WO2012143730A1

WO2012143730A1 - Improved exercise device

Info

Publication number: WO2012143730A1
Application number: PCT/GB2012/050880
Authority: WO
Inventors: Graham Smith
Original assignee: Active Body Management Limited
Priority date: 2011-04-21
Filing date: 2012-04-20
Publication date: 2012-10-26
Also published as: GB2490322A; GB201106725D0

Abstract

The present invention discloses an exercise harness for improving a person's body positioning and effectiveness and comprising a torso engaging portion and shoulder straps for attaching the harness to a user. The harness comprises a plurality of connection members on the intended back of the harness adapted for attaching a resistive force to the harness.

Description

Improved Exercise Device

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to an improved exercise device, especially for use in sports training. Background to the Invention Body position in sport, especially contact sports, is critical in order to effectively translate power from the player's muscles into their actions. Poor body position is a major cause of injury to participants of sporting activities, not just for contact sports but also non-contact sports, such as golf. Body position is also very important for sports where aerodynamic positions allow a participant to obtain a better time, for example in cycling. Adopting a poor body position in training for a chosen sport results in the player adopting a poor body position when undertaking their chosen sport competitively.

Harnesses are known for sports training for exercising leg muscles by pulling a loaded weight sled or a parachute. Such harnesses are usually provided with a single attachment point, usually in the lumbar region of the back. Whilst such devices are fine for pulling a weight, they encourage a user to adopt any means and body position necessary in order to overcome the resistance. Often, this can result in the user adopting a position that might be considered undesirable compared to the optimal body position for competitive sport. Additionally, the user's shoulders may become hunched in order to be more comfortable, which may be counterproductive to good technique. Furthermore, a large amount of space is required in order to accommodate a user running against the resistance.

Whilst such harnesses may be useful for improving speed, they do not replicate the forces acting on a sports person during competitive sport; for example the forces felt on a rugby player when clearing a ruck or being wrestled for the ball. The forces experienced at the collision area and during scrummaging cannot be replicated using such harness systems, thereby making it difficult and potentially dangerous to attempt to improve a user's body position using such a device.

Scrummage practice for rugby generally requires either large machinery and/or other participants in order to be effective. Therefore, it is difficult for a person to train for scrummaging without others.

Physiotherapy, rehabilitation and 'prehabilitation' rely upon a specific exercise being undertaken whilst a specific body position is adopted. By ignoring the body position, the person may do more damage or delay recovery.

Summary of the Invention

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to an exercise harness for improving a person's body positioning and effectiveness and comprising a torso engaging portion and shoulder straps for attaching the harness to a user, the harness comprising a plurality of connection members on the intended back of the harness adapted for attaching a resistive force to the harness.

Existing harnesses apply a force in a single direction of drag and the resistive force cannot readily be altered because the user is moving in a linear direction. By providing the harness with a plurality of connection members, or points, the user can be retained in a static position using one or more connection members, whilst a variable resistive force can be applied to one or more other connection members of the harness. Therefore, the user's body can be exercised and can experience variable forces in multiple directions while they are in a static position. This allows for a person to train for scrummaging without the need for others to be present or for large scrummaging machines. It is advantageous that the connection members are so arranged that, in use, the effective load of the resistive force will be applied at a position above the lumbar region of the spine of the intended user. By aligning the upper back correctly, the overall body position can be enhanced and/or improved. For example, by opening the chest by bringing the user's shoulders back breathing and the overall posture may be improved, thereby allowing the user to more efficiently transfer muscle power through their body and to allow for deep breathing, thereby providing better intake of oxygen to which may increase the user's stamina. By bringing a user's shoulders backwards and applying the force to the upper back in training using the harness of the present invention, the user is more inclined to adopt the same position in competition without the harness.

It is preferable that at least one connection member is positioned above the lumbar region of the spine of the intended user when the harness is worn normally in use.

Advantageously, upper connection members are located in the scapular region. By applying the resistive force in the scapula region, a user's shoulders can be brought into a backward position by scapula retraction, thus pushing the chest forward. This provides a relatively strong upper body position and increases spinal stiffness, which is important in various sports and activities and protects one's back from 'wear and tear'.

In a preferred construction, with the harness worn normally in use, at least one lower connection member is located in a position below the thoracic region of the intended user and the harness is provided with means for linking that lower connection member to the upper part of the harness such that at least part of the resistive force applied to the lower connection member is translated to a position above the lumbar region. By translating at least some of the force from the lower connection member to a position on the upper part of the harness, the upper part of the user's back is encouraged to adopt a more suitable position to adapt to the load. Where the force is purely in the lower back the user may be inclined to adopt poor form and body position in the upper back. Because the load is shared over the length of the user's back, the user must pay attention to the back as a whole.

In one advantageous construction the means for linking the lower connection member and the upper part of the harness comprises a strap internal to the harness. The strap is a simple and convenient way to link the lower and upper parts of the harness to translate at least some of the force over more of the user's back. The linking means may be internal to the structure of the harness or may be external to the structure and on the inside or outside of the harness, that is, on the side of the harness facing the user's back or on the opposite side, respectively, when in use.

In a preferred embodiment, two connection members are bilaterally spaced apart so as to be each substantially equidistant from a midpoint that represents the intended position of the user's spine when the harness is worn in normal use. By separating two connection members bilaterally, where the same force is applied to each of the two connection members, the force on the user will be substantially the same, albeit on a different side of the user's back. It will be appreciated that one may wish to apply a different force to each side of the user's back and one could place the bilaterally spaced connection members at different distances from an intended spine position. Such an arrangement would vary the distance between the centre of the user's back and the each connection point, thus varying the forces acting on each side of the user's back when the same force is applied to each connection member.

In an advantageous construction, when in use, two connection members are positioned in the lumbar region and/or two connection members are positioned above the lumbar region. By spacing pairs of connection members along the user's spine, the loads placed on the upper and lower back can be varied, thereby allowing a force imparted on a position on the upper back to be different from a force imparted on a position on the lower back.

It is preferable that the plurality of connection members comprises a linear series of connection members bilaterally spaced so as to provide a variable position to which resistance may be applied to the harness. A series of connection members, or 'daisy chains', allow for a variable position along the harness for the application of a resistive force. This allows the same harness to be used for people of different sizes. For example, the scapula region on one user wearing the harness may be at a different position from a second user wearing the harness. By having a linear series of connection members, the resistive force can be applied to the scapula region of both users by varying which ring or 'loop' (depending upon the construction) to which the shock cord is attached. The components of the linear series may be spaced apart or may be directly adjacent to one another. In addition to allowing for variation in size, the linear series also allows for variation in the connection point of the resistive force, and the position of the force can be varied without a user having to adjust the fit of the harness.

The present invention extends to a method of improving a person's body positioning effectiveness comprising:

Attaching a harness as described herein to a person;

Attaching a plurality of resistive forces to a plurality of the connection points; The person adopting the desired body position; and

Increasing and/or decreasing the resistive forces so that the person works against those forces to attempt to maintain the desired body position in response to the changing resistive forces.

It is preferable that at least one resistive force is applied by way of a shock cord or a rope. Shock cords comprise some level of elasticity to allow for a more gradual application of force and reduce the risk of a sudden increase of force injuring the user. Alternatively, a rope allows for instant adjustment with little to no lag time in the application of a changing force. Both a shock cord and rope may be application to difference connection members at the same time, thereby allowing a static resistance to be applied with the rope and a variable resistance to be applied with the shock cord.

The method disclosed herein allows a user to develop their footwork in order to maintain a stable and/or strong position for their activity while they experience forces attempting to move them out of that position.

Brief Description of the Drawings Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is an illustration of a front view of an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is an illustration of a side view of the embodiment of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an illustration of a side view of the embodiment of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 is a diagrammatic view of a first arrangement of connection points and linkage means;

Figure 5 is a diagrammatic view of a second arrangement of connection points and linkage means;

Figure 6 is a diagrammatic view of a third arrangement of connection points and linkage means;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 8 is a rear view of the embodiment shown in Figure 7, when in use.

Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments

Figures 1 to 3 show a harness 10 comprising a front portion 12 and a rear portion 14 connected at their intended upper ends by shoulder straps 16a and 16b, between which is a gap, constituting a head hole 18. The shoulder straps 16 are provided with extra padding to ensure the comfort of the user whilst wearing the harness 10 and to reduce the risk of the harness 10 cutting into the user's shoulders when in use. The front portion 12 and rear portion 14 are further connected by elasticated upper side panels 20a and 20b and elasticated lower side panels 22a and 22b.

The harness 10 is provided with fastening means 24a and 24b, in the form of clip-buckles, to attach the harness to a user. It is desirable that the fastening means 24 are adjustable to allow the harness to be tightened or loosened about the user. The rear portion 14 of the harness 10 is provided with four connection points: two connection points 26a and 26b at the top of the rear portion 14; and two connection points 26c and 26d at the bottom of the rear portion 14. The connection points 26 are in the form of metal rings embedded in the material of the harness 10. Linking means in the form of straps (not shown in Figures 1 to 3) connect the lower connection points 26c and 26d to 26a and 26b, respectively. The linking means are positioned on the inside of the harness 10. The harness 10 is placed over a user's head and their arms are passed through the sides of the harness 10. This locates the user's head in the head hole 18 and the user's arms between the shoulder strap 16 and the upper side panel 20. The fastening means 24 are adjusted so that the harness 10 is a comfortable and secure fit to the user. Once the harness 10 is securely fastened, a rope or shock cord is connected to each of the connection points 26. A resistive force is connected to each rope or shock cord at this point, at least one resistive force provided by a second person pulling on the rope or shock cord. At least one of the other resistive forces is provided by a weight stack or a stationary body, such as a tree or fence post. The user then adopts the required body position and works against the resistive force, thereby training their body to maintain a good position. Alternatively, the user might adopt the desired body position prior to the resistive force being applied. The resistive force may be in the form of a second person in a harness; the two users then pulling against one another.

Figures 4 to 6 show possible arrangements of effective connection points and linking means. Not all anchor points are necessarily shown in these figures, only those that would have a load applied thereto.

Figure 4 shows an arrangement wherein the harness 10 is provided with one lower connection point 26h and two upper connection points 26i and 26j. Linking straps 30a and 30b connect the lower part of the harness 10 with the upper part of the harness 10 in the region of the connection points 26. This results in the force applied to the lower connection point 26h being at least partially translated to the upper part of the harness 10. In such an arrangement, when in use, shock cords are attached to each of the respective connection points, the lower connection point being attached to a static force, for example a tree, and the two upper connection points may be connected to a variable resistance such as a supervisor holding each shock cord. As the user gets into a desired position, for example a rugby scrummaging position, the static resistance maintains a constant force working against forward movement of the user. The supervisor is then able to vary the resistive force applied to the upper body of the user by pulling the shock cords attached to the upper connection points 26i and 26j. Such variable and unanticipated forces act to mimic the unanticipated forces that the user will feel in a match situation and exercise the user's core muscles.

As shown in Figure 5, it may be desirable for the harness to comprise two lower connection points 261 and 26m and one upper connection point 26n, the lower points being 261 and 26m being linked to the upper point 26n by straps 30c and 30d,

respectively. This may be particularly advantageous for improving body positions where the hips need to be move in different directions or will experience different forces, for example in a rotating rugby maul. By having the lower points 261 and 26m connected to the upper point 26n, the user is encouraged to maintain their posture during the exercise.

Figure 6 shows a further arrangement wherein the connection points are positioned as in the embodiment of figures 1 to 3. When viewing the back of the harness, lower left connection point 26w is linked to both the upper left connection point 26x and the upper right connection point 26y by link straps 30e and 30f, respectively. Similarly, bottom right connection point 26z is connected to both the upper right connection point 26y and the upper left connection point 26x by link straps 30g and 30h, respectively. By linking the bottom connection points 26w and 26z to the upper connection points 26x and 26y, resistive forces applied to the lower connection points 26w and 26z are partially translated to the upper connection points 26x and 26y, thus enhancing the effect of the force, especially forces that are not parallel to the user's spine. The connection points may be in the form of a series of adjacent points extending from the top of the harness 10 to the bottom of the harness 10. The series of connection points may be a single series centrally positioned, or two series bilaterally positioned either side of an intended central position, which, when worn normally, corresponds to the position of a user's spine. It may be desirable to have a configuration similar to that shown in figure 4, wherein the lower connection member 26h is a ring through which shock cords may be threaded prior to being attached to the upper connection members 26i and 26j. The side panels 20 and 22 may be provided with means for adjusting the size of the harness in addition to, or as an alternative to, front adjustable means. This allows the harness 10 to be more adequately tightened and/or loosened about a user thus allowing a more comfortable fit. Additionally, or alternatively, the harness may also comprise adjustment means at the rear. The panels 20 and 22 may be constructed of non-elasticated material, especially where side adjustment means are provided.

Whilst the harness has been described as a torso engaging part and shoulder straps, it may comprise a belt with shoulder straps, or may be in the form of a jacket, vest or 'bib'. The opening for such a belt or jacket may be positioned in the centre at the intended front of a user, or it may be positioned at the side. A user might step into the harness and slide the shoulder straps on, or the harness may be applied in a similar fashion to a jumper or t- shirt. Additionally, if there are likely to be forces required in a substantially head-wise direction, it may be desirable for the harness to comprise leg straps to reduce the likelihood of it slipping up the user's body. Different configurations may be preferred for different ages and sizes of user.

It will be appreciated that the fastening means 24 may comprise an alternative connection mechanism, especially where the harness is put on by sliding it over the user's head, for example when the harness is in the form of a vest. In such a situation the fastening means 24 need only be means for tightening the harness such that it is tight and comfortable on the user, or loosening the harness 10 so that the user can remove the harness 10 from their body over their head. In an embodiment where the harness 10 joins at the front and is put on like a waist-coat, the fastening means 24 are preferably located at the front in a central position, however, it may be desirable for the harness 10 to connect at one or both sides.

The connection points 26 may be constructed from metal, plastics material, fabric or any other material or combination of materials having sufficient strength and stiffness so as not to fracture or break under the forces imparted by the resistive force. They may be embedded into the material of the harness or attached thereto.

Figures 7 and 8 show a collision sport training harness 110, comprising a front portion 112 and a rear portion 114 connected by shoulder straps 116a and 116b, the area between those straps constituting a head hole 118. The front portion 112 is in the form of two front sections 112a and 112b, each connected to a respective shoulder strap 116a and 116b. Front sections 112a and 112b are each provided with a respective parts of a first securing member 120a and respectively parts of a second securing member 120b.

Adjustable side members 121 laterally connect the front portion 112 and the rear portion 114.

The rear portion 114 is provided with two anchor points 122 bilaterally spaced about the intended position of a user's spine and positioned in the respective scapular regions of an intended user's back. The anchor points 122 are intended for connection to a load intended to apply force in the longitudinal direction L with respect to a user's spine.

Two further anchor points 124 are positioned adjacent to the respective anchor points 122, again in the intended position of a user's scapula region. The further anchor points 124 are intended for connection to a load intended to apply force in the transverse direction T with respect to a user's spine.

At the intended lower end of the rear portion 114 of the harness 110, a pair of first lower anchor points 126a bilaterally spaced either side of an intended user's spine. Positioned longitudinally below, and in close proximity to, the first lower anchor points 126a are second lower anchor points 126b. Third lower anchor points 126c are positioned longitudinally below, and in close proximity to, the second lower anchor points 126b. Likewise, fourth lower anchor points 126d are positioned longitudinally below third anchor points 126c. The anchor points 126a to 126d constitute a series of longitudinally spaced anchor points on respective sides of a user's spine.

In use, the user (130) puts on the harness in a similar manner to a waistcoat with shoulder straps 116 passing over respective shoulders and the user's head positioned in the head hole 118. The user the positions front section 112a overlapping front section 112b and securing members 120a and 120b are fastened. The adjustable side members 121 are then tightened to ensure a snug fit about the user's torso. Shock cords (not show) are then applied to the required anchor points according to the exercises due to be undertaken, in a manner as described herein. Other items, such as a chain or a cable, may be connected to the connection points instead of a rope of shock cord. Additionally, a weight might be connected directly to the connection point rather than using an intermediate item. The harness may be used with existing fixed-weight or cable machines that are intended for fitness training.

It may be that the user initially adopts a different position to the desired position and they move against the resistive force into the desired position, essentially training to get into the desired position against a resistive force.

It may be advantageous for at least one connection member positioned in the lumber region (LI to L5 or a user's spine) and at least one other connection member second at the scapula region (C5 to T8 of a user's spine). A hole, pulley or loop may be provided so as to redirect the rope before connection to a connection member. It may be desirable for such a device to be positioned at lower end of the harness allowing rope to pass through and up to a connection member at the top of the harness. Depending upon the required body position, the direction of the resistive force applied will vary. For example, in rugby, it may be desirable to have a main force directed parallel to the user's spine to mimic the force or a scrum and thus improve the leg, back and core muscles. Alternatively, when used by a golfer, the forces may be rotational to resist a swing of a golf club.

In rugby union, it is advantageous for player in a scrum to have their upper body substantially horizontal to the ground in order to translate as much force into the scrum as possible. Additionally, the shoulders should be back with the chest forward and the pelvis dipped forward so that the lumbar region of the back is slightly concave with respect to the rest of the back. By having a plurality of connection members over the area of the back, such a position can be enhanced using the harness of the present invention.

Furthermore, poor form will be highlighted by applying unanticipated forces to the user by applying those forces through the connection points. The aforementioned body position is also advantageous in rucking and mauling and the forces involved in such activities can be mimicked by using a harness according to the present invention.

It may be advantageous to apply further connection members on the front of the harness at a position where the user's pelvis is located. Alternatively, weights may be applied. By applying forces in this area, assistance is provided to the user in 'dipping' their pelvis to hollow their back and adopt a stronger body position for rugby.

For improving a body position for golf, the harness may be provided with four connection points as shown in Figure 6. The two lower connection points can be provided with a resistance to resist movement of the hips and the two upper connection points used to provide resistance to the user's shoulders. In such a situation, the user's golf swing can be adjusted to become more efficient or to reduce the influence of bad habits by isolating one point. Clearly, more connection points may be added to the harness to adjust the user's swing.

The harness of the present invention may be used for cricket training to improve a batsman's stance and to work the back whilst playing shots such as a drive. The harness may be used for improving the body position of a cyclist to aid them in becoming more aerodynamic. Rowers may also improve their body position using the harness, thereby making them more efficient. It may be preferable to have further connection points in the front of the harness, especially for rowers. The harness may also be used for baseball improving swinging of a bat and in American football for and improving body position for both the offensive and defensive players. Weight-lifters and body builders may benefit from the increased spine strengthening that the present invention provides. Skiers may use the harness to improve their body position and spine strength. The harness may be provided with lateral adjustment means in order to adjust the distance between two bilateral connection points. Alternatively, a lateral linear series may be provided to enable the load to be positioned at various positions laterally across a user's back without needing to adjust the fit of the harness. Additionally, the harness may be size adjustable to fit younger or less muscular users as well as more muscular users.

Alternatively, different sizes might be provided to suit different body sizes and types.

The linking means might be connected in the region of the connection point if not directly at the connection point at the lower part of the harness and the upper part. The linking means, which may be part of the shoulder straps or separate thereto, are positioned internal to the harness as the distance between the lower and upper connection point(s) will be shorter internally than on the outside of the harness, especially with the lower back in a concave position. By "internal to the harness", it is meant between the outer surface of the harness furthest away from the user, and preferably between the inside of the harness and the user's back. The linking mean may be within the material of the harness.

The harness might be used for exercises in connection with physiotherapy. It may be desirable that the lumbar connection points are not linked to the upper part of the harness so that forces applied to one or more connection points are not so readily translated to the upper part of the harness.

"harness" is intended to a device that comprises a portion that encompasses at least part of the torso of a user and shoulder straps. Clearly, variations comprising the same components, for example bibs and vests, are intended to be include in the term "harness".

The present invention allows a coach to mimic the forces involved in sporting activities and aid with the development of improved body position and posture. In collision sports this may assist with improving a player's ability to receive a tackle and continue in the game. Additionally, by improving back strength by working the muscles, it reduces the risk of injury and the severity of any injury that might be sustained.

For use in rugby and similar sports, including American football, the lower anchor points may be used for training in basic scrummaging and driving positions and the upper anchor points can be used in combination with the lower anchor points for more advanced scrummaging techniques. Linear series of connection members, which may constitute a row or chain of anchor points or connection members, may comprise two or more anchor points. The linear series of anchor points aids with encouraging a strong body position and obtaining a pelvic tilt, or dip in the lumbar region of the user's back. Additionally, the plurality of anchor points allows for the harness to be used by user's of different torso length without the need of adjustable shoulder straps or length adjustment means.

A shock-cord or rope may be passed through one of the lower anchor points and connected to an upper anchor point. In such a situation, the force of the load applied by the shock-cord may be transferred from the upper anchor points to the lower anchor points.

The present invention may be used for training in athletics and other Olympic sports, especially long-jump and triple-jump athletes.

Claims

1. An exercise harness for improving a person's body positioning and effectiveness and comprising a torso engaging portion and shoulder straps for attaching the harness to a user, the harness comprising a plurality of connection members on the intended back of the harness adapted for attaching a resistive force to the harness.

2. A harness according to claim 1, wherein the connection members are so arranged that, in use, the effective load of the resistive force will be applied at a position above the lumbar region of the spine of the intended user.

3. A harness according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein at least one connection member is positioned above the lumbar region of the spine of the intended user when the harness is worn normally in use.

4. A harness according to any preceding claim, wherein, with the harness worn normally in use, at least one lower connection member is located in a position below the thoracic region of the intended user and the harness is provided with means for linking that lower connection member to the upper part of the harness such that at least part of the resistive force applied to the lower connection member is translated to a position above the lumbar region.

5. A harness according to claim 4, wherein the means for linking the lower connection member and the upper part of the harness comprises a strap internal to the harness.

6. A harness according to any preceding claim, wherein two connection members are bilaterally spaced apart so as to be each substantially equidistant from a midpoint that represents the intended position of the user's spine when the harness is worn in normal use.

7. A harness according to any preceding claim, wherein, when in use, two connection members are positioned in the lumbar region and/or two connection members are positioned above the lumbar region.

8. A harness according to any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of connection members comprises two substantially linear series of connection members each bilaterally spaced about a centre position that corresponds to the position of a user's spine, when in use, so as to provide a variable position to which resistance may be applied to the harness.

9. A harness according to any preceding claim, wherein the harness is a contact sport training harness.

10. A method of improving a person's body positioning effectiveness comprising:

Attaching a harness as described in any one of claims 1 to 9 to a person;

11. A method according to claim 10, wherein at least one resistive force is applied by way of a shock cord or a rope.

12. An exercise harness for improving body position as substantially described herein with reference to and/or as illustrated any appropriate combination of the accompanying text and/or drawings.