TITLE OF THE INVENTION: A Training Aid.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates in general to a training aid and is more specially adapted for a training of and/or a straightening of the body of a person, when exercising a walking motion, a running motion or other similar motions.

The present invention is to be illustrated, in the description hereinbelow, as an apparatus and/or an arrangement usable as said training aid.

Such a training aid apparatus is comprising of at least one discrete plate unit, however preferably, in the embodiment disclosed, two discrete plate units, each separately movably and disposable over and along a floor related substrate, for forming a walking or running track, in order, in such an instance, to be able to offer a person (in the description denoted "runner"), utilising the apparatus, a walking motion or a running motion and/or other activities, related to one and the same spot or restricted area.

Each one of these movable plate units is adapted to be able to support and, actively and/or inactively, displace a foots movement, for instance with its associated shoe, belonging to said person (runner), relative to and over said floor related substrate.

It is here to be noted that one foot is to be moved, supported by its plate unit, along said floor substrate from a foremost position to a backmost position and forming an elliptical orbit portion or the like through the free air and above the floor substrate from its backmost position to its foremost position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Methods and arrangements of the above-outlined nature and related to trai- ning aid apparatuses are previously known in the art in a plurality of different embodiments.

Considering the prior art it is to be mentioned training aids exposing a construction with fixed dimensions and which aids stand steadily on a floor surface or floor substrate.

This construction exposes a continuous belt arrangement, which continuously rolls backwards as the person or runner fictively runs forwards without progressing through any actual distance in relation to the substrate, on- to which said training aid rests.

Such a construction is closely shown and described in a Patent Publication US-A-1 353 011.

It is also known to the prior art, a training aid apparatus of less dimensions, comprising a plurality, as two, of discrete plate units, each separately mov- ably and disposable over and along a floor related substrate, for forming a walking or running track, in order, in such an instance, to be able to offer a person or runner, utilising the apparatus, a walking motion or a running motion or any similar motions, on one and the same spot or restricted area.

Each one of these movable plate units is adapted to be able to support and displace a foot, for instance with associated shoe, belonging to said person or runner, relatively to and over said substrate.

CONSIDERATION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION TECHNICAL PROBLEMS

Considering the circumstance that the technical deliberations that must be made by a person skilled in the art to be able to offer a solution to one or more technical problems posed is, on the one hand, initially a necessary insight into the measures and/or sequence of measures to be adapted and, on the other hand, a necessary selection of the means required, the following technical problems are likely, in view hereof, to be relevant in the evolution of the structure of and a training aid apparatus, according to the present invention.

Considering the state of the art as described above, it should probably therefore be seen as a technical problem to be able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and con- siderations which will be required in order, in a training aid apparatus, comprising one or more discrete plate units, each separately movably and disposable over and along a substrate, as a floor surface, to follow a training track between a first, forwards oriented, position and a second, backwards oriented, position, said discrete plate unit is adapted to support a foot, rela- ted to a person using said aid for a training purpose, where said foot is dis- placeable between said first and said second positions, resting on its related discrete plate unit, and between said second and said first positions, moving through the free air on an orbit formed path.

There is a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations in order, in a training aid exposing a control equipment adapted to

sense the instant position of said plate unit, at least during its displacement from said second position to said first position, and to control its position and/or speed, said control equipment is further adapted to sense the instant position of said foot, at least during its displacement from said second posi- tion to said first position and still further said control equipment is adapted to control the position of and the speed of said plate unit in such a manner that said foot, in said first position, is to come to rest on said plate unit.

There is a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations in order, in a training aid, to expose the movement track of said discrete plate unit in a reciprocating movement, between said first and said second position or vice versa.

There is a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations in order, in a training aid, to expose one discrete plate unit, adapted to a first training track, and one second discrete plate unit, adapted to a second training track.

There is a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations in order, in a training aid, to expose said first training track and said second training track to be oriented in a parallel fashion.

There is a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations in order, in a training aid, to expose that each discrete plate unit is formed with an upper foot supporting surface and that said upper surface is allotted small elastic properties and/or swinging and/or tipping properties.

There is a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations in order, in a training aid, to expose that one or more discrete plate units are each separately movably and disposable over and along said floor related substrate, for forming a walking or running track, in order, in such an instance, to be able to offer a person or runner, utilising the apparatus, a walking motion or any similar motion or a running motion on one and the same spot or restricted area.

There is a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations in order, in a training aid, to expose that each one of these discrete and movable plate units is adapted to be able to support and displace a foot, for instance with an associated shoe, belonging to said person, relative to and over said substrate, to arranged for a simple light weighted and computer controlled apparatus, where a digital camera equipment is detecting partly the motion of the person and its foot (or feet) and its path and is detecting partly the motion of a movable discrete plate units (or plates) and evaluating its path.

It is further to be seen as a technical problem to be able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations, which will be required in order to coordinate the evaluated path, related to the motion of the foot, and the evaluated reciprocal mo- vement of the discrete plate unit, so that they may coincide at or evaluated intersection point.

It is further to be seen as a technical problem to be able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations, which will be required in order to make use of a control unit or equipment, exposing a first unit, adapted to determining an orientation of and a position for each respective movably disposed plate units

adapted, on the one hand, to retrieve and receive instantaneous information of the orientation of and/or the velocity of and/or the acceleration of each respective plate unit, and on the other hand, to retrieve and receive instantaneous information of the orientation of and/or the velocity of and/or the ac- celeration of a foot (or feet), which is intended to be able to come to rest against and be supported by a thus disposed plate unit.

It is further to be seen as a technical problem to be able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations, which will be required in order to have said first unit, adapted to cooperate with said second unit, to processing said information.

It is further to be seen as a technical problem to be able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations, which will be required in order to make for a guiding and/or orientation of the instant position of the plate unit, in relation to its related foot in such a manner that a displacement of said foot, along its elliptical path through the free air and in a direction towards the substrate is caught up by a reciprocating or moved plate unit, and to permit a displace- ment of the plate unit and the foot towards a new backwards orientation and position, where said foot leaves the plate unit in a rearward position.

There is a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considera- tions which derive from causing an upper portion of the reciprocating or moving plate unit to be adapted to and/or located under said foot, in order to maintain and alter an angle, in response to the speed and/or acceleration of the foot, during the end of or the final portion of the path.

There is a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which derive from using a fast operative displacement means, for

displacing the plate unit by a shifting motion, coordinated with anchorage points, provided for each one of the plate units.

There is a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which derive from causing each respective plate unit to be displaceab- Ie, forwards, backwards, laterally, in relation to the floor related substrate and the foot, by the intermediary of a guiding sequence, activated from a second unit processing said information.

There is a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which derive from creating such preconditions that each respective plate unit is pivotally (rotatably) disposed about a pivot axis, in order to ang- Ie its upper portion towards an adapted spatial angle.

There is a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which derive from being able to create such preconditions that the dis- placement of the plate unit and/or its upper portion is to be adapted to take place by using means, such as in the form of electric motors and wheels, rollers or caterpillar feet, and/or by directed pressurised gas or liquid and/or alternatively via magnetism, propellers or legs.

There is a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which derive from creating such preconditions that a walking or running track may be circular or any other closed form and that a number of separate plate units are distributed about the periphery of the circle and/or said closed form and are individually movably disposed, via said second unit of processing information.

There is a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which derive from creating such preconditions that use is made of a digital camera equipment, as by added circuits and/or functions are formed as an information-receiving and/or retrieving unit.

There is a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which derive from creating such preconditions that said second unit of processing information is to comprise of a processor, with associated program and control memories and other software, adapted for retrieving and translating received information, related to the path of the foot and related to the path of the plate unit for guiding one or more plate units towards an intersection point.

There is a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which derive from creating such preconditions that offers a training aid, exposing small dimensions and being light weighted in relation to exis- ting training machineries. (As a rule, a training aid usually occupies a complete room and requires several people, if it is to be moved or transported, since it is so bulky.)

There is a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which derive from creating such preconditions that the energy consumption, related to existing training aids, may be reduced, where such previously known training aids having an electricity consumption of a standard apparatus at several kWh.

There is a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considera-

tions which derive from creating such preconditions that the training aid having relatively good quality, is in expensive to manufacture, and may be constructed as relatively small units.

There is a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which derive from creating such preconditions that a training aid, consists of both mechanics, electronics and computer components, which puts low demands on service skills and the presence of a few moving parts redu- ces any increased service requirement.

There is a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which derive from creating such preconditions that existing aids, whe- re such aids makes a high level of sound and so it is not possible to use it in the evenings if, for example, you live in an apartment, is to be simplified and reducing said sound level.

There is a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which derive from creating such preconditions that the use of training aids, and by exercising on said aid, may reduce the risk of treading outside, the moving track or path of the construction, with unpleasantness and a risk of injury as a result.

There is a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which derive from creating such preconditions that training aids, may compensate for and reduce anxiety of treading outside the track or path, which may result in that the runner is looking down to see where they place their feet. (As a result, this in turn often leads to running with a gently for-

wardly bent posture, which is a poor running position and may constitute a problem.)

There is a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which derive from creating such preconditions that the use of training aids, are to compensate and reduce a low level of variation, as a result among other things of the limited space to run, resulting in monotonous training and exercise and a risk of acquiring unhealthy or quite simply harmful running technique.

There is a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which derive from creating such preconditions that the use of training aids, are to compensate and reduce the use of mass inertia to counteract speed variations when the load varies. (The tempo smoothness of said existing aids suffers from clear limitations since every change in acceleration is to be propagated to the entire driving mechanism, the driving wire, the belt, rollers, bearings etc. Seldom does an aid having a belt permit the runner to jump on it without jerking or slipping, which happens after a runner lands after an extremely long and high step.)

There is a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considera- tions which derive from creating such preconditions, exposing relatively simple component, which at best can display some flexibility in the form of adapted speed and/or slope of the entire aid.

There is a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which derive from creating such preconditions as taking a skip to the

side or turning a summersault during a running sequence, walking on hands for a distance or turning cartwheels.

There is a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which derive from creating such preconditions that as a result of the size of the training aid, a gymnasium room may often be chosen or a small training area is often created in a gymnasium room for said aid. (The job of moving it results for the prior art that one position will often become more or less permanent. Sometimes you want to run in the early morning sun, or in the shade of the afternoon, sometimes in front of the TV or in front of an open window. It must be easy to run exactly where you want. Naturally, if you go away for a weekend it must be fully possible to take your training aid with you.)

There is a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which derive from creating such preconditions that a training aid has certain shock absorption, so that when the runner puts his foot down to- wards the belt or the plate unit the construction act as shock absorber. (In the prior art it is generally impossible to vary or precisely adjust this shock absorption, as it is a permanent fixture and is seen as a part of the construction. After injury or overloading, there may be a need for a certain shock absorption for the injured leg but normal shock absorption for the other which may be active with the present invention. Today, it is impossible to offer either gradual shock absorption or step less stroke length for its active area. Even less is it possible to be able to adapt individually the shock absorption for each foot.)

There is a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which derive from creating such preconditions that the use of a trai-

ning aid actively can shunt the runner's foot forwards and upwards on takeoff, a function which can for example contribute in increasing the effective stride length of the runner.

There is a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which derive from creating such preconditions that when the runner puts his foot down, a spatial angle is made between the foot and the running surface or plate unit (the impact angle), causing such condition that said angle is to be reduced gradually as the runner transfers load on to the other leg by moving his point of gravity.

(When the point of gravity of the body is substantially located above the foot, in the so-called central position, the impact angle is zero. Thereafter, a new spatial angle between the foot and the running surface increases in order, at the moment of take-off, to constitute the take-off angle. By taking into account the unique angles of every individual runner and every foot as well as the transition between them in every stride, and adapt the training aid accordingly, improved training and variation of muscles and joints can be achieved, lower noise level, lower current power consumption and less wear on both humans and machines. (Today, no training aid accumulates this information and adapts itself dynamically in response.))

There is a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which derive from creating such preconditions that in among others, hip and back injuries, when people suffers from difficulties in moving the leg forwards, in a normal walking sequence, bent correctly or for some other reason is "too long" so that it drags on the ground instead of moving just above it, may be compensated for. (On a training aid, it would be desirable to provide a function which senses that an injured leg is now using the

training aid and which then lowered parts of the plate unit in a recess so that the leg could swing forwards to the position where it is put down.)

There is a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which derive from creating such preconditions that a false step, an overly angled foot which at high speed and with full force approaches the plate unit is in imminent danger of being sprained of at worst broken since the plate unit is a hard flat surface, which moves in relation to the foot, is to be compensate for. (If the whole of the plate unit could move at a speed through 45°, make a warning sound and at the same time increase the shock absorbing capacity to maximum, this false step might possibly be saved.)

There is a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which derive from creating such preconditions that by continuously adapting impact angles and central positions as well as the transition between the foot and the plate unit at the same time as the user is provided with information about such things as footwork, bodily posture and breathing, the user or runner can be controlled and drilled to an increasingly perfect execution and thereby build up routine and muscular memory for use outdoors on a running track. (This is not possible today using known training aids.)

There is a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which derive from creating such preconditions that there is a possibility of running on varying running surfaces or substrates, when jogging on a training aid. (Running barefoot on living grass or shimmering sand is not possible in the prior art.)

There is a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which derive from creating such preconditions that handrails, bars and devices, which in front of the training aid, may support display surfaces and buttons, provided mostly to keep the runner within its active capacity.

SOLUTION

The present invention thus takes as a point of departure or starting point a training aid apparatus, comprising one or more discrete plate units, each separately movably and disposable over and along a substrate, as a floor surface, to follow a training track, between a first, forwards oriented, position and a second, backwards oriented, position, said discrete plate unit is adapted to support a foot, related to a person using said training aid for a training purpose, where said foot is displaceable between said first and said second position, resting on said discrete plate unit, and between said second and said first position, moving through the free air on an orbit formed path.

In order to be able to solve on or more of the above outlined technical problems, the present invention proposes a control equipment, adapted to sense the instant position of said plate unit, at least during its displacement from said second position to said first position, and to control its position and/or speed, said control equipment is further adapted to sense the instant po- sition of said foot, at least during its displacement from said second position to said first position and still further said control equipment is adapted to control the position of and the speed of said plate unit in such a matter that said foot, in said first position, is to come to rest on said plate unit.

Further it is suggested that the movement track of said discrete plate unit is a reciprocating movement, between said first and said second position or vice versa.

One discrete plate unit is adapted to a first training track and a second discrete plate unit is adapted to a second training track, whereby said first training track and said second training track may be oriented in a parallel fashion.

It is further disclosed that each discrete plate unit is exposing an upper foot supporting surface and said upper surface is allotted elastic properties and/or swinging and/or tipping properties.

The present invention is further based upon a training aid apparatus, comprising one or a plurality of discrete plates, each separately movably and disposable over and along a substrate, for forming a walking or running track, in order, in such an instance, to be able to offer a person or runner, utilising the apparatus, a training sequence, illustrated here with a walking motion or a running motion on one and the same spot, and where each one of these movable plates is adapted to be able to support and displace a foot, for instance with associated shoe, belonging to said person or runner, relative to and over said substrate.

In order to be able to solve one or more of the above-outlined technical problems, the present invention proposes that within a control unit or equipment a first unit, adapted to determining an orientation of and a position for each respective movably disposed plate unit, is adapted, on the one hand, to retrieve and receive instantaneous information of the orientation of and/or the velocity of and/or the acceleration of each respective plate unit, and on the other hand, to retrieve and receive instantaneous information of the orientation of the foot, which is intended to be able to come to rest against and be supported by a thus disposed plate unit, that said first unit is adap- ted to cooperate with a second unit, adapted to processing said information, to make for a guiding and/or orientation of the position of said plate in relation to its related foot in such a manner that a displacement of said foot, in

the free air and in a direction towards the substrate forwardly, is caught up by said plate unit, and to permit a displacement of the plate and the foot backwardly to a new orientation and position, where said foot leaves the plate unit.

As proposed embodiments, which fall within the scope of the inventive concept of the present invention, it is proposed that an upper portion of the plate unit is adapted to be located under said foot, in order to maintain and alter an angle, in response to the speed and/or acceleration of the foot.

Displacement means, for displacing the plate unit by a shifting or reciprocating motion, is coordinated with anchorage points, provided for each one of the plate units.

It is further suggested that each of or selected plates are displaceable, forwards, backwards, laterally, in relation to the substrate and the foot, by the intermediary of a guiding sequence, controlled by the second unit, processing said information.

Each respective plate is pivotally (rotatably) disposed about a pivot axis, in order to angle its upper portion to an adapted spatial angle.

The displacement of the plate and/or its upper portion is adapted to take place by means of electric motors and wheels, rollers or caterpillar feet and/or by directed pressurised gas or liquid or alternatively via magnetism, propellers or legs.

As an alternative it is suggested that a walking- or running track is oriented circular and that a number of separate plate units are distributed about the periphery of the circle and are individually movably disposed, via the second unit of processing information.

It is further suggested that the use is made of digital camera equipment or equipments as and/or connected to an information-receiving and/or retrieving unit.

A second unit of processing information comprises a processor, with associated memories and software, adapted for retrieving and translating received information and for controlling and/or guiding one or more plate units.

It is further disclosed that the an evaluation, whether a training aid or other apparatus is good or not, can compare those muscles which work when a user runs outdoors on a running track with a training on a training aid or other apparatus.

If the same muscles are trained or work the same in the different tests, there is "muscle equivalence" by overlapping. If the loading is the same there is a "qualitative overlapping".

An advanced model of the training aid permits weighting or compensation for oxygen concentration, wind, slope, running shoes, substrate etc. but it is a matter of recreating realistic conditions.

Muscle equivalence is also implicitly presumed to encompass stress injuries, when increased loading on, for example, the ligaments is preceded by a change increased/reduced capacity in certain muscles as a result of the natural compensation which a runner carries out.

Any biped is nature's most complicated movement technique, where only two legs are used. Forcing it into the construction on a previously suggested training aid is just like simply taxiing about with a fighter plane on the run- way. It can be done but the training aid is not capable of offering biped a pleasant experience or a challenge. In the forest, a runner can run zigzag,

jump, hop, vary stride length and sometimes run backwards and rotate physical loading.

Exactly what activities which must be able to be carried out on the proposed training aid is not the point itself but it must be possible in general to carry out or do as much on the training aid as can be done outdoors and sometimes even more.

To run on different substrates, the runner has to go to different places and run there. Not everyone has the possibility to choose between undulating terrain, a sandy beach, deciduous or coniferous woodland, sawdust, new- mown grass or gravel. Running in snow or on an icy substrate or wet asphalt is not only a question of place (unless you are prepared to travel long distances), but is controlled by the weather and the seasons.

A training aid according to the present invention, offers a plurality of plate units with its upper surface exposing substrates to run on.

When the runner changes its speed, the training aid must immediately sen- se this and adapt the speed and acceleration of the plate unit or plate units.

The runner must be able to break activity within a few metres, stop entirely in order to tie a shoelace or suddenly accelerate powerfully for interval exercise by running at full speed in order at the same moment as the pulse rate reaches its maximum to change and gear down its exercise tempo.

The training aid must follow the runners tempo without delay, recoil or jerking and without needing to press or push buttons or do anything else other than simply walk or run.

Running is controlled via friction since the runner controls his or her speed, direction and acceleration solely by caused friction between the soles of the shoes and the surface of the plate unit.

A runner can "run" on smooth ice or on thousands of small steel balls thrown out on a flat surface as a floor. When the runner does not have this friction beneath his feet, the runner struggles to maintain balance, which among other things can lead to outstretched arms, taut thigh muscles, the lower back and increased distance between the feet. Just before the runner falls over, from the side, it may look as if the runner is actually running on the spot but extremely quicker and with an unnatural and strained posture. If the intention is to achieve more than an effect like running on ice, it is possible to build a training aid based on low friction alone, but what the runner undertakes must be actively controlled externally.

Controlled friction is a necessary but not sufficient condition to construct a training aid which makes possible natural and relaxing bodily posture in running exercise.

(Example:

Imagine you are standing at rest with both feet besides each other on a training aid and its plate units which is standing completely still. You now lift your right foot and move it forward with the intention of taking a step, at the same time as you bend your upper body to fall forwards, you can control the speed of the fall with your left ankle. Just before the right foot is set down again force is needed to move the left foot backwards, it is now that the motor in the training aid starts and slowly draws the hole of your body backwards.

It is not sufficient for the left foot to be standing on a smooth surface because then the above described movement results in beginning to lose your balance instead of "falling naturally". Without your left foot being actively mo-

ved backwards the running feeling is lost, this becomes to a greater or lesser degree like running on smooth ice or steel balls.

Active acceleration in general is needed among other things to create for- ces corresponding to those to which a runner is exposed in the form of mass inertia when exercise running on a firm running surface.)

It must be fun, pleasant and efficient to run off-track as well as, which is ensured by muscle equivalence, genuine variation width and good tempo smoothness.

Active and controlled friction are necessary but not sufficient conditions for machinery which achieves this, including the possibility for unique adaptation and increased safety with a minimisation of the risk of injury also contri- bute to a good running feeling as well as a high control over the running surface.

A runner relates to a person walking or running or an apparatus using its legs to activate the relevant moving motion.

ADVANTAGES

The advantages which may principally be considered as significant for a training aid apparatus, comprising one single or a plurality of discrete plate units each separately movably and disposable over and along a substrate, for forming a walking or running track, in order, in such an instance, to be able to offer a person (runner), utilising the apparatus, a walking motion or a running motion on one and the same spot, and where each one of these movable plate units is adapted to be able to support and displace a foot, for instance with associated shoe, belonging to said person, relative to and over said substrate.

For this purpose the training aid is using a movable discrete plate unit, in a two or three dimensional direction, especially in a two dimensional direction plane, a camera equipment, for evaluating the movement of said plate unit and the movement of the foot (feet) and a control unit or equipment for mo- ving said plate unit in such a way that said plate unit is at a position under the foot, at the time the foot is to be supported by said plate unit.

Said plate unit and said foot are to be moved backwards, during a free motion, and said plate unit is to be moved forward by a means, during the se- quence when said foot is moved towards and to said first position under the foot.

The present invention is exposing, within said control unit or equipment the use of a first unit, adapted to determining an orientation of and a posi- tion for each respective movably disposed plate unit, adapted, on the one hand, to retrieve and receive instantaneous information of the orientation of and/or the velocity of and/or the acceleration of each respective plate unit, and on the other hand, to retrieve and receive instantaneous information of the orientation of the foot, which is intended to be able to come to rest a- gainst and be supported by a thus disposed plate unit, that said first unit is adapted to cooperate with a second unit adapted, to processing said information, to make for a guiding and/or orientation of the position of the plate unit in relation to its foot in such a manner that a displacement of said foot, in free air and in a direction towards the substrate, is caught up by said pla- te unit, and to permit a free displacement of the plate unit and the foot, to a new orientation and position, where said foot leaves the plate unit.

A second unit of processing information comprises of a central processor with associated memories and software, adapted for retrieving and transla- ting received information and for guiding one or more plate units.

That which may principally be considered as characterising the present invention is disclosed in the characterising clause of appended Claim 1.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

A training aid and its apparatus or structure, constructed in accordance with the disclosures of the present invention, will now be described in greater detail hereinbelow, with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a running person, using two discrete plate units, each separately movably and disposable over and along a substrate in a "x7"z" plane, and showing a digital camera equipment, related to a control unit or equipment for moving each relevant plate unit by a means to a position registered to a position where said plate unit is to be supporting said foot at its forward rest position,

Figure 2 is illustrating, in three different poses, one and the same person or runner in a running mode, using two plate units, controlled by the apparatus according to the present invention,

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a discrete plate unit, adapted to support a foot of a runner, when said foot is moved downwardly towards a substrate and said foot is to rest on the top surface of said disposable plate unit,

Figure 4 is a plan view of said top surface and is showing, with arrows, small movement directions related to this surface,

Figure 4a is a perspective view of the discrete plate unit, shown in figure 4, indicating with arrows the forces from a foot when it comes to rest on the top surface of said discrete plate unit and to adjust said top surface towards the foot and its inclined orientation,

Figure 5 is a side elevation view of said discrete plate unit and is showing with arrows, the small vertical movement directions, related to the top surface,

Figure 6 to 7 is illustrating the sequence of a running motion, along a fixed surface,

Figure 8 to 9 is illustrating the sequence of a walking motion, along a fixed surface,

Figure 10 to 11 is illustrating the sequence, as shown in figure 6 to 7, under the use of a training aid and its discrete plate units, according to the present invention,

Figure 12 to 13 is illustrating the sequence, as shown in figure 8 to 9, under the use of a training aid and its discrete plate units, according to the present invention,

Figure 14 is illustrating a foot under a motion to the left and a discrete plate unit under a motion to the left, exposing a large vertical distance, relevant during a running mode,

Figure 15 is illustrating a foot under a final motion to the left and a discrete plate unit under a final motion to the left, however exposing a small vertical distance, relevant during a walking or running mode,

Figure 16 is illustrating a foot resting on the top surface of the discrete plate unit, during a free movement backwards and to the right,

Figure 17 is illustrating a foot, leaving the top surface of the discrete plate unit, and in an initial movement sequence forward and to the left,

Figure 18 is disclosing the position, illustrated in figure 15, exposing a suggested orientation of digital camera equipment,

Figure 19 is, in a side elevation view, illustrating a sloping surface, as an alternative substrate and/or plate unit, and

Figure 20 is an illustration where said discrete plate units are movable in a direction away from and/or towards each other.

DESCRIPTION OF CURRENTLY PROPOSED EMBODIMENT

It should be emphasized by way of introduction that, in the following description of a currently proposed embodiment which displays the significant characterising features related to the present invention and which is clarified by means of the figures shown in the accompanying drawings, we have selected terms and special terminology with the intention principally of clarifying the inventive concept.

However, in this context it should be observed that the expressions selected here should not be considered as restrictive exclusively to the terms selected and utilised here but it should be understood that each thus selected term is to be interpreted so that, in addition, it encompasses all technical equivalents which function in the same or substantially the same manner, in order thereby to be able to attain the same or substantially the same intention and/or technical effect.

With reference to Figure 1 there is here illustrating in a perspective view a running person or runner, using two discrete plate units, each separately movably and disposable over and along a substrate 3, in the form of a "xY'z" plan, and showing a digital camera equipment 5 related to a control unit or equipment 6, for moving each relevant plate 2 to a position (shown in figure 1) registered to a position where said plate unit is to be supporting said foot 4 at its forward rest position.

Figure 2 is illustrating, in three different poses, one and the same person or runner, in a running mode.

Further figure 3 is illustrating, in a perspective view, a discrete plate unit, adapted to support a foot 4 or shoe 4' of a runner, when said foot is moved towards a substrate and is to rest on the top surface of said disposable plate unit.

Figure 4 is illustrating, in a plan view said top surface, with arrows indicating the small movement directions, related to this planar surface 12, when a foot 4 is adapted to rest on said planar surface 12.

Figure 4a is illustrating, in a perspective view of the discrete plate unit 2, with arrows the forces from a foot 4, when it comes to rest on the top surface 12 of said discrete plate unit 2, and to adjust said top surface 12 towards the foot 4 and its inclined fact orientation,

Figure 5 is illustrating, in a side elevation view of said discrete plate unit 2 and showing with arrows the small vertical movement directions related to the top surface 12,

Figures 6 to 7 are illustrating the sequence of a running motion, along a fixed surface,

Figures 8 to 9 are illustrating the sequence of a walking motion, along a fixed surface,

Figures 10 to 11 are illustrating a sequence, as shown in figure 6 to 7, un- der the use of a training aid apparatus 1 and its plate units 2, 2a, according to the present invention,

Figures 12 to 13 are illustrating a sequence, as shown in figure 8 to 9, under the use of a training aid apparatus, and its plate units 2, 2a, according to the present invention,

Figure 14 is illustrating a foot 4, under motion to the left, and a discrete plate unit 2, under motion to the left, exposing a large vertical distance, related to a running motion,

Figure 15 is illustrating a foot 4, under a final motion to the left, and a discrete plate unit 2, under a final motion to the left or its final position, however exposing a small vertical distance,

Figure 16 is illustrating the foot 4 resting on the top surface 12 of the discrete plate unit 2, and adapted for a free or guided movement to the right,

Figure 17 is illustrating the foot 4, leaving the top surface 12 of the discrete plate unit 2, under its final motion to the right and in an initial movement forwards the left,

Figure 18 is disclosing the position, illustrated in figure 15, and exposing the orientation of a digital camera equipment 5,

Figure 19 is, in a side elevation view, illustrating a sloping top surface 12', as an alternative to a used substrate,

Figure 20 is an illustration where two discrete plate units 2, 2a are movable in a direction away from and/or towards each other, along its "xTz" plane.

It is to be noted that the training aid, according to the present invention, may use one single plate unit, two single plate units, and/or further plate units, however the present invention will be described in an application using two plates units, movable by means in a reciprocating fashion along said "x'T'z" plane or in any other motion, as well as in the "x'V'y" plane, by means, related to and/or are builded in said support or unit 2, 2a to raise its upper pla- nar surfaces 12, 12a.

The present invention is to be illustrated with two plate units 2, 2a reciprocating along a "x'Tz" plane and in two tracks "T", "Ta" oriented parallel to the "z" axis.

Thus figure 1 is illustrating the use of a training aid 1 apparatus, comprising two discrete plates 2, 2a, each separately movably and disposable over and along a substrate 3, for forming two walking or running "T"; "Ta" tracks, in order, in such an instance, to be able to offer a person or runner "P", utili- sing the apparatus 1 , a walking motion or a running motion on one and the same spot "S", and where each one of these movable plates 2, 2a is adapted to be able to support and displace its related foot 4, 4a, for instance with associated shoes 4', 4a', belonging to said person "P", relative to and over said substrate 3, .

Figure 1 is illustrating the use of a camera equipment, a digital camera equipment 5 electrically connected to a control unit or equipment 6, said control equipment 6 is enclosing a first unit 6a, adapted to determining an orientation of and a position for each respective movably disposed plate 2, 2a, is adapted, on the one hand, to retrieve and receive instantaneous information of the orientation of and/or the velocity of and/or the acceleration of each respective plate in a circuit 6a', and on the other hand, to retrieve and

receive instantaneous information of the orientation the foot in a circuit 6a", which is intended to be able to come to rest against and be supported by a thus disposed plate unit 2, 2a.

Said first unit 6a is adapted to cooperate with a second unit 6b, adapted to processing said information, to make for a guiding and/or orientation of the position of the plate units 2, 2a in relation to its foot 4, 4a in such a manner that a displacement of said foot 4, 4a in an orbit or path (an almost semi elliptical path) through the free air and in a direction towards the substrate 3 is caught up by said plate 2, 2a, and to permit a displacement of the plate 2 and the foot 4 to a new rear orientation and position, where said foot 4a is caused to leaves the plate 4.

This semi orbit and partly elliptical path has been assigned the reference numeral "O".

Figure 1 discloses more in detail the following functions.

Said first unit 6a is adapted to follow the motion track or path of the foot 4 and the motion track or path of the foot 4a.

Said first unit 6a is further adapted to follow the reciprocating motion track of the plate unit 2 and the motion track of the plate unit 2a.

The motion of the plate 2a, from its foremost position (shown in figure 1) to its rearmost position may be controlled by a second unit 6b and the motion of the plate 2a, form its most rear position to its front and registered position under a foot 4a is controlled by said second unit 6b.

Said second unit 6b is evaluating the position of, the plate unit 2, via a line 6b1 , the velocity of the plate unit 2, via a line 6b2, and/or any acceleration of the plate unit 2, via a line 6b3, and corresponding information is feed to a

calculating unit 6b4, to evaluate the actual position of a movement of and the path "O" of said plate unit 2.

In a similar way the position of the foot 4, the velocity of the foot 4 and/or any acceleration of the foot 4, via lines 6b1\ 6b2' and 6b3' and said information is feed to a calculating unit 6b4' to evaluate the actual position or movement of said foot 4.

Similar circuits are available when the movement of the plate 2a and the foot 4a are to be evaluated.

The calculating unit (6b4) and the calculating unit (6b4') are here used for the plate 2a and the foot 4a.

The calculating unit 6b4 is programmed to evaluate the reciprocating movement track for the plate unit 2 and the calculating unit 6b4' is programmed to evaluate the curved movement track "O" of the foot 4 from its rear position to its front position.

Essential for the present invention is to evaluate the position where the foot 4 must be supported by its plate unit 2.

This final position is in figure 1 illustrated with the position "x1" and "z1".

An upper portion or surface 12, 12a of the plate units 2, 2a are adapted to be located under said foot 4, 4a, in order to maintain and alter any angle, in response to the speed and/or acceleration of the foot 4, 4a.

Displacement means 7, 7a, for displacing the plate units 2, 2a by a shifting motion, is coordinated with anchorage points (not illustrated), provided for each one of the plate units 2, 2a.

Each respective plate unit 2, 2a is displaceable, forwards, backwards, laterally, in relation to the substrate 3 and the foot 4, 4a, by the intermediary of a guiding and controlling sequence, activated from the second unit 6b, processing said information from the camera equipment 5 and the first unit 6a.

Each respective plate unit 2, 2a is pivotally (rotatably) disposed about a pivot axis, in order to angle its upper portion 12, 12a to an adapted spatial angle.

The displacement of the plate units 2, 2a and/or its upper portions 12, 12a is adapted to take place by displace means 7, 7a, here suggested in the form of electric motors and wheels, rollers or caterpillar feet and/or by directed pressurised gas or liquid or alternatively via magnetism, propellers or legs.

It is suggested, however not illustrated, a walking or running track formed in a circular configuration and that a larger number of separate plate units, over the two illustrated units 2, 2a, are distributed about the periphery of the circle and are individually movably disposed, via the unit 6b of processing information and related displacement means 7, 7a.

Use is made of a digital camera equipment 5 coupled to said information- receiving and/or retrieving unit 6a.

The second unit 6b of processing information comprises of a processor 8 with associated memories 8a, 8b and a software, adapted for retrieving and translating received information from the camera equipment 5 for controlling each of said means 7, 7a for guiding one or more of said plate units 2, 2a.

A first view of the present invention will show directly numerous clear differences between a traditional belt arrangement and a training aid, according to the present invention, comprising one or more running plate units which

are mobile units and which can move, under their support force, in relation to their substrate 3 and the runner, as well as the runner's feet, may continuously adapt their position, direction, speed and acceleration via a target searching and logics so that the unit 2 arrives under the runner's foot 4 or at that place "x1"/"z1" where the runner's foot 4 will soon be put down.

When a running plate 2 is located under the runner's foot 4, it maintains and alters the angles of the part of the mobile unit or plate 2 on which the foot 4 rests and at the same time moves itself, with the runner's foot resting on it, in a direction and at such speed and acceleration where the runner can execute running and other movements without coming into direct contact with the floor or the substrate 3.

The running plate units 2, 2a are active and mobile components, which may move in a random way, both in relation to the substrate 3 and the runner's foot/feet 4, 4a as well as other running plate units and objects.

The outline sketches of running plate units from different angles as well as in a perspective view are seen from above, in Figure 4 and Figure 4a, from the side in Figure 5 as well as in a perspective view in Figure 3.

Figure 4a shows a running plate 2 in a perspective view from beneath with arrows showing some of the proposed fixing points for int. al. movement units 7, 7a.

The running plates units 2, 2a can move forwards, backwards, sideways relative to both the floor or a substrate 3 and the runner "P" as well as the runner's feet 4, 4a.

A running plate 2 can rotate about its own axis or some other point and angle the upper part or surface 12 at any optional spatial angle to a running plane (that substrate 3 or floor on which the running plate unit 2 works, but if

it is in any other orientation than a flat floor or substrate 3, the derivation relates to beneath the central point of the running plate), this for the purpose, among other things, of receiving the runner's foot 4 as it is put down or pushing off on a take-off.

In its simplest basic version, the running plate unit 2 is intended to act on a relatively flat surface 3, but is naturally not restricted to this particular case.

A running plate 2 can for example be reciprocated driven forwards by elec- trie motors and wheels, rollers or caterpillar feet but also by directed pressurised gas or liquid or via magnetism, propellers or legs, solutions which can also be put to use to bring about the angling of the running plate 2 to the substrate 3 and the foot 4.

The running plate unit 2 is used in that the runner "P" initially stands stationary on, for example, two running plates 2, 2a, one beneath each foot 4, 4a. The runner "P" begins to walk by lifting his own leg and foot 4 and moving it forwards. That running plate 2, which is no longer under load from the foot 4 of the runner, positions itself, where the foot 4 is calculated to be set down again, the second running plate 2a can be moved and/or rotated so that the actual movement of the runner in relation to the substrate 3 is reduced, increased or cancelled completely, which then results in running on one and the same spot.

The runner "P" sets down his foot 4 on the running plate 2 which has positioned itself in a correct and registered position and which moreover moves in such a way that the runner's foot 4 is received correctly, for example without any jerking. (Compare Figure 2A or Figure 2C)

In this case, both of the running plate units 2, 2a now move in relation to one another, at the same time as the runner "P" shifts his loading from the one leg or foot 4 to the other 4a, by moving his point of gravity.

The runner "P" now begins to lift the other leg or foot 4a from the running plate unit 2a with the intention of taking a stride and that running plate unit 2a begins to adapt itself to where the foot 4a is forecast to be set down. The running plate unit which is under loading from the other leg can, during this time, for example work actively by simulating controlled friction, active acceleration or take-off.

Figures 6 to 9 illustrate a model "P" of the stride of a biped, which results in a movement in relation to a permanent substrate 3, the floor and a picture 10. This is illustrated with reference to the background as hanging on the wall 10a.

In Figures 10 to 13, the same person "P" is used for the walking motion of the biped but in this case the substrate 3 now consists of two running plate units 2, 2a, which move in such a manner that the biped can walk in the same manner as straight on to the substrate 3 or the floor, but without any actual movement in relation to the substrate 3 or the floor taking place, and this can also be seen by the fact that the biped does not move in relation to the picture 10, which is seen in the background hanging on the wall 10a.

In Figure 14, one foot 4 is in the air and is moving forwards, which is indicated by the arrow, as well as one running plate unit 2, which moves forwards, which is indicated by the arrow in front of the running plate unit 2 and which is parallel with the floor or substrate 3.

In Figure 15, the foot 4 is just above the running plate unit 2 and the foot 4 is moving down towards the running plate 2, as indicated by the arrow.

In Figure 16, the runner's one foot 4 is resting on that part or surface 12 of the running plate unit 2, which is in a direct contact with the foot 4 and the running plate unit 2 is moving, such as by itself.

The moving direction of the foot 4 and a part of the runner's point of gravity, is to the right, which is indicated by the arrow.

In Figure 17, a foot 4 has just left its running plate unit 2 and is located just above it and the substrate 3, at the same time as the foot 4 continues obliquely upwards, as indicated by the arrow.

In Figure 18, an information gathering unit, in this case a camera equipment 5, has filmed at least one running plate 2 and one foot 4.

Via a target searching system or a first unit 6a, a running plate unit 2 positions itself beneath the running foot 4 and draws it in the right direction at the correct speed, acceleration and angle during the step in order there- after, when the runner lifts his foot, to navigate up to the next calculated impact point for the foot.

The runner does not need to look down and try to accurately hit a running plate unit 2 with the foot 4 or otherwise take part in the process which co- ordinates the plate units 2, 2a in relation to the runner is feet 4, 4a, since they position themselves automatically beneath the feet 4, 4a.

The terms "right direction" and "correct speed" are taken to mean that direction and at that speed which results in the interpretation of the intentions of the runner being met to as high a degree as possible if they are practically feasible.

The running plate units 2, 2a are in practice so quick and well informed that even when a runner "P" intentionally tries to put his foot down straight on the floor they are most generally quick enough to arrive in position and prevent this from taking place.

When the foot 4 leaves a running plate unit 2 it is not certain what the running plate unit 2 will do or in which sequence, but this depends upon the runner, the other running plate unit (or the other running plate units) and the ambient surroundings calculated in said first unit 6a.

Nor is it certain what route the running plate units2, 2a will take to arrive at the next destination if such exists.

The running plate unit 2 could just as well rotate through one or more revo- lutions about its own or some other axis on the way there and even carry out other duties depending upon the runner's intentions and the "presumed intentions" of the runner calculated by the system "S" and the first 6a and the second units 6b.

A runner running quickly or sprinting has, for brief periods, no contact with the substrate 3, and in such cases the running plate units 2, 2a can switch places with one another so that the plate unit or plate units, which served the right foot, instead begin to serve the left foot and vice versa. It is also conceivable that only a single running plate unit is used.

It is possible to tiptoe forwards, make pirouettes and run backwards on running plate units 2, 2a in a single sequence in order thereafter to return to a normal running tempo and at the same time create and maintain an illusion of an actual stretch of running but with minimum risk of injury and good comfort.

The runner can run on the spot or be permitted to take larger steps, and jump forwards, backwards or out to the sides, since the plate units 2, 2a rapidly move forwards to the calculated point of impact and catch up the foot 4, 4a at the right angle, with the right shock absorption and acceleration.

By manipulating the return navigation of the plate units 2, 2a to the centre point after and during each step, it is possible to set the system in continuous motion in relation to the floor or substrate 3 in any direction. It is also possible to cause the running plate units to interact with other bodily parts or extremities of the body so that, for example, the runner can walk on his hands on running plates and get help to maintain the correct balance, or even walk on stilts on running plates.

For example, a runner can run in a circular movement with a radius of 10 metres, but instead of running on the floor the running surface or substrate 3 consists of running plate units 2, 2a, which are continuously positioned under the feet 4, 4a of the runner. With an active take-off step forwards and upwards, both the runner's speed and step height can be increased. It is also possible to position around the edge of a circle with a radius of, for example, 10 metres, a large number of running plate units and thereafter begin to run on the active running plate units around the edge of the circle which all move clockwise or counter-clockwise or individually are centred about some point on the edge of the circle.

Differentiated height and rescue are properties which can largely always be activated in constellations.

By fixing a device on running plate units 2, 2a, which can support a crystalline structure, such as ice, or biological matter, such as grass, some syn- thetic material such as, for example, asphalt or liquids or gases, as good as any surface or substrate whatever, a different running surface may be offered.

The device which is employed for supporting, for example, snow can be supplemented with an active cooling element, but also with a mechanism which assists in retaining or recreating the porous structure of the snow.

Moreover, the running plate can be made larger and rotate about its own axis before each foot positioning and by other means ensure that the downward positioning of the foot arrives at another part of the running plate unit than the preceding step.

Also, more than two snow-covered running plate units can be used and be made to cooperate.

The running plate units 2, 2a can also compensate for the running surface or substrate offered to the runner. If a runner is to take part in a race in September, there is a risk of heavy rain and a muddy surface. Then the intention might be to practice or at least try out what it is like to run in fine grain silicate, which almost sucks the shoe from the foot on every step. Here, active work may be required from the running plate units 2, 2a in the form of angling, shock absorption and height adjustment in order to contribute to an execution which is close to reality or which constitutes efficient training.

Unlike a "normal apparatus" such as a belt arrangement, which is used in training, simpler versions of running plate units or training aids can be made so small and light that a small child can carry several parts of the training aid.

The different distances of the running plate units 2, 2a from one another on the substrate 3 and in space during use are controlled by the user and are limited by the user's wishes.

Running plate units 2, 2a are controlled by the runner and the activities of the runner, but it is possible that the plate units can carry out some form of program function where, for example, they vary the tempo of the runner by periodic increases and reductions within some interval of a simulated speed, or otherwise stimulate and supplement the fundamental functions offered.

A training aid is often surrounded by handrails and bars to hold on to, which would require extra running plate units 2, 2a provided with handrails and handles, if it were to be used in conjunction precisely with running plates.

Since the movements of the runner are well quantified and to some degree predicted, the total information picture can be used for interaction such as navigation in some environment, real or virtual.

If, for example, the runner runs on running plate units 2, 2a in front of a screen, a landscape or some other environment can be shown on the screen, where information about the runner and the runner's intentions controls the visual image so that when the runner runs a given number of steps on the running plate units 2, 2a, a distance is also moved in the virtual environment. If the runner turns aside or jumps, this is also reflected in the visual model.

The dynamic shock absorption of the running plates 2, 2a and their active take-off can, among other things, help in simulating unevenness and jumps in the virtual environment.

Instead of via a visual display unit, representing some environment, such representation can be put into effect using lights, sound, heat and vibrations, which are suitable for, for example, visually handicapped people with a view to modelling some environment for interaction.

What is shown on the screen or otherwise reproduced can, among other things, be adapted on the basis of the leaning of the runner, so that if the point of gravity of the runner is off-set, the horizon is tilted so that the human brain is manipulated automatically to begin to correct the body for this slope, which in turn can result in the represented horizon line straightening up.

In combination with a tilted horizon line, the running plate units 2, 2a can moreover actively work with angling and shock absorption, for the purpose of maintaining and/or regaining balance.

The present invention offers the possibility of making the running plate units 2, 2a small and light which contributes in reducing the need of power for movement but also reducing the noise level on use.

Tempo smoothness can at best be absolute on a training aid, but since a runner can behave on the running plate units 2, 2a in the same way as in traditional running, a width of variation and muscle equivalence can be attained and offered, but also new running techniques can be created and executed.

As a result of the target searching system and take-off and impact angles, it is possible to adjust for stumbling and other uncontrolled or potentially harmful movements in a manner that markedly increases the level of safety of the runner at the same time as the field of practical application is wide- ned.

Active take-off assistance can also be employed so as to reduce the risks of injury and at the same time increase comfort, efficiency, height, length and speed in the gait of the runner. Taken as a whole, with an infinite variation of substrates and substitution of physical handrails, the running plate units will not constitute a supplement to training aid, but will define a completely new standard on their own.

One design version may consist of one or more camera equipments 5 "FiI- ming the runner "P", the runner's feet 4, 4a, the running plate units 2, 2a and other fixed or moving objects.

On the basis of the camera information, the runner "P", the runner's feet 4, 4a, the running plate units 2, 2a and other fixed or moving objects can be determined but also forecast where they will be located within the immediate future. See Figure 20.

In Figures 1 and 18, the information retrieving unit consists of at least one camera equipment 5 fixed to a wall or the like, and direct towards the floor or substrate 3.

A processing unit 6 is connected by cables and/or wireless communication to the camera/cameras equipments 5 and the running plate unit/running plate units 2, 2a so as to form a system.

In this version, a running plate unit 2 includes wheels which are driven by at least one electric motor and by such means the running plate 2 can continuously be controlled and steered to the desired positioning on the substrate 3, at the same time as a part or surface 12 of the running plate unit 2, which is intended to be in contact with the foot 4, is continuously angled to optional orientation, by means of at least one pneumatic piston-cylinder ar- rangement, driven by liquid or air.

In Figure 19, the running plate unit 2, the surface 12' of the running plate unit 2, which is intended to be in contact with the foot 4 or its shoe 4', is connected via a pivot 11 and pneumatic rod 12" to the remaining part of the running plate 120, which includes wheels 13, 13a, electric motor 14, and a driving belt 15.

The pneumatic rod 12" regulates the orientation of the running plate unit 2', or more precisely the orientation of that surface 12' of the running plate unit 2' which is intended to be in direct contact with the runner's foot 4.

The processing unit 6 consists of a processor 8 and memories encompassing software which translates the retrieved information, here the visual information, into orientation as well as positioning of the running plate 2' and other running plates, the foot 4 and the floor or substrate 3.

In order to facilitate visual analysis, appropriately an information-transmitting unit, for example light emitting diodes, can be fixed on the running plate units 2, 2a and/or the foot 4, 4a, or tentatively on the shoes 4\ 4a'.

The current power supply of the LEDs can be put into effect via batteries, which are ideally activated in that the user of the running plates activates a switch.

Alternatively, reflectors, preferably normal reflectors, can be used to facilita- te the visual analysis whose purpose is to calculate the orientation as well as position of the plate unit 2, 2a, as well as the foot 4, 4a.

Alternatively, the shoes 4', 4a' or parts thereof, for example the sole, as well as the running plate units 2, 2a or parts thereof or the floor or the substrate 3 or parts thereof can be painted a given colour, in order to facilitate the visual analysis. The colour may be black and may consist of one or more specific patterns, which are easy for the processing unit 5, 6a, 6b to recognize.

Alternative embodiment is identical to the first preferred embodiment but with the difference that the camera or the cameras 5 are secured in one or more running plate units.

Alternative embodiment is also identical with the first preferred embodiment, with the difference that the camera or cameras 5 are secured in one or more shoes.

Alternative embodiment is also identical with the first preferred embodiment, with the difference that the camera or cameras 5 are secured in one or more shoes and one or more running plate units.

In the above described embodiments, the illustrated information-retrieving unit 6a has consisted of at least one camera equipment 5.

Within the scope of the present invention, the information-retrieving unit 6a may imply at least one cameras, at least one microphone, and/or at least the reflections of controlled and actively emitted energy, such as radar, or a combination of the just-mentioned examples of information-retrieving unit 6a.

The illustrated information-transmitting unit has consisted of at least one LED and/or colour/pattern.

Within the scope of the present invention, the information-transmitting unit 5, 6 may imply at least one LED, at least one loudspeaker element, at least one reflector of light or sound, at least one accelerator and/or at least one area coated in a special colour/pattern, or a combination of the just mentioned examples of information-transmitting units.

The driving or advancement of the running plate units 2, 2a as well as the orientation of its surfaces 12, 12a of the running plate units 2, 2a, which is intended to be in direct contact with the shoe A', 4a' can be supplemented with or replaced by at least one motor, coupled to wheels, rollers, lines, wires, propellers or caterpillar feet, or alternatively with legs or paddles, directed pressurised gas or liquid or magnetism.

It should be emphasised that the above-described versions and embodiments are intended to illustrate the inventive concept without restricting the invention to them, and it should be understood that an information-bearing

unit may be secured on one or more running plate units, on one or more feet/shoes or in a wall or floor/substrate or other permanent fixture or be secured in an optional combination of the just-mentioned fixing points. The same applies to any other information-transmitting units.

As a summary of the present invention, as stated in claim 1 , it is proposed a training aid apparatus, comprising one or more discrete plate units, each separately movably and disposable over and along a substrate, as a floor surface, to follow a training track between a first, forwards oriented, position and a second, backwards oriented, position, said discrete plate unit is adapted to support a foot, related to a person using said aid for a training purpose, where said foot is displaceable between said first and said second position, resting on said discrete plate unit, and between said second and said first position, moving through the free air on an orbit formed path.

This training aid is supplemented with the use of a control equipment, adapted to sense the instant position of said plate unit, at least during its displacement from said second position to said first position, and to control its position and/or speed, said control equipment is further adapted to sense the instant position of said foot, at least during its displacement from said second position to said first position and still further said control equipment is adapted to control the position of and the speed of said plate unit, in such a matter that said foot, in said first position, is to come to rest on said plate unit.

The movement track of said discrete plate unit is a reciprocating movement between said first and said second position or vice versa.

One discrete plate unit is adapted to a first training track and a second disc- rete plate unit is adapted to a second training track.

Said first training track and said second training track are oriented in a parallel fashion.

Each discrete plate unit is exposing an upper foot supporting surface and said upper surface is allotted elastic properties and/or swinging and/or tipping properties.

The present invention is naturally not restricted to the embodiment disclosed by way of example above but may be subject to modifications without departing from the inventive concept as disclosed in the appended Claims.

In particular, it should be observed that each illustrated unit and/or circuit may be combined with each other shown unit and/or circuit without departing from the scope of invention in order to be able to attain the desired technical function.