CA2605684A1 - Physical training apparatus and method - Google Patents

Abstract

A resistance training apparatus and method for providing a plurality of training vectors having points of origin variable by direction and elevation to a trainee The apparatus may accommodate a plurality of trainees and provide multiple training vectors to each trainee The apparatus provides the training vectors by attaching tethers such as elastic cords to harnesses worn around body portions of an athlete in a configuration that allows the athlete to perform a sports-specific or therapeutic movement at an optimum speed In one embodiment the apparatus includes a base forming the training area and a pair of tower assemblies, each providing elastic cords for attachment to the harnesses worn by the athlete In another embodiment the apparatus provides at least sixteen training vectors to a trainee In yet another embodiment the apparatus provides training vectors to patients or trainees who cannot fully support their own body weight. Each of the elastic cords providing the training vectors are independently adjustable such that balanced or unbalanced loading may be applied simultaneously to a trainee from multiple directions and multiple planes

Description

UNITED STATES PATENT APPLICATION
ef MICHAEL A. VVEHRELL

for PHYSICAL TRAINING APPA.RATUS AND METHOD

The present invention relates to a physical training apparatus and method for training persons such as athletes or physical therapy patients to improve various motor skills. The present invention further relates to a physical traiaing apparatus and method for rxaining specialized athletes such as golfers and basoball players who rely on generating power by rotation of the hips and torso. More particularly, it relates to a physical training apparatus and method for providing forces of either constant or varying magnitude opposing the motion of a single or multiple points on the body of a trainee while performing slow or high speed rnovements.

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

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

U.S. Patent Nos. 4,968,028 and 4,863,163 entitled Vertical Jump Exercise Apparatus" issued to the inventor of the present disclosure each disclose resistance training apparatus for vertical jump training and conditioning. The prior art system disclosed in the Wehrell patents applies two training vector9 having relatively constant magaitude to the hips of the trainee for applying resistance to the legs while pcrforming L-jumping motion.

A. later modification of the exercise apparatus disclosed in the Wehrell patents provided relatively constant resistance to the back of the knees of a trainee performing a running motion by attaching the elastic members of the exercise apparatus to detachablc leg harnesses worn by the trainee. This embodiment provided resistance for training the hip flexors of the trainee at high speeds.

Similarly, if an athaete wants to generate more power by rotation of the hips and torso, it will be beneficial to apply light resistance to the rotation of the b3ps and torso as the athlete performs a specific athletic movement such as swinging a golf club or a basebalUsoftball bat. Such rotational training of the hips and torso may be beneficial to other athletes such as soccer players, place kickers, track and field athletes, tennis players, and athletes of other racket sports.

Many sports related movements anvolve multiple znuscle groups moving multiple body parts simultaneeusly to perform the specific movemcnt. For example, when an athIete jumps he or she uses the legs, back and arms simultaneously. To optimize training for a particular movement it is beneficial to train using a natural3umping motion while applying resistance to the legs, back, arms and other body portions sirn,ultaneously.
Such an exereise method would be more effective than methods where resistance is only applied to the Iegs because it allows major muscle groups used in jumping to be fired in the proper neurological sequence with applied resistance.

Whfle it is possible in the prior art exercise apparatus described in the Wehrell patents to apply training vectors to a trainee performing a running xnotion, there remains a neod for a physical training apparatus that applies training vectors to the hands, logs, back and other points on the trainee's body for providing resistance to multiple muscle groups while performing complex sports specific movements.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to vbviate maay of the defieiencies in the prior art and to provide a novel physical training apparatus and method.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel physical training apparatus comprising means for providing at least eight training vectors to a trainee, It is also an object of the present invention to provide a novel physical training apparatus comprising, a plurality of means for providing training veetors to a trainee whercin the origin of one or more training vectors is variable in af'mt and a second dimension and the origin of one or more of the other training yectors is variable in either said fust or second dimension and a third dimension normal to said first and seeond dimensions.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a novel physical training apparatus eomprising a plurality of means for providing training vectors to a trainee wherein the training vectors origxnate from at least three elevations.

It is a further object of the present invention tQ provide a novel physical training apparatus comprising one or more means for providing a training vector to a trajnee and a means to support at least a portion of the trainee's body weight, It is yet another objeat of the present invention to provide physical training apparatus compzising a base forming a training area, one or more harnesses each adapted to be worn by a traint,e training in said training area, at least one elastic member attached to each harness for providing a force opposing the motion of the harness in a predettermined range of motion, said elastic mernbers having a length whereby the force is relatively constant over said predetermimed range. The apparatus further comprises an elongated traeking mechanism attached to said base for directing each of said elastic members out of said training area, at lcast one tracking mechanism being substantially horizontal and at least one tracking mechanism being substantially vertical, It is another object of the present invention to provide a novel physical training apparatus comprising a base forming a training surface, a pIurality of means for providing training vectors to a trainee training on said training surface, said memis being attached tci said base and comprising an elastic member and tracking members for directing said elastic member from a vector origin location near the training surface to an anchor location. The apparatus further comprises e. plurality of means for providing training vectors to a trainee training on said training surface, said means being attached to said base and comprising an elastic member and tracking members for directing said elastic member from a vector origin location elevated from the training surfaec to an anchor location, These and many otber objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains ffom a perusal oi' the claims, the appended drawings, and the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESC, 2TPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure I is a top plan view of an embodiment of the present disclosure for providing a plurality of training veetors having points of origin variable by direction and elevation to a trainee.

Figure 2 is a top plan view of another embodiment of the present disclosure for providing a plurality of training vectors having points of origin variable by direction and elevation to a trainee.

Figure 3 is a top plan view of a furtber embodiment of the present disclosure for providing a plurality of training vectors having points of origin variable by direction and elevation to a trainee.

Figures 4 and 5 are illustrations of the power module assembly depicting pivoting points of the hanging pulley assemblies of tho present disclosure.

Figure 6 is a top plan view of an embodiment of the present disclosure for providing a plurality of training vectors having points of origin variable by direction and elevation to a plurality of trainccs, Figure 7 is a front view of an embodiment of the present disclosure for providing 3 plurality of training veotors having points of origin variable by direction and elevation to a trainee.

Figure 8 is a side view of a power module assembly of the present disclosure.
Figure 9 is a front view of a power module assembly of the present disclosure.
Figure 10 is a rear view of a power module assembly of the present disclosure.
Figures 11 and 12 are pictorial views illustrating the rotational capability of an embodiment of a hanging pulley assembly of the present disclosure, Figure 13 is side view of a power module assembly of the present disclosure.
Figure 14 is a front view of an embodiment of the present disclosure for providing a plurality of training vectors having points of origin variable by direction and elevation to a trainee.

Figures 15 and 16 are side views of the embodiment of Figure 14.

Figure 17 is a front view of an embodiment of the present disclosure for providing a plurality of training vectors having points of origin variable by direction and elevation to a trainee.

Figure 18 is an illustratioa of the training vectors. associated with an embodizrient.
of the present disclosure showing a trainee in a crouched position.

Figure 19 is a top plan view of the embodiment of Figure 18.

Figure 20 is a top plan view of an, embodiment of the present disclosure providing eight training vectors to a trainee.

Figure 21 is front view of an embodiment of the present disclosure providing eight training vectors having points of origin variable by direction and elevation to one trainee and providing training vectors to two other trainees simultaneously.

Figure 22 is front view of an embodiment of the present disclosure providing an unbalanced loading comprising at least ckuee training vectors to a trainee.

p'igure 23 is a front view of an embodiment of the present disclosure with a trainee performing a swinging exercise.

Figure 24 is a top plan view of an embodiment of the present disclosure with a trainee performing a swinging exercise, Figure 25 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the present disclosure providing sixteon tra.ining vectors having points of origin variable by direction and elevation to one trainee.

Figure 26 is a front view of an embodiment of the present disclosure providing training vectors having points of origin variable by direction and elevation to one trainee further providing an overhead support structure.

Figure 27 is a side view of the cmbodiment of Figure 26. - =-Figure 28 is a front view the embodiment of Figure 26 illustrating the sliding renge of a trolley assembly of the present disclosure.

Figure 29 is a front view of another embodiment of the present disclosure providing training vectors having points of origin variable by dircction and elevation to one trainee further providing an overhead support structure.

Figures 30, 31, 32, and 33 are pictorial illustrations of the attachment, lifting and movement of the trairnee to the overhead support structure of the present disclosure.
Figure 34 is a front view of a trolley assembly of thc present disclosure.

Figures 35 and 36 are internal views of the trolley assembly of Figure 34, Figures 37 and 38 are side views of the trolley assembly of Figure 34.
Figure 39 is another side view of the trolley assembly of Figure 34.

Figures 40-42 are a bottom plan =views of the trolley assembly of Figure 34.
DESCRIPTION OF-PREFERREI) EMBODYMENTS

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

According to one aspect of the present invention, a physical training apparatus and method are disclosed for providing multiple training vectors to a trainee while performinu various athletic or therapeutia movements such as jumping, runnin.g or walking.
According to a further aspect of tho prescnt invention, a physical trairung apparatus and method are disclosed for providing training vectors having points of origin variable by direction and elevation to a trainee while performing vazi.ous athletic or therapeutic movernents such as jumping, n.innin.g or walking or more complex atbletie or therapeutic movernents. According to another aspect of the present invention, a physical training apparatus and merhvd are disclosed for providing training vectors having points of origirt variable by direction and elevation to a plurality of trainees while each are performing athletic or therapeutic movements, According to yet another aspect o#'tht present invention, a physical training apparatus and method are disclosed for providing training vectors and therapeutic exercises to patients or trainees who cannot fully support their own body weight. The physical training apparatus may provide up to sixteen or more 1x~aining vectors so that multiple muscle groups of a trainee may be exercised simultaneously, Figure 1 illustrates one embodiment of the physical training apparatus according to the present invention for providing a plurality of training vectors having points of origin variable by direction and elevation to a trainee. With reference to Figure 1, the physical training apparatus comprises a platform or base 1 forrning a training surface on which an athlete or trainee 43 may train. The base 1 may be provided with a centrally located m,atted exercise area 2 to provide the trainee 43 with cushioning during tcaining exercises. At least two tower assemblies 3, 4 may be mounted along the periphery of the base 1. Both the base 1 and the tower assemblies 3, 4 provide a means for applying training vectors to multiplc body portions of the trainee 43, With rcfermce to Figure 1, at least four pullcy.housing structures 7-IO_ are ._ mounted on the base 1. The pulley housing structures 7-10 route elastic members 19-22 to movable pulley assemblies 33-36. The elastic members 19-22 have a length whereby the magnitude of the training vector provided by each elastic xnember 19-22 is relatively constant through the range of motiort of the body portion o#'the trainee perfornning an exercise or training motion. The elastic members 19-22 are routed from a cam assembly 11-14 or other suitable anchor mesns, between a series of tracking meGhanisms, such as pulleys, provided in the housing structuros 7-10, to the movable pulley assemblies 33-36.
Conmectors (not shown) may be attached to the eaastic members 19-22 whereby the connectors may be connected to harnesses (riot shown) worn on body portions of the trainee, The cam as9ernblies 11-14 provide a cleating means to adjust the effective lengths of elastic members 19-22 for the purpose of altering the resistance provided by the elastic members 19-22. This may bo accomplished by extracting or retracting the distal ends D 19-D22 of the elastic members 19-22 through the cam assemblies 11- 14, The pulley housing structures 7-10 thus provide a path for routing the elastic members 19-22 therebetwvon so that an elastic member many times the distance between housing structures mounted on the same side of the exercise area 2 may be utilized. It is also envisioned that a plurality of the training modules disclosed im co-pending U.S. Patent Application S.N. 10/892,568, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein, may be used in place of the pulley housing structures 7-10.

The movable pulley assemblies 33-36 provide the points of origin for the training vectors provided by the elastic members 19-22. The pulley assemblies 33-36 znay rotate 360 degrees and tilt +/- 90 degrees in any direction so that the elastic members 19-22 track smoothly on the pulley assemblies 33-36 through the entire range of motion of the body portion of the trainee. The pulley assemblies 33-36 inay be mounted on rails 37-42 affixed to the basc 1 thereby allowing the pulley assemblies 33-36 to slide linearly to aeeontrriodate different exercises performed by a trainee, to acconzm.odatetrainees having different body dimensions, or to alter and or adjust the direction of the training vector origin supplied by the pulley assemblies 33-36. The rails 37-42 are slotted so that the pulley assemblies 33-36 may be positioned along the length of the rails 37-42.
The pulley assemblies 33-36 may also be adaptable to lock in place on the r" 37-42 by any suitable locking means such as spring loaded locking mechanisms.

A,t least four elastic members 15-18 are routed from a caxn,assembly (not shown) or other suitable anahor means beneath the base I through pulleys provided in tracking assemblies 31, 32 which provide the point of origin for the training vectors provided by the elastic members 15-18, Tle elastia members 15-18 have a length whereby the magnitude of the training vector provided by each elastic member 15-18 is relatively constant through the range of motion of the body portion of the trai,nee performing an exercise or training motion. The cam assemblies (not shown) provide a cleatxng means to adjust the lengths of the elastic members 15- 18 for the purposes of altering the resistance of the elastic members 15-18. This may be aceomplished by extracting or retracting the distal ends D15-D18 of the elastic members 15-18 through the cam assemblies (not shown), The tracking assemblies 31, 32 may rotate about an axis perpendicular to the base 1 and ounr-ardly lateral to the respective tracking assembly 31, 32 thereby alloWing the elastic members 15-18 to track smoothly on the tracking assemblies 31, 32 through the entire range of motion of the body portion of the trainee. Thus, the training vectors provided by the elastic members 15-I 8 can rotate approximately 120 degrees about the respective traeking assembly pivot point or axis. Connectors (not shown) may be attached to the elastic members 15-18 whereby the connectors may be connected to harnesses (not shown) worn on body portions of the traiunee.

With reference to Figure 1, the tower assemblies 3, 4 house power module assemblies 5, 6 that route elastic members 23-26 and 27-30, respectively. The elastic members 23-30 have a lcngth whereby the magnitude of the training vector provided by each elastic raamber 23-30 is relatively constant through the range of motion of the body portion of the traince performing an exercise or training motion. The elastic members 23-30 ere routed from a cam assembly (not shown) or other suitable anchor means, between a series of tracking meahanisms such as pulleys provided in the power module assemblies 5, 6 to hanging pulley assemblies (not shown) which provide the point of origin for the train3ng vectors provided by the elastic members 23-30. The hanging pulley assemblies are rotatable and tiltable such that the elastic members 23-30 track smoothly on the pulley assemblies through the entire rattge of motion of the body portion of the trainee. Connectors (riot shown) may be attached to the elastic rnembexs 23-30 whereby the connectors may bc connected tv harnesses (not shown) worn on body portions of the trainee. The cam $ssennblies (not shown) provide a cleating means to adjust lengths of elastic members 23-30 for the purposes of altering the resistance of the elastic members 23-30, The power module assemblies 5, 6 may look at multiple positions in the respective tower assembly 3, 4 for the purposes of altering the plane of origin of the training vectors pxovided by the elastic members 23-30 relative to the base 1. nus, every elastic member 15-30 may be directed to any point on the exercise area 2 to support resistance training for athletic or therapeutic exercises, T7ae elastic members 15-30 have distal ends that may be extracted through the respective cam assemblies so that the magrdtude of the training vectors provided thereby may be seleetively increased by shortening the effective length of the elastic members 15-30. Alternatively, the magnitude of the training vectors may be decreased by increasing the effective length of the elastic members 15-30 by releasing the cam assemblies and allowing the members to retract. The cam assemblies may comprise any means suitable for securing the elastic members such as eleats, eatn cleats or other suitable anchor means known in the industry, The "effective length" of the elastic members is the Iength of the elastic member between the anchor or cam assembly and th+:
end of the member attached to a harness connector.

The range of variance of the magnitude of a training vector is limited by the diameter of the elastic member. For example, the elastic member 19 may have a diameter of 3/8 inches. The effective length of the elastic member 19 may be varied to thereby vary the force provided by the elastic member in the range between about twents, and about forty pounds. A smaller diameter elastic member (e.g., a diameter of about 5/16 inches), however, would provide a useful resistance force range from about four to about twenty pounds. Accordingly, a larger diameter elastic member (t.g., a diameter of about 1/2 inches) would provide a useful resistance force range from about thirty-five to about sixty pounds, Furthermore, by utilizing the training modules disclosed in co-pending U.S. Patent Application S.N. 10/892,56$, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein, and where practical in the present invention, the effective range of forces may bc expanded without having to replace clastic members.

Pigure 2 illustrates another embodiment of the physical training apparatus according to the present invention for providing a plurality of training vectors having points of origin variable by direction and elcvation to a trrainee, With reference to Figure 2, the pulley assemblies 33-36 may be fixed on the upper surface of the base 1 allowing their position to be set anywhere along the rails 37-42 as illustrated by arrows A, B, C
and D. Thus, the point of ot'igin of the training vectors may be moved along the rails 37-42. For example, the pulley asaembly 33 ean be moved and locked inte many positions along the rails 37, 38. As illustrated in Figure 2, the pulley assembly 33 may be moved to a new position 33A on the rail 38. Thus, the elastic member 19 is routed from a cam assembly or other suitable anchor means, between a series oftraeking mechanisms provided in the housing structures 7, 8 to the new position 33A on the rai13B
to thereby change the point of origin of the traizting vector provided by the elastic member 19. The difference between the locations of the pulley assembly 33 alojng the rails 37, 38 indicates a typical adjustment range for the pulley assembly 33, Note that the pulley assernbly 33 can be attached to multiple positions along any rail 37-42. Likewise, the pulley eascmblies 34-36 may be moved and locked into multiple positions along any of the rails 37-42 to thereby change the point of origin of the training vectors provided by the elastic members 20-22. The dafferenee between the alternative locations 34A-36A of the pulley assemblies 34-36 indicate typical adjustment ranges for the pulley assemblies 34-36.
Thus, the training vectors provided by the elastic members 19-22 may have a point of origin from all sides of a trainee for applying resistance to selected body portions according to a selected exercise.

Figure 3 is a top plan view of yet anothcr embodiment of the pre9ent disclosure for providing a plurality of training vectors having points of origin variable by darection and elevation to a trainee. With reference to Figure 3, the multiple training vectors may be attached to a trainee positioned anywhere on the exercise area 2. For example, training vector grouping V5 illustrates the many points of, origin of the training vector provided by the elastic member 19 depending upon the location of the pulley assembly 33 along the rails 37, 38. Furthermore, the training vector groupings V6, V7 and V8 illustrate the multiple points of origin of the training vectors provided by the elastic members 20-22 as the pulley assemblies 34-36 are moved to various exemplary positions along the rails 38-42. Since the pulley assemblies 33-36 may be attached to multiple positions along any rai137-42, the alternate pulley positions 33A-36A and tmining vector groupings illustrated in Figtue 3 eure illustrative only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, As illustrated in Figure 3+ the training vectors V 1-V4 provided by elastic members 15-18 may rotate approximately 120 degrees about the traoking assembly pivot points to thercby alter the points of origin of the training veetors V1-V4 provided by the elastic members 15.18. The training vectors V9-V16 provided by tlae elastic members 23-30 may also rotate 360 degrees about corresponding pivot points R9-R16, respectively, to thereby alter the points of origin of the training vectors V9-V 16 provided by the elastic members 23-30.

Figures 4 and 5 illustrate how the henging pulley assemblies in the power module assemblies 5, 6 pivot to thereby alter the points of origin of the training vectors. With reference to Figure 4, the elastic member 23 is adaptable to rotate 360 degrees about its axis R9. At any point during the 360 degree rotation, the elastic member 23 may be extracted and utilized by a trainee for training or exercise purposes. While not illustrated, each of the remaining elastic members 24-26 in the power module assembly S
possess the same rotational ability depicted for the elastic member 23. With reference to Figure 5, the elastic member 29 is adaptable to rotate 360 degrees about its axis R15.
At any point during the 360 degree rotation, the elastic member 29 may be extracted and utiIized by a trainee for training or exercise purposes. While not illustrated, each of the remaining elastic members 27-28 and 30 in the powcr xnodule assembly 6 possess the same rotational ability depicted for the, elestic member 29.

Figure 6 is a top plan view of a further embodiment of the present disclosure for providing a plurality of trainuig vectors having points of origin variable by direction and elevatioa to a plurality of trainees. With reference to Figure 6, the elastic members 23-30 have been rotated 180 degrees relative to each elastic member's respective position illustrated in Figures 1-3. Thus, the training vectors V9-V16 are directed away from thG

platform base 1 to thereby permit additional trainees to train or exercise while positioned off the base 1. As previously nored, the training vectors V9-V 16 provided by elastic members 23-30 are adaptable to rotate 360 degrees about correspondang pivot points R9-R16, respecuvely, to thereby alter the points of origin of the trainfng vectors V9-V16 provided by the elastic members 23-30, Thus, the direction of the training vectors V9-V16 shown by Figure 6 is illustrative only and is not intended to limit the soope of the invention.

Figure 7 illustrates a front view of another embodiment of the present disclosure for providing a plurality of training veetors having points of origin variable by direction and elevation to a trainee. Witb reference to Figure 7, the elastia members 16, 18 are shown routed ftom cam assemblies 43, 44 attached to the underside of the base 1 through pulleys provided in the tracking assemblies 31, 32 which provide the point of origin for the training vectors provided by the elastic members 16, 18. The cam assemblies 43, 44 provide a cleating means to adjust the lengths of the elastic members 16, 18 for the purposes of altering the resistance thereof. This may be accomplished by extracting or retracting the distal ends D 16, D 18 of the elastic members 16, 18 tluough the cam assemblies 43, 44. The txaclCiiag assemblies 31, 32 may rotate about an axis perpendicuZar to the base 1 and outwardly lateral to the respective tracking assembly 31, 32 thereby allowing the elastic members 16, 18 to track smoothly on the tracking assemblies 31, 32 through the entire range of nnotion of the body portion of the trainee.
Rigid support structures 45-47 house pulley assemblies that route the elastic members 16, 18 from the cam assemblies 43, 44 to the tracking assemblies 31, 32. Pads 45A-47A may be provided on the underside of the rigid support structures 45-47 to protect the surface supporting the base 1 from damage and to provide cushioning or dampening oFvibrations induced by a trainee performing training exercises on the apparatu.s. Thus, the pads 45,,4-47A may be constructed or molded of any suitable cushioning or dampening material well known in the industry.

With reference to Figure 7, the tower assemblies 3, 4 are adaptable to slideably house power module assemblies 5, 6 contai.ning the elastic members 23-30, As illustrated, elastic members 23-25 and 27-29 are obstructed from view by the elastic rnembers 26 and 30, respectively, The vertical position of each power module assembly 5, 6 within its respective tower assembly 3, 4 may be changed by a lovking mechanism tc, thereby alter the points and planes of origin of the training vcctors provided by the elastic members 23-30.

Figures 8, 9 and 10 illustrate the side, front and rear views of the power module assemblies according to the present invention. With refereace to Figures 8, 9 and 10, the poVvor module assembly 5 comprises a rigid frame that carries a plurality of pulley housing assemblies 52, 53 routing elastic members 23=26 from cam assemblies through the hanging pulley assemblies P1-P4, Each of the pulley housing assemblies 52, 53 includes one or more stacked pulleys. The pulley housing assemblies 52, 53 thus provide a path for routing the elastic mGmbers therebetweeen so that an elastic momber many times the distance between corresponding housing assemblies may be utilized. It is also envisioned that a plurality of the training modules disclosed in co-pcoding U.S.

Patent Application S.N. 10/892,568, the contents of which are incorporatsd by reference herein, may be used in place of the pulley housing assemblies 52, 53.

The hanging pulley assemblies P1-P4 axe adapta.ble to rotate and tilt so that the elastic members 23-26 track smoothly on the hanging pulley assemblies P1-P4 through the enfire range of motion of the body portion of the trainee. The power module assembly 5 is identical and interchangeable with power module assembly 6;
thus, reference will be made only to the power module assembly 5 and components thereof.

The power module assembly 5 includos a retracting assembly comprising a retracting mechanism 105 operable to retract the locking pins 106, 107. The locking pins 106, 107 may be operably connected to the retracting rraecbanisrti 105 via a linkage or spring loaded meohanism to thereby lock the power module assembly 5 in a selected verCical position in the tower assembly 3. A suitable retracting mechanism 105 may be a handle whereby the trainee pulls the handle to retract at least one of the loaking pins 106, 107. A further suitable retracting mechanism 105 may also be adaptable to turn clockwise or counter clockwise to retract at least one pin 106, 107. When the retracting mechaaism 105 is released, the pins 106, 107 are protractod thereby locking the power module assembly 5 into a selected verdcal position in the tower assembly 3.
The tracking assemblies 100-103 are mounted on the lateral sides of the power module assembly 5 in contact with the tower assembly 3. The tracking assemblies 100. 103 slideably guide the vertical motion of the power module assembly 5 within the confnes of the tower assembly 3, With rcference to Figures 8 and 10, a mvvable pullcy assembly 55 may be fixed on at Ieast one surface of the power module assembly 5 allowing its position to be set anywhere along a rai157 as illustrated by arrows F and U. The rail 57 is slotted so that the movable pulley assembly 55 may be positioned along the lvngth of the rail 57. The movable pulley assembly 55 may be fixed at positions along the rai157 by a suitable loaking meahanism 56 such as a spring loaded locking mechanism or othcr suitable locking means commonly used in the industry. The movable pulley assembly 55 may rotate 360 degrees and tilt +/- 90 degrees in any direction so that any one of the elastic members 23-26 tracks smoothly on the movable pulley assembly 55 tbrough the entire range of motion of the body portion of the trainee, It should be noted that muli,ipte movable pulley assemblies may be provided on the rail 57. FurtY-ermore, a plurality of rails and cerrespQnding movable pulley assemblies may be provided on the rigid frame of the power module assembly 5 to vary the point of origin of the training vector provided by any of the elastic members 23-26, Thus, the plane and point of origin of the training vectors provided by the elastic members may be ohanged independently of the vertical position of the power assembly module 5 in the tower assembly 3. Cam assemblies 54A-54D may be mounted on the pulley housing assemblies 52 to provide a cleating means to adjust lengths of the elastic members 23-26 for the purposes of altering the resistance of the elastic members 23-26. This may be accomplished by extiacting or retracting the distal ends 23D-26D of the respective elastic members 23-26 through the cam assemblies 54A-54D. Thus, the magnitude of the training vector will vary with the eff'ective length of the elastic nlCinber. Connectors (not shown.) may be attached to the elastic members 23-26 whereby the connectors may be connected to harnesses (not shown) worn on body portions of rhe trainee.

Figures 11 and 12 are pictorial views further illustrating the rotational capability oE' the hanging pulley assemblies P1-P4 shown in Figures 9 and 10. The hanging pulley assembly P4 is shown in Figures 11 and 12 for demonstrative purposes only and such is not intended to limit the scop.e of the invention. The hanging pulley assembly P4 is adaptable to pivot on three axes about a point 58. With reference to Figure 11, the position of the hanging pulley assembly P4 is illustrated when a trainee is training on the exercise area 2 and utilizing the training vector provided by the elastic member 26. If a second trainee, positioned outside the base 1 and Iateral to the respective tower assembly 3, desires to utilize the training vector prvvided by the elastic member 26, the elastic member 26 would be fed under the hanging pulley assembly P4 in the direction illustrated by the arrow A. Upon pulling the elastic member 26 in the direction illustrated by the arrow A, the hanging pulley assembly P4 will rotate 180 degrees about vertical axis AXI and rotate about an axis perpendicular to the page defined by the point 58. It should also be noted that the hanging pulley assembly P4 may also rotate about an axis normal to AXI and the axis defined by the point $8.

With reference to Figure 12, the position of the hanging pulley assembly P4 is shown after the 180 degree rotation about axis AX 1 and approximately 60 degree rotation about the axis defined by point 58 has occurred. The hanging pulley assembly P4 is adaptable to rotate about the axis defined by point 58 by more than 60 degrees and thus, the 60 dnree rotation denoted above is illustrative only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Thus, the rotational capabilities of the hanging pulley assemblies P1-P4 and P5-P8 allow a trainee to access and extract elastic members 23-30 from either side of the respcctive power module assemblies 5, 6.

Figure 13 is a sidc view of the power module assemblies 5,_6 xllustratiag the -vertical adjustment range of movable pulley assemblies 55, 65. With reference to Figure 13, the movabae pulley assembly 55 is positioned at the upper range of elevation adjustment on the rail 57, and the movable pulley assembly 65 is positioned at the lower range of elevation adjustnnent on the rail 67, Elevation adjustments to the movable pulley assemblies 55, 65 may be made in the directions illustrated by arrows A
and H, As a result, any of the elastic members 23-26 and 27-30 may be routed through the movable pulley assemblics 55, 65, respectively, and have their vector origin fixed enywhere along the elevation path illustrated by arrow C without changing the position of the power module assemblies 5, 6_ Figures 14, 15 and 16 are illustrations of an embvdiment of the present disclosure illustrating the full range of elevation adjustments for training vectors provided by the elastic members 23-30. With reference to Figures 14, 15, and 16, the power module assembly 5 housed by tower assembly 3 is shown at its higlaest vertical position.
Accordingly, the position of the power module assembly 5 may be the changed to its lowest vertical position as illustrated by the position ofthe power module assembly 6, The movable pulley assemblies 55, 65 may be positioned at any elevation independent of the position of the power modu)e assemblies 5, 6 as illustrated by arrows D
and E. Thus, by vertically positioning power module assemblies 5, 6 in their respective tower assemblies 3, 4 and utilizing the adjustment range D, E of the movable pulley assemblies, 55, 65, the origin of any of the training vectors provided by the elaetic mernbers 23-30 may be plaeed along the elevation range illustrated by the a.trow F.

Figure 17 is a front view of another embodiment of the present disclosure fvr -providing a. plurality of training vectors having points of origin variable by direction and elevation to a trainee. With reference to Figure 17, the power m.odule assemblies 5, 6 housed by the tower assemblies 3, 4 are illustrated at each module's highest -vertical position. The xnovable pulley assemblies 55, 65 are positioned at the lowest elevation independent of the position of the power module assemblies 5, 6, It should be noted that the elastic members utilized in Figure 17 are for demonstrative purposes only and any of the elastic members of the present invention may be utilized to provide training vectors to any body portion selected by a trainee.

Figures 18 and 19 illustrate front and top plan views of one exzabodiment of the physical training apparatus for providing training vectors to a traince. With reference to Figures 18 and 19, training vectors F1 and F2 provided by the elastic members 26, 30 arc applied to the waist of the trainee 43. Since the training vectors F 1 and F2 possess an origin at the highest elevation of the rcspective power module assemblies S.

6, the training vectors F 1 and F2 act to provide a net lifting force vector F3 to the waist of the trainee 43.

Figure 20 illustrates a top plan view of a further embodiment of the physical training apparatus for providing training vectors to a trainee. With reference to Figure 20, each of the elastic members 23-26 origina.ting from the power module assembly 5 and each of the elastic members 27-30 originating from the power module assembly 6 are attached to the waist of the trainee 43 to thereby maximize the upward lifting force vector F3 illustrated in Fxgure 18. Thus, as each additional elastic member is connected to the waist harness of the trainee 43, the loading on the trainee's legs will decrease proportionally by the amount of resistance applied by the elastic member. Accordingly, the magaitude of the lifting force vector F3 may be altered by varying the effective length of the elastic membors 23-30 or by adding resistance training vectors by the elastic rnembcrs 15-22.

Figures 21-25 illustrate embodiments of the physical training apparatus of the present invention for providing a plurality of training vectors having points of origin variable by direction and elevation to at least one trainee. With referen,ce to Figure 21, au embodiment of the preseat invention is illustra.ted providing eight training vectors having points of origin variable by direction and elevatiora to one trainee and providing training vectors to two other trainees simultaneously, As illustrated in Figure 21, the elastic members 21, 22 are attached to the knees of the trainee 43 and the elastic mennbers 19, 21) are attached to the ankles of the trainee 43, The elastic members 25, 29 are routed through the power module assemblies 5, 6 and through the movable pulley assemblies 55, 65 and attached to the waist of the trainee 43 and the elastic rnembers 26, 30 are routed through the power modules assemblies 5, 6 and attaohed to the hands of the trainee 43.
While the trainee 43 is conducting his or her training or therapeutic exercises, a second trainee 143, exercising off the base 1, rmay be performing another independent exercise.
In this illustration, the elastlc member 24 has been attached to a ball and thereby providCs a resistance training vector to the second trainee 143 coaducting a throwing motion. A
third trainee 243, exercising off the base 1, may also be performing another independent exercise. With reference to Figure 21, a training vector is provided to the tminee 243 by the elastic member 27 whxle he or she is performing a triceps exercise.

While not shown, the trainee 43 may utilize any of the remaiming training vectors provided by unused elastic members having a point of origin from the base l or from the tower assemblies 3, 4. Furtherm ore, the second trainee 143 may utilize any of the remaining training vectors provided by unused elastic membcrs having a point of origin from the tower assembly 3, and the third trainee 243 may utilize any ofthe remaining training vectors provided by unused elastic members having a point of origin from the tower assembly 4, It should be noted tha,t the magnitude of each of the training vectors supplied by the present invention may be independently vatied with the effeetive length of the corresponding elastic member.

With reference to Figure 22, a fiuther embodiment of the present invention is illustrated providing three training vectors having points of origin variable by direction and elevation to a trai,nee. An unbalanced training vector corLfiguration is illustrated in Figure 22 whereby an unbalanced resistance may be applied to a trainee 43 to exercise specialized muscle groups that would otherwise not be challenged during an exercise motion with any prior art exercise apparatuses. With reference to Figure 22, a trainee 43 is shown performi.ng a stepping exercise. Training vectors arc applied to the waist or hips of the trainee 43 by the elastic memben 16, 18 while a third training vector is applied to the trainee's left knee. In this instance, as the trainee's left knee bends to allow the right foot to mako eontact with the exercise area 2, the training vector supplied by the elastic member 30 will activate muscles on the inside of the trainee's Ieft leg that are not norrnally activated when stepping down.

With reference to Figure 23, an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown with a trainee performing a swinging motion. Figure 23 illustrates the ability of the present invention to apply balanced torque at multiple planes to a tarainee.
The application of such balanced torque is helpful towards strengthening rnuscles associated with swinging a golf club, baseball bat, or tennis racket. For example, the elastic members 25, 29 ere attached to the right and left hips of the trainee 43 by a harness H1.
The elastic member 30 is attached to the left shoulder of the 1r'ainee 43 by a harness H2 and the elastic member 26 is attached to the right shoulder of the trainee 43 by a harness H3. As the trainee 43 rotates to a back swing posation, all of the elastic membexs 25, 26, 29, 30 provide resistance training vectors into the back swing or coiled position while assisting the swinging motion of the trainee 43 from the back swing position through the mid-swing and follow-tl"ugh positions, The application of the training vectors provided by the elastic members 25, 26, 29, 30 thus strengthen all the tnuscles associated with a back swing in this rnanner.

If the trainee 43 rotates to his or her left 180 degrees and then coils to a back swing position, the elastic members 25, 26, 29, 30 assist the back swing or coiled position while resisting the swinging motion of the trainee 43 from the back swing position through the mid-swing and follow-through positions. The applicstion of the training vectors provided by the elastic members 25, 26, 29, 30 thus strengthen all the muscles associated with the down swing in this manner. Accordingly, a trainee 43 may repositxoia the elastic members 25, 26, 29 30 such that the elastic member 26 is attached to the left shoulder, the elastic member 30 is attached to the right shoulder, and the elastic members 25, 29 are attached to the left and right hips, respectively, of the trainee 43, Thus, the training vectors provided by the elastic members 25, 26, 29, 30 will assist the trainee into a baekswing or coiled position and provide resistance training vectors through the mid-swing and follow-through positions, In this manner, if the trainee 43 rotates to his or her left 180 degrees and then rotates to a back swing position, the elastic members 25, 26, 29, 30 will resist the back swing or coiled position while assisting the swinging motion of the trainee 43 from the back swing position through the mid-swing and follow-through positions, The magn,itude of each of the training vectors may be varied with the effective length of the respective elastic members. For example, the elastic xnembers 25 and 29 may have sufficient length so that the magnitude of the training vectors provided to the hips of the trainee is greater than the magnitude of the training vectors provided to the shoulders of the trainee via the elastic members 26 and 30. In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, elastic members having difFerent diameters may be utilized for providing a wider range of resistive force, It is also envisioned that the training modules disclosed in co-pending U.S. Patent Application S.N. 10/892,568, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein, may be utilized, stacked or combined to increase the useful res=stance force range.

With reference to Figure 24, another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown with a trainee performing a swinging motion. Figure 24 &rther illustrates the ability of the present invention to apply balanced torque on multiple planes to a trainee.
In the embodiment shown, the elastic members 24, 25, 28, 29 axe utilized to exercisc specific muscle groups of the trainee while performing a swinging rnotion. The elastic member 28 is attached to the left arm by the harness H3 and the elastic member 25 is attacried to the right arm by the harness H2. The elastic member 29 is attached to the left hip with the hazness H1 (not shown) and the elastic member 24 is attached to the right hil) with the harness H1 (not shown), The movable pulley assenablies 55, 65 lower the elevation of the elastic membcrs 24, 29 to thereby change the point and plane of origin of the training vectors provided by the elastic members 24, 29. In such a configuration, elastic mmbers apply clockwise torque at the hips and shouldexs thus helping the trainee 43 coil in the clockwise direction. When the trainee performs a swxnging motion and uncoils in the eouxitcr-clockwise direction, the elastic members 24, 25, 28, 29 provide resistance training vectors. Thus, the trainee 43 will be working against the torque applied by thc elastic members 24, 25, 28, 29 through the eomplete counter-clockwise motion. If the trainee 43 reverses his or her position and faces the rail 41, the torque applied to his or her body will reverse. Thus, the elastic members 24, 25, 28, 29 provide resistance training vectors to the clockwise rotation or back swing motion of the trainee 43 a,nd act to assist counter-clockwise rotation or down swing and follow through motion of the trainee 43, With reference to Figure 25, yet another embodiment oFthe pregent invention is illustrated providing sixteen training vectors having points of origin variable by direction and elevation to one trainee. For example, Figure 25 illustrates the trainee 43 utilizing a plurality of training vectors applied to the upper torso area by four elastie members 23, 24, 27, 28, to the waist by six elastic members 16, 18, 25, 26, 29, 30, and to the lower extremities of the trainee 43 by six elastic rnembers 15, 17, 19-22. The magnitude of each of the training vectors may be independently adjusted relative to the magnitude of the other training vectors. It should be noted that any of the elastic members 15-30 may be utilized alone or in any of a multitude of combinations by the trainee 43 to thereby exercise specific muscle groups of the trainee 43 throughout an entire range of motion, Figures 26 and 27 illustrate a further embodiment of the present disclosure providing training vectors having points of origin variable by direction and elevation to one trainee and further providing an overhead support structure to provide support for patients qr trainees who cannot fully support their own body weight, With reference to Figure 26, an overhead support structure 300 extends between and is securely mounted to the crown of both tower assemblies 3, 4, The overhead support structure 300 may be adaptable to be easily removed by a trainee or therapist, A trolley assembly 305 is slideably mounted to the overhead support sttucture 300 by a plurality of sliding guides 319, 320 and 319B, 320B (not shown). The sliding guides 319, 319B, 320, 320B
slide on rails 301, 301B, 302 affixed to the overhead support structure 300, The rails 301, 301B, 302 are slotted so that the trolley assembly 305 may be positioned along the length of the rails 301, 301B, 302 in the directions illustrated by arrows A and B. '1'lae trolley assembly 305 may also be adaptable to lock in place on the rails 301, 301B, 302 by any suitable locking means such as spring loaded locking moehanisms. One suitable loeking means is a looking member 316 operably attached to a locking pin 317. When the locking member 316 is pulled, the.trolley assembly 305 is a.llowed to freely slide along the rails 301, 301R, 302. When the locking member 316 is released, the locking pin 317 engages at least one rail and locks the trolley assetrtbly 305 in place. The trolley assembly 305 ftuther comprises a plurality of tracking mechanisms 325 which route a retraction cable 312 from a gliding assembly (not shown) to a hoisting member having a connector 309 attaehed thereto for attaching to a harness (not shown) worn by a trainee or patient. A hoisting cable 315 is afFLxed at one end to the gliding assembly (not shown) via tracking mechanisms 313, 314. The trolley assembly 305 further comprises a safety member 306 having a suitable connector 307 at the distal end thereof for attachment to a trainee or patient.

The traoking mechanisms preferably comprise a combination of fixed pulley assemblies 314, 325 and slidable pulley assemblies 313 which, when the hoisting cable 315 is operated, act to lift a trainee or patient attached to the hoisting member 310 for therapeutic exercise9. Adjustment buckles 308, 311 are provided on the safety member 306 and hoisting member 310, respectively, allowing for length adjustmont thereof. At least two rotating support stractures 400, 403 may be mounted to the tower assemblies 3, 4 to provide balance and support for patients of varying height, The rotating support structuzcs 400, 403 are adaptable to lock at several different angles.
Patients or trainecs may utilize the support structures 400, 403 to help balanoe themselves while the hoisting and safety members are being attached to their bodies, or the paticnts or traine.es may utilize the support structures during athletic or therapeutic exercises. The support structures 400, 403 are rotatably mounted to support bases 401, 404 affixed to the tower assemblies 3, 4. The support bases 401, 404 further comprise a locking means 402, 405 to thereby lock the structures 400, 403 in many positions ranging from a horizontal position P2 to a vertical stow position P1. Any suitable locking means 402, 405 such as spring loaded locking mechanisms or pins may be utilized to loek the support structures 400, 403.

Figure 28 is a front view the embodiment of Figure 26 illustrating the sliding range of the trolley assembly 305. It should be noted that the range of the safety and hoist members 306, 310 rmay correspond to the lateral edges of the exercise area 2.
However, the orientation of the trolley assembly 305 may be changed ninety degrees on a vertieal axis to thereby allow for a greater range of travel vn the rails 301, 301B, 302.

Figure 29 is a front view of the em,bodiment of Figure 26 illustrating a trainee 43 standing in the exercise area 2. With reference to Figure 29, the trainee 43 is shown wearing a lift support harness 320 haying an attachment means 421 adaptable for attachment to the conneator 307, 309 of the safety and hoisting members. The attachment memns may comprise any suitable rnetal ring or rigid strueture commonly used in the industty.

Figures 30-33 are pictorial illustrations of the attachment, lifting and nxovement of the trainee 43 with respect to the overhead support structure 300 of the present diselosure, It should be noted that before any of the safcty or hoisting members 306, 310 are attached to the trainee 43, a therapist should lock the trolley assembly 305 in place.
With reforcncc.
to Figure 30, the safety member 306 Is lengthened via the adjustment buckle 308 so that the connector 307 may be connected to the harness attachment means 421. The safety member 306 is then shortened via the buckle 308 until the safety m=ber 306 is taut, thus supporting the traTnee 43. With reference to Figure 31, the hoisting member 310 is then lengthened via the adjQstxnent buckle 311 to allow the connector 309 to connect to the harxiess attaehmeztt tneans 421. Upon positive connection thereof, the hoisting member 310 is pulled taut via the buckle 311 and a therapist may pull the hoisting cable 315 thus retracting the rerxacting cable 312 and raising the hoisting member 310.

With reference to Figure 32, once the hoisting member 310 has been attached to the trainee 43 and is taut, the hoisting cable 315 may further be pulaed downward thus drawing the sliding pulley assembly 313 to the right and retracting the retracting cable 312 to thereby raise the hoisting member 310 and the trainee 43 connected thereto. The therapist (not shown) may utilize a locking mechanism 321 to secure the hoisting cable 315 once the trainee is lifted to a desired level. As illustrated in Figure 32, the safety member 306 is slack since the member does not retract into the trolley assembly 305.

The therapist, however, has the option of tightening the safety member 306 via the buckle 308. With refcrcnce to Figure 33, a trainee 43, may be moved longitudinatly along the rails 301, 301B, 302 in the direction illustrated by the arrow K.

Figures 34-42 illustrate a trolley assembly of the present disclosure. With reference to Figure 34, the trolley assembly 305 is slideably mounted to the overhead support structure 300 by a plurality of sliding guides 319, 320 and 319B, 320B
(not shown). Tbe sliding guides 319, 319B, 320, 320B slide on rails 301, 301B, 302 affixed to the ove;head support structure 300. The rails 301, 3015, 302 are slotted so that the trolley assembly 305 may be positioned aloug the length of the rails 301, 301B, 302. The trolley assembly 305 may also be adaptable to lock in place on the rails 301, 301B, 302 by any suitable locking means such as spring loaded locking mechanisms. One suitable locking means is a locking member 316 operably atxaehed to a locking pin 317.
When the locking member 316 is pulled, the trolley assembly 305 is allowed to freely slide along the rails 301, 302. When the locking member 316 is released, the locki.ng pin 317 engages at least one rail and locks the trolley assembly 305 in place. The trolley assembly 305 compzises a fixed pulley assembly 325 which routes a retraction cable 312 from a gliding assembly 323 to a hoisting member 310 having a connector 309 attached thereto for attachment to a harncss (not shown) worn by a trainee or patient.
A hoisting cable 315 is aff"ixed at one end to the gliding assembly 323 via pulley assemblies 313, 314. An automatic locking means 321 may be utilized to secure movement of the hoisting cable 315 once the trainee 43 has been hoisted to a desired elevation, The locking means 321 may be any suitable type cf oem assembly or locking mechanism that securely compresses or grips a member routed therethrough.

With reference to Figures 35 and 36, the outer support cover of the trolley assembly 305 has been removed for iIlustrative purposes. The safety member 306 is affixed to the trolley assembly 305 via an axle 327. The retractable cable 312 is routed from the hoisting member 310 to the gliding asscmbly 323 via the fixed pulley assembly 325. The hoisting cable 315 is routed from a dzsrtal end thereof to the gliding assembly 323 via the fixed pulley assembly 314 and the slidable pulley assembly 313.
The sliding pulley assembly 313 is rotatably mounted to the undercarriage of a glidi,ng assembly 323.
The gliding assembly 323 is slidably mounted on a rail 324. The rail 324 is slotted so that the gliding assembly 323 may be liuiearly positioned along the length of the rai.l 324 and may be secured in place by a suitable locking mechanism. As illustrated in Figure 36, a therapist (not shown) may lift a trainee attached to the hoisting raernber 310 by first disengaging the hoisting cable 315 from the locking xnechsnism 321 and then pulling the hoisting member 315 in a downward direction illustrated by the arrow A. As the hoisting cable 315 is extracted from the trolley assembly 305, the gliding assembly 323 will move in the direction illustrated by the azTo,uv B, thus approaching the fixed pulley assembly 314, Since the retracting cable 312 is affixed at one end to the gliding assembly 323, the retracting cable will retract thc hoisting member 310 in the direction illustrated by the arrow C.

Figure 37 illustrates a side view of the trolley assembly 305 of Figure 34 from the aspect identified as view B, and Figure 38 illustrates a side view of the trolley assembly 305 of Figure 34 from the aspect identified as view A. With reference to Figures 37 and 38, the ra.ils 301, 301B, 302 affixed to the overhead support structure 300 and the sliding glides 319, 319B, 320, 320B which slidably mount the trolley assembly 305 to the overhead support structure 300 are now illustrated.

Figurc 39 is a side view of the trolley assembly 305 having a transparent cover plate for illustrative purposes, With reference to Figure 39, the axle supports 326-328 for the pulley assembliCs 314, 325 and safety member 306 are illustrated. The retracting cable 312 (not shown) may be affixed at one end to the gliding assembly 323 by a rod 330 or other suitable attachment means.

Figures 40-42 are bottom plan views of the undercarriage of the trolley assembly 305 of the present invention. With reference to Figures 40-42, the slidable pulley assembly is comprised of pulleys 313A, 313B rvtatably mounted to the gliding assembly 323 via an axle 331. The gliding assembly 323 fltrther comprises an attachment means 332 for vne end of the hoisting cable 315. The fixed pulley assembly 314 may be comprised of pulleys 314A, 314B, 314C rotatably mounted on the trolley a9sembly 305 via the axle 328. A further view of the locking mechanism 321 for locking the hoisting cable 315 is also illustrated.

With reference to Figures 41 and 42, the hoisting cable 315, retracting cable and safety member 306 have been added for illustrative purposes, Figure 41 illustrates the gliding assembly 323 in a tlrst position with the hoisting cable 315 retracted. Figure 42 illustrates the gliding assembly 323 in a second position with the hoisting cable 315 extracted. T-he positions of the gliding assembly 323 shown in Figures 41 and 42 are illustrative only and are not fntended to limit the scope of the invention, For example, a fully retracted hoisting cable 315 will result in positioning the gliding assembly 323 closer to the fixed pulley assembly 325. Conversely, a fully extracted hoisting cable 315 will result in positioning the gliding assembly 323 closer to the fixed pulley assembly 314. Since the retracting cable 312 is affixed to the gliding assembly 323 via an attachment means 333, operation of the hoisting cable 315, thereby resulting in movement of the gliding assembly 323, will lift a trainee (not shown) attached tv the distal end of the hoisting member 310 (not shown). It should be noted that the tracking mechanisms in the trolley assembly 305 may comprise several known pulley configurations capable of providing an increased mechanical advantage to thereby assist a therapist i.n lifting a heavy load. Figures 40-42 illustrate a ptilley configuration that provides a 5:1 mechanical advantage. However, there are many obvious configurations that could provide higher or lower mechanical advantages, As shown by the various confgurations and embodiments of the physical training apparatus illustrated in Figures 1-42, the physical training apparatus may be used for training athletes and physical therapy patients by providing training vectors to multiple musele groups of the trainee from various angles and multiple elevations while providing varying or constant magnitudes.

While prei;'erred embodiments of the present invention have been described, it is tc be understood that the embodiments described are illustrative only and that the scope of the invention is to be defined solely by the appended claims when accorded a full range of equivalence, many variations and modifications naturally occurring to those of skill in the art from a perusal hereof.

Claims (34)

1. A physical training apparatus comprising means for providing at least eight training vectors to a trainee.

2. The physical training apparatus of Claim 1 comprising means for providing at least ten training vectors.

3. The physical training apparatus of Claim 2 comprising means for providing at least twelve training vectors.

4. The physical training apparatus of Claim 3 comprising means for providing at least fourteen training vectors.

5. The physical training apparatus of Claim 4 comprising means for providing at least sixteen training vectors.

6. The physical training apparatus of Claim 1 wherein the elevation of the origin of one or more of said training vectors is variable.

7. The physical training apparatus of Claim 1 wherein said means comprises an elastic member.

8. The physical training apparatus of Claim 7 wherein at least one elastic member is attached at one end to a harness adapted for connection to a selected portion of the trainee, said elastic member having an effective length whereby the training vector provides a relatively constant force to the selected portion of the trainee through a predetermined range of motion.

9. The physical training apparatus of Claim 8 wherein the length of each elastic member is selectable to thereby select the magnitude of the training vector provided by the means comprising the elastic member.

10. A physical training apparatus comprising a plurality of means for providing -training vectors to a trainee wherein the origin of one or more training vectors is variable in a first and a second dimension and the origin of one or more of the other training vectors is variable in either said first or second dimension and a third dimension normal to said first and second dimensions.

11. The physical training apparatus of Claim 10 wherein the origin of each training vector is variable in said first and second dimension or is variable in said first or second dimension and said third dimension.

12. The physical training apparatus of Claim 10 wherein at least two training vectors originate from opposing sides of the trainee.

13. The physical training apparatus of Claim 10 wherein the magnitude of each training vector may be adjusted independently of the magnitude of the other training vectors.

14. The physical training apparatus of Claim 10 wherein at least one training vector provides a relatively constant force to a portion of the trainee through a predetermined range of motion.

15. The physical training apparatus of Claim 10 wherein said means comprises an elastic member.

16. The physical training apparatus of Claim 10 comprising wherein the elevation of the origin of a plurality of training vectors is variable.

17. The physical training apparatus of Claim 10 wherein said first and second dimensions are in a horizontal plane and said third dimension is vertical.

18. The physical training apparatus of Claim 17 comprising at least four training vectors originating in one horizontal plane and at least four training vectors originating a second horizontal plane.

19. The physical training apparatus of Claim 10 comprising one or more training vectors originating at four elevations.

20. A physical training apparatus comprising a plurality of means for providing training vectors to a trainee wherein the training vectors originate from at least three elevations.

21. The physical training apparatus of Claim 20 wherein said training vectors originate from at least four elevations.

22. The physical training apparatus of Claim 21 wherein said training vectors originate from at least five elevations.

23. The physical training apparatus of Claim 22 wherein said training vectors originate from nine elevations.

24. The physical training apparatus of Claim 20 comprising a pair of training vectors originating from opposing sides of the trainee at the same elevation.

25. The physical training apparatus of Claim 24 comprising four pair of training vectors originating from opposing sides of the trainee, each training vector in a pair being at the same elevation.

26. A physical training apparatus comprising one or more means for providing a training vector to a trainee and a means to support at least a portion of the trainee's body weight.

27. The physical training apparatus of Claim 26 wherein the training vectors originate from at least three elevations.

28. The physical training apparatus of Claim 27 wherein the training vectors originate from at least five elevations.

29. The physical training apparatus of Claim 28 wherein the training vectors originate from at least nine elevations.

30. The physical training apparatus of Claim 26 wherein said supporting means comprises a harness adapted for connection to a selected portion of the trainee and to at least one support member above the trainee.

31. The physical training apparatus of Claim 30 wherein said harness is positioned around the trainee's waist.

32. The physical training apparatus of Claim 26 wherein said harness is positioned around the trainee's upper torso.

33. A physical training apparatus comprising:
a base forming a training area;

one or more harnesses each adapted to be worn by a trainee training in said training area;

at least one elastic member attached to each harness for providing a force opposing the motion of the harness in a predetermined range of motion, said elastic members having a length whereby the force is relatively constant over said predetermined range; and an elongated tracking mechanism attached to said base for directing each of said elastic members out of said training area, at least one tracking mechanism being substantially horizontal and at least one tracking mechanism being substantially vertical.

34. A physical training apparatus comprising:
a base forming a training surface;

a plurality of means for providing training vectors to a trainee training on said training surface, said means being attached to said base and comprising an elastic member and tracking members for directing said elastic member from a vector origin location near the training surface to an anchor location; and a plurality of means for providing training vectors to a trainee training on said training surface, said means being attached to said base and comprising an elastic member and tracking members for directing said elastic member from a vector origin location elevated tom the training surface to an anchor location.