WO2014131446A1

WO2014131446A1 - Training harness and training system

Info

Publication number: WO2014131446A1
Application number: PCT/EP2013/053970
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ola ERIKSRUD
Original assignee: Fact As
Priority date: 2013-02-27
Filing date: 2013-02-27
Publication date: 2014-09-04

Abstract

A training harness comprises an thorax section (12) and a pelvic section (23). The thorax section comprises a front part (13) and a back part (18), and the pelvic section comprises a front pelvic part (24) and a back pelvic part (27). The thorax section includes at least three transverse bands (40, 41, 42), and the pelvic section includes a further transverse band (47). The thorax section (12) further comprises a left shoulder strap (33) and a right shoulder strap (34), the shoulder straps extending from the lower transverse band (42) on the back part, over the shoulders of a user and down to the lower transverse band on the front part. At least the upper and lower transverse bands of the thorax section and the transverse band of the pelvic section are provided with an anchoring device at a left and a right lateral portion and centrally on the front part and back part, the anchoring device being adapted for the attachment of a loading element.

Description

TRAINING HARNESS AND TRAINING SYSTEM

The present invention relates to a training harness and a training system for training the body's core musculature.

The core muscles play an important role in performance whether in daily life or in sport. There are many definitions of what constitute the core muscles, but broadly speaking, it is primarily the abdominal and back muscles. There are also many opinions of how to train the core muscles, and there are also a number of different training methods on how to train the core muscles in order to achieve optimal performance. In general, you can divide the training methods of the core muscles into two groups in terms of equipment and training. These two groups are either static or dynamic training methods. It is common in current static and dynamic training methods, and training equipment used in this context, for attention to be focused on control of a position or movement of the trunk with gradually increasing the mechanical stress, particularly in a lying or sitting position. This can be a problem, because the core muscles mostly function to create and control movement in an upright position, since this is the position of the trunk in most activities of daily living and sports.

Equipment that is designed for training the core muscles is disclosed in U.S. 7,874,970 B2, which describes a training harness specifically designed to train rotational movements of the body, especially for the kind of movements performed in golf. The training harness is therefore equipped with straps that go from one side of the top and diagonally down to the opposite side of the hip section. These straps prevent the rotation of the upper body relative to the hip beyond a certain angle. This training harness is thus made for very specific rotational exercises in the transverse plane, and is therefore unsuitable for a broader and systematic training program.

Furthermore, U.S. 7,707,652 B2 shows a training vest comprising only an upper part and no hip, or pelvic, section. The vest is designed in part with a central vertical opening in the front so that a user can get the vest on and off. This training vest also has only two horizontal transverse bands. The vest as shown in this publication, and, considering the construction of the vest and especially the distribution of anchoring points on the vest, is unable to systematically train the core muscles. This vest also has no anchoring points to the pelvis, resulting in a further reduced chance for systematic training of the core muscles. Training of the core muscles must be integrated with the rest of the body in an appropriate and functional manner. This has not been achieved so far in current methods of training. The applicant has therefore gone back to the principles that govern human movement, or function. Human function can be understood as three-dimensional movement patterns, where different parts of the body move simultaneously, or in a sequential manner, with an interdependent relationship. Human movement is thus an integrated interaction of the nervous, muscular and skeletal system, and the core muscles play a key role in controlling and creating movement, and to create and efficiently transfer mechanical energy in the body when moving.

The movement patterns that incorporate the integrated nature of different regions and systems of the body and that mimic human movement, can be called functional movement patterns. These functional movement patterns can be viewed as the common denominator of human movement. They include but are not limited to; step or lunge, step up or down, pulling, pushing, jumping, reaching the arms and/or legs in different directions, throw, kick, and to raise and lower the body as in a squat or sit down and getting up from a chair. Most activities of daily living and sports can be described as a sequences or combination of these functional movement patterns.

The common denominator of these movement patterns is that they generally take place in a standing position, and that they take place in three dimensions. Within this framework, the core muscles' role is to create and control the movement of the thorax relative to the pelvis, and to create or allow for an efficient transfer of energy. Core muscles respond to, and have unique requirements, in three dimensions based upon the starting position, functional movement pattern, and the end position of the movement, this being controlled by the nervous system.

All forms of training must be implemented based upon the specific task one is looking to improve, whether in daily life or in sport. Therefore, training of core muscles should be based on the functional movement patterns since this is what we as humans do. This allows for high specificity in the training performed. The specificity of core muscle function in activities of daily living and sports is not well maintained in today's training methods or equipment. The challenge therefore lies in how to maintain an external load in different directions on the core muscles while integrated into functional movement patterns. It is this need the applicant has sought to meet by the development of the present invention. The purpose of the present invention is therefore to provide a training harness and a training system that will systematically fulfil functions specific to the core musculature in functional movement patterns.

There is also an intention to systematically increase and vary the load in all three planes of motion while conducting functional movement patterns from different starting positions to different finish positions.

It is also desirable to make it possible to manipulate the movement in all three planes of movement for training purposes and thus increase the performance of the core muscles in primarily an upright position.

The present invention provides a training harness as defined in independent claim 1 and a training system as defined in independent claim 20. Further embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

The present invention comprises a training harness formed of an upper section, the thorax section, and a lower section, the pelvic section, that are attached firmly to the chest/back of the torso and to the pelvis respectively. This makes it possible to manipulate the movement of these two segments in all three planes relative to one another with the purpose to strengthen and increase the

performance of the core muscles. It is possible to connect external resistance to both of the chest and pelvis for strength, stability, endurance, flexibility and technique training. The training harness is specifically designed for testing and training the core muscles in standing positions, and has unique properties not found in other products on the market today. The training harness has a higher functional specificity as compared to other products on the market and by using the present training harness one can perform any desired functional movement patterns with an increased load on the core muscles within the functional framework that these muscles work under.

It is the principles of specificity, variation and progression from basic exercise science that underlies the use of the training harness. The principle of specificity is the principle of training that states that training should be relevant and appropriate to the activity or sport for which the individual is training in order to produce a training effect. This is the dominating principle in the design and use of the training harness. The goal of the use of the training harness is to use the core muscles in a functional manner with loads within the limits they work under during functional movement patterns. Based upon the principle of progression, which is to gradually increase the demand of the task, there are a number of variables that can be manipulated. Gradual increase in the external resistance (i.e., the external force applied to the user, which might be applied directly as a load or force, for example, to the central portions of the training harness when performing forward and backward movements, or may be applied obliquely as torque on the user's body, for example, when performing three dimensional movements) can be made, which can be in terms of the weight or force applied, the elasticity of elastic bands, manual resistance, and also where the external resistance is anchored to the harness, will directly determine the magnitude of the loading on the user. The external resistance can be overcome, slowed down or controlled statically by the user of the training harness.

Another element of progression is stability. Standing on two legs is more stable than standing on one leg with the same external torque. The complexity of the movement pattern is another progression, since more complex movements will increase the demand on the users of the training harness. The speed of movement will also increase the demand on the user. Many of these factors also fall under the principle of variety.

The training harness is a dual system comprising a thorax section that will be firmly attached to the chest and a pelvic section that is firmly attached around the pelvis below the hip bone, which is further rooted, or anchored, to the groin. The harness is preferably designed with a relatively stiff material, e.g., a material which can be formed to the body shape of a user, and a softer material to provide good cushioning. This also gives the harness a form with a certain stiffness, which will contribute to the distribution of forces acting on the training harness during use. Non-limiting examples of such materials are; neoprene, polyurethane, polystyrene, etc.. Other materials can be suitable too. The harness may be reinforced on the outside by a wire mesh material to increase stiffness and to distribute forces during use. Moreover, the same mesh material may be sewn on the inside to provide better aeration when using training harness.

The thorax section includes various bands that form a frame, which can withstand high tensile and sheer forces during use. This frame includes a plurality of transverse bands that are horizontal when the user is in a upright standing position. These are preferably adjustable so that the thorax section can be tightened around the ribcage of the user and the pelvic section can be tightened around the pelvis of the user. These buckles sit preferably on the side. The thorax section is also provided with adjustable straps extending over the shoulders. This allows the front and back parts of the thorax section to be positioned as high as possible, over the ribcage of the user (rather than around the waist where the core muscles lie as is the case with training harness in U.S. 7,874,970 B2). Alternatively the straps at the sides and/or over the shoulders may have a degree of stretch to avoid buckles and straps that need to be tightened. Hook and eye fastening material, such as Velcro®, may also be useful in achieving a good tight fit on the user's body.

The horizontally extending transverse bands in a preferred embodiment each have six anchoring devices in the form of loops, or other force anchoring devices. This allows for an external force to be anchored to where preferably three loops are provided on the front part and three on the back part. Similarly, the pelvic section is provided with a horizontally extending, adjustable transverse band where there is a minimum of six anchoring devices, preferably three on the front part and three on the back part. The force anchoring devices can be in the form of D-shaped or other shaped rings, hooks or other force anchoring devices, to which an external force may be anchored. These may, if desired, be arranged as rings in loops. The six anchoring devices in each of the transverse bands of the thorax and pelvic section of the training harness are preferably uniformly dispersed along the bands in the longitudinal direction of the band, i.e., horizontally around the user when worn. The systematic positioning of these anchoring devices means that the harness has an effective system to manipulate the external loading on the thorax and pelvic sections of the training harness in order to allow for proper training in all three planes of motion. Where the external force is anchored on the bands of the thorax and pelvic sections and the direction of that force, dictates the external force or torque that is applied to the user in three dimensions. The present training harness thus offers a much more specific and systematic approach to how we can increase and decrease the external loading on the core muscles in all three planes of motion. This distinguishes the present training harness from other known training vests and harnesses, including those described in U.S. 7,874,970 B2 and U.S. 7,707,652 B2.

The result is that one can increase the external loading (in particular, oblique forces that will provide a torque on the user) on the core muscles in three dimensions while carrying out functional movement patterns. The training harness will be able to isolate the loading on core muscles while the user is performing different functional movement patterns. With the training harness' simple design it may be used with existing training equipment at a fitness centre, such as a cable system attached to a load, an elastic band or a combination of a cable system and an elastic band. When the training harness is being used at home, preferably an elastic band or bands is/are provided together with a fastening mount for these. A rail may be such a fastening mount. Although this arrangement is primarily intended for home use, it can also be used in gyms, rehabilitation departments and clinics that do not already have existing cable systems.

As described above, one will perform various three-dimensional, functional movement patterns with external loading (applied as a direct force or obliquely to induce torque on the user) directly anchored to the thorax and/or pelvis. The body has three defined planes of movement; sagittal, frontal and transverse plane. The sagittal plane divides the body into right and left sections and describes forward and backward movement. The frontal plane divides the body into front and back sections and describes movement to the right and left side. The transverse plane divides the body into upper and lower parts and describes rotation to the right and left.

An exercise known as a lunge, taking a deep step, is used to exemplify the use of the three planes of movement. Based on these three planes, a lunge may be performed in the sagittal plane, which is either a forward or backward movement, a lunge in the frontal plane is either to the right or left side, or a lunge in the transverse plane where one takes a lunge to the side while rotating in the same direction of the movement. While conducting one of these lunges the person can have external loading applied on one of the transverse bands or shoulder straps of the training harness to provide resistance. Where this resistance is anchored on the harness, the direction of this resistance and its magnitude will dictate the external loading that is received by the core muscles in the three motion planes. The means of external resistance may be in the form of elastic straps, cable systems, or manual resistance from a training aid. In relation to lunges described previously the harness may be used to maintain the position of the vertebral column or one may perform different movement patterns of the body with different speeds in different directions. It will thus provide both a dynamic and static approach to training the core muscles through using the present training harness.

One can imagine different versions of the training harness. A basic model of training harness for those who want to exercise at home alone, or in a group sessions at a club or fitness centre, or a professional model for use by health professionals and professional trainers. One can also imagine a variety of models to suit the special needs of different sports.

The professional model may have additional features and functionality compared with a basic model. It will be further reinforced by wire mesh on the outside of the padding that provides a stronger attachment between the different bands of the frame of the vest and the padding. Furthermore, the professional training harness could be provided with more anchoring devices to allow for more attachment configurations for the loading elements, and could also be made adjustable with respect to large mechanical loads. Furthermore, the harness can be used to restrict movement in certain planes of motion with loops provided with rings on the bottom of the thorax section and the top of the pelvic section around the pelvis. These loops may be connected up to so that a trainer can provide an internal resistance against a particular movement in three dimensions. Thus with this it may be possible to prevent or restrict movement patterns which may cause pain, e.g., for physiotherapy applications. This can enable patient functional movement patterns to be performed while those pain inducing actions can be counteracted. Such internal resistance can therefore be used to simulate muscle activity in various parts of the abdominal and back muscles so that a user is able to perform functional movement patterns without pain. The internal resistance can be based on elastic bands of different elasticity so as to gradually adapt or allow the movements to a level that the patient can tolerate during the functional movement pattern. Later the patient will be able to perform the basic exercises with the basic model with external loadings.

The professional model of the training harness could play an invaluable role in manual therapy since it allows functional movement patterns to be performed in a standing position, whereas manual therapy is often performed in a supine position. Manual therapy is often recommended to a patient as a way to increase mobility and thus functionality. What is often lacking for such a treatment is to support this with functional movement patterns. With a professional model of the training harness, a patient may be able to efficiently and specifically target these movement patterns in a standing position. The patient can maintain and enhance the beneficial effects of manual therapy while performing functional movement patterns in a standing position. This training harness will also have a major impact on physical and personal trainers who work with athletes where it is necessary to take into consideration specific requirements of the patient, e.g., spinal problems.

There is thus provided a training harness comprising a thorax and pelvic section, the thorax section comprising a front part and a back part with respective lower portions, upper portions, and left and right lateral portions, and the pelvic section comprising a front pelvic part and a rear pelvic part with left and right lateral portions. The thorax section comprises at least two transverse bands of which one of the transverse straps is a lower transverse band extending around the respective lower portions of the front part and the back part of the thorax section. The thorax section further comprises a left shoulder strap and a right shoulder strap, the shoulder straps extending from the lower portion of the back part where the shoulder straps are connected to the lower transverse band, over a left shoulder and a right shoulder respectively of a user, and further down to the lower portion of the front part where the shoulder straps are attached to the lower transverse band. Furthermore, a two-part upper transverse band extends across the upper portion of the front part and the upper portion of the back part respectively, said upper, two- piece transverse band at least extends over and is firmly connected to the right and left shoulder straps on the front part and the back part. Furthermore, on the thorax section, at least one central transverse band either extends around the entire thorax section or is two part where a left part at least extends from the left shoulder strap on the back part to the left shoulder strap on the front part, and a right part at least extends from the right shoulder strap on the back part to the right shoulder strap on the front part. The central transverse band is connected to the shoulder straps on the front part and the back part. Further, at the pelvic section a transverse band extends around the front and rear pelvic parts. Furthermore, at least the upper and lower transverse band on the thorax section and the transverse band on the pelvic section are provided with at least one anchoring device on each of the right and left lateral portions and centrally on the front and back parts of both the thorax and pelvic sections These anchoring device are adapted for attaching a loading element, with which to provide resistance to the user.

In one embodiment, the thorax and pelvic sections are preferably provided with padding elements, to which the shoulder straps and transverse bands are fastened, for example, by being sewn to the padding elements. These padding elements are preferably made of a relatively rigid material, such as neoprene, polyurethane or polystyrene, which will help to distribute the forces acting on the training harness during use and provide protection in the form of padding, while not being so stiff that it becomes uncomfortable for the user of the training harness when he or she is performing movements. The padding elements are preferably arranged on the inside of the transverse bands and/or shoulder straps.

To prevent the pelvic section sliding against the upper section of the training harness and/or to prevent the pelvic section rotating during use, the pelvic section is preferably provided with two groin straps extending around the thigh in the groin area of the user. This is to make sure that one can efficiently introduce external loading in three dimensions. These groin straps are preferably adjustable in length and preferably can be connected by means of buckles or similar devices.

The thorax section transverse bands, pelvic section transverse band and the shoulder straps are preferably provided with respective adjustment devices so that they are adjustable in length. Transverse bands in the thorax and pelvic section can also be provided with connecting devices, for example, buckles and zips, which can be opened and closed so that it is easier for a user to take the training harness on and off. These connecting devices can be standard connecting devices as used on recreational equipment such as backpacks and the like.

The thorax and pelvic sections are preferably connected with a band which allows relative rotation of movement in all planes between the thorax and pelvis. This band can, if desired, be height-adjustable and/or formed of an elastic material.

In one embodiment of the invention, shoulder straps on the front and back parts of the thorax section extend in a V-shape or an approximate V-shape from the upper transverse band down to the lower transverse band and back up again.

In one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the transverse bands is provided with a padding element on the inside of the band at a location between the front and back parts of the thorax section on both sides of the training harness. Likewise, the shoulder straps may be provided with padding elements between the front and the back parts located under the shoulder straps.

In one embodiment of the invention, one or more of the central anchoring devices are slidably disposed, in the longitudinal direction of the transverse band, on the front and back parts of the thorax section and/or on the front and back parts of the pelvic section. On the thorax section, the path of movement is preferably between the shoulder straps which form the V-shape of the thorax section. This can be accomplished by providing the anchoring devices in the form of loops attached to the transverse belt in a transverse band longitudinal direction, thereby forming an elongate loop.

There is also provided a training system including a training harness as described above and at least one loading element that can be elongated, preferably an elastic resistance element, with two ends. At one of the ends there is arranged an anchoring part for anchoring the loading element to an anchoring device on the training harness. The other end may also be provided with an anchoring part for anchoring that end to an external anchor such as a fastening mount or rail.

The training system preferably includes a mounting rail that is provided with fastening parts for fixing it to a fixed structure and provided with anchoring parts which can be used with the loading element to fix it in a removable manner to the mounting rail. Fastening parts for fixing the mounting rail to a fixed structure may include holes for a fastening element such as screws, bolts or other suitable fasteners. The loading element is preferably provided with a locking hook and/or a karabiner at each end for removable attachment to the training harness and the mounting rail.

In one embodiment, the loading element can be inelastic. This may be desirable if the loading element is to be used in conjunction with a training system with constant load such as, for example, a cable system with weights that can be selected, which would be common in gyms. Other systems which exert an external resistance may also be used an as external loading.

Certain preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a training harness seen from the front right of the training harness;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the first embodiment seen from the front left of the training harness;

Figure 3 shows the first embodiment of the training harness as seen from the front;

Figure 4 shows the first embodiment of the training harness as seen from behind;

Figure 5 shows the first embodiment of the training harness as seen from the left; Figure 6 shows the first embodiment of the training harness as seen from the right;

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a training harness seen from the front right;

Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the second embodiment seen from behind and from the training harness' left;

Figure 9 shows parts of a training system including mounting rails, fasteners and a resistance element; and

Figure 10 shows a diagram which indicates schematically how the mounting rail of the training system can be fixed to a wall or the like and how an elastic resistance element can be fastened to the mounting rail.

In all figures, the same reference numerals are used for the same technical features. For reasons of clarity, not all reference numerals are indicated in all figures.

Figures 1-6 show a first embodiment of a training harness as seen from different sides, and all characters will therefore be described together. The training harness 10 comprises a thorax section 12 and a pelvic section 23. The thorax section 12 and pelvic section 23 are connected by a connecting element such as one or more straps 31. The connecting element 31 can be elastic or inelastic, but it is important that the connecting element 31 allows a user complete relative movement between the thorax section 12 and the pelvic section 23 in all planes when using the training harness. In one embodiment of the invention it is also conceivable that the connecting element is removed so that the thorax section 12 and the pelvic section 23 are two separate parts.

The thorax section 12 comprises a front part 13 and a back part 18. The front part 13 comprises a left lateral portion 15, a right lateral portion 16 and a lower portion 14. The back part 18 comprises the equivalent of a right lateral portion 21 , a left lateral portion 20 and a lower portion 19.

The thorax section 12 further comprises a left shoulder strap 33 and a right shoulder strap 34 which are adapted to fit closely against the left and right shoulders respectively of a user of the harness. Both the left shoulder strap 33 and the right shoulder strap 34 extend from the lower portion 19 of the back part 18, up the back part 18 and over the respective shoulders of a user, and finally to the front part 13 and down to the lower portion 14 of the front part 13. The shoulder straps can be continuous straps, or it may for production reasons include two or more parts that are permanently attached to each other, for example, if the front part 13 and back part 18 are produced separately and then assembled into a complete thorax section 12. Both shoulder straps 33, 34 are preferably provided with respective adjustment means 35 for adjusting the shoulder strap lengths. It is not shown in the figures, but the shoulder straps 33, 34 may if desired be provided with a cushioning material.

On both of the front part 13 and back part 18 the shoulder straps 33, 34 preferably form a V-shape or at least an approximate V-shape as shown in the figures. This V-shape, with the horizontal extending transverse bands, forms the frame of the vest. This frame can distribute the forces during use. Further, the padding material, which may be reinforced with a mesh, also helps to increase the mechanical strength of the vest. Together this gives a distribution of forces while the training harness becomes more comfortable to wear for the user.

The thorax section 12 further comprises at least three transverse bands 40, 41 , 42, but can, if desired, be provided with more than three transverse bands. The middle transverse band 41 and the lower transverse band 42 extend around the front part 13 and the back part 18, i.e., around the whole of the thorax section 12. The lower transverse band 42 is disposed at the front part lower portion 14 and back part lower portion 19. The upper transverse band 40 is disposed at an upper portion 17 of the front part 13, i.e. at the top of the front part 13, and an upper portion 22 of the back part 18, i.e. at the top of the back part 18, and is divided into two parts in order to provide space for the arms of a user of the training harness 10. A middle and/or a lower transverse band(s) 41 , 42 extending around the entire thorax section 12 can be a continuous strip, or it may for production reasons include two or more parts that are attached to each other, for example, if the front part 13 and back part 18 are manufactured separately and then assembled into a complete thorax section 12. Zips, buckles or other suitable connecting devices could be used to connect the parts.

Where the transverse bands 40, 41 , 42 and shoulder straps 33 and 34 intersect, they are preferably fixedly attached to each other, for example, by being sewn together.

The transverse bands that run around the entire thorax section 12, i.e., the lower transverse band 42 and the middle transverse band 41 in the embodiment shown in the figures, are preferably provided with an adjustment device 43 at the side between the front part 13 and back part 18 so that the length of the transverse bands are adjustable to the size of the user. The two transverse bands 41 , 42 may each be provided with two adjustment devices 43 for adjusting the length of the transverse bands 41 , 42, one adjustment device 43 on each side of the thorax section 12. To make it easier to take the thorax section 12 on or off, these transverse bands 41 , 42 may also be provided with a connecting device, for example, in the form of a buckle, zip, or other suitable connecting device that can be opened and closed, or possibly a combined adjustment and connecting device.

The front part 13 and back part 18 are preferably provided with respective padding elements 51 , 52. The transverse bands 40, 41 , 42 and the shoulder straps 33, 34 are fixedly attached to the padding elements 51 , 52, for example, by being sewn to the padding elements 51 , 52. Since the transverse bands 40, 41 , 42 and the shoulder straps 33, 34 are attached to padding elements 51 , 52, the thorax section 12 resists twisting to any significant extent during use.

The padding elements 51 , 52 are made of a padding material which is relatively rigid so that forces from the transverse bands 40, 41 , 42 and shoulder straps 33, 34 are distributed over a larger area during use. These padding elements 51 , 52 can be reinforced by an outer mesh to increase tolerance against external tensile forces. Obviously, various materials may be used for the padding elements 51 , 52. It is found that neoprene, polyurethane or polystyrene are materials that provide an appropriate balance between wearer comfort on one hand and sufficient rigidity on the other side. Other suitable materials may, of course, also be used.

The padding elements 51 , 52 preferably cover the area outside of the V- shape formed by the shoulder straps 33, 34 and the left and right lateral portions 15, 16 of the front part 13, and the right and left lateral portions 20, 21 of the back part 18. On the areas within the V-shape formed by the shoulder straps 51 , 52 on the front part 13 and the back part 18, is preferably disposed a mesh material that allows the thorax section 12 to be more breathable and thus more comfortable for a user of the training harness 10. Moreover, such a mesh material may be used on the inside of the padding material to increase friction and aeration near the body during use of the training harness.

The pelvic section 23 comprises a front pelvic part 24 and a back pelvic part 27. The front pelvic part 24 includes a left lateral portion 25 and a right lateral portion 26. The back pelvic part 27 includes a corresponding left lateral portion 28 and a right lateral portion 29. The pelvic section 23 is also provided with a transverse band 47 which extends across the front pelvic part 24 and back pelvic part 27, and around the pelvic section 23. The pelvic section transverse band 47 is preferably provided with an adjustment device 50 at the side between the front pelvic part 24 and back pelvic part 27, so that the length of the transverse band 47 may be adjusted according to the size of the user of the training harness 10. The transverse band 47 may also be provided with two adjustment devices 50 for adjusting the length of the transverse band 47, one adjustment device 50 on each side of the pelvic section 23. To make it easier to take the pelvic section 23 and the thorax section 12 of the training harness 10 on and off, the transverse band 47 may

advantageously be provided with a connecting device, for example, in the form of a buckle, zip, or other connecting device which opens and closes on one side of the pelvic section 23 between the front pelvic part 24 and back pelvic part 27. This may well be a combined connecting and adjusting device for adjusting the length of transverse band 47.

The pelvic section 23 is further preferably provided with two groin straps 56 which, when using training harness 10, extend around the thighs of the user and prevent the pelvic section 23 from rotating around the pelvis of the user and/or from being pulled towards the thorax section 12. The two groin straps 56 are preferably provided with an adjustment device 57 for adjusting the groin strap length. The adjustment device can optionally also be designed as a connecting device which can be opened and closed, for example, in the form of a buckle, zip, or other suitable connecting device, or alternatively designed as a combined adjustment and connecting device.

Similarly to the thorax section 12, the front pelvic part 24 and back pelvic part 27 of the pelvic section 23 are preferably also provided with respective padding elements 53, 54. The transverse band 47 is fixedly attached to the padding elements 53, 54, for example, sewn to the padding elements 53, 54. The padding elements 53, 54 evenly divide the forces acting on the pelvic section 23 during use of the training harness 10 to improve the comfort for the user.

The training harness 10 in this preferred embodiment is thus provided with at least four transverse bands; at least three transverse bands 40, 41 , 42 on the thorax section 12 and, preferably, one transverse band 47 on the pelvic section 23. It is also conceivable that there may be provided more than one transverse band on the pelvic section 23, for example, two transverse bands, but normally it will be sufficient to provide the pelvic section 23 with just one transverse band 47. All of these transverse bands 40, 41 , 42, 47 and shoulder straps 33, 34 are made of a relatively rigid and strong material which does not yield to a great extent, even at high load.

All of the transverse bands 40, 41 , 42, 47 are provided with anchoring devices both at the front and back of the training harness. These anchoring devices are arranged so that a loading element can be attached to them. A loading element may be a stretchable elastic or an inelastic element which at one end is attached to an anchoring device on the training harness 10 and at the other end is attached to a fixed structure or a system of weights, depending on the type of loading element used. A flexible, elastic loading element may advantageously be attached to a fixed structure such as a rail attached to a wall or the like, while an inelastic loading element can be attached to a weights system, for example, of the type usually available in gyms, etc. With both types of loading elements there may be a person who holds the loading element (or loading elements) and thereby provides the necessary resistance, i.e., direct force or an oblique force providing torque, for the user of the training harness 10 to work against.

The thorax section 12 transverse bands 40, 41 , 42 are each provided with three anchoring devices 44, 45 on the front part 13 and three anchoring devices 44, 45 on the back part 18. The anchoring devices 44, 45 are evenly distributed on the transverse bands in the longitudinal direction as shown in the figures. This means that each of the transverse bands 40, 41 , 42 of the front part 13 is provided with an anchoring device 44, 45 on the left lateral portion 15, an anchoring device 44, 45 on the right lateral portion 16, and an anchoring device 44, 45 between those two anchoring devices, i.e., preferably centrally located between the aforementioned anchoring devices 44, 45.

Similarly, at each of the transverse bands 40, 41 , 42 of the back part 18 is provided an anchoring device 44, 45 on the left lateral portion 20, an anchoring device 44, 45 on the right lateral portion 21 , and an anchoring device 44, 45 between those two anchoring devices, i.e., preferably centrally located between the aforementioned anchoring devices 44, 45.

On both the front part 13 and back part 18, the anchoring devices secured to the lateral portions 15, 16, 20, 21 , are positioned as far to the side of the user as possible on the respective front and back parts. Also on the pelvic section 23, the transverse band 47 is arranged with three anchoring devices 48, 49 on both the front pelvic part 24 and the back pelvic part 27. That is at least provided with an anchoring device 48, 49 on the left lateral portion 25, an anchoring device 48, 49 on the right lateral portion 26, and an anchoring device 48, 49 between those two anchoring devices on each side of the front pelvic part, i.e., preferably centrally located between the aforementioned anchoring devices 48, 49.

Similarly, the transverse band 47 on the back pelvic part 27 is provided with an anchoring device 48, 49 on the left lateral portion 28, an anchoring device 48, 49 on the right lateral portion 29 and an anchoring device 48, 49 between those two anchoring devices on each side of the back pelvic part, preferably centrally located between the aforementioned anchoring devices 48, 49.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in the figures, there are also provided two anchoring devices 36, 37 on each of the shoulder straps 33, 34 between the back portion 18 and front portion 13. Obviously, there may be provided more than two or fewer than two anchoring devices 36, 37 on the shoulder straps if desired. Alternatively, one can in one embodiment of the invention loop all the anchoring devices 36, 37 on the shoulder straps 33, 34. The two or more anchoring devices 36, 37 helps to ensure that at least one of the anchoring devices 36, 37 will be positioned at the top of the user's shoulders once the straps have been adjusted to suit the height of the user's thorax.

The anchoring devices 44, 45 on the thorax section transverse bands 40, 41 , 42, the anchoring devices 48, 49 on the pelvic section transverse band(s) and the anchoring devices 36, 37 on the shoulder straps preferably comprise a loop 44, 48, 36 or the like. In one embodiment of the invention, a loading element may be attached directly to the loops by means of a suitable fixing means such as a karabiner. Alternatively, they may be arranged as rings 45, 49, 37 on loops 44, 48,

36 as shown in Figures 1-6. Webs of fabric 48 may be fixedly attached, for example by being sewn, to the transverse bands 40, 41 , 42, 47 to form the loops 44, 48, 36. The rings 45, 49, 37 may include a flattened section that lies against the training harness 10, for example, preferably they are D-shaped. The rings 45, 49,

37 may also include a swivel joint to allow the ring to align itself with the direction of where the force is being applied from. The rings 45, 49, 37, for example, may comprise two sections that are each in the form of a ring connected together by a swivel joint. ln Figures 7 and 8 there is shown a second embodiment of the training harness 10. The second embodiment of the training harness 10 is relatively similar to the first embodiment and only those features of the second embodiment that differ from the first embodiment will be described further here. The same reference numbers are used for the same technical features of the first embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 -6, and the second embodiment, as shown in Figures 7-8.

What mainly distinguishes the first embodiment of training harness 10 as shown in Figures 1 -6 and the second embodiment of the training harness 10 as shown in Figures 7-8 is that the thorax section 12 of the second embodiment is formed with a middle transverse band 41 which is divided in two and is not provided with anchoring devices 44, 45. The two-piece, middle transverse band 41 comprises a left lateral portion 64 which extends from the left shoulder strap 33 on the back part 18, where the left shoulder strap 33 and the left lateral portion 64 are firmly connected to each other, around the left side of a user and continues until the left shoulder strap 33 on the front part 13 where the left lateral portion 64 and the left shoulder strap 33 are firmly connected to each other. The two-piece, middle transverse band further comprises a right lateral portion 65 which extends from the right shoulder strap 34 to the back part 18, where the right shoulder strap 34 and the right lateral portion 65 are fixedly connected to each other, around the right side of a user and forward to the right shoulder strap 34 on the front part 13, where the right lateral portion 65 and the right shoulder strap 34 are fixedly connected to each other. This design of training harness 10 may be particularly useful for women who do not wish or who find it uncomfortable to subject their chest to forces which will pull against it as would be the case if external loading had been anchored to anchoring devices 44 and 45 on the middle transverse band.

Another difference between the first embodiment of training harness 10, as shown in Figures 1 -6, and the second embodiment of the training harness 10 as shown in Figures 7-8, is that the padding material 51 , 52 respectively provided on the front part 13 and the back part 18 is not in a trapezoidal or rectangular shape as shown in Figures 1 -6. Instead padding material 51 , 52 is cut out so that the padding material mainly follows the edges of the transverse bands 40, 41 , 42 and shoulder straps 33, 34 which can be seen clearly in Figures 7 and 8.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 7-8, the approximate V-shape formed by the shoulder straps 33, 34 between the upper transverse band 40 and the lower transverse band 42 can be seen. As also clearly shown in Figures 7 and 8, the area bounded by shoulder straps 33, 34, the upper transverse band 40 and the lower transverse band 42, i.e., between the legs of the "V", advantageously comprises a mesh 59, 60 provided respectively on the chest part 13 and the back part 18.

Otherwise, the second embodiment of the training harness 10 as shown in

Figures 7 and 8, is similar to the embodiment shown in Figures 1-6. The anchoring devices can be any of the options previously described including the anchoring devices with a swivel joint.

The distribution of the anchoring devices 44, 45, 48, 49 36, 37 is shown in Figures 1-8 and described above. The anchoring devices are evenly distributed over the wearer's torso and pelvis, where they are attached at their respective transverse bands and shoulder straps. This allows for a large number of exercises that provide a much wider range than is possible with the known training harnesses. The design of the present training harness allows a user to carry out everything from effective rehabilitation to advanced training of the core muscles with great influence from movement of the upper and lower limbs. This training harness may be used by various groups, from someone who wants to improve functioning in daily life to athletes at high levels in very different types of sports. The unique design will make it possible to have a systematic and effective training of the core muscles in a unique way by how the thorax section 12 on the chest and the pelvic section 23 on the pelvis can be manipulated in three-dimensional space to provide improved performance.

In Figures 9 and 10 there is shown part of a training system comprising a training harness 10 as described above as well as some parts that may be necessary for an individual to be able to use the training harness on their own.

Figure 9 shows a training system, which includes, in addition to a training harness 10 as described above, a loading element 62. This loading element 62 may be elastic, for example, in the form of an elastic band. The training system can advantageously comprise a plurality of loading elements 62 with varying degrees of elasticity such that each can have a different effect on the user depending on the loading element that is used. At each end 63, 64 of the loading element 62 there is arranged a closeable hook, a karabiner 65 or other suitable fastening means that a connector can be passed through. Optionally the loading element may be inelastic, for example, for connection to a machine with weight elements. The training system further comprises one or more mounting rails 66 which are provided with fastening holes 67 so that the mounting rail(s) 66 can be fastened to a wall or the like by screws 69 or other suitable fasteners, as indicated in Figure 10. The mounting rail 66 is further provided with anchoring parts in the form of a plurality of anchoring holes 68 that a karabiner on the end of the loading element 62 can be attached to and/or the outwardly extending flange of the mounting rail 66 on which further anchoring holes 68 are disposed. Optional rubber or plastic gaskets 70 can be provided to protect the user and the equipment from sharp edges. The following clauses set out features of the invention which may not presently be claimed in this application but which may form the basis for future amendment or a divisional application.

1. A training harness comprising a thorax section and a pelvic section, the thorax and pelvic sections being arranged to be attached firmly to the respective thorax and pelvic regions of a user, the sections each providing a frame around the respective region of the user that supports a plurality of anchoring devices in a spaced relationship across the user's body when the harness is worn by the user, the anchoring devices providing points for the attachment of one or more loading elements to apply force to the user, wherein:

the thorax section comprises a front part and a back part, each thorax section part having anchoring devices provided on at least upper left lateral, upper central, upper right lateral, lower left lateral, lower central and lower right lateral portions of the thorax section part;

the pelvic section comprises a front pelvic part and a rear pelvic part, each pelvic section part having anchoring devices provided on at least left lateral, central and right lateral portions of the pelvic section part; and

the thorax section and the pelvic section are arranged so that one section can move freely with respect to the other as the user performs a move against a force applied to one or more of the anchoring devices.

2 A training harness according to clause 1 , wherein the anchoring devices provided on the upper left lateral and upper right lateral portions of the front and back parts of the thorax section are positioned so as to lie over the shoulder complex of the user when the training harness is being worn. 3. A training harness according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the thorax section comprises left and right shoulder straps that include one or more anchoring devices.

4. A training harness according to clause 2 and 3, wherein the anchoring devices positioned on the left lateral portions of the front and back parts are secured to the thorax frame to a left side of the left shoulder strap and the anchoring devices positioned on the right lateral portions of the front and back parts are secured on the thorax frame to a right side of the right shoulder strap.

5. A training harness according to clause 3 or 4, wherein the shoulder straps are adjustable in length. 6. A training harness according to any preceding clause, wherein on the front and back parts of the pelvic section, the frame comprises a transverse band to which the anchoring devices of the left lateral, central and right lateral portions are mounted. 7. A training harness according to clause 6, wherein the transverse band extends around the front and back parts of the pelvic section in a continuous manner.

8. A training harness according to any preceding clause, wherein on the front and back parts of the thorax section, the frame comprises an upper transverse band to which the anchoring devices of the upper left lateral, upper central and upper right lateral portions are mounted.

9. A training harness according to clause 8, wherein the upper transverse band of the front part of the thorax section is separate to the transverse band of the back part of the thorax section to allow room for the user's left and right arms.

10. A training harness according to any preceding clause, wherein on the front and back parts of the thorax section, the frame comprises a lower transverse band to which the anchoring devices of the lower left lateral, lower central and lower right lateral portions are mounted.

1 1 . A training harness according to clause 10, wherein the lower transverse band extends around the front and back parts of the thorax section in a continuous manner.

12. A training harness according to clause 10 or 1 1 , wherein the left and right shoulder straps are joined to the lower transverse band in the lower central portions of the front and rear parts of the thorax section.

13. A training harness according to clause 8 or 9, and clause 10, 1 1 or 12, wherein the left and right shoulder straps are joined to the upper transverse bands of the front and back parts at locations on the band between the respective upper left lateral or upper right lateral portion, and the upper central portion of the transverse band.

14. A training harness according to any preceding clause, wherein on the front and back parts of the thorax section, the frame is also provided with anchoring devices in middle left lateral, middle central and middle right lateral portions of the thorax section part.

15. A training harness according to clause 14, wherein on the front and back parts of the thorax section, the frame comprises a middle transverse band to which the anchoring devices of the middle left lateral, middle central and middle right lateral portions are mounted.

16. A training harness according to clause 15, wherein the middle transverse band extends around the front and back parts of the thorax section in a continuous manner.

17. A training harness according to any preceding clause, wherein one or more of the transverse bands includes a connector device to allow taking on or off of the training harness. 18. A training harness according to clause 17, wherein the connector device allows the length of the transverse band to be adjusted.

19. A training harness according to any preceding clause, wherein a connecting strap is provided to join the thorax section to the pelvic section

20. A training harness according to any preceding clause, wherein the anchoring devices comprise rings. 21 . A training harness according to any preceding clause, wherein the training harness has at least six anchoring devices spaced substantially evenly around the user's body at each of at least three transverse levels on the user's body, more preferably four transverse levels, and preferably has additional anchoring devices corresponding with the top of the user's shoulders.

22. A training vest according to clause 21 , wherein each of the at least six anchoring devices around each transverse level is numbered.

Claims

1. A training harness comprising a thorax section and a pelvic section, the thorax section comprising a front part and a back part, each having a respective lower portion, upper portion, left lateral portion and right lateral portion, and the pelvic section comprising a front pelvic part and a rear pelvic part, each having a respective left lateral portion and right lateral portion, wherein:

- the thorax section comprises a left shoulder strap and a right shoulder strap, the shoulder straps extending from the back part to the front part so as to extend respectively in use over a left shoulder and a right shoulder of a user;

- the thorax section comprises a two-piece upper transverse band including a front upper transverse band extending across the upper portion of the front part and a back upper transverse band extending across the upper portion of the back part;

- the thorax section comprises a lower transverse band extending around the respective lower portions of the front and back parts of the thorax section;

- the pelvic section comprises a transverse band extending around the pelvic section; and

- at least the upper and lower transverse bands of the thorax section and the transverse band of the pelvic section are each provided with at least one anchoring device on each of the respective lateral portions and at least one anchoring device centrally of the respective front part, back part, front pelvic part and rear pelvic part, the anchoring devices each being adapted for attaching a loading element thereto.

2. A training harness as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each of the shoulder straps is provided with at least one anchoring device positioned between the back part and the front part.

3. A training harness as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the shoulder straps extend from the lower portion of the back part, where the shoulder straps are attached to the lower transverse band, to the lower portion of the front part, where the shoulder straps are attached to the lower transverse band.

4. A training harness as claimed in claim 3, wherein the shoulder straps form a V-shape, or an approximate V-shape, from the upper transverse band down to the lower transverse band on the front part and the back part of the thorax section.

5. A training harness as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the upper transverse band crosses and is attached to the right and left shoulder straps on both the front part and the back part.

6. A training harness as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the thorax section further comprises at least one middle transverse band between the upper transverse band and the lower transverse band.

7. A training harness as claimed in claim 6, wherein the at least one middle transverse band extends around the entire thorax section.

8. A training harness as claimed in claim 7, wherein the at least one middle transverse band is provided with at least one anchoring device on each of the lateral portions and at least one anchoring device centrally of the respective front part and back part, the anchoring devices each being adapted for attaching a loading element thereto.

9. A training harness as claimed in claim 6, wherein the at least one middle transverse band includes a left part that at least extends from left shoulder strap on the back part to the left shoulder strap on the front part, and a right part that at least extends from the right shoulder strap on the back part to the right shoulder strap on the front part, that at least one central transverse band being attached to the shoulder straps on the front part and on the back part.

10. A training harness as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the thorax section and pelvic section are linked with a connecting element that allows a user of the training harness full relative freedom of movement in all planes between the thorax section and the pelvic section.

1 1 . A training harness as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the pelvic section comprises two groin straps which are arranged to extend around the thighs of a user in the groin area.

12. A training harness as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the front upper transverse band is arranged to extend over the upper chest region of the user and the back upper transverse band is arranged to extend over the scapular region of the user, when in use.

13. A training harness as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the lower transverse band is arranged to extend over the ribcage of the user, when in use.

14. A training harness as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the transverse bands is adjustable in length.

15. A training harness as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the transverse bands includes a connector device to allow taking on or off of the training harness, and that preferably allows the length of the transverse band to be adjusted.

16. A training harness as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein an upper portion of each of the shoulder straps, extending over the respective shoulder of the user, is adjustable in length.

17. A training harness as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the front part, the back part, the front pelvic part and the rear pelvic part each comprise respective padding elements, and the padding elements each comprise a cushioning material.

18. A training harness as claimed in claim 17, wherein the transverse bands and the shoulder straps are permanently attached to the padding elements of the front part, the back part, the front pelvic part and rear pelvic part.

19. A training harness as claimed in claim 17 or 18, wherein the cushioning material of the padding elements is neoprene, polyurethane, polystyrene or a combination of two or all three padding materials.

20. A training system for training the body's core muscles, wherein the training system includes a training harness as claimed in any preceding claim, and at least one elongate loading element with two ends, at one of which ends there is provided a connector part for connecting the loading element to an anchoring device on the training harness.

21 . A training system as claimed in claim 20, wherein at the other end of the at least one elongate loading element there is provided a connector part for connecting the loading element to an external mounting device.

22. A training system as claimed in claim 21 , wherein the training system comprises a mounting rail, the mounting rail being provided with fastener parts for attaching the mounting rail to a fixed structure and anchoring parts, with which the connector part of the elongate loading element can be connected to in a removable manner.

23. A training system as claimed in claim 22, wherein the fastener parts for fixing the mounting rail to a fixed structure comprise holes for a fastening element.

24. A training system as claimed in any of claims 20 to 23, wherein the loading element is an elastic resistance element that is preferably provided with a locking hook and/or a karabiner at each end.

25. A training system as claimed in any of claims 20 to 23, wherein the loading element is an inelastic element.