Training device, training assembly and training method.

The present invention relates to a training device for training a body part of a user, wherein the training device is configured to vibrate, a training assembly and a method for training a body part.

A known fitness machine put on the market, inter alia, under the name of Power Plate®, by Power Plate International, is in the form of a vibrating plate placed on a frame positioned low down, close to the ground, in the case of which a user can go and stand on the vibrating plate, or can assume other positions, during training. The vibrating plate generates vibrations, which are mechanically transmitted as energy to the user's body. The mechanical stimulus generated as a result produces a so-called stretch reflex in the muscles of the body, which stretch reflex occurs a certain number of times per second depending on the set frequency of the vibrating plate. The result of this is that the muscles are continuously tensed very hard. It has been found that the use of such a vibrating plate produces a great effect on the muscle strength and the bone strength. Beneficial effects of vibrating stimulation of the body are described in, inter alia, Verschueren S, et al., "Effect of 6-Month Whole Body Vibration Training on Hip Density, Muscle Strength, and Postural Control in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study", Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, Vol. 19, No. 3, pp. 352-359, 2004, and Delecluse C, et al., "Strength increase after whole-body vibration compared with resistance training", Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise Vol. 35, No. 6, pp 1033-1041 , 2004.

The above-described fitness machine is in particular suitable for exercising by standing on the fitness machine or taking any other similar position. In order to train an upper-body part or an arm, the training device may be less suitable.

WO 2005/067861 discloses a fitness machine of the above-described type. The fitness machine is provided with a holder extending vertically from a vibration plate upwards. The holder comprises a handle. The handle guides a band connected to the vibration plate. In operation, a user is to hold a free end of the band such that a vibration of the vibration plate is transferred to the arms and upper-body of the user such that the upper-body and arm muscles of the user are trained due to the incurred stretch reflexes in the muscles as described above.

For a well-trained user, however, the training load provided by the above-mentioned upper-body training apparatus may not be sufficient.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a training device comprising a vibration generator, which is suitable for use by a well-trained person, and to provide a corresponding method.

The above object is achieved in a training device according to claim 1 , a training assembly according to claim 15 and a method according to claim 17.

The training device according to the present invention comprises a pretensioning member for generating a pretension in the muscles to be trained. Due to the pretension combined with the stretch reflexes incurred by the vibrations, the training load is increased.

The pretensioning member comprises a handling member for a user to hold. Further the pretensioning member comprises a coupling member for coupling the handling member and a vibration-generating device. The coupling member is configured such that in use the vibration generated by the vibration-generating device are transferred to the handling member only if the handling member is held such that a tension is incurred in at least one muscle of the body part of the user. The vibrations transferred to the handling member are transferred to the user as the user is holding the handling member.

It is noted that when using the above-mentioned prior art training apparatus for training the upper-body muscles, a user needs to hold the free end of the band, which is guided by the handle. Therefore, the muscles of the user are substantially relaxed during the vibration exercising. No pre-tensioning is incurred. In an embodiment the pretensioning member further comprises a weight member having a predetermined weight and being coupled to the handling member. The weight member coupled to the handling member is to be held by the user. Due to the weight to be held by the user, the muscles in the arm and upper-body of the user are tensioned.

In an embodiment the weight member is detachably coupled to the handling member. Thus, the weight of the handling member is adjustable. An increase of the weight results in an increase of the training load. For example, the pretensioning member may comprise a dumb-bell or a dumb-bar, the handling member being a handling bar of the dumb-bell or dumb-bar, respectively.

In an embodiment the coupling member comprises a flexible element, which flexible element provides a coupling suitable for vibration transfer when tensioned. The flexible member may be band as disclosed in the above-mentioned prior art document. The flexibility is in particular relevant when using a weight member. Due to the flexibility, the coupling member cannot carry any of the weight of the weight member and consequently all weight is to be carried by the user. In an embodiment, the length of the flexible member is adjustable. Adjusting the length allows the pretensioning member to be used by users of differing height but also

allows using the pretensioning member in different holding positions for training different muscles.

In an embodiment the coupling element comprises a tension spring element for, in use, being tensioned by the user. A tension spring element, in particular a tension spring, may transfer vibrations depending on the tension force. For a predetermined frequency lower than a resonance frequency, an increasing tension results in an increased vibration transfer coefficient. Consequently, a well-trained user tensing hard on the tension spring generates a relatively large pretension in his muscles, while the vibration is transferred with a relatively large coefficient, possibly amplifying the vibration amplitude. In an embodiment a deflection-limiting member is coupled to the tension spring element for limiting a deflection of the tension spring element. The limitation may be used to prevent a too large deflection, which could result in damage to the tension spring element. The deflection-limiting element may also be provided such that a predetermined tension is generated in the muscles of the user, when the tension spring is stretched to such an extent that the deflection-limiting element blocks any further stretching. The deflection-limiting element may be a band or any similarly functioning element.

In an embodiment, the handling member and the coupling member are detachably coupled. For example, the coupling member may comprise a ring-like element configured to be positioned around at least a part of the handling member, e.g. a handling bar of a dumb- bell or dumb-bar.

In an embodiment of the training device for training a body part of a user, the training device comprises a pretensioning device for generating a pre-tension in a muscle of the body part, the pretensioning device comprising a handling member configured to be held by the user and a coupling member for coupling the handling member to a vibrator device, such that in use the muscle of the body part is tensioned in order to transfer a vibration generated by the vibrator device to the handling member, wherein the coupling member comprises a flexible member, which flexible member provides a coupling suitable for vibration transfer when tensioned, and wherein a length of the flexible member is adjustable. This provides an advantage when the training device is uses by persons with different heights. The flexible member may be a band or wire and may comprise glass fibre.

The pretensioning device may comprise reeling means for adjusting the length of the flexible member. This provides in a simple and effective construction by which the length of the flexible member is easily adjustable.

The reeling means may be configured to tension the coupling member. This provides a simple and effective structure for creating a pre-tension in a muscle of the user. The reeling means may comprise drive means for applying a reeling force to the flexible member.

The reeling means may be connectable to the vibrator device. The reeling means may be releasably connectable to the vibrator device.

The reeling means may in use be movable relative to the vibrator device in order to facilitate the reeling and unreeling of the flexible member. When using the training device, the user moves the handling member. Because of this, the orientation in which the flexible member extends is changed. When the reeling means are movable relative to the vibrator device, they will adjust to the changing orientation of the flexible member and thereby facilitate the reeling and unreeling of the flexible member. This means that the reeling means may be movable arranged such that in use the orientation of the reeling means adjust to the orientation of the flexible member.

The reeling means may comprise a reel rotatable around a rotation axis. By making the reeling means movable, the reel is in use positioned such that that the flexible member is optimally reeled on and of the reel.

The reeling means may in use be movable relative to the vibrator device about a first pivot axis. The first pivot axis of the reeling means may extend in a transverse direction, preferably perpendicular, relative to the rotation axis of the reel. The first pivot axis of the reeling means may extend parallel to the rotation axis of the reel. In that case the first pivot axis may coincide with or extend eccentrically relative to the rotation axis. The reeling means may in use be movable relative to the vibrator device about a second pivot axis and the first and second pivot axes may extend in a transverse direction, preferably substantially perpendicular, relative to each other.

The reeling means may be configured such that the tension in the coupling member is adjustable. The drive means may be configured such that they apply a substantially constant reeling force to the flexible member. The drive means may be configured such that the reeling means apply a variable force to the flexible member. The drive means may comprise a spring. The drive means may comprise control means for controlling the reeling force applied to the flexible member by the reeling means. The control means may comprise electrical control means, preferably a computer. The control means may be located on the handling member. The invention relates to a training assembly comprising a training device according to the invention and a vibrator device. The vibrator device may comprise coupling means for coupling the coupling member and the vibrator device. The reeling means may be connected to the vibrator device. The reeling means may be releasable connected to the vibrator device.

The invention relates to a training method for training a body part with a training assembly according to the invention. The training method may comprise: holding by the user a pretensioning device for generating a pre-tension in a muscle of the body part, setting the

pretensioning device into vibration such that the vibration is transferred to the body part and adjusting the length of the flexible member.

In an aspect, the present invention provides a training assembly comprising a vibration generating device and a training device of the above-described type. The claims and advantages of the present invention will be more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description and considered in connection with the accompanying drawings in which like reference symbols designate like parts and in which:

Fig. 1 shows a schematical view of an embodiment of a training assembly according to the present invention;

Fig. 2A - 2C schematically illustrate a second and a third embodiment of a training device according to the present invention; Fig. 3A - 3B show graphs for elucidating an operation of the second and third embodiments as illustrated in Fig. 2A - 2C; Fig. 4A - 4B schematically illustrate a fourth embodiment of a training assembly according the invention; Fig. 5A - 5D schematically illustrate a fifth embodiment of a training assembly according the invention;

Fig. 6A - 6B schematically illustrate a sixth embodiment of a training assembly according the invention; and

Fig. 7A - 7C schematically illustrate a seventh embodiment of a training assembly according the invention.

Fig. 1 shows a fitness machine 1 according to the prior art comprising a vibrator plate 3, which is operatively coupled to a vibration generator, a base structure 5, a standing support 7, a gripping means 9, and a number of feet elements 11. The prior art fitness machine 1 is positioned on a floor 13, or the like.

The fitness machine 1 is coupled to a training device 14 according to the present invention. The training device 14 and the fitness machine 1 together form a training assembly according to the present invention. The training device 14 comprises a handling member 15, a weight member 17 and a coupling means 19.

The handling member 15 may be a bar-shaped element, as illustrated, or may have any other shape that is suitable for holding the handling member 15 by a body part to be trained. The weight member 17 provides a weight to the handling member 15. Thereby, a user is to provide a force in order to counter the force of gravity. As a result a pre-tension is generated in the muscles of the user. The weight member 17 may be detachably coupled to

the handling member 15. Thus, the weight coupled to the handling member 15 may be adjustable by addition, removal or replacement of one or more weight members 17, comparable to a dumb-bell and a dumb-bar.

The coupling member 19 provides a coupling between the handling member 15 and the vibrator plate 3 of the fitness machine 1 in order to transfer vibrations of the vibrator plate 3 to the handling member 15. The coupling member 19 may be a rigid element like a bar, provided that the coupling member 19 will not carry the weight of the weight member 17. The coupling member 19 may as well be a flexible element, which may provide a coupling suitable for transferring mechanical vibrations, for example when tensioned by a user. A suitable flexible coupling member 19 may be a band. Such a band is flexible, when there is no tension, while the band may transfer vibrations when pulled on.

In operation, the user lifts the handling member 15 together with the weight member 17, which is coupled to the handling member 15, thereby generating a pre-tension in the muscles of the body part. It is noted that the body part may be an arm for training the arm muscles and/or upper-body muscles and/or tendons, but may as well be any other body part, e.g. a leg.

By lifting the handling member 15, the coupling member 19 is tensed. Thus, the coupling member 19 may transfer the mechanical vibrations of the fitness machine 1 to the handling member 15. The vibrations of the handling member 15 will result in stretch reflexes in the muscles of the body part lifting the handling member 15, i.e. the pre-tensed muscles. Thus, a heavier training load is obtained compared to a stretch reflex generated in a substantially relaxed muscle. The training load may be adjustable by adjusting a vibration amplitude and/or a vibration frequency of the fitness machine 1.

Fig. 2A and 2B illustrate a second embodiment of a training device 14 according to the present invention. The training device 14 comprises a handling member 21 , a tension spring 22, a deflection-limiting member 23 and a coupling means 24 for coupling the training device 14 to a vibration generating device such as a fitness machine as illustrated in Fig. 1. It is noted that any other vibration generating device may as well be suitable for use with the training device according to the present invention. In Fig. 2A, the deflection-limiting member 23 is in a relaxed state, thus allowing the tension spring 22 to be (further) deflected. In Fig. 2B, the deflection-limiting member 23 is tensed, such that the spring 22 cannot deflect any further, thus effectively limiting the deflection of the tension spring 22.

Fig. 2C shows a third embodiment of a training device 14 according to the present invention. Compared to the second embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 2A - 2B, the coupling member comprises not only a tension spring 22 but also a band 19. The operation of the second and third embodiment is, however, identical.

The operation of the second and third embodiment of the training device 14 according to the present invention is elucidated in relation to Fig. 3A - 3B. Referring to Fig. 2A - 2C and 3A - 3B ₁ in operation, the user is to lift and hold the handling member 21. Instead of needing to lift a weight against the force of gravity, the user is to tense the tension spring 22. The harder the spring 22 is tensed, the more the spring 22 is deflected. Tensing the tension spring 22 requires overcoming the spring force and thus a pre-tension is generated in the muscles of the body part holding the handling member 21. As is explained hereinafter, increasing the spring deflection does not only result in an increased pre-tension in the muscles, but also results in an increased stretch reflex in the muscles. When a user tenses the spring 22 and a vibration is applied to the coupling means

24, the spring 22 may transfer the mechanical vibrations corresponding to a mass-spring system. The mass-spring system may be defined by its vibration transfer function, also referred to as the transmissibility function indicating a ratio between an amplitude of an excited vibration and an amplitude of a forcing vibration. Referring to Fig. 3A, a transmissibility (vertical axis) of a mass-spring system is illustrated as a function of the vibration frequency f (horizontal axis). Both the transmissibility and the frequency are shown on a logarithmic scale. Further, any value indicated in the graph is arbitrary and may be different in any practical embodiment.

The mass-spring system has a resonance frequency f _res at which frequency the mass-spring system amplifies the amplitude of the forcing vibration to a maximum. At a frequency below and just above the resonance frequency, the amplitude of the forcing vibration is as well amplified. Above a transition frequency f _tr the amplification changes into an attenuation (isolation or damping). The frequency of the resonance frequency f _res is determined by

in which k is a spring constant relating to a stiffness of the spring, and m is the mass of the mass-spring system. Hence, the larger the mass, the lower the resonance frequency f _res . In Fig. 3B, the transmissibility function of a mass-spring system having a large mass is illustrated. Compared to the transmissibility function as illustrated in Fig. 3A, the resonance frequency f _res is lower and, consequently, the transmissibility at a predetermined frequency, e.g. an operation frequency f _op , may be larger. It is noted that in the illustrated example, the transmissibility at the resonance frequency is presumed to be the same in Fig. 3A and 3B. In a practical embodiment, however, the intrinsic damping of the system - the intrinsic damping determines the actual transmissibility at the resonance frequency - may be such that the transmissibility at the resonance frequency is in fact different.

Referring to the operation of the second and third embodiment of a training device according to the present invention, the mass of the mass-spring system may be replaced by the force exerted by the user. The force exerted by the user results in the deflection of the spring of the mass-spring system comparable to the mass of the mass-spring system. A larger force corresponds to a larger mass, thus resulting in a lower resonance frequency and a larger transmissibility as illustrated in Fig. 3A and 3B. Thus, when the force exerted on the spring is increased, the transmissibility is increased. Consequently, the pre-tension in the muscles is increased due to the increased force exerted on the spring, while the amplitude of the vibrations on the handling member 15 are also increased, thereby inducing a larger stretch reflex and thus a heavier training load.

Now referring to the embodiment of Fig. 2A and 2B and in particular to the state as illustrated in Fig. 2B, the tension spring 22 may be deflected to the extent that the deflection- limiting member 23 is tensed, thereby possibly providing a transmission path for the vibrations not only along the tension spring 22 but as well along the deflection-limiting member 23.

Figure 4A shows front view of a fourth embodiment of the assembly according the invention. The assembly comprises a vibrator device 101 with a vibrator plate 103. The vibrator device 101 is a fitness machine as shown in fig. 1. The vibrator plate 103 is the member of the vibrator device 101 which in use makes a vibration movement. The vibrator device 1.01 comprises a base structure 105 with feet elements 111 and a standing support 107 comprising gripping means 109.

The assembly further comprises a training device 114 comprising a pretensioning device 120 for generating a pre-tension in a muscle of a body part of the user. The pretensioning device 120 comprises a handling member 115 configured to be held by the user and a coupling member 119 for coupling the handling member 115 to the vibrator device 101. The coupling member 119 comprises a flexible member 126, such as a glass fibre wire. Reeling means 127 are connected to the vibrator plate 103. The coupling member 119 is connected to the vibrator plate 103 via the reeling means 127.

Figure 4B shows an enlarged view of the part of fig. 4A where the training device 114 is connected to the vibrator device 101. The inside of the reeling means 127 is shown for clarity reasons. The reeling means 127 comprise a reel 134 which is rotary mounted around a rotation axis 135. The reel 134 is driven by a reel spring 129. The reel 134 may also be driven by any other drive means 128 known in the state of the art. The reel spring 129 applies a torque (indicated by M) to the reel 134. Said torque results in a reeling force which is applied to the flexible member 126 by the reel 134. The reeling means 227 tensions in use the flexible member 126. Because of this a force (indicated by F) which is equal to the reeling force of the reeling means 127, has to be applied on the handling member 115 to prevent

that the flexible member 126 is reeled on the reel 134. When a user holds the handling member 115, it is said required force F which ensures that the muscle of the body part of the user is tensioned. The reeling means 127 comprise adjustment means 130 to adjust the reeling force applied to the flexible member 126 by the reeling means 127. The reeling means 120 make it possible to move the handling member 115 in different directions (for example by reeling an unreeling the flexible member 126 as indicated by arrow 133) while the flexible member 126 remains tensioned. Due to the fact that the flexible member 126 remains tensioned, the flexible member 126 is capable of transferring the vibrations of the vibrator plate 103 to the handling member 115 while making such a movement. When the flexible member 126 is reeled or unreeled, the length L of the flexible member 126 is adjusted.

Figure 5A shows a front view of a fifth embodiment of the assembly according the invention. The assembly comprises a vibrator device 201 with a vibrator plate 203. The vibrator device 201 comprises a base structure 205 with feet elements 211 and a standing support 207 comprising gripping means 209.

The assembly further comprises a training device 214 comprising a pretensioning device 220 for generating a pre-tension in a muscle of a body part of the user. The pretensioning device 220 comprises a handling member 215 configured to be held by the user and a coupling member 219 with a flexible member 226. Reeling means 227 are connected to the vibrator plate 203. The coupling member 219, is connected to the vibrator plate 203 via the reeling means 227. The length of the flexible member 226 is adjustable. The reeling means 227 are pivotable relative to the vibrator plate 103 in the direction as indicated by arrow 236. This is caused by the fact that the reeling means 227 are pivotable about a first pivot axis 231. Figure 5B shows in a side view of the assembly of fig. 5A. The reeling means 227 are also pivotable relative to the vibrator plate 203 in the direction as indicated by arrow 237. This is caused by the fact that the reeling means 227 are pivotable about a second pivot axis 232. This means that the reeling means 227 are pivotable in two directions 236 and 237.

Fig. 5C shows an enlarged view of the part of fig. 5A where the training device 214 is connected to the vibrator device 201. The inside of the reeling means 227 is shown for clarity reasons. The reeling means 227 comprise a reel 234 which is rotational mounted around a rotation axis 235. The reel 234 is driven by a reel spring 229. The reeling means 227 are connected to the vibrator plate 203 such that the reeling means 227 are pivotable about a first pivot axis 231 and a second pivot 232. The first pivot axis 231 and the second pivot axis 232 extend substantially perpendicular to each other. The pivot movement of the reeling means 227 about the first pivot axis 231 is indicated by arrow 236.

Fig. 5D shows an enlarged view of the part of fig. 5B where the training device 214 is connected to the vibrator device 201. The inside of the reeling means 227 is shown for clarity reasons. The pivot movement of the reeling means 227 about the second pivot axis 232 is indicated by the arrow 237. Due to the fact that the reeling means 227are pivotally mounted, the handling member may be moved in many different directions without effecting the functioning of the reeling means 220. This gives the user the unlimited freedom to move while the flexible member 226 remains tensioned. Because of this, the training device according the invention is suitable to be used for any whished exercise.

Figure 6A shows a front view of a sixth embodiment of the assembly according the invention. The assembly comprises a vibrator device 301 with a vibrator plate 303. The vibrator device 301 comprises a base structure 305 with feet elements 31 1 and a standing support 307 comprising gripping means 309.

The assembly further comprises a training device 314 comprising a pretensioning device 320 for generating a pre-tension in a muscle of a body part of the user. The pretensioning device 320 comprises a handling member 315 with a flexible member 326. Reeling means 327 are connected to the vibrator plate 303. The coupling member 319 is connected to the vibrator plate 303 via the reeling means 327. The length of the flexible member 326 is adjustable. The reeling means 327 are pivotable relative to the vibrator plate 303 in the direction as indicated by arrow 236. The reeling means 327 are pivotable about a first pivot axis 331.

Figure 6B shows a top view of the assembly of fig. 6A. The reeling means 327 are also pivotable relative to the vibrator plate 303 in the direction as indicated by arrow 338. This is caused by the fact that the reeling means 327 are pivotable about a third pivot axis 339. This means that the reeling means 327 are pivotable in two directions 336 and 338. The first pivot axis 331 and the third pivot axis 339 extend substantially perpendicular to each other.

Figures 7A-C show a seventh embodiment of the assembly according the invention. The assembly comprises a vibrator device 401 with a vibrator plate 403. The vibrator device 401 comprises a base structure 405 with feet elements 411 and a standing support 407 comprising gripping means 409. The assembly further comprises a training device 414 comprising a pretensioning device 420 for generating a pre-tension in a muscle of a body part of the user. The pretensioning device 420 comprises a handling member 415 with a flexible member 426. Reeling means 427 are connected to the vibrator plate 403 by connection means 425. The coupling member 419 is connected to the vibrator plate 403 via the reeling means 427. The length of the flexible member 426 is adjustable. The reeling means 427 comprise a reel 434 rotatable mounted about a rotation axis 435.

The invention relates further to a training device for training a body part of a user, the training device comprising a pretensioning member for generating a pre-tension in a muscle of the body part, the pretensioning member comprising a handling member configured to be held by the user and a coupling member for operatively coupling the handling member to a vibrator device, such that in use the muscle of the body part is to be tensioned in order to transfer a vibration generated by the vibrator device to the handling member.

The pretensioning member may further comprise a weight member having a predetermined weight and being coupled to the handling member.

The weight member may be detachably coupled to the handling member. The pretensioning member may comprise a dumb-bell or a dumb-bar, the handling member being a handling bar of the dumb-bell or dumb-bar, respectively.

The coupling member may comprise a flexible element, which flexible element provides a coupling suitable for vibration transfer when tensioned.

The flexible member may be a band. A length of the flexible member may be adjustable.

The coupling element may comprise a tension spring element for, in use, being tensioned by the user.

A deflection limiting member may be coupled to the tension spring element for limiting a deflection of the tension spring element. The handling member and the coupling member may be detachably coupled.

The coupling member may comprise a ring-like element configured to be positioned around at least a part of the handling member.

The invention relates further to a training assembly comprising a training device according to the invention and a vibrator device, the vibrator device comprising coupling means for operatively coupling the coupling member and the vibrator device.

The invention relates further to a training method for training a body part of a user, the method comprising: a. holding by the user a pretensioning member for generating a pre-tension in a muscle of the body part; and b. setting the pretensioning member into vibration such that the vibration is transferred to the body part.

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously

employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention.

The terms "a" or "an", as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term number, as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms including and/or having, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term coupled, as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.