniques.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem, including the following:

Granted United States patent US 8 002 681 (KOPP) discloses a resistance training tool comprising at least one elastic resistance member, the resistance member comprising: an elastic segment; and a swivel clip, attached to each end of the elastic segment, that rotates independently of the elastic segment about an axis defined by the length of the elastic segment.

Granted Chinese patent CN 101 428 175 (YU et al) discloses a sports shoe and trousers system for simulating and strengthening the functions of gastrocnemius in lower limb. The system comprises a pair of trousers and a pair of shoes, which are connected with each other, and further includes an elastic structure for simulating and strengthening gastrocnemius, which is fixedly arranged in an anatomical position corresponding to gastrocnemius of a human body through a fixing strap; a first fixing strap is arranged in the waist position of the trousers, and is arranged by being wound around waist once; a second fixing strap is arranged in the position above the knee joint of the trousers, and is arranged by being wound around legs; and the system is further equipped with a third fixing strap, with the nearest end connected with the first fixing strap and the farthest end connected with the second fixing strap. On the one hand, the invention can serve the purpose of protecting gastrocnemius from damages during intense exercises; and on the other hand, the invention can strengthen the action which is the result of gastrocnemius striding across a joint and opposite to the moment thereof in direction, thereby improving the muscular functions of gastrocnemius, and achieving the purpose of enabling athletes to perform better.

Granted United States patent US 7 611 477 (DAYHOFF et al) discloses four basic items. Item #1 is a belt of sufficient length to go around the leg of the user, just below the knee. Item #2 is a double D-ring buckle, attached to item #1, and is used to adjust the fit of the belt to the user's leg. Item #3 is a loop that is firmly attached to the first item approximately 3" from the buckle end of the belt. Item #4 is a 6" wide

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therapeutic rubber band that is approximately 32" in length. The 6" wide therapeutic rubber band is tied to the lower laces, or strap of the user's shoe. It is then taken under the sole of the shoe and extended to Item #3. The tension on Item #4 is obtained by pulling Item #4 through Item #3 until the toe of the user's shoe is raised and the sole of the user's shoe is flat with the floor. The free end of Item #4 is then tied around the portion of Item #4 that is under tension.

Granted United States patent US 7 753 864 (BECKWITH et al) discloses a device for limiting plantarflexion of an ankle thereby maintaining the plantar fascia in a neutral to slight dorsiflection, said device comprising: (a) a calf strap removably engagable to the calf of a leg; (b) a foot assembly removably engagable to the foot of said leg; and (c) a substantially inelastic tension member connectable between said calf strap and said foot assembly in a tensioned manner such that when said device is worn the plantarflexion of said ankle is limited such that the plantar surface of said foot is held in a neutral to slight dorsiflection.

Granted United States patent US 7 261 679 (SLOAD) discloses a runner training and exercise device comprising: an adjustable upper thigh strap, an adjustable foot stirrup assembly, and an elastic resistance member secured to said thigh strap and said stirrup assembly and adjustably disposed therebetween along the back of the leg, whereby said elastic resistance member is adjustable in length to position to position and hold the leg at about 90 deg. flexion of the knee.

Granted European patent EP 1 778 139 (OUTRED et al) discloses a device for a subject having plantar fasciitis, the device comprising a) an elastic sock, and b) a leg binding, characterised in that i) the leg binding is located adjacent the subject's ankle, and ii) the device further comprises an elastic strap extending from adjacent a toe portion of the elastic sock to the leg binding so as to restrain the plantar fascia from flexion, yet permits the subject to walk and exercise the plantar fascia.

Granted United States patent US 6 602 217 (CRAWFORD) et al discloses a foot drop support arrangement comprising a leg member arranged and designed for removable securement about a lower leg, a strap having a toe end and a leg end with the toe end arranged and designed for support at the big toe of a foot and a leg end arranged and designed for removable attachment to said leg member.

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In contrast the present invention provides a tailorable system for training a user's body according to necessity and regime.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a system for training; said system allowing a user a selection of resistance bands, each one for use in conjunction with at least two anchors; wherein in use a plurality of said anchors are disposed in use about the user's lower body.

This system in some embodiments and according to a second aspect of the present invention the system is embodied in a multiple part frame worn on or across a user's lower body and temporarily linking the lower body together, for example limbs to waist.

Each part includes an anchor secured on the user, linking through a band to a second anchor.

For example, according to a third aspect of the present invention there are provided anchors that are embodied or included in harnesses or gridles, said harnesses including or comprising belts to be secured about the user in use.

These harnesses in preferred embodiments are entirely formed in a belt format, with each belt having at least one anchor, in order that the user may fasten or secure the belt by use of a progressive method or combination of methods such as hook and loop portions like VELCRO (Trade Mark), press studs, buttons, magnetic sections, male and female parts, buckles or similar.

In this way the user may be enabled to secure such a belt about their leg or waist and cause it to act as or work as a base for an anchor.

In other embodiments some harnesses may include multiple parts and/or belts, wherein for example a harness may comprise a belt and extending strapping, wherein at least one anchor is provided on said strapping.

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For example as a thigh belt has no natural resting place mid-thigh, a climbing harness would prevent any movement of an anchor in relation to or on said thigh. A belt with a clasp and size adjuster can sit comfortably on the hips and has strong band attachment loops.

Each anchor thereby provides a fix point for at least one band, although some embodiments may include a plurality of bands for each anchor, wherein additional bands may be added to increase tension levels as required, or bands may stretch to plural anchors.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention the anchor allows the band to be attached and detached. In this way the system allows a plurality of bands to be used on each anchor. Therefore according to user preference the tension present and provided by each band may be varied, so as to for example allow the user to upgrade tension levels, in accordance with training regimes, muscle progress or individual limb qualities.

In the preferred embodiment there are provided anchors on the user's upper legs, torso, knee area and feet.

The anchors ideally secure the band and spread force in a well dispersed manner in order that tension or force on the anchor will act to create tension or force over an area of the user's body.

The bands therefore typically act to link anchors on the neighbouring body part, in preferred embodiments contained along each side of the user.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention the anchors provided in use on a user's feet are provided by overshoes.

In this way the overshoes may be worn over any pair of the user footwear, and allow for a well-dispersed anchor in use, preventing badly dispersed tension on the user's feet.

In order to facilitate an overshoe that is disposed for training in athletics environments the overshoe ideally includes perforations or netting that is for passage

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under the foot in use and wherein the shoe studs or spikes do not damage the overshoe material.

Typically the overshoe material is waterproof and may include elastic sections to ensure a good fit to the user shoe. In some embodiments the overshoe may include fastening methods similar to other belts or harnesses.

In yet further embodiments the the anchor as provided for the user foot may cooperate with the user's shoe or laces.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the system in use; Figure 2 shows a front view of the system in use;

Figure 3 shows a side view of the system in use;

Figure 4 shows a detail view of the system;

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Figure 5 shows a second detail view of the system;

And

Figure 6 shows an isometric view of the overshoe incorporated in the system.

Detailed Description of Figures

The pictured and preferred embodiment is a system providing a highly effective training aid to improve running posture and minimise injuries that occur through poor running technique.

Use of the system also in addition or the alternative promotes running more efficiently by correcting neuromuscular pathways, strengthening key muscles in the legs, and increasing power production.

In the pictured embodiment belts are fixed to the legs at specific points, and an overshoe is used to attach the bands to the feet.

The bands of the system are ideally colour-coded, to represent different levels of elasticity. For example band strengths may be visualised as yellow for low, red for medium and blue for high. These will be available in different lengths according to the user's leg.

The band of appropriate strength is selected according to colour.

In order to keep the bands under high tension, they are stretched into place.

Rather than using different types of band, using two in parallel could be used to give the desired strength. A fabric loop may keep them together.

The hooks either end of the band must endure considerable force, and attach in an effective manner on to the anchors.

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A band between the forefoot and a point below the knee ensures the ankle is in dorsi-flexion, whereby the toes are pointing up.

A zipped overshoe, with zip stop, fits over running spikes but has a mesh for the spikes to protrude through. It is a snug fit, in a neoprene material, with the bands attaching to the lower zip point. A comfortable leg strap is fixed in place with a belt buckle feature, and does not allow any pull from the band as it stretches. The feature to which the band is attached to the strap must be robust yet quick-release.

Additionally, a band between the hip and a point below the knee improves the force production through triple extension.

An adjustable padded harness/ belt around the waist holds a band either side of the leg, connecting to the knee strap below.

Finally a band to aid heel recovery attaches from the back of the foot to the upper leg.

A strap midway up the back of the upper leg, and connection point at the rear of the foot, have a band between them.

VELCRO (Trade Mark) is preferably used to offer the greatest amount of adjustability with the simplest function although a standard prong and hole buckle fastener is also a viable option. Some bands or anchors may provide adjusters, such as for the knee to toe band, in order that the band can be attached initially, then stretched to a desired position using a ladderlock buckle.

The most effective insert for the tube end is a brass barbed end fixing which becomes more secure as more force is applied. Small metal clip fasteners connecting the band to the straps may be envisaged. Such as Carabineers may be used or others which are secure, quick-release, and not necessarily bulky. A custom plastic clip may have a gate which locks end fixing into place.

The overshoe may be made from neoprene and has zipper fastening, mesh sole and an anchor on the heel and toe. A press stud, zip stop or lock prevents the shoe

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undoing during use. Webbing can be used at key areas to prevent any pull from the band.

An alternative would be a skeleton format overshoe with only the key strength features remaining.

Particular Advantages of the Preferred Embodiment

Below knee to foot band promotes dorsi-flexion, whereby the foot is in a toes up position. This helps the foot to land beneath the centre of mass, thus aiding the propulsion of the athlete and will help the user's foot land underneath the user's centre of mass, and aid the propulsion of the user. Most people struggle with this and tend to point their toes (Plantar flex). This results in breaking forces with the foot landing in front of the centre of mass of the user thus slowing them down. This also leads to the injury known as shin splints (strain and overuse of the Tibialis posterior muscle). This can also result in a loss in the arch of the foot, leading to knee injuries due to internal rotation or valgus knee movement on ground contact.

Immediate dorsi-flexion after ground contact stimulates the user's Achillies tendon to become more susceptible to calcium and improve the short term contractile capabilities. Pre-tension of the Achillies also stores more energy to be released upon ground contact, and also helps to shorten the lever (in this case the leg) and improve stride frequency. Position of the foot on ground contact will be balls of the feet, and initiate the stretch-reflex of tendons around the foot, which will shorten ground contact time (essential for speed) and provide a maximal return of force and energy to be applied. Immediately after ground contact the foot will plantar-flex (extension of the ankle) the use of the band will help the athlete produce more force through this movement through the Gastrocnemius and surrounding muscles.

Hip to below knee band improves the contractile properties of all the muscles around the leg, including the glutes, hip flexors and quadriceps. This aids in triple extension of the ankle, knee and hip joint. Tension of the band increases as it stretches, being likely to increase peak force output according to research.

This band will improve force production through triple extension (extension of the ankle, knee and hip joint), and is essential in nearly all sports for jumping high,

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jumping for distance, throwing or running at speed, it is seen in almost every sport and athletics discipline apart from cycling for example.

Back of foot to upper leg / hip band (heel recovery) Teaches the body to forcefully pull the heel underneath the hips. This increases stride frequency by spending less time in the air and getting the foot contacting the ground ready for propulsion. Or it teaches the body to forcefully pull the heel underneath the hips help overcome inertia and increase stride frequency by spending less time in the air and getting the foot contact down to apply force for propulsion again. Extension of the band when the user's leg extends before ground contact will help strengthen the hamstrings eccentrically, and help the concentric contractile properties of the muscle at the flexion stage of the stride.

The pictured and preferred embodiment will also improve neural pathways of musculature which will enable athletes and beginners to learn the movements much more quickly than repetition of drills. The overall aim is not just to improve contractile capabilities of musculature and tendon reactivity, but also to improve the neural pathways (muscle memory) to speed up the learning of efficient movement which does not come naturally to most users.

Post activation potentiation (PAP) is the balance between fatigue and stimulation making actin and myosin more sensitive to calcium (Ca (2+)), assisting with the contraction of muscle fibres. PAP has been researched using heavy squats followed by a plyometric activity to measure improvement in force and power production, through the short term effects of the previous exercise. This has shown to improve power production by a significant amount.

Heavy squats are an effective method for inducing PAP but they are extremely impractical and are rarely available prior to a competitive situation. Use of the systems may therefore stimulate a better PAP response than jumping and being more practical than heavy squats in warm up are of the 100m Olympic finals or any race.

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Claims

1. A system for training; said system allowing a user a selection of resistance bands, each one for use in conjunction with at least two anchors; wherein in use a plurality of said anchors are disposed in use about the user's lower body

2. A system according to claim 1 embodied in a multiple part frame worn on a user's lower body, temporarily linking parts of the lower body together.

3. A system according to claim 1 or 2 wherein there are provided anchors that are carried on belts.

4. A system according to claim 3 wherein an anchor allows a band to be attached and detached.

5. A system according to claim 3 or 4 wherein the anchors provided in use on a user's feet are provided by overshoes.

6. A method utilising a plurality of various bands in a system according to a preceding claim.

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